The Marriage Contract

✍ Scribed by Cathy Maxwell

• Book ID: 110816313
• Publisher: Avon
• Year: 2001
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 98 KB
• Category: Fiction
• ISBN-13: 9780061747328

✦ Synopsis

He was a man exiled from society - handsome, unpredictable, and proud. Dark rumours surrounded his name. But Anne Burnett had signed a marriage contract binding her to Aiden Black, the Earl of Tiebauld. And although she′d never met him, she′s determined to keep her word and make theirs a marriage in truth. Because a well-bred lady with little fortune to recommend her has no choice. From the moment she arrived, Anne fell in love with Kelwin Castle and its roguishly handsome laird. By day, he instils a fierce loyalty in his people with his masterful ways...and by night, he tempts Anne to surrender her innocence to him. But while he is willing to offer his body, Aiden refuses to give Anne his heart...making her wonder what prevents him from truly claiming her as his wife.

Amazon.com Review

Setting: London and Scotland, 1815 Sensuality Rating: 7 Married by proxy to a man she's never laid eyes on, one who's rumored to be insane, at that, sensible Anne Burnett wonders what she's gotten herself into. When Anne arrives at her new home in the Scottish Highlands, she is greeted by a half-naked, blue-faced man wielding a knife. This, of course, is Anne's new husband, Aidan Black, the Earl of Thiebauld. Thiebauld is furious with his older sister's unwelcome meddling and is determined not to accept the bride so summarily dumped on him, no matter how appealing her direct manner, fine gray eyes, and womanly curves. But her husband didn't count on Anne's determination to finally have her own home, her own people, and her own place in the world. And he certainly didn't count on the gut-wrenching passion that flames out of control every time Anne comes near him. Maxwell's trademark humor, realistic dramatic scenes, and fast-paced storytelling is greatly in evidence in The Marriage Contract. Cathy Maxwell is definitely a rising star among romance authors. Keep an eye on her and enjoy! --Alison Trinkle

From Publishers Weekly

The sympathetic protagonists and engaging writing style characteristic of Maxwell's Regency romances will ensure that her latest (following Because of You, Falling In Love Again) will be well received by newcomers and loyal readers alike. Set in 1815, the narrative unfolds as plucky Anne Burnett, an impoverished orphan, is married by proxy to the Mad Earl Tiebauld, Aidan Black, and sent to Castle Kelwin in Scotland to tell him the news. Handsome, powerful and eccentric (but hardly "mad"), Aidan is less than thrilled when he discovers that his sister arranged the marriage. Although he tries to send her back to London, stubborn, resourceful Anne digs in, winning over his clan. Slowly Aidan's life changes from the inside out, and he begins to doubt if he wants to send her back after all. Amusing and romantic by turns, the relationship is further complicated by a subplot involving a band of Jacobite rebels with whom Aidan becomes entangled, but the affair between the two sparring equals remains paramount. Despite the addition of an epilogue and an afterword, both unnecessary after such a well-wrought tale, this is a delicious read from an accomplished Regency author. (Feb.) Forecast: Maxwell mixes humor with meticulous characterization to create memorable stories. Since she's not the most prolific romance writer, her fans will be eager to get their hands on this rewarding Regency, though a generic cover doesn't add much to the book's appeal. Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.