An Inconvenient Marriage

All for Love #1

by Wren St. Claire

As a duke is brought undone by a vicar’s daughter, and a marriage forged in anger and necessity turns to love.

Robert Layne, Duke of Troubridge, has long sought a marriage based on love, but this longed-for felicity has persistently eluded him. Then with the death of his father, he discovers that the estate’s finances are in such a parlous condition that he must forego his dreams of love and with all haste find himself a wealthy wife.

Miss Sarah Watson, vicar’s daughter and veteran wallflower, has been saddled with a fortune thanks to the untimely death of her godmother. This elevation to the rank of heiress has made her a target for all of London’s fortune hunters. Sarah has long nursed a secret infatuation for the duke, but she is furious when it’s only her sudden acquisition of a fortune that brings her to his notice.

Sparks fly and passion erupts between these two seemingly mismatched people, but the starched-up duke is persistently wrong-footed, and his attempts to woo Sarah seem doomed from the beginning. Then circumstances force them into a marriage of convenience, and as Robert falls hopelessly in love with his wife, Sarah’s heart softens. But when Robert stumbles yet again, can he make amends well enough to win her heart forever?

Tropes/✔️ Marriage of Convenience
✔️ Secret Infatuation / Unrequited Love
✔️ Heiress Heroine
✔️ Prideful, Stuffy Duke
✔️ Wallflower Turned Heiress
✔️ Enemies-to-Lovers Vibe
✔️ Class Differences
✔️ Emotional Growth & Redemption Arc
✔️ Slow Burn Romance
✔️ Second Chances in Love


This series is part of Dragonblade's Flame line, so this is a scorching-hot read with open-door steam.

Read in Kindle Unlimited!


All for Love
Book 1 - An Inconvenient Marriage
Book 2 - The Viscount Needs a Wife
Book 3 - Wife Wanted
Book 4 - Compromising the Marquess

Genres: Historical Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Slow Burn, Marriage Of Convenience, Historical

298 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 12, 2025

About the author

Wren is an Egyptologist and writes historical fantasy romance, historical romance and contemporary romance. She lives with her husband six mad Bengal Cats and one confused Mini Schnauzer in Brisbane.
She also manages a website devoted to ancient Egypt and writing called Egyptian Mysteries www.egyptianmysteries.com.au

Reviews

[Janice Dudley · Rating 4 out of 5]

my first book by Wren and it was a pleasant surprise. it won't be the last

[Alexandra G · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you’re a fan of well-written miscommunication, this book will be heaven for you – otherwise, just scroll on by.
This is one of those stories where you spend half the book yelling “talk to each other already!” at the protagonists. Oh, they talk plenty, but rarely speak their mind.

Both Sarah and Robert are firstborns from big, loving, warm nests.
She’s a vicar’s daughter, a wallflower and an heiress to a fortune she can only claim if she marries a nobleman. She’s had a crush on Robert since her first season, and is more than a little miffed he only notices her after her heiress status became known. She wants love and respect, not convenience and certainly not a fortune hunter.
He, the man, is charming, attentive and caring. The duke, however, is a haughty, privileged stick. The problem is that only his family and close friends know the man. His father was his hero, but, as it turns out, a terrible duke which now forces Robert’s hand to marry for money instead of love – a dream he had unsuccessfully chased for a decade.

Their courtship is two steps forward, one step back. Add her moral high horse, his talent for putting his foot in it, a few fortune hunters, her meddling chaperone, a pinch of jealousy and guilt, a dash of lust and self-doubt, and a ton of assumptions – and it becomes an awkward waddle until they’re caught kissing. Suddenly marriage is the only option, and their waddle doesn’t become any more elegant.
Even with all the odds against him, this man works tirelessly at redeeming himself. He may be an idiot when it comes to love and he messes up faster than he can fix, but he’s clumsily honest from the start, and I did not enjoy how she keeps assuming the very worst until the end.
It was an engaging read, always on the move and with a few nice side plots, but it was also a tad frustrating at times. It had some Pride & Prejudice vibes, their chemistry was obvious, but their lack of communication and all the ensuing misunderstandings stole the show – and I’m not sure how I feel about that.

⭐⭐⭐✨

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars
Robert Layne, Duke of Troubridge, has long sought a marriage based on love. Then with the death of his father, he discovers that the estate’s finances are in such a parlous condition that he must forego his dreams of love and with all haste find himself a wealthy wife. Miss Sarah Watson, vicar’s daughter and veteran wallflower, has been saddled with a fortune thanks to the untimely death of her godmother. This elevation to the rank of heiress has made her a target for all of London’s fortune hunters. Sarah has long nursed a secret infatuation for the duke, but she is furious when it’s only her sudden acquisition of a fortune that brings her to his notice.
A new author to me & I enjoyed the book but didn’t love it. I liked Robert & Sarah but their miscommunication & misunderstandings started to grate on me as they went on too long. I constantly was shouting actually speak to each other about how you’re feeling & poor Robert he constantly put his foot in it.
There was good chemistry between the couple. I did find myself skipping through pages so I’m a bit on the fence about the book
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

[Traci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Notes for me

1800 Prologue 1818 present day

Robert - his father was a Duke who was always drinking and gambling. He loved his family, but left young Robert responsible to run everything. He has to marry for money due to father’s irresponsibility.

Sarah - vicar’s daughter. Great Aunt left her a fortune.

They meet at a ball where he is being introduced to 5 prospective wives. He is intrigued with Sarah, thinking she has pretty eyes and he enjoys the conversation. There is a striking dark haired widow who is his first choice. She’s older so more than likely knows what to expect out of the marriage. Sarah is innocent.

A week later he had proposed to the widow and she turned him down.

Sarah has actually met him 3 times and has a crush.

They marry and are both head over heels in love.
Misunderstandings prevent them from confessing their feelings.

Many many misunderstandings but I like this type.

Safety

OWD

Madeleine - Robert’s FIVE YEAR mistress. He ended their arrangement as the story started and before he met Sarah. He was very kind to her and she mourned the affair’s end for two months.

Opens with her finding a man to help her get over Robert. There’s a pregnancy as well.

The mistress was mentioned to Sarah and she spent the entire time thinking he would want to be with her.

I originally felt sorry for M until she became sketchy.

[Pam Bereznak · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I read one of Wren St. Claire's books in Mar, 2023 but hated it and returned it. I see now that she is with Dragonblade Publishing, Flame division which many of my favorite authors are with. I thought I'd check her out again. Maybe having a different publishing house with different editors and such, it might make for a better read.

So I really liked this book. Way better than the first one I read by her. I liked Robert and Sarah. I liked their personalities and I really liked the storyline. Wren got such great depth in these characters and the story. I really liked all the secondary characters as well. I am looking forward to more by her.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

Robert Layne, the Duke of Troubridge, needs to marry an heiress. The one lady that interests him the most is a vicar's daughter, Sarah Watson, who inherited her money. Robert is attracted to the lady and wants her for his duchess, but he continually keeps putting his foot in his mouth. Scorching kisses seems the only thing they have in common, until family comes into the picture. They both want to marry for love, but Robert has never felt so unsettled. Insecurity, jealousy and a rocky road to a marriage built on love.
Descriptive sex.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.

[SelinaW · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a book I could not put down. I’ve read Wren St. Claire short stories before and was reminded of how much I like her style and the characters she writes.

Sarah is a strong-willed intelligent woman, who is hurt by the fact that the man she has feelings for only notices her after she comes into her fortune. Meanwhile Robert is a noble but ultimately clueless, and unable to recognize Sarah’s (or his own) feelings and he charges into what he believes to be a marriage of convenience, while in fact they both want much more from it. The pace here is fantastic, the characters stay true to themselves and, though they do take a while to work through all misunderstandings, I felt like it very much added to the core of the story. And wow, this one was deliciously and scorching hot! Wren St. Claire writes amazing steamy scenes.

I can’t not mention the plethora of supporting characters, each of which was developed so well. It’s hard to pick whose story I want to read next. Duke’s friend Ashford was a wonderful addition, as was the unfortunate Lannister, who turned out to be quite the honorable character in the end. The dowager duchess and all the siblings - both Robert’s and Sarah’s added such a delightful color! I wholeheartedly recommend this story.

Thanks to NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for the chance to read this ARC.

[Cassandra · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sarah isn't a push over, she has a little bit of feisty in her but this book soon evolves in to just total lack of communication. Seriously, if either one of them just had been honest with the other at ANY point, this book would have finished up. The entire time, I was like even if they didn't declare their love for one another, why couldn't they just be honest about what type of marriage. Neither wanted just a marriage of convince, they wanted loyalty and trust as well. They could have even said that.

And really I am going to put it on him cause he is the duke and she really is a no one.

But you know what, she was mad at Daphne and she didn't even talk to her. Just people who don't want too talk to one another.

[Jessica Grogan · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF. Had high hopes for this one, mainly because someone complained on fb about there being too much sex. I didn’t get to that part because it was moving at a glacial pace with the characters having the same thoughts and conversations repeatedly.

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love a good marriage of convenience book. The first quarter of the book was very slow but once I got past the beginning the story really picked up and became very interesting. The plot became fast paced and I was enthralled. I love how clear it was that Sarah and Robert cared about each other but they needed to learn how to be together. Would not recommend this book if you don’t like the miscommunication trope as this book heavily relied on it.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Inconvenient Marriage is the first book I've read by Wren St. Claire but it won't be my last. I really enjoyed Robert & Sarah's story, not just how their attraction for each other grew into a strong love, but also how they each matured as people.

At the beginning of the book Robert was caught up in self-defeating thinking that he had to be the perfect proper duke at all times. He was under an immense amount of pressure to protect and provide for his mother and younger sisters since his beloved father had been terrible at money management. Robert has had to shoulder the responsibilities of a duke from a young age. He decides the best way to help the family & estate is to marry an heiress. He always wanted a love match like his parents but hasn't been successful due to the icy persona he hides behind. More than once his good friends have begged him to let someone see Robert instead of the rigid Duke of Troubridge. Robert however, has had to set himself aside too many times to be that duke and isn't in a place to let go just yet.

Sarah is the daughter of a vicar, and is trying to make it through another Season where she has hoped she'd finally make a match. Previously sponsored by her godmother, Sarah garnered minimal attention from available bachelors. It smarted the most that the young man Sarah had a secret crush on, Robert, didn't seem to notice her at all. All that changed when Sarah's godmother passed and left Sarah a fortune. She went from wallflower to highly popular and it made her uncomfortable and distrusting of interest paid to her. Especially Robert. Now he's interested? Sarah's self-esteem had already taken damage in her previous Seasons, she felt more insecure now thinking that she was being courted for just her inheritance.

Circumstances happen where Robert & Sarah do end up having to get married, though they're both really unhappy with each other. Robert seems to stick his foot in his mouth on multiple occasions, and Sarah stands up to him and gives him a ton of sass. It's a good thing in that Robert needs someone to challenge his unhealthy thoughts but Sarah lets her insecurities damage their relationship too. They both stumble, but they grow too and build a strong marriage. I like characters that need to work through personal issues, it makes them more realistic.

Robert's friends, Emrys, Deo, & Jerome are fascinating characters. Each of them have interesting stories to tell and will have their own books. Emrys's story is next, and I can't wait to read it. I can tell this series is going to be a favorite.

Quick mention- An Inconvenient Marriage is part of Dragonblade Publishing "Flame" division, which means it's going to have steamy scenes between the main characters. That's definitely the case with Robert & Sarah. If you prefer the passion to be left to the reader's imagination I'd recommend books from their "Sweet Dreams" division.

[Kelsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I could have absolutely lived and died for these two but alas the miscommunication trope and jealousy trope took me down a few notches (stars).

11/8/25 - Full Review:

As I stated before, I could have lived and died for these two characters. We have, Sarah Watson, a pastors daughter, who is nerdy, quiet, and kind. She isn't a lady of the ton and I truly love that about her. Then there is Robert Layne, Duke of Troubridge, who has been raised to be confident, and respectable. He is the epitome of a well cultured, and respectable man. However, he has a big problem. His father left them in terrible debt, and his dream of marrying for true love is dead. He now has to marry for money, and quickly, before what is left of his family fortune is gone. Robert is full of pride, and he still hopes to fulfill his dream of marrying for love... or at least someone he can come to love.

He first meets Miss Sarah Watson at Almack's, and he's stunned by her beauty, but doesn't allow himself much more than this. He is focused on his mission, and his mission is to secure a wife, and an arrangement. Being prideful, he doesn't go for Sarah, but rather a widow who rebuffs him, and sets him back on the path of winning Sarah's hand. Sarah has known of the Duke long before their meeting at Almack's, and has been smitten with him since. She doesn't want to give into her infatuation, as she is fully aware of Robert's need to marry a rich wife, and doesn't like that he's suddenly set his sights on her, now that she has a large inheritance.

The dance of wooing ensues, there are some tense and loveable moments between these two stubborn and prideful humans. Robert's family is wonderful, absolutely loving, and accepting of Sarah from the first day, and hopeful that Robert will realize sooner rather than later, the he has fallen in love with her. He just cannot seem to figure out why his heart aches so when he's near her, you know? Robert asks for Sarah's hand, and she refuses, knowing she cannot chain herself to a man who doesn't love her. They do end up getting married, sort of forced hand, as they are caught in an compromised position at a ball, orchestrated by Sarah's aunt, who knows that Sarah needs to say yes to the Duke because he is her one true love.

Sarah accepts her fate, sort of comes around to the idea of it, nurses her tendre for Robert, but there's a lot of miscommunication that follows and boy, was it annoying. The one thing these two have right, is what to do in bed, and they sure do! The passion is impeccable, and it's the first time you see Robert let loose, and let himself show Sarah how much he cares for her. Again, outside of this, he's stubborn, prideful, and refuses to just allow himself to love her, and it really does get irritating. Luckily for Sarah, in the end he does get there, but I cannot imagine a happy life for these two who will like be at each others throats, and constantly disarming one another through the decades. Maybe that's the point, they are a match made in heaven!

[iReadBooksNSchit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tropes: Class Difference, Marriage of Convenience, Wallflower, Sudden Heiress
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/🔥🔥🔥ish

Big four energy right here.. . A Love That’s Messy, Stubborn, Complicated... And Worth Every Page.

Since I started reading Wren St. Claire, I’ve learned she don’t just write stories...she builds whole moods. Her writing is thoughtful, layered, and messy in the way life really is. The characters feel human...flawed, stubborn, complicated, and she takes her time letting everything simmer until the payoff hits just right. That’s exactly what An Inconvenient Marriage gives.

The folks in this book? Stubborn, complicated, and messy...the kind of messy that’ll have you rolling your eyes, talking back to your reader, but still locked in ‘cause you gotta know how it all plays out. This ain’t just romance, it’s pride, it’s pressure, and two people trying to figure out how to stop tripping over themselves long enough to let love breathe.

Robert, Duke of Troubridge, is rigid to the bone. Always polished, always proper, always about the dukedom. But underneath all that starch? A man who’s jealous, possessive, and fiending for a love match he keeps fumbling.

Sarah has spent years fading into the wallpaper. The vicar’s daughter, the wallflower...the girl nobody saw until money put her on the map. Now everybody wants a piece, and she hates it. Still, behind that brash tongue is a woman who’s warm, generous, and loving. She’s fancied Robert for years, but she needed him to want her, not her fortune.

And listen...the Earl of Lannister? That man stole the whole damn show. Trouble, charm, swagger...he’s got the women swooning, the men salty, and if “I can steal your woman” was a picture, it’d be him smirking on the wall. Wren, don’t play with me...I need his book, and I need it done right. I’ll be watching.🧐

Now, I won’t lie...there’s a character or two in here that made my butt itch, stealing a little of this book's shine. But overall, An Inconvenient Marriage still delivers. It’s steamy without burning your fingers, layered without dragging, and full of characters that stick with you...especially Lannister 😆

[Debbie Steed · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book of Robert and Sarah’s love story.

Their relationship is difficult and rocky from the beginning as Sarah is more outspoken than most women Robert has been around. They have grown up in very different environments. His family are titled and she is the daughter of a modest vicar with many siblings. She is due to inherit a fortune from a titled great aunt but only if she marries a titled gentleman.

Robert is a newly titled duke who quickly needs to find a wife who has money to repay the debts his father left him with. Although he finds Sarah intriguing because he never knows what she is going to say and she has been in love with Robert for years, I did find their frequent misunderstandings a bit frustrating. I can see that through these misunderstandings and further contemplation that both characters became more aware of their own faults due to their very different upbringings and try to change their views and become better people, especially Robert. Sarah is quite prickly with him even though she wants to be with him she can’t help herself and her tongue. Her values are different from Robert’s due to her upbringing but I thought Robert was a lovely person. He has a lot of patience but Sarah’s attitude towards others are more compassionate and respectful to others especially those of lower class status.

Another potential suitor for Sarah makes Robert jealous and he starts to get feelings he hadn’t felt before. Both are unable to share their feelings for each other but there is definitely a chemistry between them. There’s a lot for the couple to work through before they get their happiness but it was an enjoyable read with a bit of angst included. Secondary characters added a lot of extra depth to the story.

It definitely wasn’t as steamy as previous books I have read by the author which I must admit I missed but the plot was interesting and kept me interested. I would love the next book to be steamier earlier in the storyline and throughout rather than nearer the end but I have always enjoyed books by Wren St Claire.

[Stacie Irwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely story of two people hoping to marry for love and ultimately finding it in a roundabout way. Robert and Sarah were a sweet couple to watch dance around one another. While a bit wordy at times, the story flowed well and kept me wanting to see how things would turn out. There’s a cast of characters that I hope to see turn up in later books.

Robert is an excellent hero. He’s honorable, responsible, respectful, and passionate. He’s not a rake or scoundrel in the slightest. These things may sound boring for a romance hero, but I loved that he was complex and compelling without being rakish or brutish. While morally gray men have their places, I never tire of seeing a genuinely good man get a good story and a happy ending. He did have his faults to grow from, but it was natural and moved with the story.

Sarah was equally great. I loved that she was a vicar’s daughter and an heiress. It was a fun twist! She was forthright but kind and compassionate. She was a little quirky, but not odd. Her fears and trepidations were relatable. I loved that while a more “country miss,” she was not an idiot or an outrageous zealot (neither were her parents for that matter.) I adored the conversation she had with her Papa just prior to marrying the Duke. It was one of the most memorable parts of the book as it was so endearing.

Overall, it’s a beautiful story and I highly recommend it! I love this author’s writing.

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

On becoming Duke and realising the state his father has left the Dukedom in, Robert decides that he must give up his hope for marrying for love (after all he hasn’t found anyone in ten years of looking) and marry a heiress. Sarah in her fourth season has inherited a fortune and is not amused that the Duke who she has met once in every one of her previous three seasons has no recollection of her. When he starts to pursue her, she already knows she is his second choice of the available heiresses, the first, a widow, having turned him down. She might have been able to stomach a marriage of convenience, if she didn’t know he had no feelings for her when she had been in love with him for three years.
I really appreciated the views of each of these characters. Poor Robert had to take on responsibility from an early age due to his feckless father and was formal, rather arrogant, used to others toadying him and only looking at the arrangement as a swap - his title for her money. He makes no attempt to really get to know Sarah, merely trying to see whether she will suit him and then is surprised when she turns him down.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Ariel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Robert Layne, Duke of Troubridge, has to marry for money, though he always wanted to marry for love. Enter Sarah Watson, a vicar's daughter, who has to marry a titled gentleman to receive an inheritance.

A marriage of convenience should be easy for both, right?

Not in this slow-burning romance. ;)

The trouble starts when Robert can't remember meeting Sarah three times before, and Sarah, not of the ton, has no problem pointing out the Duke's arrogance to his face. Repeatedly. And so begins a series of misunderstandings that ultimately lead them toward each other.

The miscommunication trope is a staple for this genre, but it was used so often here that I had to knock off two stars. After a while, it felt like they were deliberately miscommunicating, even though they should have been done with such behavior toward each other.

That said, I really enjoyed the book. The two leads were relatable, charming in their ways (looking at you, Robert), and annoying in others (looking at both of you). I understood why they behaved the way they did, even when I didn't like it.

The side characters were all gems, and I'm definitely looking forward to Emrys' story next. And Rey's. Oh, Rey, you charming bastard!

[Gylene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miss Sarah Watson is the daughter of a vicar who prefers the country life to being in town. She has become an heiress due to her godmother passing away and has to find a husband before the end of the season.

Robert Layne, Duke of Troubridge has always believed that he would marry for love. Now due to his family’s financial situation he needs to marry an heiress instead of marrying for love.

Robert and Sarah don’t start off on the right foot, but Robert is determined that they can have a marriage of convenience. Sarah is not so sure she wants a marriage of convenience. She has feeling for Robert, but feels he only wants to marry her for her money. Will Robert and Sarah both realize that their marriage is more about love than convenience before it is too late?

I liked Sarah and Robert’s love story. I instantly liked Sarah and how she would say what she thought and put Robert in his place. Robert was hard to like at first and it did take some time, but I did like him by the end of the book. I was also not a fan of a couple of the secondary characters, but by the end everything worked out. I would read the next book in the series and would recommend this book.

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book kicks off the new series All for Love with a classic Regency setup—a proud, penniless duke and a newly minted heiress vicar’s daughter—but quickly builds into something deeper, richer, and delightfully steamy.

Robert Layne, Duke of Troubridge, is the kind of hero who fumbles his way into love with all the charm of a stubborn man trying not to fall—and failing gloriously. Enter Sarah Watson: intelligent, sharp-tongued, and not about to let her longtime crush on the duke cloud her judgment when he suddenly takes notice... right after she inherits a fortune.

What follows is a delicious enemies-to-lovers meets marriage-of-convenience romance full of banter, heat, and emotional growth. The class divide, unspoken feelings, and years of longing all combine into a slow-burn that pays off beautifully.

If you love marriages born of necessity, spicy scenes with emotional depth, a heroine who knows her worth, and dukes who thaw
...then this book will absolutely charm you.

An excellent start to the series!

I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first full length novel I have read by this author, and I did enjoy it. One has to wonder, though, who was more filled with angst and self-doubt, The Duke of Troubridge or Miss Sarah Watson? Despite his title and the years he has had to take care of his family, Robert at times seems very insecure, doubting whether marriage to Sarah will succeed. I could fully identify with Sarah's annoyance, when having encountered Robert on a number of previous occasions, he only sees her for the first time when she becomes an heiress. Fortunately, there is a spark of attraction between them that flares to life and Robert feels that there is hope for their future. Unfortunately, events unfold that evoke the green-eyed monster and Robert makes some monumental mistakes. Although Sarah is broken-hearted, she still believes in Robert and that in itself adds to his chagrin. Fortunately, the truth emerges, bringing about a good conclusion. I received a copy of this book as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Bridget Love to read Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Robert Layne, Duke of Troubridge is a Duke in need of a heiress due to his father’s less than stellar financial acumen!
He is an arrogant jerk most of the time and doesn’t realize it but Miss Sarah Watson gives him an earful on every occasion!
Robert can’t keep his foot out of his mouth and Sarah with her sharp wit helps him keep it there! These two definitely do not seem to be a match made anywhere close to heaven!
When Daphne Saran’s chaperone lets info on one Robert’s past light o loves slip this puts him in even less favor!
Sarah has been left a vast fortune but she needs to marry a titled Lord! Daphne has her own little spat of betrayal to further her own circumstances!
This places Robert and Sarah in a compromising situation!
Just when they start to achieve martial bliss Robert does something stupid and his past bites him in the Arse!
Can a scorned lovers machinations rip apart their fragile trust? Whew this is one rocky romance. Hold on tight because this is one heck of a ride! Bravo.
I received an ARC copy for my unbiased review!

[Lisa H · Rating 3 out of 5]

If he is looking for a love match....

Why has he kept an expensive mistress for years and only cuts her loose right before he needs to marry an heiress, as he is in want of her fortune? We are introduced to his mistress in the second chapter.
Robert Layne is a duke, hell bent on marrying for love, but arrogant hypocrite that he is has kept a mistress for years. No. Just no. He's arrogant and had an ass, having met Sarah, a mere vicars daughter on several occasions. She, of course, has a crush on him but Robert only notices her when she is in possession of fifty thousand pound, plus six thousand a year and must marry a peer. Robert shops his five choices of heiress' like he's buying a car. I wanted to like him but the author definitely makes major missteps with his character. If the author wants him to marry for love, quit making him his own worst enemy. Also, Robert fails to communicate with Sarah and the whole book is misunderstanding, lack of communication and Robert getting his way.

[Masala LaVita · Rating 2 out of 5]

An Inconvenient Marriage by Wren St. Claire is a Regency romance centered on a marriage of convenience between Sarah, a vicar’s daughter turned heiress, and Robert, an impoverished Duke and fortune hunter. The London season setting offers a familiar, charming backdrop, and the premise teases potential for fans of the trope.
Yet, the execution falters. Robert is an unlikable MMC—arrogant and entitled—while Sarah’s habit of boosting his ego grates. Her fortune and suitors hint at untapped independence, but the story clings to patriarchal vibes, leaving her choices underexplored. Pacing is sluggish, with enjoyable Regency moments overshadowed by drag. The mistress subplot is a jarring misfire, derailing the romance.
Strengths like the classic setting and trope are dimmed by weak character development and an uneven narrative. Avid Regency readers might appreciate glimpses of London season flair, but the douchey MMC, annoying FMC dynamics, and disappointing conclusion make it a letdown.

Thank you NetGalley for ARC, all opinions are my own.

[Sahar's Honest Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Duke and the Heiress | When Duty, Jealousy, and Love Collide
Sarah has been quietly enthralled with Robert for two seasons—yet he only truly notices her once she becomes an heiress. That alone complicates everything. Robert wants to marry for love, but his crumbling estate demands a wealthy bride. He’s drawn to Sarah, but is it love… or necessity?
When a scandal forces them into a marriage of inconvenience, both of them are thrown into emotional territory they don’t quite know how to navigate. Sarah has been taught to expect men to keep mistresses. Robert, meanwhile, finds himself consumed by jealousy when another man shows interest in his wife.
Misunderstandings, pride, and wounded feelings threaten to pull them apart before they’ve even learned how to talk honestly with each other. Can Robert recognize love when it finally finds him? And can Sarah trust him enough to believe in it?
This was my first book by this author, and I really enjoyed the emotional depth, the slow-burn romance, and the theme of second chances. I’m looking forward to reading more in this series.

[Amberreads.alot · Rating 2 out of 5]

I adore a good marriage of convenience trope and historical romance is my jam, so I was looking forward to Wren St. Claire's "An Inconvenient Marriage." Unfortunately, the book fell short of my expectations. It opened with the MMC's former mistress' POV - um, why? - which turned me off immediately. From there, we meet the MMC, who is shopping for an heiress to marry in the same way you might shop for a new appliance to buy (another reviewer said it was like he was car shopping, and I totally agree). Which is just ick. And I just didn't connect with the FMC. Add in the fact that no one in this book just talked to each other (some miscommunication I can live with, but this is like 90% of the story) and I ended up skimming/skipping large chunks of the book.

1.5 stars rounded to 2 since I did not actually DNF. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a complimentary copy of this book. These opinions are my own.

[Margaret Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miss Sarah Watson, an heiress in her own right thanks to her godmother, returns to London for another season to find a husband. Robert Layne, the Duke of Troubridge, is currently seeking a wife but due to the financial mismanagement of his father, he needs to marry a lady who will bring money to the match. Unbeknownst to Robert, he and Sarah have met on several occasions before and she has formed an attraction to him. As Robert is being introduced to potential matches, Sarah isn’t his first choice for a duchess. After his first choice falls through, Robert is once again forced to pursue Sarah. Sarah has to work through her own struggles as she believes Robert only wants her for her fortune. This is the first novel I have read from Wren St. Clare. I enjoyed the plot and the characters and I love how they each had to work together to get to their HEA. I am looking forward to reading more from Wren.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Harley · Rating 5 out of 5]

So typically I love the chaos, smut galore, trigger warning type books. But I read anything as long as it’s written well with a good story! So this book I stumbled across on Instagram and wanted to shoot my shot. It’s a great palette cleanser from the things I’m drawn too. Perfectly written for the time frame and the love and romance was great. Sort of gave me the bridgerton vibe with how the story is written. Safe to say Robert and Sarah live happily ever after. But there’s a twist where another couple ends up together when one is in love with Sarah and the other in love with Robert. If you enjoy watching bridgerton I suggest this book! And if you are looking for something new this would be a great option as well!

[Dorothy · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Inconvenient Marriage
By Wren St. Claire

A lovely romance. I have a special place in my heart for a trope with hero and heroine coming from a different class. This one is a duke and a mere vicar’s daughter. She’s very sheltered and innocent, yet she has the courage, determination and strength and confidence to hold her own with the duke, the duke’s friends and even the duke’s mother, the dowager duchess. The Duke and new duchess grow into their titles but also and more importantly grow as human beings. I had a hard time liking the Duke at first but he ended up worming his way into my heart. I enjoyed the characters and their journey into an enduring love. I wish there were a lot more modern couples with comparable stories. This author is one of my favorites storytellers.

[Kim Mears · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a regency romance story where the MMC finds himself in need of funds and realises his only way to survive is to find a rich wife.
The FMC has been left money and is now an heiress. She is attracted to the MMC but was ignored by him previously. Now that he is showing her attention, she knows he is only noticing her because she has money.
When they are caught in a compromising position, they have to get married.
In the beginning, he is only thinking about his survival, but the more they get to know one another, the more he finds himself falling for her. Could they get a HEA in the end.

I enjoyed reading this book and would recommend reading it.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mary Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

A realistic take on a romance where the hero needs to marry an heiress and the heroine realises that what's made the hero see her is the money she's inherited. Our hero comes in two parts the man and the duke. I enjoyed the prologue which gave a brilliant insight into how the inefficient father had created the controlled little boy. The author did a great job of making the other characters likeable and relatable.

It looks like the start of the series so I shall look for the others. A new author for me, such fun :)


I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own