About the Book:

“Marry me…
and you’ll have your freedom.” 

Her father’s will dictates Violet Harper must wed or be disinherited—yet she’d rather face the wilderness of the wintry Yorkshire moors than be bound to cynical, damaged soldier Captain Lance Amberton. Lance promises a marriage of convenience that will grant Violet her independence. In exchange, she must put her faith in Lance and see beyond his gruff exterior to the man beneath…

Click on title below for direct Amazon buy link:                                              Captain Amberton’s Inherited Bride (Harlequin Historical)

My Review:                    

Captain Lance Amberton is returning home to accept the conditional title of Viscount, now that the heir, his beloved twin brother, Arthur, has been lost at sea and presumed dead.   Lance is bearing the guilt of not responding to Arthur’s pleas for him to come home to help him, as well as his own less than honorable actions while serving as a soldier.  In addition to the title, it seems that Lance has also inherited Arthur’s betrothed, as the contract only states the heir to the title, not listing a specific name.  Still, Lance is now ready to accept his duty, and prepares to wed.

Violet Harper is an heiress, the daughter of a shipbuilder who kept her isolated, and belittled her for all of her twenty three years.  Now that her father is dead, Violet learns that she must marry the Amberton heir within one month or be disinherited.  Although she has intentions of fleeing, she ends up in Lance’s company, and he offers her a compromise.  If she agrees to the marriage, they will split the inheritance, and Lance will offer her the freedom to travel and live the life she chooses.  At first Violet is opposed, remembering the perceived insult she received from Lance at their brief meeting five years ago.  Eventually, she capitulates, and they embark on a convenient marriage, agreeing not share a bed until some distant time in the future, and then, just to provide an heir.

I appreciate that Lance and Violet cleared up the misunderstanding of five years ago right away, rather than have it turn into a permanent wound in their new marriage.  Violet accepts that Lance was not being insulting to her, it was her own lack of confidence that made her so unaware of her own attractions.  After the marriage, Lance works at improving the family estate, while dealing with the injury he received and his constant drinking.  Violet begins to feel more sure of herself and blossoms.    Soon sparks begin between this couple, and they finally share a bed and look to be on their way to a happy future.  An unexpected twist causes Lance to reject the new happiness he’s found.  Will he be able to see the light and save his marriage before his action cause a permanent break?

CAPTAIN AMBERTON’S INHERITED BRIDE contains one of my favorite tropes, the marriage of convenience that turns to love, as well as significant character development.  Lance had not been an honorable man, but he redeemed himself.  Violet was unsure, a bit naive, and had no realization of her own beauty, and she came into her own.  The romance between this couple was sweet and believable, and made for a satisfying and delightful read.     ~Rose