Welcome to Sugarbeat’s Books – The Home of the Romance Novel
Today is a review for Leigh Michael’s latest – The Wedding Affair. If you drop back tomorrow, we are having the author visit the blog and Sourcebooks is allowing me to give away two complete sets of Leigh Michael’s current set of books ((The Mistress’ House, Just One Season in London and The Wedding Affair) So…drop by tomorrow and enter the giveaway!
The Wedding Affair by Leigh Michaels
ISBN: 978-1-4022-4421-6
Release: September 2011
Source : Sourcebooks
The Duke of Somervale’s sister is getting married in the wedding of year — but the wedding guests are in the mood for affairs, not vows!
The Duke needs the help of beautiful, stubborn Olivia Reyne to fight off the debutantes who have taken over his country estate. Olivia’s willing to help — at a price which will secure the future for her small daughter.
Penny Townsend sees the wedding as her last chance to salvage her arranged marriage and turn it into something more than a matter of convenience.
And vicar’s daughter Kate Blakely needs a job — and fast — before she gives in to the tempting presence of her first love!
Simon, the Duke of Somervale has arrived at the family home in advance of his sister’s wedding. Much to his dismay, he finds his house littered with bridesmaids. His peace is shattered and his bachelor state is at risk. He needs some help. He sends off some letters to some fellow bachelors to come and help, but they won’t arrive for days. In the meantime he is being very careful! While on a ride into town he runs into Olivia Reyne. Olivia is a nobleman’s widow with a small daughter trying to survive on the small pittance she has brought from her marriage. Sparks fly immediately between them, although at first they are sparks of anger!
Kate Blakely, the daughter of the now deceased town’s vicar, is living with Olivia. The new vicar is due to arrive any day, and although she has sent a note asking for help from the Duchess, she hasn’t heard anything yet. Olivia tries to make Kate feel welcome. Kate knows that she is a drain on Olivia’s resources and hopes to get some help finding a position soon. It seems that one of the bachelors that Simon has begged to come and help/protect him is Andrew Carlisle. Kate has had a crush on Andrew since she followed him and Simon around as a youngster.
Penelope Townsend is a newlywed who’s father essentially bought her a titled husband. Her father may work hard and have alot of money, but he seems to be totally lacking in class! Penny is desperate to find a way to reach her new husband, Charles, and make her arranged marriage into a real one. She sees this wedding that they have been invited to as an opportunity to get to know Charles better and see what compromise they can come to.
The Wedding Affair is a thoroughly delightful book. One that I had trouble putting down once I picked it up. It is one of those books that you read into the wee hours trying to find out how everything works out.
Leigh Michaels does an outstanding job of creating characters that simply jump off the pages. This is the second book that I have read of hers in a short period of time. I read Just One Season in London a short time ago, and was equally taken by that book. Both stories have several romances developing simultaneously as the story progresses. I loved all the characters in this story. I would be hard pressed to choose a favorite. Simon is so desperate to avoid the shenanigans of the bridesmaids that he makes a deal with Olivia to pretend to be engaged. Olivia is so desperate to make some money in order to stay in her house, she agrees to the charade. The development of their relationship is wonderful to read!
Penny’s situation is totally heart wrenching. She is determined to make the best of her marriage. If she can’t have her husband’s affections, she at least wants some children. But in order to have children, she needs to lure her reluctant husband to her bed. She hasn’t been successful yet as her husband is never home. She’s hoping if they are out in the country at someone else’s house, she will have better luck.
Kate is a feisty character. She is determined to make her way in the world, but this feistiness makes her realize that certain jobs won’t be applicable for her. Speaking one’s mind is not a good idea when a companion to an older woman, for example. Reading about Kate and Andrew rediscover each other after some years is wonderful. I was actually laughing out loud at parts! I can’t use the word delightful too often to describe this book!
The Wedding Affair is a totally delightful book filled with engaging characters, quick moving action and sizzling romance. Not to be missed!
