A Bride for His Convenience

By Edith Layton

Unless he finds a wealthy wife—and soon—Lord Ian Sutcombe will lose everything. Left deeply in debt by his foolish father and greedy stepmother, his only hope is to marry for money.

Stung by a suitor’s cruel betrayal, Hannah Leeds, daughter of a prosperous merchant, wasn’t sure she’d ever love again. So when her father arranges her betrothal to the handsome lord, she agrees.

It was no more than a marriage of convenience. They would honor and obey, but never love…until a simmering passion exploded into a sizzling affair. Now, with Hannah socializing with members of the ton and another man out to win her heart, Ian will do everything in his power to show Hannah she is his ecstasy, his desire fulfilled…and ho so much more than a bride for his convenience.

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Release date: Oct 6, 2009
• ISBN: 9780061980077

Edith Layton

Edith Layton loved to write. She wrote articles and opinion pieces for the New York Times and Newsday, as well as for local papers, and freelanced writing publicity before she began writing novels. Publisher’s Weekly called her “one of romance’s most gifted authors.” She received many awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Romantic Times, and excellent reviews and commendations from Library Journal, Romance Readers Anonymous, and Romance Writers of America. She also wrote historical novels under the name Edith Felber. Mother of three grown children, she lived on Long Island with her devoted dog, Miss Daisy; her half feral parakeet, Little Richard; and various nameless pond fish in the fishness protection program.

Reviews for A Bride for His Convenience

[Melody Bacon · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I found this story slow to build and cold as will as boring.

[gableknits · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Not the best romance I've ever read, but not the worst either. I found the expository passages poorly written-- they were painfully obvious to the point of being amateurish. I finished the book simply to know how it ended but honestly couldn't have cared less.

[Judith · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

The premise is an old one: Ian, a nobleman, has been left indebted and bankrupt by careless relatives and unavoidable circumstances. To pay his debts and fulfill his obligations to his tenants, he agrees to an arranged marriage with Hannah, the daughter of a wealthy businessman who is interested in Ian's noble connections. That's where most similarity between this story and others like it ends. Although their introduction is arranged, Ian and Hannah both have a say in whether they get engaged, and they determine that they can at least stand each other before they agree. Then they don't rush into marriage; they have a sensible but brief six month engagement. They're still getting to know each other after they're married, and they have a number of misunderstandings and difficulties to work out. Their problems are constantly underlined by Ian's wounded pride at having to "sell" his title for money and by Hannah's concern that her husband might find her unattractive and unlovable, as he married her for said money.

Unfortunately, although the first half of the book is promising, the latter half begins to drag. Ian and Hannah just can't seem to get over the original circumstances of their marriage, no matter how many times they talk about it. And they do talk about it. Again and again, until I started to wonder if they would ever get over it. I also found the resolution strange, unrealistic, and dissatisfying. It tied up the drama a little too conveniently, and it didn't require that anyone grow more as a person than they already had.

The dramatic tension is entirely in the relationships, and most of that is dialogue. It reminds me a little of Jane Austen and Charlotte Bronte in that sense, although I think these characters talk even more. There is some humor; I laughed at the comment, "Love is a rapturous but a sticky business," and even more at, "Newlyweds. Don't try to understand them...Doubtless, they don't understand themselves."

The author has obviously done some historical research, particularly into clothing and customs, although she occasionally falls into the trap of having her characters express anachronistic ideas and predict the future with unrealistic accuracy.

I would've given this book five stars if someone had stolen it from me after the first half, but it dropped to four stars for repetitiveness and three for the ending.

[Leena Aluru · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Absolutely delightful. Its such a sweet , sweet romance. ?.

Even though the plot isn't very original and the twists and turns are predictable, it's the growing bond between Hannah and Ian that's truly the crowning glory. The growing affectionate bond between her sisters and father with Ian is also very sweet.

Recommended: ?

[readinggeek451 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

An impoverished nobleman weds a wealthy merchant's daughter to save his estates. This has been a familiar plot at least since Georgette Heyer. But Layton has a deft touch, with very human characters, and she doesn't gloss over the personal and social tensions of such a mixed marriage.

[jjmachshev_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I save my Edith Layton books like my favorite chocolates, then take them out to read when I need a good historical romance that will cheer my heart and make me smile. Her latest, "A Bride for his Convenience" is no exception. Layton's books have flawed characters in realistic (for their times) situations who conquer all, or at least most, for love. And Layton does this without resorting to 'miraculous' tricks or 'sudden' discoveries.Ian will lose everything if he doesn't come up with a wealthy bride. Never in his wildest nightmares had he imagined he would be forced to marry for money; but unless he's willing to let his estates and people languish, he has no choice. With the assistance of his 'man of business', Ian sets out to find a bride...one who's at least pleasant to look at, moderately intelligent...and rich.Hannah's father is an exceedingly wealthy miller. When she is spurned by the village lothario, she is hurt, humiliated, and depressed. So when her father suggests a marriage of convenience to a titled lord for the sake of her sisters, Hannah agrees. She is surprised and a bit awed by Ian. Over time though, she comes to know the man behind his public persona...and love him. But can their marriage ever be more than just convenient for Ian?Even with a well-used plot line, Layton manages to make her story seem fresh. The gradual growth of the characters and relationship makes the tale even more plausible. And the happy ending is just the thing to keep me smiling on a cold winter day.