Gina Rae Mitchell

A Very Modern Marriage by Rachel Brimble (The Ladies of Carson Street) | $20 Giveaway, Review, & Excerpt

Welcome to my stop on the virtual book tour for A Very Modern Marriage organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Today, I have an excerpt from the book and my review. Enter the giveaway below for a chance to win a $20 Amazon or Barnes & Noble gift card.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and Marianne & Judy at Goddess Fish for providing me with the information for this tour.

Book Details

A Very Modern Marriage by Rachel Brimble
Published by Aria on February 3, 2022
Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction
Format: Audiobook, eBook, Paperback
Pages: 368

He needs a wife...Manchester industrialist William Rose was a poor lad from the slums who pulled himself up by his bootstraps, but in order to achieve his greatest ambitions, he must become the epitome of Victorian respectability: a family man.

She has a plan...But the only woman who's caught his eye is sophisticated beauty Octavia Marshall, one of the notorious ladies of Carson Street. Though she was once born to great wealth and privilege, she's hardly respectable, but she's determined to invest her hard-earned fortune in Mr. Rose's mills and forge a new life as an entirely proper businesswoman.

They strike a deal that promises them both what they desire the most, but William's a fool if he thinks Octavia will be a conventional married woman, and she's very much mistaken if she thinks the lives they once led won't follow them wherever they go.

In the third installment of Rachel Brimble's exciting Victorian saga series, The Ladies of Carson Street will open the doors on a thoroughly modern marriage – and William is about to get a lot more than he bargained for...

Source: Goddess Fish Promotions, NetGalley

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Excerpt from A Very Modern Marriage

Louisa and Jacob’s conversation dimmed as Mr. Rose slowly turned his gaze to Octavia. She barely resisted the urge to flinch. His eyes were as dark as his hair, their gaze so intense it was as though he looked to read her thoughts, desires, and dreams. The notion was bizarrely unnerving, intoxicating and a frisson of trepidation – or maybe shameful anticipation – shivered through her. Suddenly it didn’t seem such a bad idea to allow Mr. Rose’s unexpected visit to play out. Yet, impromptu admittance was not the Carson Street way…

As Louisa and Jacob seemed too imbedded in debate to address Mr. Rose and his companions, Octavia raised her chin and held Mr. Rose’s unwavering stare. ‘I’m sorry, Mr. Rose, but it’s house policy that no girl spends time alone with a man we do not know. Therefore, I kindly ask that you leave for the time being. However, if you wish—’

‘Now, now, Octavia,’ Louisa said firmly as she brushed past her. ‘I don’t think it’s necessary to toss Mr. Rose so unceremoniously out of our establishment on such a cold and dreary night, do you?’

‘Louisa…’ Octavia looked pointedly at her friend, her eyebrows raised. ‘Jacob is right. Mr. Fairham should not have taken it upon himself to offer his friend’s unkept appointment to Mr. Rose. Therefore, Mr. Rose should leave.’

Octavia faced Mr. Rose and, once again, fought the urge to flinch when she found herself the object of his intense study a second time. She pulled back her shoulders. He had better think again if he thought for one minute she might be intimidated by him.

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Purchase Links for A Very Modern Marriage

Amazon     Kobo     AppleBooks/iTunes     The Book Depository

Waterstones     GoogleBooks      The Wordery

The e-book and audiobook are available now. The paperback version releases on May 12, 2022.

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My thoughts on A Very Modern Marriage

I have also reviewed A Widow’s Vow by Rachel Brimble, Book 1 of this series.

A Very Modern Marriage, while set in the Victorian era, portrays the plight of women through many eras. Marriage forces them to give up all rights and independence.

Octavia is determined to maintain her independence after she breaks free from the abuse of her father. William wants nothing more than to become a successful businessman. When circumstances step in to thwart their plans, a fake engagement seems to be the only answer.

What they didn’t count on was falling in love. Love heals many wounds. Can it work it’s magic once again for a Lady of Carson Street?

This is the third book in the series, but stands well on its own merit. The characters are flawed but relatable and endearing. The author writes in the historical fiction genre with panache.

I found the settings of the mills and explanations of working conditions to ring true to the times. William and Octavia are ahead of their time in the way they think and act.

Ultimately, this tale revolves around friendship. The care and responsibility the women feel for each other sets the tone for this book.

If you love historical fiction, strong female characters, witty banter, and a riveting story, A Very Modern Marriage is perfect for you.

I received a copy of the book for the tour. This review is my honest, unbiased opinion.

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I love my Amazon Kindle Unlimited Subscription. So many books, so little time!

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Giveaway!

Rachel Brimble will be awarding a $20 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Visit more stops on this Goddess Fish tour for extra chances to win!

Official Tour Page

Full Tour Schedule:

February 14: Romance Novel Giveaways
February 15: All the Ups and Downs
February 16: Christine Young
February 16: fundinmental
February 17: Mythical Books
February 18: Literary Gold
February 21: The Key Of Love
February 22: Fabulous and Brunette
February 23: Hope. Dreams. Life… Love
February 24: Harlie’s Books – review
February 25: Gina Rae Mitchell – review
February 25: Westveil Publishing

If you would like to review books for Goddess Fish Promotions, please click the link below:

Goddess Fish Virtual Book Tour Host