A Convenient Fiction

Ever since her father's death, Laura Hayes has been forced to shoulder the burden of her invalid brother and the family finances. An unscrupulous lawyer holds the remnants of the family fortune, and in order to wrest control of her father's property from his oily fingers, Laura must marry. Husbands are scarce in rural Surrey, however. Dissolute neighbor George Wright is hardly a prime choice, and given their past history, Laura would never accept his advances...matrimonial or otherwise. 

When George brings a handsome friend named Alex Archer home to visit, Laura is instantly drawn to him. But although Mr. Archer seems to feel the same attraction, he is also assiduous in his attentions to local heiress, Henrietta Talbot. Is Mr. Archer nothing more than a manipulative fortune hunter, or does he have the kindness and character to be the savior Laura Hayes needs?

Alex Archer has arrived in Surrey with one goal in mind: to marry, and marry rich. But although foolish George has provided him with the necessary introduction to Miss Henrietta Talbot, Alex finds another woman occupying his thoughts entirely. The penurious Miss Hayes, with her alabaster skin and raven-haired beauty, seems determined to peer through his carefully-crafted façade and see him as he truly is. And this, more than anything, terrifies him, for he has spent his entire life running from the demons of his past, insulating his loneliness with lies, and pushing away anyone who threatens to come too close. 

This book is a beautiful addition to Mimi Matthews' Parish Orphans of Devon series. While the book can stand on its own, it's helpful to know the past stories of Alex's "brothers" from the orphanage (Justin Thornhill from A Matrimonial Advertisement and Tom Finchley from A Modest Independence). I particularly enjoyed getting a glimpse of Finchley again and seeing his unfinished business with Alex Archer resolved.

As the opening scene commences, one wonders if things will stay "proper" in this romance, but the relationship between the main characters is sweet throughout. One of the best moments of the book was when Laura declares to Alex that he doesn't really want property, he wants a family, and family is exactly what she has to offer him. It is a breathtakingly simple truth often overlooked in romance novels. 

The imagery of being pulled underwater is woven throughout the novel, both in a literal and metaphorical manner--foreshadowed in the first scene and fulfilled in a most dramatic way as the book moves to its climax. One of the things I appreciate about Mimi Matthews' book is that she doesn't always conclude with wedding bells but lets us follow the couple a few weeks or months further, to the point where they have truly grown into their love for each other. This book is a satisfying romance on its own merits but even richer when you see the connections with the other Parish Orphans of Devon. Recommended.

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for reviewing!

Mimi has done it again. I think this is my favorite of the orphan series so far, and it has everything. Daring rescues, references to Victorian beauty routines, extensive seaside information and even swimming. In the Victorian era! It was so good.

Laura, our lady protagonist, is stubborn, resilient, crafty with money, and stressed out of her mind trying to keep a roof over the family's head. In other words, relatable as heck, and exerting an admirable amount of agency for her gender and the time. She's a fairly skilled swimmer, a refreshing ability for this sort of genre and era; she travels to London alone to conduct business; she knows how to balance a budget and stretch a penny. I loved her as a main character.

Alex is perhaps the most swoonworthy of the three orphans; tall, dark, handsome and broad-shouldered, he leaped off the page for me. His bad boy air, which actually hides a strong moral code and heart of gold, draws the reader in with curiosity, and they stay for the "aww!" moments. Despite his purported villainous nature and would-be domineering presence, Laura is never cowed into lame moments of relinquishing her agency, rendering him a solid male lead.

As always, Mimi has done excellent research on the times. I was quite impressed with the knowledge visible on the page, even as she skillfully avoids information dumps that would otherwise slow the plot. There's interesting social dynamics at play as well, namely for me the dichotomy shown between temperate, budget-conscious and mature Laura, and Henrietta, her rich, often jealous and childish friend. The two common sides of the Victorian woman coin, I imagine, and I love that they came together as friends throughout. The main plot was not just the romance, which was nice, grounded as it was in Laura's determination to see her family out of poverty.

I loved this book, a solid five stars.

4.5 Stars - Top Pick

What a great story and great writing.

Review forthcoming when I post it on the blog next month.

I have no idea how to start this review. Everything I write sounds boring, pretentious or convoluted. The opposite of this story. I don't know where to start, really ...

In little less than a year this author has become one of my favorites. Her prose is attractive, her characters complex, the plot interesting and the historical background impressively realistic. Historical accuracy is one of her strengths.

This time it was the turn of Alex, the third of the “Parish Orphans of Devon”, whom if I must to be honest, was the one that I liked the least. During the first two books of the series, the author gave us clues on the rest of the characters and this one did not come out well. And yet, it has become along with Justin, from "The Matrimonial Advertisement", one of my favorites. I blame it on Ms. Matthews, of course, who knows how to write a scoundrel and how to redeem him.

To say that this story has layers is to fall short. Here nothing is easy or simple and navigating all the “rules” of the time is suffocating, although the author does it with mastery. Add to this characters with personality and charisma, with a past and (most importantly) with flaws and the final result is a beautiful story about what do you think you want and what do you really need. The author takes her characters to the limit. And it is worth it, anything else would not have been sincere.
This story is full of intense moments, both in romance and in the relationship between the four protagonists (the orphans) who have touched me in a special way.

It has been beautiful and intense. Another jewel from this author.

***

No tengo ni idea de cómo empezar esta reseña. Todo lo que escribo suena aburrido, pretencioso o enrevesado. Lo opuesto a esta historia. No sé por dónde empezar, la verdad…

En poco menos de un año esta autora se ha convertido en una de mis favoritas. Su prosa es atractiva, sus personajes complejos, la trama interesante y el trasfondo histórico impresionantemente realista. La precisión histórica es uno de sus fuertes.

En esta ocasión le ha tocado el turno al tercero de los cuatro “huérfanos de Devon”, Alex, que si tengo que ser sincera, era el que menos me llamaba la atención. Durante los dos primeros libros de la serie, la autora iba dejando caer pistas sobre el resto de los personajes y éste no salió bien parado. Y sin embargo, se ha convertido junto con Justin, de “The Matrimonial Advertisement”, en uno de mis favoritos. Y la culpa es de Ms. Matthews, evidentemente, que sabe cómo escribir un canalla y cómo redimirlo.

Decir que la historia tiene capas es quedarse corto. Aquí nada es fácil ni sencillo y navegar por todas las “normas” de la época es sofocante, aunque la autora lo hace con maestría. Añade a esto personajes con carisma y carácter, con pasado y (lo más importante) con fallos y el resultado final es una historia preciosa sobre qué es lo que piensas que quieres y qué es lo que realmente necesitas. La autora los lleva al límite. Y merece la pena, otra cosa no hubiese resultado sincera.
Esta historia está llena de momentos intensos, tanto en el romance como en la relación de los 4 protagonistas (los huérfanos) que me han “tocado” de una manera especial.

Ha sido precioso e intenso. Una maravilla. Otra joya de esta autora.

I loved every minute of this book. Mimi Matthews is quickly becoming one of my absolute favorite romance authors. Characters that don’t hide behind vulnerability but communicate. Delicious, swoon worthy dialogue. Heroes who are strong, protective, and simply put, just make you fall in love with them.
I’d looked forward to reading this installment after reading the first two books and I have to say, this one might be my favorite. The chemistry between the characters was undeniable and even though the hero tried to convince everyone he was bad, the heroine could see his golden heart under his chameleon-like actions.
I want this series in paperback because I have the feeling I’ll want to reread again and again.

Mimi Matthews knows how to draw the reader in from the very beginning of the story. Her writing is a joy to read. I did not want the story to end! Fortunately, there is to be a book #4 to transport me back in time.
I liked the dark and mysterious Alex Archer, although he is at first drawn as a fortune hunter. Laura Hayes is of strong character, protecting and keeping her small family of younger brother and aunt together. Laura is to serve as her friend Henriette's chaperone when their childhood friend, George, and Alex call upon Henriette. While Alex's intent is to court Henriette, the picnics and walks serve more to further the connection between Alex and Laura. It is a very believable love story.
I read an advance copy; the thoughts expressed are my own.

A Convenient Fiction was an absolute pleasure to read. I loved everything about this book - the writing, the characters and how it was historically accurate to the time period. Mimi Matthews is now my go-to author for historical romances.

I loved reading Alex and Laura's story. It was a lovely romance that is filled with sweet and adorable moments. For a book with very few intimate scenes, the chemistry was crackling. A kiss on the hand can be quite an electrifying moment. Mimi Matthews shows us that you do not need pages and pages of racy scenes to show how passionate a couple is towards each other.

If you like historical romances, this is a must-read.

What a novelty, a historical novel that really depicts the time it is set in. The story is set in 1860 and we learn a great deal about the authentic customs, dress, even perfumes of the era. The book was quite good and then the author added two of the best characters Alex and Laura and a beautiful romance. It was really special and the story holds one's interest throughout. I also liked that Laura's rich best friend Henrietta had her quirks and attitude but they still were mature enough to work through things and remain friends. This showed the two sides of the Victorian era woman; one rich and wants for nothing, one comfortable until the death of her father and the real world happens. This is the first book i've read by this author and i can't wait to read the other books in the series. She also writes non-fiction books about the activities, traditions and places where her stories are set. I would recommend this book to anyone. I am so glad i came across it while browsing netgalley.


I received this book as an ARC from the publisher and netgalley for my honest opinion.
I've found a new author with new stories to explore both fact and fiction. Loved it.

After the death of her father, Laura has served as head of the family and kept them afloat through careful planning and sheer determination. Now that her brother is about to turn 21, and legally able to take charge of the family's former business things should be taking a turn for the better. But when legal troubles prevent this from this from going through, Laura must look for an alternative if she hopes to keep her family from destitution. The altenative available to her? Marriage.

Alex Archer has come to Surrey to catch himself a country heiress and he has his eyes set on Henrietta. He wasn't counting on the presence of Laura though, there to act as Henrietta's chaperone, nor was he counting on his attraction to her. He'll need to push her and her troubles far from his mind if he hopes to move forward with his plan to woo Henrietta. But try as he might he finds himself drawn to her again and again. Will he give up on his mercenary plan and stop fighting the attraction? Will he let Laura into his heart and stop playing the villain?
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First just let me say that the cover of this book is absolutely gorgeous and I am in love with it.

This is the third book in Mimi Matthews' Parish Orphans of Devon series. Although it is not entirely necessary for you to have read the other books in this series before reading this one, I would recommend it. Any information necessary to a full undertanding of the background of events are detailed by the author as you read. But to get the full impact of the relationship of these four childhood friends and why the seperation weighs so heavily you should read the previous two books. I think it makes the reading of this book all the more powerful.

I adored Alex, he's so damaged and flawed and not nearly the villain that he imagines himself to be. Getting to read about his vulnerabilities, with regards to both his past and future really endeared his character to me.

Laura had such a quiet strength that I really respected in her, but it was also her weakness. I enjoyed following her character as she learns to face the toubles of life with the help of those around her instead of always carrying the weight of everything on her own shoulders. With her independent, take action nature I'm sure her and Jenny will be great friends in no time. Laura just has such a mix of strength and vulnerability, which is why I think her and Alex are so sweet togther, they have such a great balance together. Plus I ADORE a couple in a historical romance that aren't constantly hiding, that actually communicate their feelings with one another. Yes, please! That way were not trapped in a revolving door of misunderstandings.

I enjoyed this book so much and had a hard time putting it down. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series, because I want to learn more about Neville. But I am a little sad that it'll be the last in the series because I've enjoyed it so much.

I recommend this book and the series. If you've read any Mimi Matthews books before, then you already know this one will be great. If you aren't familiar with her book though, I recommend them to anyone who loves a good historical romance.

This is a clean romance, intimacy is eluded to but does not go into detail.
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I would like to thank NetGalley and Perfectly Proper Press for sharing an eARC of A Convenient Fiction by Mimi Matthews with me for reviewing purposes. This is my honest review.

Things are getting worse and worse for Laura Hayes as the financial situation tightens around her. At the same time, Alex Archer, self styled fortune hunter, is seeking the land (and incidentally the hand) of the beautiful, local heiress Henrietta. As Alex and Laura are continually thrown together, they find themselves inexplicably attracted to each other. Maybe they can each meet the other's needs.

Mimi Matthews has written a great book that drew me in from the first moment. I enjoyed the story and loved watching Laura and Alex pull each other into their orbits. It makes me want to read the rest of the series, because of course, I started in the middle

I loved this book so much so, that I have gone and purchased the first book in the series, desperate to uncover more about the orphans of Devon. Alex Archer first spies Laura Hayes floating in a pond. Believing her to be drowning, he rushes into save her, only to find that she is trying to ‘strengthen’ her lungs. Three years earlier, Laura’s father died from scarlet fever, and it left her younger brother crippled, whilst she was ill from the effects. However, any attraction that they feel for each other is not in Alex’s plan as he is determined to marry an heiress and have land to claim his own. Laura has her own battles as she struggles to keep her family together.
Alex is everything that the hero should be: tall, dark and handsome yet he believes himself to be the villain. However, his strength of character and obvious feelings for Laura, make him all the more the hero, for any reader. His is a complex character that is gradually revealed as his relationship with Laura develops. Laura is also such a determined character but the challenges that she faces, brings such sadness and desperation to the story.
I can’t state enough praise for this story. I was desperate to uncover the story but quite devasted to reach the end. Definitely a book to reread and a series to explore.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Wow! What an amazing book. I loved everything about it, the characters, the creative storyline! Mimi Matthews is a master storyteller. Perfectly sweet romance!

A convenient fiction is an engaging, slow burn romance with a hero who is has less than honorable intentions and a heroine who is trying to resist her pull to him...especially since his sights aren’t even set on her. Mimi Matthews writes old-fashioned, clean, well-written historical romance fiction. This is part of a series, and while it’s not necessary to read the other books, it would enhance your enjoyment of this story. Note, when I say it’s a slow burn, it’s a slow burn. If you’re expecting a steamy romance, this is not the novel.

Laura Hayes is the backbone of her small family, striving to keep everything going despite the ill heath of her brother and the emotional outbursts of her aunt who came to care for them on the death of her father. She is battling with the solicitor appointed as an executer by her father but has been unable to gain access to her properties or funds meaning they are struggling on very little income. She asked by her friend to act as chaperone when meeting with a stranger, Alex Archer who has already crossed paths with Laura in a dramatic fashion. She resists the pull she feels towards him to avoid upsetting her friend and because she know’s someone like Alex is looking for more than a penniless spinster. This book continues the series detailing the fortunes of a trio of orphans who were badly treated and escaped their poor start to forge lives for themselves against all odds. Mimi Matthews really makes the era come to life, the emotional and historical detail makes reading her novels a pleasure. I was looking forward to reading this book and wasn’t disappointed. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you net galley for the advance reader copy of this novel. I enjoyed this Victorian Era romance book #3 in the series. This was a strong continuation to the previous two books and I enjoyed seeing glimpses of the past characters. Alex and Laura meet in a rather dramatic fashion/rescue which sets the tone for the rest of the book. I felt this book was a very good flow of action and dialogue. The characters felt real. I enjoyed the details and research of the telescopes and bathing machines on the beach. Love this author and will read anything by her!

The third novel in Mimi Matthews' Parish Orphans of Devon series, "A Convenient Fiction" is the story of Alex Archer, now thirty-three, who returns to England after twenty years abroad. He spent his time gambling and formed no real friendships, and uses a gambling debt owed him as a means of obtaining an introduction to a marriageable heiress.

Alex was hard for me to like at first. He is a fortune hunter and WAS a gambler. His first meeting with Laura doesn't sway him from his course.

All characters are well-drawn. Alex is an enigma, crafting a fictitious backstory for himself. As unpleasant truths of his childhood are revealed, one understands why he ran and why he is the way he is now. While the heiress, Henrietta Talbot can be spoiled and petty, even she has her good points. George is weak and easily manipulated. Laura Hayes is wonderful, and her brother Teddy is delightful. Laura's assessment of what Alex is REALLY looking for is heartfelt and insightful.

It always amazes me when I read about bathing machines. They're positively ridiculous. While mouth-to-mouth resuscitation was a proven method for reviving drowning victims, it was still misunderstood by the populace.

Mimi Matthews' writing style is lovely and flows well. There are one or two very minor grammatical errors. This book is clean.

For a clearer understanding of Alex and his fellow orphans, it is best if this series is read in order, although each novel is technically a stand-alone. I am looking forward to Neville's story.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this lovely novel. All opinions are my own.

"A Convenient Fiction" is a romance set in 1860 in England. This is the third book in a series, but it can be read as a standalone. Alex wants a sense of belonging, which he thinks he can find by marrying into a long-standing family with an estate. Laura believes he's looking for a loving family to belong to, which she can provide. Especially since she needs a husband in order to save what little wealth her family still has. Instead, she's asked to be the chaperone as Alex courts her friend, an heiress with a wealthy estate.

The author has deeply researched the time period and woven this information into the story, creating a distinct sense of time and place. The characters were complex and reacted realistically to events. I cared about what happened to the characters. Alex never really behaved badly during the story, though it's suggested he did before it began. There was no sex. There was a minor amount of bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this story, especially if you enjoy accurate historical aspects in your fiction.

It's been three years since Laura Hayes's father died, leaving her and her invalid brother to subsist on the income from the family's failing perfume business. But time is swiftly running out. What she needs is a husband, and fast. When a mysterious stranger arrives in the village, he seems a perfect candidate. He's returned to England for one reason only: to find a wealthy wife. A country-bred heiress in Surrey seems the perfect target. But somewhere between the village railway station and the manor house his mercenary plan begins to unravel. And it's all the fault of Laura Hayes--a lady as unsuitable as she is enchanting.
This is the third book in this brilliant series, this is my favourite of the three books the enigmatic Alex Archer returns. I love a rogue who is redeemed & a feisty heroine. I loved the chemistry between the two. Well written with very well portrayed characters & a story that draws you in from the start & holds you engrossed until the end. The author is definitely on my growing list of must read authors
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

This is a terrific book. The characters are so well written I started to believe they were real people. Alex is not a “bad” man, just a man trying to make his way in a world that doesn't always seem to want him to make good. Laura is desperate to save the family from financial ruin by guardians of her father's estate. These two have a slow build romance that has the reader hang on every word and turn every page quickly. Mimi Matthews is a terrific author and I can't wait for her next romantic offering.

A Convenient Fiction is the third book of The Parish Orphans of Devon series by Mimi Matthews. The first book I read by this author was The Matrimonial Advertisement, the first of this series. I was totally blown away by that story. I thought at the time that there was no way that Ms. Matthews could write a better book than that; I was dead wrong. Each book after that kept getting better and better, I swear they did. And considering I gave the first book 5 stars, that is saying a lot. Mary Balogh and Grace Burrowes have always been the epitome of historical romance writers to me. Ladies, please scooch over a bit and make room for Mimi Matthews on your exalted pedestal. That’s not hyperbole; I love her writing that much.

If you haven’t read the first two books of the series, you won’t be lost. However, I suggest that you read them first. Having a bit of background on the dynamics of the orphans adds so much to the “feels” in the story. Alex Archer was the boy who ran from England as far and fast as he could when the opportunity arose. He’s back, looking for an heiress to marry. It’s not the money he wants, but land; he feels that it will give him a sense of belonging. On the way to meet his possible heiress, he spies a young woman in a pond whom he believes is drowning. He “rescues” her, only to find out she doesn’t need rescuing. The young woman is Laura Hayes, the daughter of a deceased perfumer, who is not anywhere close to being an heiress. Yet he is totally drawn to her. Read the book blurb to read more of the story synopsis; I’d rather talk about the emotions. Yes, those pesky uncontrollable emotions that can make or break a romance novel.

Laura is overwhelmed in life, with no one to really lean on. Her deceased father left his business in a shambles, with barely any money to keep her family afloat. She basically has to beg his solicitor to give the family funds to live on. Her younger brother was crippled from a fever. Her aunt who has heart issues also lives with them. Laura cares for them all. All she desires is to get the business running again…and to swim in the ocean. Alex, on the other hand, fears the ocean. He’s made money from gambling and is by no means destitute, but he wants land. Alex hides a lot from Laura; you can easily see that he is unhappy with his past actions and doesn’t believe he deserves love. He wants to protect Laura from what he’s done and endured in order to survive. Oh, their interactions touched my heart and boy, did I cry! I think I cried though the last third of the book. My heart hurt for Alex. He was seeking absolution; would he get what he desired?

This is a book you can share with your mother and grandmother. Physical intimacies are behind closed doors; it’s the beautiful writing that makes you feel their attraction and need for each other. I’ve said this before about this author’s writing – you don’t realize until after you’ve finished the book and your face is puffy from crying that there wasn’t any sex. The story just sweeps you away. ~Sigh~ I want more! The fourth orphan’s story can’t come out quickly enough for me. Actually, ANY book by Ms. Matthews can’t come out quickly enough for me!

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Mimi Matthews is fast becoming one of my favorite authors. This is the 3rd book in the series Parish Orphans of Devon. I loved the 1st book in this series, was iffy on the 2nd book. But this story of Alex Archer, one of the 4 orphans who lived together in the orphanage, was my favorite. I started it and couldn't put it down.
Alex is coming to Surrey to be introduced to a young lady who he is hoping to court, hoping to marry. She is an Heiress with a good amount of property. He's a gambler and a fortune hunter.
Who he runs into 1st is Laura. He sees her floating in a pond and thinks she is drowning. He jumps in to rescue her only to find out she needs no rescuing.
They argue back and forth as to what he's doing there and whether or not he rescued her.
This opening chapter sets the tone for the relationship in the book.
They challenge one another, they need one another and they rescue each other.
Miss Matthews made me laugh and made me cry in this story. She kept it fast paced and moving.
I give this book 5 stars. If you haven't read the first 2 books, I reccomend you do. It would make the story more complete.
Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to review this book

A historically rich novel with lush landscapes and fascinatingly complex characters.

A Convenient Fiction is the third book in the Parish Orphans of Devon series, in which one more of the Devon orphans finds redemption and haleness in his true love.

Alec Archer is a fortune hunter on the hunt for a wealthy landed heiress. After working his way up from his pauper beginnings, he now needs a wife to realize his dream of a home of his own.

Laura Hayes has been taking care of her invalid brother and weary Aunt since the death of her father. Her brother is finally coming to his age of majority, and they family will finally be able to take control of their former perfume business that has been left in the hands of their solicitor. Will Laura be able to take control of the business and save her family’s legacy? Or will a dashing stranger in their humble village and a seaside romp overturn all of her plans?

Mimi Matthews writing is a pure delight! Her sweet story and the rich history she weaves in are a treat for romance and history lovers both.

A Convenient Fiction- Parish Orphans of Devon, Book 3 by Mimi Matthews is scheduled to release October 22nd, 2019.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Perfectly Proper Press through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

#AconvenientFiction #MimiMatthews #NetGalley #pinkcowlandreads

Although I'm not typically a romance reader, I've always made an exception for an old-fashioned gothic romance like those that were so popular back in the '70s. This series reminds me so much of those beloved old reads. I adored the first book in this series; and really liked the second, but I believe this third installation is my favorite of them all. I just loved this book, and I can't wait to read the fourth and final one!

The Parish Orphans of Devon has been such a fun series and book 3, A Convenient Fiction, may well be my favorite. This series is full of strong, lovely characters with witty personalities and charm. There are some updates on previous orphans we have meet as stories intersect and come to light. In this tale, we meet Laura and Alex. Alex has been a fighter his whole life and believes himself to be a villain. What happens when a villain meets a sea nymph? Magic. Laura and Alex create a magical love story as they both learn to trust their heart and perhaps, one another.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own gladly given.

A Convenient Fiction beautifully mixes Georgette.Heyer with Victoria Holt.  Part gothic romance, part family story with a tiny sprinkling of humor thrown in, it’s a lovely, spooky heartbreaker of a novel that sinks its claws right into you, then kisses the wound it leaves behind.

Laura Hayes is taking a dip in a leaf-strewn pond when an arrogant and, by turns, awkwardly flustered man arrives to pull her out, presuming that she was drowning (to be fair to him, she was floating beneath the water to strengthen her lungs – as he puts it “like a demented Ophelia.”).

Alex Archer only ended up on the property of Squire Talbot because his rented horse bolted and he had gone to find it.  As Laura stands there in her underwear, dripping wet, and he stands beside her – embarrassed, his bravado deflated and his attraction evident – they both believe that this will be just a moment that they can brush away after getting on with their lives. He’s home to visit his cousin George and to hunt for a rich heiress wife.  George and Alex were of four orphans that grew up together in horrifying conditions in a parish in Devon, a past that they both wish to forget.  But it is a generally happy reunion, as George is well settled with children and a new wife.

Laura – who is, according to George “someone of no import”  - is the daughter of a perfumer whose family is in severe financial straits following his death.  She is taking care of her invalid brother and elderly aunt and must also deal with the family’s debt to a Mr. Weatherwax, who has threatened to have her brother declared incompetent and will take control of the family estate and sundry if they cannot pay him.

But Laura and her elderly aunt are nonetheless invited to visit George and things are Awkward because this is how Laura meets Alex again after her pond-dunking.  Alex is sardonic; Laura gives him no quarter.  Alex continues to pop up at unexpected intervals, just when Laura least expects to see him - and when she needs him the most.  But since he’s planned to hunt a rich heiress and Laura is poor as a church mouse, can they ever be happy?

A Convenient Fiction is a great romance about imperfect people. It has  some problems but manages to stick its landing in a way that’s perfect.

Alex is, understandably, angry – angry because he was abandoned at an orphanage, and angry about the physical and emotional abuse, as well as the depravation, he suffered there. Thus, he’s become one of those cynical fellows who refuses to love and it takes him a while to shift away from his cold materialism, which might be too long for some readers.  Without that aspect of his character, the book would’ve gotten a full on A.

Laura, meanwhile, keeps a stiff upper lip as she tries to keep her family together, without seeming childishly naive or dependent on Alex, or falling into too many TSTL pitfalls.  She loves her family, and they will fight tooth and nail for her – and vice versa.

Laura and Alex’s romance is well done and crackles with sexual tension (for a romance with no sex at all, you can somehow feel the steam rising off of them both!). It’s filled with sympathy and mutual caring, a great reflection of the importance of being there for someone, for listening to them.

The author has clearly done her research when it comes to the time period, and everything feels properly of its time; from emerging controversies over women’s bathing fashion to ball etiquette to the horrors of life in charity orphanages, everything is perfectly done. And It’s refreshing to have a romance among the merchant class here, as opposed to one involving the aristocracy.

Overall, A Convenient Fiction works perfectly on every single romantic level.

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