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Men of Wollstonecraft Hall #1
Marriage with a Proper Stranger
“Build a wall about your heart.”
Riordan Wollstonecraft labors under the heavy burden of his forebears. For generations, a curse has followed the dashing young men of his family, guaranteeing the women they love an untimely death. The youngest grandson of the Earl of Wollstonecraft Hall, charismatic Riordan is quietly resigned to his fate, an educator who devotes his life to good works, and ignores any longing for something more.
Widowed and penniless, Lady Sabrina Lakeside is desperate to avoid a second forced betrothal—this time to an aged marquess. Her chance encounter with Riordan leads her to an impulsive a temporary marriage of convenience that could benefit them both. His agreement is as surprising as it is welcome. Before long, Riordan’s keen intellect and kind words have Sabrina rethinking her plans of a union in name only. But her new husband is holding something back. Will giving in to their tantalizing passion lead her only to further heartache . . . or could it be the first step toward healing them both?
Riordan Wollstonecraft labors under the heavy burden of his forebears. For generations, a curse has followed the dashing young men of his family, guaranteeing the women they love an untimely death. The youngest grandson of the Earl of Wollstonecraft Hall, charismatic Riordan is quietly resigned to his fate, an educator who devotes his life to good works, and ignores any longing for something more.
Widowed and penniless, Lady Sabrina Lakeside is desperate to avoid a second forced betrothal—this time to an aged marquess. Her chance encounter with Riordan leads her to an impulsive a temporary marriage of convenience that could benefit them both. His agreement is as surprising as it is welcome. Before long, Riordan’s keen intellect and kind words have Sabrina rethinking her plans of a union in name only. But her new husband is holding something back. Will giving in to their tantalizing passion lead her only to further heartache . . . or could it be the first step toward healing them both?
218 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 6, 2018
190 people are currently reading
556 people want to read
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Karyn Gerrard
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
May 31, 2018
“Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance.” –Jane Austen
This is part of the Men of Wollstonecraft Hall series
Book 1: Marriage with a Proper Stranger: [Riordan and Sabrina]
Book 2: Scandal with a Sinful Scot: [Garrett and Abigail Hughes] estimated pub date: June 5, 2018
Book 3: Love with a Notorious Rake [Aidan and Cristyn Bevan] estimated pub date: Dec 4, 2018
Rating: MA: mature audience: explicit and graphic sex scenes, trigger warnings of violence, graphic descriptions of an abusive marriage and what she was subjected to in the bedroom at her husband’s hands. He was a pig…
Does the name Wollstonecraft sound familiar? Yeah, they are distant relations to THE Wollstonecraft ladies… [Mary and her daughter Mary Shelley]. However, these guys have their own problems with notoriety… such as a generations old curse on the men. The family graveyard is full of those that have fallen due to the curse… all wives of the Wollstonecraft men. Every woman that married into the family has died… and for different reasons… either before, during, or after child birth, from complications or from other circumstances/causes. Any man that falls in love… will lose her. The Hall is full of Wollstonecraft men: we have the patriarch, Grandfather Oliver, the earl, his son Julian, the viscount, his twin sons: heir Aidan, and Riordan, and uncle Garrett [Julian’s half-brother]. Each man has been admonished by Oliver to guard his heart.
When Riordan was a child he and Aidan were playing in the attic and came across an old chest full of ledgers. Riordan read of an entry back in 1704 where an ancestor had visited a Scottish sorceress and begged her to have the curse removed. She said that “only a love bond by all the living men of the family during a lunar year would break the curse.”
“A wise woman wishes to be no one’s enemy; a wise woman refuses to be anyone’s victim.” –Maya Angelou
Sabrina Durning Lakeside [Lady Pepperdon, widow to Charles Lakeside, Earl of Pepperdon] was finally leaving her mourning period. Her father was insisting that she marry again ASAP and his choice was another man nearly twice her age. Since her father had arranged her horrid abusive first marriage… she wasn’t about to let him chose for her again. She had been forced to return to her father’s house after the death of her husband. She had been the second wife and his heir had kicked her out with nothing. No provisions had been made for her in the marriage settlements in case something happened to earl. The reason for this would not be revealed until later. Her father was himself preparing to remarry in hopes of getting that son and heir that he didn’t get when she was born. Plus, he needed the lady’s dowry in order to pay off his creditors. He wanted Sebrina out of the house as she was in the way.
Sabrina had a plan and all she needed was a temporary husband. She only needed to throw off her father so she could live her life in independence and comfort. Enter schoolmaster Riordan Black [Wollstonecraft], who was not using his complete name as it spooked people and caused them to be uncomfortable. She just knew he would help her. They could marry and then have it annulled after a few months and then she could live comfortably on her settlement. Little did she know that her miserly father didn’t have a settlement for her. Her first husband had paid him for her at an auction her father held to the highest bidder. Unknown to her, her father was again offering her for a price. It was to the Marquess of Sutherhorne who had bid against her first husband the earl and lost.
“Marriage is an adventure, like going to war.” –Gilbert K. Chesterton
The rest of the story dealt with Sabrina and Riordan fighting against her father, the marquess and coming to grips with their feelings. When the truth finally came out on all their secrets… we have a distraught Sabrina… but her feelings would not be repressed. Her father caused all manner of trouble and the marquess will not relent on his quest for Sabrina. The desire of a powerful enemy has been ignited and they may not be able to squelch the flames of his anger.
“Despise the enemy strategically but take him seriously tactically.” –Mao Zedong
The story ended at 96% and was followed by an excerpt from ‘Scandal with a Sinful Scot’ the next story in the ‘Men of Wollstonecraft Hall’ series featuring Riordan’s uncle Garrett. I liked him and hope to read his story. I saw several of Riordan’s relatives eyeing the various women featured in the story. This sounds so interesting. I like these guys and I liked the women they were eyeing. I want to see what happens next.
This is part of the Men of Wollstonecraft Hall series
Book 1: Marriage with a Proper Stranger: [Riordan and Sabrina]
Book 2: Scandal with a Sinful Scot: [Garrett and Abigail Hughes] estimated pub date: June 5, 2018
Book 3: Love with a Notorious Rake [Aidan and Cristyn Bevan] estimated pub date: Dec 4, 2018
Rating: MA: mature audience: explicit and graphic sex scenes, trigger warnings of violence, graphic descriptions of an abusive marriage and what she was subjected to in the bedroom at her husband’s hands. He was a pig…
Does the name Wollstonecraft sound familiar? Yeah, they are distant relations to THE Wollstonecraft ladies… [Mary and her daughter Mary Shelley]. However, these guys have their own problems with notoriety… such as a generations old curse on the men. The family graveyard is full of those that have fallen due to the curse… all wives of the Wollstonecraft men. Every woman that married into the family has died… and for different reasons… either before, during, or after child birth, from complications or from other circumstances/causes. Any man that falls in love… will lose her. The Hall is full of Wollstonecraft men: we have the patriarch, Grandfather Oliver, the earl, his son Julian, the viscount, his twin sons: heir Aidan, and Riordan, and uncle Garrett [Julian’s half-brother]. Each man has been admonished by Oliver to guard his heart.
When Riordan was a child he and Aidan were playing in the attic and came across an old chest full of ledgers. Riordan read of an entry back in 1704 where an ancestor had visited a Scottish sorceress and begged her to have the curse removed. She said that “only a love bond by all the living men of the family during a lunar year would break the curse.”
“A wise woman wishes to be no one’s enemy; a wise woman refuses to be anyone’s victim.” –Maya Angelou
Sabrina Durning Lakeside [Lady Pepperdon, widow to Charles Lakeside, Earl of Pepperdon] was finally leaving her mourning period. Her father was insisting that she marry again ASAP and his choice was another man nearly twice her age. Since her father had arranged her horrid abusive first marriage… she wasn’t about to let him chose for her again. She had been forced to return to her father’s house after the death of her husband. She had been the second wife and his heir had kicked her out with nothing. No provisions had been made for her in the marriage settlements in case something happened to earl. The reason for this would not be revealed until later. Her father was himself preparing to remarry in hopes of getting that son and heir that he didn’t get when she was born. Plus, he needed the lady’s dowry in order to pay off his creditors. He wanted Sebrina out of the house as she was in the way.
Sabrina had a plan and all she needed was a temporary husband. She only needed to throw off her father so she could live her life in independence and comfort. Enter schoolmaster Riordan Black [Wollstonecraft], who was not using his complete name as it spooked people and caused them to be uncomfortable. She just knew he would help her. They could marry and then have it annulled after a few months and then she could live comfortably on her settlement. Little did she know that her miserly father didn’t have a settlement for her. Her first husband had paid him for her at an auction her father held to the highest bidder. Unknown to her, her father was again offering her for a price. It was to the Marquess of Sutherhorne who had bid against her first husband the earl and lost.
“Marriage is an adventure, like going to war.” –Gilbert K. Chesterton
The rest of the story dealt with Sabrina and Riordan fighting against her father, the marquess and coming to grips with their feelings. When the truth finally came out on all their secrets… we have a distraught Sabrina… but her feelings would not be repressed. Her father caused all manner of trouble and the marquess will not relent on his quest for Sabrina. The desire of a powerful enemy has been ignited and they may not be able to squelch the flames of his anger.
“Despise the enemy strategically but take him seriously tactically.” –Mao Zedong
The story ended at 96% and was followed by an excerpt from ‘Scandal with a Sinful Scot’ the next story in the ‘Men of Wollstonecraft Hall’ series featuring Riordan’s uncle Garrett. I liked him and hope to read his story. I saw several of Riordan’s relatives eyeing the various women featured in the story. This sounds so interesting. I like these guys and I liked the women they were eyeing. I want to see what happens next.
February 6, 2018
Marriage with a Proper Stranger by Karyn Gerrard is the First Book in the new series "Men of Wollstonecraft Hall". This is the story of Riordan Wollstonecraft and Lady Sabrina Lakeside.
Sabrina is a widower whose father married her off to and awful man. But now that the husband has died she is left with no choice but to return home. Now her father plans to do it all over again and marry her to another man. Sabrina tries to take matters into her own hands by asking Riordan to go into a fake/temporary marriage with her. Riordan and his family have a somewhat tragic history but they try to help those in need. Riordan keeping his family cruse a secret goes forth with agreeing to marry her. But the more they are with each other the more it seems that they started to develop strong feelings that they won't be able to ignore.
I enjoyed this book and it a great start to a new series.
Sabrina is a widower whose father married her off to and awful man. But now that the husband has died she is left with no choice but to return home. Now her father plans to do it all over again and marry her to another man. Sabrina tries to take matters into her own hands by asking Riordan to go into a fake/temporary marriage with her. Riordan and his family have a somewhat tragic history but they try to help those in need. Riordan keeping his family cruse a secret goes forth with agreeing to marry her. But the more they are with each other the more it seems that they started to develop strong feelings that they won't be able to ignore.
I enjoyed this book and it a great start to a new series.
January 21, 2018
A heartbreaking tale of a heroine who was brutally abused physically, mentally and psychology first by her abominable excuse of a father then by her abhorrent, depraved husband. I struggled to read and comprehend what the heroine has gone through. I skimmed through few chapters.
If not for The Wollstonecraft men of nobility, Gentlemen to their very bones, I would not have been able to finish reading. The Wollstonecrafts have liberal beliefs on women's and children's rights and use their power to fight for semblance of equality or close to what they could achieve circa 1830 England.
The hero, Riordan Black Wollstonecraft, second son to Viscount Tensbridge, is all for education reform, as a teacher, his passion to educate young people resonates with me.
The heroine, widow and penniless Lady Sabrina Lakeside, was saved by Riordan from another wretched marriage to an old debauched, lewd man by marrying her himself!
Their union is fraught with deception, blackmail, kidnapping and mistrust not to mention the Wollstonecraft curse hanging over their heads but they did manage to have their HEA.
This is an eGalley copy from the publisher. This is my honest and impartial review.
If not for The Wollstonecraft men of nobility, Gentlemen to their very bones, I would not have been able to finish reading. The Wollstonecrafts have liberal beliefs on women's and children's rights and use their power to fight for semblance of equality or close to what they could achieve circa 1830 England.
The hero, Riordan Black Wollstonecraft, second son to Viscount Tensbridge, is all for education reform, as a teacher, his passion to educate young people resonates with me.
The heroine, widow and penniless Lady Sabrina Lakeside, was saved by Riordan from another wretched marriage to an old debauched, lewd man by marrying her himself!
Their union is fraught with deception, blackmail, kidnapping and mistrust not to mention the Wollstonecraft curse hanging over their heads but they did manage to have their HEA.
This is an eGalley copy from the publisher. This is my honest and impartial review.
February 6, 2018
This is the first book I have read by Karyn Gerrard and I truly enjoyed it! Entertaining from beginning to end, we find two people, both who have dealt with life's unfairness. Our heroine, Lady Sabrina Lakeside has been through a lot. She was forcibly made to marry, by her father, to an aged man who treated her terribly. Now a widow with no funds, she is forced to move back with her hateful father who is marrying her off again to the highest bidder. Desperate to get away, she comes up with a scheme with the local schoolmaster to help her out of her predicament. This is where is really becomes interesting. You see, Riordan Wollstonecraft ( yes you have heard that name before in exulted terms for women's rights and they are related!) is the grandson of an Earl. But he is determined not to engage his heart due to the family curse ( what curse you ask? Must read to find out!). He and his family are very social oriented as in trying to change the treatment of the less fortunate. So Riordan takes a job as the local schoolmaster so he can engage some of his ideas of forward thinking to the students. Nobody knows who he really is, least of all Sabrina! Sabrina has a plan and with Riordan's help they execute a daring marriage of convenience to save her from her current forced betrothed. As Sabrina and Riordan spend time together things seem to be changing and with a lot of twist and turns and even some suspense, this story will hold you captive until the end! Cannot wait for the other books in this series!!!
November 2, 2018
Marriage with a Proper Stranger is book one in the Men Of Wollstonecraft Hall series by Karyn Gerrard. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. This is my first time to read Gerrard’s work. She takes real people from the past and weaves them into the story. The Wollstonecraft men are plagued by a family curse that guarantees the death of the women they love. Riordan the youngest grandson of the Earl of Wollstonecraft Hall is resigned to his fate of being alone. He pours himself into being an educator and doing good works under another name. Lady Sabrina Lakeside is a beautiful widow who is desperate to escape being married to a lecherous and aging marquess. Will Riordan be her knight in shining armor? What will happen when Sabrina learns of his true identity and the curse he lives under?
“The schoolmaster was not a docile, plain man of middling years, but a tall, handsome young man who took her breath away. She’d never seen such virility before, never mind being in such close proximity to it. Her heart fluttered, and Sabrina was shocked at her response, for it was strange and foreign. He dressed plainly, wearing a black frock coat stretched across broad shoulders, with a simply tied black cravat. No spectacles; all the better to see his piercing light blue eyes. His wavy black hair gleamed in the bright sunlight.”I am looking forward to reading the rest of this series by Gerrard.
“The schoolmaster was not a docile, plain man of middling years, but a tall, handsome young man who took her breath away. She’d never seen such virility before, never mind being in such close proximity to it. Her heart fluttered, and Sabrina was shocked at her response, for it was strange and foreign. He dressed plainly, wearing a black frock coat stretched across broad shoulders, with a simply tied black cravat. No spectacles; all the better to see his piercing light blue eyes. His wavy black hair gleamed in the bright sunlight.”I am looking forward to reading the rest of this series by Gerrard.
March 13, 2022
True Love 💘Wins
ADULT Historical Regency Romance💕 and Marriage👰 of Convenience Adventure with Kidnapping
Riordan🐺🍆⛲📚, the second son of a Viscount, becomes a teacher📚 because he believes all children in Britain should learn to read. He goes to a village to teach📚 at a school and meets Lady Sabrina💃💔, an abused young widow hiding from her violent, uncaring father👺. In order to pay his huge debts, her father👺 is trying to force her into another awful marriage with a lecherous old Marquess!👹
Riordan🐺🍆⛲📚 and Sabrina💃💔 enter into a marriage of Convenience👰 in order for her to escape a fate worse than death. The novel has Riordan🐺🍆⛲📚, a patient and loving man, introducing the abused Sabrina to what true love💘 and caring is.
This is the first novel by author📚 Gerrard I have read.
ADULT Historical Regency Romance💕 and Marriage👰 of Convenience Adventure with Kidnapping
Riordan🐺🍆⛲📚, the second son of a Viscount, becomes a teacher📚 because he believes all children in Britain should learn to read. He goes to a village to teach📚 at a school and meets Lady Sabrina💃💔, an abused young widow hiding from her violent, uncaring father👺. In order to pay his huge debts, her father👺 is trying to force her into another awful marriage with a lecherous old Marquess!👹
Riordan🐺🍆⛲📚 and Sabrina💃💔 enter into a marriage of Convenience👰 in order for her to escape a fate worse than death. The novel has Riordan🐺🍆⛲📚, a patient and loving man, introducing the abused Sabrina to what true love💘 and caring is.
This is the first novel by author📚 Gerrard I have read.
August 11, 2022
The Wollstonecrafts (distant relatives of the famous) are a family of social justice advocates who use their wealth to support causes for which they are passionate. Riordan, one of the younger sons, after meeting an abused woman, Sabrina, is horrified by her story, appalled by her helplessness under the law, seeks to rescue her, falls in love with her in the process, etc., etc., etc. Reading this is a good way to pass a summer day. Although not a novel I will remember fondly for years, it represents a creditable effort to address a serious issue for the time.
October 24, 2020
Marriage With a Proper Stranger: Riordan and Sabrina
Such a lucky find! Had never heard of this author before finding this book on a list of "cinnamon roll" characters. Absolutely loved this story and especially the main characters. Am looking forward to reading more in this series and more by this author!
Such a lucky find! Had never heard of this author before finding this book on a list of "cinnamon roll" characters. Absolutely loved this story and especially the main characters. Am looking forward to reading more in this series and more by this author!
February 19, 2018
Plot: 4/5
Characterisation: 4/5
Prose: 3.5/5
How much I enjoyed it: 5/5
Characterisation: 4/5
Prose: 3.5/5
How much I enjoyed it: 5/5
August 2, 2020
3.5 stars. I'll read the next one.
July 25, 2018
I believe that I either got this as a freebie awhile back, or bought it on sale. In any case, I have to say that I truly enjoyed reading this book! And I actually liked the heroine Sabrina just as much as I liked the hero, Riordan. (Generally,male characters come across better than the female characters to me).
With its angst, 'Marriage' was also sweet and very sexy. I loved the author's writing style and attention to historical detail. I really love the fact that 'the men' all had very progressive outlooks for their time, i.e. women's rights, modernized education, and even animal welfare. Historically, the name 'Wollstonecraft' is synonymous with progressive reform...do a Wikipedia search to learn about the real clan!
Anyway...the fact that the male characters in the book were all pretty hot - even the grandfather - was a plus. lol
I will definitely be reading more about the men of Wollstonecraft! (The 'black sheep' of the family - Riordan's twin, Aidan - should have a very interesting story)...
With its angst, 'Marriage' was also sweet and very sexy. I loved the author's writing style and attention to historical detail. I really love the fact that 'the men' all had very progressive outlooks for their time, i.e. women's rights, modernized education, and even animal welfare. Historically, the name 'Wollstonecraft' is synonymous with progressive reform...do a Wikipedia search to learn about the real clan!
Anyway...the fact that the male characters in the book were all pretty hot - even the grandfather - was a plus. lol
I will definitely be reading more about the men of Wollstonecraft! (The 'black sheep' of the family - Riordan's twin, Aidan - should have a very interesting story)...
January 26, 2018
I like this story. Its a bit cheesy and parts are a kind of dis-believable but it was a pleasant read.
While I did find some of the point it made a bit heavy handed and a bit repetitive, I understood the authors points. I also felt that some of the sentiments and language use as a bit modern for the setting and characters.
Though the focus is on Riordan and Sabrina, the plot does include obvious set ups for two further stories and for two less obvious. Would I read the rest of the series, possibly.
I received a copy of this book for free from Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
While I did find some of the point it made a bit heavy handed and a bit repetitive, I understood the authors points. I also felt that some of the sentiments and language use as a bit modern for the setting and characters.
Though the focus is on Riordan and Sabrina, the plot does include obvious set ups for two further stories and for two less obvious. Would I read the rest of the series, possibly.
I received a copy of this book for free from Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
February 6, 2018
I actually got a ARC copy of this book through a KINDLE giveaway for it on GoodReads, and the following is my honest opinion.
On one side you’ve got Riordan Wollstonecraft, the youngest grandson of the Earl of Wollstonecraft Hall, who, along with the rest of the young men of his family live with a curse hanging over their head. The curse with them loving in love, for if they do, the women they love will succumb to an early, premature death. As with all curses there is a way out, and this one is no exception, to end their curse all of the young must be in love at the same time, but for our protagonist, he’s more interested in educating people regardless of who they are than falling in love.
On the other side you’ve got the widowed Lady Sabrina Lakeside who’s already been in one rearranged marriage by her father to a man almost twice her age. Being destitute, she’s fearful her father will once again force her into another forced marriage, this time with an ancient marquess. Luckily fate decides to step in and offers her a rescue – an unexpected meeting with Riordan. She tells him about the dire situation she’s in and asks him to marry her in name only for a short period of time, and being the chivalric person, he is, Riordan agree to help this damsel in distress, and unbeknownst to this pair, this arrangement might ultimately be advantageous to both of them.
Naturally, Riordan’s behavior towards her, after surprising her with his agreement to her plan; his acute mind and sympathetic words causes Sabrina to reconsider her original motive in marrying him. Sabrina has no knowledge of the curse hanging over Riordan, because he’s kept it a secret from her, out of fear she wouldn’t go through with her plan with him had she known about it. Time quickly passes, and before they realize it, there’s an ever-increasing enticing desire developing between them. And with this happening, could this development result in her having some additional unexpected grief in her life, or will it result in ending the dark clouds hanging over both of them in their lives. Only time and reading this book will give you the answer.
For having given her readers and me a hard to put down story, I’ve given the author, Karyn Gerrard, 5 STARS.
On one side you’ve got Riordan Wollstonecraft, the youngest grandson of the Earl of Wollstonecraft Hall, who, along with the rest of the young men of his family live with a curse hanging over their head. The curse with them loving in love, for if they do, the women they love will succumb to an early, premature death. As with all curses there is a way out, and this one is no exception, to end their curse all of the young must be in love at the same time, but for our protagonist, he’s more interested in educating people regardless of who they are than falling in love.
On the other side you’ve got the widowed Lady Sabrina Lakeside who’s already been in one rearranged marriage by her father to a man almost twice her age. Being destitute, she’s fearful her father will once again force her into another forced marriage, this time with an ancient marquess. Luckily fate decides to step in and offers her a rescue – an unexpected meeting with Riordan. She tells him about the dire situation she’s in and asks him to marry her in name only for a short period of time, and being the chivalric person, he is, Riordan agree to help this damsel in distress, and unbeknownst to this pair, this arrangement might ultimately be advantageous to both of them.
Naturally, Riordan’s behavior towards her, after surprising her with his agreement to her plan; his acute mind and sympathetic words causes Sabrina to reconsider her original motive in marrying him. Sabrina has no knowledge of the curse hanging over Riordan, because he’s kept it a secret from her, out of fear she wouldn’t go through with her plan with him had she known about it. Time quickly passes, and before they realize it, there’s an ever-increasing enticing desire developing between them. And with this happening, could this development result in her having some additional unexpected grief in her life, or will it result in ending the dark clouds hanging over both of them in their lives. Only time and reading this book will give you the answer.
For having given her readers and me a hard to put down story, I’ve given the author, Karyn Gerrard, 5 STARS.
February 1, 2018
Riordan Wollstonecraft has been taught that love is a curse. All the men in his family have loved and lost the women in their lives so Riordan determines that when he is old enough he will not face the same consequences as his ancestors. Riordan is intent on making changes in the world. He believes even the poor deserve an education so he takes up a teaching position under an assumed identity.
Sabrina is a widow who just want to live a quiet life. Unfortunately, she is at the mercy of her cold father who will see her married off once again to a man twice her age. Sabrina has been there and done that and suffered horribly in her first marriage. She must find another candidate for marriage before her father follows through with the arranged marriage. When Sabrina happens upon Riordan and witnesses what a kind and considerate teacher he is with his students, she knows he is the one. Now she must convince him to marry her.
Riordan is appalled at Sabrina's father's treatment of her. He wants to refuse when she asks for his help, but in the end, the decision is easy to make. Riordan will marry her and they can seek an annulment at the end of a three month period, thus freeing her from her father's clutches. What neither is expecting is that they might just come to care for one another. Find out what happens in MARRIAGE WITH A PROPER STRANGER.
MARRIAGE WITH A PROPER STRANGER, book one in the MEN OF WOLLSTONECRAFT series, is refreshing. I love that the series centers around a fictional family who are an offshoot of Mary Wollstonecraft, a woman who was such a strong advocate for women's rights in a time when it was not the popular opinion. I absolutely enjoyed the idea of men championing people's rights and freedoms; trying to open the world's eyes to what is really going on around them and to see what is right and wrong. If Riordan was real, I am sure Mary would have been extremely proud of him! Sabrina and Riordan's story has it's ups and downs, but together they will overcome any and all trials and tribulations. MARRIAGE WITH A PROPER STRANGER is my first novel by author Karyn Gerrard and I cannot wait to read her next masterpiece.
Sabrina is a widow who just want to live a quiet life. Unfortunately, she is at the mercy of her cold father who will see her married off once again to a man twice her age. Sabrina has been there and done that and suffered horribly in her first marriage. She must find another candidate for marriage before her father follows through with the arranged marriage. When Sabrina happens upon Riordan and witnesses what a kind and considerate teacher he is with his students, she knows he is the one. Now she must convince him to marry her.
Riordan is appalled at Sabrina's father's treatment of her. He wants to refuse when she asks for his help, but in the end, the decision is easy to make. Riordan will marry her and they can seek an annulment at the end of a three month period, thus freeing her from her father's clutches. What neither is expecting is that they might just come to care for one another. Find out what happens in MARRIAGE WITH A PROPER STRANGER.
MARRIAGE WITH A PROPER STRANGER, book one in the MEN OF WOLLSTONECRAFT series, is refreshing. I love that the series centers around a fictional family who are an offshoot of Mary Wollstonecraft, a woman who was such a strong advocate for women's rights in a time when it was not the popular opinion. I absolutely enjoyed the idea of men championing people's rights and freedoms; trying to open the world's eyes to what is really going on around them and to see what is right and wrong. If Riordan was real, I am sure Mary would have been extremely proud of him! Sabrina and Riordan's story has it's ups and downs, but together they will overcome any and all trials and tribulations. MARRIAGE WITH A PROPER STRANGER is my first novel by author Karyn Gerrard and I cannot wait to read her next masterpiece.
February 9, 2018
Publisher's Description:
“Build a wall about your heart.”
Riordan Wollstonecraft labors under the heavy burden of his forebears. For generations, a curse has followed the dashing young men of his family, guaranteeing the women they love an untimely death. The youngest grandson of the Earl of Wollstonecraft Hall, charismatic Riordan is quietly resigned to his fate, an educator who devotes his life to good works, and ignores any longing for something more . . .
Widowed and penniless, Lady Sabrina Lakeside is desperate to avoid a second forced betrothal—this time to an aged marquess. Her chance encounter with Riordan leads her to an impulsive offer: a temporary marriage of convenience that could benefit them both. His agreement is as surprising as it is welcome. Before long, Riordan’s keen intellect and kind words have Sabrina rethinking her plans of a union in name only. But her new husband is holding something back. Will giving in to their tantalizing passion lead her only to further heartache . . . or could it be the first step toward healing them both?
My Thoughts:
This book is an interesting take on a marriage of convenience.
Riordan never plans to marry due to the curse on the men of his family.
Lady Sabrina Lakeside wants nothing to do with a second forced betrothal and marriage especially after her first marriage.
Coming together in a planned marriage of convenience these two both have their own secrets. Sabrina eventually comes forth with hers, but has her husband done the same or is he still holding his secrets in check?
I gave this book 4 of 5 stars fro storyline and character development. It is possible that secondary characters in this story will have their own books.
Although a marriage conceived of convenience this couple finally gives in to their desires. I gave it a sensual rating of 2.5 of 5.0 flames.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
“Build a wall about your heart.”
Riordan Wollstonecraft labors under the heavy burden of his forebears. For generations, a curse has followed the dashing young men of his family, guaranteeing the women they love an untimely death. The youngest grandson of the Earl of Wollstonecraft Hall, charismatic Riordan is quietly resigned to his fate, an educator who devotes his life to good works, and ignores any longing for something more . . .
Widowed and penniless, Lady Sabrina Lakeside is desperate to avoid a second forced betrothal—this time to an aged marquess. Her chance encounter with Riordan leads her to an impulsive offer: a temporary marriage of convenience that could benefit them both. His agreement is as surprising as it is welcome. Before long, Riordan’s keen intellect and kind words have Sabrina rethinking her plans of a union in name only. But her new husband is holding something back. Will giving in to their tantalizing passion lead her only to further heartache . . . or could it be the first step toward healing them both?
My Thoughts:
This book is an interesting take on a marriage of convenience.
Riordan never plans to marry due to the curse on the men of his family.
Lady Sabrina Lakeside wants nothing to do with a second forced betrothal and marriage especially after her first marriage.
Coming together in a planned marriage of convenience these two both have their own secrets. Sabrina eventually comes forth with hers, but has her husband done the same or is he still holding his secrets in check?
I gave this book 4 of 5 stars fro storyline and character development. It is possible that secondary characters in this story will have their own books.
Although a marriage conceived of convenience this couple finally gives in to their desires. I gave it a sensual rating of 2.5 of 5.0 flames.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
February 5, 2018
Marriage with a Proper Stranger is the first book in the Men of Wollstonecraft Hall series by Karyn Gerrard.
Riordan Wollstonecraft is a second son, and also the youngest grandson of the Earl of Wollstonecraft Hall. The family has always been ready to help the underdog, especially underprivileged children, and the rights of women once they are married. So it's no surprise that when Riordan is asked by a woman to help her that he agrees.
Lady Sabrina Lakeside is that women. She was forced into marriage, a very bad one, by her father and when her husband died she had to move back home. Now he is trying to force her into another marriage, to an even more disgusting old man so she must use desperate measures to escape her plight. She asks Riordan to marry her, but only for long enough to get her father off her back, then they can get an annulment. Fortunately, there is an instant attraction between them, so a short time of marriage won't be too much of a hardship for either of them.
That is the basis of the story but there is so much more going on, such as Riordan working as a schoolmaster under a different identity, rather than living off his family's wealth. His twin going missing. What Sabrina has gone through, and what her evil father gets up to. Not to mention the fact that the Wollstonecrafts believe that there is a curse on the family that means that every woman that marries into the family for love ends up dying an early death.
This book is such a wonderful read because of just how much goes on in it. Sabrina's past is so heartbreaking because of her father's machinations and I shed tears for her. She deserves the happiness that Riordan can give her, but they have so many obstacles in their way. I couldn't read quickly enough to find out if she would get her happily ever after. I loved this book and definitely recommend it. I cannot wait for the next book in the series.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers' copy of this book.
Riordan Wollstonecraft is a second son, and also the youngest grandson of the Earl of Wollstonecraft Hall. The family has always been ready to help the underdog, especially underprivileged children, and the rights of women once they are married. So it's no surprise that when Riordan is asked by a woman to help her that he agrees.
Lady Sabrina Lakeside is that women. She was forced into marriage, a very bad one, by her father and when her husband died she had to move back home. Now he is trying to force her into another marriage, to an even more disgusting old man so she must use desperate measures to escape her plight. She asks Riordan to marry her, but only for long enough to get her father off her back, then they can get an annulment. Fortunately, there is an instant attraction between them, so a short time of marriage won't be too much of a hardship for either of them.
That is the basis of the story but there is so much more going on, such as Riordan working as a schoolmaster under a different identity, rather than living off his family's wealth. His twin going missing. What Sabrina has gone through, and what her evil father gets up to. Not to mention the fact that the Wollstonecrafts believe that there is a curse on the family that means that every woman that marries into the family for love ends up dying an early death.
This book is such a wonderful read because of just how much goes on in it. Sabrina's past is so heartbreaking because of her father's machinations and I shed tears for her. She deserves the happiness that Riordan can give her, but they have so many obstacles in their way. I couldn't read quickly enough to find out if she would get her happily ever after. I loved this book and definitely recommend it. I cannot wait for the next book in the series.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers' copy of this book.
January 11, 2018
I received Marriage with a Proper Stranger as part of a Goodreads giveaway.
Riordan Wollstonecraft, scion of the wealthy and progressive Wollstonecraft family, has an expansive, liberal view of the world, aside from one unchanging belief: he must not fall in love. Due to a centuries-old family curse, the women that Wollstonecraft men form attachments to succumb to an early grave. The only way for the curse to be broken, it is said, is for all the men of the family to fall in love within a year. Turning his attention away from romance, Riordan takes up a post as a schoolteacher in a progressive school, where he meets Lady Sabrina Lakeside, the widow of an elderly, unfeeling husband. To prevent her cruel father from selling her to the highest bidder, she makes a desperate offer to Riordan, the handsome schoolteacher she just met: marry her, allowing to escape her father's clutches, and she will give him an annulment and a portion of her dowry a few months in the future. Ever willing to help the lovely Sabrina out of a desperate situation, Riordan accedes, while steeling himself against falling for her. But fall for her he does, and he must reckon with his fear of the family curse and of hiding his true identity if he wants to move forward in his life with her.
I enjoyed this quite a bit. It's the first book in a series (which will detail the love stores of the other men of Wollstonecraft Hall and the presumed breaking of the curse), so there's a nice energy that can lack in later books. The characters, particularly Riordan, are very well drawn and their liberal, modern viewpoints have some basis in reality, even if those views are considered eccentric by their own society. Looking forward to reading more from Karyn Gerrard.
Riordan Wollstonecraft, scion of the wealthy and progressive Wollstonecraft family, has an expansive, liberal view of the world, aside from one unchanging belief: he must not fall in love. Due to a centuries-old family curse, the women that Wollstonecraft men form attachments to succumb to an early grave. The only way for the curse to be broken, it is said, is for all the men of the family to fall in love within a year. Turning his attention away from romance, Riordan takes up a post as a schoolteacher in a progressive school, where he meets Lady Sabrina Lakeside, the widow of an elderly, unfeeling husband. To prevent her cruel father from selling her to the highest bidder, she makes a desperate offer to Riordan, the handsome schoolteacher she just met: marry her, allowing to escape her father's clutches, and she will give him an annulment and a portion of her dowry a few months in the future. Ever willing to help the lovely Sabrina out of a desperate situation, Riordan accedes, while steeling himself against falling for her. But fall for her he does, and he must reckon with his fear of the family curse and of hiding his true identity if he wants to move forward in his life with her.
I enjoyed this quite a bit. It's the first book in a series (which will detail the love stores of the other men of Wollstonecraft Hall and the presumed breaking of the curse), so there's a nice energy that can lack in later books. The characters, particularly Riordan, are very well drawn and their liberal, modern viewpoints have some basis in reality, even if those views are considered eccentric by their own society. Looking forward to reading more from Karyn Gerrard.
February 27, 2018
Marriage with a Proper Stranger ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
(Men of Wollstonecraft Hall #1) By Karyn Gerrard
To be introduced to such a wonderful book that is part of new series by Ms Gerrard is an absolute delight. I have read quite a few of her books and she never disappoints.
It has been legend that the all the women who marry into The Wollstonecraft family die a premature death either by child birth, sickness or accident. It is with such a family weight that the men of this household will not find love or marriage.
The youngest of The Wollstonecraft men Riordan devotes his
life to helping others by his good works. He has taken up a position as a teacher in a nearby school under his mother’s name not to attract attention to this curse.
Sabrina Lakeside is a lady of distinction but left penniless. She learns lives that her abusive father who plans to marry off or for a better description sell her off to another cruel husband.It is this desperation that prompts Sabrina to search for a husband.
When the author has these two lonely people serendipitously
meet the magic occurs. Although, life has been unfair to both of them through the talent of this author you hang on every word they exchange. I cannot wait to read the rest of this series.
(Men of Wollstonecraft Hall #1) By Karyn Gerrard
To be introduced to such a wonderful book that is part of new series by Ms Gerrard is an absolute delight. I have read quite a few of her books and she never disappoints.
It has been legend that the all the women who marry into The Wollstonecraft family die a premature death either by child birth, sickness or accident. It is with such a family weight that the men of this household will not find love or marriage.
The youngest of The Wollstonecraft men Riordan devotes his
life to helping others by his good works. He has taken up a position as a teacher in a nearby school under his mother’s name not to attract attention to this curse.
Sabrina Lakeside is a lady of distinction but left penniless. She learns lives that her abusive father who plans to marry off or for a better description sell her off to another cruel husband.It is this desperation that prompts Sabrina to search for a husband.
When the author has these two lonely people serendipitously
meet the magic occurs. Although, life has been unfair to both of them through the talent of this author you hang on every word they exchange. I cannot wait to read the rest of this series.
February 1, 2018
‘Marriage with a proper stranger’ took a different slant on the typical romance novel with the main male character being quite noble and honourable. The name Wollstonecraft would resonate with many readers as Mary Wollstonecraft’s writings and beliefs were quite controversial at the time. Riordan Wollstonecraft obviously shares his ancestors’ strong beliefs and not only is he intent on providing education to everyone, he comes to the assistance of Lady Sabrina Lakeside. As a young widow, Sabrina has been relying on her father for financial support, but he is forcing her to marry again, in order for her to leave his house. Sabrina approaches Riordan in the hope that he will marry her for a short period of time before they annul the marriage. However, as Riordan and Sabrina spend time together, the likelihood of an annulment diminishes.
I enjoyed this different perspective of women’s rights, seen through the eyes of the men of Wollstonecraft.
I received an advanced review copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed this different perspective of women’s rights, seen through the eyes of the men of Wollstonecraft.
I received an advanced review copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 7, 2018
This was a real treat of a book, Riordan Wollstonecraft believes that love is a curse, if he goes by all the women ithat the men in his family have lost.... then it must be true. Love is off limits forever. For him giving back to his community is and will be his priority. Education is a means of survival,
But when he meets the lovely widow Sabrina Lakeside he’s surprised to find that he’s willing to help in her plight. Sabrina’s father is ready to barter her off to a man twice her age, she’s desperate to find a solution. She doesn’t want to be forced into another horrible marriage she just wants to live a quite life. So when Riordan offers a marriage of convenience she accepts. But when passion develops between them Sabrina is willing to make things work but Riordan is holding out secrets that may jeopardize their newfound love.
One amazing story that will have lovers of historical romance enjoying this difficult to put down this new book. I recieved a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley for my honest unbiased opinion.
But when he meets the lovely widow Sabrina Lakeside he’s surprised to find that he’s willing to help in her plight. Sabrina’s father is ready to barter her off to a man twice her age, she’s desperate to find a solution. She doesn’t want to be forced into another horrible marriage she just wants to live a quite life. So when Riordan offers a marriage of convenience she accepts. But when passion develops between them Sabrina is willing to make things work but Riordan is holding out secrets that may jeopardize their newfound love.
One amazing story that will have lovers of historical romance enjoying this difficult to put down this new book. I recieved a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley for my honest unbiased opinion.
January 13, 2018
I want to thank Karyn Gerrard, author and Goodreads First Reads Giveaway for my eBook Kindle copy of Marriage with a Proper Stranger that I won in the Giveaway.
Riordan Black Wollstonecraft comes from an old English family with a curse hanging over them and the pressure of family expectations. He is for reform of education for the common man and woman in England so he takes a position in a small school to try his new ideas on how to educate children.
Lady Sabrina Lakeside wants desperately to escape her brutal father and the match to a lecherous old man. She approaches Riordan with an idea. She wants them to marry and have the marriage annulled so she can get out from under the control of her father and his plans for her.
Riordan makes a plan, carries it out and rescues Sabrina. Romance develops, she is kidnapped and rescued again before they find a happy ending. I loved the deep emotional connection, the danger and excitement in this historical romance.
Riordan Black Wollstonecraft comes from an old English family with a curse hanging over them and the pressure of family expectations. He is for reform of education for the common man and woman in England so he takes a position in a small school to try his new ideas on how to educate children.
Lady Sabrina Lakeside wants desperately to escape her brutal father and the match to a lecherous old man. She approaches Riordan with an idea. She wants them to marry and have the marriage annulled so she can get out from under the control of her father and his plans for her.
Riordan makes a plan, carries it out and rescues Sabrina. Romance develops, she is kidnapped and rescued again before they find a happy ending. I loved the deep emotional connection, the danger and excitement in this historical romance.
December 29, 2017
I really, really enjoyed reading this story but a few things didnt add up.
Yes, being a historian and a vivid reader though English isnt my mother tongue, you start to notice things that do not fit together. Firs tof all it's the language - it's not formal enough for the days the story takes place. Unfortunately it's a huge issue for me. It's more 1950s like, some parts even up to today and that doesnt fit. Second - I have read tons of 19th Century novels and never ever did a man wear silk undergarments. Third, the whole issue with the cat. Why should a cat on the countryside not be allowed to go outdoors and go to a litter box?
As much as I love this story, the idea was great, the character development well done - but those three things are an issue for me that's why I can only give it 3,5 stars.
Yes, being a historian and a vivid reader though English isnt my mother tongue, you start to notice things that do not fit together. Firs tof all it's the language - it's not formal enough for the days the story takes place. Unfortunately it's a huge issue for me. It's more 1950s like, some parts even up to today and that doesnt fit. Second - I have read tons of 19th Century novels and never ever did a man wear silk undergarments. Third, the whole issue with the cat. Why should a cat on the countryside not be allowed to go outdoors and go to a litter box?
As much as I love this story, the idea was great, the character development well done - but those three things are an issue for me that's why I can only give it 3,5 stars.
January 25, 2018
Arguably a four.....
however... I am giving 5. Why.... Incredibly executed story line that was different in many ways, more than my expectations. I would of liked a little more of each character, but I was engrossed in the story from page one until the very end. I really want to read more on this family and will be keeping my eyes out for them now. This is a book to be savored and enjoyed not one you will want to race through. It has so many different and compelling situations that it will touch your imagination and your heart. So I had to give five stars to be fair. While its not perfect it is a great read. I was given this book in return for an honest review. Regards, Anna
however... I am giving 5. Why.... Incredibly executed story line that was different in many ways, more than my expectations. I would of liked a little more of each character, but I was engrossed in the story from page one until the very end. I really want to read more on this family and will be keeping my eyes out for them now. This is a book to be savored and enjoyed not one you will want to race through. It has so many different and compelling situations that it will touch your imagination and your heart. So I had to give five stars to be fair. While its not perfect it is a great read. I was given this book in return for an honest review. Regards, Anna
May 12, 2018
Likable hero and heroine and overall a good romance. My one problem is that the heroine was a previous victim of rape, so the hero took things slowly with her sexually, teaching her things, which I loved, but when they eventually have intercourse they are practically ripping each others clothes off, which didn't seem to fit with what had come previously. There was also some set up of romances with side characters, which was alright, but they had no real pay off because they were not concluded in this book, and I couldn't help but wish those sections would end so I could get back to the hero and heroine.
January 29, 2018
Overall satisfying romance starring a very likeable heroine-Sabrina (rich girl with horrible father) and hero (handsome man with a family curse) and an interesting mix of characters. I would definitely like to read the next books in the series. Was this a genius story with original plot? No, not really. Parts of it I found very unbelievable and there was the overused plot line of hero marrying heroine in a marriage of convenience but still, I found the book sweet.
Thank you goodreads for this win!!
Thank you goodreads for this win!!
March 15, 2022
A Beautiful Love Story!
Sometimes it pays to look out of the box for an author whose work you haven't read before.
Karyn Gerrard is totally new to me and I am so glad I found her.
This particular book was so beautifully written. It's characters are really well formed and the two main ones, Riordan and Sabrina were just meant for each other.
It has a sound love story and I enjoyed watching the two of them slowly fall more and more in love. Of course their undisclosed secrets almost ruin everything but they manage to have a happy ever after.
Sometimes it pays to look out of the box for an author whose work you haven't read before.
Karyn Gerrard is totally new to me and I am so glad I found her.
This particular book was so beautifully written. It's characters are really well formed and the two main ones, Riordan and Sabrina were just meant for each other.
It has a sound love story and I enjoyed watching the two of them slowly fall more and more in love. Of course their undisclosed secrets almost ruin everything but they manage to have a happy ever after.
June 11, 2018
Not just a HEA
A different historical romance in that a family of progressive ideals were given much attention along with a son, Riordan, who taught school with plans to build his own progressive school. Add to this a woman, Sabrina, who never had love and looked to Riordan to aid her in gaining independence. A few subplots added to the story and the Victorian setting appeared realistic. Quite an enjoyable read.
A different historical romance in that a family of progressive ideals were given much attention along with a son, Riordan, who taught school with plans to build his own progressive school. Add to this a woman, Sabrina, who never had love and looked to Riordan to aid her in gaining independence. A few subplots added to the story and the Victorian setting appeared realistic. Quite an enjoyable read.
April 13, 2022
A horrible husband and father so this book was a bit to deal with. Lucky for the widow Sabrina she met Riordan Wollstonecraft. What a real gentleman as was the rest of his family. These men lived with the idea the men of the family were cursed if they married but Riordan did not truly believe this. He fell in love with Sabrina on sight. After a few mishaps and evil people trying to come between them she finally learned to open up to the love he had for her. This was a great read as I always expect from Ms Gerard. Can't wait to read the next book.
January 28, 2018
I received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is book 1 in series and I am looking forward to more. This was a good introduction to the series. I enjoyed it a great deal. We have the men of Wollstonecraft who are cursed to have the women in their family die. The story was well done and I enjoyed the romance that grew. Looking forward to more!
March 29, 2018
Reviewed for NetGalley:
I was not a fan of this book. I felt like the villains were villains to be villainous and there was a sense of gothic hyperbole in this book that I didn't really care for. I also felt like the main characters ended up falling in love too quickly, and I love the arranged marriage trope, but this time it didn't work for me.
I was not a fan of this book. I felt like the villains were villains to be villainous and there was a sense of gothic hyperbole in this book that I didn't really care for. I also felt like the main characters ended up falling in love too quickly, and I love the arranged marriage trope, but this time it didn't work for me.
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