The Marriage Contract (Marriage, 3) by Cathy Maxwell

He was a man exiled from society - handsome, unpredictable, and proud. Dark rumours surrounded his name. But Anne Burnett had signed a marriage contract binding her to Aiden Black, the Earl of Tiebauld. And although she′d never met him, she′s determined to keep her word and make theirs a marriage in truth. Because a well-bred lady with little fortune to recommend her has no choice. From the moment she arrived, Anne fell in love with Kelwin Castle and its roguishly handsome laird. By day, he instils a fierce loyalty in his people with his masterful ways...and by night, he tempts Anne to surrender her innocence to him. But while he is willing to offer his body, Aiden refuses to give Anne his heart...making her wonder what prevents him from truly claiming her as his wife. Editorial Reviews Amazon.com Review Setting: London and Scotland, 1815 Sensuality Rating: 7 Married by proxy to a man she's never laid eyes on, one who's rumored to be insane, at that, sensible Anne Burnett wonders what she's gotten herself into. When Anne arrives at her new home in the Scottish Highlands, she is greeted by a half-naked, blue-faced man wielding a knife. This, of course, is Anne's new husband, Aidan Black, the Earl of Thiebauld. Thiebauld is furious with his older sister's unwelcome meddling and is determined not to accept the bride so summarily dumped on him, no matter how appealing her direct manner, fine gray eyes, and womanly curves. But her husband didn't count on Anne's determination to finally have her own home, her own people, and her own place in the world. And he certainly didn't count on the gut-wrenching passion that flames out of control every time Anne comes near him. Maxwell's trademark humor, realistic dramatic scenes, and fast-paced storytelling is greatly in evidence in The Marriage Contract. Cathy Maxwell is definitely a rising star among romance authors. Keep an eye on her and enjoy! --Alison Trinkle From Publishers Weekly The sympathetic protagonists and engaging writing style characteristic of Maxwell's Regency romances will ensure that her latest (following Because of You, Falling In Love Again) will be well received by newcomers and loyal readers alike. Set in 1815, the narrative unfolds as plucky Anne Burnett, an impoverished orphan, is married by proxy to the Mad Earl Tiebauld, Aidan Black, and sent to Castle Kelwin in Scotland to tell him the news. Handsome, powerful and eccentric (but hardly mad), Aidan is less than thrilled when he discovers that his sister arranged the marriage. Although he tries to send her back to London, stubborn, resourceful Anne digs in, winning over his clan. Slowly Aidan's life changes from the inside out, and he begins to doubt if he wants to send her back after all. Amusing and romantic by turns, the relationship is further complicated by a subplot involving a band of Jacobite rebels with whom Aidan becomes entangled, but the affair between the two sparring equals remains paramount. Despite the addition of an epilogue and an afterword, both unnecessary after such a well-wrought tale, this is a delicious read from an accomplished Regency author. (Feb.) Forecast: Maxwell mixes humor with meticulous characterization to create memorable stories. Since she's not the most prolific romance writer, her fans will be eager to get their hands on this rewarding Regency, though a generic cover doesn't add much to the book's appeal. Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc. From Library Journal Unendowed with great beauty or wealth, orphaned Anne Burnett agrees to marry a mad man she has never metAone who doesn't want her and resents his mother's having arranged the whole thing behind his back. However, she finds herself attracted to her wild Scots husband and determined to make the relationship work. A determined, intelligent heroine, an appealing, worthy hero who is more than he seems, and a plot filled with plenty of Scottish-English political conflict make this witty, gently humorous story a winner and one that Maxwell's many fans will be waiting for. Maxwell (A Scandalous Marriage) has written a number of lively, charming historical Regencies and lives in Virginia. Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc. From Publishers Weekly The sympathetic protagonists and engaging writing style characteristic of Maxwell's Regency romances will ensure that her latest (following Because of You, Falling In Love Again) will be well received by newcomers and loyal readers alike. Set in 1815, the narrative unfolds as plucky Anne Burnett, an impoverished orphan, is married by proxy to the Mad Earl Tiebauld, Aidan Black, and sent to Castle Kelwin in Scotland to tell him the news. Handsome, powerful and eccentric (but hardly mad), Aidan is less than thrilled when he discovers that his sister arranged the marriage. Although he tries to send her back to London, stubborn, resourceful Anne digs in, winning over his clan. Slowly Aidan's life changes from the inside out, and he begins to doubt if he wants to send her back after all. Amusing and romantic by turns, the relationship is further complicated by a subplot involving a band of Jacobite rebels with whom Aidan becomes entangled, but the affair between the two sparring equals remains paramount. Despite the addition of an epilogue and an afterword, both unnecessary after such a well-wrought tale, this is a delicious read from an accomplished Regency author. (Feb.) Forecast: Maxwell mixes humor with meticulous characterization to create memorable stories. Since she's not the most prolific romance writer, her fans will be eager to get their hands on this rewarding Regency, though a generic cover doesn't add much to the book's appeal. Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc. From Library Journal Unendowed with great beauty or wealth, orphaned Anne Burnett agrees to marry a mad man she has never metAone who doesn't want her and resents his mother's having arranged the whole thing behind his back. However, she finds herself attracted to her wild Scots husband and determined to make the relationship work. A determined, intelligent heroine, an appealing, worthy hero who is more than he seems, and a plot filled with plenty of Scottish-English political conflict make this witty, gently humorous story a winner and one that Maxwell's many fans will be waiting for. Maxwell (A Scandalous Marriage) has written a number of lively, charming historical Regencies and lives in Virginia. Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc. From Library Journal Unendowed with great beauty or wealth, orphaned Anne Burnett agrees to marry a mad man she has never metAone who doesn't want her and resents his mother's having arranged the whole thing behind his back. However, she finds herself attracted to her wild Scots husband and determined to make the relationship work. A determined, intelligent heroine, an appealing, worthy hero who is more than he seems, and a plot filled with plenty of Scottish-English political conflict make this witty, gently humorous story a winner and one that Maxwell's many fans will be waiting for. Maxwell (A Scandalous Marriage) has written a number of lively, charming historical Regencies and lives in Virginia. Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc. Review Cathy Maxwell can't be beat!-- Jill Barnett About the Author Cathy Maxwell spends hours in front of her computer pondering the question, Why do people fall in love? It remains for her the great mystery of life and the secret to happiness. Contact Cathy at cathy@cathymaxwell.com or the old-fashioned way at PO Box 484, Buda, TX. 78610.