Part of the Penniless Brides of Convenience mini series, The Earl’s Countess of Convenience follows Eloise Brannagh, who has been living with her sisters under the care of her Aunt Kate, entering into a marriage of Convenience and name only with the Earl of Fearnoch, Alexander Sinclair. She has seen what passion can do and is so quite content to live in a passion free marriage. Her new husband, however, is much more handsome and intriguing - he turns out to be a spy - than she anticipated so she may be forced to break her self imposed rules!!!
Eloise is instantly likeable. Her interaction with her sisters brings some light relief and humour to the book. Alexander's role is more mysterious as he turns out to be a spy. Neither wants to fall in love and so both are content with a name in only marriage. Slowly the chemistry builds until they get their HEA if they want it or not!


I received this novel from Mills & Boon via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

A marriage of convenience that isn’t all that it seemed. He, it turns out, is a spy. The intrigue is carried well and the story somewhat believable
A good way to spend a wet weekend!

Well The Earl’s Countess of Convenience was a wonderful slow burner of a romance. Marguerite Kaye built up the chemistry in such a way that meant I was rooting for this couple to get their happy ever after. Eloise has been living with her sisters under the care of their Aunt Kate when a letter arrives with an interesting proposal for her. A marriage in name only to Alexander Sinclair, one that will not only benefit Eloise and Alexander but also her sisters. The only problem is that sparks begin to fly the more time they spend together.

Both characters had an engaging quality about them and I really enjoyed how their connection wasn’t rushed which definitely helped to add a more realistic edge. Eloise was instantly likeable especially when you see the interactions with her sisters. Even though they were only a small part of this book they brought a bit of lightness and fun to the plot so I do hope that they will get their own story in the Penniless Brides of Convenience series! Now with Alexander’s character you have that little bit of mystery surrounding him which I do think helped to add an interesting edge however I will admit that it took me a little longer to warm to his character.

The marriage of convenience trope is obviously a well used one but I felt that Marguerite Kaye put a slightly different spin on things. Helping to make it seem fresh and interesting with a back story that explained the reluctance of this couple to engage in a real relationship. The relationship didn’t feel rushed and on the whole I think it developed pretty naturally making The Earl’s Countess of Convenience a wonderful, sweet and romantic story.

Book One of Four from the Penniless Brides of Convenience Series.
Eloise Brannagh, is the oldest sister and has spent most of her time looking after her sisters. Marriage was never an option before however when her uncle suggests a marriage in name only to Alexander Sinclair so that he may claim his inheritance. She accepts so that she will have financial freedom.
Although this was a standard storyline progression, I did quite enjoy it. The first few chapters were a bit dull and mainly gave a lot of background into the history of the Brannagh family as well a lengthy initial meeting between Eloise and Alexander. The story did pick up after wedding and the development of the relationship and building of tension between the characters was very well written. Although the focus was mainly on the two main characters, Marguerite Kaye neatly drops in reminders about the other characters in the series as well as character’s from her previous books.
I am interested in finding out more about the stories of the twins and Aunt Kate. I am sure that there will also be an update on Eloise and Alexander story in future books.

Ah, Mills and Boon are back with another extremely literal title! This is a really great example of a Regency romance with a marriage of convenience – it really impressed me with its depth of character and sweetness.

This was such a fun read! I really enjoy the trope of a convenient relationship where both parties are determined not to fall in love, but can’t help it – there’s a twist here though, in that both Alexander and Eloise don’t want to fall in love for their own reasons, rather than the usual “oh no but he/she doesn’t want me”. Eloise grew up in a home that was filled with rows, which her mother blamed on ‘passion’, so she fears love; Alexander has a job that could be compromised if his priorities change. They agree to marry so that Alexander can come into his title (weird entailments being a specialty of the genre!), but both are determined that falling in love would wreck their lives. It’s interesting to see them fight against their obvious attraction for fear of betraying themselves, rather than because they fear the other person isn’t interested.

It’s nice to see that although the attraction between Eloise and Alexander has a physical element, they also become genuinely fond of each other. They both go out of their way to do small things that would please the other person. Alexander especially has a knack for knowing what will appeal to Eloise – she’s a keen dressmaker, and he takes her to a silk warehouse, for example, which enchants her! They are also pretty good for each other emotionally. They help each other to accept the damage done by their different, but equally miserable, childhoods, and they seem to become real rocks for each other. The subplot with Alexander’s hatred of his childhood home, and the changes that Eloise makes to make him more comfortable in it, is particularly lovely.

I’m definitely going to look out more of Marguerite Kaye’s books, because this is genuinely one of the most solid couples I’ve seen in historical romance. I have no doubts that they are built to last, and it was really comforting to read about such a strong marriage and such kind and generous protagonists. Highly recommended if you need a pick-me-up read!

A joyous, smoke and mirrors, read of intrigue, based in historical times, an unemotional marriage of convenience deal, that turns out not to be the case at all.

She married a secret agent, they both fell in love, they tried to deny it, as they had agreed to an in name only marriage.

The best made plans don't always follow all the rules, where love and undeniably, intensely strong emotions are involved. This makes for a very happy ever after ending romance.

I tried to like this book, the description made it sound like it would be a very good read.
The background and details in the book were described well, even the characters seemed to be developed relatively well.
But I couldn't get into the story for some reason, I felt no chemistry between the h & h, no connection or attraction.
I couldn't finish reading the book, unfortunately it just didn't capture my attention .

I like a marriage of convenience story and this one did not disappoint. Eloise’s reasons for avoiding a love match were well set up at the start and the gradual revealation of Alexander’s background and reasons for requiring a white marriage was also credible and well done. Although this story is the first of a quartet the story was well-focused and real care taken to show the characters’ emotions being pulled slowly towards each other while still resisting surrender. The sauce underwear scene was also great fun!

I never thought historical romance could be intriguing but you proved me wrong. I really enjoyed this novel that keep me guessing unto the end and left me with one question. Is the uncle working for the ........... . No spoiler. Looking forward to the next novel...

The book opened with several pages of serious info-dumping as Eloise and her family discuss their past and set up the facts of the story opening: that the Earl has written to propose a marriage of convenience with Eloise. The slew of telling went on to the point that I completely lost track of who was being talked about. Despite that quite off-putting start, I did quickly get drawn in once Alexander Sinclair arrive at Eloise's house and they started talking. Each had formed various opinions about the other and now found that not only were those ideas quite wrong, but actually the other person was quite attractive and they were really enjoying talking to them.

I loved that the drama of the story is totally built around their relationship. Often in the historical romance books I've read, there is some kind of dramatic event near the end - a duel, a kidnapping, blackmail - that causes the hero and heroine to realise their true feelings for each other. In The Earl's Convenient Countess, Marguerite Kaye keeps the focus on the evolving relationship between Eloise and Alexander, looking at how time changes their opinions of each other, how they modify their behaviour based on what the other is saying or doing, and how they questions their own plans and desires. It gets so much more into the little actions that affect dynamics of a relationship than some historical romance novels do.

Marguerite Kaye's writing really flows, and I thought her descriptions of people and places were just right: bringing a scene to life without it feeling laboured or overdone. It's not a book full of glamorous parties (although there are some nice dinners and a shopping trip) or too much intrigue, but I don't think that detracts from the story in any way or made it feel like less of the kind of historical romance I was expecting. Overall, I'm giving The Earl's Countess of Convenience 7 out of 10. I found it a really interesting study of a relationship and it definitely lived up to my expectations of Marguerite Kaye's writing, which I've always enjoyed in the past.

I really enjoyed this book and so many of the passages made me smile to the extent that I have highlighted them in my kindle so I can go back to them!

The new earl of Fearnoch, Alexander an admiralty clerk, needs a countess of convenience to fully inherit the earldom but he needs to marry before his 30th birthday which is rapidly approaching

The young lady suggested was Eloise who lived in the country under the care of her aunt. Eloise was willing to meet Alexander to discuss his proposal, in part due to witnessing her aunts happiness in her marriage of convenience

Alexander isn't the toothless reluctant bather that Eloise and her sisters feared but instead devastatingly handsome. Following discussions between them "you sound as if you are inspecting a horse with a view to buying it" and "but that is precisely what we are doing in a manner of speaking" they decide to marry (some of my favourite quotes from that section that I just had to include!)

Eloise isn't what Alexander expects when they do marry and their new life in London isn't what either of them had planned

Although set in the regency period, I feel that the story would work if transformed into the present day which I find very intriguing

I would recommend this story to anyone who wants to smile and get pulled into a different world

Marriage of Convenience is always an interesting trope in romance, firstly it was commonplace in Regency Society, but in Regency Romance, it is the beginning of something that is anything but convenient, and usually involves, heartbreak, passion and soul searching, as is the case for Eloise and Alexander.

Both seem excellent candidates for a marriage in name only, but close proximity, friendship and chemistry make their fight to remain platonic, a cocktail of amusing, frustrating and poignant. They have to work hard for the chance of real love, both have emotional damage, secrets and real fear of letting go and the consequences.

Eloise is a vibrant woman, with independent interests that are explored in this story and enrich it with historical detail and vivid imagery. Alexander is not what he seems, and even though he endeavours to offer Eloise some transparency, he retains secrets that offer the ultimate conflict to any real happiness they may achieve.

A lovely cast of characters, some of which will get their own stories?

An enjoyable, impeccably detailed historical romance, with authentic, believable characters, a good plot and a satisfying end.

I received a copy of this book from Mills and Boon via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

This is the first book In the series and what a start. Alexander Sinclair is now an Earl and in need of a wife fast before his birthday. His Daniel tells him his ward would be the perfect wife for him and would be open to a marriage of convenience. Eloise is a woman who loves wkth her sisters and Aunt and her uncle is the one who suggests the marriage to her. Eloise agrees to meet with Alex on the proviso that if they both find they are happy with the match it will go ahead if not they will not be pressurised.
And there the story begins, I could write a full review but why spoil it when you could read it and enjoy the guns and lows like I did. I was hooked right from the start, I love Marguerite Kaye’s Books she never fails to deliver on the right amount of love, passion and intrigue,I cannot wait to read the next book.
Words cannot describe how much I enjoyed reading this book, the author, the publicist have it spot on. Well done!

Once upon a time there was an Earl who need a bride in order to inherit his estate and sort out the mess and debts his profligate father and forebears had left him with. But where was he to get one? With money? And in need of a hasty marriage and preferably without the need for a marriage bed.
Not that he swung that way, but more that he couldn't be bothered to have a real wife who would need him to do things with him.
And then there was a girl - or young woman more like, who also needed a hasty marriage, but she didn't really have a fortune and to cap it all was American! And Trade! So not really a suitable marriage prospect at all.
But as with these novels the two were brought together and a marriage of convenience for them both, was organised.
A nice novel in this genre wit some amusing touches and well written even if sticking closely to the script. I like these as long as the heroine doesn't simper, and this one didn't!

First in a new series Penniless Brides of Convenience: Eloise Brannagh has witnessed first-hand the damage unruly passion can cause her parents were madly in love but such a passionate relationship also meant violent arguments. she craves freedom, so a convenient marriage to the Earl of Fearnoch seems the perfect solution! Except Alexander Sinclair is more handsome, more intriguing, more everything, than Eloise anticipated. Having set her own rules for their marriage.
Another story where the hero must marry before a certain age or lose his inheritance, he could only lose the unentailed part of the earldom, he couldn’t lose the title nor anything that was entailed the note at the end eased my feelings. I really liked Eloise a strong woman who had to grow up quickly to care for her sisters, she was clever, charming & practical. It took me a little time to fully warm to Alexander but the more I read the more I liked him. A well written well paced book which I enjoyed & was interested to delve further into Alex's past & some of the revelations I didn't see coming. I look forward to more in the series
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read