Merely a Marriage by Jo Beverley ~ Review

Title: Merely a Marriage
Author: Jo Beverley
Genre: Historical Romance, Regency
Length: 384 pages
Publisher: Berkley Books
Release Date: May 20, 2017
Source: NetGalley
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

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.

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Lady Ariana Boxstall is frightened. She's afraid that if her somewhat reckless brother doesn't marry and produce an heir soon, that he'll end up dead and she and her mother will be left in the hands of a cruel cousin. Ariana Boxstall may or may not be overreacting. Death is on everyone's minds and she wants to make sure her family is secure.

She strikes a deal with her brother that he will marry soon, but she has to marry first....and she's not really the debutante anymore. Her first season was a disaster, and she's not looking forward to going on a new husband hunt. As a taller than average woman, she does not fit into the ton's status quo. 

I enjoyed Lady Ariana a lot. She was intelligent and curious, but also afraid to make waves with it by being too open. She was insecure and confident at the same time. She was a real person, with numerous faults balance by lovely personality attributes and a true caring about those close to her. This is balanced out by the Earl of Kynaston, who is not exactly what he appears at first (of course). 

Their rocky "friendship" was an entertaining development that will keep you wondering when they'll both get their heads of the sand and realize they're perfect for each other. There's a good scandal (of course - but who doesn't love a good scandal) and suddenly things start to fall into place.

Merely a Marriage was a fun and quick read with some engaging side characters that just might need their own story if they don't have one already.

**I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book**

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Review: Living London by Kristin Vayden

Title: Living London
Author: Kristin Vayden
Genre: Young Adult, Historical, Regency, Time Travel
Source: FirstReads
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

What if you found yourself waking up two hundred years in the past? What if you wore the gowns and waltzed around Almacks? What if you found out first hand just how dangerous a rake could be, or how much fun? For Jocelyn Westin, this is her reality. But reading all the historical fiction in the world could never have prepared her for what it would be like to be “Living London.”

Living London was light, fun, and very entertaining.  Jocelyn thinks of herself as an expert in Regency, until she finds herself trying to live it.  The etiquette lessons and countless changes of clothes for various affairs (which all include the dreaded corset) weren't what she expected.  Through the whole experience Jocelyn finds a handful of close friends that are willing to guide her through the many pitfalls of London's ton.  With a romantic lovestory flowing gently along until it causes a huge scandal that leaves society shocked and thrilled at the juicy gossip.

While this wasn't the most memorable read of the year, it was one of the most fun.  There was a lot of substance for an almost novella (just a little longer), but it was a little too happy go lucky for me to give too many more stars.  I do like a little more drama.

*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*

Barnes & Noble: Living London