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Blackhaven Brides #5
The Wicked Marquis
The lady meets her match - and he's hopelessly ineligible.
Poverty stricken marquis, Lord Tamar, is regarded in Blackhaven as an amiable eccentric and a gifted painter, rather than as a wicked man. But Tamar has secrets that he dare not reveal to anyone, let alone to the delightful Lady Serena, the Earl of Braithwaite's sister, who suddenly lights up his world.
To Serena, fed up with London etiquette and sent home to her family castle in disgrace after her engagement is broken, the fascinating Tamar is a breath of fresh air. Accepting his help with the mystery of the strange barrels in the castle cellar, she is soon in the midst of danger involving smugglers and spies and a friend's broken heart.
But it is her own heart which is in most danger, as she falls swiftly and desperately in love. And neither her family nor Tamar himself would ever countenance a marriage between them. Moreover, the marquis turns out to have committed a far more shocking crime than mere poverty.
Poverty stricken marquis, Lord Tamar, is regarded in Blackhaven as an amiable eccentric and a gifted painter, rather than as a wicked man. But Tamar has secrets that he dare not reveal to anyone, let alone to the delightful Lady Serena, the Earl of Braithwaite's sister, who suddenly lights up his world.
To Serena, fed up with London etiquette and sent home to her family castle in disgrace after her engagement is broken, the fascinating Tamar is a breath of fresh air. Accepting his help with the mystery of the strange barrels in the castle cellar, she is soon in the midst of danger involving smugglers and spies and a friend's broken heart.
But it is her own heart which is in most danger, as she falls swiftly and desperately in love. And neither her family nor Tamar himself would ever countenance a marriage between them. Moreover, the marquis turns out to have committed a far more shocking crime than mere poverty.
216 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 17, 2018
580 people are currently reading
164 people want to read
About the author
Mary Lancaster
139 books517 followersMary Lancaster is a USA Today bestselling author of historical fiction and historical romance. She lives in Scotland with her husband, one of three grown-up kids, and a small dog with a big personality.
Her first literary love was historical fiction, a genre which she relishes mixing up with romance and adventure in her own writing. Several of her novels feature actual historical characters as diverse as Hungarian revolutionaries, medieval English outlaws, and a family of eternally rebellious royal Scots. To say nothing of Vlad the Impaler.
Her most recent books are light fun Regency romances, with occasional forays into Victorian mystery.
Connect with Mary on-line:
Website: http://www.MaryLancaster.com
Newsletter sign-up: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mary.lancast...
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/MaryLancaste...
Twitter: @MaryLancNovels https://twitter.com/MaryLancNovels
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Mary-Lancaster...
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/mary-...
Her first literary love was historical fiction, a genre which she relishes mixing up with romance and adventure in her own writing. Several of her novels feature actual historical characters as diverse as Hungarian revolutionaries, medieval English outlaws, and a family of eternally rebellious royal Scots. To say nothing of Vlad the Impaler.
Her most recent books are light fun Regency romances, with occasional forays into Victorian mystery.
Connect with Mary on-line:
Website: http://www.MaryLancaster.com
Newsletter sign-up: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mary.lancast...
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/MaryLancaste...
Twitter: @MaryLancNovels https://twitter.com/MaryLancNovels
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Mary-Lancaster...
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/mary-...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
April 24, 2018
The Wicked Marquis is the fifth book in Mary Lancaster’s Blackhaven Brides series, but it works perfectly fine as a standalone novel. I read it without having read any of the prior books, and although it was clear where nods were being made to the prior books, my lack of knowledge of the other stories did not influence my reading of this book in any way.
As a fan of historical romance, I’m always willing to give new authors a try considering how small my reading pool for the genre is. For reasons unknown, I tend to stick to the same authors in this genre and do not branch out in the same way I do in other genres. Thus, when the chance came about to try a new-to-me author in the genre, I was happy to dive in. With how much the synopsis of The Wicked Marquis intrigued me, I was more than willing to dive into this one.
As a whole, I did enjoy this book. It was something different compared to the norm in the genre, and I enjoyed the experience of something unexpected. However, despite enjoying the different feel of this book, I was not as invested in it as I would have liked to be. I was able to put this book aside, disappearing to do other things, when usually historical romance reads are guilty pleasure books that have me completing them in a single sitting (or, if I’m busy, two sittings).
I believe the reason I was not as invested in this one as I would have liked to be was because of the characters. The storyline was interesting and I enjoyed the way the characters played into the storyline, but I never really came to care about them all that much. I was waiting for that deep connect, for the obsession to kick in, but they were merely players to tell the story. If I had enjoyed the characters more, I’m sure this would have been a four-star read for me.
Overall, I enjoyed the different atmosphere of this novel but I wasn’t quite won over by the characters.
As a fan of historical romance, I’m always willing to give new authors a try considering how small my reading pool for the genre is. For reasons unknown, I tend to stick to the same authors in this genre and do not branch out in the same way I do in other genres. Thus, when the chance came about to try a new-to-me author in the genre, I was happy to dive in. With how much the synopsis of The Wicked Marquis intrigued me, I was more than willing to dive into this one.
As a whole, I did enjoy this book. It was something different compared to the norm in the genre, and I enjoyed the experience of something unexpected. However, despite enjoying the different feel of this book, I was not as invested in it as I would have liked to be. I was able to put this book aside, disappearing to do other things, when usually historical romance reads are guilty pleasure books that have me completing them in a single sitting (or, if I’m busy, two sittings).
I believe the reason I was not as invested in this one as I would have liked to be was because of the characters. The storyline was interesting and I enjoyed the way the characters played into the storyline, but I never really came to care about them all that much. I was waiting for that deep connect, for the obsession to kick in, but they were merely players to tell the story. If I had enjoyed the characters more, I’m sure this would have been a four-star read for me.
Overall, I enjoyed the different atmosphere of this novel but I wasn’t quite won over by the characters.
September 17, 2018
3 stars
And I officially made it to book 5 of the Blackhaven in like 3 days. It's a very fun series (and I probably mentioned it in every review so far :D ).
I was looking forward to this book. I really like Tamar and just the idea of the artist marquis made me slightly giddy.
Unfortunately, I didn't like his characterization in this book. He was more passive, I guess and the resolution to his big secret was honestly, a bit of a letdown. I was expecting something more/different to happen.
The main plotline was interesting, although something there just didn't click for me. I do not know why, maybe it was just too much for me to swallow, maybe.
And also the heroine, Lady Serena, something slightly off in her actions.
Nevertheless, even with all the points I have just made, I did enjoy the book (a 3 star is very solid rating from me), and I will definitely pick up the next book in the series.
And I officially made it to book 5 of the Blackhaven in like 3 days. It's a very fun series (and I probably mentioned it in every review so far :D ).
I was looking forward to this book. I really like Tamar and just the idea of the artist marquis made me slightly giddy.
Unfortunately, I didn't like his characterization in this book. He was more passive, I guess and the resolution to his big secret was honestly, a bit of a letdown. I was expecting something more/different to happen.
The main plotline was interesting, although something there just didn't click for me. I do not know why, maybe it was just too much for me to swallow, maybe.
And also the heroine, Lady Serena, something slightly off in her actions.
Nevertheless, even with all the points I have just made, I did enjoy the book (a 3 star is very solid rating from me), and I will definitely pick up the next book in the series.
February 22, 2021
The characters are not special, the setting is somewhat repetitive, the steam is extremely low and yet I enjoy this series. The writing reveals the plot at pleasing pace, the reveals are not too shocking, it's hardly riveting and yet I am enthralled. I already want to buy the next book in the series, the introduction wowed me.
September 27, 2018
Lady Serena Conway is banished to Blackhaven for breaking her engagement to the man her brother and mother have chosen. It doesn't matter that the man demanded she jilt him, she's still banished, forbidden to leave the castle or associate with anyone in town. But associate she does, with a fascinating artist, she finds trespassing in her brother's orchard.
The artist is none other than the impoverished Marquis of Tamar, who makes his living by selling his paintings and then sends most of his money to his siblings. He knows he should keep clear of Lady Serena, if not for the fact he hasn't two pennies to rub together, then for the big secret he carries, but the two find themselves inexorably drawn together...First by the mysterious casks and barrels in her brother's cellar and then by the passionate attraction between them.
But a union between a broke marquis and a rich sister of an earl is not meant to be...
This was yet another love-at-first-sight on heavy steroid. It would've been a cute and sweet little romance, but unfortunately I didn't truly believe it. There was just something missing; that certain spark, that certain something. It was missing, hence I didn't really get Tamar and Serena together.
I liked them separately, mind you, her with her liveliness, optimism and obvious love for her siblings, him with his slightly eccentric artistic nature and his disregard for what others thought of him. I loved the star-crossed-lovers theme, the pushing of her away for her own good, the woe-is-me-shakes-his-fist-toward-the-sky angst...I loved it even though I didn't believe the romance.
So it were the protagonists separately, the supporting cast (I adored Serena younger sisters in all their matchmaking glory) and the suspense that saved the story.
It was the suspense that particularly shone. The mystery was intriguing and gripping, the villains and their motive hidden until the big reveal, bullets flew (as they usually do in this series), people were in danger...There sure seems to be a whole lot of going on in Blackhaven; lots of kidnapping, bloody bullet holes, duels and the like. 😉
The artist is none other than the impoverished Marquis of Tamar, who makes his living by selling his paintings and then sends most of his money to his siblings. He knows he should keep clear of Lady Serena, if not for the fact he hasn't two pennies to rub together, then for the big secret he carries, but the two find themselves inexorably drawn together...First by the mysterious casks and barrels in her brother's cellar and then by the passionate attraction between them.
But a union between a broke marquis and a rich sister of an earl is not meant to be...
This was yet another love-at-first-sight on heavy steroid. It would've been a cute and sweet little romance, but unfortunately I didn't truly believe it. There was just something missing; that certain spark, that certain something. It was missing, hence I didn't really get Tamar and Serena together.
I liked them separately, mind you, her with her liveliness, optimism and obvious love for her siblings, him with his slightly eccentric artistic nature and his disregard for what others thought of him. I loved the star-crossed-lovers theme, the pushing of her away for her own good, the woe-is-me-shakes-his-fist-toward-the-sky angst...I loved it even though I didn't believe the romance.
So it were the protagonists separately, the supporting cast (I adored Serena younger sisters in all their matchmaking glory) and the suspense that saved the story.
It was the suspense that particularly shone. The mystery was intriguing and gripping, the villains and their motive hidden until the big reveal, bullets flew (as they usually do in this series), people were in danger...There sure seems to be a whole lot of going on in Blackhaven; lots of kidnapping, bloody bullet holes, duels and the like. 😉
February 22, 2018
Mary Lancaster has been an auto buy (and one of my all time favorite authors) since I read Vienna Waltz sometime in late 2016. The Blackhaven Brides series is undoubtedly one of my favorite series currently available.If you haven’t read the series, you need to start. Pronto.
