I really wanted to like this book. A good redemption/transformation story, intelligent but flawed heroine, and the proverbial “harlots with hearts of gold,” A Very Modern Marriage’s blurb promised much. While engagingly written - Rachel Brimble knows how to keep a plot line moving and engage a reader’s curiosity - implausible courses of action pulled me out of the story.

At the core of the story, sexy Mancunian William Rose finds that his unmarried state is thwarting his commercial prospects in Bath. After a slight fit of moral pique he visits a brothel - all in the name of business, really - where he meets Octavia, a prostitute who has fallen from gently-bred grace. She’s found her feet and created a family of choice on Carson St and is instantly drawn to our priggish hero. The two share an intimate but chaste evening sparring over wine. The two finally, ahem, connect, and decide that they each have something to gain besides the obvious, she, the benefit of William’s business acumen, he, Octavia’s luminous presence at investor meetings.

This is where, to my mind, the story falls apart. A prostitute well known to many of the town’s commercial elite posing as his unchaperoned fiancee at genteel lunches? When her cover is inevitably blown - and the brothel shuttered - she flees north with him. Posing as husband and wife, they deceive his family, but all comes right in the end. While I’m not a stickler for historical accuracy, it was all a bit too much.

A secondary relationship, that of Jacob and Louisa, the bouncer and madam of the house on Carlton St, felt borderline abusive to me. Jacob is somewhat uncouth and a man of the streets, but hearing them argue, I felt he would erupt and physically vent his anger. Of course this is my life experience projecting itself onto a work of fiction, but I did *not* buy their love story, which is covered in a previous book in the series.

I feel for the heroine and her journey, and understand why she took the risks she did. I know what it’s like to flee an abusive home and parent. It’s just the preposterous role-playing that scuppered my view of the work.

Despite my frustration with this book, I’ll definitely give another of Brimble’s books a try. I like her laid back, non-stuffy, writing style. The dialogue feels and sounds like actual human conversation, which can often be far more intimate than physical connection.

Title: "A Very Modern Marriage" by Rachel Brimble - Not My Cup of Tea

Rating: ★★☆☆☆

Having delved into an advanced reader copy of "A Very Modern Marriage" by Rachel Brimble, I must admit that this particular story did not align with my personal preferences. While I'm grateful for the opportunity provided by NetGalley and the publisher, my reading experience left much to be desired.

The narrative explores contemporary relationships and the challenges faced by a married couple. While the subject matter is undoubtedly relatable to many readers, the story's execution didn't resonate with me. The characters and their experiences felt somewhat one-dimensional, and their struggles failed to evoke a deep emotional connection. The pacing of the plot also felt uneven, and the story lacked the engaging depth I typically seek in a novel. Although "A Very Modern Marriage" may be appreciated by those who enjoy relationship-focused narratives, it simply wasn't my cup of tea. If you're seeking a story that delves into the complexities of modern marriages, this book may still be worth a try, as personal reading preferences vary widely.

A Very Modern Marriage by Rachel Brimble is the third book of “The Ladies of Carson Street” series. I have not read the first two books in the series but I was able to understand and enjoy this book.

I found the story of a successful industrial businessman falling for a prostitute to be a rather unique spin on historical romance. The main tropes are “fake-relationship-to-real” and “white knight saves the day.” The mixture of it all works out and ultimately this is a good read with an underlying message of “love fixes everything.”

If you are a romance enthusiast that demands sizzling sex scenes - this is not the book. The author uses a fade to black/behind closed doors approach. (Yes, even the brothel scenes)

3 stars

📚Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author/publisher via Netgalley. All thoughts, opinions, comments, and interpretations of the story are my own and bias free. I did not receive any money in exchange for this review. Thank you to the publisher for allowing me the opportunity to review. Reviews are cross-posted to social media and goodreads🦄

A historical romance fiction novel set in 1852. A Very Modern Marriage is the third book in a series, but don't let that put you off. I have read none of the other book and this was perfectly fine on its own.
I always love historical fiction; there are ways some facts blended into the fiction, and I always, without fail, find I have taken something away from books like this. A Very Modern Marriage proved no different.  It is a romance as well, so that adds another angle to an already riveting story.
The story takes us on a journey from the wealthy town of Bath right into the heart of industrial Manchester, the textile mills, workplace of the poor, and underprivileged.
The way Rachel Brimble writes brings both places to life. I didn't need to imagine much about the Manchester mills; those are ingrained in my head. My grandmother worked in them, and we still have mills standing in Oldham where I live, just outside of Manchester. Bath, on the other hand, I have been once decades ago, and I felt  I could almost have been there.
Her characters, well, Octavia, is one strong woman. She has been through so much and is determined to get a respectable life back, and she won't let anything get in her way. I liked Octavia; it was easy to imagine her as a friend. That's the quality of the authors writing. William is determined to give his workers a better life. He himself has worked his way up from nothing, and his personal aim is to be the epitome of respectability. When they strike a deal, it becomes much more than that.
The story is told from both Octavia and Williams' perspectives in alternating chapters, and I love this way of discovering the characters. It allows us to get to know them. An engrossing saga that brought a community to life and captivated me from start to finish.
Thanks to Rachel Brimble and NetGalley .

A sweet book but a happy ending. Nothing special but all in all enjoyed it and read it very quickly.

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Rachel Brimble brilliantly evokes the Victorian era in her sparkling, atmospheric and wonderfully enjoyable new novel, A Very Modern Marriage, the third gripping installment in The Ladies of Carson Street series.

William Rose never let the fact that he was born in great poverty get in the way of his ambitions. Determined to unshackle himself from the penury he had been raised in, William pulled himself up from his bootstraps and worked his fingers to the bone in order to become a successful businessman. Now a wealthy industrialist, William knows that the only way he can continue to prosper is by marriage and having a respectable wife by his side. Unfortunately for him though, the woman who has managed to get under his skin is far from respectable…

Miss Octavia Marshall had once been born to great wealth and privilege – until circumstances had forced her to leave her old life behind and make a living for herself where she had gained notoriety doing things that are far from proper. Now one of the ladies of Carson Street, Octavia has accrued a sum of money which she is looking to invest and William’s mills fit the bill perfectly. Investing her fortune will help Octavia to be the one calling the shots and become the mistress of her own fate, but could William offer her more than a sound business proposition?

As the two strike up a deal that could give them what they both desire most, Octavia and William find themselves shocked to their very core when they begin to develop feelings for one another. However, the two of them soon learn that the people they once were and the lives they once led will follow them – no matter where they go…

Rachel Brimble excels at writing rich and vivid historical sagas with wonderfully drawn characters, searing intensity and compelling emotional drama and in A Very Modern Marriage, she has once again penned an absorbing and enthralling Victorian tale with a powerful and full-bodied love story at its centre that effortlessly pulls at the heartstrings and will bring a tear to the eye.

Passionate, compelling and immensely romantic, in A Very Modern Marriage, the talented Rachel Brimble delivers an unforgettable tale historical readers will be completely charmed by.

Even though A Very Modern Marriage is part of a series it works very well as a standalone story. Rachel Brimble explains the characters connections in a lovely way. I was given enough details to understand their stories but without giving too much away. In fact I’m very intrigued about the two previous books in the series and I’ve added them to my wish list.

In A Very Modern Marriage the reader is introduced to Octavia and her friends who are connected with the brothel on Carson Street. I thought this was such an interesting idea for a story and I couldn’t wait to get to know the characters. It’s safe to say I was wondering how it would all play out. Octavia is a strong and likeable character, who is determined to become a businesswoman. That’s when we meet William an industrialist visiting from Manchester. From the very first moment they share a spark but there are a few obstacles in their way. It was so lovely to see their interactions as both William and Octavia realise that there is more to each other than first appears. With William sharing Octavia’s strength and determination which definitely made them the perfect pairing.

The story moves at a lovely pace and I was taken on both a heartwarming and romantic journey. The kind where you can see that two people really are meant to be. I was not only caught up in their story but also with the friendships at Carson Street. A Very Modern Marriage is a step back in time with a wonderful romance at its heart!

A Very Modern Marriage, while set in the Victorian era, portrays the plight of women through many eras. Marriage forces them to give up all rights and independence.

Octavia is determined to maintain her independence after she breaks free from the abuse of her father. William wants nothing more than to become a successful businessman. When circumstances step in to thwart their plans, a fake engagement seems to be the only answer.

What they didn’t count on was falling in love. Love heals many wounds. Can it work it’s magic once again for a Lady of Carson Street?

This is the third book in the series, but stands well on its own merit. The characters are flawed but relatable and endearing. The author writes in the historical fiction genre with panache.

I found the settings of the mills and explanations of working conditions to ring true to the times. William and Octavia are ahead of their time in the way they think and act.

Ultimately, this tale revolves around friendship. The care and responsibility the women feel for each other sets the tone for this book.

If you love historical fiction, strong female characters, witty banter, and a riveting story, A Very Modern Marriage is perfect for you.

This is the third novel in the Ladies of Carson Street series and is equally as engaging a read as the previous two. It can be read as a standalone, although I’d heartily recommend reading the others if you haven’t already simply because they are that good!

In ‘A Very Modern Marriage’ the narrative centres around Octavia and her desire to distance herself from her life as a prostitute and set up her own business. Having seen close friends Louisa and Nancy forge a new path for themselves, it only serves to bolster her own resolve to do the same.

She enlists the help and support of William Rose, a mill owner from Manchester and it soon becomes apparent that both of them have feelings for each other which stretch beyond their business arrangement.

As always, author Rachel Brimble captures the essence of the Victorian era perfectly and in this novel, we once more discover the sights and sounds of Bath, but also the contrast of industrial Manchester.

Brimble writes in an easy style with engaging characters that the reader can’t help but root for. The dynamics and interactions between the main characters add depth to the plot and we get a real insight into Octavia’s personality and how previous struggles and family trauma have impacted on the way she deals with her current situation.

A highly recommended read!

With thanks to the author, Rachel at Random Resources, NetGalley and Head of Zeus/ Aria Fiction for the opportunity to participate in the tour.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book got off to a slow start and it took me awhile to really get into it. But, I ended up liking it.

Anybody who knows me well knows that not only am I a book geek but I am a historical fiction nerd too. I have to say that one of my favourite historical fiction authors has to be Rachel Brimble. I have been a fan of hers for a while now. I haven’t caught up with everything that she has released to date but I am getting there. I read the synopsis for ‘A Very Modern Marriage’, which is the third book in ‘The Ladies Of Carson Street’ series, and it certainly sounded like the sort of book I would enjoy. I was spot on too because I loved reading ‘A Very Modern Marriage’ but more about that in a bit.
As with all of Rachel’s books, I was drawn into this book from the synopsis alone and the story between the book’s covers sealed the deal as it were. Once I started reading, I Just couldn’t stop. I would pick the book up only intending to read a chapter or two but I would become so wrapped up in the lives and loves of the different characters that I would still be sat there reading over an hour and several chapters later. I couldn’t turn the pages of the book quickly enough as I raced my way through the story. I had a strong feeling as to what was going to happen so I had to keep reading to see if I was anywhere near the truth or not. All too quickly I reached the end of ‘ A Very Modern Marriage’. I found ‘A Very Modern Marriage’ to be a gripping read, which kept me guessing and which kept me on the edge of my seat.
‘A Very Modern Marriage’ is extremely well written but that’s true of Rachel’s books in general. Rachel has a writing style that is easy to get used to and her work reads more like a chat between friends rather than reading a book. I hope that makes sense. Rachel clearly does an awful lot of research into the time period she is writing about and this shines through in the quality of her work. In fact if I closed my eyes, it would be easy enough to imagine that I had travelled back in time and I was in 1852, which is when the story is set. I always find reading Rachel’s books to be quite an emotional experience as I end up sharing the feelings that the different characters are going through. I love the way in which Rachel makes the reader feel as though they are part of the story themselves and at the heart of the action.
In short, I really enjoyed reading ‘A Very Modern Marriage’ and I would recommend it to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Rachel’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek’s board is a very well deserved 4* out of 5*.

5☆ Heart-warming & Enchanting Historical Romance.


This is the third instalment in the Ladies of Carson Street series and I have loved every second of getting to know Nancy, Louisa and Octavia over the three books.
This time round the story is about Octavia.

Octavia is worried, things are changing.
With Nancy now married and moving on with a baby on the way, and Louisa and Jacob potentially getting married, but where does this leave her?
All these fears and concerns for her future might be about to change when William Rose walks into their brothel on Carson Street.

William isn't like anyone Octavia has met before and vice versa. Octavia is Endearing to William, but is she the one to tie him down to marriage and is Octavia ready to marry.

Once again Brimble has written a superb story. Each of the ladies of Carson Street have had such Endearing and Compelling storylines, and Octavia's story was no different. I was so excited to finally discover her story and I wasn't disappointed.

Brimble is one of my favourite Authors, her books are always Authentic and her passion for the era really shines through. Her storylines are always Richly Atmospheric and I find myself being swept up into the heart of her stories.

Overall A Very Modern Marriage is a Captivating Historical Romance, that can be read as a standalone but I highly recommend you read all three.
I know this is set to be the last of The Carson Series but I really do hope we get more!

Since I had not read the two earlier novels in this series, I really didn’t know what to expect.

Octavia has so far been alright with her life as a prostitute, Carson St House, a discreet brothel run by Louisa, a widow. She shares a deep bond of friendship with Louisa and Nancy, another prostitute. But when Louisa and Nancy, find love and seem to be moving on, Octavia is perturbed by the changes and wants to make a new life for herself.

When she meets William, a successful industrialist from Manchester, she is drawn to ask him to mentor her in learning about industry and how to run a business. He agrees and is drawn to her and offers to marry her. But given her terrible past with her controlling and cruel father, Octavia wishes to be independent. This does not keep her from being attracted to William though.

Moving to Manchester, as William’s fiancée, she leaves behind her friends who are very fearful that she may be making a bad decision. Octavia is determined to carve out a new future for herself.

Will she be accepted by William’s family and will she find that he is worthy of trust? Her past colours her behaviour. For his part, William is falling in love with Octavia and wonders if he can win her over and continue to be the hardworking industrialist he is.

This is not a light-hearted love story. Octavia and William must search within and do what’s best for themselves and the future.

There were many interesting themes in this story. The whole moral issue of brothels and the hypocrisy of those who considered themselves a superior class partronising these houses and yet treating the women with so much contempt. There was also the story of deep friendship and how difficult it is to let a friend go to follow their dreams.

Overall, it was an engrossing read and I hope that I can catch up with the backstory in the previous two novels soon.

I would recommend reading the first book in The Ladies of Carson Street series, A Widow's Vow to understand some of the characters and setting, even though it can be read as a stand-alone. The previous book is Trouble for the Leading Lady...

A Very Modern Marriage is a detailed well thought out story that captavates the reader from the first page till the last...

I like how Brimble has created a interesting plot and transports the reader into story with the use of vivid imagary as well as a great amount of research into the lifes and social aspects of the less fortunate in the victorian era. The writing style is easy to follow and has a good mixure between dialogue and description.

The character development of A Very Modern Marriage is good. The characters are realistic and relateable. The reader is able to catch up with old charaters and form a deep connection with both Octavia and William...Octavia is a strong willed woman, who seems to blame herself for the domestic abuse she suffered at the hands of the father (most of the time I wanted to go and give her a big hug and to tell her that it will be ok).... and I loved how William had used his determination to achieve his ambitions and that he wants to make the lives of his workers and those around him better in everyway!

The chemistry between Octavia and William was slowly built with plenty of passion, attraction and warmth that was a refreshing take on the asspect on historical romances....

I recommend reading A Very Modern Marriage to lovers of historical romance, as it is a character driven emotive story of a shared love, goals and dreams as the reader joins Octavia and William and they seek out their HEA!

Octavia's story is the third book in The Ladies of Carson Street series. Set in Victorian England, Octavia has escaped a life of abuse and privilege. She has a safer life in Carson Street with Louisa and Nancy. William is a mill owner with liberal ideals. Searching for investors, he finds his single state a setback. William needs marriage Octavia wants to be a legitimate business owner. She agrees to a fake romance in return for tutorage in business from William.

Octavia and William are believably flawed, likeable characters. Both have struggled to survive and value the people they consider family. Their physical attraction develops into an emotional commitment, but they have internal conflicts and interference from those close to them to overcome.

Cleverly crafted supporting characters and a detailed historical setting makes this an engaging read.

I received a copy of this book from Aria Fiction via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

A Very Modern Marriage is an absorbing historical romance filled with dark secrets and redemption. It's a story about the meaning of love, about losing and finding oneself, overcoming past trauma and having second chances. It is lavishly descriptive, and utterly compelling, with an acute sense of the period authenticity.

It's very refreshing to read a historical romance that isn't about the aristocracy and Rachel Brimble is very good at them. Rather than a debutante, Octavia Marshall is - well, she's a whore. Recent changes have left her dissatisfied with her lot and interested in striking out on her own as a woman of business. The only problem is that she has no idea where to start. Enter William Rose, mill owner from Manchester (and yes, there are strong North & South vibes). William has pulled himself and his family from poverty only to find certain business deals are closed to him due to his unmarried status.

If you're seeing a fake engagement on the cards, you would be right, but there are so many more layers to this romance, particularly Octavia's relationships with her friends as she strives for independence and the ever-increasing crackdowns on brothels. The couples of books one and two both feature strongly here as well, though this book does mostly stand alone.

While I found William's devotion to his family both charming and admirable, it's Octavia who is the star of the show here. Her determination and flirtation masks deeply held insecurity and she must put aside a past both privileged and abusive to decide what she wants for her future.

For a story more courtesan than patrician but no less a fantasy for it, this is a book best enjoyed among those who love you for who you are and not what you've done.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via NetGalley, all opinions are my own.

Once again, I loved being back with the three female characters who are at the centre of this series. Nancy, Octavia and Louisa are a fantastic, formidable trio. Their story highlights so much about the importance of loyalty and friendship. However, there are times when the challenges they face in this installment mean that their friendship is tested in terms of trust and being able to let go.

Rachel writes historical fiction in the I way feel it should be written. The characters are at the forefront of the story, yet the historical commentary and the “vibe” of 19th century Britain is very well crafted too. Once again, I felt like I was there in Bath, but I also liked the contrast between Bath & Manchester that we see in this story, highlighting to some extent the expectations and struggles of the North/South divide in England.

Once again, this story is full of romance and drama but the author does not lose sight of what we have come to know and love about these female characters: namely their individual and collective strength, and their loyalty to each other.

The book provides an interesting insight into the issue of marriage and the way it can benefit both men and women, in a way I’ve never really thought of before. Described as a “very modern marriage”, I feel the marriage at the centre of this story is in fact highly unusual and the circumstances which lead up to it very unique, but it all adds to the dramatic and original plot.

Overall, a dramatic, accessible, escapist and interesting book that has transported me to a time in history and made me grateful for strong women everywhere!

I find Rachel’s books difficult to compare without just copying names off a review site (which I don’t like to do if I’ve not read them) as it’s so different to anything I’ve read and completely enchanting and original, but I’d definitely recommend this entire series to lovers of historical fiction.

READ MY REVIEW

Cover: Not really a fan.

I liked this book a lot, for various reasons.

A Very Modern Marriage is the third installment of The Ladies of Carson Street series, but it reads as a standalone–with a plus! Brimble is skilled enough to avoid infodumps at the beginning, giving us selected info if and when we need them. A breath of fresh air, that is.

The plot itself is quite simple, featuring well-known tropes. What makes A Very Modern Marriage shine is the complexity of the characters, especially the two MCs. Both Octavia and William are crafted in an excellent way, with virtues and flaws that balance each other out. The double, omniscient POV is not my favorite, but I must admit it’s done well. Also, the prostitution theme is handled matter-of-factly: no sugarcoating, no disparaging tones. It is what it is, and that’s a huge selling point.

Good cast of characters, unsympathetic for the most part, and therefore interesting. I’m a bit tired of likable characters; I want realism, something Brimble has been able to deliver. Thank you.

The last thumb up goes to Brimble’s editors—plural, yes. I could cry tears of joy. They did a marvelous job with this book.

Complaints? A wee one: William Rose? I mean, all I saw while reading was Axl Rose waiting at the altar.

4,5 stars on GR, rounded up to 5.

This is the third book in the series , it does work as a stand alone without feeling like you have missed out on anything. It is set in 1852 England and is a brilliantly written romance fiction book.

In the book we have Octavia Marshall , she is a wonderful , strong , powerful character who even though life hasn't always been kind still finds the strength in each day. She works at Carson Street, when events take a turn and Mr William Rose becomes her client their lives entwine in ways she didn't think could happen to her.

The book is brilliantly written , it is from both points of view , of Octavia and Williams , the characters featuring in the book all add so much too it . It isn't just the main characters that you find endearing as we follow their lives and see what is in store for them!