The Wedding Bargain

I usually enjoy this writer but this is not one of her best. The basic premise is a little silly, the narrative and dialogue not humorous and the characters rather flat. It needs a better editor!

Pandora Effington has been given the title "Hellion of Grosvenor Square" because her behavior is always skipping on the thin line between properity and scandle. She is a VERY stubborn 24 year old in her 7th season, and laughs at the thought of marriage; esp a marriage without love.Maximillian Wells, the Earl of Trent, is just as stobborn as Pandora and know what he wants. He has finally decieded to marry. The woman who fits all of his requirements is the ever beautiful Pandora and he wants HER. But instead of accepting his suit like any other girl would do, she refuses and instead makes a bargain with him. If Max passes any one test of her choosing, she will marry him. However is Max fails, Pandora is allowed to pick Max's bride for him.Victoria Alexander has done a wonderful job with this entire book! It was incredibly captivating and it kept my attention the entire way through! I think what impressed me most was how I could see the two characters fall in love with each other. Most authors don't show as much detail and this one did, but I am very happy with the way she did it! So yes I rate this 5 stars because it earned every star!!!!!

This is the first Victoria Alexander book that I have read. I thoroughly enjoyed it and will definitely be keeping an eye out for more of her books. The by-play between Pandora Effington and Maximillian Wells, the Earl of Trent is wonderful. The fact that Pandora refuses to marry for anything other than love irritates Max, especially considering the passion that flares between them. Max, however, is not prepared to give up, and with a little help from Pandora's family will even follow Pandora's 'Twelve Labours of Hercules' to win her. A very funny and very enjoyable book to read. I look forward to reading many more of VA's books

I LOVED this book! Victoria Alexander has written a book that is really funny without being stupid or slapstick. The dialogue is sharp and smart and fast-paced, the plot is wonderfully entertaining and clever. Too many of the romances that are supposed to be funny just aren't. This one is definitely is - I just couldn't turn the pages fast enough. I will certainly look for her other books, and can't wait till the next one (am hoping to see the hero's sisters in future books!).

After seven or eight seasons (depends on who is counting), twenty-four-year-old Lady Pandora Effington appears headed to a life of spinsterhood. Independently wealthy, Pandora has been the leading debutante for years, but refuses to wed for anything short of love. Thus, she is dubbed the Hellion.The Earl of Trent, Maximillian Wells is known as a rake and a beast among other names. He has vowed to also marry for love and plans to stay faithful to his wife. He chooses Pandora, who will never bore him. However, she rejects his proposal that sounded more like a horse breeding to her. She demands a hero like Achilles. He demands a test to prove he is her hero. She gives him the twelve tasks of Hercules to accomplish. If he fails in even one, he must marry a woman of her choosing. If he succeeds, she must marry him.THE WEDDING BARGAIN is a satirical, yet sensual, but definitely enjoyable Regency romance that pokes fun at the marriage mart. The story line never lets up as Max toils through the "Herculean" tasks to win the hand of his Dora. The lead couple is a delight due to their constant battling and the support cast, especially their mutual best friends, adds depth to the plot. Victoria Alexander has written a triumphant romp that will elate fans of historical romance regardless of era preference.Harriet Klausner