Mo Daoust
Quinn McNeill had asked brother Ian to look up a matchmaker who caused Quinn problems a few months before, Ian hired a private investigator, and he is stunned to see that the mystery matchmaker is his former lover Lydia Whitney. Lydia had broken up with Ian when she learned that he had a profile on a dating website, and at the time, she made a rash decision. It was Ian’s grandfather who had put it there: The McNeills’ grandfather insists the boys marry if they want their share of the family business. Ian has learned that Lydia, an interior designer, will be working in the company’s resort in South Beach, so Ian asks to handle business matters over there and get even for the mess with Quinn. However, Ian hadn’t counted on his attraction to Lydia not having dimmed; Lydia is also very much attracted to Ian, but she feels betrayed, and she’s had some serious issues in the meantime. Ian strongly suggests that it would be in Lydia’s best interests to agree to a marriage of convenience, as it would solve both their problems. Lydia doesn’t like the idea very much, but she can’t see other way to avoid a scandal. THE MAGNATE’S MARRIAGE MERGER is a terrific take on the marriage of convenience in a contemporary setting, done just as brilliantly as the first book of the McNeill Magnates series, THE MAGNATE’S MAIL-ORDER BRIDE, whose subject is obvious. Ms. Rock’s eloquent prose had me living vicariously in exotic locales such as South Beach and Costa Rica, and in the world of the privileged few. The McNeills might be billionaires, but they don’t act as spoiled, entitled rich boys; they work for their money. The conflicts were entirely logical and believable, the air is cleared promptly, and there is no tiptoeing around the issues. Ian had been a bit of an enigma in the first book, he’s a quiet man, and we got to know him better. Lydia’s backstory was unusual and heartbreaking at times. Ian, as Quinn before, is a beautiful hero just the way I like them; not a cartoon alpha, but a real, reasonable man, who is willing to work for what and who matters. There is quite a bit of tension, sexual and otherwise, but Ms. Rock never makes it unpleasant and at no time does the reader have to suspend her sense of disbelief. I also loved that in one instance, both characters are adult enough not to repeat an unfortunate mistake. Ian cares for Lydia, and it shows. It’s not all smooth sailing, but the rekindled romance is going relatively well, until the author Rock drops a major bombshell on us. And dear readers, this is called meticulously structuring one’s story and carefully planning one’s story arc, especially as when you look back, the signs were there in the previous book; Joanne Rock knew where she was going right from the start: no snags, and a stunning surprise. I know I’ve mentioned THE MAGNATE’S MAIL-ORDER BRIDE, the first book, a few times (and I consider it an absolute must-read), but still THE MAGNATE’S MARRIAGE MERGER can totally be read as a standalone. Joanne Rock has created an amazing series in the McNeill Magnates, giving tired old tropes fresh spins, and doing an incredible job. Am I impressed the second time around? You bet! I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
Isha Coleman
Lydia and Ian had a love written in the stars. Until real life got in the way. Now fate has given them a second chance. Will the heartache be worth the wait? The McNeill men exude power, presence and personality, but when faced with matters of the heart, they have a hard time facing reality. Ian loves to be in control. Lydia is the one woman, he never expected, could not forget and had no control over. Lydia offered her heart to the one man who managed to break her spirit. Now he's back and ready to expose her secrets and desires. Amid the heartache, blackmail, secrets and betrayals lie misunderstandings, pride and an everlasting love. Will these two shattered hearts be able to piece their love together again? Ms. Rock has a way with words. The Magnate's Marriage Merger appeals to the emotional, hormonal and dream lover in every romantic soul.