This is an alternate cover edition of ASIN B07BK968CC. ---- Betrothed to Marcus Balfour, Marquess Althorn since infancy, the entirety of Miss Jane Barrett’s life has been planned for her by others. Through an overheard argument, Jane discovers at a tender age that her betrothed is opposed to the match. The knowledge wounds her deeply and sows the first seeds of rebellion in her. Rather than marry her, the Marquess joins the army but disappears in one of the war’s bloodiest battles. Jane is left in a state of limbo—betrothed to a man who never wanted her and who is most likely dead, but still not free to pursue love elsewhere.
Marcus’ objections to the marriage were less about the bride than the immorally young age of the bride at which their greedy and meddling fathers wished to force the match. While fighting for king and country, Marcus is confronted with the knowledge that there is a traitor in their midst, a man far closer to him than he might wish to admit. But he is captured, imprisoned, tortured, and left to rot for years until he can make his way back home to take up his rightful place as the Elsingham heir… and as a husband to Jane Barrett.
The years that have passed have eradicated any reservations about marriage to his betrothed, at least on his part. No man looking at her would ever mistake her for a child. More surprising is the attraction that he feels for her instantaneously and his determination to make her his, whatever the cost. It appears however, that his bride to be, will require some convincing.
As Marcus sets out to woo her, to prove that there is the possibility for something far more than a simple contract between them, danger lurks at every turn. The enemy, who robbed him of years of his life by handing him over to the French, is close at hand… and has their eye on Jane and her fortune, as well.
USA Today Best Selling author and Winner of the 2019 Romance Through the Ages Award for Georgian/Regency Romance, Chasity Bowlin is the author multiple bestselling historical romance novels, both independently and with Dragonblade Publishing. She lives in central Kentucky with her husband and their menagerie of animals. She loves writing, loves traveling and enjoys incorporating tidbits of her actual vacations into her books. She is an avid Anglophile, loving all things British, but specifically all things Regency.
Growing up in Tennessee, spending as much time as possible with her doting grandparents, soap operas were a part of her daily existence, followed by back to back episodes of Scooby Doo. Her path to becoming a romance novelist was set when, rather than simply have her Barbie dolls cruise around in a pink convertible, they time traveled, hosted lavish dinner parties and one even had an evil twin locked in the attic.
3.5 stars 🌟 Betrothed at a very young age. The H and h must have the two worst families . The fathers are bad , but the stepmothers are worse. Not to mention the cousin from hell.😱
Miss Jane Barrett's life has been planned entirely by her grasping father, most especially her betrothal to Marcus Balfour, the Marquess of Althorn. Jane always known Marcus was opposed to the match and wasn't terribly surprised when he joined the army to delay their marriage. But when he disappears at a deadly battle, Jane is left in a fog of mourning, still betrothed to a man who is most likely dead, but unable to pursue her own life or choices elsewhere.
Marcus was never opposed to marrying Jane herself, only to the fact that she was much too young still when their fathers attempted to force the wedding. While fighting for his country, Marcus is faced with the stark reality that there is a traitor far closer to him than he'd ever have suspected. He finds himself captured, tortured, and held in an enemy work camp for five years until he manages to escape and return home to take his true place as heir to the Duke of Elsingham and to finally claim his bride.
Marcus has no qualms about marriage now. His time at war changed him and there is no doubt Jane is a woman now, not a child. In fact, he's instantly attracted to her and eager to claim her as his, but it soon becomes clear that Jane will need some convincing first. Marcus sets out to spend time with Jane, getting to know her before she decides whether or not to proceed with their marriage, but danger and grasping relatives haunt their every move, seeking to manipulate situations for their own selfish gain, regardless of the cost to Marcus and Jane.
I enjoyed the fast pace of this one and the villainous plots afoot. I do have to say that it felt slightly anticlimactic and I would've liked to see more real punishment for the villains and a bit more time spent between Marcus and Jane. I liked the gothic sort of feel this had, but Jane was ridiculously annoying to me this time around. I understand where she was coming from but her attitude at times was just uncalled for, especially when directed at Marcus when she should've been directing it at her awful family. This was not my favorite of the series but I enjoyed the story and I really hope to see Lord Highcliff get his own story eventually.
Jane was betrothed to Marcus since she was an infant. Her sizable dowry and his title seemed like a good match, well for their parents of course. The deal was they to be marry once Jane turn 18 but something changed and now both fathers wanted to push the wedding earlier, and Marcus was against it no matter what. Jane was only 14 at that time and Marcus wouldn't want anything to do with a child. So he did what he thought was the best for everyone, he joined the army.
I almost dnf this book because of the villains. Apart from the MC and servants and maybe close friend, the rest were villains. But, I couldn't stop not knowing what the ending for the MC and the villains. It's romance, so HEA will always be the key factor but for the villains, I wanted more punishment. I don't want to be told what happened to them, I want to see. I don't want a quick death, I wanted them to suffer.
In the end, I just have to satisfy myself by googling the asylum back in those days.
Chasity Bowlin writes the most exquisitely intricate tales. Her villainous plots involve multiple parties with varying motives. Who will live, who will die, it's always up in the air until the very last moment.
This story was no different. An overheard conversation is misinterpreted by our young heroine and she spends years loathing her conveniently missing betrothed.
He said it, but he didn't mean it like that, but how to convince the young heiress to believe him and continue with the marriage that will right his financial ship. Our dear hero has his hands full.
Throw in villainous relatives on both sides with scandal broth brewing all around and we've got ourselves a romantic suspense novel to delight all readers.
If you like books with convoluted motives and surprises around every corner, you will love this book. I highly recommend it.
I found this difficult to finish which was odd because I adored the first two in the series. Ms. Bowlin has shown growth with each of her novels with regards to structure, consistency and further depth of character. She has always been a strong storyteller. Of course I will still read the next in the series!!
A fast paced story that captures you from the first and leads you through many surprises. Betrothed at a very young age, Jane Barrett hears that her betrothed, Marcus Balfour is opposed to the union. Marcus's objection is due to the bride being so young, so he joins the army to bring some space and time until the marriage takes place. Little did he know what was ahead as he was immersed in a terrible battle that in the end left him a prisoner of war for several years. He finally comes back home, weary of the war and ready to take his place as heir to his estate. Of course that also means it is time for marriage to Jane and as he sees her, he is instantly attracted and ready to wed. Jane still feels reservations due to the conversation she overheard years ago and does not make things easy for Marcus. This story tugged at my heart because there is Marcus who has been challenged by the war and his captivity. Jane, who has been pushed around by her family and just wants to be independent. As these two start to spend time together, dark forces are at hand that bring danger to both of them. Can they find their happy ending? Chasity Bowlin is a new author to me and by reading this story I know I only want to read more by her!!
This is the first I’ve read of Chastity’s, and I’ll definitely be reading more I loved the story. Marcus Balfour, Marquess Althorn and Miss Jane Barrett have been betrothed since infancy. Her father has been pushing the wedding up until Marcus says no way is he marring a child bride. Poor Jane overhears the conservation and is heartbroken and devastated by this act of betrayal. Marcus decides to join the army where he disappears in one of the war’s bloodiest battles. He is captured, imprisoned and tortured for years until he can make his way back home as the heir and his bride. Five years later the Marquess reappears with confronted the knowledge that there is a traitor in their midst someone far closer than he even realizes. The last thing Jane wants is her betrothed turning up and expecting to marry her. Marcus plans to woo his so to be bride, but Jane has other ideas. She knows the only reason anyone would marry her is her father's money, is it too much to ask to be wanted for herself. She like her independence too much she’s just six months shy of getting her inheritance from her grandfather that will make her totally independent from her cruel father. Neither had the love of a parents while growing up, they both secretly yearn for a family and a home filled with love and respect. A romance with a little suspense, mystery and I loved the witty banter between Marcus and Jane. This is my honest opinions after I voluntarily read a copy of this book that was provided to me with no requirements for a review.
This exciting story begins with two people find themselves irrevocably stuck in an unimaginable situation by both of their greedy, scheming parents, in the form of an arranged marriage since birth. Both parents were unfortunately using their children as a means for acquiring what they perceived as necessary evil in their lives, either in the form of achieving a elevated social status or providing much needed relief from an overbearing amount of debt they had unfortunately incurred. Jane had only 6 more months to wait until she could take her small inheritance and be able to move away from her father and vicious stepmother, when quite unexpectedly her long lost, presumed dead, betrothed suddenly shows up on her door step. This story is a mystery with and a touch of humor thrown in for good in This book was quite a delight to read to see which characters were going to win out in the end. The characters are very well developed, and the plot is original. Of course, in any good Romance novel there are will be some sensual scenes, but I personally appreciated that they were not over done. Be sure to check out this new book or go to her author page to find how to get books 1 & 2 to read first. 😍
❤️❤️❤️❤️ 💋💋 This is the first I’ve read of Chastity’s , and I’ll definitely be reading more , I really enjoyed this book. Destined to disappoint their parents at every turn , mainly because the parents are cruel and self serving on both sides. Marcus and Jane must fight to Save their sanity and Honour. Marcus is heir to a dukedom , Jane is his fathers idea of the perfect wife for him , mainly because she brings with her the fortune needed to keep the estate running , he doesn’t care she not old enough to wed , Marcus thinks differently. Determined to stop a wedding to a child Bride at all costs he joins the army and gets sent abroad , where he disappears for five years , imprisoned by the enemy. His family and Jane think he’s dead , that is until he turns up one night . You begin to realise whilst reading , that what both these young people deserve is peace , happiness and love , and you start to route for them , wishing them to succeed. The whole story is great , I loved its complexity and , With the addition of a spiteful and covetous cousin on the scene the plot really thickens . It was a great read and the pace was fast from the first page . I can’t wait to find out more about a certain secondary character who is not as he seems (Highcliff) , hopefully that may happen in another book . I received an advanced copy of this book and chose to submit a review
There is nothing more pleasant than lazing in an armchair with Chasity Bowlin’s latest novel. It’s just good solid entertainment, with evil villains, a relatable heroine and a very genuine romance.
Poor Jane Barrett is surrounded by glamorous step mothers who love to point out that she is carrying a few extra pounds. The caustic step mothers are quick with body shaming comments and diet tips. But then after eight years absence Jane’s betrothed reappears. Her fiancé Marcus, a ducal heir, has been locked in a French prison cell for years. He thinks Jane is a hot tamale. But Jane longs to be a single woman, free from oppressive relatives and arranged marriages.
This is not Ms Bowlin’s most gripping book (that would be Haunting of a Duke), but it’s hard to put down. Ms Bowlin writes is such an engrossing way, you could be in the room as Jane fends off diet advice from her horrid step mother. Jane is a great character - flawed yet growing more confident. ‘Missing Marquess’ is truly believable. My only problem is the high volume of black hearted villains. They take up a lot of the word count but are predictable cliches.
Miss Jane Barrett had been betrothed as an infant to Lord Marcus Balfour, Marquess of Althorn and heir to the Duke of Elsingham. Marcus had accepted the betrothal but had objected to the wedding being set for Jane's 16th birthday. Imagine his horror when both fathers pushed for him to marry her just shy of her 14th birthday. He was already an adult and argued vehemently with his father about this demand. Jane had always admired him but when she heard the tail end of the argument she misunderstood and was heartbroken. This situation led to Marcus joining the army and, eventually, being taken prisoner by the French at Corunna. Unfortunately only one person knew this and he wasn't telling. Until Marcus escaped he was missing, possibly dead but, with no evidence, his father would not have him declared dead. Things haven't stood still for Jane in the 8 years of his absence but Marcus was also greatly changed by his ordeal. They are still betrothed but there are evil forces at work. It's a good story but it's spoilt by poor proofreading. Suitable for all sensitivities and ages.
Marcus, heir to a dukedom, returns from the war with France after five years as a prisoner of war. In his absence, his betrothed, Jane, has been in a state of limbo because she is engaged, but her fiancé has been missing but not declared deceased. Marcus knows that his return is a shock not only to Jane who remembers that eight years before he ran off to war rather than being forced to honor their betrothal, but to several members of his family for more nefarious reasons. This story has a terrific plot filled with intrigue and interesting characters and it’s a page turner from the start to the end. The two main characters’ relationship develops with a heat between them that culminates in a satisfying hea. The tale itself keeps moving along with twists and turns that pull one into the story. I highly recommend this book to readers of historical romance who enjoy intrigue and heat. I also am hoping this author finds a way to give Lord Highcliff a story of his own, as his part in this was fascinating. I read this as an arc which affected my review in no way at all.
Marcus Balfour, the Marquess of Althorn ran off to war after an argument with his father. He didn't expect to be gone so long. Years in a French prison have changed him a lot. He is now ready to take up his responsibilities. It might not be quite as easy as he hoped. Miss Jane Barrett has spent years in limbo, not knowing if her betrothed is dead or alive. She knows the only reason anyone would marry her is her father's money, but she has plans to get free from the rule of men. The last thing she wants is her betrothed turning up and expecting to marry her. There is just as much danger at home for our returning hero, and not much of a welcome. Someone is out to claim all that is his. Our heroine has been downtrodden by her family and is desperate for independence. Lots of excitement and some laughs in this very entertaining story. I loved the characters and hope to meet some of them again in other books. I loved it.
Betrothed to Marcus Balfour, Marquess Althorn since infancy, the entirety of Miss Jane Barrett’s life has been planned for her by others. Through an overheard argument, Jane discovers at a tender age that her betrothed is opposed to the match. Marcus’ objections to the marriage were less about the bride than the immorally young age of the bride at which their greedy and meddling fathers wished to force the match. After being missing and presumed dead for the last five years Marcus has returned to reclaim his life. During the last years Jane has made a life for herself and marrying the returned Marquis is not in her plan. Both have a lot to overcome and decide for their future. Marcus is determined to make things right and Jane is determined she is not going to marry him. This was an enjoyable story and I liked Marcus and Jane’s characters. I have not read Chastity Bowlin’s books before and I am looking forward to reading another.
I do enjoy this author and her writing style. I disliked the h through most of the story because she was like a dog with a bone. She could not get over something the H said when she was 13. Even after our H explained how she was incorrect in her thinking 8 years later she still treated him awful. She does improve but near the end.
There is lovemaking mildly described outside marriage but they have been betrothed for 8 years. By that time I did have a liking for the h so their lovemaking was filled with passion. Both our H/had had awful and uncaring parents especially the Father's. There are many villains in this story and through out the story our H remained honorable.
We do get HEA, no cliffhanger, no cheating by our H/h. Even though this is book 3 and my first in series I was not lost. I am not going into the premise as many have explained it better than I can, just what u may get out of reading it. (Ljb)
Marcus Balfour has been betrothed to Jane Barrett since childhood.
However, when his father insists that they actually marry when Jane is just fourteen (!) Marcus refuses and storms out of the house and Jon’s the army.
Eight years later he returns after spending many years as a prisoner of the French. He is sure his cousin Charles betrayed him as he was in the uniform of a lower ranking soldier than the one Charles was wearing at the time of his capture.
All the time he was away Jane has been subjected to the carping criticism of her stepmother and the lack of support of her father who had rushed to publish the news of the engagement eight years ago.
Jane and Marcus agree to allow themselves a period of courtship before making up their minds.
However, various others are determined they marry (and not necessarily for the best of reasons).
Jane and Marcus must be on their guard if they are to survive. this has been another excellent book in the series.
This is the first series I intentionally did not read in order. I wanted to follow the various storylines currently. I thoroughly enjoyed this one as a stand-alone because it really wasn’t related to the prior stories. It did include one of my favorite characters from a different series. The story has a storyline which reflects how much the archaic times could force morales to be discarded to the point of child abuse and self serving egotistical aristocrats, i.e. “entitlement”, to murder. Drama/angst - 5 Heat - 3 with potential Storyline - 5 Good story. Once I started reading it, I was committed. Thank you Ms Bowlin for another historical romance drama.
Enjoyed reading this story by Chasity Bowlin. We have Marcus the Marquess of Althorn and Jane Barrett. She was betrothed to Marcus as an infant. Marcus had an argument with his father, storms out of the office and sees Jane standing in the foyer. He leaves and joins the army to fight the French. He is gone about seven years but five of those years he was reported missing. Now the plot thickens as the two families only think about what they want and what they can get. This is a story that needs to be read!! It will show you how people changed when there are situations to overcome.
A wonderful Series, there are different ways the & ages the boys are considered lost.
Our patriotic heir to the Duke, was out of his uniform when he was captured and did his hard labor with the knowledge nobody was coming & nobody knew where he was & other realities of that moment. **POTENTIAL SPOILER ALERT**
One of the greatest. character building of the Lost Lords was that they had determined to have the woman they wanted & not one that society or anyone else felt they had to have. They thought for themselves, more than the gentleman of the Ton, and more than the businessmen. Good character builds, both good & evil in the extras in the stories.
Jane and Marcus's story was very heartwarming to me. Jane's gut felt rejection has molded her into who she is today. This is something that is difficult for her to overcome. Marcus has endured so much himself. Leaving for war and all of the things that happened to him while gone, also change a man.
Can these to finally find their way to each other?
Enjoy reading the path these two take to get to each other! There is emotional intensity, banter, mysterious happenings and more.
I am so happy a friend gave this to me! I would recommend you pick this up!
Young, but impoverished Marquess is betrothed to wealthy, but untitled families baby girl in arrangement plotted by the fathers of the children. When pressed to wed earlier than planned to Jane, almost 14 years old, the Marquess runs off to join the military and fight Napoleon. After capture and imprisonment the Marquess shows up 8 years later ready to wed the almost 21 year old. What could go wrong? Everything, including villains that are family members on both sides. Enjoyable quick read with just enough obstacles to make it interesting.
Believing that her betrothed doesn't want her, Jane fails to realize what he doesn't want, is an extremely young bride. Marcus leaves for the continent and the war. Wounded and betrayed, he lingers in prison for years. Jane is amazed when her long lost groom arrives home. They agree to court. Only someone, the one who betrayed him in war, doesn't want Marcus to succeed. This is part romance and part mystery. A very intriguing read.
This novel has so many interesting layers. Marcus and Jane have been betrothed since Jane was a child. The fathers of Marcus and Jane are demanding, hard, and wanting their way regardless of Marcus and Jane. The plot will keep the reader's attention and interest. The characters are very well written and developed. A book about Lord Highcliff would be interesting. The dialogue is enchanting.
A love story between two people who were too young to know each other well enough to fall in love. Years later, they met again each with very complicated feelings towards the other. Will they overcome all misunderstandings to achieve happiness together? The author's powerful play of suspenseful events is really amazing. Yes, I would recommend this book.
This was such a wonderful read and I could not put it down. Marcus and Jane were two people so deserving of love and happiness, both having suffered in their own way. The story had all the elements that I love in a romance, a tortured hero and heroine, devious villains and an awesome storyline that just kept me reading to the end. Definitely a keeper for me!
Lovers of “Pride and Prejudice” will fall head first for this regency gem. While the author adds much more heat to her tale than Austen, readers will enjoy passages reminiscent of a Darcy faux pas along with Jane and Elizabeth rolled into one.
I like the characters in this book, especially the heroine. Jane grew from an insecure girl into a smart and independent young woman with no wish to marry...or so she thought. It is easy to see why she wavered in her resolve. The spark shared between Jane and Marcus is clear.
This book has an interesting storyline and characters (one in particular I hope to see in a future release). There is also a degree of humor due to the heroine's pragmatic dialogue. I highly recommend this book.