I don’t think I’ve met a book by this author that I don’t like…and why start now? This is another great read from Connolly. I love a marriage of convenience story and this is a sweet one. The hero just gets better and better as a caring and supportive partner. The heroine has a lot of layers of hurt to peel back before she is able to open up to the relationship. Romantic tension is this author’s jam and she always brings her A-game. I decided to go back and read The Rivals of Rosennor Hall again before reading this book and I felt like it helped add dimension, so I think it’s worth doing, but it’s not necessary. This book can absolutely stand on it’s own as a single read. Definitely a recommended read!

delightful

This was a fun romantic read. I loved their banter, I loved seeing the character growth, and the romance was great.

I loved this enemies to lovers, marriage of convenience, Regency. They find themselves in a situation where a marriage of convenience was the only way to stop rumors. They both went into it not caring for a love match and were civil to each other. There was a lot of communication which helped their relationship grow and change. I loved Taft's character. He did everything to please Alix. He was such a loving step father to Adam. Overall it was a very nice story. I only have one complaint: I didn't care for several of the names.

Well that was delightful! I was in a reading slump and this was the first that I have read by this author. It was lovely. The banter and building of the relationship was so well done. I smiled frequently and laughed out loud several times. Alix had such a horrible first marriage and had walls built up understandably. Taft was such a sweet hero to give her the time that she needed and to break down those walls. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute.

Soooo….I’m just going to say it. I think everyone should read this book. It was super enjoyable and just plain fun.

Mischief, Mayhem, and Marriage was an absolute favorite read this year! The title is so fitting. It’s full of romance, witty dialogue, and fabulous characters. Marriage of convenience and enemies to friends to more are two of my favorite tropes and they are both so well done in this story! I absolutely loved the relationship between the two main characters.

Lady Alexandrina Lawson’s first marriage was awful. With the death of her husband, she’s not in any rush to form a new attachment. When an accident and subsequent misunderstanding occur in the garden at her cousin’s ball, she is forced to marry for her son’s sake. The man who is willing to marry her to salvage her reputation is the last man she would choose to marry.

Taft Debenham, Earl of Harwood is the complete opposite of Lady Alexandrina. Where she is quiet, deemed cold, and dislikes society, Taft thrives in society, is lighthearted, funny, playful, and ultimately thoughtful. His spontaneous proposal to save her from a second disastrous marriage is at first ill conceived, but as time goes on, it’s the perfect match.

At first, Alix and Taft exchange barb for barb, but as Taft begins to understand the walls Alix has put up, he’s determined to win her trust and make a go of the marriage. Taft truly surprised me. I thought at first he was a little pompous, but he won me over with his deep thoughtful caring for Alix and Adam and for the way he empowered them and brought fun and laughter back into their lives. One of my favorite scenes was when Alix discovers Taft teaching Adam how to make toast with cheese in his room after Adam had a nightmare.

Alix has so much baggage from her first marriage, yet I loved the way she slowly opened her heart to Taft. I also loved the way the two communicated and how Taft was so willing to have her be a part of all the decisions in their marriage. The romantic touches and moments between the two were definitely swoonworthy.

This delightful story had tender moments as well as laugh out loud moments. It’s the perfect balance between a light regency comedy and deep tender romance. Though this is the sequel to The Rivals of Rosennor Hall, it can definitely be read as a stand alone. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to the next book in the series! I received an advanced copy from the author. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review.