Lord Tamar has been one of the best supporting characters thus far in the series. I have anticipated his story since we first met him ages ago. Mary has a way of giving you just enough details about a character to be completely mystified and NEED to know more. So it was with Lord Tamar, and so it is now with Dr. Lampton and the Earl himself. Tamar’s charming affability and (sometimes brutal) honesty gave him an instant place in my heart. His complete disinterest for the opinion of his peers, his playful spirit, and his rare eye for nontraditional beauty firmly place him as my favorite hero of the series thus far.
This story was one of the stories that leaves you smiling for the rest of the day. The expected smugglers and dangers of course make their appearance, but you cannot help being completely undaunted by them when the characters sail through the horrid situations with their easy smiles in tact.
The liveliest of heroines, Serena has more than enough optimistic spirit to make everyone fall in love with her. She is such a fun character. I genuinely wanted to be her friend from the very first page. Sent away in disgrace she may be, but never dampened. She knew she had done nothing wrong, and refused to be cowed by it. She and her sisters paint such an idyllic sibling group. I could not get enough of them, and hope they make a splendid appearance when a certain Earl gets his story.
Over all this book was fantastic! As always, Mary Lancaster delivers a happily ever after that will leave me happy for days.
Lord Tamar has been one of the best supporting characters thus far in the series. I have anticipated his story since we first met him ages ago. Mary has a way of giving you just enough details about a character to be completely mystified and NEED to know more. So it was with Lord Tamar, and so it is now with Dr. Lampton and the Earl himself. Tamar’s charming affability and (sometimes brutal) honesty gave him an instant place in my heart. His complete disinterest for the opinion of his peers, his playful spirit, and his rare eye for nontraditional beauty firmly place him as my favorite hero of the series thus far.
This story was one of the stories that leaves you smiling for the rest of the day. The expected smugglers and dangers of course make their appearance, but you cannot help being completely undaunted by them when the characters sail through the horrid situations with their easy smiles in tact.
The liveliest of heroines, Serena has more than enough optimistic spirit to make everyone fall in love with her. She is such a fun character. I genuinely wanted to be her friend from the very first page. Sent away in disgrace she may be, but never dampened. She knew she had done nothing wrong, and refused to be cowed by it. She and her sisters paint such an idyllic sibling group. I could not get enough of them, and hope they make a splendid appearance when a certain Earl gets his story.
Over all this book was fantastic! As always, Mary Lancaster delivers a happily ever after that will leave me happy for days.
November 13, 2020
Every Mary Lancaster book is a cracking read, and this is no exception. A spirited heroine, an unusual but very hot hero, a one-look-across-a-crowded-room insta-love (although it was an orchard in this case), loads of passionate kisses and a whole heap of shenanigans of the smuggling/spies/thieves variety. It’s all very entertaining, and for those who enjoyed the first four books in the series, this is more of the same. For myself, I’d have liked a little bit of variety on the basic plot, and there were several loose threads left dangling, but it was still a great read.
Here’s the premise: Lady Serena Conway, sister to the Earl of Braithwaite, has been sent home from London to Blackhaven after the disgrace of jilting a dull but respectable baronet. Stuck at Braithwaite Castle with only her younger sisters and their governess for company, and strictly forbidden from venturing into society, she’s soon bored witless by her captivity. But then she spies an odd looking man from the window, entering the castle’s orchard. And naturally, she rushes out to find out who he is.
He turns out to be the impoverished Marquis of Tamar, although it’s some time before Serena learns who he is, and so we have the amusement of her thinking the scruffy painter who treats her with casual friendship will be shocked when he realises who she is, when in fact she’s shocked to discover he outranks her. But he’s wildly ineligible, being completely broke, and somewhat disreputable.
Needless to say, as is pretty usual with Mary Lancaster’s books, the two are magically drawn to each other from the start, and are soon sharing passionate kisses, described in some detail. But of course there’s always an obstacle, and Tamar’s past soon comes back to haunt them.
There are no fewer than three dramatic subplots - some mysterious goings on in the castle cellar, the theft of some of Tamar’s paintings and a bailiff who’s hanging around him, even though peers of the realm can’t be thrown into a debtor’s prison. The first comes to the boil quite early in the book, the second is very easily solved and the third seemed to fizzle out after the bailiff was given a bit of a talking to. Or maybe I missed a vital point, I don’t know. There were a couple of other dangling threads that puzzled me. One was the cheerful actress who helps Tamar out and seems to be there merely to throw Serena into a bout of jealousy, but he never seemed to explain it properly to her. Again, maybe I missed it. The other weird part was the collection of jewellery dumped on Tamar at an awkward moment. What was that all about? I clearly missed the point of that entirely. But then these books always have so much going on that it’s very easy to get swept up in the excitement and read so fast that details just whizz by.
The romance… I don’t know why, but it didn’t grab me. I’m not a big fan of insta-love, or of well-brought-up young ladies who immediately fall panting into the arms of the most unlikely characters, and somehow, despite the nicely drawn descriptions of Serena’s feelings (the author does this so well), somehow I wasn’t convinced. Perhaps it was because, compared to some of the previous Blackhaven heroines, Serena felt rather ordinary. Or perhaps there was so much else going on that the romance felt a bit rushed. Tamar, on the other hand, is rather a charmer, completely open about his admiration, and so swept up in his obsession that he has to paint her instantly, now, this very minute.
Of the other characters, there are quite a few popping up from the earlier books. It’s not necessary to have read them, but it would have been handy to have a little guide to remind me. The Dowager Countess was the usual type, fairly stiff and a bit domineering. Serena’s brother Braithwaite was an interesting character, although his switch from dead against the marriage to let’s-call-the-banns was breathtakingly swift. I loved the reason for it though (which I won’t spoil the surprise by mentioning). And I loved the children, and long-suffering Miss Grey, their governess.
Another rattling good yarn in this series. Four stars, and since the next book is about the governess, I’m going to have to go straight on to that.
Here’s the premise: Lady Serena Conway, sister to the Earl of Braithwaite, has been sent home from London to Blackhaven after the disgrace of jilting a dull but respectable baronet. Stuck at Braithwaite Castle with only her younger sisters and their governess for company, and strictly forbidden from venturing into society, she’s soon bored witless by her captivity. But then she spies an odd looking man from the window, entering the castle’s orchard. And naturally, she rushes out to find out who he is.
He turns out to be the impoverished Marquis of Tamar, although it’s some time before Serena learns who he is, and so we have the amusement of her thinking the scruffy painter who treats her with casual friendship will be shocked when he realises who she is, when in fact she’s shocked to discover he outranks her. But he’s wildly ineligible, being completely broke, and somewhat disreputable.
Needless to say, as is pretty usual with Mary Lancaster’s books, the two are magically drawn to each other from the start, and are soon sharing passionate kisses, described in some detail. But of course there’s always an obstacle, and Tamar’s past soon comes back to haunt them.
There are no fewer than three dramatic subplots - some mysterious goings on in the castle cellar, the theft of some of Tamar’s paintings and a bailiff who’s hanging around him, even though peers of the realm can’t be thrown into a debtor’s prison. The first comes to the boil quite early in the book, the second is very easily solved and the third seemed to fizzle out after the bailiff was given a bit of a talking to. Or maybe I missed a vital point, I don’t know. There were a couple of other dangling threads that puzzled me. One was the cheerful actress who helps Tamar out and seems to be there merely to throw Serena into a bout of jealousy, but he never seemed to explain it properly to her. Again, maybe I missed it. The other weird part was the collection of jewellery dumped on Tamar at an awkward moment. What was that all about? I clearly missed the point of that entirely. But then these books always have so much going on that it’s very easy to get swept up in the excitement and read so fast that details just whizz by.
The romance… I don’t know why, but it didn’t grab me. I’m not a big fan of insta-love, or of well-brought-up young ladies who immediately fall panting into the arms of the most unlikely characters, and somehow, despite the nicely drawn descriptions of Serena’s feelings (the author does this so well), somehow I wasn’t convinced. Perhaps it was because, compared to some of the previous Blackhaven heroines, Serena felt rather ordinary. Or perhaps there was so much else going on that the romance felt a bit rushed. Tamar, on the other hand, is rather a charmer, completely open about his admiration, and so swept up in his obsession that he has to paint her instantly, now, this very minute.
Of the other characters, there are quite a few popping up from the earlier books. It’s not necessary to have read them, but it would have been handy to have a little guide to remind me. The Dowager Countess was the usual type, fairly stiff and a bit domineering. Serena’s brother Braithwaite was an interesting character, although his switch from dead against the marriage to let’s-call-the-banns was breathtakingly swift. I loved the reason for it though (which I won’t spoil the surprise by mentioning). And I loved the children, and long-suffering Miss Grey, their governess.
Another rattling good yarn in this series. Four stars, and since the next book is about the governess, I’m going to have to go straight on to that.
July 24, 2024
I loved it in the first half and hated it in the second half.
I was expecting this story given what we see of Tamar in the previous two stories to be more along the lines of 'Abandoned to the Prodigal' - a sweet, a little unworldly, happy-go-lucky hero and a similarly sweet heroine.
Unfortunately, Tamar turns out to just as much of a cad as Wickenden or Alban. There is no explanation sought/given for the woman at the card party.
I hate it when authors mention SA and then don't do it justice. In this case, I am not even clear on what exactly happened or was thankfully prevented. Also, kids of a marquis are just left alone like that? No one to take care of them?
The beach party scene had unnecessary tension and while I am thankful that what I feared did not take place, overall I felt it was just dragged out for a dramatic family reunion.
I loved 'Abandoned to the Prodigal' so much for its eventual coming together of the leads. This one felt a repetition of the previous four odd books.
I was expecting this story given what we see of Tamar in the previous two stories to be more along the lines of 'Abandoned to the Prodigal' - a sweet, a little unworldly, happy-go-lucky hero and a similarly sweet heroine.
Unfortunately, Tamar turns out to just as much of a cad as Wickenden or Alban. There is no explanation sought/given for the woman at the card party.
I hate it when authors mention SA and then don't do it justice. In this case, I am not even clear on what exactly happened or was thankfully prevented. Also, kids of a marquis are just left alone like that? No one to take care of them?
The beach party scene had unnecessary tension and while I am thankful that what I feared did not take place, overall I felt it was just dragged out for a dramatic family reunion.
I loved 'Abandoned to the Prodigal' so much for its eventual coming together of the leads. This one felt a repetition of the previous four odd books.
February 21, 2018
Lord Tamar and Lady Serena
A surprise return to Blackhaven brings us to the love story of Lady Serena Conway and the Marquis of Tamar.
Tamar, in his happy go lucky way, has made a place for himself in Blackhaven. Between dodging a bum bailiff who has been consistently dunning him, he busies himself with plying his trade as an itinerant painter.
Lady Serena has been sent back to the castle in disgrace after a broken engagement. Upon meeting Tamar sparks inevitably fly and our love story begins. But this is Blackhaven. We can't have a love story in Blackhaven without danger and intrigue. We get these things in spades as usual!
Tamar's back story is especially tragic. I really wanted to know more of what happened to his family. I trust that more will be revealed in later installments. There are so many stories waiting to be told in this seaside town and I'm here for all of them.
A surprise return to Blackhaven brings us to the love story of Lady Serena Conway and the Marquis of Tamar.
Tamar, in his happy go lucky way, has made a place for himself in Blackhaven. Between dodging a bum bailiff who has been consistently dunning him, he busies himself with plying his trade as an itinerant painter.
Lady Serena has been sent back to the castle in disgrace after a broken engagement. Upon meeting Tamar sparks inevitably fly and our love story begins. But this is Blackhaven. We can't have a love story in Blackhaven without danger and intrigue. We get these things in spades as usual!
Tamar's back story is especially tragic. I really wanted to know more of what happened to his family. I trust that more will be revealed in later installments. There are so many stories waiting to be told in this seaside town and I'm here for all of them.
April 20, 2020
3.25 STARS
I felt this had a strong beginning and after over midway, it started to drag.
I did feel a connection to the couple but some of the H's actions didn't set well and we have some unanswered questions. What happened to the man who kept trying to catch him? Did he do as he said? That part of the story wasn't completed and don't want to give away spoiler's.
Also, I was disappointed the h didn't get to the bottom of the story of the women she sees him kissing. She gets upset, but he doesn't explain himself to her, or does she demand an explanation.
The h's brother has a change of heart and the reason isn't something I felt he would have done. The h/H both tell him they love each other, but something happens in the H's studio and he quickly has a changes his mind? What happened to all his misgivings previously?
There is lovemaking within marriage - heat level 2.5 out of 5 and only described once. The Lord's name is used in vain a few times.
Even though I was surprised about the villain, his reasons for where he stashed the product wasn't given nor how he discovered it would make a good spot.
The reason all the h's sisters were sent with the h didn't make sense. They weren't her responsibility. If she had her reputation ruined as the mother and brother felt, why send the sister's with the h?
I rated it 3 stars, because parts of the story were entertaining and had suspense. I liked the H's honesty in how his situation really was.
No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, some romance and spice. (ljb)
I felt this had a strong beginning and after over midway, it started to drag.
I did feel a connection to the couple but some of the H's actions didn't set well and we have some unanswered questions. What happened to the man who kept trying to catch him? Did he do as he said? That part of the story wasn't completed and don't want to give away spoiler's.
Also, I was disappointed the h didn't get to the bottom of the story of the women she sees him kissing. She gets upset, but he doesn't explain himself to her, or does she demand an explanation.
The h's brother has a change of heart and the reason isn't something I felt he would have done. The h/H both tell him they love each other, but something happens in the H's studio and he quickly has a changes his mind? What happened to all his misgivings previously?
There is lovemaking within marriage - heat level 2.5 out of 5 and only described once. The Lord's name is used in vain a few times.
Even though I was surprised about the villain, his reasons for where he stashed the product wasn't given nor how he discovered it would make a good spot.
The reason all the h's sisters were sent with the h didn't make sense. They weren't her responsibility. If she had her reputation ruined as the mother and brother felt, why send the sister's with the h?
I rated it 3 stars, because parts of the story were entertaining and had suspense. I liked the H's honesty in how his situation really was.
No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, some romance and spice. (ljb)
March 18, 2022
I love a good series. As each book connects to the last, you feel like this is where you live, that these are your friends and neighbors.
When I read the description of this book, I knew I would love it. A disgraced lady of quality, a poor marquis who is also a painter, a group of bad smugglers. Romance and intrigue awaited!
I can't even imagine living in these times. Everyone's lives were dependent more on stations and money than on human folibles and feelings.
So when Serena is made to call off her engagement and sent to live in her family's castle as punishment for her disgrace, she is too lively to be pent up and goes for a walk in the orchard.
There she meets Tamar who she thinks is a poor painter trespassing on her brother's property. He asks her to remain still because he wants to paint her from behind as the sun hits her hair. Then before they part he kisses her.
That starts a mutual infatuation and when she learns he is an impoverished Marquis, she fears for a short time that he is after her for her money.
The side plot is that someone is storing chests of what they believe is bourbon or some other alcohol that has been smuggled in her family basement. One of these men chased Serena with a knife. Not that it scares her off because she is still silly enough to wait hiding in the basement to confront them.
From there is full steam ahead romance, drama, intrigue, you name it. Tamar loves Serena but doesn't think he deserves her.Even as he proves over and over that he does.
It takes quite a few nudges from the residents of Blackhaven and all of Tamar's secrets to come to light to bring them together at last!
When I read the description of this book, I knew I would love it. A disgraced lady of quality, a poor marquis who is also a painter, a group of bad smugglers. Romance and intrigue awaited!
I can't even imagine living in these times. Everyone's lives were dependent more on stations and money than on human folibles and feelings.
So when Serena is made to call off her engagement and sent to live in her family's castle as punishment for her disgrace, she is too lively to be pent up and goes for a walk in the orchard.
There she meets Tamar who she thinks is a poor painter trespassing on her brother's property. He asks her to remain still because he wants to paint her from behind as the sun hits her hair. Then before they part he kisses her.
That starts a mutual infatuation and when she learns he is an impoverished Marquis, she fears for a short time that he is after her for her money.
The side plot is that someone is storing chests of what they believe is bourbon or some other alcohol that has been smuggled in her family basement. One of these men chased Serena with a knife. Not that it scares her off because she is still silly enough to wait hiding in the basement to confront them.
From there is full steam ahead romance, drama, intrigue, you name it. Tamar loves Serena but doesn't think he deserves her.Even as he proves over and over that he does.
It takes quite a few nudges from the residents of Blackhaven and all of Tamar's secrets to come to light to bring them together at last!
February 22, 2018
The Wicked Marquis ticked all of the right boxes for me. Lady Serena Conway has been sent to Braithwaite Castle, her family estate after her engagement imploded. She came to realize she was relieved for it, but her mother and brother sent her to the estate as punishment. Here she meets an eccentricly handsome artist in her orchard. She is drawn to him.
Lord Tamar is an impoverished Marquis who has secrets. He has now met a woman who, not only does he want to paint her portrait, but he wants to do much more. He has nothing to offer anyone. He is willing to help her with the mysterious happenings going on at her home estate.
This was a very sweet story. I have to say he was not wicked at all. She was the perfect match for him. I am very glad the author wrote his story he had intrigued me from the other books in the series. I also enjoy the fact that characters from the previous books in the series are always present.
Lord Tamar is an impoverished Marquis who has secrets. He has now met a woman who, not only does he want to paint her portrait, but he wants to do much more. He has nothing to offer anyone. He is willing to help her with the mysterious happenings going on at her home estate.
This was a very sweet story. I have to say he was not wicked at all. She was the perfect match for him. I am very glad the author wrote his story he had intrigued me from the other books in the series. I also enjoy the fact that characters from the previous books in the series are always present.
February 24, 2018
Mary Lancaster has done it once again! I dearly love reading the Blackhaven Brides Series because her characters often appear reappear in smaller roles in many of the other stories. If you read them all in succession, you begin to feel like you actually know some of the characters personally. Her attention to detail and gift for devising new and ingenious plots is phenomenal. The dialogue between her characters is often so humorous and unconventional that it has you laughing aloud. If you love Historical Romance with a bit of mystery thrown in to capture your attention and keep you wondering what will happen next, you should easily become as addicted to this series as I have. One of my favorite things about this series is that the sexual chemistry between characters is there, but is done in such a way as to be more romantic than excessively graphic, which I personally appreciate. I honestly can’t wait to find out which character she writes about next! I’m definitely addicted.
March 11, 2018
The latest installment in the Blackhaven Brides series is a gem. It took me less than a day to read it which is exactly what I am looking for in a light-hearted read. The carryover characters from the previous books make an appearance and do not overwhelm the new characters we are introduced to in this book. Set in the early 1800s there is plenty of material on which to base these stories, England is again at war with France and as in the previous books, it is a part of the storyline. The Wicked Marquis is fine as a stand-alone but if you have read the other books and know the previous stories this story becomes a bit richer. Mary Lancaster writes well and with a sense of humor. She has a knack for keeping a reader interested. Overall, I liked this book and look forward to reading more of her work including the next in this series.I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are mine without interference.
March 23, 2018
I was hooked from the moment they met because it was clear it was going to be different. I loved the adventure of the smuggling that kept throwing them together. I did not see the twist of what was being hidden in the castle or who was behind the smuggling coming at all. They were perfect for each other and nothing was going to keep them apart even when they tried to stay apart. I had no clue what his secret was going to be and was shocked but loved how it was handled.
Serena is loveable from the start because she doesn't hide from anything. I loved her with her sisters and how she said what had to be said. She couldn't be cold no matter what she tried and believed.
Tamar always says what he thinks and doesn't hide anything about his family. I loved his right away and his paintings sounded amazing. He tried to push her away but was drawn back to her every time.
Copy provided for an honest and voluntary review
Serena is loveable from the start because she doesn't hide from anything. I loved her with her sisters and how she said what had to be said. She couldn't be cold no matter what she tried and believed.
Tamar always says what he thinks and doesn't hide anything about his family. I loved his right away and his paintings sounded amazing. He tried to push her away but was drawn back to her every time.
Copy provided for an honest and voluntary review
February 20, 2018
❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋
I didn’t think Tamar the Marquis was Wicked in any way , more ,sweet, amusing ,affectionate, loveable, I could go on .
Serena is sent home from London after a broken engagement, there in her family orchard , she meets Tamar, and they start to build a wonderful relationship.
He’s funny and personable, but he has secrets , one of which she already knows, he may be a Marquis but he’s broke ,he’s also a brilliant artist ,and is enamoured by her and how she looks on canvas.
She finds her home being used for nefarious purposes, and with help from Tamar ,and the local Magistrate, they uncover the truth .
A great addition to this series, a sweet, romantic story full of intrigue, spy’s , smugglers and divine artists who are just to nice and lovable to be true .
Recommended Read !
“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
💋
I didn’t think Tamar the Marquis was Wicked in any way , more ,sweet, amusing ,affectionate, loveable, I could go on .
Serena is sent home from London after a broken engagement, there in her family orchard , she meets Tamar, and they start to build a wonderful relationship.
He’s funny and personable, but he has secrets , one of which she already knows, he may be a Marquis but he’s broke ,he’s also a brilliant artist ,and is enamoured by her and how she looks on canvas.
She finds her home being used for nefarious purposes, and with help from Tamar ,and the local Magistrate, they uncover the truth .
A great addition to this series, a sweet, romantic story full of intrigue, spy’s , smugglers and divine artists who are just to nice and lovable to be true .
Recommended Read !
“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
June 10, 2025
How can a poverty stricken marques marry the wealthy sister of an Earl?
We have seen Lord Tamar in several of the previous books in this series. He is in Blackhaven earning whatever he can painting portraits and landscapes which he sells to the residents and visitors.
Lady Serena has been sent back to the family estate having broken off her engagement.
When she spots a strange man in the grounds she challenges him. Tamar is there for the landscape but quickly the two fall for each other.
In addition to his lack of money there is a dangerous secret in his past which could cause problems. Throw in an attempt to free French prisoners of war, smuggled gunpowder and family disapproval the road to a final HEA is not altogether smooth.
This has been another very enjoyable entry in the Blackhaven Brides series.
We have seen Lord Tamar in several of the previous books in this series. He is in Blackhaven earning whatever he can painting portraits and landscapes which he sells to the residents and visitors.
Lady Serena has been sent back to the family estate having broken off her engagement.
When she spots a strange man in the grounds she challenges him. Tamar is there for the landscape but quickly the two fall for each other.
In addition to his lack of money there is a dangerous secret in his past which could cause problems. Throw in an attempt to free French prisoners of war, smuggled gunpowder and family disapproval the road to a final HEA is not altogether smooth.
This has been another very enjoyable entry in the Blackhaven Brides series.
February 22, 2018
Poverty stricken marquis, Lord Tamar, is regarded in Blackhaven as an amiable eccentric and a gifted painter, rather than as a wicked man. But Tamar has secrets that he dare not reveal to anyone. Serena, fed up with London etiquette and sent home to her family castle in disgrace after her engagement is broken, the fascinating Tamar is a breath of fresh air. This was a fun and enjoyable story. I l loved the characters. Serena is spunky and I loved the way that she brought out the fun in Tamar and made him realize that there is more to living life. I loved that Tamar didn’t have a penny to his pocket and that he was honest and upfront about it. This story was so easy to read. I really enjoyed this book and I would definitely recommend reading it.
April 3, 2018
I was completely captivated by the whole story. Tamar is witty and fun and doesn’t care what people think of him, he lives his life to the fullest. But he does have his secrets – underneath the bold character he shows the world, is a man who has his own demons to fight. Serena is drawn to him and both are drawn into a mystery and conspiracy I didn’t see coming.
This is a solid read with great characters with some action and suspense thrown in to keep it moving nicely. I’ll definitely be picking up more to read from this author. Even though this was the fifth book in this series, it read fine as a standalone although I hope to go back and read the rest. Reviewed by Cyrene
This is a solid read with great characters with some action and suspense thrown in to keep it moving nicely. I’ll definitely be picking up more to read from this author. Even though this was the fifth book in this series, it read fine as a standalone although I hope to go back and read the rest. Reviewed by Cyrene
November 22, 2018
#5. Tamar and Serena
Sister to the Earl of Braithwaite, Serena has been sent home after dissolving her betrothal to a boring suitor who was mad after she danced with.Lord Dax three times. There she meets the delightful but poverty stricken Lord Tamar who is rusticating in Blackhaven and raising money by selling his Paintings. At first she doesn't know who he is and they both enjoy a bit of a forbidden friendship. But danger continues to lurk in Blackhaven with more than just smugglers and Serena's very life is threatened. Excellent plot. Tamar 's background is revealed. Great addition to the series.
Sister to the Earl of Braithwaite, Serena has been sent home after dissolving her betrothal to a boring suitor who was mad after she danced with.Lord Dax three times. There she meets the delightful but poverty stricken Lord Tamar who is rusticating in Blackhaven and raising money by selling his Paintings. At first she doesn't know who he is and they both enjoy a bit of a forbidden friendship. But danger continues to lurk in Blackhaven with more than just smugglers and Serena's very life is threatened. Excellent plot. Tamar 's background is revealed. Great addition to the series.
July 11, 2025
Serena Conway, sister of Lord Braithwaite, has been sent home in disgrace from London. She jilted a lord or vice-versa, and her mother and brother are not happy with her. Restricted to quarters, she sneaks out to the garden and runs into Lord Tamar, an impoverished artist, hounded for debts by a bailiff. He is smitten and begins painting her on the spot. Sparks fly quickly between them.
There's always a kidnapping, or a duel, or a mystery to solve in Mary Lancaster's books to add a little drama to the story and to give the hero a chance to rescue the young lady. Her prose and dialogue are always so well done and fun to read. I'm never disappointed. 4.5 stars
There's always a kidnapping, or a duel, or a mystery to solve in Mary Lancaster's books to add a little drama to the story and to give the hero a chance to rescue the young lady. Her prose and dialogue are always so well done and fun to read. I'm never disappointed. 4.5 stars
February 22, 2018
You will fall in love with both the Heroine and the Hero in this wonderful continuation of the Blackhaven Brides Series. As with the others, this book has it's mystery to be solved and to allow Serena and Tamar to fall in love. Sent to the country in disgrace, because she was jilted, Serena just happens to meet Lord Tamar and just also happens upon men skulking around her brother's manor. The author's very imaginative twists in the story maintained interest through the end of the book and makes one wish for a very soon return visit.
July 20, 2019
Great book!
I've enjoyed all the "Blackhaven Brides" and this one was so good. The characters are well written and the story is plausible and keeps your attention. Serena is a wealthy young woman with a zest for life, who falls in love with Tamar a broke painter. There are spies and impersonators and add spice to the story. It's a fantastic story well worth reading, I would recommend it.
I've enjoyed all the "Blackhaven Brides" and this one was so good. The characters are well written and the story is plausible and keeps your attention. Serena is a wealthy young woman with a zest for life, who falls in love with Tamar a broke painter. There are spies and impersonators and add spice to the story. It's a fantastic story well worth reading, I would recommend it.
January 4, 2020
Another wonderful book in the Blackhaven Brides Series & you will fall in love with Serena & Tamar! There is suspense & mystery (as in the other books in the series) which facilitates Serena & Tamar meeting, solving the mystery, getting in a lot of dangerous situations & ultimately falling in love with a HEA ending! The author's has written great twists & turns in the book & makes this a real page turner. I highly recommend this series to all historical romance readers.
August 15, 2024
Love this book
This is a wonderful book. I loved the characters, though I worried just how Mary Lancaster was going to achieve a happy ever after for Tamar and Serena. She did and did it beautifully. I loved this book. Hmm, I have felt that way about every one of them so far. Thank goodness I have a good many to read till I hit the end of the series. I'm so glad I saw she has written several series. I highly recommend this book.
This is a wonderful book. I loved the characters, though I worried just how Mary Lancaster was going to achieve a happy ever after for Tamar and Serena. She did and did it beautifully. I loved this book. Hmm, I have felt that way about every one of them so far. Thank goodness I have a good many to read till I hit the end of the series. I'm so glad I saw she has written several series. I highly recommend this book.
January 4, 2025
What a delight
This tale will take you from London where Serena is leaving in embarrassment from a broken engagement ( her family's embarrassment not hers) to Blackhaven where she's supposed to stay inside the castle with no callers and no social life. Tamar is in Blackhaven to try to sell his paintings to make money to feed his siblings. These two have a journey to take together tat will warm your heart and keep you reading well into the night.
This tale will take you from London where Serena is leaving in embarrassment from a broken engagement ( her family's embarrassment not hers) to Blackhaven where she's supposed to stay inside the castle with no callers and no social life. Tamar is in Blackhaven to try to sell his paintings to make money to feed his siblings. These two have a journey to take together tat will warm your heart and keep you reading well into the night.
February 20, 2018
Wicked and Broke
I enjoy reading Mary Lancaster’s books. Her characters have their own personality. In this book Lady Serena doesn’t like to be restricted. Lord Tamar is poorer than a church mouse but is happy.
This is a book that should be read, enjoyed and finding out all about Serena and Tamar and their love.
I enjoy reading Mary Lancaster’s books. Her characters have their own personality. In this book Lady Serena doesn’t like to be restricted. Lord Tamar is poorer than a church mouse but is happy.
This is a book that should be read, enjoyed and finding out all about Serena and Tamar and their love.
March 4, 2018
Different
I found this book interesting and quite different than other books of this genre. Lord Tramar and Serena were an interesting couple and found themselves embroiled in a mystery together. I had a hard time bonding with the characters although I thought the story line was ok.
I found this book interesting and quite different than other books of this genre. Lord Tramar and Serena were an interesting couple and found themselves embroiled in a mystery together. I had a hard time bonding with the characters although I thought the story line was ok.
September 15, 2018
Marquis
I really enjoyed this book. Mary writes wonderfully. You can't help calling for Tamar. I found him lovable in The Wicked Husband. I love that he is such an up beat character even with all his trials and struggles. Serena is very out going with a caring personality. This book is full of adventure; I didn't want to put it down.
I really enjoyed this book. Mary writes wonderfully. You can't help calling for Tamar. I found him lovable in The Wicked Husband. I love that he is such an up beat character even with all his trials and struggles. Serena is very out going with a caring personality. This book is full of adventure; I didn't want to put it down.
November 5, 2018
The Wicked Marquis
This was the first of her books, but not last I can't waited to get the next one. I enjoyed this so much and love in it is so touching. It has been awhile since I have read any thing that touches my heart so much. You did a good job Mary. Thank you. Ada G.
This was the first of her books, but not last I can't waited to get the next one. I enjoyed this so much and love in it is so touching. It has been awhile since I have read any thing that touches my heart so much. You did a good job Mary. Thank you. Ada G.
November 16, 2025
amusing
Has all the required aspect for a romance, like height of both partners, good looks of both partners, interesting characteristics, kidnapping, near death et cetera et cetera. Well written but not out outstanding. A pick on this writer a bit because she has the capacity to be more than just a run of the mill pretty good romance writer but you’ll enjoy it.
Has all the required aspect for a romance, like height of both partners, good looks of both partners, interesting characteristics, kidnapping, near death et cetera et cetera. Well written but not out outstanding. A pick on this writer a bit because she has the capacity to be more than just a run of the mill pretty good romance writer but you’ll enjoy it.
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