The Marriage Ring
Author: Cathy Maxwell
Publisher: Avon/HarperCollins
Pub. Date: February 23, 2010
ISBN-13: 978-0061771927
Retail Price: $7.99
368 pagesThe woman who will one day wear Richard Lynsted’s ring will be genteel, dainty, and well-bred.
This eliminates Grace MacEachin on all three counts. A hellion of the first order, the alluring, infuriating woman would be nothing more than a passing temptation to an upstanding gentleman like Richard—if it weren’t for the fact that she’s trying to blackmail his father!
Or, as Grace sees it, trying to get justice—and maybe just the slightest hint of revenge on the family that tore her life asunder when she was just a girl. And as for Lynsted, well, the stuffy, humorless man wouldn’t suffer for time spent in company more exciting than that of his company ledgers. Only when Richard gets Grace alone, she discovers he may know a thing or two about excitement after all . . .
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The Marriage Ring is a touching story about love and trust between two people very much alone in the world. This book takes an overworked, stoic man and pits him against an independent, experienced woman— and let me tell you… the sparks are going to fly!
The Marriage Ring is an interesting tale of discovery, matching two very unlikely characters in a battle of stubborn wills. But this battle turns to a love that neither expects and a story that leaves the reader with a pleasant smile on their face. It is an odd romantic story, no less sweet, but a strange progression to love and perhaps a little rushed. You do feel the characters getting to know each other better – something I liked about this book. I often read books where you don’t get a sense of growth between the leading characters and their love then seems too forced. Cathy does not let us down with her loving tale.
Richard, our hero, is a rare breed; a celibate man with a hidden sensual side, a mix of naivety and daring. He is intelligent and hardworking but possesses an air of innocence about him that I have never seen before in a romance novel. I had a hard time warming up to him… just my personal taste as I like the strong, dominant male types in my stories.
He is a good match for our bold, independent heroine Grace. She is full of fire and spunk and takes nonsense from no one. But a troubled past and a lot of heartache has left her unable to trust, just the ticket when she is traveling in a carriage with a straight-laced man who keeps telling himself he wants nothing to do with her… but we all know what he is really thinking…
The love scenes in this book are tame but loving, great for those who don’t like the graphic descriptions found in some other books.
Overall, this story was a mild tale that missed the mark on my excitement scale. If a book is “light on the love” it needs to be strong in plot to hold a reader’s interest. That being said, I would still recommend Cathy Maxwell as an author. I have read at least half of her books and thoroughly enjoyed them all.
Rating: 7 (Good)
Heat Level: 2 (Mild)
Buy Links: Book Depository ~ $6.49 | Barnes & Noble (ebook) ~ $5.59
Comment to enter to win your own copy of The Marriage Ring.
I haven’t gotten this one yet, but sure is on my lists — liked the others that came before, so most definitely would love a chance to win one! 🙂
Lois
Great Review Danielle. I look forward to reading this.
This has been a good series. I especially enjoyed THE EARL CLAIMS HIS WIFE. I have been looking forward to reading this next book. Thanks for the review and giveaway.
After reading your review I am very interested in reading this book.
Your description of Richard intrigues me ~ I would have to agree that I neither have ever read a book with a hero like this.
I have been a fan of Cathy’s for awhie and enjoyed reading her books. This one sounds really good so added it to my TBR list.
Thanks for the review, another book to add to my wish list!
Great reveiw! I would love to read this book, I have been hearing so much about it! Can’t wait to get it!
Thanks for the review and thanks too for a chance to win it.
Thanks Danielle! I have not read Cathy but will have to give it a whirl!
This book sounds good. I have this book on my TBB list, but would like a chance to win it!
I’ve long been an admirer of Cathy’s work, and am very much looking forward to reading this one! I usually like an alpha hero as well, but this one sounds intriguing and original!
Thanks for the review, and the chance to win! 🙂
A wonderful review .I look forward to reading the book.
Great review Danielle! Very honest and your points were made clear. I look forward to more of your reviews. I love Cathy’s writing so I’d definitely like to win this.
Sounds like my kind of book. I can handle the heat level being turned down a bit. Things are getting too graphic for my taste in many of the books coming out. Character development is a good thing.
Thanks for the informative review, now I want to read this one even more than before.
This book looks great! Thanks for the review Danielle, it was very helpful for me!
Good review! The book sounds interesting 🙂 And I really like the cover.
It looks like an unusual but interesting story and I would love to win it.
I’ve always enjoyed Cathy’s books. I didn’t realize that this was part of a series. I love to read books in a series. I’ve added this to my TBB list and will be checking out this book and the rest of the series soon. Thanks for the review.