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Unlikely Betrothal #3
The Marquess and the Earl
A grieving Marquess. An Earl trapped by duty. A love that defies everything they’ve ever known.
Nathaniel
It’s been over a year since Nathaniel, Marquess of Demming, lost the love of his life. The last thing he wants is to endure is a house party under the watchful eye of society. Yet, amidst the frivolity, he finds unexpected intrigue in the company of George, the Earl of Knox.
What begins as lust and attraction soon deepens into something far more dangerous. As desire stirs within him, Nathaniel must decide: can he trust George with his shattered heart, or will he find himself unable to love again?
George
George, the Earl of Knox, knows his duty: court Lady Lily, secure his title, and play the role society demands. But his carefully laid plans unravel the moment he meets Nate. Drawn to the charismatic Marquess, George feels a passion he’s never allowed himself to acknowledge.
As their connection grows, George faces an impossible choice: honor the expectations of his title or risk his reputation—and his future—for a love that could change everything.
Two title gentlemen. One forbidden romance. A passion that could destroy them—or set them free.
Note: This is a spicy novella with 5+ explicit scenes and a guaranteed HEA! Content warnings can be found on author's website.
Tropes: MM Romance, Experienced H & Virgin H, Forbidden Love, Parental Expectations, MMC Saves Other MMC, House Party
Unlikely Betrothal Series: Each novella is a standalone story that can be enjoyed out of order and read in Kindle Unlimited!
Book 1: The Earl and the Vixen
Book 2: The Rake and the Muse
Book 3: The Marquess and the Earl
Book 4: The Viscount and the Wallflower
Book 5: The Duke and the Widow
Nathaniel
It’s been over a year since Nathaniel, Marquess of Demming, lost the love of his life. The last thing he wants is to endure is a house party under the watchful eye of society. Yet, amidst the frivolity, he finds unexpected intrigue in the company of George, the Earl of Knox.
What begins as lust and attraction soon deepens into something far more dangerous. As desire stirs within him, Nathaniel must decide: can he trust George with his shattered heart, or will he find himself unable to love again?
George
George, the Earl of Knox, knows his duty: court Lady Lily, secure his title, and play the role society demands. But his carefully laid plans unravel the moment he meets Nate. Drawn to the charismatic Marquess, George feels a passion he’s never allowed himself to acknowledge.
As their connection grows, George faces an impossible choice: honor the expectations of his title or risk his reputation—and his future—for a love that could change everything.
Two title gentlemen. One forbidden romance. A passion that could destroy them—or set them free.
Note: This is a spicy novella with 5+ explicit scenes and a guaranteed HEA! Content warnings can be found on author's website.
Tropes: MM Romance, Experienced H & Virgin H, Forbidden Love, Parental Expectations, MMC Saves Other MMC, House Party
Unlikely Betrothal Series: Each novella is a standalone story that can be enjoyed out of order and read in Kindle Unlimited!
Book 1: The Earl and the Vixen
Book 2: The Rake and the Muse
Book 3: The Marquess and the Earl
Book 4: The Viscount and the Wallflower
Book 5: The Duke and the Widow
- GenresHistorical Romance
188 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 10, 2025
28 people are currently reading
108 people want to read
About the author
Christina Diane
43 books243 followersChristina Diane writes Regency romances that are fast-paced, high-heat love stories where the banter bites and the bad boys never behave. An international bestselling author, Christina blends historical settings with modern a modern flair, crafting irresistible tales of spirited heroines, forbidden liaisons, and brooding alphas who’d ruin your reputation and your bedsheets.
If you crave scandal, seduction, and a dash of emotional darkness…welcome to your new obsession.
If you crave scandal, seduction, and a dash of emotional darkness…welcome to your new obsession.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
February 21, 2025
I just started reading Christina Diane. This is only my 4th book by her. I saw book 1 of this series when I was downloading another new author and also ran across her on a FB takeover in one of my steamy book groups. I have liked this series so far.
So it's been awhile since I read a MM story. Funny I find it reads the same as a MF story. I get the stakes are higher if they're caught. I liked Nate and George. It was a good read. It really didn't have that much depth. I would have liked her to provide a few additional details. I just kind of felt the back end of the story was a bit rush but still a good read.
So it's been awhile since I read a MM story. Funny I find it reads the same as a MF story. I get the stakes are higher if they're caught. I liked Nate and George. It was a good read. It really didn't have that much depth. I would have liked her to provide a few additional details. I just kind of felt the back end of the story was a bit rush but still a good read.
August 22, 2025
3.5 stars
My favorite moments in historical romances are when the couple is in a crowded room, but they only have eyes for each other. This book had that in spades! (I especially liked the pall mall scene!)
That said, this did feel a bit rushed to me. I believe that there is no "one right way" to write historical fiction about queer people, in terms of how present the threat of persecution should be in the story, but I think Diane might have tried to tackle too much in too few pages.
I am looking forward to continuing the series!
My favorite moments in historical romances are when the couple is in a crowded room, but they only have eyes for each other. This book had that in spades! (I especially liked the pall mall scene!)
That said, this did feel a bit rushed to me. I believe that there is no "one right way" to write historical fiction about queer people, in terms of how present the threat of persecution should be in the story, but I think Diane might have tried to tackle too much in too few pages.
I am looking forward to continuing the series!
May 30, 2025
on va dire que ça se lit bien, même si en 121 pages, c'est difficile de développer quelque chose.
mais tous les codes sont là 😌
mais tous les codes sont là 😌
February 18, 2025
*𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 4.0 ⭐
*𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥: 4.0 🌶️
✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
🆃🅷🅾🆄🅶🅷🆃🆂
I am loving Christina Diane’s Unlikely Betrothal series! The Marquess and the Earl is such an amazing addition to this series, and I really like that this book tells the love story of two men who fought, against all odds, and at the risk of being shunned by society, and even losing their lives, to love one another.
In The Marquess and the Earl, we are once again at the house party of Viscount & Viscountess Ockham. In this installment, we meet Nathaniel who is the Marquess of Demming. Nathanial is at a standstill. Over a year ago, he lost the love of his life and though society would have him marry a woman and sire children, as a gay man, he refuses to marry a woman and mislead her. He’s not really interested in love and romance, that is until he meets George at the Ockhams’ house party.
George is the Earl of Knox and all of his life, he has been told that as the only child, his duty is to marry and have children and ensure the successfully progression of the Knox lineage. Though George is gay, he decides that he will do what must be done…what is required of him. At the house party, he is prepared to settle down with Lily, until he sets eyes on Nathanial.
This is a story of duty & honor vs love. Like her other books, The Marquess and the Earl, is a novella, so it is a quick read with an insta-love type of feel. If you are looking for a feel-good love story with not a lot of frill or drama, this one is for you. Though this book does touch on some big topics (same-sex relationships, especially during the regency erra), it does so in a way that the book is not too heavy. There were many times where I was frustrated and sad for the Nate and George and the fact that they could not love each other boldly and out loud, like they should have been able to do, but the way Christina writes their love story, it leaves the reader with a level of satisfaction that these two have found a way to make it work for them, giving the time period and society they live in. At the end, this made my heart smile. Also, this one is a VERY spicy one so if you love you some good old spicy romance, this book is definitely the one for you.
Now, though I really enjoyed these two’s love story, I did feel there was something missing for me. I am used to the quick/insta-love story that happens in Christina’s previous books and I don’t expect her to dive into much of the character’s backgrounds but I kind of felt like Nate and George’s realization of their love for one another was a bit rushed. It’s almost like they meet this morning and before the sun goes down, they are madly in love…I feel like there should have been a bit more there. Their chemistry to me was more of physical one, and less of an emotional one, like I was able to feel with the other characters in the previous installments.
Overall, this as a great read that I would recommend. I cannot wait for Alex and Lily’s story in book four!
Sidenote: I have to say I LOVED the epilogue and the way they were able to find a way to make their dream of being with each other and having a family work out for them.
✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
⬇️ SOME SPOILERS MAY BE FOUND BELOW ⬇️
🆆🅷🅰🆃 🆃🅾 🅴🆇🅿🅴🅲🆃
💙 Novella
🩵 Duty/Loyalty or Love
💙 MM Romance
🩵 Forbidden Love
💙 MMC Saves Other MMC
🩵 Parental Expectations
💙 House Party
🩵 Secret Meetings
💙 Experience H & Virgin H
🩵 Very Spicy
💙 Guaranteed HEA
🅵🅰🆅🅾🆁🅸🆃🅴 🆀🆄🅾🆃🅴🆂/🆂🅰🆈🅸🅽🅶🆂
🩵 “You are completely perfect.”
💙 “’Are you willing to die for our love?’ ‘Yes, dammit…I would risk my life to love you.”
🩵 “If I have to live with only seeing you certain days and months out of the year and loving you in secret, that is better than not being with you at all.”
✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
* 𝑶𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 & 𝑺𝒑𝒊𝒄𝒆 𝑳𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒍 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒐𝒏 𝒂 5.0 𝒔𝒄𝒂𝒍𝒆
*𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥: 4.0 🌶️
✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
🆃🅷🅾🆄🅶🅷🆃🆂
I am loving Christina Diane’s Unlikely Betrothal series! The Marquess and the Earl is such an amazing addition to this series, and I really like that this book tells the love story of two men who fought, against all odds, and at the risk of being shunned by society, and even losing their lives, to love one another.
In The Marquess and the Earl, we are once again at the house party of Viscount & Viscountess Ockham. In this installment, we meet Nathaniel who is the Marquess of Demming. Nathanial is at a standstill. Over a year ago, he lost the love of his life and though society would have him marry a woman and sire children, as a gay man, he refuses to marry a woman and mislead her. He’s not really interested in love and romance, that is until he meets George at the Ockhams’ house party.
George is the Earl of Knox and all of his life, he has been told that as the only child, his duty is to marry and have children and ensure the successfully progression of the Knox lineage. Though George is gay, he decides that he will do what must be done…what is required of him. At the house party, he is prepared to settle down with Lily, until he sets eyes on Nathanial.
This is a story of duty & honor vs love. Like her other books, The Marquess and the Earl, is a novella, so it is a quick read with an insta-love type of feel. If you are looking for a feel-good love story with not a lot of frill or drama, this one is for you. Though this book does touch on some big topics (same-sex relationships, especially during the regency erra), it does so in a way that the book is not too heavy. There were many times where I was frustrated and sad for the Nate and George and the fact that they could not love each other boldly and out loud, like they should have been able to do, but the way Christina writes their love story, it leaves the reader with a level of satisfaction that these two have found a way to make it work for them, giving the time period and society they live in. At the end, this made my heart smile. Also, this one is a VERY spicy one so if you love you some good old spicy romance, this book is definitely the one for you.
Now, though I really enjoyed these two’s love story, I did feel there was something missing for me. I am used to the quick/insta-love story that happens in Christina’s previous books and I don’t expect her to dive into much of the character’s backgrounds but I kind of felt like Nate and George’s realization of their love for one another was a bit rushed. It’s almost like they meet this morning and before the sun goes down, they are madly in love…I feel like there should have been a bit more there. Their chemistry to me was more of physical one, and less of an emotional one, like I was able to feel with the other characters in the previous installments.
Overall, this as a great read that I would recommend. I cannot wait for Alex and Lily’s story in book four!
Sidenote: I have to say I LOVED the epilogue and the way they were able to find a way to make their dream of being with each other and having a family work out for them.
✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
⬇️ SOME SPOILERS MAY BE FOUND BELOW ⬇️
🆆🅷🅰🆃 🆃🅾 🅴🆇🅿🅴🅲🆃
💙 Novella
🩵 Duty/Loyalty or Love
💙 MM Romance
🩵 Forbidden Love
💙 MMC Saves Other MMC
🩵 Parental Expectations
💙 House Party
🩵 Secret Meetings
💙 Experience H & Virgin H
🩵 Very Spicy
💙 Guaranteed HEA
🅵🅰🆅🅾🆁🅸🆃🅴 🆀🆄🅾🆃🅴🆂/🆂🅰🆈🅸🅽🅶🆂
🩵 “You are completely perfect.”
💙 “’Are you willing to die for our love?’ ‘Yes, dammit…I would risk my life to love you.”
🩵 “If I have to live with only seeing you certain days and months out of the year and loving you in secret, that is better than not being with you at all.”
✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
* 𝑶𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 & 𝑺𝒑𝒊𝒄𝒆 𝑳𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒍 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒐𝒏 𝒂 5.0 𝒔𝒄𝒂𝒍𝒆
January 28, 2025
Sweet, spicy, forbidden M/M romance that I enjoyed overall.
Nate has been a recluse ever since his first love passed away, he never expected to find love again. But knowing that he needed to be amongst the living, even for just a little while, he agreed to attend a house party.
Knox was floundering in his life knowing what was expected of him - find a wife and produce an heir to continue the line, but this was something that he was finding physically impossible to do. He had to at least try to honor his father's last wishes so he attends a house party determined to leave betrothed.
This is a novella length so expect this to turn intimate really quick. I would have liked just a little bit more of accidental touches, longing gazes, flirty words before their first encounter especially since Knox was so new at recognizing his true desires. Nate was more experienced in every aspect of a 19th century gay relationship and I really enjoyed how he orchestrated their private moments - star gazing, picnics, urgent missives, making it easy for Knox, who was so sweetly inexperienced, to embrace his true feelings.
This was well written with a more modern feel. It clips along at a perfect pace with some really loving, tender moments between two cinnamon rolls and just a drop of angst to keep it interesting. What a clever and unique epilogue! I really loved it and hope we see these two again!
I received an early copy directly from the author (Thank you!) All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Nate has been a recluse ever since his first love passed away, he never expected to find love again. But knowing that he needed to be amongst the living, even for just a little while, he agreed to attend a house party.
Knox was floundering in his life knowing what was expected of him - find a wife and produce an heir to continue the line, but this was something that he was finding physically impossible to do. He had to at least try to honor his father's last wishes so he attends a house party determined to leave betrothed.
This is a novella length so expect this to turn intimate really quick. I would have liked just a little bit more of accidental touches, longing gazes, flirty words before their first encounter especially since Knox was so new at recognizing his true desires. Nate was more experienced in every aspect of a 19th century gay relationship and I really enjoyed how he orchestrated their private moments - star gazing, picnics, urgent missives, making it easy for Knox, who was so sweetly inexperienced, to embrace his true feelings.
This was well written with a more modern feel. It clips along at a perfect pace with some really loving, tender moments between two cinnamon rolls and just a drop of angst to keep it interesting. What a clever and unique epilogue! I really loved it and hope we see these two again!
I received an early copy directly from the author (Thank you!) All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 28, 2025
3.5 stars rounded up to 4
A M/M historical romance that was sweet and spicy in so many ways!
Nathaniel Baring, the Marquess of Demming, has unfortunately, already experienced heartbreak. A year later, he gives in to the pressures of his friend, Juliana and agrees to attend a house party held by the Viscount and Viscountess Ockham. It is here, he meets the gaze of George Knox, Earl of Knox. The attraction is nearly instantaneous and the two men find themselves wondering if they're willing to risk for what they want.
This little novella was definitely a fun read. I loved George and Nate together and I thought their chemistry was well done. I was surprised at how much the author was able fit in just under 75 pages (in my copy) and I was really happy to see that it was so much more than sex. The possible issues (and solutions) to the mains' relationship seemed genuine, though I'm not sure if everything was historically accurate. At times, I did feel things became a bit flowery and overly romantic, but I enjoyed the book nonetheless. I will be looking for the other books in this series.
Thank you Voracious Readers and Christina Diane for my copy! I received an ARC of this novella and am voluntarily leaving a review. All above thoughts and opinions are my own.
A M/M historical romance that was sweet and spicy in so many ways!
Nathaniel Baring, the Marquess of Demming, has unfortunately, already experienced heartbreak. A year later, he gives in to the pressures of his friend, Juliana and agrees to attend a house party held by the Viscount and Viscountess Ockham. It is here, he meets the gaze of George Knox, Earl of Knox. The attraction is nearly instantaneous and the two men find themselves wondering if they're willing to risk for what they want.
This little novella was definitely a fun read. I loved George and Nate together and I thought their chemistry was well done. I was surprised at how much the author was able fit in just under 75 pages (in my copy) and I was really happy to see that it was so much more than sex. The possible issues (and solutions) to the mains' relationship seemed genuine, though I'm not sure if everything was historically accurate. At times, I did feel things became a bit flowery and overly romantic, but I enjoyed the book nonetheless. I will be looking for the other books in this series.
Thank you Voracious Readers and Christina Diane for my copy! I received an ARC of this novella and am voluntarily leaving a review. All above thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 8, 2025
A quick hit Regency Era romance. In this third book of the series, the infamous house party helps another couple find their love match.
In a time when being gay was a crime you could be hanged for, Nate is resigned to never find another love. His prior lover had died in a carriage accident. He attends the house party ready to suffer through and keep up appearances. When suddenly he sees the George, the Earl of Knox, across the room and is smitten.
George has tried time and time again to make it work with a woman. He can find no attraction or even fake it in the bedroom. He feels the pressure to marry so he doesn’t become a scandal to his family name. He’s courting Lady Lily to meet expectations but Nate captures his attention.
These two sneak around literally risking their lives to explore their love. The balance of this creates angst for the reader but not so much that you can’t enjoy the journey.
I like the use of the house party as the life changing moment. The light overlap with the prior couples was fun and I’m excited to continue this series!
I was privileged to receive an ARC of this book and have been honest in my review of it. I did not receive anything in exchange for my review.
In a time when being gay was a crime you could be hanged for, Nate is resigned to never find another love. His prior lover had died in a carriage accident. He attends the house party ready to suffer through and keep up appearances. When suddenly he sees the George, the Earl of Knox, across the room and is smitten.
George has tried time and time again to make it work with a woman. He can find no attraction or even fake it in the bedroom. He feels the pressure to marry so he doesn’t become a scandal to his family name. He’s courting Lady Lily to meet expectations but Nate captures his attention.
These two sneak around literally risking their lives to explore their love. The balance of this creates angst for the reader but not so much that you can’t enjoy the journey.
I like the use of the house party as the life changing moment. The light overlap with the prior couples was fun and I’m excited to continue this series!
I was privileged to receive an ARC of this book and have been honest in my review of it. I did not receive anything in exchange for my review.
February 19, 2025
Another beautiful tale from this author
I am absolutely in awe of this author and her series so far. The world building is phenomenal from the subtle hints of stories past and stories to come, to the beautiful imagery surrounding the location and each time it looks so different through each character's eyes. I love the fact that everything is interlinked and how you start to see pieces of a puzzle you were missing slip into place neatly. This story was so beautiful, it was also emotional and you will absolutely fall in love with the two MCs. There are moments when your jaw will drop with plot twist after plot twist and there will be moments when your heart completely breaks. You never know what to expect and the ending was just perfection. I was sobbing happy tears as I was so invested in the story and I look forward to reading what comes next from this author. Highly recommend reading this series if you haven't already started.
I am absolutely in awe of this author and her series so far. The world building is phenomenal from the subtle hints of stories past and stories to come, to the beautiful imagery surrounding the location and each time it looks so different through each character's eyes. I love the fact that everything is interlinked and how you start to see pieces of a puzzle you were missing slip into place neatly. This story was so beautiful, it was also emotional and you will absolutely fall in love with the two MCs. There are moments when your jaw will drop with plot twist after plot twist and there will be moments when your heart completely breaks. You never know what to expect and the ending was just perfection. I was sobbing happy tears as I was so invested in the story and I look forward to reading what comes next from this author. Highly recommend reading this series if you haven't already started.
February 21, 2025
4.25⭐️Another standout in the series.
Complex is the love of two who are one and the same; even more so in Regency-era England.
My heart ached for these two male main characters. And yet, author Christina Diane has managed to raise awareness around some pretty heavy topics without taking away from the light-hearted spice that is ever prevalent in her Unlikely Betrothals series. I could have read more about Nate and George in a ful-length book however everything was tied up rather nicely in the end in this novella format, so no complaints from me.
Book three in the series delves into the passionate love of Nathaniel, Marquess of Demming and George, Earl of Knox. Familial expectations and the conservative notions around what is perceived as taboo creates quite the challenge for these two men. I adored that the author dedicates this novella “to those who shall never give up on fighting for who and what they love.”
Complex is the love of two who are one and the same; even more so in Regency-era England.
My heart ached for these two male main characters. And yet, author Christina Diane has managed to raise awareness around some pretty heavy topics without taking away from the light-hearted spice that is ever prevalent in her Unlikely Betrothals series. I could have read more about Nate and George in a ful-length book however everything was tied up rather nicely in the end in this novella format, so no complaints from me.
Book three in the series delves into the passionate love of Nathaniel, Marquess of Demming and George, Earl of Knox. Familial expectations and the conservative notions around what is perceived as taboo creates quite the challenge for these two men. I adored that the author dedicates this novella “to those who shall never give up on fighting for who and what they love.”
January 14, 2025
This is a sexy story with true romance at its core. A lovely, faced-paced romance that starts hot and stays there!
I love a good MM and this story was an interesting look at how a same-sex love can develop and be sustained in a time filled with so many social constraints. Nate and George are both hot beyond measure and though they don’t expect to find love, they do in a BIG way. The two are pure fire on the page and I was there for how they discover each other and dedicate themselves.
I love this story as the third book to the Unlikely Betrothal series. The story overlaps with the previous books while giving a bigger perspective. I’m so excited to see where the rest of the series takes us!!
I love a good MM and this story was an interesting look at how a same-sex love can develop and be sustained in a time filled with so many social constraints. Nate and George are both hot beyond measure and though they don’t expect to find love, they do in a BIG way. The two are pure fire on the page and I was there for how they discover each other and dedicate themselves.
I love this story as the third book to the Unlikely Betrothal series. The story overlaps with the previous books while giving a bigger perspective. I’m so excited to see where the rest of the series takes us!!
January 24, 2025
So so good, Christina Diane keeps getting better and better!
An Earl and A Marquess who love each other but can't be open about it because of its forbidden and against the law however they find a way beneath the stars, in a locked room and so many ways.
Just goes to show you that love will always find a way.
The ending was beyond amazing with the private marriage between the two even though no one else can ever know about it.
The epilogue is incredible..
I can't wait for the next book in this series.
I received this book from the author as an advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review and this is purely based upon my own personal opinion and that of no one else.
An Earl and A Marquess who love each other but can't be open about it because of its forbidden and against the law however they find a way beneath the stars, in a locked room and so many ways.
Just goes to show you that love will always find a way.
The ending was beyond amazing with the private marriage between the two even though no one else can ever know about it.
The epilogue is incredible..
I can't wait for the next book in this series.
I received this book from the author as an advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review and this is purely based upon my own personal opinion and that of no one else.
April 1, 2025
I love a good secret romance, a touch of the forbidden and solutions outside the box. Nathaniel coming back from heartache was something I was eager to see. After losing his love and thinking himself incapable of overcoming that loss, I was heartened by how quickly he fell for George. Almost love at first sight. I loved watching the two of them find creative solutions for society’s displeasure. Love always finds a way. Their creative solutions in the end was exactly what I pictured for them. I can’t wait to see them pop up in future stories as I’m sure they will in their happy domesticity. These two are truly the sweetest characters. This is a wonderfully told story of love outside the lines, proving that where there’s a will there’s a way and in the end love is truly all that matters!
January 26, 2025
If you like MM, insta-love, novella length, higher steam level, and forbidden love, this could be the book for you! The Marquess and the Earl has all that plus a virgin MMC and a house party setting. It was an entertaining way to pass a few hours.
I didn’t feel there was a ton of character development (though to be fair, novellas often lack that), and I really had trouble completely buying into the first steamy scene. Be aware that Christina Diane writes for the modern reader, so if you’re looking for complete historical accuracy, this may not be the book for you.
I will be going back and reading more of this series.
Thank you to the author for the e-ARC. All opinions are my own.
I didn’t feel there was a ton of character development (though to be fair, novellas often lack that), and I really had trouble completely buying into the first steamy scene. Be aware that Christina Diane writes for the modern reader, so if you’re looking for complete historical accuracy, this may not be the book for you.
I will be going back and reading more of this series.
Thank you to the author for the e-ARC. All opinions are my own.
February 4, 2025
🩵 ARC Review 🩵
The Marquees and the Earl
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The third book in the Unlikely Betrothal series is a faced paced forbidden love story. Nate and George are just adorable they made my heart happy! They had an instant connection and weren’t willing to give up on their love no matter what! Lots of steamy, spicy scenes in this novella! I enjoyed the epilogue it was a wonderful HEA!
I look forward to reading more steamy regency romance from Christina Diane 📖✨
Tropes
🩵 insta-love
🩵Forbidden love
🩵 MM romance
🩵 MMC saves other MMC
🩵 virgin & experienced MMCs
🩵 Sweet & spicy
🩵 Regency romance novella
February 10, 2025
Nathaniel Barring lost the love of his life a year ago, he never thought he would love again. His friend Juliana advise him to go to the house party.
Nathaniel spotted a gentlemen across the room which made him take another look. He was introduce to George Knox the Earl of Knox as he was talking to Lady Lily.
George knows his father would never approve of his lifestyle and he must marry to carry on the line. As Nate and George talk, they know they want to be together.
This is M/M romance which have some very tender moments.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Nathaniel spotted a gentlemen across the room which made him take another look. He was introduce to George Knox the Earl of Knox as he was talking to Lady Lily.
George knows his father would never approve of his lifestyle and he must marry to carry on the line. As Nate and George talk, they know they want to be together.
This is M/M romance which have some very tender moments.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 27, 2025
I LOVE a pair of star-crossed lovers whose fate finally does bring them together. I also love lovers sneaking around a house party. This quick, spicy read had both!
George and Nate meet at house party and it’s insta-love…but how to navigate a society that sees their relationship as a crime?
This novella by Christina Diane was a quick, sexy, fun read. Highly recommend if you like MM, house parties, and star-crossed lovers who find their HEA.
George and Nate meet at house party and it’s insta-love…but how to navigate a society that sees their relationship as a crime?
This novella by Christina Diane was a quick, sexy, fun read. Highly recommend if you like MM, house parties, and star-crossed lovers who find their HEA.
February 1, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Rounded up from 3.5)
A very cute insta-love MM romance! For me, the relationship moved a little too quickly to fully connect with, but I adored how Nate and George just knew they needed each other and wouldn’t let anything stand in their way. If you love insta-love, this is the perfect short and sweet
A very cute insta-love MM romance! For me, the relationship moved a little too quickly to fully connect with, but I adored how Nate and George just knew they needed each other and wouldn’t let anything stand in their way. If you love insta-love, this is the perfect short and sweet
February 8, 2025
If you like insta-love, this novella might just be the thing for an afternoon read. Nate’s heartache over a lost love really comes through in this story. There is not a lot of development of the characters and their story (this takes place during a few days at a house party). However, it is a nice story.
March 22, 2025
1.5 stars
Insta-lust, insta-love, insta-trust—insta-everything.
I've had it with all the 'insta-' stuff.
Plus, the whole setting is a bit of a mess, IMO. It's supposed to be Regency, but it seems Victorian sometimes.
At last, and predictably, a deus ex machina solved their future, ugh.
Insta-lust, insta-love, insta-trust—insta-everything.
I've had it with all the 'insta-' stuff.
Plus, the whole setting is a bit of a mess, IMO. It's supposed to be Regency, but it seems Victorian sometimes.
At last, and predictably, a deus ex machina solved their future, ugh.
August 11, 2025
I might take a break from this series because the insta-love is getting a little tired. I enjoyed this novella more than the previous one in the series as the men actually took some time to get to know each other. I am also a sucker for a love scene in a library “oh pardon me while I reach for this book”.
January 20, 2025
Gay romance with too much information about gay sex. However, I'm straight so I'm probably not who this book is aimed at. It also seems to be a bit far fetched in light of the draconian homosexual laws of the historical time period.
January 22, 2025
This third book in the Unlikely Betrothal series was a beautifully written forbidden romance. It was full of emotional issues, society issues, and steamy passion. I enjoyed the surprising and lovely ending. I highly recommend reading!
January 22, 2025
This was a fun, mostly lighthearted MM historical romance. It is on the spicier side, which is also a bonus. I have really enjoyed this series a lot. I'm excited to read book four. Also, the books are more novella length, so you can get to your reading goal faster.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 15, 2025
I really enjoyed the two previous novellas in this series, and I still look forward to what’s next, but I’m sorry to say this novella didn’t work for me. It doesn’t happen very often, and I even reread it to make sure it wasn’t a mood thing.
I liked Nathaniel and George separately, their backgrounds and their way of thinking – but, together on page, I felt no chemistry. I pretty quickly lost connection to the MCs, and the romance was either too sticky or too wham-bam for me.
Steamy and fast, it wasn’t bad; it just wasn’t my thing.
But it could definitely be yours!
I liked Nathaniel and George separately, their backgrounds and their way of thinking – but, together on page, I felt no chemistry. I pretty quickly lost connection to the MCs, and the romance was either too sticky or too wham-bam for me.
Steamy and fast, it wasn’t bad; it just wasn’t my thing.
But it could definitely be yours!
February 25, 2025
This is a fun, fairly low-angst novel about two nobles who make their own way to love while overcoming society's expectations and their own responsibilities. I enjoyed all of the details and the beautiful forever love of these two men.
March 25, 2025
Great narration from CC Kline, who brings the angst, drama and chemistry between the characters.
Nate and Knox have a very romantic and hot 19th century gay romance. Loved how this is written, not only showing the chemistry, spice and also the romance.
Nate and Knox have a very romantic and hot 19th century gay romance. Loved how this is written, not only showing the chemistry, spice and also the romance.
January 17, 2025
I just love Nate and George! The romance is so sweet and the spice is.... So good!!!
January 18, 2025
Sooooo hot! I need so much more of this, and can't wait for Lily's book next!
January 18, 2025
Oh how much I love a certain scene outside at night! So sweet and romantic!
February 10, 2025
This is a sweet encounters to lovers story with two very likable male main characters. I enjoyed it and look forward to more in this series.
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