What do you think?
Rate this book
The Worthingtons #2
When a Marquis Chooses a Bride
An unconventional woman might be the perfect match for a stuffy Englishman in the continuation of this USA Today–bestselling Regency romance series.
The Dowager Lady Worthington isn’t quite sure what to make of country-girl Dorothea Stern. As the granddaughter of the Duke of Bristol, Dotty is schooled in the ways and means of the nobility. But her sharp wit and outspoken nature has everyone in a tizzy. Especially their cousin, Dominic, the Marquis of Merton.
Prematurely stuffy, Dom was raised by his cheerless uncle to be wary of a host of things, including innovation, waltzing, and most perilous of all: true love. Still, there’s something about Dotty, beyond her beauty, that Dom cannot resist. But the odds are against him if he intends to win her as his bride. Will he choose loyalty to his family—or risk everything for the one woman he believes is his perfect match…
The Dowager Lady Worthington isn’t quite sure what to make of country-girl Dorothea Stern. As the granddaughter of the Duke of Bristol, Dotty is schooled in the ways and means of the nobility. But her sharp wit and outspoken nature has everyone in a tizzy. Especially their cousin, Dominic, the Marquis of Merton.
Prematurely stuffy, Dom was raised by his cheerless uncle to be wary of a host of things, including innovation, waltzing, and most perilous of all: true love. Still, there’s something about Dotty, beyond her beauty, that Dom cannot resist. But the odds are against him if he intends to win her as his bride. Will he choose loyalty to his family—or risk everything for the one woman he believes is his perfect match…
320 pages, ebook
First published August 30, 2016
652 people are currently reading
1552 people want to read
About the author
Ella Quinn
53 books2,520 followersUSA Today bestselling author Ella Quinn’s studies and other jobs have always been on the serious side (political science professor and lawyer). Reading historical romances, especially Regencies, were her escape. Eventually her love of historical novels led her to start writing them.
She is married to her wonderful husband of over thirty years. They have a son and two beautiful granddaughters, and a Great Dane named Lilibet. After living in the South Pacific, Central America, North Africa, England and Europe, she and her husband decided to make their dreams come true lived on sailboat for three years. After cruising the Caribbean and North America, she completed a transatlantic crossing from St. Martin to Southern Europe. She's currently living in Germany, happily writing while her husband is back at work, recovering from retirement.
Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Blog ~ Instagram ~ BookBub
She is married to her wonderful husband of over thirty years. They have a son and two beautiful granddaughters, and a Great Dane named Lilibet. After living in the South Pacific, Central America, North Africa, England and Europe, she and her husband decided to make their dreams come true lived on sailboat for three years. After cruising the Caribbean and North America, she completed a transatlantic crossing from St. Martin to Southern Europe. She's currently living in Germany, happily writing while her husband is back at work, recovering from retirement.
Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Blog ~ Instagram ~ BookBub
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 215 reviews
September 16, 2016
It's been awhile since I've read a book where the heroine is so blatantly fragile and feminine in a book. Don't get me wrong Dotty is definitely on my list of strong heroines but unlike the others I've read, Dotty had a certain fragility or rather while she was a strong character she still had that air of innocence that is so common in historical romance heroines and I pretty much loved her for it.
After almost missing the season, which also happens to be her coming out, Dotty is finally able to go to London and have at it. And although her parents aren't with her she has Grace and Matt and their brood (from the previous book) who are a great substitute family. Dotty's character was like a worldly Disney princess with a feministic streak. And while she doesn't speak to animals she does save a few, actually anything or anyone who is in need will never go without if Dotty is around. And so this is how she makes her first grand entrance into Merton's life.
Merton is all about duty, station and the peerage. Until Dotty and a bag of kittens enters his life. Dotty sees the real Merton, the Merton not even Merton is aware of and her goal becomes showing him that being his true self isn't failing or wrong. This book was incredibly sweet, so sweet that at one point I feared I'd picked up a clean romance. Which thankfully, was not the case, because it left me hot and bothered quite a few times. Pair that with some sleuthing, plots to tear apart our to love birds, kittens that need saving and a bunch of noisy children and you have yourself an entertaing regency romp!
On a sidenote: I keep starting these historical romances mid-series but this book could easily be read as a stand alone but for my own piece of mind I will be reading the first book at some point.
August 18, 2016
This was a very enjoyable Regency romance. Dominic seems a bit stiff-necked, but he mellows beautifully. Any man who could fall in love with a kitten has my thumbs up! Dotty is a very lovable heroine, and I liked the look at Regency manners. It was nice to visit with the Worthington clan again.
Reviewed for Affaire de Coeur Magazine. http://affairedecoeur.com.
Reviewed for Affaire de Coeur Magazine. http://affairedecoeur.com.
July 23, 2016
'When a Marquis Chooses a Bride' by Ella Quinn is book two in "The Worthingtons" series. This is the story of Dominic, the Marquis of Merton 'Dom' and Dorothea Stern 'Dotty/Thea'. I have read the previous book 'Three Weeks To Wed' which focused on Lady Grace Carpenter and Matt, Earl of Worthington. Matt is the cousin of Dom and Grace is friends with Dotty (actually Grace's sister and Dotty are best friends) but this book is easily a stand alone book. It does have Matt and Grace (the whole family) in this book but they are secondary characters. Just from personal enjoyment I would say read that book, just so you don't miss a 'good read'.
Dom father died at an early age which left his mother grief stricken and also cause her to miscarriage so Dom was left for a while in the care of his Uncle (Mother's brother) who had certain ways and beliefs that he force on Dom. One being that he could only marry some on on his level or above, that women were meant to be taken care of and not burden with problems. In addition some of his Uncle political views were against the poor and helpless. So this pretty much made Dom an outside to his friends and family as his Uncle pretty much kept him away from anyone he thought was not Dom equal. Dom has now decided to marry and do his duty. He has made a list which he sent to him mother. His mother realized that she needed to intervene behind the scene to get him with a lady that would turn him into a better man. The man that his father would have wanted him to be. Dotty has come to England to have her season. Dotty was invited by her friends older sister Grace to stay with them. Dotty has a very soft heart and is always taking in strays and helping the lesser person. When Dom and Dotty meet they are both attracted to one another but Dotty friends tell of how Dom is very 'High In His Step' and would not be a man for her. Dom find that Dotty (or Thea to him) is the only women he is attracted to..but he thinks in ranking she is beneath him. In addition he see how she seems to get into issue and places that she shouldn't..which could cause a scene. But we watch how to opposites attract. How love can change people and views. Sorry for the long review as I don't like to do long ones but this book was just so good it is hard to stop talking about it!!!! Can't wait for the next one!
I received an eARC, from NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
Please follow me on the below media sites.
https://www.facebook.com/sally.mae.39...
https://www.amazon.com/gp/profile/A2H... https://twitter.com/soapsrus68
https://www.facebook.com/groups/17091...
http://sissymaereads.blogspot.com/
https://romancebookreviewforyou.wordp...
http://booklikes.com/
http://romancebookreviewforyoublog.tu...
Dom father died at an early age which left his mother grief stricken and also cause her to miscarriage so Dom was left for a while in the care of his Uncle (Mother's brother) who had certain ways and beliefs that he force on Dom. One being that he could only marry some on on his level or above, that women were meant to be taken care of and not burden with problems. In addition some of his Uncle political views were against the poor and helpless. So this pretty much made Dom an outside to his friends and family as his Uncle pretty much kept him away from anyone he thought was not Dom equal. Dom has now decided to marry and do his duty. He has made a list which he sent to him mother. His mother realized that she needed to intervene behind the scene to get him with a lady that would turn him into a better man. The man that his father would have wanted him to be. Dotty has come to England to have her season. Dotty was invited by her friends older sister Grace to stay with them. Dotty has a very soft heart and is always taking in strays and helping the lesser person. When Dom and Dotty meet they are both attracted to one another but Dotty friends tell of how Dom is very 'High In His Step' and would not be a man for her. Dom find that Dotty (or Thea to him) is the only women he is attracted to..but he thinks in ranking she is beneath him. In addition he see how she seems to get into issue and places that she shouldn't..which could cause a scene. But we watch how to opposites attract. How love can change people and views. Sorry for the long review as I don't like to do long ones but this book was just so good it is hard to stop talking about it!!!! Can't wait for the next one!
I received an eARC, from NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
Please follow me on the below media sites.
https://www.facebook.com/sally.mae.39...
https://www.amazon.com/gp/profile/A2H... https://twitter.com/soapsrus68
https://www.facebook.com/groups/17091...
http://sissymaereads.blogspot.com/
https://romancebookreviewforyou.wordp...
http://booklikes.com/
http://romancebookreviewforyoublog.tu...
August 16, 2022
A bit slower than the first book and the chemistry wasn't as good as the fourth book. I just didn't feel the grumpy vibe of the hero as much as I would have liked and I think that's strictly because the narrator of the audiobook did a bad male voice LOL
July 4, 2019
This is the second book in the Worthingtons series and I have to admit I wasn't too sure I'd like it when I found out that Marcus's stuffy and pompous cousin Dom was going to be the hero. I wasn't at all likeable in the first book so I was a bit wary going in but happily he's a totally different man once you get to know him and the reasons for his past behaviour soon becomes clear. After the death of his father Dom was raised by his uncle who quite frankly was a terrible person who was far more interested in the family wealth and status than anything else. His constant digs and browbeating really wore Dom down and turned him into the man we met in the first book.
When Dom meets Dotty, the young friend of his cousin who is staying with the Worthingtons for the season so she can come out alongside Charlotte and Louisa, his world is turned upside down. Dotty is softhearted and has a habit of collecting strays both of the animal and human variety. She always sees the good in people and does her best to make the world a nicer place. Although she can be a little naive she's just so sweet and everything about her challenges Dom and his narrow view of the world. This is definitely a case of her helping him to be a better man and I enjoyed seeing the changes in him as he let go of the stuffy exterior he has spent years hiding behind.
I enjoyed the romance but I also enjoyed the suspense side of the story. Dotty's habit of trying to save people put her in danger a couple of times but she was able to change so many lives for the better because of her caring nature. This series has been really fun to read so far, it was great to catch up with Grace and Matt and I'm definitely looking forward to seeing both Charlotte and Louisa find their matches too.
When Dom meets Dotty, the young friend of his cousin who is staying with the Worthingtons for the season so she can come out alongside Charlotte and Louisa, his world is turned upside down. Dotty is softhearted and has a habit of collecting strays both of the animal and human variety. She always sees the good in people and does her best to make the world a nicer place. Although she can be a little naive she's just so sweet and everything about her challenges Dom and his narrow view of the world. This is definitely a case of her helping him to be a better man and I enjoyed seeing the changes in him as he let go of the stuffy exterior he has spent years hiding behind.
I enjoyed the romance but I also enjoyed the suspense side of the story. Dotty's habit of trying to save people put her in danger a couple of times but she was able to change so many lives for the better because of her caring nature. This series has been really fun to read so far, it was great to catch up with Grace and Matt and I'm definitely looking forward to seeing both Charlotte and Louisa find their matches too.
August 11, 2016
When A Marquis Chooses a Bride is the second book in 'The Worthingtons' series by Ella Quinn. It can be read as a stand alone novel, but having read the first book, I think you can only get extra enjoyment from this book if you have read that one. It's wonderful to catch up on the characters from book one.
This is the story of Dorothea Stern and Dominic, the Marquis of Merton. Dotty, or Thea as Dorothea is known, is best friends with Lady Grace's sister who lives with her and her other siblings (all from Three Weeks to Wed). Dominic, also known as Dom, is the cousin of Lady Grace's husband, Matt. When Dotty was due to have a 'season' in London, her mother breaks her leg and the trip to London has to be cancelled. Fortunately Grace and Dom were happy to take on the task of providing her a place to stay and act as chaperone. They already have a houseful, so what's one more. Besides it keeps Grace's sister ecstatically happy too to have her season with her best friend as they planned.
None of the Worthingtons think highly of Dom, in fact they are quite disgusted with him and his political views. They especially dislike one Bill that he helped go through the House of Lords, that being, that thieves, no matter what age, or the circumstances should either by hung or transported abroad.
Dom's parents were a most loving couple, and when Dom's father died, his mother most understandably was distraught. So much so that she loses the baby she is carrying. Her brother in law offers to take Dom under his wing until such times as she feels well enough to have him come home. During that time he practically brainwashes Dom, makes him think that love is a bad thing, that it destroys people like his mother, and should be avoided at all costs. He's also a very strict man who instilled over the top rules for Dom so that over time he stopped being a boy, and instead started acting like a man. He didn't let any friends visit him, he wasn't allowed to play, and he was brought up to believe that he shouldn't have any time for people beneath him in class and status. By the time his mother wanted him home, he decided he would be better off with his uncle.
Dotty is the complete opposite of Dom. She is very soft hearted, rescues anything and everything that she can. She is very compassionate to everybody no matter their rank. Although she is the Grand Daughter of the Duke of Bristol, it's not a highly known fact, and with the way she acts, speaking her mind, etc, it's easy for people to think that she is middle class at most in society.
When Dotty and Dom meet they are instantly attracted to each other. Dom is searching for a wife, and as much as he can't stop thinking of Dotty, he knows he can't marry anybody like her because he needs a person matching his rank. Plus she totally disagrees with his political views and like the Worthingtons isn't happy about the Bill that he helped pass. He is determined to put any attraction she has to him to the side and concentrate on finding an appropriate wife.
Dotty can see the man that Dom could be, and despite his political beliefs, she is willing to give him the chance to show his true colours. If he can, then she would more than happily have a relationship with him, and of course marriage.
The question is......can he change, does he even want to? Could two totally opposite people find a love match?
This book was a real pleasure to read. The book has some preciously sweet moments, some fun moments, some serious moments, and altogether makes you run the gamut of emotions. Not only is there romance and passion galore, but there is danger and mystery as well. Once you start reading the book you really won't want to put it down. I loved seeing Dom's character develop, oh how he struggles with his feelings. Dotty is a real star, and I love how she feels about life. Between them both and the whole Worthington family being part of the story, this book couldn't be any better. I absolutely recommend it.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
This is the story of Dorothea Stern and Dominic, the Marquis of Merton. Dotty, or Thea as Dorothea is known, is best friends with Lady Grace's sister who lives with her and her other siblings (all from Three Weeks to Wed). Dominic, also known as Dom, is the cousin of Lady Grace's husband, Matt. When Dotty was due to have a 'season' in London, her mother breaks her leg and the trip to London has to be cancelled. Fortunately Grace and Dom were happy to take on the task of providing her a place to stay and act as chaperone. They already have a houseful, so what's one more. Besides it keeps Grace's sister ecstatically happy too to have her season with her best friend as they planned.
None of the Worthingtons think highly of Dom, in fact they are quite disgusted with him and his political views. They especially dislike one Bill that he helped go through the House of Lords, that being, that thieves, no matter what age, or the circumstances should either by hung or transported abroad.
Dom's parents were a most loving couple, and when Dom's father died, his mother most understandably was distraught. So much so that she loses the baby she is carrying. Her brother in law offers to take Dom under his wing until such times as she feels well enough to have him come home. During that time he practically brainwashes Dom, makes him think that love is a bad thing, that it destroys people like his mother, and should be avoided at all costs. He's also a very strict man who instilled over the top rules for Dom so that over time he stopped being a boy, and instead started acting like a man. He didn't let any friends visit him, he wasn't allowed to play, and he was brought up to believe that he shouldn't have any time for people beneath him in class and status. By the time his mother wanted him home, he decided he would be better off with his uncle.
Dotty is the complete opposite of Dom. She is very soft hearted, rescues anything and everything that she can. She is very compassionate to everybody no matter their rank. Although she is the Grand Daughter of the Duke of Bristol, it's not a highly known fact, and with the way she acts, speaking her mind, etc, it's easy for people to think that she is middle class at most in society.
When Dotty and Dom meet they are instantly attracted to each other. Dom is searching for a wife, and as much as he can't stop thinking of Dotty, he knows he can't marry anybody like her because he needs a person matching his rank. Plus she totally disagrees with his political views and like the Worthingtons isn't happy about the Bill that he helped pass. He is determined to put any attraction she has to him to the side and concentrate on finding an appropriate wife.
Dotty can see the man that Dom could be, and despite his political beliefs, she is willing to give him the chance to show his true colours. If he can, then she would more than happily have a relationship with him, and of course marriage.
The question is......can he change, does he even want to? Could two totally opposite people find a love match?
This book was a real pleasure to read. The book has some preciously sweet moments, some fun moments, some serious moments, and altogether makes you run the gamut of emotions. Not only is there romance and passion galore, but there is danger and mystery as well. Once you start reading the book you really won't want to put it down. I loved seeing Dom's character develop, oh how he struggles with his feelings. Dotty is a real star, and I love how she feels about life. Between them both and the whole Worthington family being part of the story, this book couldn't be any better. I absolutely recommend it.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
July 21, 2016
**I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
I loved this book, it was a perfectly delightful read.
Dom is the Marquis of Merton, he is totally uptight, consumed by his social status and dead set on finding a "proper" wife. We first met Dom in the first book - Three Weeks to Wed - he is the cousin of Matt, Earl of Worthington, in that book he came across as pompous and extremely proper. Needless to say, Matt and his family are not fond of Dom and Matt has warned him to stay away from his and Grace's sisters.
Dorothea aka Dotty is friends with Charlotte, Grace's younger sister and the girls had hoped to have their come outs together - unfortunately, their plans are dashed when Dotty's mother breaks her leg and is not able to bring Dotty to town for the season. Grace and Matt kindly offer to sponsor Dotty for the season and invite her to stay with them.
Dotty meets Dom her first day in town - when she rushes to save a puppy from being hurt by one of Dom's friends. Dom is immediately smitten by Dotty and she him.
Dotty can't understand why her friends don't like Dom - with her he is totally charming even if he is a bit uptight.
As the story progresses, we learn more about Dom and why he is the way he is. We also see him changing, although he fights it. Dotty is kind hearted and gets herself in several scrapes - that Dom helps her out of. He has decided that he can't marry her - but when they are caught in a compromising situation and ended up betrothed - he is actually relieved that he will be marrying her.
The book is well written, flows nicely, has believable character devolvement, some very warm love scenes, a couple of twists and turns and finally, a very sweet HEA. If I had any complaint about the book - it would be that the villainess didn't really get any comeuppance - she basically gets off scot free, which irked me. But other than that tiny little snag - the book was neigh on perfect!
I would happily recommend this book, it is second in a series, but could easily be a stand alone title.
I loved this book, it was a perfectly delightful read.
Dom is the Marquis of Merton, he is totally uptight, consumed by his social status and dead set on finding a "proper" wife. We first met Dom in the first book - Three Weeks to Wed - he is the cousin of Matt, Earl of Worthington, in that book he came across as pompous and extremely proper. Needless to say, Matt and his family are not fond of Dom and Matt has warned him to stay away from his and Grace's sisters.
Dorothea aka Dotty is friends with Charlotte, Grace's younger sister and the girls had hoped to have their come outs together - unfortunately, their plans are dashed when Dotty's mother breaks her leg and is not able to bring Dotty to town for the season. Grace and Matt kindly offer to sponsor Dotty for the season and invite her to stay with them.
Dotty meets Dom her first day in town - when she rushes to save a puppy from being hurt by one of Dom's friends. Dom is immediately smitten by Dotty and she him.
Dotty can't understand why her friends don't like Dom - with her he is totally charming even if he is a bit uptight.
As the story progresses, we learn more about Dom and why he is the way he is. We also see him changing, although he fights it. Dotty is kind hearted and gets herself in several scrapes - that Dom helps her out of. He has decided that he can't marry her - but when they are caught in a compromising situation and ended up betrothed - he is actually relieved that he will be marrying her.
The book is well written, flows nicely, has believable character devolvement, some very warm love scenes, a couple of twists and turns and finally, a very sweet HEA. If I had any complaint about the book - it would be that the villainess didn't really get any comeuppance - she basically gets off scot free, which irked me. But other than that tiny little snag - the book was neigh on perfect!
I would happily recommend this book, it is second in a series, but could easily be a stand alone title.
August 22, 2016
This is the second book in the Worthingtons series and I have not read the first one. I think this book is enjoyable even without having read the first one, but you may want to read them in order so you have more background on the characters.
Despite this book being in the series, neither the hero nor the heroine is actually one of the Worthingtons. Dotty (possibly my least favorite romance heroine name ever) is best friends with the sister of the heroine of book 1 and Dominic is a cousin of the Worthingtons. However, the Worthington family plays a big part in the book.
I really enjoyed that the romance developed slowly and it wasn't just a physical attraction and grand passion. The obstacle to the happily ever after is mostly Dominic's notions of what a proper bride for him would be, and then later a more serious obstacle. I enjoyed all of the characters and the situations they found themselves in, especially as Dom's rigid nature collides with Dotty's sense of social justice and need to save animals and people.
As romances go, this one is not especially steamy so if you are looking for steaminess, this is not the book for you. There are some sex scenes but they aren't overly explicit and easy enough to skip if love scenes are not your thing.
I liked this romance a lot and look forward to more books in the series.
I got an e-ARC of this book free from NetGalley.
Despite this book being in the series, neither the hero nor the heroine is actually one of the Worthingtons. Dotty (possibly my least favorite romance heroine name ever) is best friends with the sister of the heroine of book 1 and Dominic is a cousin of the Worthingtons. However, the Worthington family plays a big part in the book.
I really enjoyed that the romance developed slowly and it wasn't just a physical attraction and grand passion. The obstacle to the happily ever after is mostly Dominic's notions of what a proper bride for him would be, and then later a more serious obstacle. I enjoyed all of the characters and the situations they found themselves in, especially as Dom's rigid nature collides with Dotty's sense of social justice and need to save animals and people.
As romances go, this one is not especially steamy so if you are looking for steaminess, this is not the book for you. There are some sex scenes but they aren't overly explicit and easy enough to skip if love scenes are not your thing.
I liked this romance a lot and look forward to more books in the series.
I got an e-ARC of this book free from NetGalley.
July 16, 2016
Dom knows how to make an entrance, and for someone who doesn't apologize a whole lot he knows how to do it right, "suddenly, the door crashed against the wall. Holding a bouquet of red roses, Dom strode into the room, grabbed her hand, and tugged her to him. How dare he presume . . . “I told—” His lips crushed hers as he wrapped one strong arm around her waist tugging her against him." Dom is like a woman at times, the man can be dramatic, "he flopped back against the pillows. “Go then. Before I start something that will make you late.” I really liked Dom, I liked this book.
October 28, 2017
Hilarious!!!
Good Lord, Domenic is one of the funniest, stuffiest, and very high in the instep character I have encountered in a very long time !
I so enjoyed this story.
Dom's relationship with Thea is in twisted way great.
Good Lord, Domenic is one of the funniest, stuffiest, and very high in the instep character I have encountered in a very long time !
I so enjoyed this story.
Dom's relationship with Thea is in twisted way great.
May 11, 2022
Le héros m'avait intrigué dans le tome 1. Je l'ai beaucoup apprécié dans cette histoire, ainsi que l'héroïne au grand coeur.
June 3, 2018
this book was okay. it only got three stars because I've noticed a few cliche trends in this series. one. the prominent mothers seem to either die in child birth along with the children. (Both the hero and heroine of the last books mothers) or as in this book the father dies and the mother miscarries (Hero's mother) plus I have read part of the third book and another cliche that is bugging me is finding children on the street who just happen to end up being part of the peerage.
the book is okay over all.
the book is okay over all.
April 5, 2019
Very confusing, so many characters all with shortened names so keeping track of who was connected with which family was difficult. The H was ridiculous, quite stupid and arrogant, wanting to life his life by following slavishly in his father's footsteps. The h was sweet, but underdeveloped and I lost interest very quickly.
March 8, 2022
So much better than Three Weeks to Wed. The love story was actually believable, we have an awesome heroine and a lovely hero (once you get to know him of course) and cute kids and kittens. What more could anyone want?
July 5, 2019
This was...okay? Just fine I suppose. It didn't feel like it had substance or a strong backing bone of an underplot.
Merton and Dotty (or Thea) meet, he's intrigued and she's curious, they meet again, he's besotted while she's interested in a way. A lady Merton had been courting attempts to break them up, so a forced engagement takes place for Merton and Dotty (in the first third of the book). From there...not really much else occurs.
The backcover sounds as if he's against the idea of being with Dotty, but if anything she is the reserved one as she wants to marry for love and love alone.
Overall I ended up just feeling fine.
Merton and Dotty (or Thea) meet, he's intrigued and she's curious, they meet again, he's besotted while she's interested in a way. A lady Merton had been courting attempts to break them up, so a forced engagement takes place for Merton and Dotty (in the first third of the book). From there...not really much else occurs.
The backcover sounds as if he's against the idea of being with Dotty, but if anything she is the reserved one as she wants to marry for love and love alone.
Overall I ended up just feeling fine.
February 6, 2025
Gentle pacing but with some action from exposing the seedy underbelly of London (though without overwhelming the lightness of the plot). Dorothea was an innocent, bold, slightly careless but not TSTL heroine. It was an interesting mix but I did like how she tried to do right by people and didn’t shy away from the grit. Dom liked Dorothea but for being a worldly marquis somehow was more naive than Dorothea in many ways…but because he liked her, he adjusted his perspective and went from starchy and haughty to reserved but warm and more awakened to the world and his ability to make it better. I liked the growth and found the expansive world and big cast of characters fun to sink into. I wasn’t in a hurry and I simply enjoyed the ride. I will admit though that I wish Ella Quinn just wrote traditional clean stories-her sex scenes are cringy and I always skip over them. They aren’t necessary as the banter and detail are what hook me in her books.
January 23, 2022
„Liebe und andere Pflichten eines Marquis“ von Arabella Quinn ist der zweite Band ihrer unterhaltsamen Regency Reihe um die Worthingtons.
Dominic, der Marquis of Merton, wurde von seinem strengen Onkel aufgezogen und von Kindheit an an die Pflichten seines Titels erinnert. Er ist einer der konservativsten und traditionellsten Mitglieder des Adels und trotz seines Reichtums eher wenig beliebt. Als er nun eine Ehefrau sucht, alarmiert dies seine besorgte Mutter, die unbedingt verhindern will, dass sein Leben weiterhin in eine falsche Richtung steuert. Und so ist sie äußerst erfreut, als Dominic Interesse an Miss Dorothea Stern zeigt, die das komplette Gegenteil von ihm ist. Aber kann Dom für die temperamentvolle und fortschrittliche Dotty seine Standesdünkel überwinden?
Bereits im ersten Band der Reihe sorgte Dominic mit seinen veralteten Ansichten und wenig hilfreichen Beiträgen mehr für Kopfschütteln als für Sympathien. Von seinen Cousinen wird er verspottet und als „Ihre Marquisheit“ betitelt, was er dank seines bisherigen Verhaltens auch verdient.
Dorothea darf ihre erste Saison bei ihrer besten Freundin in London verbringen und lernt dadurch deren Cousin Dominic kennen. Sie gibt nichts auf Vorurteile, denn in ihrer Gegenwart benimmt sich Dom erstaunlich charmant. Der kann sich sein Verhalten selbst nicht richtig erklären, denn eigentlich dürfte ihn Dotty nicht dermaßen anziehen und faszinieren.
Es kommt wie es kommen muss und das ungleiche Paar findet sich in einer zwangsweisen Verlobung wieder, die Dominic überraschend glücklich macht. Es ist sehr witzig und unterhaltsam, wie der pflichtbewusste Marquis glaubt, dass er seine zukünftige Ehefrau irgendwie kontrollieren könnte. Spaß und Spontanität gehörten bisher nicht unbedingt zu seinem Leben und Dotty überrollt seinen verstaubten Alltag wie eine Naturgewalt.
Die Autorin mixt ihre amüsante Lovestory mit einigen spannende Intrigen und dramatischen Verwicklungen. Es wird also nicht langweilig bei Dorothea und Dominic und ich hatte viel Spaß beim Lesen. Besonders die Nebenfiguren sind wieder großartig, ob es nun die trockenen Kommentare von Doms Cousin Matt oder Dottys exzentrische Großmutter sind.
Mein Fazit:
Das Buch sorgt für beste Unterhaltung und ich gebe sehr gern eine Leseempfehlung!
Dominic, der Marquis of Merton, wurde von seinem strengen Onkel aufgezogen und von Kindheit an an die Pflichten seines Titels erinnert. Er ist einer der konservativsten und traditionellsten Mitglieder des Adels und trotz seines Reichtums eher wenig beliebt. Als er nun eine Ehefrau sucht, alarmiert dies seine besorgte Mutter, die unbedingt verhindern will, dass sein Leben weiterhin in eine falsche Richtung steuert. Und so ist sie äußerst erfreut, als Dominic Interesse an Miss Dorothea Stern zeigt, die das komplette Gegenteil von ihm ist. Aber kann Dom für die temperamentvolle und fortschrittliche Dotty seine Standesdünkel überwinden?
Bereits im ersten Band der Reihe sorgte Dominic mit seinen veralteten Ansichten und wenig hilfreichen Beiträgen mehr für Kopfschütteln als für Sympathien. Von seinen Cousinen wird er verspottet und als „Ihre Marquisheit“ betitelt, was er dank seines bisherigen Verhaltens auch verdient.
Dorothea darf ihre erste Saison bei ihrer besten Freundin in London verbringen und lernt dadurch deren Cousin Dominic kennen. Sie gibt nichts auf Vorurteile, denn in ihrer Gegenwart benimmt sich Dom erstaunlich charmant. Der kann sich sein Verhalten selbst nicht richtig erklären, denn eigentlich dürfte ihn Dotty nicht dermaßen anziehen und faszinieren.
Es kommt wie es kommen muss und das ungleiche Paar findet sich in einer zwangsweisen Verlobung wieder, die Dominic überraschend glücklich macht. Es ist sehr witzig und unterhaltsam, wie der pflichtbewusste Marquis glaubt, dass er seine zukünftige Ehefrau irgendwie kontrollieren könnte. Spaß und Spontanität gehörten bisher nicht unbedingt zu seinem Leben und Dotty überrollt seinen verstaubten Alltag wie eine Naturgewalt.
Die Autorin mixt ihre amüsante Lovestory mit einigen spannende Intrigen und dramatischen Verwicklungen. Es wird also nicht langweilig bei Dorothea und Dominic und ich hatte viel Spaß beim Lesen. Besonders die Nebenfiguren sind wieder großartig, ob es nun die trockenen Kommentare von Doms Cousin Matt oder Dottys exzentrische Großmutter sind.
Mein Fazit:
Das Buch sorgt für beste Unterhaltung und ich gebe sehr gern eine Leseempfehlung!
August 28, 2016
This story had quite a few good parts - but overall it took me awhile to finish due to the simple fact that it was hard to stay invested in this story and these characters. There was A LOT of repetition especially with Dominic's character. Yes - I understand that his uncle raised him a certain way and taught him some really backwards ways of thinking - I don't need to be reminded of this fact every time he starts feeling some type of emotion.
Then there was the "danger" aspect of things which - honestly didn't really make sense. This was in two parts. In part one we meet the owner of a seedy boardinghouse that happens to house families who sells children after their parents wind up dead. The men the child were sold to seemingly disappear - until they come back near the end. Where were they during the rest of the story? Where was the threat to the child? It seemed as though they were thrown in just as a form of closure when honestly? It wasn't needed.
Then in part two (I say parts even though these happened throughout the story) you have someone conniving to separate our Hero and Heroine. They go so far as to concoct a scheme that theoretically should work - and then they give it all up over a conversation? The Heroine is reunited with her Hero with little problem? That particular story-line left me wanting more. A lot more.
Now I know I've been tearing this book down a bit - but these are my own personal grievances. This author does have a solid writing style and a way of endearing certain characters to the reader right off the bat. Also - I have to give credit where it is due, this is the second book in the series, but I did not feel confused having not read the first story. Everything was done in such a way that it was easy to understand and feel caught up on past events.
Overall, I am certain that this book will appeal to a variety of people, and I would read more from this author, this particular story just wasn't for me.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
Then there was the "danger" aspect of things which - honestly didn't really make sense. This was in two parts. In part one we meet the owner of a seedy boardinghouse that happens to house families who sells children after their parents wind up dead. The men the child were sold to seemingly disappear - until they come back near the end. Where were they during the rest of the story? Where was the threat to the child? It seemed as though they were thrown in just as a form of closure when honestly? It wasn't needed.
Then in part two (I say parts even though these happened throughout the story) you have someone conniving to separate our Hero and Heroine. They go so far as to concoct a scheme that theoretically should work - and then they give it all up over a conversation? The Heroine is reunited with her Hero with little problem? That particular story-line left me wanting more. A lot more.
Now I know I've been tearing this book down a bit - but these are my own personal grievances. This author does have a solid writing style and a way of endearing certain characters to the reader right off the bat. Also - I have to give credit where it is due, this is the second book in the series, but I did not feel confused having not read the first story. Everything was done in such a way that it was easy to understand and feel caught up on past events.
Overall, I am certain that this book will appeal to a variety of people, and I would read more from this author, this particular story just wasn't for me.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
August 27, 2016
This story continues on from Three weeks to Wed the first Worthington story but could be read alone. Dorothea Stern best friend of Charlotte Carpenter thinks she can’t travel to London as her mother has broken her leg. Grace & Matt, Earl & Countess of Worthington invite Dotty to stay with them. Dotty promises her parents that she won’t take any waifs & strays to the Worthingtons, something Dotty is apt to do as she believes everyone needs a chance.
Dotty is welcomed with open arms but floors their stuffy, cousin Dominic, the Marquis of Merton, he’s never seen anyone so beautiful.
Dom was raised by his maternal uncle who believed a Marquis had to do his duty & love & compassion had no place n his life. Dotty rescues a litter of kittens & so Dom finds himself the owner of two of the kittens. Dotty rescues a little boy stealing an apple. Dom can’t refuse her & gradually Dom begins to question whether his uncle Alistair was correct.
As the granddaughter of the Duke of Bristol, Dotty is schooled in the ways and means of the nobility. But her sharp wit and outspoken nature has everyone in a tizzy
A heart-warming story which reminded me of Georgette Heyer’s Arabella, although Dom is nothing like Mr Beaumaris. Dom didn’t suddenly change his views overnight but it was a gradual process. Dotty or Thea was very likeable, quite headstrong & forthright. Good to meet the characters from the first in the series too. Dom started out as a self-righteous prig but had changed by the end of the story into a likeable character. Definitely looking forward to Charlotte & Louisa’s stories & also a hint for the Dowager Countess?
I received an ARC copy
Dotty is welcomed with open arms but floors their stuffy, cousin Dominic, the Marquis of Merton, he’s never seen anyone so beautiful.
Dom was raised by his maternal uncle who believed a Marquis had to do his duty & love & compassion had no place n his life. Dotty rescues a litter of kittens & so Dom finds himself the owner of two of the kittens. Dotty rescues a little boy stealing an apple. Dom can’t refuse her & gradually Dom begins to question whether his uncle Alistair was correct.
As the granddaughter of the Duke of Bristol, Dotty is schooled in the ways and means of the nobility. But her sharp wit and outspoken nature has everyone in a tizzy
A heart-warming story which reminded me of Georgette Heyer’s Arabella, although Dom is nothing like Mr Beaumaris. Dom didn’t suddenly change his views overnight but it was a gradual process. Dotty or Thea was very likeable, quite headstrong & forthright. Good to meet the characters from the first in the series too. Dom started out as a self-righteous prig but had changed by the end of the story into a likeable character. Definitely looking forward to Charlotte & Louisa’s stories & also a hint for the Dowager Countess?
I received an ARC copy
August 26, 2016
My thoughts:
I have to admit it took me a couple of chapters to get into the story. However from then on I began to sit back and enjoy reading this book. The plot moved at a good pace with plenty of romance and a bit of danger. I was definitely entertained as Dotty and Dom tried to get to their happy ending. Will they succeed?
I liked Dotty pretty much from the beginning as she came across so friendly and kind. It was great how Dotty kept rescuing things it made her character all the more endearing.
On the other hand it did take me a while to warm up to Dom, this was however down to his stuffy upbringing. Then as his character developed I got to see his kinder side which made him much more likeable. There was definitely good character development which Dom was a perfect example of.
Overall:
This is the second book in The Worthington series but can be easily read as a standalone. Although it would be good to also read the story of Grace and Matt in the first book -Three Weeks To Wed.
For an easy going story with a lovely simmering romance then When a Marquis Chooses a Bride is perfect for you!
Four stars from me!
Thank you to Kensington Books & Netgalley for my copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased opinion.
August 29, 2016
Pride and consequence take a beating!
Why is it always a pleasure to see the high-in-the-instep stuffy peer fall for the riotous, troublesome female? A female who loosens him from his elevated bonds and trappings of his self importance to reveal the real man beneath.
When Dotty's (Dorothea Stern, granddaughter of the Duke of Bristol) actions inveigle Dominic, the Marquis of Merton, into defending her he finds himself thinking more about her than he should.
This from the man who has composed a list of suitable women to marry. Dotty definitely is not in their class. I must say she is in a class all of her own. She has all the smarts to become an 'incomparable', an 'original' (in a good sense).
After all, 'he neither wished nor expected to love his wife. His uncle had been exceedingly clear that strong passion and emotions were to be avoided in marriage. They lead to disaster'.
The problem is that Dominic was raised by this rigid uncle who drilled into Dominic a sense of his rightful consequence.
So prig meets an original and is taken for a roller coaster of a ride towards the messy consequences of love, with many hilarious moments.
I loved this continuation of The Worthington's series.
A NetGalley ARC
Why is it always a pleasure to see the high-in-the-instep stuffy peer fall for the riotous, troublesome female? A female who loosens him from his elevated bonds and trappings of his self importance to reveal the real man beneath.
When Dotty's (Dorothea Stern, granddaughter of the Duke of Bristol) actions inveigle Dominic, the Marquis of Merton, into defending her he finds himself thinking more about her than he should.
This from the man who has composed a list of suitable women to marry. Dotty definitely is not in their class. I must say she is in a class all of her own. She has all the smarts to become an 'incomparable', an 'original' (in a good sense).
After all, 'he neither wished nor expected to love his wife. His uncle had been exceedingly clear that strong passion and emotions were to be avoided in marriage. They lead to disaster'.
The problem is that Dominic was raised by this rigid uncle who drilled into Dominic a sense of his rightful consequence.
So prig meets an original and is taken for a roller coaster of a ride towards the messy consequences of love, with many hilarious moments.
I loved this continuation of The Worthington's series.
A NetGalley ARC
September 4, 2016
A charming story. I loved the transformation that Dominic went through, from a bit of a stuffed shirt to a Marquis in love. Dom and Thea made a lovely couple.
Very enjoyable reading!
Very enjoyable reading!
July 24, 2023
Heroine: Dorothea Stern, under 22. Nicknames: Dottie and Thea. Daughter of a baronet and grand-daughter of the Duke of Bristol.
Hero: Dominic Bradford, 27. Nickname: Dom. Marquis of Merton.
Date: 1815 (based on information in book 1 of series)
How they meet: Dom and Dotty first meet at a park in London when Dotty is on a walk with her friends, one of whom is Dom’s cousin.
What happens: Dotty’s mother broke her leg and her best friend’s family offered to sponsor her for the season so she wouldn’t have to miss it. Dom is the disliked cousin of Dotty’s friend’s new sister by marriage. They all think him a snob and disagree with his conservative politics. Even Dom’s mother is frustrated with him and hopes for a match with a more progressive woman who will stand up to him and cure some of his stodginess. He was mainly raised by an uncle who constantly reminded him of his duty and discouraged any interaction with people not of his class.
Dom and Dotty have an immediate connection. However when Dom learns she is merely the daughter of a baronet, he’s not sure that she’s marchioness material. Dom’s male cousin (whose household Dotty is staying in) warns Dom to stay away from Dotty. Despite this, he doesn’t see the harm in spending time with Dotty and finds himself drawn into her causes--first rescuing kittens and later a child thief. He is such a snob that he doesn’t like the nickname “Dotty” and begins to think of her as “Thea.”
Verdict: The hero of this story is a total snob and will be a familiar character to readers of the first book in the series as he appears as a secondary character in it. The heroine is sweet, a little naïve, and has a very big heart for anyone in need of rescue. Even though the two are opposites (he’s conservative, she’s progressive), they get along and like each other right from the start. Outside influences are a big part of what makes them hesitant to be together (for the hero, it’s his uncle’s voice in his head and for the heroine, it is the opinions of the family she is staying with). The two have good chemistry and there is even a little humor in their story. The book has some strong non-romance plot aspects, one of which is related to bringing down a small crime ring. That side story plays a pivotal role in the hero’s personal development. Another side story involves a young woman who had hoped to marry the hero and her scheming cousin. Both are well-integrated with the main story line. Because the heroine is living in the household of the couple from book 1 of the series, it is best to read the series in order. Also, this story overlaps in characters and timeframe with the Marriage Game series, although it isn’t necessary to have read that series first. Timeline wise, this comes between books 2 and 3 of that series.
Steam-level: steamy and explicit
Rating: 4 stars
Hero: Dominic Bradford, 27. Nickname: Dom. Marquis of Merton.
Date: 1815 (based on information in book 1 of series)
How they meet: Dom and Dotty first meet at a park in London when Dotty is on a walk with her friends, one of whom is Dom’s cousin.
What happens: Dotty’s mother broke her leg and her best friend’s family offered to sponsor her for the season so she wouldn’t have to miss it. Dom is the disliked cousin of Dotty’s friend’s new sister by marriage. They all think him a snob and disagree with his conservative politics. Even Dom’s mother is frustrated with him and hopes for a match with a more progressive woman who will stand up to him and cure some of his stodginess. He was mainly raised by an uncle who constantly reminded him of his duty and discouraged any interaction with people not of his class.
Dom and Dotty have an immediate connection. However when Dom learns she is merely the daughter of a baronet, he’s not sure that she’s marchioness material. Dom’s male cousin (whose household Dotty is staying in) warns Dom to stay away from Dotty. Despite this, he doesn’t see the harm in spending time with Dotty and finds himself drawn into her causes--first rescuing kittens and later a child thief. He is such a snob that he doesn’t like the nickname “Dotty” and begins to think of her as “Thea.”
Verdict: The hero of this story is a total snob and will be a familiar character to readers of the first book in the series as he appears as a secondary character in it. The heroine is sweet, a little naïve, and has a very big heart for anyone in need of rescue. Even though the two are opposites (he’s conservative, she’s progressive), they get along and like each other right from the start. Outside influences are a big part of what makes them hesitant to be together (for the hero, it’s his uncle’s voice in his head and for the heroine, it is the opinions of the family she is staying with). The two have good chemistry and there is even a little humor in their story. The book has some strong non-romance plot aspects, one of which is related to bringing down a small crime ring. That side story plays a pivotal role in the hero’s personal development. Another side story involves a young woman who had hoped to marry the hero and her scheming cousin. Both are well-integrated with the main story line. Because the heroine is living in the household of the couple from book 1 of the series, it is best to read the series in order. Also, this story overlaps in characters and timeframe with the Marriage Game series, although it isn’t necessary to have read that series first. Timeline wise, this comes between books 2 and 3 of that series.
Steam-level: steamy and explicit
Rating: 4 stars
June 9, 2021
Enjoyable
Despite having pages of different characters, the story kept my interest with a kidnapping, a contrived compromise, fighting human traffickers and reforming a priggish hero. There was also enough steam to make things exciting. The writing was smooth, although there were times that there were scenes and details that were unnecessary to the story
Spoilers below!
Hero’s past is mentioned a few times, as having boring mistresses or never having experienced passion as he does for the heroine, ect. Nothing explicit or excessive. Heroine is innocent in all ways, gives the hero the gift of claiming all of her firsts. There is other woman drama, but no OM. Ow is not evil, just misled. No cheating or abuse. Possible triggers: MCs rescue women forced into prostitution and opium use.
Despite having pages of different characters, the story kept my interest with a kidnapping, a contrived compromise, fighting human traffickers and reforming a priggish hero. There was also enough steam to make things exciting. The writing was smooth, although there were times that there were scenes and details that were unnecessary to the story
Spoilers below!
Hero’s past is mentioned a few times, as having boring mistresses or never having experienced passion as he does for the heroine, ect. Nothing explicit or excessive. Heroine is innocent in all ways, gives the hero the gift of claiming all of her firsts. There is other woman drama, but no OM. Ow is not evil, just misled. No cheating or abuse. Possible triggers: MCs rescue women forced into prostitution and opium use.
August 3, 2025
On second thought, I DNF’d this with about 60 pages left. At first I loved the idea of a hero being sheltered and needing his eyes opened by the heroine. But at some point that got old and the sex scenes were so short as to be laughable (for the main event, I literally thought, “was that it?”). I have the rest of the series from the library, but they’re going back Monday instead.
April 19, 2017
Another great addition to this series. So glad I found it. Happy reading!
June 3, 2017
Delightful read as usual from Ms. Quinn. Dom reminded me of Henry Higgins in My Fair Lady. Dorothea was the perfect woman to shake up his life. This one's going on my Keeper Shelf.
Read
March 13, 2019Wonderful
A lovely exciting addition to this series! Love the humor and fun a large family adds to the story and the addition of finding another is heartwarming! Good read!
A lovely exciting addition to this series! Love the humor and fun a large family adds to the story and the addition of finding another is heartwarming! Good read!
October 15, 2016
3.5 stars: a resounding, if mostly simplistic re: the social justice themes in the plot, improvement on the first
September 11, 2020
Dotty was the star of this book.
Looking forward to reading more of this series.
Looking forward to reading more of this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 215 reviews