C2’s review of Confessions from an Arranged Marriage (Burgundy Club, Book 4) by Miranda Neville
Historical Romance published by Avon 27 Mar 12
What began as a drunken prank on a friend ended up being a scandalous encounter. So what happens when a young lady with political aspirations gets caught in a compromising position with a gentleman with no aspirations at all? Miranda Neville shows us in her latest release, Confessions from an Arranged Marriage.
The Marquis of Blakeney (Blake to his intimates) is back in London after spending the last few years at his family’s country seat. His father, the Duke of Hampton, thought it was because Blake was interested in his future duties as duke, finally. Actually, it was because a “friend” signed a large IOU in his name. Blake had to take care of the debt or his Secret would be revealed. At a ball, Blake thought he was teasing a flirtatious duchess awaiting a tryst. In reality, Blake compromised the very serious Miss Minerva Montrose – while she was recuperating from a migraine, no less. And he was caught by a crowd of important members of the ton…including his mother. Of course, they must marry – and it is decided it must look like a love match to save face.
An aside – I read two books back-to-back with heroines named Minerva and both of them had older sisters named Diana. So odd. Onward…
Minerva has always been interested in politics. She is a Reformer and wants to marry a gentleman with political leanings so she can guide his career and influence the future of the nation. Waking up from a nap with Blake’s head under her skirts certainly took care of those ambitions. Although the Dukes of Hampton have always played a large role in political matters, no one really expects Blake to do so. Minerva and most of her friends (and also the duke and duchess) think Blake is stupid and much more interested in horses and hunting than anything to do with government. Minerva remains somewhat hopeful that she will have some political part to play after she becomes part of the Vanderlin family but soon realizes how unlikely that will happen.
During their wedding trip to France, Blake receives word that his father is extremely ill and he and Minerva rush back to England. The duke’s illness worsens and he passes away – leaving Blake the head of the family – and all the power that includes, whether he likes it or not.
When a man who has made a point of being irresponsible is suddenly saddled with more responsibilities than he ever wanted, what happens? Blake will need help and people he can trust around him, but he has a secret that could bring his world down around his ears. Can he learn to trust the wife his drunken prank landed him? Or will his family’s reputation be lost?
Both lead characters mature a great deal over the course of the book – Blake, because he has to, after he inherits the dukedom. He had already started down the road to maturity after landing in debt, but who knows what might have happened if his father had lived? Minerva starts out very young…and very focused on her interests and not much else. Earnest youngsters make my head hurt sometimes, by the way. Anyhoo, she does finally start to grow up after she sees that the world she so wanted to be part of isn’t quite as she imagined. For me, both lead characters (and many supporting characters) start off mostly unlikeable. Blake grows on me but Minerva doesn’t.
This is the first book I’ve read by Ms. Neville and, while I liked it, I think reading the previous books in the series would have increased my enjoyment. There are relationships and situations carried over from earlier books that left me out of the loop a bit. Will I go back and read the earlier books? Probably not.
Also, I’ll admit I have no love for (and very little interest in) politics of any sort – kind of like poor Blake, actually. He resolves himself to his situation and makes the best of it…I’m not sure I manage that as well as he does. And a secret similar to Blake’s is handled much better in Courtney Milan’s Unveiled – a most excellent read, says me.
If you have read and enjoyed Ms. Neville’s previous books, I am confident you will enjoy this one too. If you are new to this author and are interested in trying her books, I recommend starting at the beginning of the series.
Grade: C+
Summary:
They couldn’t be more different, but there’s one thing they agree on.
In London after a two-year exile, Lord Blakeney plans to cut a swathe through the bedchambers of the demimonde. Marriage is not on his agenda, especially to an annoying chit like Minerva Montrose, with her superior attitude and a tendency to get into trouble. And certainly the last man Minerva wants is Blake, a careless wastrel without a thought in his handsome head.
The heat and noise of her debutante ball give Minerva a migraine. Surely a moment’s rest could do no harm … until Blake mistakes her for another lady, leaving Minerva’s guests to catch them in a very compromising position. To her horror, the scandal will force them to do the unthinkable: marry. Their mutual loathing blazes into unexpected passion but Blake remains distant, desperate to hide a shameful secret. Minerva’s never been a woman to take things lying down, and she’ll let nothing stop her from winning his trust … and his heart.
Read an excerpt.
Other books in the series:
