Marchioness Overnight

by Emmi West

She never said “I will.”
He married her anyway.

Eight years ago, the Marquess of Winchester humiliated her in front of all society. She swore never to forgive him.

But on her father’s deathbed, he made the Marquess promise to protect her. Winchester, being the ruthless man he is, kept that promise in the most inconvenient way by marrying her without her presence, or her consent.

Now she bears his name, his title, and his house keys.
And if he has his way, she’ll provide him with an heir… perhaps even two.


Delightful – humorous – undeniably tempting. A most unexpected union, with but one sole to secure an heir. At least, that’s the plan. A stand alone novel with a guaranteed happily-ever-after. For adult readers only.

Genres: Historical Romance, Audiobook, Historical, Regency

296 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 29, 2025

Reviews

[Jenn (The Book Refuge) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had so much that I love about Historical Romance! This was my first book by Emmi West, so I was intrigued to see what kind of story she would tell.

Honor is just about to finally get engaged after being on the marriage mart for ages. But just as she's about to secure the proposal, a ghost from the past sweeps in. Evan, The Marquess of Winchester to be precise. The same man she used to crush over, but also the man who embarrassed and humiliated her with his callus words, years ago.

Evan storms into Honor's life after returning from war. A war that injured him and left him scarred and bitter but also left him with a duty. See, he served with Honor's father and when they were on the battlefield, her father asked Evan to marry his daughter. And now he's home, to fulfill his promise. He also sees it as a convenient way to secure the hires he needs without subjecting the ton to his hideous war scars.

When strike an uneasy truce. It forces them into some intimate situations. The baby-making kind. But Honor decides to use the leverage she has, her womb, as crude as it is, to get Evan to spend some time with her and see if there is a chance at happiness. She has until she births him two sons to win him over, after all.

I thought this was charming, sweet, and a little bit sexy but not only focused on the bedroom. I was worried that was the way we would go, but I did find this romantic in a lot of ways too. I just found the ending to be a bit rushed and the angst there was odd. Kind of a nothing burger.

I loved how feisty Honor was and how she challenged Evan. He believes he has no chance at happiness but this forced marriage might just be everything they BOTH need.

This was also unique in that it was narrated in the duet style by Timothy Campbell and Carolyn Morris. It was still in 3rd person POV, but I liked the duet narration. It made me just gobble this up.

I will certainly snap up more books from this author.

4 Stars
2 on the spice scale

CW: PTSD, fire, war imagery and flashbacks

*Thank you to Must Love Audio and the author for an ALC of this title.*

[⋆˙sanyae˙⋆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

✿alc review✿

✎marchioness overnight was my first white people historical romance lmao and i actually really enjoyed it. it was sweet, spicy and such a fast easy read.

🎧the audiobook is sooo good too!!! only 7 hours long!! duet style narration with timothy campbell and carolyn morris. i highly recommend listening to the audio version.


♡historical romance
♡spinster×britsh nobleman

evan promised honor's father he would take care of her after the war. he only wants an heir and a spare (cue eye roll). he has rules and doesn't plan on falling in love.

honor has had a crush on evan for years. she's shocked when he arrives to her home saying they are to get married. this would usually be her dream come true except for the fact that he only wants a marriage of convenience.


quotes i like:
╰┈❥ "release my wife's hand. or do you need my assistance?"
╰┈❥ "the blue of your eyes is as vast as the sky and as deep as the sea. they are the storm that carries me away and the abyss in to which I wish to plunge. your eyes tempt and challenge me and I want to lose myself in them day and night"
╰┈❥ "I can hardly express how happy you've made me


the only thing i didn't like was the miscommunication:(

♡thank you must love audio, east house productions + emmi west for an alc ♡

~releasing soon!! i will add a date when i know~

[Rosemary · Rating 2 out of 5]

There was so much wrong with this. It seemed like sentences were missing. The FMCs nipples seemed to move on their own. The words pelvis, vulva and crotch were not used correctly. The premise didn’t make sense really. He agreed to a wedding before he was scarred. He saved the father’s life. He had no obligation to wed anyone. I never did like the MMC and his turn around to love was not believable. The MMC decides there will be no kissing and no feelings because his friend died. That stretching. The FMC decides to wear her revenge dress when things are going well and smoothly, after she decides to give the marriage a fair chance? What? The fire scene was totally unnecessary. I was sure it was just a dream, but no. Lastly, PSA, do not use your teeth on lady bits. Thank you.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

I know this author is a pen name for another author but I'm not sure that this person isn't actually ai or a guy because these novels are written in what feels like the most male driven power trip ever. In this book the guy is shallow and one dimensional but also written like he-man: all bulging muscles and alpha male, things that really appeal more to guys' egos more than ladies.

[Amber (Amber Reads Romance) · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️.5

Marchioness Overnight is my first book by Emmi West, and I am excited I found a new historical romance author. I was immediately hooked by this setup, and I flew through it in a day.

Honor was devastated after she overheard her crush Evan Montague, Marquess of Winchester, making fun of her dress and stating he would never marry her. 8 years later, she is still a wallflower and spinster because of the things he said. Now, Evan shows up claiming her father asked him to marry her by proxy during their time at war, and she is actually his wife. He has severe burns/scars on one side of his face from his time in the war, and he has become colder and closed off.

Evan doesn’t even remember her and just wants a marriage of convenience, so she provides him with two heirs. He has rules set in place, so no feelings will come into play, but Honor is determined to make the marriage real. It did take me a while to warm up to Evan, but Honor was amazing.

This book had some spicy scenes, and I loved their chemistry. Evan quickly falls for his wife's beauty and passion.

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW
🎤Duet narration by Timothy Campbell & Carolyn Morris

I loved listening to a historical romance with duet narration since I don’t see that enough. Timothy Campbell and Carolyn Morris did an amazing job with the banter and tension between this couple. I flew through this audiobook in one sitting.

Thank you to Must Love Audio for providing the ALC.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did enjoy this book. It moved along at a good pace. I did like Lady Honor, she did make the best of her situation and she did make me smile at some of her antics. Evan Montague, Marquess of Winchester wanted an heir and a spare from their marriage. However, he hadn’t reckoned with Lady Honor and his growing attraction to her, even though he fought against it. Honor had always loved Evan, even though she didn’t always like him! I did chuckle at the name of the tea rooms, Corset Killer! This was an entertaining read and I look forward to reading more by this author. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Stephanie Harmon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading the development between Honor & Evan. She’s always loved him even though he hurt her feelings at a tender age.
He kept his promise to her father reluctantly with his sole purpose to have not 1 but 2 heirs. His time in war helped him with that decision. I feel he started to change his mind once Honor used his words against him on multiple occasions. She definitely kept him on his toes!
He faced his fears once he realized how he felt about her & thought he would lose her forever.
The banter between the main characters is quite funny & entertaining!!

Overall I quite enjoyed this book! It kept me entertained & brought back characters from a previous book. However, one of the previous characters was portrayed as a bachelor still & his book being prior to this one I feel he should have been married. I see her concept to why she wrote it that way, but just seemed odd to me.

I received an ARC copy for providing an unbiased review.

[S Walker · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars just ok, no great drama, romance or angst

[Rod · Rating 3 out of 5]

A steamy story. A lady finds she is married by proxy to a Marquis by her father. Firstly was not sure about the proxy bit. Don’t think it was a UK thing, but was in France where I suspect it happened, could be recognised by Uk. But a little odd.
The first part of the story was fine. Honor tries to win him over/punish him for comments made years before. He is obsessed with just using her to obtain an heir and a spare basically. As expected they start to fall for each other. This was maybe a little slow, but I was interested to see how it worked out. But the last part of the book seemed a little rushed. He sees a letter from a former suitor and is jealous without knowing what’s in it, they are at cross purposes (she thinks she isn’t expecting) and she rushes off to a house she owns. He realises errors of his ways rushed after her just as her house catches fire (In unoccupied part of house? Really?) Helps her and that’s it basically, all back together. There were bits that didn’t fit smoothly. Society is curious about how they met/married and does not seem to know. However Lord Williams is proposing when the Marquis arrives and says they are already married. I am sure that would have got out and gossip would be rife - how could they be married when she has not been seen with him and he’s been in France, and she was allowing Lord Williams to court her! This was not really covered and it would be scandalous in societies eyes. Discussions re this masquerade ball - apparently it was happening but we don’t hear how it went. The society was set up in a room in a gentleman’s club, but other than that one meeting not mentioned again. Possibly it was there for the Duke of Night’s ( I hate nobility with these nicknames) appearance and the look a friend gave him, not to mention club owner. To be honest don’t think the ladies would go anywhere near a gentlemen’s club! Reputations! A set up for a later book in the series I suspect. So those made it seem a little disjointed and clunky, and slightly disappointing overall

[Nanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have just started reading Emmi’s stories and am glad I gave this author a chance. Her writing is fresh, fun and passionate. This book will grab you from the first chapter. Imagine a young girl, Honor of fourteen meeting an older very handsome man of society and falling instantly in love with him. As young girls are prone to do, she makes up stories of what they will do when she is older and how he will fall in love with her. Two years later she is finally old enough to attend her first real ball and he, Even the Lord Winchester will be there. She can’t wait to meet him again, but then everything goes wrong as she overhears him tell his very snobbish ton friends how awful her dress is and how nothing could make him marry her! Not only is she humiliated, after this no man will even talk to her let only dance with her. She is ruined and heartbroken. Skip forward eight years and she finally has a man who is about to ask her to marry him. Not the dashing man she dreamed of but one in the here and now. At twenty-four she can’t be choosy. Then the past comes back in the form or Evan, Lord Winchester back from the wars, not the same as he was but horribly scared by burns on one side of his face. Claiming she is his wife! He is the last person she would marry every. Her father is to blame, but she will honor his wishes. How could things get any worse? Honor is about to find out as Evan has a contract for her to agree too and conditions that she must follow! Oh, she is not fourteen anymore and along with her best friends, Martha and Sophia she has learned a lot. She has conditions of her own that he must do to get her to agree, let the games began! There are some very humorous times to come along with lots of secrets, longings and twist and turns before these two learn what is important in life. Great book, I received and ARC from the author and wish to thank her. This is my honest opinion and am freely giving it.

[Margaret Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lady Honor always wanted to marry Lord Evan Montague and couldn’t imagine not being his wife. Unfortunately Evan had no idea Honor existed and one night during a ball in which Honor finally thought he would notice her, he does just not in a good way. In front of his friends, Evan mocked Honor and her gown and vowed he would never marry her no matter the size of her dowry. Fast forward 8 years, Honor is unmarried as she has been unable to attract suitors thanks to being ruined by Evan’s remarks years before. As she was being asked for her hand in marriage by the one suitor who is desperate to wed her for her dowry, Evan, now the Marquess of Winchester, enters her home to inform her she is already married to him by proxy. Evan has recently returned from the war after being discharged due to severe injuries he suffered from a fire which wrecked one side of his face. Evan and Honor start their marriage with a set of rules that he has drafted. Honor agrees with his rules but also gives him rules that he must follow as well. Though Evan tries to prevent their relationship becoming too intimate- Honor quickly wins over the staff and his grandmother and eventually Evan. I enjoyed reading about Honor and Evan’s struggles to make their marriage work. With a lot of love and perseverance they were able to overcome their obstacles and obtain a HEA.
I received an ARC from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Slwd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Married by Proxy

“Marchioness Overnight” is written by Emmi West and is part of the series Summer Nights in St. James. This is the first story I have read by this author and I was very impressed. The characters were well written. Evan is the Marquess of Winchester, a brooding, emotionally distant, physically scarred former soldier. In a battlefield hospital Evan married by proxy Honor, daughter of fellow soldier Lord Huntley. Except Honor had absolutely no knowledge her father married her off to a man she thought had ruined her life with some public remarks eight years prior. Honor was livid, but she accepted her circumstances. I liked Honor, she was a wallflower and she was smart, patient, and passionate. Evan thought Honor was going to accept the terms of their marriage and be biddable. He should’ve known better, he found out rather quickly that his wife was a firecracker and had a mind of her own. That wall Evan built up was starting to crack. The story moves along quickly and doesn’t lag, keeping the reader involved in this unfolding romance. The banter is witty. The intimate scenes are passionate and tastefully written. Right off the bat, the marriage by proxy plot peaked my interest. This is a book I can easily recommend. I look forward to reading more from this author.

I received an ARC from the author, my thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

[Bridget Love to read Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was quite a surprise story! We have almost a second chance novel except the H is such an arrogant man he doesn’t even realize the damage he did as a titled Lord! To say such mean things about a debutante!? Some of those words stuck and did not increase the standing of Lady Honor Victoria Huntley! She has reluctantly joined the ranks of wallflowers for the last 8 years!
She finally has a proposal and move past the devastation of the Marquess of Winchester aka Evan! Except Evan is here in her living room ruining her proposal to tell her she’s already wed to him by proxy! What! That her beloved father requested prior to his death that they wed!?
Honor does not yet know it but he literally has rescued her from a man with no honor, a string of mistresses and a fervent gambler to boot!
These two find conflict at first more than comfort but their physical chemistry alone rekindles Honors love! She loves him now more than ever!
Evan determined to push her away does spend a tremendous amount of money and effort to find out once and for all of her father is alive!
Can these two find a HEA there are several rules to these nuptials! One by one they are challenged until none remain! Bravo
I received an ARC copy for my unbiased review!

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eight years ago, Lord Evan Montague humiliated Honor in front of attendees at a ball, all because of the dress she wore. His pronouncement ruined her in the eyes of the Ton, and her chance of finding a suitor. Just as Honor is about to accept the proposal of the only man who has shown interest in marrying her, Evan shows up at her door to announce that they were married by proxy at the request of her father in a battle-field hospital. Evan still suffers from his war injuries, and makes it clear he wants one thing from the marriage, an heir and a spare. He presents Honor with a set of rules. Feisty, opinionated Honor turns right around and presents him with her own rules. This is not going to be easy. She is determined to make the best of the marriage. His staff and even his grandmother think Honor is wonderful. Now she needs to win her husband’s heart. This is a slow-burn romance with very stubborn main characters. If they would take a good look at each other, they would know they are perfect for each other. There are some problems (big ones) and some bumps in the road, some surprises, an almost parting of the ways, and finally a happy ending. An enjoyable story.
I voluntarily reviewed a special copy of this book.

[BookishMya · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is told in true historical romance style. Honor has long been drawn to Evan, despite having been humiliated by him in years past. The heart wants what it wants so when she finds herself married to that same man by proxy, it doesn’t take long for her feelings to grow. Watching her break down the walls the Marquess had built made for a very entertaining story. In true beauty & the beast fashion she slowly wins him over through kindness and affection, never shying away for his scarred figure. I love the dynamic between the two, his grumpy facade mixed with her light. Of course, we must contend with the ever present miscommunication but truly that is one of the factors that mark this as a classic histrom. As much as we may dislike the trope,it is what the era was built on. Honor is a wonderful character and I loved that she didn’t try to change herself but allowed him to see the real person and to fall naturally. Evan’s trauma and experience make him a tough nut to crack but the toughest nut is the hardest to fall.

Timothy Campbell and Carolyn Morris truly channeled their historical personas in this audio. I find both their styles to blend into the time period with ease transporting you to the regency era and drawing you into the story.

[Traci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Notes for me

Honor and Evan Montague, Lord Winchester

She had a crush on him for years. Eight years earlier she approached him to finally talk to him. She felt so pretty in her light yellow dress with feathers. She heard him saying her dress was so bright and hurt his eyes. He wouldn’t marry her no matter how large her dowry is. Her heart broke in a thousand. We never see if he realizes she heard.

Chapter 1 opens 8 years later with her set to marry Lord William d’Aubigny. Evan interrupts saying he married her by proxy at her father’s request. Half of his face is scarred from battle.

Evan thinks she is plain looking and insignificant. Of course the more he gets to know her caused him to fall for her.

She brings the horrible yellow dress with her and wears it to the theater. As she walks down the stairs he realizes who she is and what he did. He apologizes profusely.

80% in there is a huge misunderstanding where they are talking about two entirely different things. He thinks she is love with William. She is trying to tell him she isn’t pregnant.

This is my favorite type of misunderstanding.

Safety

He thinks briefly about how he misses seduction with women in his past. Very minor and the only occurrence.

[Carmel Zumbo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evan is the man she has loved all her life even though years before he had hurt her so terribly and ruined her chances at marriage. He then left her behind when he went to war and forgot all about her. Now just as Honor is ready to forge through and accept another man’s proposal he returns with news they were wed by proxy by the wish of her missing father. She cannot believe it and she would never have willingly wed the man who wrecked her life. Since the day he publicly humiliated her she has hated him.
Unfortunately, Honor is now the new Marchioness of Winchester, and bound to him until she produces an heir and a spare. He has unrealistic conditions for her to accept and she counters with some of her own in the stand off between them being married in any sense. These two must try to overcome their personal demons and make it work. They both change and become drawn to each other even though love and affection is not a common ground. There is angst, drama and at last acceptance of their true attachment that has always been there. The ending is so joyful and the whole story balances out in a satisfying epilogue. Loved it so much, don’t miss it!

[Daisy.readsromance · Rating 4 out of 5]

beauty and the beast vibes!

🌼 𝙵𝚘𝚛𝚌𝚎𝚍 𝙼𝚊𝚛𝚛𝚒𝚊𝚐𝚎
🌼 𝙴𝚗𝚎𝚖𝚒𝚎𝚜 𝚝𝚘 𝙻𝚘𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚜
🌼 𝙶𝚛𝚞𝚖𝚙𝚢 𝚡 𝚂𝚞𝚗𝚜𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚎
🌼 𝚂𝚌𝚊𝚛𝚛𝚎𝚍 𝙷𝚎𝚛𝚘
🌼 𝙱𝚎𝚊𝚞𝚝𝚢 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝙱𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚝 𝚅𝚒𝚋𝚎𝚜
🌼 𝚂𝚝𝚎𝚊𝚖𝚢 𝙷𝚒𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚛𝚒𝚌𝚊𝚕 𝚁𝚘𝚖𝚊𝚗𝚌𝚎

✨𝒯𝒽ℴ𝓊𝑔𝒽𝓉𝓈✨
𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 is my introduction to 𝙀𝙢𝙢𝙞 𝙒𝙚𝙨𝙩, and it was a great one. Honor and Evan find themselves in an arranged marriage of sorts, with Evan promising Honor's father to marry her. Initially meant to be a transaction, their relationship quickly becomes more.

𝙀𝙫𝙖𝙣 had long forgotten that Honor had once been infatuated with him as a young girl, only to hear him speak unkindly of her. After that incident, Honor harbored resentment towards him. They both tried to resist the pull but it proved to be impossible. Evan, who was the brooding hero, begins to let his guard down and allows himself to fall for Honor.

𝙏𝙝𝙚 unique narration took me by surprise. This is the first time I've listened to a historical romance with duet-style narration, and I loved it. It was easy to get lost in the story with Timothy Campbell and Carolyn Morris' voices.

𝙄𝙛 you are a fan of historical romance, this audiobook is definitely worth a listen. Many thanks to the author and 𝙈𝙇𝘼 for providing me with this audio copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

𝙍𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜: 𝟒⭐️ 𝙉𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣: 𝟒.𝟓🎧 𝙎𝙥𝙞𝙘𝙚 𝙢𝙚𝙩𝙚𝙧: 𝟐/𝟓🌶️

[Patricia Kieffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marchioness Overnight by Emmi West
I fell in love with Honor's character. She was a warm person who stood up for herself. She fell in love with Evan, a man who was more into himself and more into impressing his friends. There was a ball and they were both there. She was so looking forward to seeing him, but as she got closer to him, she heard him talking about her. He said an ugly duckling becomes a swan, but the feathers are only fit to stuff his grandmother's sofa cushions, and no dowry in the world could make him marry her. This hurt her. She comes face-to-face with him eight years later. I ended up falling in love with this story and highly recommend this book. It is a page-turner, and I had trouble putting it down. I received this book from BookFunnel and volunteered to leave a review. This is my honest opinion.

[Barbara Hanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honor was humiliated by Evan during a ball, and became a wallflower – dressing in drab colours and blending with the scenery.
Evan went to war and there agreed to marry Honor by proxy at her father’s dying wish.
When he arrives at her home, she is being proposed to by another and is not happy when he announces them already wed. Evan lost a lot during the war and has decided emotions will not be a part of his marriage.
This is a wonderful story about second chances, growth, understanding and love. This is the first book by this author that I have read, and I was really pleased I did, I will now be looking eagerly forward to the next book written.
I voluntarily received and reviewed an ARC copy of the book.

[Ramona Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marchioness Overnight by Emmi West

Lady Honor Huntley was all set to accept the proposal of marriage from Lord William d'Aubigny. The proposal was interrupted by the Marquess of Winchester who announced that he was her husband. Everyone present was in a world of disorder at his announcement. He also announced he had come to take her home. Lord William requested that he be contacted when the matter had been settled. Lord Winches-ter informed them that he and Lady Honor were married by proxy at the request of her father. For it to be legal in England they had to repeat their vows before clergyman. Ms. West has written a very entertaining book that I recommend that you read. You have to read it to find out what happens between Lord Evan and Lady Honor and their wedding...

[Nancy Yohe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Married by proxy.

A scarred war veteran (Evan) and the young woman he publicly humiliated 8 years ago (Honor) are wed by proxy when her father was dying. Honor had no idea and was completely shocked when Evan arrived to take her to his home. But Evan only wants an heir and a spare from her before they separate and Honor can remain bitter or make the best their situation and hope Evan will want more.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exquisite perfection
This story captures and effortlessly enthrals with captivating characters and storyline. Beautifully written historical romance with moderate steam and a high attention to detail. I highly recommend not only this book, but also the author. HEA guaranteed. I received an advanced reader’s copy for free and leave my review voluntarily.

[Suze82 · Rating 5 out of 5]

surprise
This story surprised me as much as Lady Honor was when she learned she was married to Evan the man she despised most to boot! This marriage of inconvenience might have spelled disaster but surprisingly both protagonists tried to make the best of the situation so in the end everything turned out just fine.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like how Evan finally figured out that a careless word, said to make himself appear superior, really hurt the one he finally sees as more than he knew. His growth may have come from a place of injury and trauma, but that did change his outlook on life and his maturity in recognizing feelings.

[Patti · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the captivating story of Lady Honor and Lord Evan. It's a suspenseful tale full of witty banter, love and a happily ever after. Just be warned that this story could result in staying up reading past your bedtime! LOL!

[Cynthia Houser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overnight Marchioness

This book is thoroughly enjoyable. I am so glad that fathers can not go around marrying their daughters off by proxy. The characters are well developed and engaging. Can not wait to start the next book in this series.

[Stephanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not my cup of tea.

Heat index: 4ish brief sex scenes.

Profanity meter: Intermittent mild profanity.

[OAZ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Really really not worth my time

[Heather White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy to read, lovely characters.