MERELY A MARRIAGE is set in the world of Jo Beverley's Company of Rogues series without actually being a book in that series. In this story, the death of Princess Charlotte gets the main characters obsessing over and agonizing over thoughts of marriage and childbirth. This book also focuses on the many annoyances of having to deal with high society and the gossip that permeates it. Lady Ariana Boxstall and the Earl of Kynaston fall hard for each other, going against their better judgment and public opinion.

Lady Ariana Boxstall is determined to get her brother to the altar, even if it means she is forced to take the plunge herself first. Ariana has an extremely strong personality to fit her statuesque frame. Jo Beverley does a wonderful job of showing the reader Ariana's secret self-doubts and insecurities that make her more than just a mercenary aristocrat. Knowing that Ariana has sensitivities as well as a spine of steel makes her more three-dimensional. This is a great book for readers who enjoy stories with a hero and heroine who have a past and a slightly antagonistic relationship with each other initially. Kynaston seems like something of an enigma to me in the beginning of this story. I couldn't quite make out what his true feelings for Ariana are. I'm thankful that Jo Beverley decides to tell MERELY A MARRIAGE from alternating perspectives since the two main characters keep their true feelings close to the vest.

The supporting characters in MERELY A MARRIAGE make this book truly exceptional. I like shrewd female characters who are not easily ruffled, and this story has those in abundance. Ariana's sturdy companion Ethel Burgis and Kynaston's sister Phyllis may be worlds apart in some ways, but I love their pragmatism and intelligence. Mr. Edgar Peake is another gem of a character. Peake's quirkiness, and a keen eye for human foibles as well as unique collectibles, make him a good friend for this hero and heroine to have.

MERELY A MARRIAGE is part Regency romance and part Shakespearean comedy. The sexual tension between Ariana and Kynaston through much of this story is intense. The secondary romance in MERELY A MARRIAGE helps spur the story and relationship between Ariana and Kynaston forward. I love a good epilogue, so I find it very satisfying that Jo Beverley follows up on loose ends at the conclusion of this book and checks in with favorite characters. This book has the witty dialogue and multifaceted characters I look for in a historical romance.

Book Summary

The New York Times bestselling author of The Viscount Needs a Wife returns with another roguishly delicious Regency romance...

As England mourns the death of Princess Charlotte, Lady Ariana Boxstall has another succession in mind. Her brother, Norris, is a strapping young man, but he’s also happily unmarried and childless. Norris agrees to take a wife on one condition: that Ariana take a husband first. Although she realizes she risks a lifetime in a loveless marriage, for the sake of her family, Ariana accepts his challenge.

When the Earl of Kynaston met Ariana eight years ago, he broke her heart. Since then, his own heart has been broken, and he’s sworn off love...until he sees Ariana all grown-up and his resolve is threatened.

Could Ariana’s bargain with Norris actually lead her to happiness? With real love on the line, she must win over the one man who refuses to be had.