| Title | : | The Marriage Bargain: A Small Town, Southern Romance |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 276 |
| Publication | : | Published June 21, 2019 |
“You will accept my proposal, Daria. You will become my wife.”
“And what makes you so sure about your proposition?” I said. God I wanted to knock that smug smile off his addictively handsome face.
“Because you have no choice. So why fight it? Besides, it’s only a year. What have you got to lose?”
Everything! I wanted to scream. My hopes. My dreams. Genuine affection. Real love. I’d be giving up all of that if I agreed to become his wife — even if it was only for one year. What would be left of me after?
I had dreamed of being Glory Falkner’s wife a thousand times since I first met him at ten years old. But never once had my fantasy played out like this.
And that’s because it is fantasy, a tiny voice whispered in my head.
I turned around to face him. “We all have choices Glory.”
“In theory, yes. In reality, no. In your world, you may not have realized that fundamental truth. But you live in my world now.”
“And what world is that?” I asked, my arms folded across my chest.
“The real world,” he said, reaching over and tucking a tendril of hair behind my ear. “In the real world dearest Daria, only those with power have choices.”
I could feel the thumping of my pulse on the side of my neck where his hand had come to rest. He was so sure. So confident.
And no wonder; tears stung the back of my eyes as I realized the truth of what he said. I don’t think I’ve ever hated another human being as much as I hated him at that moment.
***
“Alright Glory, you have yourself a wife. But if you ever lay a finger on me, you will regret it. That I can promise you,” I finished, my eyes never leaving his.
His thumb caressed the side of my neck, the pulsing of my vein mocking my words.
“I like my women ready, willing and able Daria. I don’t see you qualifying on any of those fronts. So don’t worry darling, your virtue is safe with me.”
***
I watched Glory’s broad, ram-rod straight figure disappear through the large glass door. I’d managed to save my beloved art gallery from bankruptcy, but at what cost?
Would my heart pay the price for something much more valuable?
The Marriage Bargain: A Small Town, Southern Romance Reviews
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It wasn't bad, just meh. I would add half a star if possible because it's an OK read. It's just that Daria wasn't the most captivating character. I actually liked Emma line most. She lacked depth and personality. She was portrayed one way and behaved another. Supposedly a smart and efficient business woman, and yet very impulsive. I felt like she kept bursting into tears every other chapters. And the whole Juliette thing was pretty stupid how she assumed things. As for Glory, he was a little bit better but not much. His back story was a bit more fleshed and moving. But how he ended at that first meeting and what role he played in her not getting the fundings were never explained. More importantly I never bought how he suddenly fell in love with her, never really felt the heat between them. Too much telling, not enough showing... Also, am not sure about how her being black popped up once and was never a factor in anything else. It was unasual, not necessarily bad.
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Meant To Be
Daria has loved Glory since she was 10 years old. Glory beinga few years older always knew she needed to live life a little as he was a simple " country boy " with no money or future. Thru anger & bitter words they have stayed apart for 15 years. Glory has something Daria needs & Daria has what he needs too. Neither of them fully realizes the other cares. They both try to deceive the other with good intentions. Fireworks are sure to follow when you finally are willing to acknowledge you share more then explosive sexual chemistry. This is marriage is one contract neither wants to void. Nice! -
So true
Everyone wants to feel loved. It doesn't matter rich or poor, love is richer and more precious than anything. Glory and Daria were destined for each other but not at such a tender age. Growth and finding out who we are as individuals is key.
They needed this time. I always believe love is the best leap of faith ever no matter the landing.
Love these types of stories because there is history, friendship and love there.
This would have been 4 stars but for errors that should have been caught in editing. None the less, a beautiful, well told love story. Curious about Emnaline and her love story. -
Ok
This wasn’t a bad read. It was hard to understand how two people , (that had known each since early childhood), could have so many issues communicating. I also don’t buy how a “Wall Street Wiz” who shadowed her father’s business experiences, could make so many bad business decisions. What was the deal with Jolliette?
The book also had its fair share of editing issues. -
Okay
I liked the story, but Daria was too whiny for my taste! The whole time, I was hoping Glory would had just said F*** it and left Daria alone!
