Author: Ella Quinn
Genre/Age: Historical Romance
Series: The Worthingtons Series (Book Two)
Publisher: Zebra Shout
Format: ebook via Goddess Fish Promotions
Rating: ✺✺✺.5
Links: Goodreads
Synopsis: Thanks to their large extended family and unconventional courtship, the Worthingtons have seen their share of scandal and excitement. But nothing has prepared them for this...
The Dowager Lady Worthington isn’t quite sure what to make of country-girl Dorothea Stern. As the granddaughter of the Duke of Bristol, Dotty is schooled in the ways and means of the nobility. But her sharp wit and outspoken nature has everyone in a tizzy. Especially their cousin, Dominic, the Marquis of Merton.
Prematurely stuffy, Dom was raised by his cheerless uncle to be wary of a host of things, including innovation, waltzing, and most perilous of all: true love. Still, there’s something about Dotty, beyond her beauty, that Dom cannot resist. But the odds are against him if he intends to win her as his bride. Will he choose loyalty to his family—or risk everything for the one woman he believes is his perfect match…
“Kimbal,” Dom called to his valet.
“Yes, my lord.”
“I shall be dining at White’s.”
“Yes, my lord.”
Dom scribbled a note to his friend Viscount Fotherby asking
if he would like to join Dom for dinner. By the time he was dressed and had
donned his hat, Fotherby’s answer affirming the invitation had arrived.
A short while later, just as a light sprinkle turned into a
persistent rain, Dom handed his hat and cane to the footman at White’s and
found his friend lounging in the room that held the club’s famous betting book.
William Alvanley, another of Dom’s friends, was seated next to the window with
another man staring intently at the rain.
He turned to Fotherby. “What are they doing?”
“Five thousand quid on which raindrop will reach the bottom
of the sill first.”
Despite being close with many of the Prince Regent’s circle,
Dom could not abide the excessive wagers his friends made. Alvanley would end
up ruining himself and his estates at the rate he was going. “Are you ready to
dine, or are you waiting the outcome?”
“Famished.” Fotherby tossed off his glass of wine. “Thought
you weren’t coming to Town this year.”
“My plans changed.” Dom and Fotherby entered the dining
room. “I have decided to take a wife.”
“Wife?” Fotherby choked. “Any idea who?”
“Not yet, but I have a list of qualifications. She must be
well-bred, not given to fits of temper or strange starts, quiet, biddable, easy
to look at—I must get an heir on her after all—know what is expected of a
marchioness. And not prone to scandals. You know how my uncle hated them. I
think that about covers it.”
“A paragon, in other words.”
Dom gave a cut nod. “Indeed. I could wed no one less.”
Bestselling author Ella Quinn’s studies and other jobs
have always been on the serious side. Reading historical romances, especially
Regencies, were her escape. Eventually her love of historical novels led her to
start writing them. She has just finished her first series, The Marriage Game,
and her new series, The Worthingtons, began in April 2016.
She is married to her wonderful husband of over thirty
years. They have a son and two beautiful granddaughters, and a dog. After
living in the South Pacific, Central America, North Africa, England and Europe,
she and her husband decided to make their dreams come true and are now living
on a sailboat cruising the Caribbean and North America. Europe is next!
Links:
Website: www.ellaquinnauthor.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/EllaQuinnAuthor
Twitter: www.twitter.com/ellaquinnauthor
Buy Links:
**Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for honest review.**
When a Marquis Chooses a Bride was an entertaining read!
Dominic is a character I haven't really seen in the historical romances I've read, recently. Most male leads are rakes (i.e. womanizers) with no real desire to marry, especially making a love match. Dom doesn't want a love match, either, but for different reasons. Raised by his ultra-conservative uncle, Dom's idea of the perfect bride is a straight-laced, well bred, and scandal-free gal who will ultimately just leave him alone.
Boy, is this guy in for a shock when he meets Dotty! Dorothea is a seemingly lesser-classed lady who a marquis would never consider as an appropriate wife. Her animal rescuing, sassy retorting, and liberal political views only add to the reasons Dom shouldn't pursue Dotty. Yet, after a single meeting, Dom cannot get the woman out of his mind.
After a few meetings, Dom begins to wonder if he should ignore his uncles teachings and marry Dotty anyway. But before he can even begin to contemplate a proposal, the interference of a jealous woman turns everyone on their heads. A proposal is made, but under the wrong circumstances!
I found this book to be an easy read with several funny moments and well developed characters. Even the secondary characters were written well. The pacing was a little slow at the beginning but picked up, eventually.
My major gripe is probably something others might overlook. While I usually like seeing multiple POVs, I do wish the author had left more mystery to this story. It was fine reading about a plot forming but I didn't need to know the exact details beforehand. It would have better to know something was brewing, but be able to make my own predictions. It kind of diminished my enjoyment knowing too much.
In closing...
A good read with likable characters. I am definitely intrigued by the character from the first book of this series and plan to go back and read their story, as well as future books. 3.5 suns!
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