Marriage of Inconvenience (Knitting in the City, #7)

by Penny Reid

[stacey_is_sassy]

Kit-Kat marries Dan, Dan, The Security Man

Listening to Marriage of Inconvenience was everything I hoped for and more. I needed the connection to these Knitting in the City characters and a reminder of how much joy they bring me. The narration was done extremely well and portrayed the characters exactly how I imagined they would sound.

I want to revisit this lovable bunch again, especially after 'hearing' them.

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I feel the need, the need for knitting…

Fasten your seatbelts my lovelies, this is going to be a long and rambling review...

I’m going to start knitting…soon…ish. Every time I read an instalment of Knitting in the City, I have an overwhelming desire to go shopping and buy yarn and needles. I haven’t knitted anything since I was a kid but I sort of remember what’s involved, I just can’t remember how to start. What I need to do, is find someone who can start me off and then I’ll be right. Oh, and I’d also have to wait until Winter. It’s stinking hot at the moment, and while knitting (the action) is appealing, any fondling of yarn or wool, makes my skin crawl.

Anyways, I absolutely LOVED Marriage of Inconvenience. This series is amazing and each instalment leaves me with a giddy high. Penny Reid has an amazing ability to tuck you into the fold and make you feel like you’re a part of the Tuesday night Knit Gang. These women are so different but managed to create a loving family with each other. They’re smart, courageous and loving…with extremely good taste in men. Oh boy, I love the hubbies. Again, they’re so different but manage to connect with each other as if they’ve been mates their whole lives. I loved this bunch as a family, where loyalty, love and support is a given, no questions asked.

Kat wasn’t at all what I was expecting. It was hard to put the meek and sweet Kat in the shoes of a multi-BILLIONAIRE. She has more money than I can even imagine and doesn’t act like it at all. Kat is a complex character, and I really struggle to describe her and do her justice. At times she seems weak and at other times seems incredibly strong. Her burdens have been numerous, and she’s lived a life far removed from the luxurious and extravagant lifestyle I imagined.

I can't believe Kat works a normal job. I don’t know about you, but if I were a billionaire, I would NOT be running out to get myself a 9 to 5 job. Sure, I understand that Kat’s choices have been as a result of her teenage years and the fallout of her bad decisions. I felt that her life would have been so different if she’d had a loving and stable upbringing. I grew to admire Kat as the story went on. Her struggles are at times overwhelming, and I think she handled herself as well as could be expected. Lucky for Kat, she has friends that make up for her family.

Holy shamoly, I am so glad that Dan, The Security Man, has finally got his HEA. I’ve known him for a while and with each catch-up, I grew to love him more and more. He’s rough around the edges, swears like a trooper but has the biggest heart around. His dedication to his family and Quinn (who is practically family) is amazing. I love men like him and I’m glad that Kat and Dan found their happiness together.

Marriage of Inconvenience was not an easy tale to read and at times my heart broke for Kat and Dan. Kat’s family, the security risks of being a billionaire heiress and the obligations attached to running a pharmaceutical empire, makes her fortune less desirable. Dan’s life at times looks perfect, and while hectic to the point of exhaustion, seems equally fulfilling. His pain is connected to his family. Seamus, as an older brother, should have been someone to look up to and admire. Unfortunately, his greed has put Dan in danger one too many times.

As with all Penny Reid stories, it was so very interesting. I’m not sure if all the little facts at the beginning of each chapter were 100% accurate (I kind of wish authors would put a disclaimer at the beginning of stories…at the time of publishing, these titbits were accurate.), but they were fascinating. We get to learn a little about the Pharmaceuticals Industry (which is Kat’s world) and the legal ramifications of patents, funding and various Janie kind of facts.

There were so many parts of this story that had my heart beating double time. Seamus (Dan’s dodgy brother) made my head explode. Douchewaffle status goes to Kat’s cousin, Caleb. He is a horrible man and I wanted to reach into the book and give him a knuckle sandwich. Dan was swoon-worthy and so very sweet which made my heart flutter. Kat has vulnerabilities, but she is trying so hard to be stronger, you can’t help but admire her. All of the Knit Gang and their partners are fantastic and I loved that everyone had a part to play in making Kat’s world better.

Honestly, this series is remarkable. There is no way you could get through the series without feeling a connection to one or more of the characters. Each character has their own vulnerability but strives to conquer their fear/anger/frustration/sadness. Luckily, with a family like the Knit Gang, you will always have a listening ear and a helping hand ready and available.

If you haven’t started this series, get to it. You will thank me…and Penny Reid, at the end.

Stacey is Sassy, received an advanced copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes.