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Deranged Marriage
Would you ever consider a marriage pact?
Holly Miller did. In a heartbroken and drunken haze, it had all seemed to make perfect sense.
George was her best friend – would always be her best friend – and if they both found themselves single at the age of thirty, well, why not?
But when, a decade later, a man Holly hasn't seen for years claims she’s signed a contract and she has to marry him, Holly realises exactly why it was not such a good idea.
Forget the fact that her career is going places, forget that she's head-over-heels in love with her gorgeous boyfriend, George wants the pact fulfilled and will stop at nothing to get his way.
At twenty-nine Holly’s life had been falling neatly into place – but the dramatic reappearance of her oldest friend is about to turn her whole world upside down, in ways she could not even imagine…
Can I do become I don’t?
Or will it all end horribly ever after…?
‘The perfect tonic…hilarious!’ - OK
Faith Bleasdale lives in London and writes full time. ‘Deranged Marriage’ is her fourth novel. To find out more about Faith and her other novels visit www.faithbleasdale.com.
Endeavour Press is the UK's leading independent publisher of digital books.
Holly Miller did. In a heartbroken and drunken haze, it had all seemed to make perfect sense.
George was her best friend – would always be her best friend – and if they both found themselves single at the age of thirty, well, why not?
But when, a decade later, a man Holly hasn't seen for years claims she’s signed a contract and she has to marry him, Holly realises exactly why it was not such a good idea.
Forget the fact that her career is going places, forget that she's head-over-heels in love with her gorgeous boyfriend, George wants the pact fulfilled and will stop at nothing to get his way.
At twenty-nine Holly’s life had been falling neatly into place – but the dramatic reappearance of her oldest friend is about to turn her whole world upside down, in ways she could not even imagine…
Can I do become I don’t?
Or will it all end horribly ever after…?
‘The perfect tonic…hilarious!’ - OK
Faith Bleasdale lives in London and writes full time. ‘Deranged Marriage’ is her fourth novel. To find out more about Faith and her other novels visit www.faithbleasdale.com.
Endeavour Press is the UK's leading independent publisher of digital books.
448 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
January 25, 2016
Several weeks before my own wedding possibly wasn't the best time to be reading Faith Bleasdale's "Deranged Marriage" for the first time. But my fiancée decided to donate it to a charity shop in preparation for us combining households and I can't bear to leave a book unread, regardless of how inappropriately timed it may be, or how far away from my usual genre choices it may appear.
When she was younger, Holly Miller entered into a marriage pact with her childhood friend George, promising to marry him if they were both still unmarried when they reached 30. Even when George returns to London and she sleeps with him, the pact remained forgotten, especially as George was about to propose to his girlfriend in New York. It comes as quite a surprise to Holly when George not only comes back to London shortly afterwards, but is prepared to take her to court to ensure their marriage pact is upheld. Holly doesn't want to marry George, as she never thought of him that way and she is also in love with her boyfriend Joe. Unfortunately for Holly, this is only the beginning of what George will try to make Holly marry him. Even more unfortunately, it's not the last of her problems.
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed the book. The characters are well enough drawn and George comes across as such a nasty piece of work that I did find myself feeling for Holly. Holly herself isn't written as anything wildly special, just as someone who is crumbling under a series of unfortunate events happening all at once, some of which she may have brought upon herself. Admittedly, some of the background characters do merge together a little bit, but that's frequently true of books of this nature. There were a couple of fairly stereotypical characters, perhaps most disappointingly in Holly's boyfriend Joe, but it may be that Bleasdale chose to write in stereotypes in order to make a deeper point.
I'm hoping this is what she was doing, as the book wasn't terribly well written. Parts of the dialogue seemed quite clumsy in parts and I often lost track of who was speaking at points where a number of people were involved in conversation, as very few of them had a distinctive enough voice I could easily tell which one they were. The stylistic elements were a little lacking, as whilst Bleasdale chose to present the story from both George and Holly's points of view, she didn't start doing this until quite a long way into the book and it took me a while to realise that the random chapters that had sub-headings were the ones where the point of view had shifted from one to the other, as it took so long before this device started being used that I hadn't realised it had come into being until part way through the first chapter where it had done so.
What did drag the book away from the completely mundane was the basic idea behind the whole thing. A marriage pact being taken to extremes is such a fantastic idea that it's hard to think why no-one had written a novel based on the idea before now. It's been reasonably well thought through and it's tough to see anywhere else the idea could have gone than is contained herein, although there are bits where the idea seemed to be stretched a little too far that it almost reached breaking point.
