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Sons of the Marquess #4
Lord Montague
A traditional Regency romance, drawing room rather than bedroom.
Lord Montague Marford is looking forward to a quiet life as clergyman of a rural parish where he can hope to do some good. But sometimes his compassionate nature gets him into trouble, and when a bedraggled young woman turns up on the doorstep to call in a long-forgotten debt, Monty’s sense of honour compels him to offer to marry her. But he soon begins to wonder if he’s made a huge mistake.
Miss Melissa Frost is very grateful, and thrilled to find herself surrounded by luxury. It’s just like a fairy tale, and although Monty is an unlikely prince, she’d love to be his princess and make him happy. But she daren’t tell him the truth — that she’s run away from home and her guardian wants her back. She has to keep Monty at arm’s length until she comes of age, or she could lose him altogether.
Book 4 of the 5-book Sons of the Marquess series, each a complete story with a HEA, but read all of them to find out all the secrets of the Marford family!
Lord Montague Marford is looking forward to a quiet life as clergyman of a rural parish where he can hope to do some good. But sometimes his compassionate nature gets him into trouble, and when a bedraggled young woman turns up on the doorstep to call in a long-forgotten debt, Monty’s sense of honour compels him to offer to marry her. But he soon begins to wonder if he’s made a huge mistake.
Miss Melissa Frost is very grateful, and thrilled to find herself surrounded by luxury. It’s just like a fairy tale, and although Monty is an unlikely prince, she’d love to be his princess and make him happy. But she daren’t tell him the truth — that she’s run away from home and her guardian wants her back. She has to keep Monty at arm’s length until she comes of age, or she could lose him altogether.
Book 4 of the 5-book Sons of the Marquess series, each a complete story with a HEA, but read all of them to find out all the secrets of the Marford family!
282 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 13, 2018
467 people are currently reading
97 people want to read
About the author
Mary Kingswood
69 books480 followersI live in the beautiful Highlands of Scotland with my husband. I like chocolate, whisky, my Kindle, massed pipe bands, long leisurely lunches, chocolate, going places in my campervan, eating pizza in Italy, summer nights that never get dark, wood fires in winter, chocolate, the view from the study window looking out over the Moray Firth and the Black Isle to the mountains beyond. And chocolate. I dislike driving on motorways, cooking, shopping, hospitals.
The lovely lady in my avatar is Archduchess Clementina of Austria (1798-1881), Princess of Salerno, painted around 1839.
NOTE: I read Regency romances as well as write them, and I review them all on my website, or you can find them right here on Goodreads on my real-name account at Pauline M. Ross.
The lovely lady in my avatar is Archduchess Clementina of Austria (1798-1881), Princess of Salerno, painted around 1839.
NOTE: I read Regency romances as well as write them, and I review them all on my website, or you can find them right here on Goodreads on my real-name account at Pauline M. Ross.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
July 18, 2019
Melissa's character is the most annoying, ungrateful, immature and brattish of all the wives. I also find her dialogue a bit Hollywood~ish when she said to Monty in Chapter 15, "... and I hate you, Monty I hate you! I wish I never married you!" like the over~indulged entitled brat of a middle class American family in films and TV... ungrateful and mannerless into the bargain. Melissa came to the Marfords in rags and forced them thru' a moral obligation to honor the 8th Marquess' written agreement with the previous Earl of Bentley, with Monty offering to be her bridegroom... and when he asked her about her past which he is entitled to do as her husband, she reacted like a shrew and a mad woman. "Hate" was what those girls of Bridget Kelley's feel for those men who used, misused, and abused them and caused them to be unemployed and then unemployable. "Hate" would also be what she could feel for the Bentleys in their treatment of her BUT that word does not apply to Monty. She should have told them about what happened to her after the old Earl died, the Marfords were after all her saviors and she owed them that much. Telling them the truth would not put Monty or the Marfords in any danger from the Bentleys whatsoever, such could only help them keep her safe and make them aware of any potential threats. I think this has a weak plot all because of Melissa's inconsistent character arc plus I can not process the momentary loss of Faith on Monty's part because the "good" Connie and/or her baby might die and that if the worst happens, such would be God's fault? Ridiculous!... and he a man of God? It would take more than that to shake his Faith given his steadfast resolute character... I think.
January 6, 2025
January 2025: I liked Monty and Melissa a lot more this time around. I loved the updates about Lady Mary and Daniel (finally!), which I didn't see as momentous the first time around because I hadn't read the series prior to this one. It was wonderful to see Hope make an appearance in this one!
October 2024: Monty was so sweet and so kind that I was a bit disappointed that his love interest was ungrateful and demanding for most of the story. Melissa was desperate when she presented herself to the Marfords. Yes, she developed over the course of the book, but Monty deserved better!
October 2024: Monty was so sweet and so kind that I was a bit disappointed that his love interest was ungrateful and demanding for most of the story. Melissa was desperate when she presented herself to the Marfords. Yes, she developed over the course of the book, but Monty deserved better!
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May 15, 2020skimmed for the mystery
January 26, 2021
Damn, Melissa was a bitch. Monty was so very very understanding, that he came off as being a bit of a doormat. I would have personally recommended that he find a woman with a bit more of an even temper. But nobody asked me.
April 27, 2021
Lord Montague Married has achieved his dream of becoming a clergyman, and is content to spend his days writing sermons and serving his partitioners. But when Miss Melissa Frost turns up at his brother's home and claims to be engaged to the Marquess, Monty feels it is his duty to marry her. Melissa is fleeing her guardian and desperately wants to be a good wife for Monty, but fears that when he learns the truth of her situation he will regret his decision.
This is one of my favorites in this series. I like Monty's character, especially the way he acts according to what he feels is proper and honorable, and the way he changes and nature's throughout the novel. I felt the love, fear, hope and desperation of the characters deeply.
I rate books with three stars being the average—neither amazing or disappointing. Lord Montague earned four stars because it is above average. I thought it felt more historically accurate than many other Regency Era books, but it also had an engaging story to enjoy.
This is one of my favorites in this series. I like Monty's character, especially the way he acts according to what he feels is proper and honorable, and the way he changes and nature's throughout the novel. I felt the love, fear, hope and desperation of the characters deeply.
I rate books with three stars being the average—neither amazing or disappointing. Lord Montague earned four stars because it is above average. I thought it felt more historically accurate than many other Regency Era books, but it also had an engaging story to enjoy.
March 15, 2018
This was a wonderful story. She thought that she was nothing according to her brother. She lived in a little attic room, all by herself. Her clothes were thread bare and she looked undernourished. She had
been told to get dressed nicely and have dinner with the family. She has been told that Lord Reginal was her guardian. She did not want to marry Mr.Pontefract, he was horrible. So she went in search of Lord Deveron, She had a letter and she had been promised to him. Lord Montague said, he would marry her. Now she possibly had a way out.
The characters were decidedly funny, thoughtful, and so friendly, It was the first time she could remember someone being nice to her. There are some twists to the story. It will amaze you. Lord Monty is a cleric and is waiting for a living to become available. I really had a hard time putting this down. Actually, I finished it at 4 A.M., it was that good.
I received this ARC and voluntarily reviewed it.
been told to get dressed nicely and have dinner with the family. She has been told that Lord Reginal was her guardian. She did not want to marry Mr.Pontefract, he was horrible. So she went in search of Lord Deveron, She had a letter and she had been promised to him. Lord Montague said, he would marry her. Now she possibly had a way out.
The characters were decidedly funny, thoughtful, and so friendly, It was the first time she could remember someone being nice to her. There are some twists to the story. It will amaze you. Lord Monty is a cleric and is waiting for a living to become available. I really had a hard time putting this down. Actually, I finished it at 4 A.M., it was that good.
I received this ARC and voluntarily reviewed it.
July 21, 2019
Annoying heroine
Mary Kingswood is a wonderful writer who researches the time period of her novels and develops interesting characters. That said, the character of Melissa was about the most annoying of any that I’ve read in her novels. In the dictionary, Melissa would be the example given for ‘termagant.’ Lord Monty, the 4th brother in this 5 brother series had legitimate reason to second guess his impulsive offer to marry her. But, as with all of Ms. Kingswood’s novels, the reason for Melissa’s bitchiness is explained and resolved and she becomes the sweet, doting wife of Lord Monty’s daydreams.
The ending is satisfying, if a bit of a test of one’s credulity. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed if you choose to read this book, but I don’t feel it is as good as most of Ms. Kingwood’s other novels.
Mary Kingswood is a wonderful writer who researches the time period of her novels and develops interesting characters. That said, the character of Melissa was about the most annoying of any that I’ve read in her novels. In the dictionary, Melissa would be the example given for ‘termagant.’ Lord Monty, the 4th brother in this 5 brother series had legitimate reason to second guess his impulsive offer to marry her. But, as with all of Ms. Kingswood’s novels, the reason for Melissa’s bitchiness is explained and resolved and she becomes the sweet, doting wife of Lord Monty’s daydreams.
The ending is satisfying, if a bit of a test of one’s credulity. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed if you choose to read this book, but I don’t feel it is as good as most of Ms. Kingwood’s other novels.
November 18, 2024
Another closed-door historical romance with a dose of mystery. This time the main character is the very sensible (and I should add, patient and forgiving) Lord Montague. Here the main mystery concerns his female counterpart, who is supposed to be both a very brave but scared lady, even if she sometimes comes as a disagreeable person (her behaviour is supposedly due to her fears, but still...). I don't quite understand why she doesn't come clean much sooner (why wait until she turns 21 and, in the meantime, mess everything up?), other than that's the excuse for part of the storyline.
As in other books in this series, the action is sometimes a bit rushed or sudden. On the other hand, I like that the characters behave and think as people of their time (for instance, regarding class differences or the role of women in society), not like 21st century characters transplanted into a Regency-ish background.
All in all I enjoyed reading it and it's much better than many so-called regency romances, so no big complaints here.
As in other books in this series, the action is sometimes a bit rushed or sudden. On the other hand, I like that the characters behave and think as people of their time (for instance, regarding class differences or the role of women in society), not like 21st century characters transplanted into a Regency-ish background.
All in all I enjoyed reading it and it's much better than many so-called regency romances, so no big complaints here.
February 8, 2021
This series is worth adding narration because it is perfectly done. Lord Monty like all the brothers in this series is very kind. He's also grateful to be offered a 'living' by his titled brother as clergyman in a nearby village. Our heroine Melissa Frost comes forward with proof of a debt and Lord Monty steps forward to make amends by offering marriage which will suit his new position very well. It becomes obvious that Melissa is hiding something important and Monty softly and compassionately tries to woo the information out of her. He really wants to help . At times I became frustrated with the heroine acting a touch stupid (?) immature(?) Not really sure. Anyway, suffice to say the story was carried along by the action. I'm happy riding along with this series.
March 13, 2023
I struggled a bit to like Melissa Frost, but she grew up powerless in a family that showed no affection, and that wanted to force her to marry a fat, leering, lecherous older man against her will, forcing her to flee for her life, with little money and no protection. She didn't even know who her parents were. It was a miracle that she was able to find her way to Drummoor, terrified of being found. She had no assurance that the Marfords would protect her. They could easily send her back to Lord Bentley. She was only 20, completely defenseless, and at the mercy of the Marfords. She didn't yet know that they were kind. I don't imagine that she was experiencing mental stability, with her fears being a constant. The more peace and security she felt, the more her true nature emerged
January 12, 2024
Lord Monty cannot seem to get enthusiastic about attending a season to find a wife.
A woman shows up at Drummoor insisting that she is betrothed to Lord Francis now the Marquess of Carrbridge, who is already married.
She has a letter from Marquess #7, the Lords of Drummoor's now deceased father promising that she would be married and no one knew about it. The woman has been mistreated by her guardian and is being forced to marry a repugnant man, against her will. She has run away from her guardian and to Drummoor for help.
Lord Monty offers to marry her on the spot without knowing or wanting to know anything about her.
Another great story by Mary Kingswood.
A woman shows up at Drummoor insisting that she is betrothed to Lord Francis now the Marquess of Carrbridge, who is already married.
She has a letter from Marquess #7, the Lords of Drummoor's now deceased father promising that she would be married and no one knew about it. The woman has been mistreated by her guardian and is being forced to marry a repugnant man, against her will. She has run away from her guardian and to Drummoor for help.
Lord Monty offers to marry her on the spot without knowing or wanting to know anything about her.
Another great story by Mary Kingswood.
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May 2, 2020The 4th book in this series is Lord Montague. He dreamed about become a clergyman! I cannot understand such a wish. So Melissa, a bratty young woman, seems not to be the type of woman Monty would go for. However, Mary Kingswood is really such a good writer, she makes them likable by the end. So far, he is not a type I would like nor is she. But I decided to read all of these novels, they are all free due to Kindle Unlimited and all in all, I'm rather enjoying them. But what about Mr Sharpe?
May 31, 2021
I struggled with this one because I really couldn’t find it in my heart to like Melissa. She is much like an immature child, one minute grateful and gratified and in the next, raging and rapacious. What is hard to reconcile is she spends all this time with people who are generous despite the very small moral obligation they have towards her and instead of recognizing she might have powerful allies if she tells them the truth she continues with her harebrained scheme of forcing the marriage. I found Monty equally immature but at least his character wasn’t reprehensible. Monty was just naive.
November 8, 2022
I thought this book was interesting. I personally listened too it, and I think I would have liked it a little more if I could have read it. My attention tends to wander during audiobooks. But I thought that the storyline was interesting, I definitely didn't see some things coming concerning the female protagonist. There are some great surprises at the end. I really adored Lord Monty, I thought he put up with a lot of crap extremely gracefully. He is so kind to his wife, even when she acts like a spoiled brat at times. Either way, I thought the story was really cute and worth reading
June 28, 2019
Monty is a little dull boy
I was afraid reading about the parson would be dreadful dull, and it was not as heart stopping as some of his brothers. He did face a raging flood. Manage to get shot and even show a fit of temper and get shot. His lady fair was even temperate compared to shooting tigers or Bill elephants. Alas such is the life of those who do the work of the community.
I was afraid reading about the parson would be dreadful dull, and it was not as heart stopping as some of his brothers. He did face a raging flood. Manage to get shot and even show a fit of temper and get shot. His lady fair was even temperate compared to shooting tigers or Bill elephants. Alas such is the life of those who do the work of the community.
October 24, 2019
Temper, Temper!
Each of the brothers and their love interests have distinct and unique personalities from each other, making it enjoyable to follow this family through all 5 books. The young lady in this volume has quite the temper. Although I understand the reasons for it, she still irritated me, which is a nice change from all the sweet heroines. And now to the last book, where I hope to FINALLY learn what happened to poor Mr. Penicuik!
Each of the brothers and their love interests have distinct and unique personalities from each other, making it enjoyable to follow this family through all 5 books. The young lady in this volume has quite the temper. Although I understand the reasons for it, she still irritated me, which is a nice change from all the sweet heroines. And now to the last book, where I hope to FINALLY learn what happened to poor Mr. Penicuik!
July 7, 2022
2* only bc I finished it. Melissa was spoiled and vastly immature. Monty was a doormat. Both were tstl and together made a long, boring read. The plot of her father/brothers keeping her birthright from her was ridiculous and unbelievable. And what of Patience, her friend/stepmother? Did she hide the truth as well? (Tbh, idk and don’t care enough to look it up.)
The surprise cliffhanger in the epilogue, combined with this book, is probably enough to keep me from continuing these series.
The surprise cliffhanger in the epilogue, combined with this book, is probably enough to keep me from continuing these series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 29, 2023
A mystery that did not have any backbone.
A mystery that went on and on and on. Seriously. To no point but to fill pages with people wondering who Melissa was. Why she didn’t trust someone??? Very good question. Yet they welcomed her into their family with open arms and trust, yet she did not give them the same courtesy. And then an abduction and forced marriage and she didn’t even say she was already married until the farce was over. I could continue but won’t.
A mystery that went on and on and on. Seriously. To no point but to fill pages with people wondering who Melissa was. Why she didn’t trust someone??? Very good question. Yet they welcomed her into their family with open arms and trust, yet she did not give them the same courtesy. And then an abduction and forced marriage and she didn’t even say she was already married until the farce was over. I could continue but won’t.
April 30, 2025
Monty and Melissa
I do not like Melissa. She's rude and bipolar. Monty is too sweet for her even if he is 'sanctimonious'. I have to remind myself that they are only 24 and 20 years old in this book so that I'm not completely annoyed by them.
The higher rating is for all the other characters...the brothers and their wives, Harriet, Mary & Merton. Also the progression of the Mr Sharp 'mystery'.
I do not like Melissa. She's rude and bipolar. Monty is too sweet for her even if he is 'sanctimonious'. I have to remind myself that they are only 24 and 20 years old in this book so that I'm not completely annoyed by them.
The higher rating is for all the other characters...the brothers and their wives, Harriet, Mary & Merton. Also the progression of the Mr Sharp 'mystery'.
March 4, 2019
A Wonderfully Charming Regency
Each book in this series has a wonderfully charming romance, mystery, and drama and this book in the series did not disappoint. Meeting the characters from the prior books in the series is splendid and getting to know the next son is always intriguing. This book was excellent.
Each book in this series has a wonderfully charming romance, mystery, and drama and this book in the series did not disappoint. Meeting the characters from the prior books in the series is splendid and getting to know the next son is always intriguing. This book was excellent.
April 16, 2021
Maybe my favorite
So far, of course there is only one son (legitimate?!) left... but I liked both protagonists in this. Although Tiger Blythe is also a favorite. However, there are sooooo many secret but handy fortunes lying around in Regency England! I really would have preferred the ward and vicar learning to get by on a reasonable living!
So far, of course there is only one son (legitimate?!) left... but I liked both protagonists in this. Although Tiger Blythe is also a favorite. However, there are sooooo many secret but handy fortunes lying around in Regency England! I really would have preferred the ward and vicar learning to get by on a reasonable living!
December 24, 2021
I didn’t want to like this book
I didn’t want to like this book so I saved it for last in the series. In the end I found it delightful. I really wasn’t interested in reading about one of the Suns going into the church and becoming a Parson And pontificating about Bible verses etc. But it ended up being a very good story and the characters are likable. I enjoyed this very much.
I didn’t want to like this book so I saved it for last in the series. In the end I found it delightful. I really wasn’t interested in reading about one of the Suns going into the church and becoming a Parson And pontificating about Bible verses etc. But it ended up being a very good story and the characters are likable. I enjoyed this very much.
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January 19, 2022Ah!, the twists and turns of the noble life
Mary Kingswood, thank you for this delightful story of Lord Montague Marford, his delightful family and his romance with Melissa frost. I do enjoy the rich detail you provide that draws me so deeply into life as it was in the urgency period. I would recommend this and all her books to anyone
Mary Kingswood, thank you for this delightful story of Lord Montague Marford, his delightful family and his romance with Melissa frost. I do enjoy the rich detail you provide that draws me so deeply into life as it was in the urgency period. I would recommend this and all her books to anyone
March 8, 2018
Lord Montague book 4 of the Sons of the Marquess by Mary Kingswood. the characters will have you routing for them to succeed and waiting patiently for some to come into their own.You won't be able to put this down til you are done. My free opinion ARC Thanks
March 15, 2018
A Must Read Series
Mary Kingswood has continued the saga of the Malford family in her latest book. It will be interesting how the series will end, especially considering the information found in this book's epilogue.
Mary Kingswood has continued the saga of the Malford family in her latest book. It will be interesting how the series will end, especially considering the information found in this book's epilogue.
March 18, 2018
Thoroughly enjoyable addition to the series, with a hint of uproar to come at the end.
Lord Monty gets his girl, by doing a favor for a forlorn miss. Good to see him rewarded - he gets a girl and he gets his parish. At last.
Awaiting the next (and last) in the series.
Lord Monty gets his girl, by doing a favor for a forlorn miss. Good to see him rewarded - he gets a girl and he gets his parish. At last.
Awaiting the next (and last) in the series.
March 25, 2021
Taming of the shrew.
Barely liked the heroine and I need to feel a connection with the heroine to enjoy a story. This young woman was a brat. Such a shame, could have been n easy fix.
Barely liked the heroine and I need to feel a connection with the heroine to enjoy a story. This young woman was a brat. Such a shame, could have been n easy fix.
March 29, 2022
Interesting twists and turns
Mary Kingswood does it again! A fun romp through the lives of Regency nobility. Sweet and gentle romance with nothing your 13 year old couldn't read yet fun enough for mom to grandma.
Mary Kingswood does it again! A fun romp through the lives of Regency nobility. Sweet and gentle romance with nothing your 13 year old couldn't read yet fun enough for mom to grandma.
May 22, 2022
So good!
More twists and turns. Monty was so cool. I think I would have strangled Melissa. It seemed to take forever to get to the real good parts. I love the way these stories are written. I could not put this one down until it was finished.
More twists and turns. Monty was so cool. I think I would have strangled Melissa. It seemed to take forever to get to the real good parts. I love the way these stories are written. I could not put this one down until it was finished.
September 19, 2022
Monty is a nice guy, as we know from the previous books of the series, maybe a little sanctimonious, but we can forgive him. The h, on the other hand, is featherbrained and bipolar, I don't know how he can stand her. The motivation behind her actions and behavior is too ridiculous to mention
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews