The 4 stories in this anthology all start at the same point: A young man must marry and soon -- to provide an heir to continue the family line. I found the last 2 stories to be superior to the first two, which was a surprise.
THE SEDUCTION OF SEBASTIAN TRANTER by Stephanie Laurens
Sebastian Trantor must marry to carry on the family line. His brother has announced the birth of the 5th daughter and entreats Sebastian to marry soon. Sebastian isnt having an easy time at the marriage mart until he meets Tabitha Makepeace. At the time he meets her, she is breaking into a desk to pursue a mission.
Sebastian realizes that shes the one, but senses a reluctance in Tabitha to marry. He joins in the mission to overcome her objections to marriage. The plot is cleverly constructed but without much zing.
ONLY LOVE by Mary Balogh
Widow Cleo Pritchard meets again an acquaintance from the past: Major Jack Gilchrist. Although Jack is seeking a wife, Cleo tells him that she is satisfied with her life in widowhood. This is a lie.
Jack speaks candidly about his need for an heir. Cleo was married for 5 years to a cold tyrant - Jacks commanding officer. No children were born of that union. Cleo has been in love with Jack for years but is afraid she may be barren. She refuses to marry him for this reason; Jack has other ideas.
HOPE SPRINGS ETERNAL by Jacquie D'Alessandro
Alec Trentwell is on his way to meet the sister of his fallen comrade, Edward Markham. He wants to tell Penelope of his part in her brothers death; maybe then he can have some peace.
Penelope is an accomplished artist who has left the Continent under a cloud of scandal. It is obvious that Penelope is short of money but she will not accept charity from Alec. He hires her to do a portrait of him. Before long, the long arm of scandal moves toward Penelope and Alec reacts.
FATE STRIKES A BARGAIN by Candice Hern
I thought this was the most original of the 4 stories. Nathaniel Beckwith is hiding behind an indoor orange tree instead of dancing with the bevy of young ladies. Everyone knows he is in the market for a bride. Philippa Reynolds is also hiding behind that tree.
When she accuses him of hiding, Nathaniel takes umbrage. Philippa quickly admits that she is also hiding because she has a disability. They are attracted by their mutual need to keep the world at a distance. But is it enough for marriage?
THE SEDUCTION OF SEBASTIAN TRANTER by Stephanie Laurens
Sebastian Trantor must marry to carry on the family line. His brother has announced the birth of the 5th daughter and entreats Sebastian to marry soon. Sebastian isnt having an easy time at the marriage mart until he meets Tabitha Makepeace. At the time he meets her, she is breaking into a desk to pursue a mission.
Sebastian realizes that shes the one, but senses a reluctance in Tabitha to marry. He joins in the mission to overcome her objections to marriage. The plot is cleverly constructed but without much zing.
ONLY LOVE by Mary Balogh
Widow Cleo Pritchard meets again an acquaintance from the past: Major Jack Gilchrist. Although Jack is seeking a wife, Cleo tells him that she is satisfied with her life in widowhood. This is a lie.
Jack speaks candidly about his need for an heir. Cleo was married for 5 years to a cold tyrant - Jacks commanding officer. No children were born of that union. Cleo has been in love with Jack for years but is afraid she may be barren. She refuses to marry him for this reason; Jack has other ideas.
HOPE SPRINGS ETERNAL by Jacquie D'Alessandro
Alec Trentwell is on his way to meet the sister of his fallen comrade, Edward Markham. He wants to tell Penelope of his part in her brothers death; maybe then he can have some peace.
Penelope is an accomplished artist who has left the Continent under a cloud of scandal. It is obvious that Penelope is short of money but she will not accept charity from Alec. He hires her to do a portrait of him. Before long, the long arm of scandal moves toward Penelope and Alec reacts.
FATE STRIKES A BARGAIN by Candice Hern
I thought this was the most original of the 4 stories. Nathaniel Beckwith is hiding behind an indoor orange tree instead of dancing with the bevy of young ladies. Everyone knows he is in the market for a bride. Philippa Reynolds is also hiding behind that tree.
When she accuses him of hiding, Nathaniel takes umbrage. Philippa quickly admits that she is also hiding because she has a disability. They are attracted by their mutual need to keep the world at a distance. But is it enough for marriage?
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