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Courting a Curious Lady #4
Discovering the Marquess
With her focus on the stars, will she miss what’s right beneath her nose?
Lady Eleanor is convinced she will never be asked to marry, and not because she loves astronomy. Her bright red hair, tendency to speak loudly, and penchant for clumsiness has only the oldest lords bothering to even talk to her. So as the Belinda School for Curious Ladies closes for the holidays, she accepts a marriage proposal sight unseen from Lord Darius Taylour, the Marquess of Ferncroft—a widower. All she knows about him is that he is looking for a mother for his two children and is younger than her father.
Darius’s “black moods” are a secret known to only a handful of people, and he plans to keep it that way. Since his first wife was not what she’d first appeared, he is pleased that his younger brother arranged a marriage for him with an intelligent woman who will welcome his two children. It doesn’t take long for him to discover that Ellie is not only nothing like his first wife, but also not like other women.
As Ellie disrupts his house, plans an elaborate Christmastide, and takes over the education of his children, he finds himself too distracted to become melancholy. Just as he begins to appreciate her many attributes, he’s reminded of why he must never relax his guard. His wife may well reach for the stars, but his feet are stuck deep in the mud, and he can see no way out.
Lady Eleanor is convinced she will never be asked to marry, and not because she loves astronomy. Her bright red hair, tendency to speak loudly, and penchant for clumsiness has only the oldest lords bothering to even talk to her. So as the Belinda School for Curious Ladies closes for the holidays, she accepts a marriage proposal sight unseen from Lord Darius Taylour, the Marquess of Ferncroft—a widower. All she knows about him is that he is looking for a mother for his two children and is younger than her father.
Darius’s “black moods” are a secret known to only a handful of people, and he plans to keep it that way. Since his first wife was not what she’d first appeared, he is pleased that his younger brother arranged a marriage for him with an intelligent woman who will welcome his two children. It doesn’t take long for him to discover that Ellie is not only nothing like his first wife, but also not like other women.
As Ellie disrupts his house, plans an elaborate Christmastide, and takes over the education of his children, he finds himself too distracted to become melancholy. Just as he begins to appreciate her many attributes, he’s reminded of why he must never relax his guard. His wife may well reach for the stars, but his feet are stuck deep in the mud, and he can see no way out.
261 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 17, 2026
10 people are currently reading
10 people want to read
About the author
Lexi Post
54 books270 followersLexi Post is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of romance inspired by the classics. She spent years in higher education taking and teaching courses about the classical literature she loved. From Edgar Allan Poe's short story “The Masque of the Red Death” to Tolstoy’s War and Peace, she's read, studied, and taught wonderful classics.
But Lexi's first love is romance novels. In an effort to marry her two first loves, she started writing romance inspired by the classics and found she loved it. From hot paranormals to sizzling cowboys to hunks from out of this world, Lexi provides a sensuous experience with a “whole lotta story.”
Lexi is living her own happily ever after with her husband and her cat in Florida. She makes her own ice cream every weekend, loves bright colors, and you will never see her without a hat.
To sign up for Lexi's updates go to http://bit.ly/LexiUpdate
But Lexi's first love is romance novels. In an effort to marry her two first loves, she started writing romance inspired by the classics and found she loved it. From hot paranormals to sizzling cowboys to hunks from out of this world, Lexi provides a sensuous experience with a “whole lotta story.”
Lexi is living her own happily ever after with her husband and her cat in Florida. She makes her own ice cream every weekend, loves bright colors, and you will never see her without a hat.
To sign up for Lexi's updates go to http://bit.ly/LexiUpdate
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
March 19, 2026
I voluntarily read and reviewed this advanced copy via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I always get so excited when I see a new Lexi Post release from Dragonblade Publishing. I initially loved her Little Women retelling series and her subsequent spinoffs. Discovering the Marquess was such a sweet romance that drops the reader immediately into the story. The MMC needs a mother for his children as well as a wife to fill the gap his previous one left. Ellie was an incredibly charming heroine who I liked from the previous books. She was very relatable as I too have a large bosom and my birthing hips constantly bump into things. The dynamic between the main couple was a great slow burn. One of my favorite elements of Post's writing is her ability to shut down miscommunication and have the heroines push for no obfuscation. This book also provided hindsight on mental health in the Regency era and the lack of resources during that time period. I really loved this book and am looking forward to the future romances of Ellie's schoolmates. These books are always a pleasure and can't wait to "discover" the next entry in the series!
I always get so excited when I see a new Lexi Post release from Dragonblade Publishing. I initially loved her Little Women retelling series and her subsequent spinoffs. Discovering the Marquess was such a sweet romance that drops the reader immediately into the story. The MMC needs a mother for his children as well as a wife to fill the gap his previous one left. Ellie was an incredibly charming heroine who I liked from the previous books. She was very relatable as I too have a large bosom and my birthing hips constantly bump into things. The dynamic between the main couple was a great slow burn. One of my favorite elements of Post's writing is her ability to shut down miscommunication and have the heroines push for no obfuscation. This book also provided hindsight on mental health in the Regency era and the lack of resources during that time period. I really loved this book and am looking forward to the future romances of Ellie's schoolmates. These books are always a pleasure and can't wait to "discover" the next entry in the series!
March 17, 2026
This is an honest review advanced reader copy (ARC) sponsored through NetGalley.
Superb, I’ve been so satisfied with Dragonblade Publishing. I’ve read at least a dozen Historical fiction Romance novels, and each has been high quality. Happy inner squeals.
Alright, to the point. Yes. Quick read that plops you in (I read it in 3 hours) and makes you hurry along to the pace of the energetic, caring, and sweet protagonist. Ellie is not me, but I know people like her, and it was a delight to watch her story unfold with Darius. Also, pause for a second and enjoy the phenomenal choice of names. . . . sometimes historical fiction does it a little better.
It is spicy, but it does not consume the entire novel. It takes a minute to get there, which I appreciate. The lovemaking could make you blush if that’s not your thing.
This story truly brought a smile to me and made my day. This is one of the good ones.
It is part of a series, but it is standalone and not necessary to read any of the others to appreciate it on its own.
4.5/5 stars
Superb, I’ve been so satisfied with Dragonblade Publishing. I’ve read at least a dozen Historical fiction Romance novels, and each has been high quality. Happy inner squeals.
Alright, to the point. Yes. Quick read that plops you in (I read it in 3 hours) and makes you hurry along to the pace of the energetic, caring, and sweet protagonist. Ellie is not me, but I know people like her, and it was a delight to watch her story unfold with Darius. Also, pause for a second and enjoy the phenomenal choice of names. . . . sometimes historical fiction does it a little better.
It is spicy, but it does not consume the entire novel. It takes a minute to get there, which I appreciate. The lovemaking could make you blush if that’s not your thing.
This story truly brought a smile to me and made my day. This is one of the good ones.
It is part of a series, but it is standalone and not necessary to read any of the others to appreciate it on its own.
4.5/5 stars
March 20, 2026
I had so much fun with this one! Absolutely loved it!
I was charmed by Ellie from the moment she stumbled and bumbled her way on page. She was loud, clumsy, awkward, passionate, and direct. And yet, the author kept her very rooted in the period — this was not a modern character with an old-fashioned dress — because she was so embarrassed and aware of her social flaws, and there was backstory explaining why she was this way. I also liked that the author did not "solve" any of her problems, but showed that she was admirably the way she was.
I was drawn to this book because it tackles mental illness with Darius's "black moods." I find it intriguing to consider how someone would have survived (and thrived) with mental illness or neurodivergence in a time period when they were not understood, and Post's treatment of the subject did not disappoint. There was no easy answer — because there IS no easy answer — and yet the ending still felt hopeful. Darius's thought process was clearly illogical, and yet made absolute sense for someone with major depressive episodes. It pulled me deeper into the story.
The main characters and side characters were all vibrantly and consistently portrayed — I loved how the butler and housekeeper were central to the story, with plenty of personality. I haven't read any of the other books in the series, so I couldn't keep all the "Curious Ladies" straight, but I had the sense of their friendship and they were not distracting to the plot, the way sometimes can happen when an author has all her other characters return.
I highly recommend this to historical romance readers who are looking for a little bit different set-up and a thoughtful exploration of some serious issues.... all tied up in a pretty package with a big, uplifting, happy-family bow!
I was charmed by Ellie from the moment she stumbled and bumbled her way on page. She was loud, clumsy, awkward, passionate, and direct. And yet, the author kept her very rooted in the period — this was not a modern character with an old-fashioned dress — because she was so embarrassed and aware of her social flaws, and there was backstory explaining why she was this way. I also liked that the author did not "solve" any of her problems, but showed that she was admirably the way she was.
I was drawn to this book because it tackles mental illness with Darius's "black moods." I find it intriguing to consider how someone would have survived (and thrived) with mental illness or neurodivergence in a time period when they were not understood, and Post's treatment of the subject did not disappoint. There was no easy answer — because there IS no easy answer — and yet the ending still felt hopeful. Darius's thought process was clearly illogical, and yet made absolute sense for someone with major depressive episodes. It pulled me deeper into the story.
The main characters and side characters were all vibrantly and consistently portrayed — I loved how the butler and housekeeper were central to the story, with plenty of personality. I haven't read any of the other books in the series, so I couldn't keep all the "Curious Ladies" straight, but I had the sense of their friendship and they were not distracting to the plot, the way sometimes can happen when an author has all her other characters return.
I highly recommend this to historical romance readers who are looking for a little bit different set-up and a thoughtful exploration of some serious issues.... all tied up in a pretty package with a big, uplifting, happy-family bow!
March 21, 2026
4+ Stars ⭐⭐⭐🌟 DISCOVERING THE MARQUESS is filled with true delight and charm, and a few heart-aching moments. There are moments of humor, especially the scene about their mutual desire for “furniture placement,” which is a guaranteed laugh-out-loud moment. The relationships that grow both between Eleanor and the children and the passionate one between Eleanor and Darius provide moments of both warmth and happiness. It’s easy to see that Darius finds Eleanor’s perceived shortcomings charming, even though she is not as confident. And it quickly becomes clear that Darius’s determination to keep his problem a secret from Eleanor has the potential to create misunderstandings, and the ensuing conflict with Eleanor it ultimately causes nearly breaks your heart. Even though he believes that keeping his secret will protect his marriage, it may, in fact, result in just the opposite. By the conclusion of the story, although it’s a heartwarming ending, we are left with only a vague hope for a possible resolution for Darius, which, for me, is a little unsatisfying but not enough to spoil my overall enjoyment of the story. This is a tale that will not only capture your heart but also bring you plenty of joy and pleasure in reading it.
March 26, 2026
Discovering the Marquess is a historical romance built around hidden identities, emotional discovery, and the push and pull between personal truth and societal expectation. The premise immediately caught my attention, and I went in hoping for an immersive romance filled with emotional depth and character growth.
Unfortunately, this one didn’t quite work for me.
I struggled to fully fall into the story because the pacing felt very choppy. Scenes often shifted quickly, sometimes before emotional moments had the chance to fully land. Just as I started connecting with the characters or settling into a scene, the narrative moved on, which made it difficult to stay immersed in the romance.
At times, the book felt like it was trying to be something it wasn’t. The tone seemed caught between a lighter, fast-paced romance and a more emotionally driven historical story, and it never fully committed to either direction. Because of that, the emotional payoff I was hoping for never quite materialized.
That said, readers who prefer quicker historical romances with a strong focus on dialogue and fast transitions may still enjoy this more than I did. There were interesting ideas at the core of the story—it just didn’t come together in a way that fully pulled me in.
Unfortunately, this one didn’t quite work for me.
I struggled to fully fall into the story because the pacing felt very choppy. Scenes often shifted quickly, sometimes before emotional moments had the chance to fully land. Just as I started connecting with the characters or settling into a scene, the narrative moved on, which made it difficult to stay immersed in the romance.
At times, the book felt like it was trying to be something it wasn’t. The tone seemed caught between a lighter, fast-paced romance and a more emotionally driven historical story, and it never fully committed to either direction. Because of that, the emotional payoff I was hoping for never quite materialized.
That said, readers who prefer quicker historical romances with a strong focus on dialogue and fast transitions may still enjoy this more than I did. There were interesting ideas at the core of the story—it just didn’t come together in a way that fully pulled me in.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Ellie and Darius meet for the first time at their wedding ceremony. Due to her red hair, clumsiness and loud voice, Ellie had despaired of ever marrying and having a family and so is grateful for marriage to someone younger than her father! However she is not sure what would make a Marquess and heir to a Dukedom choose her. When she understands that Darius had a set criteria and that anyone who met them would do, she feels cast down but her happy disposition finds her making the best of her new life. It is not long before Darius starts to appreciate his wife, how she loves his children and how she uplifts everyone around her. But Darius has a dark secret, one that destroyed his first marriage. How long can he keep the intelligent Ellie in the dark?
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
An Enjoyable Romance with a Bit of Help from a Delightful Book
This story was heartfelt and intense all at the same time.
The characters are fascinating with each one having some serious issues to overcome.
Darious has a dark side that he tries to keep hidden but fails.
Ellie has a complex of not fitting is due to her hurtful parents.
We follow this intriguing couple as they discover each other's insufficiencies and how they
learn how to trust one another and fall in love, which makes for a very happy ending.
I enjoyed the story very much and look forward to more from this author.
Mature Advisory:2/5
Favorite Character: Archer the game keeper.
Book rating: 4.5 rounded up 5
This story was heartfelt and intense all at the same time.
The characters are fascinating with each one having some serious issues to overcome.
Darious has a dark side that he tries to keep hidden but fails.
Ellie has a complex of not fitting is due to her hurtful parents.
We follow this intriguing couple as they discover each other's insufficiencies and how they
learn how to trust one another and fall in love, which makes for a very happy ending.
I enjoyed the story very much and look forward to more from this author.
Mature Advisory:2/5
Favorite Character: Archer the game keeper.
Book rating: 4.5 rounded up 5
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A quick, delightful read about two wonderfully flawed people. She’s an astronomy lover who spends more time staring at the stars than watching where she’s going—resulting in a trail of bumps, falls, and near disasters. He’s a brooding widower prone to dark moods who’s simply looking for someone steady to help raise his children. What begins as a practical arrangement meant to benefit them both soon turns into something far less practical—and far more extraordinary: a love that’s truly out of this galaxy.
March 18, 2026
This story was quite unusual for me to read.
First, the book start at the wedding between the main characters, no meet-cute, no courtship : they meet at their wedding and so know very little of each other and so does the reader.
I found it quite interesting to discover the characters during their marital life, it gave to the story something different and fresh.
Then, it is not so often that I read a story when the hero has a chronic condition. It gave depth and suspense to Darius and Ellie's journey to happiness.
It was a very interesting read
First, the book start at the wedding between the main characters, no meet-cute, no courtship : they meet at their wedding and so know very little of each other and so does the reader.
I found it quite interesting to discover the characters during their marital life, it gave to the story something different and fresh.
Then, it is not so often that I read a story when the hero has a chronic condition. It gave depth and suspense to Darius and Ellie's journey to happiness.
It was a very interesting read
March 21, 2026
Really enjoyed
This is the first book I have read by this author and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Darius and Ellie enter into a marriage of convenience, they both have a secret that they hide from each other. This is their journey to happy ever after. I am now going to read the previous books in the series as I enjoyed this one so much.
This is the first book I have read by this author and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Darius and Ellie enter into a marriage of convenience, they both have a secret that they hide from each other. This is their journey to happy ever after. I am now going to read the previous books in the series as I enjoyed this one so much.
March 25, 2026
I like and adore the concept of a noble life like this, but the story is too slow in my opinion. As I got halfway, I was still waiting for a plot to show up. There's a lot of potential but I would appreciate some more progress when I'm reading a book.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews