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The Reluctant Marquess
Charity Barlow wished to marry for love. The rakish Lord Robert wishes only to tuck her away in the country once an heir is produced.
A country-bred girl, Charity Barlow suddenly finds herself married to a marquess, an aloof stranger determined to keep his thoughts and feelings to himself. She and Lord Robert have been forced by circumstances to marry, and she feels sure she is not the woman he would have selected given a choice.
The Marquess of St. Malin makes it plain to her that their marriage is merely for the procreation of an heir, and once that is achieved, he intends to continue living the life he enjoyed before he met her.
While he takes up his life in London once more, Charity is left to wander the echoing corridors of St. Malin House, when she isn’t thrown into the midst of the mocking Haute Ton.
Charity is not at all sure she likes her new social equals, as they live by their own rules, which seem rather shocking. She’s not at all sure she likes her new husband either, except for his striking appearance and the dark desire in his eyes when he looks at her, which sends her pulses racing.
Lord Robert is a rake and does not deserve her love, but neither does she wish to live alone.
Might he be suffering from a sad past? Seeking to uncover it, Charity attempts to heal the wound to his heart, only to make things worse between them.
Will he ever love her?
A country-bred girl, Charity Barlow suddenly finds herself married to a marquess, an aloof stranger determined to keep his thoughts and feelings to himself. She and Lord Robert have been forced by circumstances to marry, and she feels sure she is not the woman he would have selected given a choice.
The Marquess of St. Malin makes it plain to her that their marriage is merely for the procreation of an heir, and once that is achieved, he intends to continue living the life he enjoyed before he met her.
While he takes up his life in London once more, Charity is left to wander the echoing corridors of St. Malin House, when she isn’t thrown into the midst of the mocking Haute Ton.
Charity is not at all sure she likes her new social equals, as they live by their own rules, which seem rather shocking. She’s not at all sure she likes her new husband either, except for his striking appearance and the dark desire in his eyes when he looks at her, which sends her pulses racing.
Lord Robert is a rake and does not deserve her love, but neither does she wish to live alone.
Might he be suffering from a sad past? Seeking to uncover it, Charity attempts to heal the wound to his heart, only to make things worse between them.
Will he ever love her?
135 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 11, 2011
949 people are currently reading
558 people want to read
About the author
Maggi Andersen
88 books327 followersUSA TODAY bestselling author of Regency romance, and winner of the RONE award, Maggi Andersen wrote her first book for publication after gaining a BA in English and an MA in Creative Writing. She lives on a farm in the beautiful Yarra Valley in Victoria, Australia. She wrote her first adventure story at 8 years old. Her novels are mostly adventure stories, but also sensual romances. Georgette Heyer and Jane Austen inspired her Regencies and Victoria Holt, her Gothic Victorian mysteries She also writes contemporary romantic suspense and young adult novels.
Maggi supports the RSPCA (The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to animals) and animals often feature in her books.
Maggi supports the RSPCA (The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to animals) and animals often feature in her books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
June 17, 2018
In a word: Meh.
The story is an interesting take on the "arranged marriage" situation as the book opens with the h (Kate) traveling to her godfather's home after her parents perished in a carriage accident. When she arrives, she is stunned to find that it is the new Marquess (the nephew of her godfather) who greets her, and she quickly learns that her godfather passed rather suddenly of an illness. Kate also learns that her godfather left a stipulation in his will that she and Robert (nephew/new marq) marry one another. As Kate was left with next to nothing after her parents passed away, she decides that is her best course of action. Robert, meanwhile, is irked that his uncle made his inheritance contingent on his getting married to someone he has never met as he hadn't planned to be tied down to a wife for some time, but he decides it will not cramp his current lifestyle of living in London and spending quality time with his mistress -- he can just keep his wife at one of the country estates and visit now and then to beget heirs. Kate has no intention of allowing Robert to treat her this way, so she sets forth her own stipulation when she agrees to marry him: they will not consummate their nuptials until they have gotten to know one another better.
What I liked about this book:
- the H and h were overall likeable characters
- the author does a good job painting the imagery and remains true to the sentiments of the time period
What I didn't like so much about this book:
- too much angst over nada --- the h does something that the H didn't appreciate (though we have no idea why he didn't as little explanation is given), and it takes WAY TOO LONG for them to get past what should have been a rift that lasted a couple of days (at most)
- the chemistry wasn't very strong between the characters
- the story dragged in parts, and there were characters brought in (and out) that added little to the story itself
Overall, it was an okay read, and it had an HEA, so there was that. It just didn't feel like there was much reason for them to be smitten with one another by the end of the b0ok based on the way they both behaved throughout the novel.
Story -- 2.5/5
Main Characters -- 3/5
Steam Level -- 2/5 (most at the very end of the book)
Violence -- Minimal (not graphic; none of the domestic variety)
Language -- Minimal
POV --- 3rd person throughout
The story is an interesting take on the "arranged marriage" situation as the book opens with the h (Kate) traveling to her godfather's home after her parents perished in a carriage accident. When she arrives, she is stunned to find that it is the new Marquess (the nephew of her godfather) who greets her, and she quickly learns that her godfather passed rather suddenly of an illness. Kate also learns that her godfather left a stipulation in his will that she and Robert (nephew/new marq) marry one another. As Kate was left with next to nothing after her parents passed away, she decides that is her best course of action. Robert, meanwhile, is irked that his uncle made his inheritance contingent on his getting married to someone he has never met as he hadn't planned to be tied down to a wife for some time, but he decides it will not cramp his current lifestyle of living in London and spending quality time with his mistress -- he can just keep his wife at one of the country estates and visit now and then to beget heirs. Kate has no intention of allowing Robert to treat her this way, so she sets forth her own stipulation when she agrees to marry him: they will not consummate their nuptials until they have gotten to know one another better.
What I liked about this book:
- the H and h were overall likeable characters
- the author does a good job painting the imagery and remains true to the sentiments of the time period
What I didn't like so much about this book:
- too much angst over nada --- the h does something that the H didn't appreciate (though we have no idea why he didn't as little explanation is given), and it takes WAY TOO LONG for them to get past what should have been a rift that lasted a couple of days (at most)
- the chemistry wasn't very strong between the characters
- the story dragged in parts, and there were characters brought in (and out) that added little to the story itself
Overall, it was an okay read, and it had an HEA, so there was that. It just didn't feel like there was much reason for them to be smitten with one another by the end of the b0ok based on the way they both behaved throughout the novel.
Story -- 2.5/5
Main Characters -- 3/5
Steam Level -- 2/5 (most at the very end of the book)
Violence -- Minimal (not graphic; none of the domestic variety)
Language -- Minimal
POV --- 3rd person throughout
May 28, 2020
Cornwall 1786
Charity Barlow recently lost her parents in a carriage accident and now finds herself penniless and at the mercy of a godfather she hasn’t seen since she was fifteen. Despite her trepidation, she has no other choice but to travel to the Marquess of St. Malin’s castle set upon a cliff and overlooking the sea.
Upon her arrival, she is met by a man named Robert who is much too young to be her godfather. Turns out he is the nephew, his uncle recently passed away and demanded in his will that the two of them marry or the fortune will pass along to distant relatives. She thinks something along the lines of “No way, you dreamy stranger!” and turns him down. Then he ups the offer. He really wants the inheritance, if not a wife, and tells her she won’t have to cohabitate with him, can even take on lovers if she’s careful and discreet and adds that the only thing she’ll have to provide him is an heir. In exchange she gets to be mistress of a castle (a castle people!), will have her own servants who do all the cooking and cleaning and she can spend all day playing with the dog. Hmm, he wouldn’t have to ask me twice! Shame he didn’t ask me. She ponders and agrees to spend the night thinking about it. She soon realizes marriage to Robert is her best option. They marry lickety-split and he whisks her away from the lovely castle and off to London.
The book then switches gears from what I thought was going to be a gothic style romance and turns into a standard regency fish out of water tale. Charity charms the staff but struggles to fit in with the snooty members of the ton (which includes her new husband), who seem to do nothing but cheat on their spouses, gossip and cut each other down. Robert attempts to continue on with his life, hanging with his friends and leaving her alone for long stretches of time while demanding she dress the part and attend functions where she doesn’t fit in. After a nice start, their relationship stalls out and they argue, avoid each other for pages on end and then argue some more. I felt bad for Charity who was neglected, ignored or treated meanly and then told to accept insults with grace. She is strong willed and opinionated and has a beautifully sarcastic tongue that Robert just doesn’t understand. Instead he just gets angry and frosty. He is humorless and hampered by an untrusting nature and I love, love, love the fact that Charity isn’t afraid to call him out on it. Their road to love is full of fits and starts and long pauses and Charity really has to work to make it work. Fortunately, the girl has far more patience than I do!
There are some fantastically awkward and realistic scenes between Robert and Charity as they find themselves newly married and complete strangers and the sexual desire that slowly builds between them was well done. BUT I have to admit that Robert’s personality grated on my last nerve throughout nearly the entire book. He was bad-tempered and bossy and Charity carried the book. If she hadn’t been so well drawn and likable I probably would have DNF’d this one but she deserved a happy ending and I wanted to see her get there. Robert comes around at the end with an “I’m sorry for my jerky ways” but, for me, it wasn’t a completely believable turnaround and wish he had been made to suffer more for all of his pompous behavior.
Charity Barlow recently lost her parents in a carriage accident and now finds herself penniless and at the mercy of a godfather she hasn’t seen since she was fifteen. Despite her trepidation, she has no other choice but to travel to the Marquess of St. Malin’s castle set upon a cliff and overlooking the sea.
Upon her arrival, she is met by a man named Robert who is much too young to be her godfather. Turns out he is the nephew, his uncle recently passed away and demanded in his will that the two of them marry or the fortune will pass along to distant relatives. She thinks something along the lines of “No way, you dreamy stranger!” and turns him down. Then he ups the offer. He really wants the inheritance, if not a wife, and tells her she won’t have to cohabitate with him, can even take on lovers if she’s careful and discreet and adds that the only thing she’ll have to provide him is an heir. In exchange she gets to be mistress of a castle (a castle people!), will have her own servants who do all the cooking and cleaning and she can spend all day playing with the dog. Hmm, he wouldn’t have to ask me twice! Shame he didn’t ask me. She ponders and agrees to spend the night thinking about it. She soon realizes marriage to Robert is her best option. They marry lickety-split and he whisks her away from the lovely castle and off to London.
The book then switches gears from what I thought was going to be a gothic style romance and turns into a standard regency fish out of water tale. Charity charms the staff but struggles to fit in with the snooty members of the ton (which includes her new husband), who seem to do nothing but cheat on their spouses, gossip and cut each other down. Robert attempts to continue on with his life, hanging with his friends and leaving her alone for long stretches of time while demanding she dress the part and attend functions where she doesn’t fit in. After a nice start, their relationship stalls out and they argue, avoid each other for pages on end and then argue some more. I felt bad for Charity who was neglected, ignored or treated meanly and then told to accept insults with grace. She is strong willed and opinionated and has a beautifully sarcastic tongue that Robert just doesn’t understand. Instead he just gets angry and frosty. He is humorless and hampered by an untrusting nature and I love, love, love the fact that Charity isn’t afraid to call him out on it. Their road to love is full of fits and starts and long pauses and Charity really has to work to make it work. Fortunately, the girl has far more patience than I do!
There are some fantastically awkward and realistic scenes between Robert and Charity as they find themselves newly married and complete strangers and the sexual desire that slowly builds between them was well done. BUT I have to admit that Robert’s personality grated on my last nerve throughout nearly the entire book. He was bad-tempered and bossy and Charity carried the book. If she hadn’t been so well drawn and likable I probably would have DNF’d this one but she deserved a happy ending and I wanted to see her get there. Robert comes around at the end with an “I’m sorry for my jerky ways” but, for me, it wasn’t a completely believable turnaround and wish he had been made to suffer more for all of his pompous behavior.
January 12, 2019
So... I left this at 55%. Word of warning for this review: language NSFW.
I completely gave up on this book. You know that saying "Life is too short to read terrible books", well, here's a perfect example.
I don't normally leave books halfway. If you've read some of my reviews before, you'll know that I've braved through some REALLY bad ones (see "Transcendence")... but for this one? I just can't. I rather read the 'novus homus'/neanderthal whatever, that keeps referring to sex as 'put penis in', than this shit-storm of a book.
Why should you keep away?
1. Robert (the main male character) is a certified asshole. He yells at Kate, treats her terribly, dismisses her, is rude to her and, honestly, is just abusive. Though he never hits her, he gets pretty pissed off when she refuses to have sex in the parlour (and almost forces her because his 'lust driven brain' - PLEASE) and he's extremely possessive. In other words, the man is everything women should stay away from and, honestly, I don't want to give five more minutes of my life to reading about him. I am unable to cheer for someone so despicable. Also, I couldn't care less about his sob story of why he is the way he is, because it doesn't remotely justify any of his behaviour.
2. Kate sucks. If at least the heroine's story were compelling, I could at least tell you, finish it for her. But no. Although not a bitch to compete with her husband (honestly, he'd deserve that), Kate is no more than a stepping rug in this whole story. She has no definite character, no spine, and no logic. Any woman treated like Robert treats her, would not FALL HELPLESSLY IN LOVE WITH HIM. What? When? When did you fall in love? She is happy to follow the dictates of someone she doesn't know, marry this asshole and not even have the decency to complain about it? I mean, this book had the perfect fodder for an enemies to lovers trope, but nope. Let's make it really bad instead.
3. The writing. My three year old daughter could write a better story. Oh wait. I don't have a three year old daughter.
4. The story. There was a story? =turns head from right to left=
So, listen to me, dear goodreads friends, and throw this one out your window.
I'm just happy I didn't have to pay for this as it's free with Kindle.
Thank you... NEXT! (c)
I completely gave up on this book. You know that saying "Life is too short to read terrible books", well, here's a perfect example.
I don't normally leave books halfway. If you've read some of my reviews before, you'll know that I've braved through some REALLY bad ones (see "Transcendence")... but for this one? I just can't. I rather read the 'novus homus'/neanderthal whatever, that keeps referring to sex as 'put penis in', than this shit-storm of a book.
Why should you keep away?
1. Robert (the main male character) is a certified asshole. He yells at Kate, treats her terribly, dismisses her, is rude to her and, honestly, is just abusive. Though he never hits her, he gets pretty pissed off when she refuses to have sex in the parlour (and almost forces her because his 'lust driven brain' - PLEASE) and he's extremely possessive. In other words, the man is everything women should stay away from and, honestly, I don't want to give five more minutes of my life to reading about him. I am unable to cheer for someone so despicable. Also, I couldn't care less about his sob story of why he is the way he is, because it doesn't remotely justify any of his behaviour.
2. Kate sucks. If at least the heroine's story were compelling, I could at least tell you, finish it for her. But no. Although not a bitch to compete with her husband (honestly, he'd deserve that), Kate is no more than a stepping rug in this whole story. She has no definite character, no spine, and no logic. Any woman treated like Robert treats her, would not FALL HELPLESSLY IN LOVE WITH HIM. What? When? When did you fall in love? She is happy to follow the dictates of someone she doesn't know, marry this asshole and not even have the decency to complain about it? I mean, this book had the perfect fodder for an enemies to lovers trope, but nope. Let's make it really bad instead.
3. The writing. My three year old daughter could write a better story. Oh wait. I don't have a three year old daughter.
4. The story. There was a story? =turns head from right to left=
So, listen to me, dear goodreads friends, and throw this one out your window.
I'm just happy I didn't have to pay for this as it's free with Kindle.
Thank you... NEXT! (c)
April 22, 2023
This is a good book people. My interest was held from beginning to end. The love and retreat between Kate and Robert was rough. I rooted for them both to find each other. Roberts mistress’s and Kate fearing to tell Robert how she felt kept me wanting to continue reading this book. I loved how the author brought romance, action and cat clawing to this book. Read the book my fellow readers. You may like it.
May 7, 2020
the hero is tamed in this historical romance. Sweet ending with the heroine pregnant.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 6, 2023
When good writers tell bad stories. I thought to enjoy a quick read, it started fine but then it got tedious and dull and how DID 11 CHAPTERS FEEL LIKE 500. I only finished it because it so I could gif rant
*story contains dubious consent, emotional abuse *
This was my facial expression reading:
~ hero abandons wife at first ball ~
Charity quaked and lowered her gaze, saying, “I wish to go home, my lord.”
"Take care, St Malin. You may not win at home, either,” a red-haired man said. Their laughter followed Charity and Robert from the room.
Robert glowered as they sought out their hostess. “Don’t ever do that again,” he said in a fierce undertone.
~ hero when seeing wife go on walk in broad daylight ~
"What on earth are you doing walking about the park without your maid?”
"Damnation! It’s dangerous for you to go rambling about town on your own,” he said heatedly. “I must insist you do not do it again.”
When she was a few steps from the corner of their street, he said in a steely voice, “Go on home. I’ll speak to you there.”
- hero telling her what to wear -
“I thought I’d wear my damask this evening.”
He lowered his wine glass. “What about the sea green?”
“The Italian silk? If you’d like me to.”
... Was that what he wished of her? Then it was understandable why she’d failed to impress him or gain his affection
I don't think I'll be able to communicate just how much this story made my inner feminist rage. The 'hero' was certainly a man of his time. He saw nothing wrong with keeping a mistress. Condescending, entitled, CONTROLLING and beyond arrogant.
"Don’t keep thanking the servants. You’re a marchioness now, remember.”
Disappointed, she tilted her chin. “I like to thank people; they don’t seem to mind it.”
“They are not your friends, Charity,” he said in an exasperated tone. “They are here to serve you.”
But he wasn't even the worst part. Like, girl full all agrees to a marriage of convenience and then demands a marriage of affection. He's like, nope. No can do. Don't wanna. And she goes
She cries about not having a love match when SHE READ THE CONTRACT AND AGREED!
Worst part is that the story went nowhere. No sex, no tension, no banter, no getting to know each other, nothing.
They attend balls, he plays cards, other men want her, he accuses her of cheating, she cries. Rinse and repeat with dash of pointless family drama in there and a last minute play for angst by having... Get this- hero thinking he really is a hero and
ROLLING AROUND PULLING A GUN ON HIGHWAY MEN
Like dude just give them your money...? You had nothing valuable to save and no reason to fight and get shot.
Me by the end
*story contains dubious consent, emotional abuse *
This was my facial expression reading:
~ hero abandons wife at first ball ~
Charity quaked and lowered her gaze, saying, “I wish to go home, my lord.”
"Take care, St Malin. You may not win at home, either,” a red-haired man said. Their laughter followed Charity and Robert from the room.
Robert glowered as they sought out their hostess. “Don’t ever do that again,” he said in a fierce undertone.
~ hero when seeing wife go on walk in broad daylight ~
"What on earth are you doing walking about the park without your maid?”
"Damnation! It’s dangerous for you to go rambling about town on your own,” he said heatedly. “I must insist you do not do it again.”
When she was a few steps from the corner of their street, he said in a steely voice, “Go on home. I’ll speak to you there.”
- hero telling her what to wear -
“I thought I’d wear my damask this evening.”
He lowered his wine glass. “What about the sea green?”
“The Italian silk? If you’d like me to.”
... Was that what he wished of her? Then it was understandable why she’d failed to impress him or gain his affection
I don't think I'll be able to communicate just how much this story made my inner feminist rage. The 'hero' was certainly a man of his time. He saw nothing wrong with keeping a mistress. Condescending, entitled, CONTROLLING and beyond arrogant.
"Don’t keep thanking the servants. You’re a marchioness now, remember.”
Disappointed, she tilted her chin. “I like to thank people; they don’t seem to mind it.”
“They are not your friends, Charity,” he said in an exasperated tone. “They are here to serve you.”
But he wasn't even the worst part. Like, girl full all agrees to a marriage of convenience and then demands a marriage of affection. He's like, nope. No can do. Don't wanna. And she goes
She cries about not having a love match when SHE READ THE CONTRACT AND AGREED!
Worst part is that the story went nowhere. No sex, no tension, no banter, no getting to know each other, nothing.
They attend balls, he plays cards, other men want her, he accuses her of cheating, she cries. Rinse and repeat with dash of pointless family drama in there and a last minute play for angst by having... Get this- hero thinking he really is a hero and
ROLLING AROUND PULLING A GUN ON HIGHWAY MEN
Like dude just give them your money...? You had nothing valuable to save and no reason to fight and get shot.
Me by the end
April 9, 2023
3.25*
This is an average book incapable of fueling the extreme emotions of hate or love that it seems to have done going by the reviews, imo. I am a bit confused about that.
Also, this is the retelling/brushed up version of the original 'The Reluctant Marquess' where the h is called Charity. Why the name change? I tried to read that one for comparison and did not find any significant difference so dropped after half way.
This is an average book incapable of fueling the extreme emotions of hate or love that it seems to have done going by the reviews, imo. I am a bit confused about that.
Also, this is the retelling/brushed up version of the original 'The Reluctant Marquess' where the h is called Charity. Why the name change? I tried to read that one for comparison and did not find any significant difference so dropped after half way.
August 7, 2018
Rather silly
I found this story of a marriage of convenience between a country lady and a foppish marquee rather lame and boring.
The character Kate is very immature and the marquee only proposed marriage because his uncle, who left him the title and all his holdings, instructed in his will he marry her or lose most of the inheritance. The marquee, Robert, has no desire to marry, wishing to continue his life as before. He is a rather staid personality who lives by the "ton" way of life. This life is foreign to Kate, but having recently lost her own father, her options are limited, and so she accepts the proposal.
So Kate supposedly goes into this marriage with eyes open. So I found it ridiculous she falls in love after three days of meeting this uninspiring man and expects him to love her. It made no sense given the dry proposal of marriage by Robert especially given his telling her that all he requires of her is an heir and after she is free to have discreet affairs while he does the same. Of course, he has a mistress tucked away. No surprise there. And no secret to Kate.
The premise of unrequited love after all these things are laid out openly prior to them actually marrying is so redundant I couldn't help but think Kate stupid. Wouldn't she have to be? And Robert is a rather horse's ass with all his proprietarial actions and thinking.
The whole plot is redundant by its own description as these two individuals antagonize one another page after page. By the halfway mark it was a snore.....zzzzzz!!! The characters speak in modern vernacular, and the clumsy descriptive phrases like describing a seamstress 's workers as her "underlings" or Kate and a female cousin as "bosom bows" made the writing seem juvenile.
To sum up, not a book I would recommend.
I found this story of a marriage of convenience between a country lady and a foppish marquee rather lame and boring.
The character Kate is very immature and the marquee only proposed marriage because his uncle, who left him the title and all his holdings, instructed in his will he marry her or lose most of the inheritance. The marquee, Robert, has no desire to marry, wishing to continue his life as before. He is a rather staid personality who lives by the "ton" way of life. This life is foreign to Kate, but having recently lost her own father, her options are limited, and so she accepts the proposal.
So Kate supposedly goes into this marriage with eyes open. So I found it ridiculous she falls in love after three days of meeting this uninspiring man and expects him to love her. It made no sense given the dry proposal of marriage by Robert especially given his telling her that all he requires of her is an heir and after she is free to have discreet affairs while he does the same. Of course, he has a mistress tucked away. No surprise there. And no secret to Kate.
The premise of unrequited love after all these things are laid out openly prior to them actually marrying is so redundant I couldn't help but think Kate stupid. Wouldn't she have to be? And Robert is a rather horse's ass with all his proprietarial actions and thinking.
The whole plot is redundant by its own description as these two individuals antagonize one another page after page. By the halfway mark it was a snore.....zzzzzz!!! The characters speak in modern vernacular, and the clumsy descriptive phrases like describing a seamstress 's workers as her "underlings" or Kate and a female cousin as "bosom bows" made the writing seem juvenile.
To sum up, not a book I would recommend.
July 15, 2012
Originally posted at: http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.c...
To be a penniless orphan looking for a way to make a living or be a marchioness is a decision Charity Barlow must make; to live with wealth and magnificent homes or perhaps be a governess in someone else’s home, living in the shadows and teaching someone else’s children.
It seems expedient to marry the new marquess. He's strikingly handsome and willing to postpone consummating their marriage until they get to know each other better and then only for siring an heir and a spare. Also, it's what her deceased godfather wanted. However, Charity believes marriage is a sacred institution, plus she always dreamed of marrying for love.
Robert, the new marquess of St. Malin, sees marriage as inconsequential and doesn’t believe in love. His proposal is upfront with Charity. He will marry her to keep his vast inheritance, but he will continue living the life he likes—mistress, gambling, racing, and London Society entertainment pastimes. He’s determined to keep his freedom but magnanimously offers her all the perks of being a marchioness.
Maggi Andersen takes the late nineteenth century mores of London Society, a self-centered young nobleman, and a countrified, intelligent, kind, ‘all-alone’ young woman and creates a captivating story of love—in a time when love and fidelity were SO out of fashion.
The petite, delicate Charity tackles the task of being a marchioness full-steam-ahead, hoping to make her husband love, trust, and respect her. She showcases all the fancy clothes and exquisite jewels he feels befit a rich marquess’ wife. She sits for a portrait that he commissions. Moreover, she copes with the gossip, flirting, and one-upsmanship that ebb and flow in the ton. Still, her husband is remote, though flawlessly courteous. He neglects her until she “made a mistake”. In a jealous rage, he berates her.
Wow, does he find out his Charity is no little country mouse. When he roars at her, she roars back at him with accusations that hit home—like, he's spoiled, pompous, self-centered, careless and unkind toward her.
Robert, stuck in an emotional time warp that goes back to his early teens and with a mindset of the privileged nobility struggles with “keeping his freedom” while learning to manage his estates vast wealth, and keeping his enticing little wife at bay emotionally.
As his metamorphosis makes him complete, he finally becomes a worthy hero to the generous heroine who berates herself for not being more appreciative of things he did for her before he realized he loved her.
While Maggi Andersen uses the usual elements found in romances set in this historical era in English, she weaves them together uniquely so The Reluctant Marquess sparkles and captivates. She captures the reader’s senses with delightful metaphors and compelling comparisons. The scents, sounds, etc. of London compared to those of Cornwell take the reader into the settings to feels the differences. This unique parallel is rather symbolic of how Charity and Robert’s relationship unfolds. While in London their relationship is polluted with all the trappings of Society, but in Cornwall it is fresh, clean, and pure; strong enough to find that happy-ever-after. Good entertainment.
To be a penniless orphan looking for a way to make a living or be a marchioness is a decision Charity Barlow must make; to live with wealth and magnificent homes or perhaps be a governess in someone else’s home, living in the shadows and teaching someone else’s children.
It seems expedient to marry the new marquess. He's strikingly handsome and willing to postpone consummating their marriage until they get to know each other better and then only for siring an heir and a spare. Also, it's what her deceased godfather wanted. However, Charity believes marriage is a sacred institution, plus she always dreamed of marrying for love.
Robert, the new marquess of St. Malin, sees marriage as inconsequential and doesn’t believe in love. His proposal is upfront with Charity. He will marry her to keep his vast inheritance, but he will continue living the life he likes—mistress, gambling, racing, and London Society entertainment pastimes. He’s determined to keep his freedom but magnanimously offers her all the perks of being a marchioness.
Maggi Andersen takes the late nineteenth century mores of London Society, a self-centered young nobleman, and a countrified, intelligent, kind, ‘all-alone’ young woman and creates a captivating story of love—in a time when love and fidelity were SO out of fashion.
The petite, delicate Charity tackles the task of being a marchioness full-steam-ahead, hoping to make her husband love, trust, and respect her. She showcases all the fancy clothes and exquisite jewels he feels befit a rich marquess’ wife. She sits for a portrait that he commissions. Moreover, she copes with the gossip, flirting, and one-upsmanship that ebb and flow in the ton. Still, her husband is remote, though flawlessly courteous. He neglects her until she “made a mistake”. In a jealous rage, he berates her.
Wow, does he find out his Charity is no little country mouse. When he roars at her, she roars back at him with accusations that hit home—like, he's spoiled, pompous, self-centered, careless and unkind toward her.
Robert, stuck in an emotional time warp that goes back to his early teens and with a mindset of the privileged nobility struggles with “keeping his freedom” while learning to manage his estates vast wealth, and keeping his enticing little wife at bay emotionally.
As his metamorphosis makes him complete, he finally becomes a worthy hero to the generous heroine who berates herself for not being more appreciative of things he did for her before he realized he loved her.
While Maggi Andersen uses the usual elements found in romances set in this historical era in English, she weaves them together uniquely so The Reluctant Marquess sparkles and captivates. She captures the reader’s senses with delightful metaphors and compelling comparisons. The scents, sounds, etc. of London compared to those of Cornwell take the reader into the settings to feels the differences. This unique parallel is rather symbolic of how Charity and Robert’s relationship unfolds. While in London their relationship is polluted with all the trappings of Society, but in Cornwall it is fresh, clean, and pure; strong enough to find that happy-ever-after. Good entertainment.
May 15, 2018
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
What a wonderful book.
A veritable delight to read and had me totally entranced by the characters,
The broody and stern Robert,
The confused but determined Kate ,
The enigmatic and teasing Southmore,
All playing perfect parts to bring fun and tension to this story .
I laughed , cried , huffed mainly at Robert , wow I wanted to shake that man .
This was an author that was unknown to me , but I’m so glad I was given this opportunity to find and read her work , it won’t be the last time that’s for sure .
A thrilling and addictive book that I read in one sitting , finding it very hard to put down ,and a definite 5 stars , I wish I could give it more .
I received an advanced copy of this book and chose to submit a review
💋💋
What a wonderful book.
A veritable delight to read and had me totally entranced by the characters,
The broody and stern Robert,
The confused but determined Kate ,
The enigmatic and teasing Southmore,
All playing perfect parts to bring fun and tension to this story .
I laughed , cried , huffed mainly at Robert , wow I wanted to shake that man .
This was an author that was unknown to me , but I’m so glad I was given this opportunity to find and read her work , it won’t be the last time that’s for sure .
A thrilling and addictive book that I read in one sitting , finding it very hard to put down ,and a definite 5 stars , I wish I could give it more .
I received an advanced copy of this book and chose to submit a review
March 6, 2020
I liked it. This romance checked every box for me. Good descriptions of the places and people, interesting back stories, lots of drama and romance and just the right touch of humour. Kate and Robert have lots of misunderstandings resulting in realistic conflicts. The author provides lots of conversations for the story to move forward and the perfect HEA.
December 19, 2020
3.5 sweet stars!
March 27, 2012
Ahhhhhh....Cornwall, England in the 1700's....castles, servants, butlers, sumptuous meals, lords, and ladies. This book had all of my favorite things when it comes to books set in this time period.
The story begins when Charity is summoned to the castle thinking she is to meet with her Godfather, but finds out he has passed away and that she is to marry the Marquess whom she never met. Charity is a sweet young lady, but one with a mind of her own much to the dismay of Robert, the Marquess. Robert is a dashing man with marriage as not part of his plans and one who most likely would not be faithful.
The reader will follow Robert and Charity through the sweet times and also the tense times, but you will love it either way. Charity is trying to change Robert into a loving, faithful husband......will she succeed or is she too stubborn to try to make her marriage happy? Read this quick, entertaining read to find out.
The author does an excellent job of bringing details to life whether it is in describing a scene or a character. The description of the rooms in the castle was wonderful...I could just envision it all and could imagine what fun it would be to live there even though I know all the rooms had to be quite cold. I loved the chivalry and the concern with proper etiquette at formal and informal events and how the ladies had to be accompanied when they went out.
This book caught my attention from the first page. If you enjoy this time period, appealing characters, and some romance, you will definitely like THE RELUCTANT MARQUESS.
The story begins when Charity is summoned to the castle thinking she is to meet with her Godfather, but finds out he has passed away and that she is to marry the Marquess whom she never met. Charity is a sweet young lady, but one with a mind of her own much to the dismay of Robert, the Marquess. Robert is a dashing man with marriage as not part of his plans and one who most likely would not be faithful.
The reader will follow Robert and Charity through the sweet times and also the tense times, but you will love it either way. Charity is trying to change Robert into a loving, faithful husband......will she succeed or is she too stubborn to try to make her marriage happy? Read this quick, entertaining read to find out.
The author does an excellent job of bringing details to life whether it is in describing a scene or a character. The description of the rooms in the castle was wonderful...I could just envision it all and could imagine what fun it would be to live there even though I know all the rooms had to be quite cold. I loved the chivalry and the concern with proper etiquette at formal and informal events and how the ladies had to be accompanied when they went out.
This book caught my attention from the first page. If you enjoy this time period, appealing characters, and some romance, you will definitely like THE RELUCTANT MARQUESS.
May 16, 2019
I read this as part of the 'Hearts Aflame' boxed set.
Extracts:
He'd never owned a dog, because his parents hadn't approved of them as pets, but he found that he did.
....
And this might have resulted from his uncle's disapproval of Millicent, the one thing he'd shared with Robert's mother and her husband.
....
Her choice of husband was neither titled nor distinguished, but heir to one of the richest men in England.
....
"Please don't fuss, Charity," Robert said as they entered the dining room. "I don't need my wife to turn into my mother."
(Who was Charity??!!)
The writing was awfully 'clunky' somehow as if it was a first draft with no effort made to smooth the roughness. The plot was thinner than tissue paper (if there WAS a plot!) and Robert and Kate/Charity were unlikeable and without any redeeming features at all.
Extracts:
He'd never owned a dog, because his parents hadn't approved of them as pets, but he found that he did.
....
And this might have resulted from his uncle's disapproval of Millicent, the one thing he'd shared with Robert's mother and her husband.
....
Her choice of husband was neither titled nor distinguished, but heir to one of the richest men in England.
....
"Please don't fuss, Charity," Robert said as they entered the dining room. "I don't need my wife to turn into my mother."
(Who was Charity??!!)
The writing was awfully 'clunky' somehow as if it was a first draft with no effort made to smooth the roughness. The plot was thinner than tissue paper (if there WAS a plot!) and Robert and Kate/Charity were unlikeable and without any redeeming features at all.
May 31, 2012
I couldn't finish this book, but I'm rating it anyway because it was terrible. The characters were flat. Nothing about their behavior to each other should have inspired love. The love didn't seem real. They were puppets moving about woodenly. I read over half and just gave up.
April 19, 2013
Nicely researched and sweetly romantic, with plenty of period detail and pleasing characters, Maggi Andersen’s The Reluctant Marquess pits recently orphaned Charity against her godfather’s spoiled nephew, a new Marquess struggling to cope with his rather odd inheritance. Forced into an arranged marriage, the two strive to deny their growing affections. Circumstances conspire, somewhat predictably, against them, but each character proves both wise and honest in their different ways, and the reader remains convinced that love will win through.
The countryside, towns and events of the 1700s are well-described, creating a vivid backdrop to a romance that starts in Cornwall and wends its way through London and the ton. But perhaps it all really started with a near-drowning in a boat race on Cambridge's shallow river. From French maid to philandering nobleman to highway robbery, the story’s got its fair share of action, pleasing side-characters, and the usual theme of a woman hoping against hope to marry for love. It’s an enjoyable quick read, with careful discretion eventually yielding to surprisingly detailed and sensual lovemaking on the final pages.
Disclosure: I was lucky enough to spot this when it was free.
The countryside, towns and events of the 1700s are well-described, creating a vivid backdrop to a romance that starts in Cornwall and wends its way through London and the ton. But perhaps it all really started with a near-drowning in a boat race on Cambridge's shallow river. From French maid to philandering nobleman to highway robbery, the story’s got its fair share of action, pleasing side-characters, and the usual theme of a woman hoping against hope to marry for love. It’s an enjoyable quick read, with careful discretion eventually yielding to surprisingly detailed and sensual lovemaking on the final pages.
Disclosure: I was lucky enough to spot this when it was free.
March 8, 2012
The Reluctant Marquess by Maggi Anderson is a historical fiction novel set in England during the late 1700's. Charity Barlow has recently lost both her parents. She is forced to throw herself on the mercy of her Godfather, The Marquess of St. Malin. When she arrives at his estate she learns the devastating news that the Marquess has passed away through his heir, Lord Robert. The Marquess left a will dictating that for Lord Robert to inherit he will have to marry Charity. With no way around this clause Charity and Robert agree to marry but Charity has a clause of her own. She will not consummate the marriage until she's better acquainted with Robert.
Charity is kind, wise and a little naive. Robert is arrogant, handsome and quick to anger. He's been hurt in the past and puts a wall up to protect himself from harm. Charity sees this hurt in him and tries her best to help him through. However with several misunderstandings and miss communications these two have a hard time getting together. The story line is fast paced and easy to follow. I enjoyed the characters and their situations. The story is a bit predictable but entertaining none the less.
Charity is kind, wise and a little naive. Robert is arrogant, handsome and quick to anger. He's been hurt in the past and puts a wall up to protect himself from harm. Charity sees this hurt in him and tries her best to help him through. However with several misunderstandings and miss communications these two have a hard time getting together. The story line is fast paced and easy to follow. I enjoyed the characters and their situations. The story is a bit predictable but entertaining none the less.
March 30, 2012
Maggi Anderson did a wonderful job with this book. I was rooting for Charity as soon as I started reading the first page. This character was a girl who saw the world for what it was and even though naive in some things was beyond her wisdom in so many other ways. I felt sorry for her and the way things started as she met with the Marques and the tension between the two was in the air in the way that Maggi Anderson described in wonderful detail. The way of high society was exceptionally tantalizing in description and I could actually picture the cities, towns, streets and people that were described. The homes sounded magnificent and the storyline was fantastic.
This is a great read because you won't want to put it down. It is an enjoyable ride as you move with the characters in and out of their lives and see what they see. I even found myself wanting to yell at characters who I felt were actually trying to betray Charity's trust and good nature. If you want something fun, light-hearted, and with a great storyline this is the book to choose.
This is a great read because you won't want to put it down. It is an enjoyable ride as you move with the characters in and out of their lives and see what they see. I even found myself wanting to yell at characters who I felt were actually trying to betray Charity's trust and good nature. If you want something fun, light-hearted, and with a great storyline this is the book to choose.
April 23, 2011
The characters in this story find themselves in an awkward situation. They must marry or Robert loses much of his inheritance, and Charity is left with no home, family, or income. Charity is a romantic and Robert far from that, but each is what the other needs despite their reluctance. Charity’s experiences with the Ton are amusing and intriguing. I admired her refusal to let her husband’s old lovers walk all over her. Robert was less admirable, but he soon sees the light, hopefully before it is too late. The subplot of Robert’s relationship with his mother and her second family is interesting and sheds light on Robert’s personality, making the reader a bit more forgiving.
Maura
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
Full Review: http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/Book...
Maura
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
Full Review: http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/Book...
March 23, 2012
A fast paced and charming story! At fist I admit having some problems with the heroine’s behavior, but Maggie did such a great job telling this story that Charity had an incredible growth by the end of the book.
What didn’t please me was the last 1/3 of the book, that took a different direction adding a new conflict, and a minor ARC to a character that wasn’t part of the secondary cast till then.(...)
The Reluctant Marquess is a title that you’ll read in one night, cause you won’t be able to stop!
Originally posted here: http://reading-romances.com/rakes-by-...
What didn’t please me was the last 1/3 of the book, that took a different direction adding a new conflict, and a minor ARC to a character that wasn’t part of the secondary cast till then.(...)
The Reluctant Marquess is a title that you’ll read in one night, cause you won’t be able to stop!
Originally posted here: http://reading-romances.com/rakes-by-...
May 8, 2012
This book was fun and very entertaining.
Maggi writes a book you cannot put down, it was frustrating to the point that it was somehow glued to my hands and I had to carry it around the house so that I could continue to read it.
Poor Charity is put in a horrible situation that most of us would balk at and then once our brains kick in, we would realise that we had to make the same choice she did... marry a man she didn't know at all!
Lord Robert is a great character, I didn't know if he was going to be nice or angry at the things Charity did and said.
Over all I would recommend this book, and I certainly want to read more from Maggi!
Maggi writes a book you cannot put down, it was frustrating to the point that it was somehow glued to my hands and I had to carry it around the house so that I could continue to read it.
Poor Charity is put in a horrible situation that most of us would balk at and then once our brains kick in, we would realise that we had to make the same choice she did... marry a man she didn't know at all!
Lord Robert is a great character, I didn't know if he was going to be nice or angry at the things Charity did and said.
Over all I would recommend this book, and I certainly want to read more from Maggi!
June 24, 2013
The Reluctant Marquess put a unique twist on an old storyline. When Robert and Charity marry to satisfy the terms of a will so Robert can inherit, they aren't quite sure what to expect from each other. Charity and Robert decide to make a go of it, if only to satisfy both of their material needs, if not emotional ones. Charity is a blast of fresh air for the London ton, who isn't quite sure what to make of her and her strange country ways. Charity is trying to make the best of her marriage and find some semblance of love with Robert, but he seems to be against the thought from the very beginning. The ending of the story was very touching, with a bit of humor thrown in as well.
January 19, 2019
Should have stayed a novella
I don't even know where to start...perhaps to tell you don't start. This book EXHAUSTED ME. She wore me out! I don't blame him if he wanted to get away from her, for I sure did. I dint read any reviews before reading this and now that I have trust me when I say the 1 and 2 stars are right on point. Above it 25% of the book is dialogue and the rest inner freaking dialogue. Wears you out I tell ya. It should have stayed a novella because her attempt at mAking it a book was no good.
I don't even know where to start...perhaps to tell you don't start. This book EXHAUSTED ME. She wore me out! I don't blame him if he wanted to get away from her, for I sure did. I dint read any reviews before reading this and now that I have trust me when I say the 1 and 2 stars are right on point. Above it 25% of the book is dialogue and the rest inner freaking dialogue. Wears you out I tell ya. It should have stayed a novella because her attempt at mAking it a book was no good.
January 17, 2012
"Readers will love the delightful tale of love in an arranged marriage. As troubles buffet the new couple and their love is tested, readers will be rooting for them to make it through."
---Romantic Times Book Reviews, May 2011
---Romantic Times Book Reviews, May 2011
February 7, 2012
This book was just wonderful! It was the perfect mix of history and romance. The setting seemed completely natural for the characters and story. The characters were easy to love and were described in such a way as to make the reader see exactly what the other people in the book saw in them. The romance was just the right mix of risque and subtle. Loved it!!
February 26, 2013
Everything great about a historical romance. The brooding male, spirited female and crazy family to top it off. This is all beautifully done with some articulate and elegant writing. The missing star for me is for the villain, I would have liked to have had more on Southmore, and had a seperate epilogue. Overall though, more then good x
August 30, 2018
I got the sample first. And I really liked it. But it became meh very quickly. I really don't like when the conflict is lack of communication. That isn't interesting it is boring and makes the characters look like children. The main couple doesn't have any chemistry and I only know they love each other because the author tells me so.
August 12, 2014
The characters were very likable and unique and this book wasn’t easy to put down.
Read full review in the 2012 May/June issue of InD’tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2012 May/June issue of InD’tale Magazine.
June 25, 2012
A romance with a different twist and a very brooding hero. I loved the characterization, and always enjoy Maggi Andersen's stories.
December 23, 2018
Boring
Very bad writing and story. Couldn’t even finish one chapter. Calling this a book is an overstatement. A teenager diary probably has a better plot line.
Very bad writing and story. Couldn’t even finish one chapter. Calling this a book is an overstatement. A teenager diary probably has a better plot line.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews