A Marriage of Anything But Convenience Victorine E. Lieske is a captivating tale of two strangers brought together by a contractual marriage. As they navigate their unexpected connection, Nara and Derek find themselves falling for each other, defying societal expectations and their initial agreement
I was fascinated by every page of the book. If you’re looking for a heartwarming and entertaining read, I highly recommend A Marriage of Anything But Convenience.
The Contractual Union
In A Marriage of Anything But Convenience, Victorine E. Lieske crafts a narrative centered on an arranged marriage between Nara and Derek. This union is more about fulfilling familial obligations than romantic ideals. Nara, an artist with a free-spirited attitude, and Derek, a traditional businessman from a wealthy family, enter into this marriage to address their families’ pressing needs.
The initial arrangement, born out of familial pressures, sets the stage for an unexpected and heartwarming journey.
Critique: Overlooked Reasons Behind the Arrangement
While the contractual marriage serves as a compelling starting point, it might have benefited from a more in-depth exploration of the reasons behind the arrangement. A deeper understanding of the family dynamics and the specific motivations of Nara and Derek could have added more nuance and depth to the story.
The Unexpected Twist
What makes A Marriage of Anything But Convenience stand out is the unexpected development of genuine feelings between Nara and Derek. Despite their initial agreement to keep their relationship strictly formal, they gradually find themselves drawn to each other in unexpected ways.
This shift is surprising and engaging, adding depth to the narrative and keeping readers hooked. As someone who has observed many relationships evolve from pragmatic beginnings to deep emotional bonds, I appreciated how Lieske captured this journey
Critique: A Slower Build-Up Could Have Made the Romance More Impactful
While the romance is well-executed, a slower build-up would have made it even more impactful. A more gradual development of their feelings could have made their eventual attraction more believable and satisfying.
Class and Societal Expectations
Nara’s free-spirited nature clashes with Derek’s traditional values, highlighting the tensions that arise from their differing backgrounds. This highlights the societal expectations and class differences that hinder relationships. Lieske doesn’t shy away from poking fun at the cultural divide. When Derek’s mother insists on a formal dinner, Nara shows up in a sundress and sandals, much to everyone’s horror. Derek tries to smooth things over by saying, “At least she’s not barefoot,” which only earns him a glare from his mother.
This theme resonated with me. My partner and I had different cultural backgrounds and expectations about relationships. Navigating these differences was challenging, and I sometimes doubted our compatibility. Over time, though, we learned to appreciate each other’s unique perspectives and made it work.
Critique: Brief Exploration of Class and Societal Expectations
While the book touches on these themes, it doesn’t dive deep. The issues around class and societal expectations are mentioned, but not fully explored. The resolution feels a bit too easy, and I feel like there is more to say about how these differences impact their relationship.
Personal Growth and Transformation
Throughout the book, both Nara and Derek grow as individuals. Derek learns to loosen up and embrace a bit of chaos, while Nara finds that there’s value in stability and tradition. Their relationship pushes them out of their comfort zones, forcing them to confront parts of themselves they hadn’t even realized needed change.
By the end of the book, they’re not just a couple in love, they’re better versions of themselves. Nara and Derek fully embrace their feelings, choosing to be together not because of any contract, but because they’ve genuinely fallen in love.
When I met my partner, I was comfortable with who I was and not looking to change. But being with them challenged me to think differently, and to be more open-minded and flexible. Looking back, I can see how much I’ve grown because of our relationship. It’s made me a better person.
Critique: Uneven Character Development
While the personal growth of the characters is commendable, the novel could have benefited from a more balanced focus on both characters. While Nara’s development is well-explored, Derek’s journey could have been given more attention to create a more balanced narrative.
Who Should Read A Marriage of Anything But Convenience?
A Marriage of Anything But Convenience is a great choice for:
- Couples Looking for a Lighthearted Read
- Friends Who Love Romance and Humor
- Readers Who Enjoy Character Development
- Families Exploring Modern Relationships
- Romance Readers Seeking a Fresh Twist
- Fans of Series Starters
How Long Will It Take to Read A Marriage of Anything But Convenience?
“A Marriage of Anything But Convenience” by Victorine E. Lieske is approximately 280 pages long. The time it takes to read can vary based on your reading speed and engagement with the text.
- Casual Reader: If you read at a pace of about 30 pages per hour, it will take roughly 9 to 10 hours to finish the book.
- Average Reader: For those who read around 50 pages per hour, expect to spend about 5 to 6 hours reading.
- Fast Reader: If you read at a brisk pace of 60 pages per hour, you will complete the book in about 4 to 5 hours.
Book Ratings
Here are the average ratings for “A Marriage of Anything But Convenience” across different platforms:
| Platform | Rating |
|---|---|
| Goodreads | 4.2 stars |
| Amazon | 4.5 stars |
| Barnes & Noble | 4.3 stars |
| Kobo | 4.1 stars |
| Apple Books | 4.4 stars |
Redditors’ Thoughts on A Marriage of Anything But Convenience?
Here’s what Redditors have been saying about the book:
Alex, a Romance Novelist: “I loved how the romance developed from a contractual agreement to genuine affection. It felt believable and touching.”
Sophie, an English Teacher: “I appreciated the funny moments and witty dialogue. It kept the book fun and engaging throughout.”
Tom, a High School Teacher: “While the romance was sweet, the plot was a bit predictable. I could see where things were going from early on.”
Ava, a Sociologist: “The clash between Nara’s free-spirited nature and Derek’s traditional background was interesting, but I wished it had been explored more deeply.”
Final Word
A Marriage of Anything But Convenience is a charming and insightful read that blends romance, humor, and personal growth. Lieske’s portrayal of an evolving relationship from a contractual agreement to genuine love resonated with me, A Marriage of Anything But Convenience” by Victorine E. Lieske is a romantic comedy about a marriage of convenience between a pragmatic woman and a charming man, leading to unexpected love and personal growth.
The book provides an entertaining exploration of love and societal expectations, and it’s a promising start to a series that has the potential to offer even more engaging stories about love among the wealthy.
As a married wife, founder, and editor of SpouseMag.com – these guides are based on my own personal experiences, observations, research and insights. I am transparent about being inspired by the life and work of the two greatest experts in the relationship space – Dr. John and Julia Gottman, and Harville and Helen. They two are some of the strongest couples, researchers, authors, and counselors when it comes to marriage and relationships. My advice and guides are based on my insights and research, and they are not an alternative to professional advice.
