Although Jasper Sullivan, Earl of Blackwater, has inherited the family estates, they are mortgaged beyond his means to put them back on solid financial footing. That is, until his wealthy uncle promises to divide his fortune among his three nephews if each of them rescues a “fallen woman” by marrying her before the uncle’s impending death. Clarissa Astley in no way qualifies for rescue, but when Jasper finds her roaming the squalid areas of London, he assumes the worst. He sees no choice but to put this unpleasant task behind him as soon as possible and proposes. The details of their so called marriage can be worked out later, right?
Rushed to the Altar is the first in the Blackwater Brides Trilogy, which begins with the Earl of Blackwater’s search for a bride. While the eccentric uncle’s behavior and reasons for putting forward such ridiculous conditions in order to inherit are not central to the story, they do provide an entertaining foundation for the series. Instead, it is the Earl, his new wife, and the relationship that evolves which makes this an enjoyable read. You’ll be eager to continue the series to see how the remaining brothers fare.