I always review free books that I download. And I downloaded a freebie by author Ruth Ann Nordin titled The Marriage Contract, book one in the Marriage by Fairytale series, a historical romance. Check out my review.
Title: The Marriage Contract
Series: Marriage by Fairytale
Author: Ruth Ann Nordin
Genre: Historical Romance
Length: 256 pages
Release Date: April 21, 2018
Blurb: On her wedding day, Patricia Cotter, the widowed Lady of Pruett, signed a contract agreeing to the following:1. She would never look at her husband’s face. 2. She would never remove the sheets covering the mirrors. 3. She would never ask her husband about his past. In return for doing these things, she will have a secure place for her unborn child and her worries will be over. She has nothing to lose by agreeing to her husband’s terms.
Yes, she’s heard the rumors about Mr. Stephen Bachman. He was said to have killed his first wife, though there is no proof condemning him of the crime. He is aloof and never leaves his manor. He is practically a prisoner in his own home. But as she gets to know him, she begins to believe her husband isn’t the beast everyone’s made him out to be. There just might be a gentleman worth loving beneath his hard exterior.
The questions is, can she get him to let go of the past so he can open himself up to the possibility of a fairytale romance?
Available at:
I’ve read and reviewed a few books by this author, so when I saw that this one was free, I was all in. I really liked the sound of the blurb.
As the synopsis states, Patricia Cotter needs a husband. She has been steering clear of London ever since a gypsy cursed her and her mother—and that curse is definitely living up to its promise. To help, her dear friend arranges a marriage with Mr. Stephen Bachman. Stephen is a man of mystery with a curious past who lives as a recluse outside of London.
I must say, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I really liked Patricia. She wasn’t a damsel in distress, nor was she the typical “feisty” or spirited debutante. Instead, she is a widow with a child on the way. After suffering through a difficult first marriage in silence, she is used to keeping quiet and minding her own business, but that all changes when she meets Stephen.
I liked Stephen just as much. He is a man with many secrets that slowly dribble out as the novel progresses. I appreciated how the author kept me in the dark regarding his past, allowing me to learn about his skeletons at the exact same time Patricia did.
The two share a wonderfully warm chemistry. I wouldn’t call it explosive—just warm and cozy. They build their relationship on a foundation of trust, communication, and long walks together. It was a refreshing break from the usual tropes that plague historical romance.
Plus, there is always that “curse” lingering ominously in the background.
Overall, this is a beautifully slow-building romance filled with warmth. The setup for the next book in the series looks to focus on Stephen’s eccentric friend and Patricia’s lady’s maid. This novel is a great start to a new series and definitely makes me want to read more about these characters.
Maggie Blackbird 