This was just an alright book. The story revolves around Philippa and Julian. Philippa was being match made by Vincent's family and hers. They didn't want each other though. Vincent had no interest in being married that early and to another accommodating female. She, on the other hand, had been exchanging love letters with Julian for two years. Because of her young age, Julian couldn't court her and so he waited. He fixed his reputation and got his act together. He was giving Philippa time to enjoy her single status before she got hitched but he hurried to her side when he heard of her family's plan to make her a viscountess. Since the story was short, it was inevitable that there would be no character development. This was just a nice fill in the blank to whatever happened to that character. She makes a brief cameo in The Proposal and this was her brief story. It isn't bad but it isn't good either. It is short and sweet and to be read for curiousity than anything else. This was just a story of how Julian tried to act proper and Philippa waiting for him to come to her. 3 1/2Most of what is wrong with this story is its length. The meeting again and changing has to happen in a short time frame so is not very fleshed out. I easily read it in one sitting.Philippa and Julian meet in Bath when she is 16 and he is 21?(20) I only remember it being a 4 or 5 year difference. Now today that might seem like robbing the cradle but, although most regency novels make the come out always at 18, Jane Austin had Lydia coming out at 15 and the complaint was not here age but that the sister in front of her had not settled yet... so. Since my Grandfather and Grandmother met at the turn of the 20th century when she was 16, I don't think that even 100 years ago it was considered improper. The problem with the match was more that it was clandestine and he was a rake/rogue. He did not compromise her in anyway. So...Improperly, as they were split, they keep a correspondence and kept their attachment. During the season of her come out, he waits too long and her parents try to force a match with Viscount Darleigh. He is the blind survivor's club member, if you are reading the series and his book is next. So she is thrown at Darleigh which she sees is not what he wants either but instead of speaking to him, she tries to hint at her displeasure. Although he gets it, I think it was done a little meanly on her part. Still, she really want to get back to the season and wait for her beaux. Jason tries to ride to the rescue but by the time he gets there she has rescued herself. Now to try to convince the family.I don't think it is hard to convince a family when your estate seems to be doing well and for the last 3 years you've been reformed and very proper. On top of that, you are a duke's grandson and nephew. The current Duke very old with no heir but you.... no brainer.It was good and kept my attention with little things that irritated. I may round down at a latter date but a couple of days latter, I still liked it.
Do You like book The Suitor (2013)?
The romance of the Duke's nephew & the girl he loves--who might or might not be engaged to Vincent.
—britny
Fun, light, easy, and I like Philippa a whole lot more than I did in The Arrangement.
—Vic
Liked Phiippa's ploy to avoid a proposal. Wish the story had been longer though.
—rosemarrie
I love Mary Balogh's need to give everyone a happy ending. Hurrah! :)
—soy3mnda
a always was very good and told of Vinc's close call
—dembot
