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A Stylish Marriage
A thoroughly modern woman.
A hopelessly old-fashioned man.
A marriage that will surprise them both . . . when love becomes part of the bargain.
Even if the Merriam Falls society matrons don't believe running a boardinghouse is a proper endeavor for a young, unmarried woman, Regina Van Buren has other ideas—such as advancing women's rights. Discussing the issue with Jonathan Parker, the wealthy textile mill owner who has rented a room for his foreman, is obviously futile, however. He's too arrogant, too patronizing, by far, and Regina decides that their relationship will be strictly business—until her stargazing telescope reveals an unexpected look at the darkly handsome businessman.
Listening to Regina's lectures on the suffrage movement is hardly Jonathan's idea of a good time, but he's willing to overlook it if she'll agree to his courtship. Intelligent, spirited, and lovely, Regina is everything he wants in a bride—and betrothal to a well-heeled businessman will certainly be a far more elegant existence for her than spending lonely nights in a rundown boardinghouse. Yet, while Regina's independent streak threatens to wreak havoc in Jonathan's well-ordered life, he's begun to suspect that even a stylish marriage is cold comfort without love.
A hopelessly old-fashioned man.
A marriage that will surprise them both . . . when love becomes part of the bargain.
Even if the Merriam Falls society matrons don't believe running a boardinghouse is a proper endeavor for a young, unmarried woman, Regina Van Buren has other ideas—such as advancing women's rights. Discussing the issue with Jonathan Parker, the wealthy textile mill owner who has rented a room for his foreman, is obviously futile, however. He's too arrogant, too patronizing, by far, and Regina decides that their relationship will be strictly business—until her stargazing telescope reveals an unexpected look at the darkly handsome businessman.
Listening to Regina's lectures on the suffrage movement is hardly Jonathan's idea of a good time, but he's willing to overlook it if she'll agree to his courtship. Intelligent, spirited, and lovely, Regina is everything he wants in a bride—and betrothal to a well-heeled businessman will certainly be a far more elegant existence for her than spending lonely nights in a rundown boardinghouse. Yet, while Regina's independent streak threatens to wreak havoc in Jonathan's well-ordered life, he's begun to suspect that even a stylish marriage is cold comfort without love.
320 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 1, 2002
About the author
Patricia Waddell
22 books22 followersPatricia writes for the pure joy of escaping the day to day confines of reality. The reason she thinks most of us pick up a book. A graduate of the University of Cincinnati, Pat grew up in the Mid-West, where old fashioned values grow like corn. After a full day as a professional accountant, she races home to her keyboard and walks through the looking glass into the world of romantic fiction.
Pat currently resides in Florida with her husband, Phillip.
Pat currently resides in Florida with her husband, Phillip.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
February 6, 2016
I really didn't know how to rate this book. Honestly, I would have wanted to give it 3.5 stars, but I can't give it 4, so...
I like the fact that the whole story takes place in America with American characters. The hero and heroine are interesting, especially her (she's a suffragette). He's a bit to full of himself and that wouldn't be that bad (because he does have redeemable qualities, apart from being an excellent seducer and lover) if the heroine wasn't so weak around him. Despite her verbal protests, she doesn't very much oppose him .
Their story begins with lust at first sight. I would have liked a little more... I don't know, not the usual "he's so handsome! and the way he looks at me transforms me into a lobotomized woman with only sex on her mind".
And the murderer (yes, there is a murder mystery in the background) was way to obvious. I suspected him from the first.
I felt the climax was too rushed.
But some of the scenes were really great. I laughed out loud a couple of times.
Expect a pleasant read, but not to complex or original.
I like the fact that the whole story takes place in America with American characters. The hero and heroine are interesting, especially her (she's a suffragette). He's a bit to full of himself and that wouldn't be that bad (because he does have redeemable qualities, apart from being an excellent seducer and lover) if the heroine wasn't so weak around him. Despite her verbal protests, she doesn't very much oppose him .
Their story begins with lust at first sight. I would have liked a little more... I don't know, not the usual "he's so handsome! and the way he looks at me transforms me into a lobotomized woman with only sex on her mind".
And the murderer (yes, there is a murder mystery in the background) was way to obvious. I suspected him from the first.
I felt the climax was too rushed.
But some of the scenes were really great. I laughed out loud a couple of times.
Expect a pleasant read, but not to complex or original.
May 12, 2019
Confesso que esperava um pouco mais dessa história, pois achava que a mocinha seria mais firme nas suas convicções políticas, apesar dela não a abandonar por completo. O mocinho desse livro é um arrogante e prepotente, confesso que não senti uma ligação com ele. É uma história previsível, mas amarradinha. É uma leitura florzinha, sem muitas surpresas. Dá para passar bem o tempo.
June 3, 2019
I selected this book only to satisfy a challenge prompt. I would have preferred more history, and less romance. It wasn't terrible, but the background mystery was rather obvious. Readers who enjoy a steamy bodice ripper would probably quite enjoy it, but I suppose this type of novel just isn't my cup of tea.
August 9, 2026
this was one of the shittiest romance novels ive ever read
where's the romance?
where's the plot?
where's the HEA?
this is fucking garbage
I have a narcissistic MMC who strong arms a wet noodle FMC into a fake marriage and her anger at him lasts about as long as dangling keys in front of a 3 month old.
shiny captain!
where's the romance?
where's the plot?
where's the HEA?
this is fucking garbage
I have a narcissistic MMC who strong arms a wet noodle FMC into a fake marriage and her anger at him lasts about as long as dangling keys in front of a 3 month old.
shiny captain!
December 9, 2018
I loved the first part of the book, but the more I read the less I liked it because Jonathon was super pushy with Regina. He didn’t respect her decisions and basically made her marry him or be disgraced by polite society.
February 18, 2024
Seriously disliked the character of Jonathan and felt that Regina did not practice what she preached quickly bowing to his plans. Little chemistry in the story.
August 22, 2012
Boring! Kira'in ceritanya bakalan oke tapi ternyata bikin bete.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews