Marry in Scarlet

April 20, 2020
An arrogant duke changes his ways in Gracie’s alluring fourth Marriage of Convenience romance (after Marry in Secret). Freespirited Lady Georgiana “George” Rutherford has no desire to be married, but that only makes her more appealing to Redmond “Hart” Hartley, Duke of Everingham, who sees her independent nature as an opportunity to gain a wife and an heir while still maintaining his bachelor lifestyle. He attempts to trap George into marriage by kissing her where he knows they’ll be discovered, but it’s only when Hart’s mother tricks George by pretending to be on her deathbed that George agrees to the proposal. It’s his mother’s horrible behavior that finally makes Hart see that he too has behaved abominably; he offers to release George from their betrothal, but it’s too late. Married life is different than either of them expected, leading them both to reevaluate just how independent they hope to be. Though Hart’s redemptive path toward viewing George with love and respect is satisfying to witness, his early behavior will turn off some readers before he can get there. Still, George is an admirable heroine and the chemistry between her and Hart is magnetic. Series devotees will be satisfied by this emotional Regency. Agent: Nancy Yost, Nancy Yost Literary.

June 1, 2020

The last thing Georgiana "George" Rutherford wants is to get married, particularly to her aunt's recently jilted fianc� Hart, the stuffy Duke of Everingham. She'd much rather spend her time wearing breeches, riding horses, and doing other activities that have earned her the label of hoyden. Her meddlesome aunt, however, thinks George would be the perfect match for Hart and conspires to marry them off. Hart's regressive views of women do not mesh with George's outspoken opinions, and the two argue constantly, despite their shared affections. A compromising kiss during a society event forces a hasty union, even though George is a most reluctant bride. As a heroine, George is commendable, standing up for her beliefs and remaining devoted to her family. But the duke's high-handedness and insistence on "owning" George make their future happy ever after questionable, even when he softens slightly toward the end. VERDICT Fans of multiaward winner Gracie (Marry in Haste), as well as devotees of traditional Regencies (think Georgette Heyer), will appreciate the familiar tomboy-tames-duke story, but readers with modern sensibilities may be turned off by the hero's old-fashioned ideas about women.--Kathryn Howe, Saint John Free P.L., NB

Copyright 2020 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.