The Persistent Suitor [Paperback]

Phylis Warady (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 12, 2008

Summoned by his godfather to London, Archibald Brainridge is made an offer he cannot refuse. Provided he eschews the gaming tables and gets himself a respectable wife, the Earl of Chandos will make him his heir. Though taken aback by the proposal, Archie rallies. Back at Brainridge Hall, he sets off to propose to Miss Isabella Cox, his childhood playmate. En route to Bella's desirous of a bit of Dutch courage before popping the question he drops in at the local pub. Staring down at her suitor, swaying unsteadily at her feet, Isabella is tempted to box Archie's ears. How dare he make her an offer while foxed! Even if he were sober, she'll never marry Archie, despite the secret tendre she harbors. Isabella is determined to never marry a gamester. But, ever persistent, Archie follows her to Town. Wherever she goes, he shows up to woo her. Only to concede he's met his match. He'll never win her hand not unless he reforms and risks his heart on the greatest gamble of all love! Publisher Note: Previously released elsewhere, now revised and expanded.

Product Details

• Paperback: 200 pages
• Publisher: Cerridwen Press (August 12, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1419957651
• ISBN-13: 978-1419957659
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,431,039 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Persistent Suitor, September 23, 2008

By 

M. Nix - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Persistent Suitor (Paperback)

Archibald Brainridge (Archie) has been summoned by his godfather, the Earl of Chandos, to make an appearance in London. Archie wonders what the old curmudgeon wants, as the man disinherited him and sent him away years ago, after an issue at Oxford. What he finds is that the Earl now wants to make a couple of deals with him. If he stays away from gambling for a year, then he will get an allowance, and if he finds a woman to marry him, then he will become the sole heir of the Earl. Archie knows the first part will be easy as he has left his gaming ways behind him, just not the debts. He is now the bailiff for his father's estate and has found a passion in farming and farm planning. He knows the perfect person for part two. He thinks to ask Isabella Cox, his neighbor and long-time friend, to be his bride.

He, unfortunately, is so nervous about asking her that he goes out and gets drunk first. Bella is stunned that she appears to have sunk so low that even a friend has to get drunk to ask her to marry him.

Isabella is determined to never marry a gambler. In fact, she has resigned herself to having to live the life as a lady's companion, as her father gambled her dowry away. So she writes her aunt to ask if she is either in need of a companion or knows of someone who is, especially since her aunt is just getting over the death of her uncle. When she arrives in London, Isabella finds that her aunt takes her on as her project. She wants her to have a season, and will help her with a dowry to make a match; she won't stand for Bella becoming a companion.

The problem that both Bella and Archie face is that just as she turns him down, and he sobers up, they both find they love each other. Will Bella be able to trust Archie not to gamble and take a chance on love?

The Persistent Suitor is a wonderful regency historical romance. This is the first story I have read by this author and it won't be my last. She has woven the stories of a number of characters into this novel, and I was pulled into each one. There might be just more than one persistent suitor in this story. I like how Archie was shown to not only grow up, but to appreciate others and how they might feel by his actions and the actions of others. If you love regency or Victorian historicals, then I think you will find The Persistent Suitor a wonderful addition to your book shelf.

Tanya
reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed