A Proposal of Marriage

4.5 Stars Thanks go to the publisher and Net-Galley for the complimentary copy of A Proposal of Marriage by Cheryl Bolen. I voluntarily agreed to read and review this delightful novel prior to publication. My opinions are mine alone, and no one has influenced them. A Proposal of Marriage is a lovely Regency romance with engaging characters and a traditional plot for this genre. I thoroughly enjoy the marriage of convenience troupe, and Ms. Bolen is a master at making them work. The pacing of the story kept me enmeshed from the beginning to the end, making it a pleasure to read. Rebecca Peabody is an endearing heroine. She has lived in the shadow of her beautiful sister unable to see her own beauty. She has several facets to her character because she goes from bold to retiring throughout the book. Her boldness has her proposing to the hero, a man who is much older than she. When it doesn’t reap what she expects, she returns to retiring persona. John Compton, the Earl of Ainsley, is an honorable hero, my personal favorite. He has a large family, and his children are the most important responsibility he has, and one he relishes. Although a widow, he is not looking for a wife. I loved his determination to do right by his six boys and a daughter ready for her first London season. When he comes to the realization his younger sons need a woman’s love and his daughter needs guidance, he goes to Rebecca and proposes to her. Even though, she believed he is too old to be interested in the physical side of marriage, he is confident he can change her mind. I love how he gets her to understand her sexuality exists, and it’s something she desires. The romance between Rebecca and John is a slow build as they learn more about each other once they wed. I’ve never been a fan of spring and autumn relationships, because for me, I could never find a man so much older than I attractive, so it’s hard for me to accept other women do. Rebecca is an old soul, mature beyond her years while John has remained young at heart, so their marriage works beautifully. I could see Rebecca and John as soul mates and wanted them to find their happy ending. If you enjoy Regency romances with the signature aspect of building sexual attraction, and one with characters you’ll grow to love, then you will find A Proposal of Marriage an engaging reading experience as much as I did. I have read Ms. Bolen’s novels for years, and this one is an excellent example of why I enjoy her books. I’m glad I found this while searching titles on Net-Galley. Happy reading!

This is the story of Rebecca Peabody and John Compton, Earl of Aynsley. Rebecca decides that the best way for her to gain the independence she wants is a marriage of convenience. She chooses John because he is older (beyond that repulsive bedchamber business), and has seven children who need a mother. John has no intention of accepting her proposal, but she fascinates him. A May-December couple, both intelligent, politically minded, and opinionated (both write political essays under pseudonyms), seven children (sometimes unruly), a nephew who needs guidance, and an eccentric naturalist uncle must come together to form a family. How will it work? Will the family accept Rebecca? What kind of wife, mother, and lady of the house will Rebecca be? This is a sweet fun romance. Rebecca is smart, but a little naïve. John is tough, but cares very much for his odd family group. I loved the way the children accepted Rebecca, cautiously and slowly. Rebecca takes things, including Uncle, in stride. The relationship between John and Rebecca develops slowly. This is another lovely story in the Brazen Brides series. I recommend it. I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

This is a sweet historical romance; a wonderful read like all of Cheryl Bolen's books are. I very much enjoyed reading Rebecca & John's story. I love books that include children and this one didn't disappoint. I was gifted an ARC and I am volunteering my honest opinion.