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Love's a Game #3
The Marquess Match
She’s a walking scandal.
Clare Handleton was ruined ten years ago and has borne the consequences ever since. Branded as “Scandalton” by the ton, she has long since stopped caring about Society’s fickle rules. Now, at twenty-eight, she’s mastered the art of slipping past her mother’s scrutiny, appearing unfazed by it all. But when the dangerously handsome Marquess of Trentham crosses her path, he stirs something she thought long buried.
He’s a scandal magnet.
Ashford Drake, the Marquess of Trentham, is the very definition of devil-may-care. He’s made it known, even in the presence of the King, that marriage is off the table for him. Why would he want to continue his hated father’s legacy? So when his sister’s intriguing friend catches his eye, matrimony is the last thing on his mind.
Have they both met their match?
Thrown together during the London autumn season, Clare and Ash’s paths cross at a notorious pleasure club. They strike a no strings attached, no emotions involved. But what happens when breaking their own rules becomes inevitable?
Clare Handleton was ruined ten years ago and has borne the consequences ever since. Branded as “Scandalton” by the ton, she has long since stopped caring about Society’s fickle rules. Now, at twenty-eight, she’s mastered the art of slipping past her mother’s scrutiny, appearing unfazed by it all. But when the dangerously handsome Marquess of Trentham crosses her path, he stirs something she thought long buried.
He’s a scandal magnet.
Ashford Drake, the Marquess of Trentham, is the very definition of devil-may-care. He’s made it known, even in the presence of the King, that marriage is off the table for him. Why would he want to continue his hated father’s legacy? So when his sister’s intriguing friend catches his eye, matrimony is the last thing on his mind.
Have they both met their match?
Thrown together during the London autumn season, Clare and Ash’s paths cross at a notorious pleasure club. They strike a no strings attached, no emotions involved. But what happens when breaking their own rules becomes inevitable?
198 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 31, 2025
About the author
Valerie Bowman
53 books1,613 followersValerie Bowman is an award-winning author who writes historical and contemporary romance.
Valerie’s debut novel was published in 2012. Since then, her books have received starred reviews from Publisher’s Weekly, Booklist, and Kirkus. She’s been an RT Reviewers’ Choice nominee for Best First Historical Romance and Best Historical Romance Love and Laughter. Two of her books have been nominated for the Kirkus Prize for fiction.
Valerie grew up in Illinois with six sisters (she’s number seven) and a huge supply of romance novels. After a cold and snowy stint earning a degree in English Language and Literature with a minor in history at Smith College, she moved to Florida the first chance she got. Valerie now lives in Jacksonville with her family including her rascally dogs. When she’s not writing, she keeps busy reading, traveling, or vacillating between watching crazy reality TV and PBS.
Visit Valerie on the web at www.ValerieBowmanBooks.com and sign-up for her newsletter at: https://valeriebowmanbooks.com/newsle...
Be sure to follow Valerie Bookbub for the latest on sales https://www.bookbub.com/authors/valer...
Valerie’s debut novel was published in 2012. Since then, her books have received starred reviews from Publisher’s Weekly, Booklist, and Kirkus. She’s been an RT Reviewers’ Choice nominee for Best First Historical Romance and Best Historical Romance Love and Laughter. Two of her books have been nominated for the Kirkus Prize for fiction.
Valerie grew up in Illinois with six sisters (she’s number seven) and a huge supply of romance novels. After a cold and snowy stint earning a degree in English Language and Literature with a minor in history at Smith College, she moved to Florida the first chance she got. Valerie now lives in Jacksonville with her family including her rascally dogs. When she’s not writing, she keeps busy reading, traveling, or vacillating between watching crazy reality TV and PBS.
Visit Valerie on the web at www.ValerieBowmanBooks.com and sign-up for her newsletter at: https://valeriebowmanbooks.com/newsle...
Be sure to follow Valerie Bookbub for the latest on sales https://www.bookbub.com/authors/valer...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
March 28, 2025
I always enjoy Valerie Bowman's books. She is one of my favorite authors (of which you know I have a few :)). She is an awesome writer even though I find her books to be quick reads for me. Maybe because they flow so good. I love all her stories and her characters and the sex is good and detailed. This is my 32nd book by her and have reading her since 2017. I have really enjoyed this series. I loved book 1 but Book 2 was so damn good I had to add it to my favorite reads for Dec, 2024.
This book had me from page one, line one. It was so damn good, I couldn’t put it down. I loved Clare and Ash. Their chemistry was on fire. Sex was fucking hot. I just loved this story. i didn't want it to end. I wanted more. I definitely an adding to my favorite books read for Mar, 2025.
This book had me from page one, line one. It was so damn good, I couldn’t put it down. I loved Clare and Ash. Their chemistry was on fire. Sex was fucking hot. I just loved this story. i didn't want it to end. I wanted more. I definitely an adding to my favorite books read for Mar, 2025.
August 1, 2025
⭐
1 star.
👎
DNF @ 55%.
Underwhelming.
Uninteresting main characters.
Too formulaic/formulaic.
Too predictable/predictable.
Unconvincing and rather contrived romance/chemistry.
Repetitive.
Dull plot.
April 17, 2025
Heroine: Lady Clare Handleton, 29. She was ruined by a scandal 11 years prior.
Hero: Ashford Drake, about 30. Nickname: Ash. Marquess of Trentham.
Date: 1818 (epilogue = 1819)
How they meet: Ash’s sister is one of Clare’s only friends. They both attend a house party hosted by Ash’s sister. They cross paths late one night in the host’s study.
What happens: The two talk and flirt. Clare reminds Ash of her scandalous past, but since he has no wish to marry it doesn’t bother him. They meet up another night, and Clare asks Ash for a kiss. The only man who has kissed her, ruined her, and she wants to know if the experience would be better with someone else. The two continue their flirtation and eyebrows are raised when Ash asks her to dance at a ball.
Trigger Warnings:
Verdict: A cute story with lots of clever banter and lots of humor. The hero and heroine were introduced in previous books in the series. We finally learn the heroine’s back story and how she came to be ruined. We also learn about why the hero is so opposed to marriage. This book is a comedy, so there isn’t a ton of emotional depth despite the troubled relationship each main character has had with a parent. It also isn’t entirely clear what made the two fall in love aside from their palpable attraction and that is probably my biggest critique of the novel. While the characters appear in earlier books, I don’t think it is vital to have read them first. However the main characters from book 1 of the series (the hero’s sister and her husband) feature fairly prominently in this story, so there is a bit more enjoyment to be had from reading them in order.
Steam level: steamy and explicit
Rating: 4 stars
Hero: Ashford Drake, about 30. Nickname: Ash. Marquess of Trentham.
Date: 1818 (epilogue = 1819)
How they meet: Ash’s sister is one of Clare’s only friends. They both attend a house party hosted by Ash’s sister. They cross paths late one night in the host’s study.
What happens: The two talk and flirt. Clare reminds Ash of her scandalous past, but since he has no wish to marry it doesn’t bother him. They meet up another night, and Clare asks Ash for a kiss. The only man who has kissed her, ruined her, and she wants to know if the experience would be better with someone else. The two continue their flirtation and eyebrows are raised when Ash asks her to dance at a ball.
Trigger Warnings:
Verdict: A cute story with lots of clever banter and lots of humor. The hero and heroine were introduced in previous books in the series. We finally learn the heroine’s back story and how she came to be ruined. We also learn about why the hero is so opposed to marriage. This book is a comedy, so there isn’t a ton of emotional depth despite the troubled relationship each main character has had with a parent. It also isn’t entirely clear what made the two fall in love aside from their palpable attraction and that is probably my biggest critique of the novel. While the characters appear in earlier books, I don’t think it is vital to have read them first. However the main characters from book 1 of the series (the hero’s sister and her husband) feature fairly prominently in this story, so there is a bit more enjoyment to be had from reading them in order.
Steam level: steamy and explicit
Rating: 4 stars
March 31, 2025
delightful!
Sassy, steamy, burning, laughing, these two are so fun to read on their journey to love. Don’t start unless you have time to finish, because you won’t want to put it down!
Sassy, steamy, burning, laughing, these two are so fun to read on their journey to love. Don’t start unless you have time to finish, because you won’t want to put it down!
March 29, 2025
We have watched Ash and Clare throughout this series. They each have wounds and scars, most from those who SHOULD have loved them unconditionally. We have seen both dance to tunes not endorsed by the Ton. This final installment in the Love's a Game trilogy was fantastic. We see our couple try to fight against love and I believe, their fate to reach a scary, but totally worth it, HEA!
As Lady Clare Handleton plots her own course to an end she has chosen for herself, separate from that of being a scandal and from her despicable, pious, unyielding mother, she adds a small detour to her plans. This detour is none other than Ashford Drake, the Marquess of Trentham, who has gotten his apathy for all things ton down to a fine art. He is her best friend's brother, and while he may know WHO she is, he doesn't know her... Not yet.
Ashford and many other gentlemen of the ton have long thought the man who "ruined" Lady Clare deserved a good facer, but not one of them, sadly, stepped forward to deliver it. On a chance late night meeting Clare piqued Ash's interest. Being in her presence sparked an interest he had never had in any other woman. It was EPIC fun watching his world be turned upside down so completely.
This was a very satisfying ending to a lovely series. I am excited to visit more with Clare as she helps the Wallflowers! Thank you, Ms. Bowman for a lovely read and such wonderful characters!
As Lady Clare Handleton plots her own course to an end she has chosen for herself, separate from that of being a scandal and from her despicable, pious, unyielding mother, she adds a small detour to her plans. This detour is none other than Ashford Drake, the Marquess of Trentham, who has gotten his apathy for all things ton down to a fine art. He is her best friend's brother, and while he may know WHO she is, he doesn't know her... Not yet.
Ashford and many other gentlemen of the ton have long thought the man who "ruined" Lady Clare deserved a good facer, but not one of them, sadly, stepped forward to deliver it. On a chance late night meeting Clare piqued Ash's interest. Being in her presence sparked an interest he had never had in any other woman. It was EPIC fun watching his world be turned upside down so completely.
This was a very satisfying ending to a lovely series. I am excited to visit more with Clare as she helps the Wallflowers! Thank you, Ms. Bowman for a lovely read and such wonderful characters!
April 8, 2025
Great ending to a series! The emotional and physical intensity between the two main characters keeps you engaged and unable to put the book down. A fast one day read because I could not put it down.
August 12, 2025
My rating for The Marquess Match, by Valerie Bowman: 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 stars.
This is the 3rd and last book in the Love's A Game series. They are the only books I've read by Valerie Bowman, and they won't be the last. They can be read standalone, but they would be more enjoyable if read in order. They are about the romances of two families, and all of the main characters are in all three books. The reader would likely be confused on some details/relationships, if the books weren't read in order.
I really liked Ash, but thought it was sad how badly his father had damaged him. He honestly didn't believe he was capable of love, since he assumed he would be just like his awful father. I was glad when his sister convinced him that he was better than his father, and when he decided to fight for Clare. I also really loved it when he told off Clare's terrible mother, and convinced Clare that he loved her -- her reputation didn't bother him at all.
I really liked Clare, but couldn't stand her awful mother. With a mother like that, there was no wonder Clare was desperate enough to make a mistake in trusting a man. Her mother got even worse after Clare's reputation was ruined. Don't get me started on the scandal Claire faced in society, which was horrible. I get that it was common in that time period for women to face consequences from scandal, and men not to -- but that simply wasn't right. It often angers me when I read about how badly women were treated then. I was glad that Clare had such a good friend in Meredith, because she needed support.
I also liked that the sex scenes were fairly tame. There were several of them, but they weren't terribly explicit. I'm not a prude, and I enjoy sex scenes, but sometimes it is nice to read less explicit scenes. I liked that it wasn't completely clean (those books are often too tame for me, and can be a bit preachy), but was simply a really good romance.
My rating system is below.
1 star -- Hated it, or did not finish. I usually only give this rating if some of the content is truly objectionable to me, like if one of the main characters does something really awful, and gets away with it.
2 stars -- Didn't like it. This rating usually means that I thought the writing wasn't very good, the editing was terrible, I didn't like the characters, or it had other major flaws.
3 stars -- I liked it, but had some minor issues with it. This rating means that there were minor editing issues, the story needed more character development, it was just too unrealistic, or had some other fairly minor issue. The majority of books I read get this rating – I do not consider it a bad rating.
4 stars -- I liked it a lot. This is a high rating for me, and I rarely give a higher one.
5 stars -- I loved it, and will probably read it again. Very few books are good enough to get this rating from me. The ones that do are usually classics.
This is the 3rd and last book in the Love's A Game series. They are the only books I've read by Valerie Bowman, and they won't be the last. They can be read standalone, but they would be more enjoyable if read in order. They are about the romances of two families, and all of the main characters are in all three books. The reader would likely be confused on some details/relationships, if the books weren't read in order.
I really liked Ash, but thought it was sad how badly his father had damaged him. He honestly didn't believe he was capable of love, since he assumed he would be just like his awful father. I was glad when his sister convinced him that he was better than his father, and when he decided to fight for Clare. I also really loved it when he told off Clare's terrible mother, and convinced Clare that he loved her -- her reputation didn't bother him at all.
I really liked Clare, but couldn't stand her awful mother. With a mother like that, there was no wonder Clare was desperate enough to make a mistake in trusting a man. Her mother got even worse after Clare's reputation was ruined. Don't get me started on the scandal Claire faced in society, which was horrible. I get that it was common in that time period for women to face consequences from scandal, and men not to -- but that simply wasn't right. It often angers me when I read about how badly women were treated then. I was glad that Clare had such a good friend in Meredith, because she needed support.
I also liked that the sex scenes were fairly tame. There were several of them, but they weren't terribly explicit. I'm not a prude, and I enjoy sex scenes, but sometimes it is nice to read less explicit scenes. I liked that it wasn't completely clean (those books are often too tame for me, and can be a bit preachy), but was simply a really good romance.
My rating system is below.
1 star -- Hated it, or did not finish. I usually only give this rating if some of the content is truly objectionable to me, like if one of the main characters does something really awful, and gets away with it.
2 stars -- Didn't like it. This rating usually means that I thought the writing wasn't very good, the editing was terrible, I didn't like the characters, or it had other major flaws.
3 stars -- I liked it, but had some minor issues with it. This rating means that there were minor editing issues, the story needed more character development, it was just too unrealistic, or had some other fairly minor issue. The majority of books I read get this rating – I do not consider it a bad rating.
4 stars -- I liked it a lot. This is a high rating for me, and I rarely give a higher one.
5 stars -- I loved it, and will probably read it again. Very few books are good enough to get this rating from me. The ones that do are usually classics.
April 27, 2026
Scandalton. That was the name by which Clare was known in the Ton—a moniker she earned after making a grave error and becoming entangled with the wrong man.
For him, the affair meant little more than a bit of gossip, six months spent traveling abroad on the Continent, followed by a clean return, a marriage, and a brood of children.
For her, it meant a life of virtual imprisonment at her family’s country estate, where her mother constantly reminded her of the disgrace she had become.
She lost her friends and was cast out of high society.
Ashford lost a wager to his friend, the Duke. Now, he must accept—with resigned resignation—that his younger duchess sister will be the one to find him a bride. He is far from pleased, yet he has allowed her to arrange a weekend gathering at her country home.
Of all the ladies in attendance—a bevy of personality-less debutantes interested solely in his title of Marquess—it was the most unlikely woman of all who captured his attention.
If Clare was scandal personified, Ash was a magnet for it. And the encounter between the two proves to be explosive, steamy, and unforgettable.
Why not make the most of this happy meeting?
But while Ash wondered if he stood a chance of changing his mind about marriage and finding happiness with Clare, she pressed ahead with her plan to save enough money to go live in Paris—far away from her controlling mother.
They seemed perfect for each other, but the clock of destiny brought them together too late.
With the eruption of a new scandal, Clare had no choice but to flee to Paris—far from Ash and from any possibility of redemption.
Or was there still a chance?
5 stars
For him, the affair meant little more than a bit of gossip, six months spent traveling abroad on the Continent, followed by a clean return, a marriage, and a brood of children.
For her, it meant a life of virtual imprisonment at her family’s country estate, where her mother constantly reminded her of the disgrace she had become.
She lost her friends and was cast out of high society.
Ashford lost a wager to his friend, the Duke. Now, he must accept—with resigned resignation—that his younger duchess sister will be the one to find him a bride. He is far from pleased, yet he has allowed her to arrange a weekend gathering at her country home.
Of all the ladies in attendance—a bevy of personality-less debutantes interested solely in his title of Marquess—it was the most unlikely woman of all who captured his attention.
If Clare was scandal personified, Ash was a magnet for it. And the encounter between the two proves to be explosive, steamy, and unforgettable.
Why not make the most of this happy meeting?
But while Ash wondered if he stood a chance of changing his mind about marriage and finding happiness with Clare, she pressed ahead with her plan to save enough money to go live in Paris—far away from her controlling mother.
They seemed perfect for each other, but the clock of destiny brought them together too late.
With the eruption of a new scandal, Clare had no choice but to flee to Paris—far from Ash and from any possibility of redemption.
Or was there still a chance?
5 stars
September 11, 2025
The Marquess Match is absolutely a win, even though I skipped book 2. It held together beautifully and I never felt lost. Valerie Bowman does such a great job weaving in enough background while keeping the story moving. It was such a fun and satisfying Regency romance. Bowman writes with wit and charm. Lady Clare Handleton, known to society as "Scandalton," is such a compelling heroine. I loved the combination of strength, wit, and vulnerability, and how she refused to let the weight of her past define her. The Marquess of Trentham was the perfect match for her: brooding, resistant to marriage, yet unable to stay away. Their no-strings bargain created delicious tension and gave the romance such a fun spark.
What really worked for me was the mix of humor, heart, and the backdrop of Regency society/manners. The pleasure club added intrigue, and the romance built beautifully to a satisfying, heartfelt ending. A definite 5-star read for me.
What really worked for me was the mix of humor, heart, and the backdrop of Regency society/manners. The pleasure club added intrigue, and the romance built beautifully to a satisfying, heartfelt ending. A definite 5-star read for me.
April 10, 2025
Clare is known as “Scandalton” by the ton. After a reckless affair. Ash is known as a Rake. Who is known for his meaningless affairs. They both end up in Southbury’s study one night. Southbury is Ash’s brother-in-law. And Clare’s best friend’s husband. They end up talking and intriguing each other. So, they meet a few more times. Clare has plans of escaping the country to get away from her horrible mother and the Ton. To escape her ruination. But she decides one night of passion with Ash will erase all the memories of the man who ruined her. But as they keep meeting for more nights. Will Ash be the one to ruin her and her heart?
I loved their story!! The author had me hooked right from the beginning. She makes you fall in love with her characters. I loved the banter between Clare and Ash. If you love Regency romances. You will absolutely love their story!
I loved their story!! The author had me hooked right from the beginning. She makes you fall in love with her characters. I loved the banter between Clare and Ash. If you love Regency romances. You will absolutely love their story!
May 3, 2025
Clare "Scandalton" is everything I love in a romance heroine: smart, witty, unapologetically horny, with societal and emotional damage that had her grow a tough hide to protect the gooey center. She and Ash are two peas in a pod who share childhoods marred by awful parenting, and their on-page connection, both mental and physical, is very intense. The way that Ash gradually falls for her until he completely loses his mind is described very convincingly. Their chemistry is off the charts, and the sex scenes are very hot. But what made me fall in love with the novel is Clare (she's been my favorite since Book 1), who never gave up or lost her spark after she was dealt some really crappy hands (ruined by d-bag Marsden and then shunned by society and endlessly shamed/hidden away by her mother). Clare deserves to be worshipped like the absolute goddess she is.
May 9, 2026
Really Great!
This was a beautifully written story which I enjoyed very much.
It had Clare and Ash enjoying each others company as long as they didn't get too serious about one another.
I loved Clare's carefree attitude and her 'I couldn't care less about how others feel about me' attitude, after she had been compromised.
Ash on the other hand avoided marriage and commitment like the plague until he didn't and then, in the end we have a very welcome happy ever after. Whew!
This was a beautifully written story which I enjoyed very much.
It had Clare and Ash enjoying each others company as long as they didn't get too serious about one another.
I loved Clare's carefree attitude and her 'I couldn't care less about how others feel about me' attitude, after she had been compromised.
Ash on the other hand avoided marriage and commitment like the plague until he didn't and then, in the end we have a very welcome happy ever after. Whew!
April 17, 2026
*DNF 35%* Giveaway
The book was all lust and too much for my liking. It had moments where the main characters seemed like they could build a sweet relationship. I personally am not a fan of people constantly lusting over someone. This book was more smut then story.
Content warnings
Cursing: 5/5 (f-words, use of Chr*st and G*d, etc)
Spice 5/5 (open door explicit scenes, frequent lusting)
May 9, 2026
This was a freebie on Amazon. 3rd in the series & the previous characters make appearances. You can read this book as a stand alone.
So this was ok. Writing was kind of weak, but readable. I liked the heroine & that she wasn't a limp dishrag. She had spine!
Hero was ok. I didn't totally buy into his love turn around. He was a never fall in love guy & suddenly he's in it.
Not really interested in any of the other books.
So this was ok. Writing was kind of weak, but readable. I liked the heroine & that she wasn't a limp dishrag. She had spine!
Hero was ok. I didn't totally buy into his love turn around. He was a never fall in love guy & suddenly he's in it.
Not really interested in any of the other books.
May 11, 2025
Definately giving me eloise bridgerton vibes, loved how witty and sassy the main character was. love the portrayal of the views from back in this time period with the scandal when it comes to risque women. didnt realize it was part of a series but i want to read the rest :)
August 18, 2025
3.75 stars.
Quick and enjoyable. The pacing sagged a little in the middle but it picked back up towards the end. The romance got off to a very quick start that I didn’t really buy into, but I was convinced by the end.
Quick and enjoyable. The pacing sagged a little in the middle but it picked back up towards the end. The romance got off to a very quick start that I didn’t really buy into, but I was convinced by the end.
January 11, 2026
The Marquess Match
Loved the whole series! They can be read alone but much more enjoyable if read in order. I really enjoyed how all three couples were woven into each others stories.
Loved the whole series! They can be read alone but much more enjoyable if read in order. I really enjoyed how all three couples were woven into each others stories.
May 14, 2026
I loved it. I didn’t expect the twist at the end of chapter 34, because the book had my mind going in a completely different direction. I smiled and even laughed out loud several times. The banter but obvious chemistry was addicting.
Highly recommend.
Highly recommend.
March 30, 2025
The Breakfast Club really doesn't get quoted or referenced often enough, so that was nice.
April 11, 2025
I liked this.
April 15, 2025
Great wrap up for the 3 books loved them .Thanks Valerie
April 21, 2025
I loved it. Ash and Clare's story was worth the wait. Perfect ending to the series. Highly recommend. Looking forward to her next book.
April 21, 2025
When the MMC has to announce that his "appetites are dark" in the bedroom, they almost certainly won't be. Overall: meh.
April 29, 2025
This book was exactly what I needed to get me out of my reading slump! Very enjoyable.
September 25, 2025
Very sweet but I wish we’d gotten to see the MCs more outside of the club/house party to really see their relationship build.
November 19, 2025
The Marquess Match
I enjoyed this book and the series. Fast paced. Kept.me.interested. I would recommend this book and this author to others.
I enjoyed this book and the series. Fast paced. Kept.me.interested. I would recommend this book and this author to others.
November 24, 2025
3.5⭐️
Incredibly amusing & loved the banter. Is it predictable? Sure, but it’s as predictable as any romance.
Incredibly amusing & loved the banter. Is it predictable? Sure, but it’s as predictable as any romance.
February 22, 2026
bad
Worse than bad it is boring and simple. Why does this require nine and ten more words about this book
Worse than bad it is boring and simple. Why does this require nine and ten more words about this book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews