*I received a free copy of Marry in Haste from Tantor Media via Tantor Media. This has in no way influenced my voluntary review, which is honest and unbiased *
Marry in Haste by Anne Gracie Narrator: Charlotte Anne Dore
Series: Marriage of Convenience #1
Published by Tantor Media on May 2, 2017
Genres: Adult, Historical Romance
Format: Audiobook
Source: Tantor Media
Major Calborne Rutherford returns to England on the trail of an assassin, only to find he's become Lord Ashendon, with the responsibility for vast estates and dependent relatives. Cal can command the toughest of men, but his wild half-sisters are quite another matter. They might just be his undoing. When he discovers that Miss Emmaline Westwood, the girls' former teacher, guides them with ease, Cal offers her a marriage of convenience. But strong-minded and independent Emm is neither as compliant nor as proper as he expected, and Cal finds himself most inconveniently seduced by his convenient wife. Emm knows they didn't marry for love, yet beneath her husband's austere facade, she catches glimpses of a man who takes her breath away. As pride, duty, and passion clash, will these two stubborn hearts find more than they ever dreamed of?
Marry in Haste was a little slow to start for me but as it was all necessary for world building and the pace eventually picked up, it was all worth the wait.
What I most loved about Marry in Haste was the characters. Cal – the new Lord Ashendon – made himself out to be a man caring only of his service to his country. While that is noble, he was tender-hearted as well, showing his half-sisters and niece kindness and love even if those things were foreign to him. Em – who’d served as his half-sisters’ teacher – had endured so much at the hands of one who should’ve shown her unconditional love. I admired her strength and resilience. She made a life for herself despite her circumstances and was staunchly determined to live life on her own terms. Cal’s family – half-sisters Rose and Lily, his niece George and his aunt Dotty – were all spit-fires. They added so much to the story. Their charm, wit, and stubbornness brought out the best in Cal.
The romance was a pleasure to watch blossom as well. Despite being a marriage of convenience with Cal thinking he’d be able to leave his family under the proficient care and Em getting the stability and family she wanted, these two had immediate chemistry. They fought it, neither really believing in love, but it was hopeless.
The element of suspense seemed a bit contrived but at the same time it also showed another side of Cal. It served as the means by which Cal realized what was important in his life too, so suited its purpose.
Anne Gracie and Charlotte Anne Dorn were both new-to-me and both impressed me. Gracie delivered a compelling story in Marry in Haste and Dorn conveyed that story well. Dorn kept the pacing even with her narration and she was adept at keeping her character voices consistent, ensuring I stayed engaged. I’ll certainly continue the series in audio.
About Brandee @ (un)Conventional Bookworms
Brandee is a mom of 3 and a soon-to-be empty nester. She is also an avid reader, a genre omnivore, and a compulsive one-clicker - but she's in recovery. Besides being a reader, she's also a writer and hopes to divide the vast quantities of spare time she'll soon have between reading and finally publishing her first book.
Perhaps he should have known she’d be headstrong herself if she cold keep those girls under control. LOL This sounds like a lot of fun.
Twitter: ailynk
i totally agree with you there, someone who can control “wild- sisters” should be treated with extreme caution at least
oh love when marriage of convenience blossom into love. I have some of that in my MS! 🙂 Great find with characters you loved . Strength and resilience are always great characters’ traits.
It was a good read, D. I really fell for all these characters and I’m eager to read more of this series. 🙂
I loved this story, too, Brandee! I’m so glad you liked it. I loved how Cal thought he was just passing through their lives for now, but surprise! LOL It was such a fun story.
Great review. 🙂
Thanks, Angie! I’m happy to hear you enjoyed this as well! It was such a fun story. I loved Cal’s sisters and niece. They were such fun! Haha! I’m kinda wanting to read it again now. 🙂 I’ll be reading the series for sure though.
Twitter: kimbacaffeinate
Despite the slow start this sounds good and I like arranged marriages. Great review Brandee.
It really did end up being a great read, Kimberly. Thanks. 🙂
Great review, Brandee! This sounds like a book I would definitely enjoy. I love historical romance, especially when it has the marriage of convenience trope. I’d love to read it as well.
I like the marriage of convenience trope as well, Stephanie, and I appreciated how it was used in this story. I hope if you pick up this one you’ll enjoy it as much as I did. 🙂
OK I’m glad this one was great for you. I just don’t read much historical romance. Anne – Books of My Heart
I’d like to make time for more historicals, Anne. I really love them. 🙂
Awww, characters who don’t want to fall in love but can’t help it. That’s fun <3 This sounds like a nice romance. I'm glad you liked it!
It was a sweet story and I loved that there was more to the story than just the romance, too. 🙂
Her characters are always so interesting. I’m glad you enjoyed it overall! I’ve not tried the narrator before. I’ll keep an eye out for her 🙂