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yati's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
2.75
ssejig's review
3.0
The premise described in the NetGally caption intrigued me. Louisa Evans is in danger pf losing the roof over her (and her sister and brother's) head and has to turn to the man whose family ruined her father for help. The Marquess of Overleaf knows that he is going to die soon but doesn't want his cousin to inherit, so he comes up with a scheme to marry some girl then have another man father the child so that his illness isn't passed on.
A great first book in the series with some rather convoluted complications like the Marquess' grandmother threatening to announce his marriage (he had already come up with a plan, why add the extra urgency?). The writing was good and the book brought in some enticing characters for follow-up. I had some frustration with how darn FAST the plot moved which made the romance less believable but, overall, I enjoyed the book and look forward to the rest of the series.
A great first book in the series with some rather convoluted complications like the Marquess' grandmother threatening to announce his marriage (he had already come up with a plan, why add the extra urgency?). The writing was good and the book brought in some enticing characters for follow-up. I had some frustration with how darn FAST the plot moved which made the romance less believable but, overall, I enjoyed the book and look forward to the rest of the series.
amshofner's review
3.0
3.5
A couple weeks ago, I was looking for new books to read, cruising through Amazon's recommendations, and consulting Goodreads to see what I've read and liked. (Goodreads is my bookish memory.) I'd picked up the prequel novella to this series, Dancing with the Duke, as a freebie and had enjoyed it enough to be curious about the full-length novels.
The novella held potential, but I'm not particularly sure it was fully realized here. I wanted more of the characters in the prequel, and that holds true for Loving the Marquess. I think the problem was that we missed some of the reactions and thought processes of the characters. We "see" everything that happens to the characters, but we don't necessarily get to experience it with them.
That said, I did like Louisa. Nicholas -- the Marquess in question -- is kind of an ass at the beginning, marrying her, then informing her afterward (and after he'd almost had sex with her, then got up [not that way; he was already up] and left) that he wanted someone else to father the heir.
I just... o.O I mean, I can logically understand his reasons for doing so, but dude. DUDE. Louisa didn't deserve any of it, especially after everything she'd been through to support her family. But whatever. She deals. And she deals with it much better than Nicholas does.
As for Nicholas's illness... it was definitely taken in a direction I didn't expect, though it does make total sense given the context. I will say that certain things were said enough times that I knew, with each new mention of it, that it couldn't be the actual reason for the illness. Not sure if it was over play on the author's part or if I'm just that good at seeing through red herrings.
Loving the Marquess was a quick, fluff read, but sometimes, that's all you need.
A couple weeks ago, I was looking for new books to read, cruising through Amazon's recommendations, and consulting Goodreads to see what I've read and liked. (Goodreads is my bookish memory.) I'd picked up the prequel novella to this series, Dancing with the Duke, as a freebie and had enjoyed it enough to be curious about the full-length novels.
The novella held potential, but I'm not particularly sure it was fully realized here. I wanted more of the characters in the prequel, and that holds true for Loving the Marquess. I think the problem was that we missed some of the reactions and thought processes of the characters. We "see" everything that happens to the characters, but we don't necessarily get to experience it with them.
That said, I did like Louisa. Nicholas -- the Marquess in question -- is kind of an ass at the beginning, marrying her, then informing her afterward (and after he'd almost had sex with her, then got up [not that way; he was already up] and left) that he wanted someone else to father the heir.
I just... o.O I mean, I can logically understand his reasons for doing so, but dude. DUDE. Louisa didn't deserve any of it, especially after everything she'd been through to support her family. But whatever. She deals. And she deals with it much better than Nicholas does.
As for Nicholas's illness... it was definitely taken in a direction I didn't expect, though it does make total sense given the context. I will say that certain things were said enough times that I knew, with each new mention of it, that it couldn't be the actual reason for the illness. Not sure if it was over play on the author's part or if I'm just that good at seeing through red herrings.
Loving the Marquess was a quick, fluff read, but sometimes, that's all you need.
crazychriss93's review
4.0
Enjoyed reading this.
I liked the idea, loved the plot, liked the mix of romance and drama.
We've got a Marquess who suffers from a mysterious illness and is in need of an heir and a woman who is in dire straits and wants to save her family.
There is some suspense in the story; the reader is basically left in the dark for a while, which I liked.
The characters are stronger and more determined than in many other regency novels. Loved seeing our Marquess jealous, loved him being so protective. Adored seeing our heroine stand up for herself and her principles.
The writing style was great. There's not a lot humor but I really felt the connection and the chemistry between our MCs.
Only thing I have to critize is the fact that our hero again keeps a lot of important stuff from his beloved. I really hate the fact that when everything is revealed, our heroine doesn't even chastise him.
Other than that, looking forward to part two (it's about an Earl who has an interesting pasttime and our heroine's sister who is a smart and enthusiastic young woman).
I liked the idea, loved the plot, liked the mix of romance and drama.
We've got a Marquess who suffers from a mysterious illness and is in need of an heir and a woman who is in dire straits and wants to save her family.
There is some suspense in the story; the reader is basically left in the dark for a while, which I liked.
The characters are stronger and more determined than in many other regency novels. Loved seeing our Marquess jealous, loved him being so protective. Adored seeing our heroine stand up for herself and her principles.
The writing style was great. There's not a lot humor but I really felt the connection and the chemistry between our MCs.
Only thing I have to critize is the fact that our hero again keeps a lot of important stuff from his beloved. I really hate the fact that when everything is revealed, our heroine doesn't even chastise him.
Other than that, looking forward to part two (it's about an Earl who has an interesting pasttime and our heroine's sister who is a smart and enthusiastic young woman).
ashlightgrayson's review
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
The pacing for the romance was too fast, in my opinion. Louise and Nicholas only meet a few times before they are both "in love". I wish the novel was longer to give them more time to get to know each other before making this kind of declaration. The main characters also aren't particularly memorable. Louise has been taking care of her younger siblings, Catherine and John, since their parents died. Despite being interesting on paper, Louise is just didn't stand out for me. Kerrin and Catherine seemed a lot more interesting. There are signs throughout the book of romantic feelings blooming between the two and their relationship feels more compelling to me because we see them interact more than the main couple. However, I am not sure if I am willing to give another book in this series a shot since this one has been disappointing.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Murder
justviews's review
5.0
Louisa Evans life had fallen apart. Their landlord decided to evict the siblings from the place they had called home. Diminished circumstances withstanding. And they would be out the cottage if they could not come up with rent money. Along with that John and Catherine's dreams would forever be shattered.
The headaches were not getting better. Nicholas Manning knew he had inherited the same condition as his father and brother. Yet as his grandmother stated, he did need an heir. So he chose the one woman who helped him when she did not know his identity.
The scenes. The setting. The characters. All combine into one interesting marriage between two complete opposites as they learn this is not just any type of illness.
January 2013
9780991823710
--the bookworm
The headaches were not getting better. Nicholas Manning knew he had inherited the same condition as his father and brother. Yet as his grandmother stated, he did need an heir. So he chose the one woman who helped him when she did not know his identity.
The scenes. The setting. The characters. All combine into one interesting marriage between two complete opposites as they learn this is not just any type of illness.
January 2013
9780991823710
--the bookworm
chymerra's review
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0