What do you think?
Rate this book
The De Bryun Sisters #2
A Ring from a Marquess (The de Bryun Sisters) by Christine Merrill
Mistress or Wife? Independent Margot de Bryun has no intention of giving a man control of her life! Although handsome rake Stephen Standish, Marquess of Fanworth, does pique her interest… Maybe a man can offer other advantages? Stephen sees Margot as perfect marriage material—talented, intelligent and alluring. But when a stolen family ruby is traced to the jewelry shop Margot owns, Stephen is infuriated and demands she become his mistress. Except Margot's not one to be easily tamed—and whether she be mistress or wife, sparks will certainly fly!
Mass Market Paperback
First published March 17, 2015
17 people are currently reading
274 people want to read
About the author
Christine Merrill
239 books215 followersChristine Merrill has wanted to be an author for as long as she can remember. But one thing stood in her way: touch typing.
Six weeks spent on an IBM Selectric in her Sophomore year of high school proved that she would never be able to produce one readable page of manuscript, much less several hundred.
Twenty years passed, and she found ways to pass the time: marrying her high school sweetheart; having two sons; and taking an assortment of jobs in professional theater costume shops, including a miserable year and a half spent styling wigs for a certain hamburger-selling clown (who shall remain nameless, since I don't want to incur the wrath of a major American corporation) and a couple of weeks working on a TV movie with one of the sexiest men alive (whose name I'm happy to drop: Mark Harmon!).
During that time, someone invented word processing, and a reliable spell checker.
Christine returned to her childhood dream, only to discover that there was more to the whole writing thing than accurate typing. The next years were spent learning to tell stories that people might want to read, and trying to find someone who wanted to buy them. Her chance came when she won the RWA's Golden Heart Competition for unpublished manuscripts. The winning story, soon to be known as THE INCONVENIENT DUCHESS, was bought by the contest judges, the delightful editors at Mills & Boon, in Richmond, Surrey.
Christine is now busy writing her fifth book, and is more than slightly jealous that her manuscripts get to visit England, while she stays home in Wisconsin
Six weeks spent on an IBM Selectric in her Sophomore year of high school proved that she would never be able to produce one readable page of manuscript, much less several hundred.
Twenty years passed, and she found ways to pass the time: marrying her high school sweetheart; having two sons; and taking an assortment of jobs in professional theater costume shops, including a miserable year and a half spent styling wigs for a certain hamburger-selling clown (who shall remain nameless, since I don't want to incur the wrath of a major American corporation) and a couple of weeks working on a TV movie with one of the sexiest men alive (whose name I'm happy to drop: Mark Harmon!).
During that time, someone invented word processing, and a reliable spell checker.
Christine returned to her childhood dream, only to discover that there was more to the whole writing thing than accurate typing. The next years were spent learning to tell stories that people might want to read, and trying to find someone who wanted to buy them. Her chance came when she won the RWA's Golden Heart Competition for unpublished manuscripts. The winning story, soon to be known as THE INCONVENIENT DUCHESS, was bought by the contest judges, the delightful editors at Mills & Boon, in Richmond, Surrey.
Christine is now busy writing her fifth book, and is more than slightly jealous that her manuscripts get to visit England, while she stays home in Wisconsin
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 17, 2024
2'5 ⭐
El libro no es malo, ni está mal escrito. Pero...no me ha convencido. Me ha gustado que la historia es original. Sin embargo, tiene algunos límites que sobrepasa el protagonista y que a mí no me convencen.
El libro no es malo, ni está mal escrito. Pero...no me ha convencido. Me ha gustado que la historia es original. Sin embargo, tiene algunos límites que sobrepasa el protagonista y que a mí no me convencen.
April 23, 2015
I felt deeply conflicted while I was reading this book. On the one hand, I wanted to love it, because the main characters are both made of awesome yet so flawed; on the other hand, it was heartbreaking to see the hero acting like such a stellar douche canoe, and it was difficult for me to root for a happily ever after that the heroine was essentially bullied into. Also, I kind of hated the heroine's sister in this book (and that was uncomfortable, because I loved that character in the last book; I felt a bit betrayed.).
But even though all those things didn't work for me, I still think Christine Merrill is one of the best voices in historical romance, because she's clearly willing to do new and interesting things with the genre.
But even though all those things didn't work for me, I still think Christine Merrill is one of the best voices in historical romance, because she's clearly willing to do new and interesting things with the genre.
May 3, 2017
Me gustó. Pero sólo lo recomiendo para las que le gusta histórico de regencia.
Es la historia de Margot, la hermana de Justine del primero de la serie.
No es tan sórdido como el primer libro y Stephen (Marqués de Fanworth) es un tierno aunque tiene fama de libertino. Margot aunque es virgencita (en principio) es una mujer que tiene su empresa (tiene y dirige una joyería) y no le interesa casarse, cosa que él quiere a pesar de las diferencias sociales.
Un malentendido (por maledicencias de otras personas) los separa emocionalmente. Hay varias idas y vueltas mientras se aclaran las cosas. Y mientras tanto se entretienen en la cama.
Lo que más me gusta de una novela romántica es cuando el protagonista masculino es un dulce y está re enamorado, como un colegial, y se enfurruña por el rechazo o los malentendidos, etc. Que es el caso de esta novela.
Es la historia de Margot, la hermana de Justine del primero de la serie.
No es tan sórdido como el primer libro y Stephen (Marqués de Fanworth) es un tierno aunque tiene fama de libertino. Margot aunque es virgencita (en principio) es una mujer que tiene su empresa (tiene y dirige una joyería) y no le interesa casarse, cosa que él quiere a pesar de las diferencias sociales.
Un malentendido (por maledicencias de otras personas) los separa emocionalmente. Hay varias idas y vueltas mientras se aclaran las cosas. Y mientras tanto se entretienen en la cama.
Lo que más me gusta de una novela romántica es cuando el protagonista masculino es un dulce y está re enamorado, como un colegial, y se enfurruña por el rechazo o los malentendidos, etc. Que es el caso de esta novela.
September 13, 2022
I did not read the first book in the series and it might have added some clarity to the interactions between Margot and her sister however...
This is a nice light read about a future duke falling in love with the owner of a jewellery shop. Due to class differences Margot does not take Stephen's marriage proposals seriously. But Stephen is determined to marry Margot, the one woman he can talk to easily, for our hero stammers and is very self-conscious about speaking to almost everyone. This makes him seem cold to the rest of the world.
Unfortunately, Margot inadvertently uses Stephen's family's stolen jewels to make Stephen's mother a necklace and that's when the misunderstanding and unpleasantness start between the two. Stephen does not show himself well under these circumstances. The cuprits are within our two main character's own circles.
Eventually things get cleared up but then Stephen's lunatic father interfers with Margot's business.
The ending was quite abrupt and I expected another chapter. Oh well.
This is a nice light read about a future duke falling in love with the owner of a jewellery shop. Due to class differences Margot does not take Stephen's marriage proposals seriously. But Stephen is determined to marry Margot, the one woman he can talk to easily, for our hero stammers and is very self-conscious about speaking to almost everyone. This makes him seem cold to the rest of the world.
Unfortunately, Margot inadvertently uses Stephen's family's stolen jewels to make Stephen's mother a necklace and that's when the misunderstanding and unpleasantness start between the two. Stephen does not show himself well under these circumstances. The cuprits are within our two main character's own circles.
Eventually things get cleared up but then Stephen's lunatic father interfers with Margot's business.
The ending was quite abrupt and I expected another chapter. Oh well.
October 4, 2017
It was an entertaining story, with good characters who have many dimensions and are not cardboard cutouts.
The sister's character vacillates between being kind and being manipulative throughout. I did not read the first book in the series, which is about her, which may color my poor impression of her in this book. The heroine has too stupid to live moments, but recovers quickly from them, and the misunderstandings are not agonizing. The hero is less fully drawn than the heroine, resulting in a less satisfying, vivid character. There is married intimacy which is not very graphic or a large part of the book.
However, the ending seemed utterly truncated and rushed, as if the author suddenly turned to something else that grabbed her attention at that point in the book. This lack of closure detracts from the book.
I still recommend this book if you need a quick, light, filler read, but be aware that the ending is not a finished work and the hero is not vivid.
The sister's character vacillates between being kind and being manipulative throughout. I did not read the first book in the series, which is about her, which may color my poor impression of her in this book. The heroine has too stupid to live moments, but recovers quickly from them, and the misunderstandings are not agonizing. The hero is less fully drawn than the heroine, resulting in a less satisfying, vivid character. There is married intimacy which is not very graphic or a large part of the book.
However, the ending seemed utterly truncated and rushed, as if the author suddenly turned to something else that grabbed her attention at that point in the book. This lack of closure detracts from the book.
I still recommend this book if you need a quick, light, filler read, but be aware that the ending is not a finished work and the hero is not vivid.
May 28, 2019
It helps to read the previous book in the series before this one - otherwise you'll really dislike the heroine's older sister and have no understanding of her motives. Anywho, besotted Marquess falls for a "shop girl," only to have the shop girl unknowingly sell him his mother's stolen rubies. He's been duped! He'll teach her a lesson!
He finds out his assumption is wrong at about 30%, which means the besotted hero now has to convince the ticked off heroine to marry him, navigate the social landmines of a Duke's son marrying a "shop girl" and, oh yeah, she wishes to keep her family business open and operational even though she'll now one day be a Duchess.
Problematic elements at work, the hero is sometimes an epic Jerk Face, but dang if I didn't inhale this story. Giving the hero a stutter to explain his abysmal communication skills with the heroine was pure genius on the author's part.
He finds out his assumption is wrong at about 30%, which means the besotted hero now has to convince the ticked off heroine to marry him, navigate the social landmines of a Duke's son marrying a "shop girl" and, oh yeah, she wishes to keep her family business open and operational even though she'll now one day be a Duchess.
Problematic elements at work, the hero is sometimes an epic Jerk Face, but dang if I didn't inhale this story. Giving the hero a stutter to explain his abysmal communication skills with the heroine was pure genius on the author's part.
May 2, 2019
Much more enjoyable than the previous book The Truth About Lady Felkirk .
I think it’s because there was more character to Margot which had me liking her immensely as I did with Stephen too.
I enjoyed the storyline with Stephen’s horrible father and brother & the comeuppance they both got via Stephen’s rightful anger at them.
I think it’s because there was more character to Margot which had me liking her immensely as I did with Stephen too.
I enjoyed the storyline with Stephen’s horrible father and brother & the comeuppance they both got via Stephen’s rightful anger at them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 16, 2020
I enjoyed this book.
March 20, 2022
A bit boring
October 2, 2016
The author counterbalances Stephen's timidness and protectiveness with his demands that Margot (who up until now was a woman he was courting) become his mistress because of suspected theft of his family's rubies. Margot spends much of the book trying to live up to the ideals of being the wife of a Marquess. She also attempts to keep her business going much to the chagrin of her abusive father-in-law. There were so many instances of the couple's getting in the way of their own relationship that it made the book hard to enjoy.
March 5, 2017
I love a comedy of manners. I truly do. This book is highly entertaining.
February 20, 2015
A Ring from a Marquess was an okay historical romance. It wasn't perfect but I enjoyed it overall.
Both character were good. They each had their virtues, with Margot's cleverness and independence, along with Stephen's sweetness and protectiveness over his loved ones. However, despite their good qualities, they both frustrated me multiple times. They seemed to be in a bad habit of misunderstandings, assumptions, and allowing themselves to believe the worst from each other. It seemed like they were determined to take the most difficult road that they could. It got really aggravating after a while and brought down my appreciation of the characters and my ability to enjoy the story.
The romance was iffy. I thought Margot and Stephen were well matched and sweet together. But, like I said, they seemed determined to make things difficult for themselves. I still liked them as a couple, though.
The plot moved quickly, though I was only a little interested for about the first half of the book. It wasn't until Margot and Stephen started to figure things out that I got more engaged in the story. However, I still enjoyed it. Despite the issues, it was an okay read. I wouldn't necessarily recommend it but it might be worth looking up.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Both character were good. They each had their virtues, with Margot's cleverness and independence, along with Stephen's sweetness and protectiveness over his loved ones. However, despite their good qualities, they both frustrated me multiple times. They seemed to be in a bad habit of misunderstandings, assumptions, and allowing themselves to believe the worst from each other. It seemed like they were determined to take the most difficult road that they could. It got really aggravating after a while and brought down my appreciation of the characters and my ability to enjoy the story.
The romance was iffy. I thought Margot and Stephen were well matched and sweet together. But, like I said, they seemed determined to make things difficult for themselves. I still liked them as a couple, though.
The plot moved quickly, though I was only a little interested for about the first half of the book. It wasn't until Margot and Stephen started to figure things out that I got more engaged in the story. However, I still enjoyed it. Despite the issues, it was an okay read. I wouldn't necessarily recommend it but it might be worth looking up.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
April 2, 2015
Another great story by Christine Merrill! I'm not a gifted reviewer, wish I was, to give this book and Christine a great review. I'll just say it is a wonderful story of an independent shop owner women and a strong willed man, that come together to save each other. Miscommunication, as always, causes problems, but once they are worked out, love prevails. I love a happy ending.
Next I am going to read a contemporary story Christine wrote. "Need to Know".
Liz Monahan is in a rut. Her boss is a jerk. Her mom won’t stop asking about her love life. And her boyfriend just might be married. But since she found that corpse in her hotel room, things have gotten interesting. The new guy in accounting has a license to kill. He thinks she holds the key to a terrorist plot. And the man in her life is a rogue secret agent who just might want her dead. But at least he’s single.
It sounds like a great escape for my long weekend.
Next I am going to read a contemporary story Christine wrote. "Need to Know".
Liz Monahan is in a rut. Her boss is a jerk. Her mom won’t stop asking about her love life. And her boyfriend just might be married. But since she found that corpse in her hotel room, things have gotten interesting. The new guy in accounting has a license to kill. He thinks she holds the key to a terrorist plot. And the man in her life is a rogue secret agent who just might want her dead. But at least he’s single.
It sounds like a great escape for my long weekend.
August 24, 2015
Loved this book! I had a hard time putting this one down. Many other Regency romances have similar plots, but Christine Merrill gives us a heroine in her original plot with modern-age values: a woman who is a business owner. She runs her own jewelry shop and sells the jewelry that she designs herself. She doesn't want a husband to tell her how to run her business, but she is charmed by one of the local lords, who has a speech impediment and a father with Narcissistic Personality Disorder. I also like how Ms. Merrill likes to give us male characters who aren't perfect male specimens. (One of my other favorite books of hers is about an already married couple in which the husband loses his eyesight and is afraid to tell his neglected wife.)
March 7, 2015
Taking pride in her independence Margot is not about to allow anyone to control her life. She never expected to fall in love. Stephen finds Margot intriguing and a perfect candidate to be the wife of Marquess. When Margot's trustworthiness is called into question will the budding romance be able to whether the storm? Or will it drift like a feather in the breeze? I receive an ARC of A Ring from a Marquess for an honest review. I am a fan of Christine Merrill. I love the Margot's strong and independent outlook on her worth and what she will or will not stand for. Stephen at times came across cold. I thought this book was a good story.
December 19, 2015
This novel ended just the way I hoped it would. For a moment there it seemed as if things were going to end badly, but with a quick-fix (which I really hoped could have been longer) everything seemed to be back on track. I really like Margot. She's been kicked a bit but didn't go down. She's a great strong female role, and the main reason to read the novel. The story about the Marquess's brother was a bit boring and because he was so unlikable, it became difficult to get through as I really didn't care enough. But on the whole: interesting. And better than the 1st novel.
Read
May 6, 2015Miniseries: The de Bryun Sisters
Read
January 12, 2016Miniseries: The de Bryun Sisters
September 10, 2015
another satisfying and emotional read from C. Merrill
June 1, 2016
Me gusto Margot tan emprendedora y bueno por supuesto Stephen tan decidido a lograr enfrentar los obstáculos <3
April 4, 2017
I liked this but there was a bit of confusion.As I started reading I wasn't sure if Stephen was the hero. His stammer takes away from him, but his description didn't set him apart and throughout I feel he looked like a weak hero. How I wish he had a childhood accident or something that would justify his stammer, because in this case, its supposedly hereditary.
The best part about the book was Margot. She's a strong, smart, tradeswoman. And if you're reading this book, it should only be for her. She's fierce and independent, knows how to put people in their place and can face any enemy.
The best part about the book was Margot. She's a strong, smart, tradeswoman. And if you're reading this book, it should only be for her. She's fierce and independent, knows how to put people in their place and can face any enemy.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews