In what is basically a business arrangement, widowed Ross Vincent marries ruined Prudence Scott to take care of his infant son. In addition, his face is scarred, the result of his life as a privateer, and Prue is a bluestocking. It's a lot of historical tropes thrown in together, but the author manages to save the story with some life at sea and involvement in the battle of Waterloo.
I admit I got the book because the cover guy looks like a young Bob Dylan and I was fascinated at the choice lol. It's a fine story, nothing new but nicely written. ( )

Terrific marriage of convenience story. Both Ross and Prue are very practical people and enter into their marriage with open eyes. Neither one wants to muddy their arrangement with messy emotions.

I liked both Ross and Prue. Ross became Marquis of Cranford thanks to an unfortunate series of events. Society in general looks down on him, and he returns the favor. Thanks to his parents ' marriage, Ross had an unconventional childhood, then went on to become a privateer. He is often referred to disparagingly as the East End Aristocrat or the Privateer Marquis. Ross has no inclination for social graces, has a growly disposition and a scarred face, making him less than a catch. After his wife's recent death, he wants a wife that will be a mother to his infant son.

Prue is a young woman who is more interested in her books and Greek and Latin translations than in looking for a husband. She is somewhat naïve and falls under the spell of a charming and handsome young lord. After a romantic interlude goes wrong, Prue finds herself in need of protection. One of her friends may have a solution and sets up a meeting between Ross and Prue.

I liked the first meeting between them. Prue arrived at Ross's home for her "interview" knowing very little about him. Ross laid something of a trap, or test, for her by hiding the scarred side of his face from her until she was close to him. I loved her calm reaction and how it surprised him. Both of them are straightforward about their expectations of themselves and each other. I liked the inclusion of the baby, Jon, since he was the motivating factor for Ross's desire to marry. His obvious love for his son lightened Ross's harsh first impression. I also liked Prue's practical approach to Jon and the beginning of their connection.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Prue and Ross. They began their marriage as strictly a business arrangement. Ross made it clear that he doesn't expect physical intimacy, having "lost his appetite" for such things. He quickly came to regret that promise after seeing Prue in her wedding dress stirred up those latent desires. Prue's prior experience being what it was, she didn't expect stirrings of attraction to her new husband. It was fun to see them fight it at first, especially Ross. He tried avoiding her but found she invaded his thoughts. The time they spent together brought them closer, and I liked seeing them get to know each other. Ross was frequently challenged by realizing that Prue was nothing like his first wife and found himself unexpectedly liking her as a person. Prue discovered she wanted more from Ross as she got to know the man behind the gruff exterior.

It didn't take long for the attraction to boil over, and it added a new level to their relationship. Prue quickly realizes that her heart is at risk but can't do anything about it. Meanwhile, Ross fights hard against the idea of loving Prue. They move closer to that ultimate connection until the war with Napoleon intervenes. Ross makes a tactical error by breaking a promise to Prue and puts himself in unexpected danger. Prue is left to deal with a crisis involving Jon, which she handles as she sees best, then goes looking for Ross. I loved seeing her embrace her inner Marchioness as she deals with every obstacle. I loved seeing her give him a piece of her mind and his realization of his errors.

Ross isn't done with being an idiot, though. His reaction to her handling of the crisis with Jon was over-the-top harsh. I ached for Prue, who saw her hopes for a real marriage crumble. I loved her strength as she refused to be left behind and insisted on helping get Jon back. Her kindness and empathy go a long way toward solving the problem. Meanwhile, Ross overhears things that open his eyes, and he knows he must find a way to fix what he broke. I loved the ending and seeing Ross finally open up to Prue. I loved her statement that she married "all of who he was, not simply the parts that suit me." ( )

So both Prudence and Ross were marrying for convenience sake not love. First let me start by telling you that Prudence gave up her virginity to scoundral and now was fearful that she would be pregnant which would be devastating in that era. She really didn't have prospects because she was known as a bluestocking and not very pretty. Ross is a recent widower but he needs a mother for his son and he also knows that he is not very handsome. Due to a mutual friend they get to meet each other and agree on this loveless marriage but as they get to know each other they fall in love, well Prudence was at first and even though Ross didn't want nor expect to have fallen in love he himself can not deny it.

rcvd an ARC at no cost to author..(netgalley) voluntarily reviewed with my own thoughts and opinoins. ( )