No Marriage of Convenience

by Elizabeth Boyle

Mason St. Clair, the new Earl of Ashlin, has inherited a title for which there is no longer a fortune, thanks to his elder brother. Steeped in debt, with three ungainly nieces to marry off, Mason is desperate for relief. Only he doesn't expect it in the form of Madame Fontaine, a woman of questionable reputation. She arrives on his doorstep with partial payment on a debt owed to the former earl. When Mason demands full payment, she is at a loss. It's wacky Cousin Felicity who suggests that this woman, whom men cannot resist, can work off the rest of her debt by teaching the three wards how to attract worthy husbands. In a bind, Riley, as the Madame is known, agrees. Once the bargain has been struck, Mason finds that he too is falling under the Madame's spell, and it's not long before an additional couple is heading to the altar.

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Regency Romance, Fiction, Regency, Mystery

384 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published September 5, 2000

About the author

Elizabeth Boyle is the New York Times bestselling author of 28 historical romance novels and several novellas. Her most recent novel, O LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM, is a mix of women's fiction and historical fiction, with a bit of magic thrown in. This story of friendship and empowerment has garnered rave reviews. Her next book in the series, WE THREE KINGS will arrive in the Fall of 2027.

Her first novel, Brazen Angel, won Dell's Diamond Debut Award and the Romance Writers of America's RITA Award for Best First Book. Her books are called "fast-paced," "adventurous," and "funny."

Not sure where to begin? If you love adventure, try THIS RAKE OF MINE or ONE NIGHT OF PASSION.

If you need to laugh, SOMETHING ABOUT EMMALINE, LOVE LETTERS FROM A DUKE, or THE VISCOUNT WHO LIVED DOWN THE LANE.

Want a little magic in your romance? Try HIS MISTRESS BY MORNING.

When not writing, Elizabeth enjoys knitting, gardening, travel and reading a wide variety of stories. She lives with her family in Seattle.

Sign up for her weekly newsletter, Five Things for Friday on her website. A weekly roundup of books, shows, and things to cook or laugh over, her readers love this weekly laugh.

Reviews

[Lover of Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance

This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.

First Impressions
No Marriage of Convenience is a standalone by Elizabeth Boyle but it is part of the “Avon Romantic Treasure” line and I have been wanting to explore this line way more and delve into other older historicals. I very quickly grabbed this one up here from Amazon and I was immediately drawn into the story so I definitely have no regrets in reading this one. This is one of the older Elizabeth Boyle books and I really loved seeing her older style of writing and it had a refreshing feel to it. I also found that this one was super easy to get into, with a fun setup between our main characters, it delivered on the fun side characters and plenty of humor to satisfy the historical reader. It was such an easy one to just relax into and I really felt like this one was such a solid read. I was nervous before going into this one because there are a ton of mixed reviews on GoodReads for this one, however, I ended up having a blast with it and was highly entertained all the way through.

Summary
Mason St. Clair, is the Earl of Ashlin, and inherited the title when his brother died. Mason is a scholar and never expected to inherit a title or a pile of debts or three nieces that he needs to find good matches for. And then walks in a lady of mystery and beauty….Riley, an infamous actress and has come to Mason for assistance in keeping her show open and to try to settle the debt that needed to be resolved. Mason’s cousin Felicity suggests that Riley help tutor his nieces to prepare them for society and Riley knows that she has little choice but to accept. There is a chemistry between Mason and Riley but neither of them act on it, as they know the difference of their stations, but they can’t deny that there is something real between them. But as there is a stalker threatening to kill Riley,, Mason is determined to protect a woman he has come to care deeply for, but there are secrets of the past that will come to the forefront, and will Mason and Riley find a way to resolve their bind and a path to a HEA….

What I Loved
No Marriage of Convenience was quite an entertaining ride and I honestly had such a fun time with this one here. I really was so curious to see where the author would take this one here. I was so fascinated to see where this would go and what the author would deliver with this story. I will say that this book is super easy to get into, and I was really drawn into the story all the way through. I really loved how the writing just captivated my interest. There is such fun humor and it was well balanced in the story. I really adored the pairing of an Earl with an Actress, but they are both of scholarly type of minds, so while on paper they may seem like the complete opposite, they are both well-read individuals and that is where they connect first….is on an intellectual level. There is some fun moments of course especially when you had an actor troupe in the mix and three young women that are ill-mannered and learning their way through society. The story is really engaging, as we see the origins of the heroine’s mother, and it was that prologue that pulled me into the story. We see the villain’s true purpose and it was interesting to see how that was built into the climax that was delivered. The heat of this book is tame, there is some well-written chemistry but its a moderate level. The ending was highly satisfying and the way that Mason and Riley find their way together just worked for me and left me thoroughly happy. A solid romance and eager for more of this author’s older work.

What I Struggled With
There wasn’t too much, I could have used a bit more focus on the romance in the first half and a higher level of chemistry but still a solid fun read. And the title is misleading—-there is NO marriage of convenience, I know the blurb makes a prospective reader assume there is but since marriage doesn’t happen until the very end….you won’t see any marriage of convenience.

Overall View
No Marriage of Convenience was a well-balanced story that had a fun premise that ended up delivering in just the right way. It’s a story that will engage the reader, deliver in its witty dialogue, and offer a warm poignant feeling in the end that will bring a smile to your face!

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maybe at another time I'd have enjoyed the Marx-Brothers-type farce Regency style, but with so much craziness and so many idiosyncratic characters it was rare that I felt real connection between Riley and Mason. The end had so many loose ends to tie up they were all done in shorthand off stage, so all the hinted at romantic connections involving Mason’s family members throughout the book, especially with Bea, we never got the emotional payoff of seeing. I like Boyle's trying new things and approaches but in this she got carried away with invention for invention's sake and forgot to fully develop her characters and their relationships.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is the 1st book i ever started to read for my self.. this book was the book that started my love affair with reading. I absolutely LOVE!! this book.. i never forgot this book when i read it when i was 16ish years old... till this day this is a re-read over and over again!!

[Golden Time · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightfully cute and a kind of book that would certainly make one feel good.... Fortunately I didn't get myself frown the entire time.... it is easy to read it maybe not deep and quite ordinary but it made me feel good and that what matters to me since I am not fond of solving mysteries and all other problems there in the world....

I also loved the fact that the heroine isn't so deceitful that would make me hate her neither she is stubborn.... she is smart but is not so haughty and definitely not those kind if headstrong other heroines that makes me want to slap or shake them vigorously... well enough about my hatred with too stubborn annoying headstrong heroine.... my point is the heroine Riley has just the right sweetness and spice that I adore in a heroine....

For the hero first I love smart guy especially those who wore eyeglasses and Mason has definitely had them both..... smart brain and spectacles... I immediately understood Riley's unexplained attraction to him... I can see myself telling Riley: really dear I do understand you with all y heart lol... anyways other than his physical features I like his kind of honor and pride... he maybe poor... soooooo poooooor but he still has dignity as a man.... He is strict but not a boring one..... He may hate everything that has happened to him and how his life have been turned upside down but despite it all he face it he never run and tho he consider marrying for money against all of what he believes in ... He didn't because he'd rather do something about his circumstances than to spend his life in bleak and turn his back to the woman he loved....

now for the story... It had me smile and laugh.... it is so adorable .. even the love story of Mason's nieces and cousin is sooooooo cute..... I would wish the trio (nieces) had there own books but it's still delightful read and I am glad they had all HEA......

[The Book Coyote · Rating 2 out of 5]

"No Marriage of Convenience" is the story of Mason St. Clair, the Earl of Ashlin and actress Riley Fontaine. At the beginning of the story, Mason finds himself in desperate financial straights, fighting of creditors and saddled down with three totally unmarriageable nieces - the daughters of his deceased brother. Enter Riley Fontaine - an actress and playwright who owes Mason a good deal of money from a loan made to her by his brother, who had been a rather spendthrift patron. Unable to repay the money immediately, it is agreed upon that Riley will instead help train Mason's nieces to be respectable, and hopefully, in so doing, to find husbands. Mason finds himself developing feelings for Riley at the same time that he realizes that he has little other choice than to make a marriage of convenience to a rich but supremely annoying debutante... This book is an enjoyable read. In common with many of Boyle's other books, the plot tends to get in the way and slow down the book. Her plots tend to be overly complicated and overly action-packed, and instead of engaging me, these plots tend to bore me. The love story is fairly good, although I think that perhaps Riley and Mason should have been given a deeper connection. They don't really have a lot in common, and it is difficult to imagine them falling in love. Also, Riley's dark past and its coming to light is a little bit tacky and overdone, as is her realization that she's actually a countess and has plenty of money after all...I actually would have liked the book better if she'd been what she appeared to be all along. It is also rather unrealistic that someone as proper as Mason would hire someone like Riley to train his nieces. Nonetheless, it's rather fun and worth reading.

[pmatch1104 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book; however, it didn't hold my attention like some of the author's other books. I think its a solid 3.5 stars. The characters were all likeable, but I think there could have been a little chemistry between Mason and Riley. Their budding relationship didn't captivate my interest and it was easy for me to put the book down to do other things. If a book is exciting, there's noway I'm putting it down to go empty the dishwasher or do laundry. I believe this is one of EB's early books and she was still developing as a writer. This book is worth reading.

[Judith A. DePrisco · Rating 5 out of 5]

A completely great romp!

A destitute nobleman with three unmarried, nearly feral nieces, a missing heiress, a woman playwrite and notorious actress, as well as a cracking mystery does not make for a tame story. As improbable and hilarious as any great screwball comedy from the 1930’s and ‘40’s, this enjoyable novel provides laugh out loud plots and memorable characters who have been blessed with quick and witty dialogue. It is an absolute romp. Highly recommended.

[Ana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hmmmm to be honest, there are a lot of things going on in this book. Too many characters with their own problems that all need resolving. It gets a bit muddled as one progresses. Plus the excitement peters out after a while. Such a shame because it started out strong only to lose all the thrill in the end.

[penelopewanders · Rating 4 out of 5]

A number of interesting tropes here - mistaken identity, nobleman in disguise, potential marriage of convenience, abandoned child, actress with the heart of gold, the nerdy hero, the heroine who is the brains behind the whole theater operation - and the playwright... lots of fun and frolics.

[Jacque · Rating 5 out of 5]

suspicious deaths, murder attempts of Madame Fontaine, and someone is buying up the Earl of Ashlins deceased brothers vowels - just to name a few problems encountered in this book.
The ending may surprise you and is well worth reading.

[CV · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @45%. Brutally dull.

[Jenny Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good story, with plenty of mystery, humor and romance. I felt like Riley and Mason had a true spark between them, even if the other marriages were rather thrown together.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will read again!

Interesting, and at times witty dialog and delightful characters made this a thoroughly enjoyable read. This story would make an excellent movie.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Enjoyable, but not compelling.

[SM · Rating 3 out of 5]

Almost 4 Interesting till 80% and funny also at times

[Annii · Rating 2 out of 5]

"No Marriage of Convenience" is the story of Mason St. Clair, the Earl of Ashlin and actress Riley Fontaine. At the beginning of the story, Mason finds himself in desperate financial straights, fighting of creditors and saddled down with three totally unmarriageable nieces - the daughters of his deceased brother. Enter Riley Fontaine - an actress and playwright who owes Mason a good deal of money from a loan made to her by his brother, who had been a rather spendthrift patron. Unable to repay the money immediately, it is agreed upon that Riley will instead help train Mason's nieces to be respectable, and hopefully, in so doing, to find husbands. Mason finds himself developing feelings for Riley at the same time that he realizes that he has little other choice than to make a marriage of convenience to a rich but supremely annoying debutante...

This book is an enjoyable read. In common with many of Boyle's other books, the plot tends to get in the way and slow down the book. Her plots tend to be overly complicated and overly action-packed, and instead of engaging me, these plots tend to bore me. The love story is fairly good, although I think that perhaps Riley and Mason should have been given a deeper connection. They don't really have a lot in common, and it is difficult to imagine them falling in love. Also, Riley's dark past and its coming to light is a little bit tacky and overdone, as is her realization that she's actually a countess and has plenty of money after all...I actually would have liked the book better if she'd been what she appeared to be all along. It is also rather unrealistic that someone as proper as Mason would hire someone like Riley to train his nieces. Nonetheless, it's rather fun and worth reading.

[LemontreeLime]

This was a hoot, and refreshing on so many levels. You get some old fashioned plots served up in a mishmash crash up. And those three harridan daughters... pretty much stay the same until the end. The plot focuses on the humor, always a plus. Won't say more, read when you want some lighthearted enjoyment.

[Sylvia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Regency

[Joycee · Rating 3 out of 5]

It seemed a bit slow at first, but the last third sped right through. And, of course, everything wrapped up so neatly at the end. What a delightful read it turned out to be.

[Highland-dreamer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was such a surprise. It sounded like it would be very droll, but I laughed throughout!! Very lighthearted, yet full of romance. I loved it.

[Tressa · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story was okay, but I found it melodramatic and I didn’t care for the characters. So, I stopped reading.

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

this book was pretty good i enjoyed the story line. it took me longer than normal to get into a Boyle book but it was a pleasant read.

[Khadijo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it, couldn't stop laughing.

[Amy Garnica · Rating 5 out of 5]

fun story line

[Alessandra]

""

[Patty Beja · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first Boyle book. It hooked me enough to read more.

[Maps]

Hoopla

[Naira · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book.:) It was a pleasant read.

[Desi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good fun, interesting ensemble cast.

[Matilda BGR]

I cannot remember much about this, though I think the H/h get stuck in a closet early on (like the first or second time they meet?) and he kisses her. That's all I got.