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Heart of Enquiry #2
M Is for Marquess
A Prisoner of His Past
Gabriel Ridgley, the Marquess of Tremont, is dubbed The Angel for his pristine reputation. Yet he harbors a dark secret: a spy during the Napoleonic Wars, he bears deep and dangerous scars. When he meets Miss Dorothea Kent, a delicate virgin, he is torn between carnal desire—and the need to protect her from his inner demons.
A Captive of Her Passions
Despite a frail constitution, Thea Kent has strength of spirit and heart. A wild attraction blooms between her and Gabriel, a widowed aristocrat with tortured eyes, yet he resists the pull between them. When fate places his disabled son in her care, she’s determined to guard the boy—and unravel the mystery of Gabriel’s past.
Freed by Love and Passion
Someone is killing Gabriel’s former colleagues, and he may be next on the list. As the desperate hunt for the villain begins, he and Thea get entangled in intrigue, betrayal, and desire too powerful to resist. Will trust help them to survive… and true love set them free?
Length: Full-length novel (over 90,000 words)
Sensuality level: Hot and steamy
Gabriel Ridgley, the Marquess of Tremont, is dubbed The Angel for his pristine reputation. Yet he harbors a dark secret: a spy during the Napoleonic Wars, he bears deep and dangerous scars. When he meets Miss Dorothea Kent, a delicate virgin, he is torn between carnal desire—and the need to protect her from his inner demons.
A Captive of Her Passions
Despite a frail constitution, Thea Kent has strength of spirit and heart. A wild attraction blooms between her and Gabriel, a widowed aristocrat with tortured eyes, yet he resists the pull between them. When fate places his disabled son in her care, she’s determined to guard the boy—and unravel the mystery of Gabriel’s past.
Freed by Love and Passion
Someone is killing Gabriel’s former colleagues, and he may be next on the list. As the desperate hunt for the villain begins, he and Thea get entangled in intrigue, betrayal, and desire too powerful to resist. Will trust help them to survive… and true love set them free?
Length: Full-length novel (over 90,000 words)
Sensuality level: Hot and steamy
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 2, 2015
367 people are currently reading
716 people want to read
About the author
Grace Callaway
52 books1,085 followers
Preorder GLORY AND THE MASTER OF SHADOWS (Lady Charlotte's Society of Angels #4) for March 28th!
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Don't miss this thrilling new historical romance by USA Today Bestseller Grace Callaway! Set during the Opium Wars, this steamy and spellbinding Charlie’s Angels meets Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon romance will leave you breathless...
Their love is forbidden…and irresistible.
The daughter of a half-Chinese duke and a lady fossil hunter, Lady Glory Cavendish is a free-spirited campaigner for justice. She belongs to a secret society of lady detectives whose goal is to help women in need. During her latest case involving a dastardly dognapping, Glory crosses paths with the handsome and mysterious Wei Chen, a master of healing and martial arts. Fascinated by the noble shifu, Glory convinces him to take her on as a pupil; the more time she spends with him, however, the more she longs for lessons of a more intimate nature.
Master Wei Chen has led a life of discipline focused on a single goal: avenging his murdered kin. His journey takes him to London where, by day, he treats opium users in his East End clinic and, by night, he secretly hunts the villain who destroyed his family. Yet for the first time, temptation distracts Wei: his spirited and lovely new pupil stirs dangerous needs in him. Desires that are forbidden between a shifu and his student…and between a commoner and a duke’s daughter.
As Wei and Glory’s slow-burn romance ignites into fiery passion, they are drawn into a web of betrayal and deceit. Torn between honor and desire, revenge and love, the pair must decide if they will let the past determine their future…or if they will fight the shadows for their chance at happily ever after.
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About Grace
USA Today & International Bestselling Author Grace Callaway writes hot and heart-melting historical romance filled with mystery and adventure. Her debut novel was a Romance Writers of America® Golden Heart® Finalist and a #1 National Regency Bestseller, and her subsequent novels have topped national and international bestselling lists. She is the winner of the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery and Suspense, the Maggie Award for Excellence in Historical Romance, the Golden Leaf, and the Passionate Plume Award for Historical Novel. She holds a doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Michigan and lives with her family in a valley close to the sea. When she’s not writing, she enjoys dancing, exploring the great outdoors with her rescue pup, and cheering on her favorite basketball team.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
March 18, 2022
2.5 stars rounded generously to 3
Read: 3/6/22
Disappointing! I tried but i couldn't get into this book. A big pet peeve of mine is when characters can't be together bc of stupid reasons. The H sees himself as a deviant bc he has a healthy sexual appetite. His dead wife just use to lie there and asked if he'd get a mistress. So it must be him? Not his prig of a wife who was probably told not to enjoy it by her mother. So he can't be with the h cause he would never expose her to such a sexual deviant. The whole book is based on this frustrating asinine idea. Ruined the entire book for me!
There is also a predictable spy element as well. Though, honestly who cares? It was easy to guess the culprit and I don't think the H was very good at his job. I felt the spy part was an afterthought.
The only positives:
This author can write a good crass sex scenes without penetraction. Actually, it was rather impressive!!
The ending was very good! I almost forgot how much I hated the rest of the story.
Read: 3/6/22
Disappointing! I tried but i couldn't get into this book. A big pet peeve of mine is when characters can't be together bc of stupid reasons. The H sees himself as a deviant bc he has a healthy sexual appetite. His dead wife just use to lie there and asked if he'd get a mistress. So it must be him? Not his prig of a wife who was probably told not to enjoy it by her mother. So he can't be with the h cause he would never expose her to such a sexual deviant. The whole book is based on this frustrating asinine idea. Ruined the entire book for me!
There is also a predictable spy element as well. Though, honestly who cares? It was easy to guess the culprit and I don't think the H was very good at his job. I felt the spy part was an afterthought.
The only positives:
This author can write a good crass sex scenes without penetraction. Actually, it was rather impressive!!
The ending was very good! I almost forgot how much I hated the rest of the story.
September 20, 2021
Espionage and eroticism. Really enjoyed this one which has a richly detailed spy plot with lots of intrigue and mystery. The steamy tension between the stubborn, honourable sexy single-dad H and the spirited, and intelligent h is scalding to read as the sensuality unfolds. The relationship between all the members in the Kent family continues to be interesting and touching. At the heart, a father's quest to care for his son and the woman who can identify with the young boys' struggles- this was a very special part of the story I thought. Grace Callaway is a master of mystery, blazing sensuality, and the depth of the human experience.
May 29, 2022
M is for Marquess
4 Stars
Dubbed "The Angel" by the ton for his circumspect behavior, Gabriel Ridgely, Lord Tremont, feels anything but. As a member of a covert group during the Napoleanic Wars, Gabriel bears scars both physical and emotional. Thus, upon meeting the sweet and innocent Miss Dorothea Kent, Gabriel resolves to protect her from himself even as she is just as determined not to let him.
Gabriel and Thea's romance is sweet and they have scorching hot chemistry. Thea is a delightful heroine and one cannot help but admire her strength and resilience both in facing the challenges of her illness and in calling Gabriel out when he runs hot and cold.
As with the first book, the suspense and intrigue surrounding the murder of Gabriel's mentor, as well as the threat to Gabriel himself, are exciting, and the climax and resolution are satisfying. The inclusion of characters from the previous books adds a sense of continuity, and the interactions between the Kent siblings are entertaining.
The Heart of Enquiry books are shaping into a wonderful series and Grace Callaway is rapidly becoming a favorite author.
4 Stars
Dubbed "The Angel" by the ton for his circumspect behavior, Gabriel Ridgely, Lord Tremont, feels anything but. As a member of a covert group during the Napoleanic Wars, Gabriel bears scars both physical and emotional. Thus, upon meeting the sweet and innocent Miss Dorothea Kent, Gabriel resolves to protect her from himself even as she is just as determined not to let him.
Gabriel and Thea's romance is sweet and they have scorching hot chemistry. Thea is a delightful heroine and one cannot help but admire her strength and resilience both in facing the challenges of her illness and in calling Gabriel out when he runs hot and cold.
As with the first book, the suspense and intrigue surrounding the murder of Gabriel's mentor, as well as the threat to Gabriel himself, are exciting, and the climax and resolution are satisfying. The inclusion of characters from the previous books adds a sense of continuity, and the interactions between the Kent siblings are entertaining.
The Heart of Enquiry books are shaping into a wonderful series and Grace Callaway is rapidly becoming a favorite author.
January 18, 2022
I definitely loved our hero once again. He's cold but hot with only our heroine and he's a great stoic starchy type of hero. I also really liked our heroine was so strong willed and fought back when he was being super flaky during their relationship. Also the mystery and intrigue was a lot better and made more sense.
March 3, 2021
3.5 stars
Not my favorite of the series, but still a worthwhile read and good if you are reading the series.
Not my favorite of the series, but still a worthwhile read and good if you are reading the series.
March 3, 2016
Although not as good as the first book, this book was still very enjoyable. I love Dorothea and Gabriel's relationship. It does remind a bit of Emma and Alaric in The Duke Who Knew Too Much. Gabriel is plagued by his past as a spy and guilt of having pleasures his late wife didn't share. Thea suffers from poor health but wants to be anything but weak or seen as so. Gabriel's past comes back to haunt when his old mentor is murdered and he is on a hunt to find the killer, who just happens to be one of his old comrades. I didn't enjoy the overall plot as much as the first that's why I couldn't give this a 5 star rating but it is still a good plot just a little predictable. The romance though. Swoon worthy. If you like the romance in the first book then you will love Thea and Gabriel. Gabriel has the sweetest and brightest son who suffers from poor health so him and Thea connect which was really sweet. Overall the story was good, not my favorite though but the romance is completely worth the read.
Overall: 4 stars
Overall: 4 stars
May 1, 2022
Not my favorite Grace Callaway of all time, but a very good and enjoyable read. Am always surprised by how little well-known this fantastic author is! She really deserves more attention.
Full review to come!
Full review to come!
December 14, 2020
Really liked it! I am really enjoying this series.
January 4, 2025
REVIEW
Score: 3.5/5
POV: Dual
Heat Level: 5/5
Tropes: Spy MMC; Spinster FMC; Single Father; Mystery; Free Use Kink; Virgin FMC
Likes:
* Thea is very likable. She’s the “peacemaker” of the family and just overall was sweet and took over a role of “mother” to Freddy quickly and well.
* once again the mystery is well done. Even though this was a reread I hadn’t remembered who the bad guy was and in my guesses I was wrong.
Dislikes:
* I didn’t like Gabriel. Is character felt like he was all over the place. I also don’t see how he couldn’t see he just happened to marry a cold fish in his previous marriage?? Him thinking all other women not being into a hot blooded male was ridiculous.
If I ever decided to reread this series in the future I would potentially skip this one and just skim my highlights if I needed a refresher. I don’t regret reading it to keep in order of the series as I haven’t read the whole thing yet but this was meh. I usually feel this way when I don’t care for the MMC which in this case I did not. Getting Thea’s story was good though. The mystery/thriller in this one was good too I will give it that. This one also felt a bit more HR than the first book.
3.5/5
————————-—————————————————————
First read in January 2022; did not review nor give a rating.
Score: 3.5/5
POV: Dual
Heat Level: 5/5
Tropes: Spy MMC; Spinster FMC; Single Father; Mystery; Free Use Kink; Virgin FMC
Likes:
* Thea is very likable. She’s the “peacemaker” of the family and just overall was sweet and took over a role of “mother” to Freddy quickly and well.
* once again the mystery is well done. Even though this was a reread I hadn’t remembered who the bad guy was and in my guesses I was wrong.
Dislikes:
* I didn’t like Gabriel. Is character felt like he was all over the place. I also don’t see how he couldn’t see he just happened to marry a cold fish in his previous marriage?? Him thinking all other women not being into a hot blooded male was ridiculous.
If I ever decided to reread this series in the future I would potentially skip this one and just skim my highlights if I needed a refresher. I don’t regret reading it to keep in order of the series as I haven’t read the whole thing yet but this was meh. I usually feel this way when I don’t care for the MMC which in this case I did not. Getting Thea’s story was good though. The mystery/thriller in this one was good too I will give it that. This one also felt a bit more HR than the first book.
3.5/5
————————-—————————————————————
First read in January 2022; did not review nor give a rating.
November 8, 2015
HOT SEXY HISTORICAL ROMANCE!!
WOW M Is for Marquess is one erotic Historical Romance. Some of the sex scenes between Gabriel Ridgley Marquess of Tremont also know as Spymaster Trajan and Dorethea/Thea Kent was pretty hot, sexy and sensuous. I loved both the H/H the storyline centers around Gabriel who has found his mentor and leader of the Quorum spy ring Octavian's throat slit and him holding Shakespeare's book Julius Cesare. Gabriel knows that this has to be the work of one of the 5 members in the Quorum the British Spy Ring. He must uncover the culprit know as Spectre and destroy him once in for all. Miss Dorothea Kent sister to Emma the Duchess of Straithaven has been in love with the Gabriel since book 1 of the series. She is a brave and beautiful intelligent heroine. The story is well developed and true to the Regency era. The author has you on the edge of your seat at times and a bit bored at other times.. The traitor is not obvious, it is a process of deduction. Gabriel is a widower with what seems to him as unusual sexual appetites, which make him think he is not worthy of the young virginal Thea, but is Thea his match in everyway? This question is answer in this sexy romance.
What I didn't like about the story was Gabriel already had an Heir Frederick/Freddy who was a sickly child with a fainting illness. I liked Freddy and he was written well. I personally like the heroine of the story to be the mother of the heir. In this case it should have been Thea. I don't mind that Gabriel had a child but it should have been a girl. This is a personal preference in my reading of HR. The spy plot drags on a little to long. I would have rather seen more time spent on Gabriel and Thea relationship. I still Highly Recommend M is for Marquess for your reading pleasure.
WOW M Is for Marquess is one erotic Historical Romance. Some of the sex scenes between Gabriel Ridgley Marquess of Tremont also know as Spymaster Trajan and Dorethea/Thea Kent was pretty hot, sexy and sensuous. I loved both the H/H the storyline centers around Gabriel who has found his mentor and leader of the Quorum spy ring Octavian's throat slit and him holding Shakespeare's book Julius Cesare. Gabriel knows that this has to be the work of one of the 5 members in the Quorum the British Spy Ring. He must uncover the culprit know as Spectre and destroy him once in for all. Miss Dorothea Kent sister to Emma the Duchess of Straithaven has been in love with the Gabriel since book 1 of the series. She is a brave and beautiful intelligent heroine. The story is well developed and true to the Regency era. The author has you on the edge of your seat at times and a bit bored at other times.. The traitor is not obvious, it is a process of deduction. Gabriel is a widower with what seems to him as unusual sexual appetites, which make him think he is not worthy of the young virginal Thea, but is Thea his match in everyway? This question is answer in this sexy romance.
What I didn't like about the story was Gabriel already had an Heir Frederick/Freddy who was a sickly child with a fainting illness. I liked Freddy and he was written well. I personally like the heroine of the story to be the mother of the heir. In this case it should have been Thea. I don't mind that Gabriel had a child but it should have been a girl. This is a personal preference in my reading of HR. The spy plot drags on a little to long. I would have rather seen more time spent on Gabriel and Thea relationship. I still Highly Recommend M is for Marquess for your reading pleasure.
December 12, 2015
This is the second book in this series and my first I read by Grace Callaway but that did not lessen my enjoyment with it in the least. I only can say:
Wow! I loved this book. It is perfect.
The story about these two characters was very engaging and the mytery is very well done. Gabriel was a complex character with quite some experience in the past. due to his "occupation" during war and his training, he has a dark side and is sure there is no woman who could love all of him.
Thea on the other side grew up in a loving family and is surrounded by people who love her. nevertheless, because of her illness, she feels like she is no full member of the family and yearns for someone who will see all of her.
The way the relationship was done was perfect. there is a lot of chemistry between these two but the feelings don't develop suddenly. there is a lot of development done and I loved every step of the way.
the secondary characters are so well done as well, that I can't wait to read the other books. I want to see how their relationships formed or who they will fall for.
so my next step will be to read the firt book and than to read this one again.
I loved that even after their relationship was secure the book did not end immediately but there was more to read and experience. And with the epilogue Grace Callaway wrote the perfect ending.
this was definitely one of the best HR I read this year and ever. With Grace Callaway I have found a new favorite author and I can't wait to read more of her books
Wow! I loved this book. It is perfect.
The story about these two characters was very engaging and the mytery is very well done. Gabriel was a complex character with quite some experience in the past. due to his "occupation" during war and his training, he has a dark side and is sure there is no woman who could love all of him.
Thea on the other side grew up in a loving family and is surrounded by people who love her. nevertheless, because of her illness, she feels like she is no full member of the family and yearns for someone who will see all of her.
The way the relationship was done was perfect. there is a lot of chemistry between these two but the feelings don't develop suddenly. there is a lot of development done and I loved every step of the way.
the secondary characters are so well done as well, that I can't wait to read the other books. I want to see how their relationships formed or who they will fall for.
so my next step will be to read the firt book and than to read this one again.
I loved that even after their relationship was secure the book did not end immediately but there was more to read and experience. And with the epilogue Grace Callaway wrote the perfect ending.
this was definitely one of the best HR I read this year and ever. With Grace Callaway I have found a new favorite author and I can't wait to read more of her books
December 1, 2022
Reading this series out of order based on what's available at the library at any given time, but I'm still definitely enjoying it and largely these are okay to be read out of order. Really liked Thea and enjoyed seeing her grow and come into her own, and I liked how she and Tremont communicated with each other and started to work through their issues. Freddy was also great.
March 22, 2025
Grace Callaway is one of the best authors I've found in recent years. I'm reading her entire backlist and I think that there's a thing for everybody, if you are reading this review, TRY READING HER BOOKS, SHE'S AMAZING
July 15, 2019
3.5 stars.
This was a lovely story about two people I really liked.
Thea had struggled with her health (asthma, by the sounds of it) as a child and although quite healthy now, was considered fragile and actually doubted herself some of the time too, as she still had the occasional difficulty with breathing. She also happens to be a brilliant pianist.
Gabriel was a spy who had worked for England in France. He had suffered some truly horrific experiences after he was captured, and now realises that someone is gradually knocking off his spy colleagues. He struggles to keep his distance from Thea, disappearing for over three months after their first kiss. Of course, she thinks his rejection is due to her weak constitution, or because she is not pretty enough. Or because he still loves his deceased wife. It's pretty soft on the kink, tbh- which is probably what I prefer!
She accidentally becomes embroiled in the murder drama when she foils an attempt to kidnap Gabriel’s son. And off we go on a mystery and romance adventure! He helps Thea to gain self-confidence and she teaches him to show affection and not be afraid of loving someone. (The relationship he finally builds with his son is especially sweet.)
Yes, it is probably hackneyed and all that, but it was a fun read, with Callaway’s trademark sex-capades accompanying some nice emotional depth. I was rooting for these two all the way, and it was definitely one of the best in this series.
This was a lovely story about two people I really liked.
Thea had struggled with her health (asthma, by the sounds of it) as a child and although quite healthy now, was considered fragile and actually doubted herself some of the time too, as she still had the occasional difficulty with breathing. She also happens to be a brilliant pianist.
Gabriel was a spy who had worked for England in France. He had suffered some truly horrific experiences after he was captured, and now realises that someone is gradually knocking off his spy colleagues. He struggles to keep his distance from Thea, disappearing for over three months after their first kiss. Of course, she thinks his rejection is due to her weak constitution, or because she is not pretty enough. Or because he still loves his deceased wife. It's pretty soft on the kink, tbh- which is probably what I prefer!
She accidentally becomes embroiled in the murder drama when she foils an attempt to kidnap Gabriel’s son. And off we go on a mystery and romance adventure! He helps Thea to gain self-confidence and she teaches him to show affection and not be afraid of loving someone. (The relationship he finally builds with his son is especially sweet.)
Yes, it is probably hackneyed and all that, but it was a fun read, with Callaway’s trademark sex-capades accompanying some nice emotional depth. I was rooting for these two all the way, and it was definitely one of the best in this series.
June 4, 2022
DNFed….I was bored. I really dislike when the male lead is soooooo attracted to the female lead that they tend to lead them on but then the next scene is him telling her that he’s not good enough for her. This went on for most of what I read.
The spy story was boring…😴😴 I didn’t really follow what was going on.
Heads up if you intend to read this one I would recommend reading the first one in the series.
The spy story was boring…😴😴 I didn’t really follow what was going on.
Heads up if you intend to read this one I would recommend reading the first one in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 20, 2015
As usual Callaway manages to entertain the reader to the point where you forget to look for historical accuracies or plot inconsistencies...so I couldn't comment on that front but what I can tell you about is her ability to flawlessly flow the plot.....a novel in her hand is like a AMG GT in the hand of a good driver....no bumps, or swerves, or jerky breaking...just one smooth ride lol. The intimate scenes in the hand of any other author would come off vulgar and cheap...but Callaway immerses it in so much love, and passion, and longing, and angst that you can't help but respond. I still skim read them (with a flushed face lol).
What I liked about this book: The Kent family was back yayyy. Thea was as surprisingly delightful to me as she was to Tremont. I hate when writers continue to claim heroines as strong and resourceful but then her actions are written to be too shrewish or even timid. Thea exudes strength...and her actions are there to testify her strength instead of the author's words. Tremont's personality was interesting....his pigheadedness in any other hero would have been intolerable to me but he comes across as an individual who is terrified of the amount of emotion he is capable of feeling. His behavior is also justified because of his past...so his not just an ass for the sake of being one.
What I disliked about this book: From about 40 to 60% the book became repetitive so it could have benefited from a good editor. Also what is up with her and keeping the heroine a virgin in all ways but one... Tremont and Thea enjoy alot of sensual games but he halts the intimacy....it makes no sense what Callaway is trying to prove here. After everything they do the heroine is no longer considered innocent one way or another....an uncertain future is not the reason either....and any moral or religious argument stands no chance because they are already 'you know'. So why??? I can't find a logical reason and as you can tell it frustrates me lol.
Callaway used every predictable ploy to move along the novel but the finale still managed to maintain elements of surprise.
I loved it.
What I liked about this book: The Kent family was back yayyy. Thea was as surprisingly delightful to me as she was to Tremont. I hate when writers continue to claim heroines as strong and resourceful but then her actions are written to be too shrewish or even timid. Thea exudes strength...and her actions are there to testify her strength instead of the author's words. Tremont's personality was interesting....his pigheadedness in any other hero would have been intolerable to me but he comes across as an individual who is terrified of the amount of emotion he is capable of feeling. His behavior is also justified because of his past...so his not just an ass for the sake of being one.
What I disliked about this book: From about 40 to 60% the book became repetitive so it could have benefited from a good editor. Also what is up with her and keeping the heroine a virgin in all ways but one... Tremont and Thea enjoy alot of sensual games but he halts the intimacy....it makes no sense what Callaway is trying to prove here. After everything they do the heroine is no longer considered innocent one way or another....an uncertain future is not the reason either....and any moral or religious argument stands no chance because they are already 'you know'. So why??? I can't find a logical reason and as you can tell it frustrates me lol.
Callaway used every predictable ploy to move along the novel but the finale still managed to maintain elements of surprise.
I loved it.
July 17, 2015
This book was so much fun! I loved the passion, the intrigue and the multi-dimensional characters. Thea was everything you hope for in a heroine. Her delicate constitution does not hold her back from being a strong, spirited and intelligent woman. Gabriel, despite being widowed and having his own demons to tame, is her perfect mate and their chemistry is explosive. The sexual attraction between them sizzles and there is a slight dominant/submissive bent to their interaction that I wish could have been further explored. It added another dimension to their relationship and while pretty hot, it could have been so much hotter. The mysterious plot had nice twists and turns and I enjoyed how the whole family got involved in working together to solve it. Great characters and an entertaining storyline makes this a very engaging read. Looking forward to reading more from Grace Callaway.
August 30, 2018
4.5 rounded up to 5 for Goodreads.
I loved this novel, however not as much as the first - probably because of Gabriel's personality. I really didn't like him at first, found him too ridden with guilt, too cold, but finally, I warmed up to him some more. His past made him the way he is, but he was intelligent enough to get locked up in it.
However, Thea, that's what I call a heroin, a wonderful one ! The shy lamb who emerged from her shell, who showed personality, persuasion, patience : I absolutely loved her, she made the book for me. I admired how she stood up to him when she needed to, how she understood him and undertook to make his conquest !
And let's not forget the characters from the first instalment, whom we see more than just a glimpse, I loved their interactivity, their wit, their banter.
Excellent series :)
I loved this novel, however not as much as the first - probably because of Gabriel's personality. I really didn't like him at first, found him too ridden with guilt, too cold, but finally, I warmed up to him some more. His past made him the way he is, but he was intelligent enough to get locked up in it.
However, Thea, that's what I call a heroin, a wonderful one ! The shy lamb who emerged from her shell, who showed personality, persuasion, patience : I absolutely loved her, she made the book for me. I admired how she stood up to him when she needed to, how she understood him and undertook to make his conquest !
And let's not forget the characters from the first instalment, whom we see more than just a glimpse, I loved their interactivity, their wit, their banter.
Excellent series :)
April 2, 2023
I listened to the audio book narrated by Marian Hussey. The h Dorothea Kent and H Marquess of Trement Gabriel. This was a spy and murder mystery as well as a hr. Lots of intrigue and lusty sex scenes.
Thea accomplished pianist suffers from asthma.
Gabriel former spy and married to Sylvia now diseased. They had a son Freddy who has seizures..
Thea and Gabriel marry and have fraternal twins a son and a daughter. They called the son Samuel after Thea’s father and they let Freddy name his sister. He suggested Fredericka, Fredalina etc.
review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Thea accomplished pianist suffers from asthma.
Gabriel former spy and married to Sylvia now diseased. They had a son Freddy who has seizures..
Thea and Gabriel marry and have fraternal twins a son and a daughter. They called the son Samuel after Thea’s father and they let Freddy name his sister. He suggested Fredericka, Fredalina etc.
review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
July 20, 2015
Hot, Sexy Romance. Loved the Heroine
"She would give anything to have a full life, one unhindered by her body's limitations."
THE STORY: Gabriel Ridgley, Marquess of Tremont is called the Angel by society because of his above reproach behavior. He is a widower raising his son. Little does society know that Gabriel spent years as a spy during the war with Napoleon. Gabriel's calm exterior hides a man with deep passions who is haunted by his actions. Now the past has returned with danger against Gabriel and those who worked with him during the war. Gabriel is also fighting against his attraction to Miss Dorothea Kent. Dorothea is a frail virgin who Gabriel knows won't be able to handle his dark passions. Thea spent years as a sickly child but doesn't want to be viewed that way anymore. She is determined to be strong and get what she wants -- a husband and a family.
OPINION: I really liked Thea as a heroine. She may have medical challenges that have limited her life before, but that has made her will very strong. She is truly the heart and center of her family and she wants a family of her own. Although everyone wants to keep her protected, she is determined to forge her own way. She wants Gabriel but won't be satisfied with being a pretty ornament. She wants to be a partner. Gabriel is a man who is tormented by his past. He is a good man who has been hurt by many people. He blames himself for the problems in his first marriage because he thinks himself as defective. These two characters are an interesting match in that way. Everyone believes Thea defective but she doesn't see herself that way; everyone sees Gabriel as perfect, but he sees himself as defective.
The plot of this book involving the mystery of who is out to kill Gabriel's comrades is interesting and keeps the romance moving forward. It always felt like it supported the romance and did not feel like an afterthought.
The romance between Gabriel and Thea is really hot. The two of them have a great chemistry and the scenes between them burn up the pages.
WORTH MENTIONING: For fans of Callaway's books, there are some nice cameos by other characters in the Heart of Enquiry series.
FINAL DECISION: I really liked Thea. She made the book for me. This story is also seriously hot like many of Callaway's books.
CONNECTED BOOKS: M IS FOR MARQUESS is the second book in the Heart of Enquiry series. This book can be read as a standalone although there are recurring characters. The story, however, is self-contained.
STAR RATING: I give this book 4.25 stars.
"She would give anything to have a full life, one unhindered by her body's limitations."
THE STORY: Gabriel Ridgley, Marquess of Tremont is called the Angel by society because of his above reproach behavior. He is a widower raising his son. Little does society know that Gabriel spent years as a spy during the war with Napoleon. Gabriel's calm exterior hides a man with deep passions who is haunted by his actions. Now the past has returned with danger against Gabriel and those who worked with him during the war. Gabriel is also fighting against his attraction to Miss Dorothea Kent. Dorothea is a frail virgin who Gabriel knows won't be able to handle his dark passions. Thea spent years as a sickly child but doesn't want to be viewed that way anymore. She is determined to be strong and get what she wants -- a husband and a family.
OPINION: I really liked Thea as a heroine. She may have medical challenges that have limited her life before, but that has made her will very strong. She is truly the heart and center of her family and she wants a family of her own. Although everyone wants to keep her protected, she is determined to forge her own way. She wants Gabriel but won't be satisfied with being a pretty ornament. She wants to be a partner. Gabriel is a man who is tormented by his past. He is a good man who has been hurt by many people. He blames himself for the problems in his first marriage because he thinks himself as defective. These two characters are an interesting match in that way. Everyone believes Thea defective but she doesn't see herself that way; everyone sees Gabriel as perfect, but he sees himself as defective.
The plot of this book involving the mystery of who is out to kill Gabriel's comrades is interesting and keeps the romance moving forward. It always felt like it supported the romance and did not feel like an afterthought.
The romance between Gabriel and Thea is really hot. The two of them have a great chemistry and the scenes between them burn up the pages.
WORTH MENTIONING: For fans of Callaway's books, there are some nice cameos by other characters in the Heart of Enquiry series.
FINAL DECISION: I really liked Thea. She made the book for me. This story is also seriously hot like many of Callaway's books.
CONNECTED BOOKS: M IS FOR MARQUESS is the second book in the Heart of Enquiry series. This book can be read as a standalone although there are recurring characters. The story, however, is self-contained.
STAR RATING: I give this book 4.25 stars.
February 21, 2021
I skimmed through a lot of this. I read it just because it's part of the series. The attraction between the two leads had no real depth which edged their loves scenes from erotic to trashy. I like the character backgrounds of this author's works but the more I read of them the more I see that every other novel is underdeveloped and, well, trashy. Nevertheless I haven't stopped reading these books so that counts for something.
The stories are generally good. The characters are likable. I just don't jive with the whole "my passions are beastial so no lady would accept me" shtick. And then he finds that she is, in fact, turned on by it...? Raw or explicit is one thing but the other stuff, I confess that I find it repellent. I prefer "Her Prodigal Passion", "The Duke Who Knew Too Much", or "The Lady Who Came in from the Cold". Unique, good stories, heartfelt relationships.
The stories are generally good. The characters are likable. I just don't jive with the whole "my passions are beastial so no lady would accept me" shtick. And then he finds that she is, in fact, turned on by it...? Raw or explicit is one thing but the other stuff, I confess that I find it repellent. I prefer "Her Prodigal Passion", "The Duke Who Knew Too Much", or "The Lady Who Came in from the Cold". Unique, good stories, heartfelt relationships.
July 12, 2019
Read this earlier in the week, but it broke a serious reading slump. It's fun. It's well written. The character work is strong. It entertains. The hero might be a little bit too broody about his past at times, but mostly it works (it's another one where a bad relationship has made the hero decide to swear off all loving relationships, which, why is that extremity of reaction such a consistent thing in romance novels?). I do like how the issues around his son, and his son's health are dealt with. Plus, always nice when a hero and heroine actually communicate mid-novel about their issues. I am just saying. I also enjoyed writing style and tone, So, y'know. I was there.
It was what I wanted to read, and since I haven't really been wanting to read, that was a pretty big step.
It was what I wanted to read, and since I haven't really been wanting to read, that was a pretty big step.
May 21, 2021
"I want to own your pleasure, possess you completely. I want my fingerprints on your bloody soul."
January 22, 2023
I didn't enjoy this book nearly as much as I thought I would. Thea has asthma and apparently a bad case of it. When Gabriel first took liberties with her, which amounted to practically nothing compared to what happened later on in the book, she had an attack. It scared him and made him feel like an ogre. Got it. So, when things really escalated, why didn't she have another attack? Moreover, why did he even pursue her after that, considering his rather kinky proclivities in the bedroom? She found herself in some high-stress and downright dangerous situations in climates and conditions that would've brought on an attack. Yet she had just the one in the entire book. I'm glad she wasn't a frail flower, but if she was that sickly and everybody worried for her...it just didn't make sense to me.
Gabriel was a widower with a little boy who had falling sickness. I really felt for him. His wife had been next to perfect to the ton. She could do no wrong. Gabriel loved her and stayed true to her, even though she found him to be less than desirable. It scarred him and made him think every woman would feel like that about him once they found out the truth. He really had some baggage that he carried with him and it took a long time for him to deal with it.
As for his son, Freddy, what a great kid. I loved his relationship with Thea and his father. Gabriel was a good dad. He loved his son and did everything he could to make sure the boy was cared for, even butting heads with Thea who had other ideas about his care. But Thea was Freddy's advocate and gave him opportunities he'd never had before and it made a huge difference to him. It was fantastic to watch him spread his wings.
The book had a lot of mystery in trying to find a bad man who was blackmailing or murdering spies in a spy ring. I enjoyed that part and the twist in that. There were some hot scenes with Gabriel and Thea that I thought may have sent her into an asthma attack and didn't. It would've decimated him if she'd had an attack, so that was a good thing. The secondary characters kept the story rolling and the ending was super. I loved the epilogue, but again was surprised that it didn't bring on an asthma attack in Thea.
I guess I sound disappointed that Thea wasn't having asthma attacks on every page. I'm not. But considering how much time she spent in bed as she was growing up, the one attack she did have while she was with Gabriel, and the way things escalated in her life, I thought it would be a bigger factor in the book. It's all good, though. Maybe she was cured somehow. The story was still good and worthy of four stars.
Gabriel was a widower with a little boy who had falling sickness. I really felt for him. His wife had been next to perfect to the ton. She could do no wrong. Gabriel loved her and stayed true to her, even though she found him to be less than desirable. It scarred him and made him think every woman would feel like that about him once they found out the truth. He really had some baggage that he carried with him and it took a long time for him to deal with it.
As for his son, Freddy, what a great kid. I loved his relationship with Thea and his father. Gabriel was a good dad. He loved his son and did everything he could to make sure the boy was cared for, even butting heads with Thea who had other ideas about his care. But Thea was Freddy's advocate and gave him opportunities he'd never had before and it made a huge difference to him. It was fantastic to watch him spread his wings.
The book had a lot of mystery in trying to find a bad man who was blackmailing or murdering spies in a spy ring. I enjoyed that part and the twist in that. There were some hot scenes with Gabriel and Thea that I thought may have sent her into an asthma attack and didn't. It would've decimated him if she'd had an attack, so that was a good thing. The secondary characters kept the story rolling and the ending was super. I loved the epilogue, but again was surprised that it didn't bring on an asthma attack in Thea.
I guess I sound disappointed that Thea wasn't having asthma attacks on every page. I'm not. But considering how much time she spent in bed as she was growing up, the one attack she did have while she was with Gabriel, and the way things escalated in her life, I thought it would be a bigger factor in the book. It's all good, though. Maybe she was cured somehow. The story was still good and worthy of four stars.
January 3, 2025
Per la prima lettura Historical Romance del 2025 torno a una serie che è stata una gradita sorpresa per l'anno precedente (in effetti, è partita con il botto e con un primo volume 5 stelle).
Anche con il secondo volume tornano le investigazioni della Kent & Associates, agenzia investigativa che vede i soci provenienti dalla borghesia, con un titolare, Ambrose Kent, che si ritrova a gestire una miriade di sorelle minori, più un fratello studente a Oxford, frutto delle seconde nozze del padre.
Già Emma è riuscita a risolvere un caso e a sposare pure un duca (il sinistro Alaric, che qui ritorna in versione marito e padre, sorridente e ebete d'amore, ma continuiamo a considerarlo il migliore della compagnia); dopo di lei, Dorothea, detta Thea, si è invaghita di un altro tizio bellissimo, algido e malmostoso senza pari.
Consideriamo che lei è ritenuta fanciulla di "cagionevole salute", causa debolezza polmonare, mentre lui, Gabriel, marchese di Tremont, vive con il rimorso di aver causato indirettamente la morte della moglie, a causa del secondo parto (lei, in effetti, lo ha fatto per dovere e per dargli l'erede di scorta si è sacrificata).
Ovvio che Gabriel, pur invaghito, si guardi bene dal proseguire il corteggiamento per una ragazza che ritiene troppo fragile. Ma se la lettrice di mondo pensa che ciò sia per la questione di salute, si sbaglia. Apprendiamo che lui è una sorta di Mr. Grey ante litteram, uno che non si limita ad amoreggiare, ma ci va "duro", senza limiti di tempo, di energia e di fantasia.
All'inizio, ammetto che un protagonista così mi faceva un po' ridere (voglio dire: ma perché dev'essere la moglie ad adattarsi a simili esigenze, quando sarebbero bastate docce gelide pre-serali o una spruzzata di bromuro nel porridge mattutino per spegnere un po' di fiamma), ma la Callaway è stata scaltra a fornirlo di bimbo da proteggere e di un passato da spia in cui viene risucchiato.
Buon ritmo e ho apprezzato molto il gioco di squadra investigativa tutto femminile.
Continuerò certamente la serie, perché mi diverte (con scene spicy in abbondanza).
Anche con il secondo volume tornano le investigazioni della Kent & Associates, agenzia investigativa che vede i soci provenienti dalla borghesia, con un titolare, Ambrose Kent, che si ritrova a gestire una miriade di sorelle minori, più un fratello studente a Oxford, frutto delle seconde nozze del padre.
Già Emma è riuscita a risolvere un caso e a sposare pure un duca (il sinistro Alaric, che qui ritorna in versione marito e padre, sorridente e ebete d'amore, ma continuiamo a considerarlo il migliore della compagnia); dopo di lei, Dorothea, detta Thea, si è invaghita di un altro tizio bellissimo, algido e malmostoso senza pari.
Consideriamo che lei è ritenuta fanciulla di "cagionevole salute", causa debolezza polmonare, mentre lui, Gabriel, marchese di Tremont, vive con il rimorso di aver causato indirettamente la morte della moglie, a causa del secondo parto (lei, in effetti, lo ha fatto per dovere e per dargli l'erede di scorta si è sacrificata).
Ovvio che Gabriel, pur invaghito, si guardi bene dal proseguire il corteggiamento per una ragazza che ritiene troppo fragile. Ma se la lettrice di mondo pensa che ciò sia per la questione di salute, si sbaglia. Apprendiamo che lui è una sorta di Mr. Grey ante litteram, uno che non si limita ad amoreggiare, ma ci va "duro", senza limiti di tempo, di energia e di fantasia.
All'inizio, ammetto che un protagonista così mi faceva un po' ridere (voglio dire: ma perché dev'essere la moglie ad adattarsi a simili esigenze, quando sarebbero bastate docce gelide pre-serali o una spruzzata di bromuro nel porridge mattutino per spegnere un po' di fiamma), ma la Callaway è stata scaltra a fornirlo di bimbo da proteggere e di un passato da spia in cui viene risucchiato.
Buon ritmo e ho apprezzato molto il gioco di squadra investigativa tutto femminile.
Continuerò certamente la serie, perché mi diverte (con scene spicy in abbondanza).
May 10, 2020
Gabriel Ridgley, the Marquess of Tremont, is dubbed The Angel by the Ton due to his pristine reputation is a former spy, one whose past is coming back to bite him, a past that places his son in danger. Thea Kent thought Tremont was interested in her until he vanished for months with no word, no back he blows hot and cold and she refuses to stand for it.
Due to the realities of his first marriage, Gabriel is determined to keep away from Thea, believing no lady can handle his desires, but his hunger for her runs too strong and the lady is far stronger and determined than he can imagine. From this and previous books I have read, it's clear the author likes speed in her books not a bad thing, it just means there were times when the relationship felt a smidge rushed and I wanted more emotional depth.
One thing with this author she knows how to keep me reading, that being said this is one book in the series I feel I will forget quite fast. A good one time read.
Due to the realities of his first marriage, Gabriel is determined to keep away from Thea, believing no lady can handle his desires, but his hunger for her runs too strong and the lady is far stronger and determined than he can imagine. From this and previous books I have read, it's clear the author likes speed in her books not a bad thing, it just means there were times when the relationship felt a smidge rushed and I wanted more emotional depth.
One thing with this author she knows how to keep me reading, that being said this is one book in the series I feel I will forget quite fast. A good one time read.
June 3, 2021
3.5 stars. It was fine, the characters were likeable enough, but I didn't enjoy it as much as the first volume. It does set up the next book well though so maybe this is just one of those anomalous bridging stories. It was interesting/unusual that .
February 24, 2025
I am TIRED of HR romance heroes that were ALWAYS in denial to committing into a relationship and blames it to their previous one, but at least this book only have it in no more than 1/4 of the book ( YES YES THE BAR IS IN HELL) and I REALLY LOVED Gabriel and Thea chemistry and dynamics so it’s all forgiven🤚🤚
June 22, 2021
3.5 stars
February 27, 2022
This is a decent read, but for some reason, I lost interest the longer I read. The main characters are interesting, but most of the side characters are underdeveloped.
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