Reviews

Make Mine a Marquess by Tina Gabrielle

andrea_author's review

adventurous emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Presumed dead at sea, Robert returns seeking vengeance against his treacherous cousin. He targets Phoebe, his cousin’s intended bride, but finds himself drawn to her. Love proves perilous as Phoebe’s reputation hangs precariously by a thread. Can they navigate their potent feelings while avoiding scandal?

This is a tense and sensual story as Robert and Phoebe embark on a daring and dangerous courtship. Despite the threats, the chemistry between them is irresistible.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review. 

steponmew's review

adventurous hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

This was an ARC. Thank you Entangled Publishing, Tina Gabrielle and NetGalley for the copy in exchange for my honest review. 

As a fan of other regency era historical romance books such as Julia Quinn's Bridgerton series, I enjoyed the book. 

I liked that the author included 2 middle eastern characters and brought some diversity in a realistic way to a genre that doesn't often have that. The author also did a great job making the main characters flaws realistic and relatable. I found myself rooting for Phoebe and Landon as well as getting frustrated with them at points. 

However, to me, the ending felt rushed and could have easily used a few more chapters. 

ladytiara's review against another edition

emotional lighthearted medium-paced

4.0

Make Mine a Marquess is really fun, and it has one of my favorite historical romance tropes, aristocrat comes back from the dead hellbent on revenge. 

Robert Kirkian, Marquess of Landon supposedly died five years ago when the ship he was on caught fire. Now he's back and determined to seek revenge on the cousin he blames for the fire, Lord Willard. He needs to prove that Willard was behind his near death and he wants to seduce Willard's fiance away from him.

Phoebe Dawson is the fiance in question. She doesn't have any strong feelings for her fiance, but her ambitious parents want a title for her, so they're pushing the match. She had her heart broken when she was 16, so she's not looking for a love match.

Of course, all kinds of inconvenient feelings get in the way and there's plenty of drama. Landon and Phoebe are great characters, and I was rooting for them. They've both had past trauma (of very different kinds) that informs their current actions. Of course, Landon is keeping a big secret from Phoebe, but the joke's on him when he actually falls for her. 

I should mention that there's technically infidelity in this book, so if that's a deal breaker for you, this may not work for you. But there are multiple mitigating circumstances: Phoebe is only engaged to Willard because her parents want her to marry him, Willard is only marrying her for her money, and Willard is an awful person.

If you're a fan of the revenge quest trope, this one is definitely for you. 

I received an ARC from the publisher and NetGalley in return for an honest review.

illstoptheworldandreadwithyou's review

5.0

This book is delicious from beginning to end. 

Miss Phoebe Dawson has been burned by love in the past, so at the age of 21, she’s ready for a marriage of convenience. She will get that title her mother so desperately seeks; her husband-to-be will get the infusion of cash that he needs; and her heart need not be involved. 

 

But when Robert Kirkian, Marquess of Landon, turns up at his country estate in the middle of a house party five years after he was presumed lost at sea, Phoebe’s plans and those of her betrothed, the cousin set to inherit Robert’s title and fortune, get derailed. 

 

As it turns out, Robert’s ship went down under dubious circumstances, and he is bound and determined to enact his own revenge and to bring the accountable parties to justice. A substantial part of his plan involves spending time with his cousin’s bride-to-be. 

 

She’s supposed to be a means to an end. He is a welcome distraction from the inanities of the house party. Neither is looking for love, but we all know how these things go. 

 

The banter. The chemistry. The playfulness. The care. The tenderness. 

 

They’re good for each other, and I’m so glad they find their happy ever after. 

I received an advance copy of the book from Entangled Publishing and NetGalley. All review opinions are my own.

jamiebrito's review against another edition

Unfortunately I'm burnt out on the evil scumbag/slimeball troupe. While I understand the author was probably going for historical accuracy the fmc being ashamed and repenting by being with slimeball for having s*x, getting dumped and possibly having a miscarriage(cycle was at least a month late) was unappealing. I had no issue with the writing style. Thank you to Netgalley and Entangled Publishing LLC for an arc of this. 

slewis0819's review

emotional hopeful fast-paced

5.0

 I am a sucker for a regency romance. This was a quick, cute read that I could not put down. I was pleased by the writing style and adorable story the author wove. If you are a lover of regency romance, I highly recommend this author and this book! Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. 

booksbymonth's review

adventurous emotional mysterious medium-paced

4.25

Great historical romance. Phoebe is betrothed to a baron who is not what he seems. The Marquess is back from the dead and looking for vengeance. However, he's entranced with Phoebe and she is attracted to him as well. Great book with romance and intrigue!