The other aspect of the book that I felt helped "Deranged Marriage" feel a little better than it may have been could well have only been in my head. I can't make up my mind whether George's actions were ultimately a satire on the modern culture of plastic celebrity, or if it was just thrown in to bulk out the story. Either way, it was certainly successful, either as plot device or as satire, as it annoyed the heck out of me in a way that many of today's so-called celebrities also do.
For all it is based on a decent idea and potentially has a decent satirical bent to it, "Deranged Marriage" certainly isn't anything ground breaking. The quality of the characterisation and writing doesn't come all that close to matching the novelty of the basic idea and the difference between the two is hugely disappointing. It's a decent enough book to read the once, just for the idea, as long as you don't mind stumbling through the minefield that is the execution.
When she was younger, Holly Miller entered into a marriage pact with her childhood friend George, promising to marry him if they were both still unmarried when they reached 30. Even when George returns to London and she sleeps with him, the pact remained forgotten, especially as George was about to propose to his girlfriend in New York. It comes as quite a surprise to Holly when George not only comes back to London shortly afterwards, but is prepared to take her to court to ensure their marriage pact is upheld. Holly doesn't want to marry George, as she never thought of him that way and she is also in love with her boyfriend Joe. Unfortunately for Holly, this is only the beginning of what George will try to make Holly marry him. Even more unfortunately, it's not the last of her problems.
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed the book. The characters are well enough drawn and George comes across as such a nasty piece of work that I did find myself feeling for Holly. Holly herself isn't written as anything wildly special, just as someone who is crumbling under a series of unfortunate events happening all at once, some of which she may have brought upon herself. Admittedly, some of the background characters do merge together a little bit, but that's frequently true of books of this nature. There were a couple of fairly stereotypical characters, perhaps most disappointingly in Holly's boyfriend Joe, but it may be that Bleasdale chose to write in stereotypes in order to make a deeper point.
I'm hoping this is what she was doing, as the book wasn't terribly well written. Parts of the dialogue seemed quite clumsy in parts and I often lost track of who was speaking at points where a number of people were involved in conversation, as very few of them had a distinctive enough voice I could easily tell which one they were. The stylistic elements were a little lacking, as whilst Bleasdale chose to present the story from both George and Holly's points of view, she didn't start doing this until quite a long way into the book and it took me a while to realise that the random chapters that had sub-headings were the ones where the point of view had shifted from one to the other, as it took so long before this device started being used that I hadn't realised it had come into being until part way through the first chapter where it had done so.
What did drag the book away from the completely mundane was the basic idea behind the whole thing. A marriage pact being taken to extremes is such a fantastic idea that it's hard to think why no-one had written a novel based on the idea before now. It's been reasonably well thought through and it's tough to see anywhere else the idea could have gone than is contained herein, although there are bits where the idea seemed to be stretched a little too far that it almost reached breaking point.
The other aspect of the book that I felt helped "Deranged Marriage" feel a little better than it may have been could well have only been in my head. I can't make up my mind whether George's actions were ultimately a satire on the modern culture of plastic celebrity, or if it was just thrown in to bulk out the story. Either way, it was certainly successful, either as plot device or as satire, as it annoyed the heck out of me in a way that many of today's so-called celebrities also do.
For all it is based on a decent idea and potentially has a decent satirical bent to it, "Deranged Marriage" certainly isn't anything ground breaking. The quality of the characterisation and writing doesn't come all that close to matching the novelty of the basic idea and the difference between the two is hugely disappointing. It's a decent enough book to read the once, just for the idea, as long as you don't mind stumbling through the minefield that is the execution.
July 9, 2014
An incredible story about love and friendship, loyalty and betrayal, mistakes and forgiveness. It is not a traditional, HEA romance story, at all, so if you are expecting a light read, this is not it. Unfortunately, not much more can be said without spoilers, so this review will be somewhat obtuse.
I'll admit, the first few chapters had me quite skeptical and also quite sure that I was reading a two- or three- star book at best, expecting a light romance as described above. The book immediately jumped into the past, and even further past, and I was sure that I was in a grammatical tense mess. And there were a few misses at punctuation. But the funny marriage pact that started the novel kept me going until the first big twist in the plot and from there, it was a roller-coaster ride of emotions and I honestly could not put this book down.
I thought the main characters were well developed and real - meaning they were flawed and not always likeable, but I could relate to them as people. When the book switched POV, I was sure that I wouldn't like it, but it did add a strong dimension to the story and it worked for me.
There was something oddly compelling about this book. It has provoked a lot of thought after having finished it. And I'm just still a bit surprised how much I got into the story.
At this writing, it only has one review on amazon.com, but I imagine that as more come in, they will run the gamut from folks who just hated it to those who loved it - it's that crazy, and it's that emotional. I can think of a best seller from a year or two ago that sort of reminds me of this book and also provokes strong feelings both ways, but unfortunately I can't name it without spoiling this one. (If you don't want spoilers, I suggest you don't read any comments to this review!)
I'll admit, the first few chapters had me quite skeptical and also quite sure that I was reading a two- or three- star book at best, expecting a light romance as described above. The book immediately jumped into the past, and even further past, and I was sure that I was in a grammatical tense mess. And there were a few misses at punctuation. But the funny marriage pact that started the novel kept me going until the first big twist in the plot and from there, it was a roller-coaster ride of emotions and I honestly could not put this book down.
I thought the main characters were well developed and real - meaning they were flawed and not always likeable, but I could relate to them as people. When the book switched POV, I was sure that I wouldn't like it, but it did add a strong dimension to the story and it worked for me.
There was something oddly compelling about this book. It has provoked a lot of thought after having finished it. And I'm just still a bit surprised how much I got into the story.
At this writing, it only has one review on amazon.com, but I imagine that as more come in, they will run the gamut from folks who just hated it to those who loved it - it's that crazy, and it's that emotional. I can think of a best seller from a year or two ago that sort of reminds me of this book and also provokes strong feelings both ways, but unfortunately I can't name it without spoiling this one. (If you don't want spoilers, I suggest you don't read any comments to this review!)
August 5, 2014
Probably could get three stars but I really hated the characters. Even though I finished the book and sort of enjoyed some of it, I was really sick of everyone by the time it ended...
January 14, 2023
I picked this up in a 3 for £5 deal and it sat on my shelf for many years unread.
It took me setting myself a goal of reading all my unread books to finally pick this up and read it.
What started as an interesting concept of two friends agreeing to marry one another if they weren't already married by 30 soon devolved into picture perfect happy endings with no consequences whatsoever.
Reading this book was very frustrating as there were literally zero consequences to anything the male protagonist did, quite the opposite in fact as he was adored and rewarded for it.
The story is told solely from the female perspective.
The ending in particular was what put me off reading anything else by this author because it was infuriating.
The male protagonist gets to go back to his life in New York with no negative impact at all, literally none whatsoever for everything he had done whilst in the UK.
He even got engaged to his ex who had originally declined his proposal and "regretted it ever since".
The baby that the female character had conceived - but it was unclear as to who the father was as she was still having relations with her partner whilst the male protagonist guilt tripped her into sex- wasn't his in the end and the female characters partner is back in a relationship with her and everyone gets to play happy families.
I don't mind picture perfect happy endings and I know this is fiction, but still, this book disappointed on every front.
It took me setting myself a goal of reading all my unread books to finally pick this up and read it.
What started as an interesting concept of two friends agreeing to marry one another if they weren't already married by 30 soon devolved into picture perfect happy endings with no consequences whatsoever.
Reading this book was very frustrating as there were literally zero consequences to anything the male protagonist did, quite the opposite in fact as he was adored and rewarded for it.
The story is told solely from the female perspective.
The ending in particular was what put me off reading anything else by this author because it was infuriating.
The male protagonist gets to go back to his life in New York with no negative impact at all, literally none whatsoever for everything he had done whilst in the UK.
He even got engaged to his ex who had originally declined his proposal and "regretted it ever since".
The baby that the female character had conceived - but it was unclear as to who the father was as she was still having relations with her partner whilst the male protagonist guilt tripped her into sex- wasn't his in the end and the female characters partner is back in a relationship with her and everyone gets to play happy families.
I don't mind picture perfect happy endings and I know this is fiction, but still, this book disappointed on every front.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2020
Holly Miller is just about to turn 30, and thinks she has finally found the man she wants to spend the rest of her life with, when her childhood best friend, George returns from New York to London for a weekend. He is about to propose to his American girlfriend Julie, and he wants to be sure he should not be with Holly. They sleep together, and she immediately regrets it, as she loves Joe. Julia rejects George’s marriage proposal, and he returns to London, and he discovers a marriage pact he and Holly made one drunken night when they were 20. He takes Holly to court, and when he has no success there he takes it to the press, and makes her life hell. Then Holly discovers she is pregnant, who is the father, Joe or George? Holly’s life is now lived out through the media, she is devastated. A typical chick lit novel, quick and easy read.
April 2, 2018
Good book.
I liked this story because the girl's name is the same as mine. However; this book was drawn out. I felt some things could have been left out. I'm glad it turned out the way I wanted it to.
I liked this story because the girl's name is the same as mine. However; this book was drawn out. I felt some things could have been left out. I'm glad it turned out the way I wanted it to.
February 24, 2018
Not sure what to say
The writing is good but it drags a bit. Holly's reaction too George at times seem so unreal considering how he acted.
The writing is good but it drags a bit. Holly's reaction too George at times seem so unreal considering how he acted.
July 9, 2020
This book started slowly, but kept me reading, as I wanted to know the conclusion. However, the grammatical errors and writing style was too off-putting to make the book particularly enjoyable.
September 25, 2020
A quick, escapist read. It didn't always take the turns I expected.
December 19, 2024
So bad it was almost an insult to my intelligence - not to mention it was TERRIBLY proofread.
July 20, 2014
Deranged marriage – Faith Beleasdale
The blurb
Would you ever consider a marriage pact?
Holly did. In a heartbroken and drunken haze, it all seemed to make perfect sense. George was her best friend, would always be her best friend and, if they both found themselves single at the age of thirty, well, why not?
But when, a decade later, a man Holly hasn't seen for years says she's signed a contract and has to marry him, she realises exactly why not. Forget the fact that her career is going places, forget that she's head-over-heels in love with a gorgeous boyfriend, George wants the pact fulfilled and will stop at nothing to get his way.
Can I do become I don't? Or will it all end horribly ever after?
What i say
This book is a warning to all of you do not agree a marriage pact with your best male/female best friend where you agree to marry at a given age if you have not found anyone else and certainly do not do it in writing. Holly Miller found herself attending court to face her once was best friend George who was trying to make her marry him as was agreed. Not great when you are in love with Joe.
There are lots of twists and turns in the story. However through it Holly finds how great her family and friends are as they are there to support her throughout.
I enjoyed the story and found it easy to read. However I did find myself getting g annoyed with Holly over a few things (you will have to read to find out). Most of the characters, George exempt, were lovely and I found myself liking them immensely. I even felt sorry for George at times. I give this book 4 stars and would recommend it for a nice easy summer read. I could not tell you more with out telling you the story
The blurb
Would you ever consider a marriage pact?
Holly did. In a heartbroken and drunken haze, it all seemed to make perfect sense. George was her best friend, would always be her best friend and, if they both found themselves single at the age of thirty, well, why not?
But when, a decade later, a man Holly hasn't seen for years says she's signed a contract and has to marry him, she realises exactly why not. Forget the fact that her career is going places, forget that she's head-over-heels in love with a gorgeous boyfriend, George wants the pact fulfilled and will stop at nothing to get his way.
Can I do become I don't? Or will it all end horribly ever after?
What i say
This book is a warning to all of you do not agree a marriage pact with your best male/female best friend where you agree to marry at a given age if you have not found anyone else and certainly do not do it in writing. Holly Miller found herself attending court to face her once was best friend George who was trying to make her marry him as was agreed. Not great when you are in love with Joe.
There are lots of twists and turns in the story. However through it Holly finds how great her family and friends are as they are there to support her throughout.
I enjoyed the story and found it easy to read. However I did find myself getting g annoyed with Holly over a few things (you will have to read to find out). Most of the characters, George exempt, were lovely and I found myself liking them immensely. I even felt sorry for George at times. I give this book 4 stars and would recommend it for a nice easy summer read. I could not tell you more with out telling you the story
May 1, 2015
The title, Deranged Marriage is an appropriate title for this humorous story of Holly and the two men in her life. She manages to get into a predicament with a ex-best friend that went off the deep in and a very sweet and wonderful boyfriend. Joe and her supporting family and friends are the most realistic characters. Holly is mostly selfish, controlled by hormones and under it all a pretty good person. George the ex-best friend is bonkers and the extent of his crazy makes for a funny story.
Deranged Marriage is pretty funny English style humor, which I enjoyed.
Deranged Marriage is pretty funny English style humor, which I enjoyed.
September 1, 2015
You need to enjoy English humor to enjoy Deranged Marriage as the characters get into the crazy predicament and one character, George just plain flips out and starts acting crazy. The support and love given to support the immature and somewhat shallow Holly made the story worthwhile. The lovable Joe was another plus, with his realistic reactions to all of the crazy things Holly with the help of the out of control George put him through. I loved lots of emotions and funny humor in Deranged Marriage.
July 26, 2011
it was recomended by my teacher of English leterature))about book:long story,but nice..i like it,i burst into tears sevral times /i adored Joe!
January 12, 2015
A crazy book that I quite enjoyed. I didn't expect to as I'm not usually into chick lit, or hen lit, whichever it is, but it was good fun.
February 2, 2025
Absolutely loved this book!!!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews