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A Trial Marriage
"I tried to tell you how it would be," Jake said slowly. "You knew our marriage wasn't going to be easy, but believe me, it's the only way."
Rachel felt as if she were confronted by some enormously complicated puzzle. And as yet she had no clue to its solution. Jake had said it was the only way, but the only way to what? Helplessly she realized how unyielding his attitude was. Would nothing she could say change his mind?
Rachel felt as if she were confronted by some enormously complicated puzzle. And as yet she had no clue to its solution. Jake had said it was the only way, but the only way to what? Helplessly she realized how unyielding his attitude was. Would nothing she could say change his mind?
192 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1977
About the author
Anne Mather
809 books364 followersAnne Mather is the pseudonym used by Mildred Grieveson, a popular British author of over 160 romance novels. She also signed novels as Caroline Fleming and Cardine Fleming.
Mildred Grieveson began to write down stories in her childhood years. The first novel that she actually finished, Caroline (1965), was also her first book to be published. Her novel, Leopard in the Snow (1974), was developed into a 1978 film.
Mildred Grieveson began to write down stories in her childhood years. The first novel that she actually finished, Caroline (1965), was also her first book to be published. Her novel, Leopard in the Snow (1974), was developed into a 1978 film.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
August 18, 2016
This was a strange book. The h is 18 and the h is 41. He had a breakdown and is resting at an out of the way hotel where the h is staying with her godmother after her parents died. There is instant attraction between the two and after a few conversations, they get married. He wants to wait to have sex and she wants to rip his clothes off. Eventually the marriage is consummated and true lurve avowed and HEA. It was not a terrible book, just kinda there and different. I really did not see what they had in common except hot sex. (less)
November 9, 2019
This poor girl couldn't catch a break. Her parents died. Her godmother made her a drudge. Her husband just wasn't that into her. Her mother-in-law from hell behaved like her son's jealous OW. The housekeeper and her OW daughter ran roughshod over her with total impunity. The OW ex-wife was a priority with him. I just wonder what exactly was the point of writing this story? Cause I sure as hell wouldn't call it a romance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 14, 2019
A Trial Marriage by Anne Mather is the story of Jake Courtney and Rachel Lesley.
Jake is a wealthy and successful businessman. On doctor's orders, he has taken a holiday to recuperate from a nervous breakdown brought on by his workaholic tendencies. At the hotel where he's staying, he meets Rachel who works as a companion to a wealthy widow. Rachel's parents suddenly died close to one another. An old friend of her mother's, offered her a job until she got over the shock of their deaths and decided what to do next with her life. Rachel is attracted to Jake and feels sorry for him. Jake is attracted to Rachel but he tries to avoid her because of the big difference in their ages. They get married but Jake's problem with their ages and his trust issues cause trouble in their marriage.
I've enjoyed reading this book but it was just an ok read for me. That's why I haven't rated it higher. I liked how although she was young, the heroine had trust in her judgement and knew what she wanted. I thought it was unusual that the hero had a nervous breakdown and was the more vulnerable of the two.
Jake is a wealthy and successful businessman. On doctor's orders, he has taken a holiday to recuperate from a nervous breakdown brought on by his workaholic tendencies. At the hotel where he's staying, he meets Rachel who works as a companion to a wealthy widow. Rachel's parents suddenly died close to one another. An old friend of her mother's, offered her a job until she got over the shock of their deaths and decided what to do next with her life. Rachel is attracted to Jake and feels sorry for him. Jake is attracted to Rachel but he tries to avoid her because of the big difference in their ages. They get married but Jake's problem with their ages and his trust issues cause trouble in their marriage.
I've enjoyed reading this book but it was just an ok read for me. That's why I haven't rated it higher. I liked how although she was young, the heroine had trust in her judgement and knew what she wanted. I thought it was unusual that the hero had a nervous breakdown and was the more vulnerable of the two.
August 17, 2014
Sweet old fashioned romance. Tycoon divorcee hero marries orphaned penniless heroine. She is crazy in love with him but he wants to make her see that what she really feels is just an infatuation cause she can't possibly be in love with a man old enough to be her father! He refuses to consummate their marriage but heroine won't give up easily.
Hero is alpha but never cruel and heroine is sweet and naive. I couldn't help but laugh at her attempts to seduce her reluctant husband. Super enjoyable read! Wish there was an epilogue!
Hero is alpha but never cruel and heroine is sweet and naive. I couldn't help but laugh at her attempts to seduce her reluctant husband. Super enjoyable read! Wish there was an epilogue!
Did Not Finish
July 29, 2015Didn't finish this. Just wasn't to my taste. H was an alcoholic and that was a big focus.
February 7, 2012
I have no idea what it is about these old romances where the hero is so harsh almost to the point of being cruel to the heroine. It's such a turn off. And to top it off, in this book the heroine is only 18 with a 40 year man who just happens to treat her like crap. It makes the quick HEA that much more unbelievable.
It got me thinking though. I wonder what people will be saying about the books I read in 30 years...
It got me thinking though. I wonder what people will be saying about the books I read in 30 years...
August 15, 2012
This novel was just too simplistic to me. I really was hoping for more and although I was saddened at some parts in the novel, I didn't feel all that much emotion which you should feel when a book is written to perfection.
July 23, 2021
3.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️This was a page turner! The H had the best control of any HP hero I've read! To read about an h as the pursuer was sure different. The best part of the book was the clothing descriptions: suede and velvet pantsuits and silky, ruffled dress shirts!! May the 70's never return. Luckily I was a child during that decade and didn't have to wear the truly awful things.
August 26, 2023
Awwwww. How cute.
This is an older AM but I must admit it feels, as many of her books, very modern and daring for those years. I think her heroines are often more emancipated and less doormat than many of the present day ones.
The heroine here is a 19 yo girl, who works as a companion of her godmother, a rich widow, since she’s alone in the world.
She’s young, fresh, pretty and healthy, and I think I can imagine her as one of the 70s beauties, all big long hair and perky natural tits with pointed nips under very slim pulls and, of course, no bra! And a lot of pheromones sprinkling out of her to any male in the vicinity.
The hero is one of those. And he’s not immune of course.
He’s not our usual hero. Yeah he’s rich, powerful, even sexy, but he’s been sick because he worked too hard and had a physical and psychological breakdown. Afterwards we also learn he’s been taking amphetamines to keep up with his work. Finally, a bit of honestly. It’s not humanely possible that a man could work 14 hours s day and more, traveling constantly, taking huge responsibilities and remain strong and healthy for years. And on top of it, he should be having a lot of gorgeous women to screw at night. This is a lie. It’s simply not done, without drugs. And it’s not possible to keep up such a lifestyle for decades without consequences. The poor hero is trying to recover some strength and is pale, tired, and demotivated. He’s a bit depressed too. He’s divorced but doesn’t and maybe never loved his wife, so he’s all by himself.
Tough.
He sees the heroine and of course he’s attracted to her, she’s sexy, pretty, nice and full of energy.
He wants her but of course he thinks he’s too old for her.
The heroine is a typical slutty virgin, her hormones tell her the hero is good alpha material so she keeps throwing herself to him, kissing him and touching him and the poor exhausted man eventually gives up and proposes a trial marriage of six months, because actually they don’t even know each other and who knows, maybe it was only infatuation.
The heroine is young and romantic and thinks love wins all, so she accepts and she is thrown into a world of money and snub people because the hero is working long hours again and she lives either with her in-laws in the country, or in the townhouse alone.
There’s his ex wife and a would be other woman who try to make mischief, but I must admit the heroine shows a strength and a maturity that is really admirable.
Even when there are rumors of the hero seeing his ex she doesn’t run away and in the end all is well and it’s hinted that the hero will work less and stay home with her more. We hope he actually did it, or else there’s a 20 yo young snd rich widow there in hp land waiting for another younger hero.
I liked that the hero wasn’t the usual strong and iron made man, but a very human and fallible one, pshysicaly speaking. He needs a woman who loves him and who cares for him.
I liked that the heroine was young but not stupid, maybe a bit naive but more mature than her age. She suffered a lot, and needed to love and be loved.
I liked that her godmother tried to talk her out of marriage because they didn’t know each other and of course there was so much difference not only in age but also in their background. I think every parents would have advised their children not to be too hasty.
I loved that eventually when her godmother died, she left the heroine her greatest treasure, the lil poodle that the heroine used to look after when she lived with her.
Nice, clean and very light book.
This is an older AM but I must admit it feels, as many of her books, very modern and daring for those years. I think her heroines are often more emancipated and less doormat than many of the present day ones.
The heroine here is a 19 yo girl, who works as a companion of her godmother, a rich widow, since she’s alone in the world.
She’s young, fresh, pretty and healthy, and I think I can imagine her as one of the 70s beauties, all big long hair and perky natural tits with pointed nips under very slim pulls and, of course, no bra! And a lot of pheromones sprinkling out of her to any male in the vicinity.
The hero is one of those. And he’s not immune of course.
He’s not our usual hero. Yeah he’s rich, powerful, even sexy, but he’s been sick because he worked too hard and had a physical and psychological breakdown. Afterwards we also learn he’s been taking amphetamines to keep up with his work. Finally, a bit of honestly. It’s not humanely possible that a man could work 14 hours s day and more, traveling constantly, taking huge responsibilities and remain strong and healthy for years. And on top of it, he should be having a lot of gorgeous women to screw at night. This is a lie. It’s simply not done, without drugs. And it’s not possible to keep up such a lifestyle for decades without consequences. The poor hero is trying to recover some strength and is pale, tired, and demotivated. He’s a bit depressed too. He’s divorced but doesn’t and maybe never loved his wife, so he’s all by himself.
Tough.
He sees the heroine and of course he’s attracted to her, she’s sexy, pretty, nice and full of energy.
He wants her but of course he thinks he’s too old for her.
The heroine is a typical slutty virgin, her hormones tell her the hero is good alpha material so she keeps throwing herself to him, kissing him and touching him and the poor exhausted man eventually gives up and proposes a trial marriage of six months, because actually they don’t even know each other and who knows, maybe it was only infatuation.
The heroine is young and romantic and thinks love wins all, so she accepts and she is thrown into a world of money and snub people because the hero is working long hours again and she lives either with her in-laws in the country, or in the townhouse alone.
There’s his ex wife and a would be other woman who try to make mischief, but I must admit the heroine shows a strength and a maturity that is really admirable.
Even when there are rumors of the hero seeing his ex she doesn’t run away and in the end all is well and it’s hinted that the hero will work less and stay home with her more. We hope he actually did it, or else there’s a 20 yo young snd rich widow there in hp land waiting for another younger hero.
I liked that the hero wasn’t the usual strong and iron made man, but a very human and fallible one, pshysicaly speaking. He needs a woman who loves him and who cares for him.
I liked that the heroine was young but not stupid, maybe a bit naive but more mature than her age. She suffered a lot, and needed to love and be loved.
I liked that her godmother tried to talk her out of marriage because they didn’t know each other and of course there was so much difference not only in age but also in their background. I think every parents would have advised their children not to be too hasty.
I loved that eventually when her godmother died, she left the heroine her greatest treasure, the lil poodle that the heroine used to look after when she lived with her.
Nice, clean and very light book.
November 11, 2024
DNF p. 28.
I'm hardly into this book and it's fucking creepy, disgusting and uncomfortable. The 'hero' is 41, and fucking OLD looking with it as he's recovering from a complete nervous breakdown. The heroine we are told looks about 16, although she's actually 18. At one point the hero think she looks like a school girl. A little school girl. A CHILD for fucks sake.
This very young, orphaned girl is obsessed with the older man who we are told is 'as old as her father when he died'. She skips about the hotel in very young, girlish, yet clinging outfits hoping beyond all hope she may catch a glimpse of the sexy older man. When she does see him she become sexually excited, has wanton thoughts, and her nipples pop out. It's at this point he confronts her in the hotel and invites her back to his room where he makes it VERY CLEAR what he has in mind. When he makes his move he still thinks she's 16, a school kid, although he does find out she's 18 and is still up for it.
At this point I slam the book closed. I know this was written in 1977, but I actually feel disgusting having even read this far. It's like a book a peado would endorse. Obviously I HATED what I read, and cannot quite believe woman wrote this. Fucking BARF. Zero stars. Burn it.
I'm hardly into this book and it's fucking creepy, disgusting and uncomfortable. The 'hero' is 41, and fucking OLD looking with it as he's recovering from a complete nervous breakdown. The heroine we are told looks about 16, although she's actually 18. At one point the hero think she looks like a school girl. A little school girl. A CHILD for fucks sake.
This very young, orphaned girl is obsessed with the older man who we are told is 'as old as her father when he died'. She skips about the hotel in very young, girlish, yet clinging outfits hoping beyond all hope she may catch a glimpse of the sexy older man. When she does see him she become sexually excited, has wanton thoughts, and her nipples pop out. It's at this point he confronts her in the hotel and invites her back to his room where he makes it VERY CLEAR what he has in mind. When he makes his move he still thinks she's 16, a school kid, although he does find out she's 18 and is still up for it.
At this point I slam the book closed. I know this was written in 1977, but I actually feel disgusting having even read this far. It's like a book a peado would endorse. Obviously I HATED what I read, and cannot quite believe woman wrote this. Fucking BARF. Zero stars. Burn it.
Read
August 26, 2023DNF. Couldn’t get past the first ten twelve pages. Tried several times.
September 21, 2025
I wanted juicy but I got harebrained.
He decided to marry her before telling her his real name!!!! Why would any worldly, burnout man ever do this.
Loved the heroine though.
He decided to marry her before telling her his real name!!!! Why would any worldly, burnout man ever do this.
Loved the heroine though.
September 29, 2025
Hero (41) recovering at one of his less fancy hotels in England after a breakdown from overwork and stress meets heroine (18) who is grounded and working as a companion for her godmother after both her parents die. She is enamoured and he is smitten, but reluctant to make a real marriage in case the heroine changes her mind or if he is not really in love, just attraction. They have a trial marriage which is consummated after he drinks at a party. Misunderstandings ensue when he has to go to America on business where his newly widowed ex-wife seeks him out.
This book has a really odd feel to it, but it's not dated as the heroine is much more emancipated than some modern drippy heroines who are often a lot older and less emotional (and dull). The hero is alpha, but flawed, and you can see why she fell for him. I love a lot of vintage Anne Mather, they have so much more depth than modern vacuous M&B/Harlequins.
I thought it was fabulous, and the concluding conversation between them beautifully angst and compelling - almost 5 stars.
This book has a really odd feel to it, but it's not dated as the heroine is much more emancipated than some modern drippy heroines who are often a lot older and less emotional (and dull). The hero is alpha, but flawed, and you can see why she fell for him. I love a lot of vintage Anne Mather, they have so much more depth than modern vacuous M&B/Harlequins.
I thought it was fabulous, and the concluding conversation between them beautifully angst and compelling - almost 5 stars.
December 28, 2020
"I tried to tell you how it would be," Jake said slowly. "You knew our marriage wasn't going to be easy, but believe me, it's the only way."
Rachel felt as if she were confronted by some enormously complicated puzzle. And as yet she had no clue to its solution. Jake had said it was the only way, but the only way to what? Helplessly she realized how unyielding his attitude was. Would nothing she could say change his mind? (less)
Rachel felt as if she were confronted by some enormously complicated puzzle. And as yet she had no clue to its solution. Jake had said it was the only way, but the only way to what? Helplessly she realized how unyielding his attitude was. Would nothing she could say change his mind? (less)
April 29, 2013
Not bad for an anne mather harelquin presents written in it's time.
The deflowering was bad but he felt terribly (he'd been drunk, she wanted it) and he made up for it.
3 stars because I hate the older man younger woman dynamic. He treats her like a child... and that generally tweaks me.
The deflowering was bad but he felt terribly (he'd been drunk, she wanted it) and he made up for it.
3 stars because I hate the older man younger woman dynamic. He treats her like a child... and that generally tweaks me.
April 26, 2025
Review to come
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews