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Highland Brides #2
Mad About the Marquess
WHEN A LADY TAKES TO THE ROADS TO PLAY ROBIN HOODLady Quince Winthrop has been robbing from society's rich and giving to Edinburgh's poor for years. But everything changes the day she can't resist the temptation to steal from the Marquess of Cairn.SHE MUST BE ON HER GUARD AGAINST HER SHERIFF OF NOTTINGHAMAlasdair, Marquess of Cairn, has come back to Scotland to stop a thief, never thinking that the lass he's trying to woo is about to give him a lesson in larceny he won't be able to forget. From the twisted streets of Auld Reeky, to the hills of the highlands, Quince leads Alasdair on a merry chase, and finds that the one man she can't fall for is the one man she can't resist.
372 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 5, 2016
289 people are currently reading
539 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Essex
45 books332 followersWhen not re-reading Jane Austen, sipping tea or mucking about her garden, Elizabeth Essex can be found at her computer, making up wonderful stories about people who live far more interesting lives than she.
Elizabeth Essex
It wasn’t always so. Elizabeth graduated from Hollins College with a BA in Classical Studies and Art History, and then earned her MA from Texas A&M University in Nautical Archaeology, also known as the archaeology of shipwrecks. While Elizabeth loved the life of a working archaeologist, after writing and reading all those dry, dusty reports on ship construction, she would daydream about how lovely it would have been if only someone had fallen in love on just one of those ships. And so now she writes stories about just that.
Elizabeth lives in Texas with her family, in a house filled to the brim with books.
Elizabeth Essex
It wasn’t always so. Elizabeth graduated from Hollins College with a BA in Classical Studies and Art History, and then earned her MA from Texas A&M University in Nautical Archaeology, also known as the archaeology of shipwrecks. While Elizabeth loved the life of a working archaeologist, after writing and reading all those dry, dusty reports on ship construction, she would daydream about how lovely it would have been if only someone had fallen in love on just one of those ships. And so now she writes stories about just that.
Elizabeth lives in Texas with her family, in a house filled to the brim with books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
April 3, 2016
2.5 stars
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Lady Quince has a rebel streak a mile wide but has managed to direct it for good by playing a bit of a Robin Hood. However, when the Marquess of Cairn comes back home after his grandfather's death and is charged with finding out who the thief is, Quince has a worthy adversary. Years ago, Alasdair Marquess of Cairn was courting Quince's sister but he was always amused by the younger sister. Now all grown up, wee Quince is not only amusing him but stirring up his desire. He needs to find the thief and the new highwayman so he can devote more time to the hoyden while Quince needs to decide if her attraction to Alasdair is too dangerous for her heart and her life.
I was highly anticipating this new release by Ms. Essex as her "Scandal to Remember" was my favorite book read in 2015. While that one had a nice balance of adventure and character interaction, this one seemed to be mostly concerned with a character driven plot, specifically, the heroine. Quince is the star of the show and who leads us through the vast majority of the story. Seeing so many of her fellow Scottish being turned off the land in favor of sheep, has her pocketing trinkets left forgotten by the upper class and turning over the profits to a local church to help support them. Her compulsion to steal, she admits that it has more to do with thrill seeking than altruism, is the nucleus of the plot. Now, that part about stealing from rich to give to poor makes her a fun character to read about but as I mentioned, it's clearly stated by Quince, more than once, that even if there weren't poor, she'd feel the need to steal. This along with her reckless, borderline TSTL, attitude made her not so much fun to read. Others may not mind her personality traits but I was never truly comfortable with her and not liking the heroine definitely colored how I felt about the story overall.
Our hero, Alasdair (Quince calls him Straithcairn, his old title, for most of the story but for simplicity, I'll stick with Alasdair) was a great complementary component to Quince. He wasn't bowled over by her and matched her word play but his character overall, was overshadowed. As this is mostly Quince's story, we miss more povs by Alasdair and even though some of his backstory is alluded to throughout the story and supposed to be dramatic, the character never felt like he reached his full potential. He is lead about too much by Quince to be the domineering hero I usually gravitate towards in romance.
The writing and flow of the story is a little different, the scenes seemed to stretch out longer. The first 20% could almost be called one scene on its own. They mostly consist of Quince and Alasdair verbally sparring with one another, not so much hostile combative as rousing vying. I like word play but the scenes were so long and so filled with word play, that it out played itself. I found myself growing annoyed with the heroine and wanting the hero to give up on her, especially when she decides out of nowhere to step up her criminal activities in a harebrained scheme that seemed pretty pointless. As the reader, I was often exasperated with the heroine, which left little room for me to fully know the hero and engross myself in their romance.
The world play mostly stands in substitute for bedroom scenes, there are a few making out scenes but even after our couple is married, you're in for a wait for the big payoff. There was a lot of breast talk and how the hero liked what the heroine had to offer, which got a bit repetitive. The heroine's mother and sister make small appearances and there's a small villain role that felt forced in. Other than that, it's pretty much our couple trying to outwit and talk one another. I'm typically a hero-centric reader and the heroine's hubris was a bit of a turnoff but readers who like somewhat larcenous and sassy heroines may not have the same problems I did.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Lady Quince has a rebel streak a mile wide but has managed to direct it for good by playing a bit of a Robin Hood. However, when the Marquess of Cairn comes back home after his grandfather's death and is charged with finding out who the thief is, Quince has a worthy adversary. Years ago, Alasdair Marquess of Cairn was courting Quince's sister but he was always amused by the younger sister. Now all grown up, wee Quince is not only amusing him but stirring up his desire. He needs to find the thief and the new highwayman so he can devote more time to the hoyden while Quince needs to decide if her attraction to Alasdair is too dangerous for her heart and her life.
I was highly anticipating this new release by Ms. Essex as her "Scandal to Remember" was my favorite book read in 2015. While that one had a nice balance of adventure and character interaction, this one seemed to be mostly concerned with a character driven plot, specifically, the heroine. Quince is the star of the show and who leads us through the vast majority of the story. Seeing so many of her fellow Scottish being turned off the land in favor of sheep, has her pocketing trinkets left forgotten by the upper class and turning over the profits to a local church to help support them. Her compulsion to steal, she admits that it has more to do with thrill seeking than altruism, is the nucleus of the plot. Now, that part about stealing from rich to give to poor makes her a fun character to read about but as I mentioned, it's clearly stated by Quince, more than once, that even if there weren't poor, she'd feel the need to steal. This along with her reckless, borderline TSTL, attitude made her not so much fun to read. Others may not mind her personality traits but I was never truly comfortable with her and not liking the heroine definitely colored how I felt about the story overall.
Our hero, Alasdair (Quince calls him Straithcairn, his old title, for most of the story but for simplicity, I'll stick with Alasdair) was a great complementary component to Quince. He wasn't bowled over by her and matched her word play but his character overall, was overshadowed. As this is mostly Quince's story, we miss more povs by Alasdair and even though some of his backstory is alluded to throughout the story and supposed to be dramatic, the character never felt like he reached his full potential. He is lead about too much by Quince to be the domineering hero I usually gravitate towards in romance.
The writing and flow of the story is a little different, the scenes seemed to stretch out longer. The first 20% could almost be called one scene on its own. They mostly consist of Quince and Alasdair verbally sparring with one another, not so much hostile combative as rousing vying. I like word play but the scenes were so long and so filled with word play, that it out played itself. I found myself growing annoyed with the heroine and wanting the hero to give up on her, especially when she decides out of nowhere to step up her criminal activities in a harebrained scheme that seemed pretty pointless. As the reader, I was often exasperated with the heroine, which left little room for me to fully know the hero and engross myself in their romance.
The world play mostly stands in substitute for bedroom scenes, there are a few making out scenes but even after our couple is married, you're in for a wait for the big payoff. There was a lot of breast talk and how the hero liked what the heroine had to offer, which got a bit repetitive. The heroine's mother and sister make small appearances and there's a small villain role that felt forced in. Other than that, it's pretty much our couple trying to outwit and talk one another. I'm typically a hero-centric reader and the heroine's hubris was a bit of a turnoff but readers who like somewhat larcenous and sassy heroines may not have the same problems I did.
April 5, 2016
I received an eARC, from NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
'Mad About the Marquess" is book one in the 'The Highland Brides' series by Elizabeth Essex.
Lady Quince Winthrop has always been a little bit of a rebel but not she has taken it to a new level. Quince is tired of seeing her fellow Scottish being taken from their land in favor of sheep. Quince has went forward and tired to help the people by taking items from the 'rich to give to the poor'.
Alasdair, Marquess of Cairn has come back to town after his grandfather's death and is set to find who the thief is. Alasdair has know Quince from a earlier time when he used to court her sister. Now Alasdair has set his eye on Quince and wants to hurry up his investigation so that he can work toward getting Quince.
Really Great Read that I would recommend!
Follow my reviews through these links..thanks!
http://sissymaereads.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/sally.mae.39...
https://www.facebook.com/groups/17091...
'Mad About the Marquess" is book one in the 'The Highland Brides' series by Elizabeth Essex.
Lady Quince Winthrop has always been a little bit of a rebel but not she has taken it to a new level. Quince is tired of seeing her fellow Scottish being taken from their land in favor of sheep. Quince has went forward and tired to help the people by taking items from the 'rich to give to the poor'.
Alasdair, Marquess of Cairn has come back to town after his grandfather's death and is set to find who the thief is. Alasdair has know Quince from a earlier time when he used to court her sister. Now Alasdair has set his eye on Quince and wants to hurry up his investigation so that he can work toward getting Quince.
Really Great Read that I would recommend!
Follow my reviews through these links..thanks!
http://sissymaereads.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/sally.mae.39...
https://www.facebook.com/groups/17091...
dnf
March 21, 2018No rating from me since this DNF is purely a result of personal preference.
I read to page 128 and I am calling it quits. The writing in this is as elegant and frothy as usual, but I feel misled by the book blurb. The story makes it seem like the heroine is a Robin Hood of sorts, trying to save her community with the only tool at her disposal...on the gray side of the law.
Unfortunately, wee Quince (I really got tired of the wee part) is just a spoiled, clever, rich girl who is bored and searching for a thrill. She has other options for charity, she just steals and then gives it away because she likes the thrill but needs something to ease her conscience.
At first, I was willing to overlook it to see if she grew as a character or if her time with Strathcairn would give her the thrill and contentment she needed to redirect her habits to better things, but alas, it actually causes her to become incredibly stupid-- .
After having Quince presented as such a clever, if morally misguided, character, this caused the story to become unbelievable for me. This girl had problems...and I kept thinking that there was an enormous age gap between her and the hero due to his staidness and her lack of maturity. I just couldn't believe the romance after this.
The writing is still distinctive Essex and I love reading the wordplay, but because I really couldn't connect with the heroine and knew I wouldn't like her throughout the novel, I just didn't want to keep reading.
I read to page 128 and I am calling it quits. The writing in this is as elegant and frothy as usual, but I feel misled by the book blurb. The story makes it seem like the heroine is a Robin Hood of sorts, trying to save her community with the only tool at her disposal...on the gray side of the law.
Unfortunately, wee Quince (I really got tired of the wee part) is just a spoiled, clever, rich girl who is bored and searching for a thrill. She has other options for charity, she just steals and then gives it away because she likes the thrill but needs something to ease her conscience.
At first, I was willing to overlook it to see if she grew as a character or if her time with Strathcairn would give her the thrill and contentment she needed to redirect her habits to better things, but alas, it actually causes her to become incredibly stupid-- .
After having Quince presented as such a clever, if morally misguided, character, this caused the story to become unbelievable for me. This girl had problems...and I kept thinking that there was an enormous age gap between her and the hero due to his staidness and her lack of maturity. I just couldn't believe the romance after this.
The writing is still distinctive Essex and I love reading the wordplay, but because I really couldn't connect with the heroine and knew I wouldn't like her throughout the novel, I just didn't want to keep reading.
Read
April 6, 2016I will refrain from rating this book because I couldn't make myself finish the story. A woman pretending to be a man is a deal breaker for me. I don't understand the allure. It's my mistake, I never should have started reading this book once I read that the heroine was some kind of a Robin Hood.
*I received an ARC for the book from the publisher on NetGalley
*I received an ARC for the book from the publisher on NetGalley
September 18, 2016
I've given this a C+ at AAR, so that's 3.5 stars.
This is the first full-length novel in Elizabeth Essex’s Highland Brides series, and takes place some two years after the events of the prequel novella, Mad for Love which I reviewed here. Some of the elements I particularly enjoyed about the novella are present here – the sprightliness of the writing, the warmth and the humour, for instance – but I confess that I actually found Mad About the Marquess difficult to rate for a number of reasons.
Lady Quince Winthrop – her father is a famous botanist who named all his daughters after plants – is nineteen years old, beautiful, vivacious, headstrong and reckless. For the best part of three years she has been stealing from the wealthy citizens of Edinburgh and giving the proceeds to the poor – although her stealing is more akin to that of a magpie in that she picks up all the shiny stuff that people carelessly misplace and leave behind, snuffboxes, fans and the like. Her main tenet is that what’s important about stealing isn’t so much what, how or why she steals, but who she steals from - as choosing the wrong mark could lead to discovery. The thing is, that no sooner does she think that than she goes against it by determining to steal the silver buttons from the coat of Alasdair Colquhoun, who is exactly the sort of man she knows she should avoid.
Alasdair, who inherited the title of Marquess of Cairn upon the recent death of his grandfather, has returned to Edinburgh after five years in London where he has made a name for himself in political circles. Quince last saw him years ago when he courted one of her sisters, although she remembers him being much more carefree and open than he appears to be now. His reason for returning home is twofold; one is to assume the responsibilities of his title and the other is because he has been asked to investigate the series of petty thefts that have been plaguing Edinburgh society for the last few years.
The sparks fly between the couple right from the start; Quince and Alasdair are intensely attracted to each other and their witty sparring is sexually charged right from the outset. Most of the time, their quickfire exchanges are delightful, and Ms Essex very wisely keeps the foreplay verbal until much later in the book. There’s the real sense that that the “flibbertigibbet” Quince has met her match in the handsome, red-headed marquess, but when something happens to cause Quince to step up her activities, Alasdair is faced with the prospect of hunting down a petty thief AND the newly appeared gentleman of the road, Monsieur Minuit. Things take a serious turn when rumour has the mysterious highwayman bearing a physical resemblance to Alasdair and Quince’s attempt to divert suspicion from him goes badly awry.
I can’t say that I didn’t enjoy the book, because on some level I did; but I had too many issues with it to be able to give it a wholehearted recommendation. Whereas I felt that Mad for Love was rather rushed, with too much material and not enough space, the opposite is true here. There is a lot of padding, which usually takes the form of Alasdair and Quince trading quips and then snogging each other’s faces off; and I’m afraid that after the first one or two sessions, I started to skim them because I wanted to move on with the story. Alasdair is the perfect foil for Quince; a deliciously sexy and authoritative hero with a wicked sense of humour, but he’s almost pushed into the background for much of the story because the focus is so firmly on Quince and her hair-brained schemes. Reference is made to a scandal in his past, but it’s not fully explored and feels like a wasted opportunity; in fact, Alasdair himself is rather a wasted opportunity. He had the potential to be a terrific hero but isn’t given the chance to really shine.
My main problem with the story, however, is the heroine. While Ms Essex is initially careful to keep Quince’s thievery within the bounds of possibility, her sudden decision to up the ante makes no sense and strays too far into TSTL territory for my taste. And when she herself, on several occasions, admits that she doesn’t steal for altruistic motives, but because she likes the thrill it gives her, I really wasn’t sure what I was supposed to think. Was I supposed to cheer for a young woman who refused to bow to the constraints society wanted to impose upon her, or was I supposed to feel sorry for the poor, bored, little rich girl? I don’t know, but what I actually thought was closer to “what a pain in the arse!”
I wanted to like Mad About the Marquess more than I did, which is why I struggled to grade it. In its favour, the writing is strong, there is plenty of humour and Quince and Alasdair have great chemistry; but on the downside there is a villain who is little more than an afterthought, readers will need a large capacity to suspend their disbelief and there is lot of repetition. I got fed up with the constant references to Quince’s “magnificent breasts”, the myriad variations on “holy iced macaroons!” as her favourite swear (my Kindle counted forty-three of them) were incredibly irritating, and if I’d used “by jimble” as the basis for a drinking game, I’d be unconscious by now.
Mind you, I did think that “holy painted trollops!” had some merit.
This is the first full-length novel in Elizabeth Essex’s Highland Brides series, and takes place some two years after the events of the prequel novella, Mad for Love which I reviewed here. Some of the elements I particularly enjoyed about the novella are present here – the sprightliness of the writing, the warmth and the humour, for instance – but I confess that I actually found Mad About the Marquess difficult to rate for a number of reasons.
Lady Quince Winthrop – her father is a famous botanist who named all his daughters after plants – is nineteen years old, beautiful, vivacious, headstrong and reckless. For the best part of three years she has been stealing from the wealthy citizens of Edinburgh and giving the proceeds to the poor – although her stealing is more akin to that of a magpie in that she picks up all the shiny stuff that people carelessly misplace and leave behind, snuffboxes, fans and the like. Her main tenet is that what’s important about stealing isn’t so much what, how or why she steals, but who she steals from - as choosing the wrong mark could lead to discovery. The thing is, that no sooner does she think that than she goes against it by determining to steal the silver buttons from the coat of Alasdair Colquhoun, who is exactly the sort of man she knows she should avoid.
Alasdair, who inherited the title of Marquess of Cairn upon the recent death of his grandfather, has returned to Edinburgh after five years in London where he has made a name for himself in political circles. Quince last saw him years ago when he courted one of her sisters, although she remembers him being much more carefree and open than he appears to be now. His reason for returning home is twofold; one is to assume the responsibilities of his title and the other is because he has been asked to investigate the series of petty thefts that have been plaguing Edinburgh society for the last few years.
The sparks fly between the couple right from the start; Quince and Alasdair are intensely attracted to each other and their witty sparring is sexually charged right from the outset. Most of the time, their quickfire exchanges are delightful, and Ms Essex very wisely keeps the foreplay verbal until much later in the book. There’s the real sense that that the “flibbertigibbet” Quince has met her match in the handsome, red-headed marquess, but when something happens to cause Quince to step up her activities, Alasdair is faced with the prospect of hunting down a petty thief AND the newly appeared gentleman of the road, Monsieur Minuit. Things take a serious turn when rumour has the mysterious highwayman bearing a physical resemblance to Alasdair and Quince’s attempt to divert suspicion from him goes badly awry.
I can’t say that I didn’t enjoy the book, because on some level I did; but I had too many issues with it to be able to give it a wholehearted recommendation. Whereas I felt that Mad for Love was rather rushed, with too much material and not enough space, the opposite is true here. There is a lot of padding, which usually takes the form of Alasdair and Quince trading quips and then snogging each other’s faces off; and I’m afraid that after the first one or two sessions, I started to skim them because I wanted to move on with the story. Alasdair is the perfect foil for Quince; a deliciously sexy and authoritative hero with a wicked sense of humour, but he’s almost pushed into the background for much of the story because the focus is so firmly on Quince and her hair-brained schemes. Reference is made to a scandal in his past, but it’s not fully explored and feels like a wasted opportunity; in fact, Alasdair himself is rather a wasted opportunity. He had the potential to be a terrific hero but isn’t given the chance to really shine.
My main problem with the story, however, is the heroine. While Ms Essex is initially careful to keep Quince’s thievery within the bounds of possibility, her sudden decision to up the ante makes no sense and strays too far into TSTL territory for my taste. And when she herself, on several occasions, admits that she doesn’t steal for altruistic motives, but because she likes the thrill it gives her, I really wasn’t sure what I was supposed to think. Was I supposed to cheer for a young woman who refused to bow to the constraints society wanted to impose upon her, or was I supposed to feel sorry for the poor, bored, little rich girl? I don’t know, but what I actually thought was closer to “what a pain in the arse!”
I wanted to like Mad About the Marquess more than I did, which is why I struggled to grade it. In its favour, the writing is strong, there is plenty of humour and Quince and Alasdair have great chemistry; but on the downside there is a villain who is little more than an afterthought, readers will need a large capacity to suspend their disbelief and there is lot of repetition. I got fed up with the constant references to Quince’s “magnificent breasts”, the myriad variations on “holy iced macaroons!” as her favourite swear (my Kindle counted forty-three of them) were incredibly irritating, and if I’d used “by jimble” as the basis for a drinking game, I’d be unconscious by now.
Mind you, I did think that “holy painted trollops!” had some merit.
dnf
May 2, 2016DNF
I was really enjoying this, right up until me and the hero got slapped in the face; figuratively in my case, literally in his. Let me explain:
Okay, so the blurb already establishes that Quince is a thief, a lady Robin Hood of sorts, and Alasdair is the man out to catch her, although he has no idea Quince is the culprit he seeks. I was all for this plot, even if I had already read something similar in Karen Hawkins’ wonderful The Prince and I and more recently, the very lackluster How I Married a Marquess by Anna Harrington.
Anyway, Quince and Alastair meet, well re-meet both having known each other years previously, at a ball where they exchange wits and share an undeniable chemistry. I was very happy about this. Until I wasn’t. You see, Quince steals the silver buttons off of Alasdair’s fancy red velvet coat and when he realizes this, he immediately confronts her. Quince, having already stashed her loot, is of course terrified of not only the prospect of discovery but also of Alasdair’s furious wrath. Her fear is obvious and palpable yet she somehow manages to keep her cool. Unfazed by her protestations, Alasdair gets Quince alone, restrains her and proceeds to shove his hand down the front of her bodice, groping her breasts in the process of searching for his precious buttons.
At this point I was WTF-ing so hard because holy shit did that seriously just happen?!
I don’t care if he was right about Quince’s thievery, that still gives him absolutely no right to put his hands on her. To say I was enraged by this sudden turn of events is putting it mildly. And it only got worse.
After Alasdair gropes her WITHOUT CONSENT, instead of kicking him in the balls or running for the hills as she should have, Quince then asks him to teach her how to kiss properly and in exchange she would help him in his hunt for the ‘real’ thief.
WHAT??????????????????????????
This man just assaulted her person and the very next moment she’s hot for him and wants him to kiss her? WHAT SENSE DOES THAT MAKE?!
I hate that this happened because it was totally unnecessary. If Elizabeth Essex had kept the kisses for aid plot and left out the unlawful touching bit, I would have been totally on board. But that scene just kept replaying in my head over and over again and by that point the romance already felt tainted and I couldn’t muster up the will to try and finish the book. Such a bloody shame too since this had so many of my catnip tropes *SIGH*
If this is too spoilery for some, apologies but I felt the need to vent and honestly the scene in question is very triggering and readers have the right to be forewarned.
I was really enjoying this, right up until me and the hero got slapped in the face; figuratively in my case, literally in his. Let me explain:
Okay, so the blurb already establishes that Quince is a thief, a lady Robin Hood of sorts, and Alasdair is the man out to catch her, although he has no idea Quince is the culprit he seeks. I was all for this plot, even if I had already read something similar in Karen Hawkins’ wonderful The Prince and I and more recently, the very lackluster How I Married a Marquess by Anna Harrington.
Anyway, Quince and Alastair meet, well re-meet both having known each other years previously, at a ball where they exchange wits and share an undeniable chemistry. I was very happy about this. Until I wasn’t. You see, Quince steals the silver buttons off of Alasdair’s fancy red velvet coat and when he realizes this, he immediately confronts her. Quince, having already stashed her loot, is of course terrified of not only the prospect of discovery but also of Alasdair’s furious wrath. Her fear is obvious and palpable yet she somehow manages to keep her cool. Unfazed by her protestations, Alasdair gets Quince alone, restrains her and proceeds to shove his hand down the front of her bodice, groping her breasts in the process of searching for his precious buttons.
At this point I was WTF-ing so hard because holy shit did that seriously just happen?!
I don’t care if he was right about Quince’s thievery, that still gives him absolutely no right to put his hands on her. To say I was enraged by this sudden turn of events is putting it mildly. And it only got worse.
After Alasdair gropes her WITHOUT CONSENT, instead of kicking him in the balls or running for the hills as she should have, Quince then asks him to teach her how to kiss properly and in exchange she would help him in his hunt for the ‘real’ thief.
WHAT??????????????????????????
This man just assaulted her person and the very next moment she’s hot for him and wants him to kiss her? WHAT SENSE DOES THAT MAKE?!
I hate that this happened because it was totally unnecessary. If Elizabeth Essex had kept the kisses for aid plot and left out the unlawful touching bit, I would have been totally on board. But that scene just kept replaying in my head over and over again and by that point the romance already felt tainted and I couldn’t muster up the will to try and finish the book. Such a bloody shame too since this had so many of my catnip tropes *SIGH*
If this is too spoilery for some, apologies but I felt the need to vent and honestly the scene in question is very triggering and readers have the right to be forewarned.
March 31, 2016
**Did not finish**
As this book is part of a series entitled Highland Brides, I was expecting more of a Scottish romance. However, it definitely came across more English Regency, since the characters usually used very proper English and mannerisms. They only occasionally slipped into a Scottish dialect. At 20% into, I realized the conversations were not only too prim and proper for my taste but way too lengthy and verbose, as well. For this NetGalley reviewer, it simply wasn’t living up to the synopsis.
I also didn’t understand why such interest was being shown in catching one lone petty thief, who was only stealing small items such as buttons and snuff boxes. Not exactly precious family jewels, folks. The heroine obviously had all the symptoms of a kleptomaniac, stole not just to give money to the poor, but because she was addicted to the adrenaline rush. Yes, she felt a very strong compulsion to steal. Call me crazy, but I have a self-imposed rule I actually need to respect the main characters in my romantic reads. I found myself not liking the leading lady, which ultimately caused me not to care how this book ended. Especially at 35% into it when she got the unrealistic, dangerous, hair-brained idea of dressing up like a French bandit, packing pistols, and robbing people at gunpoint like a rogue highwayman. Once again, I wasn’t particularly a fan of her impulsive nature. Yes, supposedly the guns were not loaded, but that still didn’t keep it from being a stupid idea.
Here’s to hoping you enjoy it, my fellow romance book-loving friends. It just wasn’t for me. I’m keeping my fingers crossed book 2 will feature a claymore swinging, instead of a fist/jaw clenching, hasn’t lived in England so long he’s forgotten his Scottish roots, handsome alpha Scottish hero.
Title: Mad About The Marquess, Series: Highland Brides (Book 1), Author: Elizabeth Essex, stand-alone, hero courted heroine’s older sister previously, did-not-finish, heroine is too impulsive for her own good.
(This review is based on ARC generously provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion. No compensation was paid to the reviewer nor is there any affiliation between the reviewer and author/publisher.)
As this book is part of a series entitled Highland Brides, I was expecting more of a Scottish romance. However, it definitely came across more English Regency, since the characters usually used very proper English and mannerisms. They only occasionally slipped into a Scottish dialect. At 20% into, I realized the conversations were not only too prim and proper for my taste but way too lengthy and verbose, as well. For this NetGalley reviewer, it simply wasn’t living up to the synopsis.
I also didn’t understand why such interest was being shown in catching one lone petty thief, who was only stealing small items such as buttons and snuff boxes. Not exactly precious family jewels, folks. The heroine obviously had all the symptoms of a kleptomaniac, stole not just to give money to the poor, but because she was addicted to the adrenaline rush. Yes, she felt a very strong compulsion to steal. Call me crazy, but I have a self-imposed rule I actually need to respect the main characters in my romantic reads. I found myself not liking the leading lady, which ultimately caused me not to care how this book ended. Especially at 35% into it when she got the unrealistic, dangerous, hair-brained idea of dressing up like a French bandit, packing pistols, and robbing people at gunpoint like a rogue highwayman. Once again, I wasn’t particularly a fan of her impulsive nature. Yes, supposedly the guns were not loaded, but that still didn’t keep it from being a stupid idea.
Here’s to hoping you enjoy it, my fellow romance book-loving friends. It just wasn’t for me. I’m keeping my fingers crossed book 2 will feature a claymore swinging, instead of a fist/jaw clenching, hasn’t lived in England so long he’s forgotten his Scottish roots, handsome alpha Scottish hero.
Title: Mad About The Marquess, Series: Highland Brides (Book 1), Author: Elizabeth Essex, stand-alone, hero courted heroine’s older sister previously, did-not-finish, heroine is too impulsive for her own good.
(This review is based on ARC generously provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion. No compensation was paid to the reviewer nor is there any affiliation between the reviewer and author/publisher.)
April 7, 2016
**I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
I really liked this book - it was not the typical story I have come to expect from Ms. Essex - but it was entirely charming and entertaining.
Quince is the younger sister of a girl that Alasdair used to court five years ago - before a scandal involving him had him all but banished from his home and sent him to London to learn to curb his reckless ways. Quince is drawn to Alasdair - but recognizes that he is no longer the fun loving free spirit she was infatuated with all those years ago.
They meet again at a ball - when Quince steals the buttons off his coat - Quince has a problem - she is a thrill junkie and steals bits and bobs from the members of society to feed her addiction. She donates all the pilfered goods to the church - but she doesn't steal solely to help the poor - she does it for the thrill.
Alasdair is on his way home to Cairn to take over the title of Marquess of Cairn that he has inherited from his grandfather - he has become a respectable, responsible, somewhat dull and sober young man - he has worked hard to repair his reputation and has made a name for himself in parliament. He has been sidetracked to Edinburgh at the request of the crown to find out who is responsible for an ongoing petty thief problem. He is surprised and delighted to be reacquainted with Quince - who he fondly remembers as wee Quince. He is very attracted to her - not only her looks, but her larger than life personality - she is totally wrong for him - but he can't seem help himself. She brings out a side of himself that he thought he had quashed - and he likes it.
After discovering his buttons are missing, he confronts Quince and after a bit of manhandling - is appalled that he was wrong about her. He begs her forgiveness and asks for her help in catching the true thief - she counters his request with one of her own - she wants kissing lessons. Against his better judgement, he agrees - because as much as he denies it - he is also a thrill seeker and she is a thrill like no other.
In light of Alasdair's mission, Quince decides to lay low until he leaves - she hopes her kissing lessons will provide her with the thrill she needs so she can refrain from stealing while he is in town. When they meet again at a masked ball - she has just been confronted by the pastor of the church she usually gives her spoils to and he has questioned why she hasn't made any "donations" recently - Quince denies an knowledge of what he is talking about and tells him that he is mistaken. When Alasdair arrives, he is dressed as a highwayman and unfortunately - this gives Quince a very bad idea. Later they meet in the garden for "lessons" and Quince takes his guns - she leaves the ball and races home to change into her costume and then proceeds to hold up a coach - she barely gets away and almost kills herself and her horse escaping. Later she goes to Alasdair's home and he meets her in the garden - when he is called away by an emergency - she eavesdrops in on his conversation and is appalled to discovered that the Lord Provost thinks that Alasdair might be the highwayman.
Determined to clear his name - Quince rides out again and again narrowly escapes. Her ploy works and while his name has been cleared - Alasdair is more determined than ever to catch his thief.
Days later when they meet again at a ball being held at her home - the truth comes out about Quince and Alasdair is enraged. Quince slips away and when she sees a man collecting his winning from a card game - makes a stupid and rash decision to ride out again as a highwayman. Unbeknownst to her - it is a trap and she ends up getting shot.
She hides out and makes her way home - only to be found by Alasdair - he can't believe he shot her and when they are found by her sister - he declares that they are betrothed and that Quince was hurt in an accident.
They marry and leave immediately for Alasdair's home - Quince is sure that they have made a huge mistake - but wants to earn Alasdair's trust and forgiveness - she has decided to turn over a new leaf and prove herself worthy of him. For his part, Alasdair is torn - he likes Quince, but he doesn't trust her and makes several snap judgements about her that are wrong and hurt her. Slowly they begin to mend the rift between them and start to grow closer.
Things seem to be well on their way to a HEA - when a person from Quince's past shows up and threatens to ruin everything between them. This is where I think Quince showed how much she had changed - instead of doing something stupid - she asked for help from Alasdair, and finally comes clean about everything, in return Alasdair shares his dark past with her as well and they finally begin to truly understand and forgive each other.
Quince lets Alasdair handle her problem and in doing so, gains his trust and love.
I think this was a very interesting book - it was not as steamy as I would have liked, but it had its moments, it was well written with a very fresh plot, it flowed nicely and the ending was very sweet. I would definitely recommend this book and am eagerly awaiting the next installment.
I really liked this book - it was not the typical story I have come to expect from Ms. Essex - but it was entirely charming and entertaining.
Quince is the younger sister of a girl that Alasdair used to court five years ago - before a scandal involving him had him all but banished from his home and sent him to London to learn to curb his reckless ways. Quince is drawn to Alasdair - but recognizes that he is no longer the fun loving free spirit she was infatuated with all those years ago.
They meet again at a ball - when Quince steals the buttons off his coat - Quince has a problem - she is a thrill junkie and steals bits and bobs from the members of society to feed her addiction. She donates all the pilfered goods to the church - but she doesn't steal solely to help the poor - she does it for the thrill.
Alasdair is on his way home to Cairn to take over the title of Marquess of Cairn that he has inherited from his grandfather - he has become a respectable, responsible, somewhat dull and sober young man - he has worked hard to repair his reputation and has made a name for himself in parliament. He has been sidetracked to Edinburgh at the request of the crown to find out who is responsible for an ongoing petty thief problem. He is surprised and delighted to be reacquainted with Quince - who he fondly remembers as wee Quince. He is very attracted to her - not only her looks, but her larger than life personality - she is totally wrong for him - but he can't seem help himself. She brings out a side of himself that he thought he had quashed - and he likes it.
After discovering his buttons are missing, he confronts Quince and after a bit of manhandling - is appalled that he was wrong about her. He begs her forgiveness and asks for her help in catching the true thief - she counters his request with one of her own - she wants kissing lessons. Against his better judgement, he agrees - because as much as he denies it - he is also a thrill seeker and she is a thrill like no other.
In light of Alasdair's mission, Quince decides to lay low until he leaves - she hopes her kissing lessons will provide her with the thrill she needs so she can refrain from stealing while he is in town. When they meet again at a masked ball - she has just been confronted by the pastor of the church she usually gives her spoils to and he has questioned why she hasn't made any "donations" recently - Quince denies an knowledge of what he is talking about and tells him that he is mistaken. When Alasdair arrives, he is dressed as a highwayman and unfortunately - this gives Quince a very bad idea. Later they meet in the garden for "lessons" and Quince takes his guns - she leaves the ball and races home to change into her costume and then proceeds to hold up a coach - she barely gets away and almost kills herself and her horse escaping. Later she goes to Alasdair's home and he meets her in the garden - when he is called away by an emergency - she eavesdrops in on his conversation and is appalled to discovered that the Lord Provost thinks that Alasdair might be the highwayman.
Determined to clear his name - Quince rides out again and again narrowly escapes. Her ploy works and while his name has been cleared - Alasdair is more determined than ever to catch his thief.
Days later when they meet again at a ball being held at her home - the truth comes out about Quince and Alasdair is enraged. Quince slips away and when she sees a man collecting his winning from a card game - makes a stupid and rash decision to ride out again as a highwayman. Unbeknownst to her - it is a trap and she ends up getting shot.
She hides out and makes her way home - only to be found by Alasdair - he can't believe he shot her and when they are found by her sister - he declares that they are betrothed and that Quince was hurt in an accident.
They marry and leave immediately for Alasdair's home - Quince is sure that they have made a huge mistake - but wants to earn Alasdair's trust and forgiveness - she has decided to turn over a new leaf and prove herself worthy of him. For his part, Alasdair is torn - he likes Quince, but he doesn't trust her and makes several snap judgements about her that are wrong and hurt her. Slowly they begin to mend the rift between them and start to grow closer.
Things seem to be well on their way to a HEA - when a person from Quince's past shows up and threatens to ruin everything between them. This is where I think Quince showed how much she had changed - instead of doing something stupid - she asked for help from Alasdair, and finally comes clean about everything, in return Alasdair shares his dark past with her as well and they finally begin to truly understand and forgive each other.
Quince lets Alasdair handle her problem and in doing so, gains his trust and love.
I think this was a very interesting book - it was not as steamy as I would have liked, but it had its moments, it was well written with a very fresh plot, it flowed nicely and the ending was very sweet. I would definitely recommend this book and am eagerly awaiting the next installment.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 19, 2016
I was given an ARC from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Ho boy. I'm trying to process the jumbled mess that are my thoughts on this one. There were elements that I liked, some I didn't like, and some that were just ridiculous. I guess I'll organize it that way:
What I liked:
The flirtatious banter between Cairn/Alisdair/Strathcairn/Whatever you want to call him and Quince (worst. name. ever. btw) was actually pretty good. Cute even. Their love scene was actually very well written. I really liked Cairn, and couldn't even bring myself to hate Quince despite kind of wanting to. They had likable qualities, even though Quince's were mixed with insane ones. Had these two been placed in a different story, they could have been great- a spunky, feisty girl who doesn't mind breaking rules paired with a straight-laced yet rugged man of the law. I also thought that the description and most of the writing in general was pretty good.
What I didn't like:
I feel like I shouldn't have kept forgetting that this was supposed to be taking place in Scotland. It didn't always ring true unless the burr was spelled out for us. Quince had some super annoying catchphrases that kept coming back- "by jimble" and "holy ______" (fill in the blank with some totally random objects or desserts). Cairn calls Quince "Wee" all the time and it's both annoying and kind of gross. The whole first 25% or so of the book absolutely crawled. IMO this book was just too long at 30 chapters. The banter was unfortunately so drawn out that it lost its luster.
The ridiculous: (Spoiler Alert!)
The plot of this was just silly. SO silly.
Briefly, Quince is 19 and a kleptomaniac. She steals little things like buttons and snuff boxes and vinaigrettes. She likes stealing for the thrill of it, and she justifies her behavior by donating the proceeds to the poor. Quince almost gets caught stealing buttons off of a sister's former suitor that she knows (Cairn), and somehow his confrontation of her turns into a deal where they're going to practice making out on a regular basis. Because...I can't honestly remember if there was a because. Cairn just happens to be a marquess and somehow in charge of the law in them there parts. So...Quince decides to lay low and not steal for a while, exchanging the thrill of stealing for the thrill of making out with hunky ginger Cairn. Except...the vicar dude that has been receiving Quince's ill-gotten gains comes to her and begs her for more money.
...So she dresses up like a highwayman and robs a coach. With pistols, but they're not loaded.
Yes, really.
But...she doesn't stop there. She robs another coach. And tries to rob another. But guess who's inside?
You guessed it! Cairn! He figures out it's her, and shoots in her general direction to scare her.
Except he hits her in the arm.
Andddd..somehow all of this means they must marry. Immediately. Like, that night right after Quince is stitched up. Because that somehow fixes everything.
Cairn soon takes her back to his amazeballs castle in the Highlands, and they have to sort through their issues and feelings, etc. etc.
Until the vicar guy shows up! Duh duh duh
And...easy peasy, HEA.
Um, what? The fact that Quince literally robbed people was never really resolved. Nor was any mention given about returning the stolen items from her first coach robbery. Quince is just not going to steal any more because she's too busy getting busy with her new husband? Kleptomania cured? Cairn was okay with the fact that she did all of that and he had trust issues with her? What about Quince's maid and her brother? Everything just wrapped up so easily. Too easily. Le sigh.
I just couldn't handle Quince's stupidity in the middle of the book. The fact that she would even attempt armed (well, sort of) robbery is so stupid that I can't even. The book made it sound like it was a tiny jump from stealing buttons (which, btw- I doubt that the authorities would have actually even noticed) to hopping on horseback and waving pistols around. Andd...after doing it once and nearly getting Cairn in tons of trouble, she did it again anyway. That was ridiculous.
I am giving this 3 stars. I guess in my head it's 2 1/2. I couldn't bring myself to stop reading it, even though I considered it several times. There is some good here, but the plot needed to be reconsidered.
Ho boy. I'm trying to process the jumbled mess that are my thoughts on this one. There were elements that I liked, some I didn't like, and some that were just ridiculous. I guess I'll organize it that way:
What I liked:
The flirtatious banter between Cairn/Alisdair/Strathcairn/Whatever you want to call him and Quince (worst. name. ever. btw) was actually pretty good. Cute even. Their love scene was actually very well written. I really liked Cairn, and couldn't even bring myself to hate Quince despite kind of wanting to. They had likable qualities, even though Quince's were mixed with insane ones. Had these two been placed in a different story, they could have been great- a spunky, feisty girl who doesn't mind breaking rules paired with a straight-laced yet rugged man of the law. I also thought that the description and most of the writing in general was pretty good.
What I didn't like:
I feel like I shouldn't have kept forgetting that this was supposed to be taking place in Scotland. It didn't always ring true unless the burr was spelled out for us. Quince had some super annoying catchphrases that kept coming back- "by jimble" and "holy ______" (fill in the blank with some totally random objects or desserts). Cairn calls Quince "Wee" all the time and it's both annoying and kind of gross. The whole first 25% or so of the book absolutely crawled. IMO this book was just too long at 30 chapters. The banter was unfortunately so drawn out that it lost its luster.
The ridiculous: (Spoiler Alert!)
The plot of this was just silly. SO silly.
Briefly, Quince is 19 and a kleptomaniac. She steals little things like buttons and snuff boxes and vinaigrettes. She likes stealing for the thrill of it, and she justifies her behavior by donating the proceeds to the poor. Quince almost gets caught stealing buttons off of a sister's former suitor that she knows (Cairn), and somehow his confrontation of her turns into a deal where they're going to practice making out on a regular basis. Because...I can't honestly remember if there was a because. Cairn just happens to be a marquess and somehow in charge of the law in them there parts. So...Quince decides to lay low and not steal for a while, exchanging the thrill of stealing for the thrill of making out with hunky ginger Cairn. Except...the vicar dude that has been receiving Quince's ill-gotten gains comes to her and begs her for more money.
...So she dresses up like a highwayman and robs a coach. With pistols, but they're not loaded.
Yes, really.
But...she doesn't stop there. She robs another coach. And tries to rob another. But guess who's inside?
You guessed it! Cairn! He figures out it's her, and shoots in her general direction to scare her.
Except he hits her in the arm.
Andddd..somehow all of this means they must marry. Immediately. Like, that night right after Quince is stitched up. Because that somehow fixes everything.
Cairn soon takes her back to his amazeballs castle in the Highlands, and they have to sort through their issues and feelings, etc. etc.
Until the vicar guy shows up! Duh duh duh
And...easy peasy, HEA.
Um, what? The fact that Quince literally robbed people was never really resolved. Nor was any mention given about returning the stolen items from her first coach robbery. Quince is just not going to steal any more because she's too busy getting busy with her new husband? Kleptomania cured? Cairn was okay with the fact that she did all of that and he had trust issues with her? What about Quince's maid and her brother? Everything just wrapped up so easily. Too easily. Le sigh.
I just couldn't handle Quince's stupidity in the middle of the book. The fact that she would even attempt armed (well, sort of) robbery is so stupid that I can't even. The book made it sound like it was a tiny jump from stealing buttons (which, btw- I doubt that the authorities would have actually even noticed) to hopping on horseback and waving pistols around. Andd...after doing it once and nearly getting Cairn in tons of trouble, she did it again anyway. That was ridiculous.
I am giving this 3 stars. I guess in my head it's 2 1/2. I couldn't bring myself to stop reading it, even though I considered it several times. There is some good here, but the plot needed to be reconsidered.
December 14, 2016
Amazing a "Robin Hood" inspired romance novel where the heroine actually is just a kleptomaniac and it's not glossed over.
May 2, 2016
Full review at Smart Bitches, Trashy Books
I read Mad about the Marquess while at RT 2016, and the book was so good that it left me having sweaty anxiety about wanting to hide and read and go to all the panels all at the same time. Fortunately I was among my people at RT so sweaty reading anxiety is something everyone understood.
It features:
1. A heroine who decides to become a highwayman because of course she does.
2. A staid Scottish hero who is really isn’t all that staid.
3. Sass wars.
4. A heroine named Lady Quince Winthrop.
5. I will get into a white panel van with tinted windows if you tell me that book is inside.
The heroine of this story is Lady Quince Winthrop. I will fight anyone who tells me that isn’t the best goddamn name ever.
This book is delightful. It’s actually fucking delightful now I think about it, which is like delightful times ten. The dialogue is wonderful and sass wars are just about my favorite thing ever. The plot is just enough crazysauce layered on top of historical goodness. There was literally nothing about Mad About the Marquess that I didn’t like.
- Elyse
I read Mad about the Marquess while at RT 2016, and the book was so good that it left me having sweaty anxiety about wanting to hide and read and go to all the panels all at the same time. Fortunately I was among my people at RT so sweaty reading anxiety is something everyone understood.
It features:
1. A heroine who decides to become a highwayman because of course she does.
2. A staid Scottish hero who is really isn’t all that staid.
3. Sass wars.
4. A heroine named Lady Quince Winthrop.
5. I will get into a white panel van with tinted windows if you tell me that book is inside.
The heroine of this story is Lady Quince Winthrop. I will fight anyone who tells me that isn’t the best goddamn name ever.
This book is delightful. It’s actually fucking delightful now I think about it, which is like delightful times ten. The dialogue is wonderful and sass wars are just about my favorite thing ever. The plot is just enough crazysauce layered on top of historical goodness. There was literally nothing about Mad About the Marquess that I didn’t like.
- Elyse
June 1, 2016
It was okay.
If you wrote down a description of the characters, they would sound like very enticing characters.
Lady Quince Winthrop: Thief, Kleptomaniac, Robin Hood, Cheeky, Witty and Reckless.
Marquess of Cairn: Foreboding man of politics with dark past and furrowed brow, with great sense of fashion. Soft spot for Quince.
I should be a happy reader! I should! But for some reason I just couldn't give a fuck about them. What should sound like romance reader catnip became characters I couldn't feel for.
It felt like the scenes were all blocked out, and all I was reading was sawdust, meant to fatten this skeletal "Scene 1" "Scene 2" "Climax 1" "Scene 3". It does make the book have a beginning, middle and end. It is for all purposes a book with a proper plot. But it had no soul. It was not romantic, and I felt dislocated and uncaring.
Of course, I was mildly entertained enough for a 2 star, but that was all the enthusiasm I could muster up for it- enough to finish the novel.
If you wrote down a description of the characters, they would sound like very enticing characters.
Lady Quince Winthrop: Thief, Kleptomaniac, Robin Hood, Cheeky, Witty and Reckless.
Marquess of Cairn: Foreboding man of politics with dark past and furrowed brow, with great sense of fashion. Soft spot for Quince.
I should be a happy reader! I should! But for some reason I just couldn't give a fuck about them. What should sound like romance reader catnip became characters I couldn't feel for.
It felt like the scenes were all blocked out, and all I was reading was sawdust, meant to fatten this skeletal "Scene 1" "Scene 2" "Climax 1" "Scene 3". It does make the book have a beginning, middle and end. It is for all purposes a book with a proper plot. But it had no soul. It was not romantic, and I felt dislocated and uncaring.
Of course, I was mildly entertained enough for a 2 star, but that was all the enthusiasm I could muster up for it- enough to finish the novel.
May 30, 2016
Quince is all of nineteen but she has been relieving the wealthy of Edinburgh of their precious trinkets for quite some time. She donates the proceeds of her larceny to the poor through a local church. But she also gets a thrill out of stealing that she can get nowhere else.
Alasdair has been charged by the British Home Office to put a stop to the thievery in Edinburgh’s high society. He has some idea that Quince is involved but she persuades him otherwise. The attraction they feel for each other is totally mutual but Quince fears discovery.
Delightful!! This novel is brimming with witty banter and wonderful prose. I was totally enthralled with the plot and the characters. There is danger and action and I did get a bit annoyed with Quince at her daring but it was all totally in character. This is book #2 in the Highland Brides series but is a standalone novel.
If you want a truly entertaining read then this is the book for you.
http://ladeetdareads.wordpress.com
Alasdair has been charged by the British Home Office to put a stop to the thievery in Edinburgh’s high society. He has some idea that Quince is involved but she persuades him otherwise. The attraction they feel for each other is totally mutual but Quince fears discovery.
Delightful!! This novel is brimming with witty banter and wonderful prose. I was totally enthralled with the plot and the characters. There is danger and action and I did get a bit annoyed with Quince at her daring but it was all totally in character. This is book #2 in the Highland Brides series but is a standalone novel.
If you want a truly entertaining read then this is the book for you.
http://ladeetdareads.wordpress.com
February 7, 2017
I enjoyed this book and would like to read more by the author.
This is the story of a young girl who intends to enjoy her life and in her own way play Robin Hood. It is set at the time of the Enclosure Acton in Scotland and Quince is disturbed by the number of people being affected. To this end she has decided to begin pocketing small metal valuables that can be melted down and sold. When this becomes too risky she becomes a highway robber! She has meanwhile enticed the Marquess of Cairn to give her kissing lessons, although he has been looking for the thief.
I was given this book by Netgalley and this is my voluntary review.
This is the story of a young girl who intends to enjoy her life and in her own way play Robin Hood. It is set at the time of the Enclosure Acton in Scotland and Quince is disturbed by the number of people being affected. To this end she has decided to begin pocketing small metal valuables that can be melted down and sold. When this becomes too risky she becomes a highway robber! She has meanwhile enticed the Marquess of Cairn to give her kissing lessons, although he has been looking for the thief.
I was given this book by Netgalley and this is my voluntary review.
July 19, 2016
Quince Winthrop is a clever and feisty woman that is a force to be reckoned with.
Read full review in the 2016 July/August issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2016 July/August issue of InD'tale Magazine.
January 9, 2023
Nineteen-year-old Lady Quince is an intelligent and daring petty thief who gives her quick-finger spoils to the poor under Vicar Talent. Involved in society, she has no difficulty obtaining valuables but smart enough to have others under her to assist. That is until she comes across the Marquess of Cairn who attends functions to catch the thief. Yet, between their quick wits, they spar and challenge one another, enjoying daring sweet kisses in the dark. However, knowing she is being watched, under the vicar's pressure she turns to night riding for a bigger catch. Unfortunately, wise to her, Alasdair sets her up, managing to catch her in the act, accidentally shooting her. Feeling remorse and wanting to protect her, he asks to marry her to take her to the Highlands, but Quince believes she is hopeless in her thievery addictions. This psychological and pathological drama surrounding Quince and her motives proved to be captivating. The author's extensive descriptions of the culture and various brogues/dialects were entertaining and spot-on. Needless to say, I enjoyed this book from beginning to end.
April 9, 2024
And that is full fair marvelous
It could rate five stars except for the annoyances of hundreds of uses of "wee Quince" plus entirely too many "by jimble" and "oh holy" somethings. The story is lovely, strong h/H and a surprise bad guy. I was a little teary eyed as "wee Quince" grows up and love takes hold.
It could rate five stars except for the annoyances of hundreds of uses of "wee Quince" plus entirely too many "by jimble" and "oh holy" somethings. The story is lovely, strong h/H and a surprise bad guy. I was a little teary eyed as "wee Quince" grows up and love takes hold.
April 2, 2024
Sticky fingers
Quincy was a beautiful young lady, that couldn't help, stealing bobles, like stuff boxes, and shining red buttons. When she gets caught by the Marquis of Cairn they strike a bargain, she,ll help him catch the thief, in exchange for kisses.
Thank you ♥️
Quincy was a beautiful young lady, that couldn't help, stealing bobles, like stuff boxes, and shining red buttons. When she gets caught by the Marquis of Cairn they strike a bargain, she,ll help him catch the thief, in exchange for kisses.
Thank you ♥️
April 10, 2024
I am a avid reader of Regency Romance novels and while it one take place a little earlier it is a well written book. I am a lover of great wit, and this has it is spades. Our heroine is as shape as she can be and finally meets the Hero of our story who is a match for her wit and intelligent.
August 14, 2024
To Larceny with Love
This is quite a wild romp with a bad young brat of a lady from higher society. Never a dull moment in getting to know her or the Marquess who couldn't resist her stealing charms.
This is quite a wild romp with a bad young brat of a lady from higher society. Never a dull moment in getting to know her or the Marquess who couldn't resist her stealing charms.
September 28, 2024
Mad About the Marquess
Set in the 1700s, this book has a clever nineteen year old miss who finds an unusual way to support the poor... A twenty-six year old newly made Marquees who finds his match.
Set in the 1700s, this book has a clever nineteen year old miss who finds an unusual way to support the poor... A twenty-six year old newly made Marquees who finds his match.
October 5, 2024
Great story!
This is the second in the series and I cannot wait to read to the remaining stories. I feel as if I have come to know the characters and hope they show up in the next ones.
This is the second in the series and I cannot wait to read to the remaining stories. I feel as if I have come to know the characters and hope they show up in the next ones.
November 5, 2023
Wonderful story
I loved the characters. Especially their pickadillos, so unique and funny. A female Robin hood and her white knight. Definitely a fun read!
I loved the characters. Especially their pickadillos, so unique and funny. A female Robin hood and her white knight. Definitely a fun read!
Read
March 31, 2024Did not finish for similar reasons I’ve seen in the 2 and 3 star reviews.
June 6, 2024
a delight
I loved reading about two wonderful imperfectly perfect passionate characters. A different kind of heroine who I grew to like and respect.
I loved reading about two wonderful imperfectly perfect passionate characters. A different kind of heroine who I grew to like and respect.
April 7, 2016
Mad About The Marquess is the first book in the Highland Brides series by Elizabeth Essex. There is a novella before this, an introduction to the series as it were, called Mad For Love, which I have read and thoroughly enjoyed too.
This book is about Lady Quince Winthrop. She is what she considers the bad sheep in the family. She is a thief of sorts. She attends balls and parties and watches for when somebody puts down something of value, such as a silver snuffbox, and when they have forgotten it, she picks it up. Everything that she takes she then gets melted down into silver ingots, they get sold, and she gives the proceeds to the poor people via the church. It is a very noble cause, but Quince knows that it's the thrill of the thieving that makes her carry on rather than the nobility of the cause. She is honest about herself to a tee. Another thing she steals is silver buttons from men's coats, and at one particular party she sees a lovely set on the back of a beautiful red velvet coat. She sidles up to the man, and quickly snips them off, pushing herself against him so that he doesn't feel what she is doing. When he grabs her arm and goes to bring her to face him, she quickly puts the buttons down her 'stays' and has the shock of her life when she sees who the man is.
He is none other than Alasdair, Marquess of Cairn, a man that 5 years ago seemed as wild as Quince, and who tried to no avail to court her sister, Plum. Quince had a mad crush on him back then, and can't believe how much he has changed. Not only in looks, but his 5 years in England have made him more staid and proper. He is actually back in Scotland to help find out who is behind the spate of thefts which unknown to him have been done by Quince. She couldn't have picked a worse man to steal from. Still, thankfully he didn't realise what she had done.
So that is how the couple are reacquainted again. Quince still has feelings for Alasdair, and when he asks for her help in trying to solve the crime, you'll see why when you read the book, she jumps at the chance in exchange for him to teach her how to kiss. And what passionate amazing kisses they share.
The story goes on further to tell how their relationship develops, but knowing that Quince has been stealing, and that it is his job to discover who has been doing it, you just know there are going to be fireworks if he finds out. Will their relationship end, will Alasdair turn her in if he discovers her secrets. What about Quince, will she be able to stop thieving if she isn't caught? She doesn't believe she can because it's in her blood, wanting the thrill of it all. She's bad, and that's all there is to it, she can accept that, but will Alasdair be able to?
This story was a joy to read. I especially liked that I could not see a way that things could work out for the best between the couple. As the story developed Quince just seemed to be getting deeper and deeper into trouble, and I could see no way that she could not end up in prison. I love a book that isn't easy to guess how it ends. There are some wonderful light hearted scenes that had me giggling, especially some of the sayings that Quince comes out with. There were also scenes that had me holding my hand over my mouth in shock. A book that has light and shade is definitely a good book and makes for an exciting read. I am very much looking forward to the next book in this series. I hope it won't be too long.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
April 26, 2021
Judging by the other reviews of this book, the main thing everyone interested in reading Mad About the Marquess needs to know is that Quince Winthrop is a Difficult Heroine. She's acerbic, deceitful, and a compulsive thief. She doesn't keep any of what she steals, instead playing the role of Robin Hood, and donating her bounty to charitable efforts through the local church. But even were she lacking any moral justification, she is an impulsive thrill-seeker who enjoys the high of stealing and of living on the edge. She makes escalating bad decisions, and is particularly careless with the attentions of the male MC, Alasdair. His presence in Edinburgh is on the orders to investigate the very crimes she's guilty of, and she encourages his affection knowing full well that she's betraying him with her continued and increased activity after his arrival.
In spite of this, or possibly even because of this, I personally loved her and this book. There aren't that many romances out there with a truly flawed heroine. The number of romances where the love of a good woman redeems flawed male characters has to be somewhere in the millions, but there seems to be a lot less patience for heroines with "unloveable" characteristics who exhibit necessary personal growth and earn their HEA. The closest thing we get a lot of the time, it seems like, is a heroine with past trauma. She might be prickly and closed-off, and maybe has engaged in some reckless behavior owing to that trauma, and maybe doesn't communicate well. But she's otherwise a Very Good Person who deserves love and healing.
Quince isn't like that - she's been indulgently raised by a loving family, and there's nothing in her backstory that "justifies" her behavior. She is legitimately concerned with social welfare, but owing to her poor impulse control, she chooses the absolute worst mode of trying to make a difference. And lacking maturity, she conflates her passion with her vice, and is unable to conceive of an outlet for her chaotic activism that would satisfy her restless energy.
Essex strikes a good balance, I think, of positioning Alasdair's role in her reformation such that he firmly (and necessarily) curbs her criminal activity, without coming off as "controlling." It seems tricky to navigate in this particular instance, given the political status of women at that time. Quince objectively needs to be brought under control in some respects, but I'd guess most modern readers still aren't interested in that dynamic playing out literally where she becomes subordinate to her husband in order to force her to change. It helps that Alasdair is delighted with her personality, and finds her conversation stimulating rather than challenging. He has no interest in changing her in that respect. And even though she's so twisted up in her Robin Hood scheme that she believes theft is a fundamental part of her, he's able to recognize the difference between thrill-seeking generally (which may be an innate part of her) and criminal larceny, which is a particular behavior that can be changed. In that he does exercise power over her to get her to change, he's able to do that successfully because he does actually love her and understand her needs.
So this felt like a very different kind of romance from what I usually read, which primed my expectations at a higher level. For me, Essex's execution of the premise did absolutely work, and this ended up being a stand-out romance. Though she may not be for everybody, I want more heroines like Quince.
In spite of this, or possibly even because of this, I personally loved her and this book. There aren't that many romances out there with a truly flawed heroine. The number of romances where the love of a good woman redeems flawed male characters has to be somewhere in the millions, but there seems to be a lot less patience for heroines with "unloveable" characteristics who exhibit necessary personal growth and earn their HEA. The closest thing we get a lot of the time, it seems like, is a heroine with past trauma. She might be prickly and closed-off, and maybe has engaged in some reckless behavior owing to that trauma, and maybe doesn't communicate well. But she's otherwise a Very Good Person who deserves love and healing.
Quince isn't like that - she's been indulgently raised by a loving family, and there's nothing in her backstory that "justifies" her behavior. She is legitimately concerned with social welfare, but owing to her poor impulse control, she chooses the absolute worst mode of trying to make a difference. And lacking maturity, she conflates her passion with her vice, and is unable to conceive of an outlet for her chaotic activism that would satisfy her restless energy.
Essex strikes a good balance, I think, of positioning Alasdair's role in her reformation such that he firmly (and necessarily) curbs her criminal activity, without coming off as "controlling." It seems tricky to navigate in this particular instance, given the political status of women at that time. Quince objectively needs to be brought under control in some respects, but I'd guess most modern readers still aren't interested in that dynamic playing out literally where she becomes subordinate to her husband in order to force her to change. It helps that Alasdair is delighted with her personality, and finds her conversation stimulating rather than challenging. He has no interest in changing her in that respect. And even though she's so twisted up in her Robin Hood scheme that she believes theft is a fundamental part of her, he's able to recognize the difference between thrill-seeking generally (which may be an innate part of her) and criminal larceny, which is a particular behavior that can be changed. In that he does exercise power over her to get her to change, he's able to do that successfully because he does actually love her and understand her needs.
So this felt like a very different kind of romance from what I usually read, which primed my expectations at a higher level. For me, Essex's execution of the premise did absolutely work, and this ended up being a stand-out romance. Though she may not be for everybody, I want more heroines like Quince.
April 26, 2016
I received this free ARC ebook from NetGalley for an honest review.
This book had all the things I enjoy in a good read; suspense, strong main characters, a villain, and of course romance. Put all of this into a Scottish setting, wonderful. Lady Quince Winthrop and Alasdair, the Marquees of Cairn have an acquaintance prior to the start of this book though not a close one since he once was paying attention to her sister. He has been in London for many years, in Parliament and repairing a reputation he did not truly earn. Lady Quince has been acting as a Robin Hood character, taking "lost" objects from those who misplaced them but can afford to replace them. Her booty in turn finds its way, unanimously into the church poor box. There are many poor to be taken care of, due to the clearances and people being thrown off their land. Quince and Alasdair meet again at a ball, she steals the buttons from the back of his jacket, he almost catches her. Much to her chagrin, he has agreed to help find the thief who has been pilfering items from the well to do. From here they spent time together, find a mutual attraction. He saves her and her reputation, but a zealous vicar threatens her. What happens from their initial meeting until the ending resolution makes for a very good read. I really enjoyed the interplay between the characters in little different situations from the usual regency read. Highly worth the time to read. Thank goodness this is just the beginning of Ms Essex's Highland Brides series. Looking forward to the next one.
This book had all the things I enjoy in a good read; suspense, strong main characters, a villain, and of course romance. Put all of this into a Scottish setting, wonderful. Lady Quince Winthrop and Alasdair, the Marquees of Cairn have an acquaintance prior to the start of this book though not a close one since he once was paying attention to her sister. He has been in London for many years, in Parliament and repairing a reputation he did not truly earn. Lady Quince has been acting as a Robin Hood character, taking "lost" objects from those who misplaced them but can afford to replace them. Her booty in turn finds its way, unanimously into the church poor box. There are many poor to be taken care of, due to the clearances and people being thrown off their land. Quince and Alasdair meet again at a ball, she steals the buttons from the back of his jacket, he almost catches her. Much to her chagrin, he has agreed to help find the thief who has been pilfering items from the well to do. From here they spent time together, find a mutual attraction. He saves her and her reputation, but a zealous vicar threatens her. What happens from their initial meeting until the ending resolution makes for a very good read. I really enjoyed the interplay between the characters in little different situations from the usual regency read. Highly worth the time to read. Thank goodness this is just the beginning of Ms Essex's Highland Brides series. Looking forward to the next one.
April 5, 2016
Lady Quince Winthrop loves to steal. She loves the thrill of the act itself and she loves to take from the rich and give to the poor. She's good at it too. So good that her endeavors have been aiding the local church for three years now.
Alisdair, Marquess of Cairn, is back home in Scotland to investigate the mysterious robberies that have been occurring. What a surprise to discover instead a young lass he knew years ago. But she's no longer a child. There's much more to Quince Winthrop than the flibbertigibbet she tries to portray. Likewise, Quince realizes Alisdair is the one man that could foil her schemes.
What follows is a battle of wills. Quince is battling to keep her activities hidden while Alisdair is determined to uncover the truth. Quince tries to distract Alisdair by requesting kissing lessons but discovers kissing Alisdair is as thrilling as her crimes. This story is filled with witty banter, delicious flirting, and comedic intrigue. Quince and Alisdair are perfect for each other and eventually bring out the best in one another. This is the first book in Elizabeth Essex's Highland Brides series. I'm anxious to read the rest. A Book Obsessed Chicks Review Team selection
Alisdair, Marquess of Cairn, is back home in Scotland to investigate the mysterious robberies that have been occurring. What a surprise to discover instead a young lass he knew years ago. But she's no longer a child. There's much more to Quince Winthrop than the flibbertigibbet she tries to portray. Likewise, Quince realizes Alisdair is the one man that could foil her schemes.
What follows is a battle of wills. Quince is battling to keep her activities hidden while Alisdair is determined to uncover the truth. Quince tries to distract Alisdair by requesting kissing lessons but discovers kissing Alisdair is as thrilling as her crimes. This story is filled with witty banter, delicious flirting, and comedic intrigue. Quince and Alisdair are perfect for each other and eventually bring out the best in one another. This is the first book in Elizabeth Essex's Highland Brides series. I'm anxious to read the rest. A Book Obsessed Chicks Review Team selection
January 11, 2018
Lady Quince Winthrop aka Lady Robin hood loves to steal. She’s been robbing from the rich of society and giving to the poor for years. She can’t help herself, she is addicted to the thrill of stealing and she can’t resist the temptation to steal the shiny new silver button at a dance only to find out the coat belongs to the new Marquess of Cairn. Alasdair, Marquess of Cairn, has come back to Scotland after his grandfather’s death to stop the mysterious robberies, but little does he know the beautiful women standing right in front of him stealing his pretty silver buttons is the thief. Alasdair was banished from his home to change his wild and reckless ways. Alasdair meets Lady Quince at a dance and discovers she is the little sister of his once fiancée has all grown up. Quince and Alasdair are instantly attracted to each other, but Quince soon realizes he is the one person who can change everything and the one man she can’t resist. Quince leads Alasdair on a merry chase of cat and mouse, witty banter and she finds his kisses just as thrilling as stealing and just as addictive. A fun story to read and one I’m sure everyone will enjoy it too!
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
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