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Brides for Bachelors #2
The Marquess Tames His Bride
In this Brides for Bachelors story, the Marquess of Rawcliffe has always found his childhood friend Clare Cottam enthralling, but any relationship has been forbidden by her strict father. Now the couple are embroiled in a heated argument that puts Clare's reputation in danger, and Rawcliffe is forced to declare her his fiancee. It will be his pleasure to tame his independent, innocent bride...
368 pages, Paperback
First published January 16, 2018
143 people are currently reading
447 people want to read
About the author
Annie Burrows
184 books311 followersI've been published by Mills & Boon since 2007..but I'd been making up stories in my head for as long as I can remember. It was a long walk home from school, and there were no ipods in those days to keep you amused! When I wasn't daydreaming, I had my nose stuck in a book. My parents used to take me to the library every Saturday, until I was old enough to get there on my own, and my house was always full of books.
During school holidays, the whole family loved to visit stately homes and castles. As soon as we got home, my older sister and I would either dress up as lords and ladies, and romp around the garden, or, if it was raining, retreat to our bedroom where we would draw intricately detailed plans of our very own imaginary stately home, complete with secret tunnels, dungeons, and usually, a maze in the extensive grounds.
When I was old enough to go to university, I studied English literature, with Philosophy. I was not sure what I wanted to do after that, but meeting a handsome student of maths, who was the owner of a very powerful motorbike helped me make up my mind. Reader, I married him.
For many years I felt it was important to stay at home to raise our two children, but one day, when the youngest had gone to senior school, I began to wonder if all those stories I made up to occupy my mind whilst attending to mundane chores, would interest anyone else.
I started to write some of them down, and eventually decided that one of them was "deep" enough to merit attention from publishers. It took me almost two years to complete, mainly because I kept tearing it up and starting all over again. And having to keep going out to work to help pay for school fees, then university tuition, slowed progress down as well.
Needless to say, this masterpiece was rejected by every single publisher I sent it to, but by this time, writing had become an addiction.
Four more stories got rejected, before Mills & Boon bought "His Cinderella Bride", a regency romance.
I do have some other interests, besides writing! I love spending time pottering in my garden. And recently I've taken up ballroom dancing as a way to try and keep fit (and keep the romance alive in my marriage!)
During school holidays, the whole family loved to visit stately homes and castles. As soon as we got home, my older sister and I would either dress up as lords and ladies, and romp around the garden, or, if it was raining, retreat to our bedroom where we would draw intricately detailed plans of our very own imaginary stately home, complete with secret tunnels, dungeons, and usually, a maze in the extensive grounds.
When I was old enough to go to university, I studied English literature, with Philosophy. I was not sure what I wanted to do after that, but meeting a handsome student of maths, who was the owner of a very powerful motorbike helped me make up my mind. Reader, I married him.
For many years I felt it was important to stay at home to raise our two children, but one day, when the youngest had gone to senior school, I began to wonder if all those stories I made up to occupy my mind whilst attending to mundane chores, would interest anyone else.
I started to write some of them down, and eventually decided that one of them was "deep" enough to merit attention from publishers. It took me almost two years to complete, mainly because I kept tearing it up and starting all over again. And having to keep going out to work to help pay for school fees, then university tuition, slowed progress down as well.
Needless to say, this masterpiece was rejected by every single publisher I sent it to, but by this time, writing had become an addiction.
Four more stories got rejected, before Mills & Boon bought "His Cinderella Bride", a regency romance.
I do have some other interests, besides writing! I love spending time pottering in my garden. And recently I've taken up ballroom dancing as a way to try and keep fit (and keep the romance alive in my marriage!)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
March 2, 2018
I've given this a C at AAR.
The Marquess Tames His Bride is the second book in Annie Burrows’ Brides for Bachelors series, which, although the romance is self-contained, picks up the storyline about a number of jewel thefts that began in book one, The Major Meets His Match. I have read that book, although I confess I couldn’t remember very much about the continuing plotline; but fortunately the author has given enough of a recap for new readers to be able to pick it up and work out what is going on. That said, it’s not an especially exciting mystery and there’s not much progression here; I’d worked out where things were headed within the first few pages, and at the end, it’s conveniently left hanging for the hero of book three to pick up and bring to a close.
Clare Cottam has spent the best part of her life caring for her drunkard of a father – a vicar – and her obnoxious older brothers. The recent death of the Reverend Cottam has left Clare homeless and penniless, but one of her brothers, Clement – who is also a clergyman – has arranged for her to take up a position as companion to an elderly lady who lives in Dorset. It’s not what Clare would have wished for herself, but she tries to see her brother’s interference as a kindness – and anyway she has no alternative. She has stopped briefly at an inn along the way when she hears the well-remembered, mocking voice of the Marquess of Rawcliffe demanding to know why she’s there. Clare has known Rawcliffe since she was a girl, and he’s always taken great delight in laughing at her and needling her until she loses the temper that is her greatest trial. He’s the last person to whom she is going to confess the truth of her situation, but when he persists in teasing her, Clare has had enough and punches him on the nose.
There is immediately talk of sending for the authorities – she has struck a peer of the realm, after all – but Rawcliffe quickly smooths things over by kissing her in full view of everyone present, telling them that Clare is his betrothed and that they have had a lover’s tiff. Rawcliffe then takes her into a private room where he proceeds to care for the hand she’s hurt by striking him and tells her that they will be married as soon as possible. Clare dismisses the idea at once, but Rawcliffe insists; at least one of the inn’s patrons is someone he knows, so word of his engagement is probably already winging its way to the London gossips. Clare’s reputation will be in tatters if she refuses.
Rawcliffe has been in love with Clare for ages, and actually proposed to her some years earlier, but she believed he was mocking her and laughed it off as a joke. After that, he determined to harden his heart and never let her humiliate him again, throwing himself into a life filled with hedonistic pursuits, taking care to remain aloof, and sometimes even being unkind to her whenever they met. But now, her ill-advised fit of temper opens the way for him to get what he’s always wanted – Clare herself, in his life and in his bed.
Rawcliffe overrides all Clare’s objections to their marriage – she’s not of his station, she’s not beautiful or accomplished, she’s not fit to be the wife of a marquess – but eventually she recognises he’s not going to take ‘no’ for an answer and consents. After all, life as Rawcliffe’s marchinoness will be far preferable to one as a drudge to a string of elderly ladies – but even though she’s loved him for years and his kisses melt her knees and her brain, Clare isn’t sure they can make each other happy.
The couple journeys to London, to the home of Lady Harriet Inskip (heroine of the previous book) who is due to marry one of Rawcliffe’s closest friends, Jack, Viscount Becconsall, in a few days. However, Rawcliffe is greeted with bad news: another of his friends, Thomas Kellett, has been found dead – drowned – off the Dorset coast not long after leaving London to visit his godmother and see what he could discover about the jewel thefts.
Rawcliffe is devastated at the news, sure his friend’s death was no accident and that he died at the hand of whoever is behind the thefts. He already has a pretty good idea who that is, and realises now that marrying Clare will give him the perfect opportunity to further his investigation into the activities of Clement Cottam. Rawcliffe has never liked the man – having long ago recognised him for the bully he is – but he fears that Clare might think that he married her purely to he can get close to her brother. So he does his best to keep her at arm’s length to avoid any awkward questions, putting physical distance between them and being coldly off-hand during the day – although at night, he finds himself unable to resist going to her bed and unable to remain there afterwards, his guilt at not being honest with her and his fear he will become too attached to her driving him away straight after they have made love. And for her part, Clare is completely thrown off balance by this man who is all consideration one moment and the epitome of icy disdain the next; and who makes love to her with such passion and then coolly and calmly leaves her afterward.
Rawcliffe spends most of the book being pretty unpleasant to Clare, and while I can understand his reasons, his poor behaviour goes on for too long. Clare, on the other hand, is determined to defer to her husband and be the sort of demure wife he seems to want, even if her temper sometimes gets the better of her. The thing that saves the book from a lower grade is the way in which Clare, when finally confronted with the truth, is neither blindly loyal nor weepily betrayed – she has a brain and she uses it to make up her own mind, piecing together a full and correct picture of events… and the fact that Rawcliffe has just about redeemed himself by the end.
This has been a difficult review to write, as is often the case with those ‘middling’ books which are neither good nor bad and about which one has found little that is particularly memorable. As is obvious, I was disappointed in The Marquess Tames His Bride; the humour I’d enjoyed in the previous book is lacking, I couldn’t warm to the hero, found the heroine somewhat insipid and the overarching plotline weak.
The Marquess Tames His Bride is the second book in Annie Burrows’ Brides for Bachelors series, which, although the romance is self-contained, picks up the storyline about a number of jewel thefts that began in book one, The Major Meets His Match. I have read that book, although I confess I couldn’t remember very much about the continuing plotline; but fortunately the author has given enough of a recap for new readers to be able to pick it up and work out what is going on. That said, it’s not an especially exciting mystery and there’s not much progression here; I’d worked out where things were headed within the first few pages, and at the end, it’s conveniently left hanging for the hero of book three to pick up and bring to a close.
Clare Cottam has spent the best part of her life caring for her drunkard of a father – a vicar – and her obnoxious older brothers. The recent death of the Reverend Cottam has left Clare homeless and penniless, but one of her brothers, Clement – who is also a clergyman – has arranged for her to take up a position as companion to an elderly lady who lives in Dorset. It’s not what Clare would have wished for herself, but she tries to see her brother’s interference as a kindness – and anyway she has no alternative. She has stopped briefly at an inn along the way when she hears the well-remembered, mocking voice of the Marquess of Rawcliffe demanding to know why she’s there. Clare has known Rawcliffe since she was a girl, and he’s always taken great delight in laughing at her and needling her until she loses the temper that is her greatest trial. He’s the last person to whom she is going to confess the truth of her situation, but when he persists in teasing her, Clare has had enough and punches him on the nose.
There is immediately talk of sending for the authorities – she has struck a peer of the realm, after all – but Rawcliffe quickly smooths things over by kissing her in full view of everyone present, telling them that Clare is his betrothed and that they have had a lover’s tiff. Rawcliffe then takes her into a private room where he proceeds to care for the hand she’s hurt by striking him and tells her that they will be married as soon as possible. Clare dismisses the idea at once, but Rawcliffe insists; at least one of the inn’s patrons is someone he knows, so word of his engagement is probably already winging its way to the London gossips. Clare’s reputation will be in tatters if she refuses.
Rawcliffe has been in love with Clare for ages, and actually proposed to her some years earlier, but she believed he was mocking her and laughed it off as a joke. After that, he determined to harden his heart and never let her humiliate him again, throwing himself into a life filled with hedonistic pursuits, taking care to remain aloof, and sometimes even being unkind to her whenever they met. But now, her ill-advised fit of temper opens the way for him to get what he’s always wanted – Clare herself, in his life and in his bed.
Rawcliffe overrides all Clare’s objections to their marriage – she’s not of his station, she’s not beautiful or accomplished, she’s not fit to be the wife of a marquess – but eventually she recognises he’s not going to take ‘no’ for an answer and consents. After all, life as Rawcliffe’s marchinoness will be far preferable to one as a drudge to a string of elderly ladies – but even though she’s loved him for years and his kisses melt her knees and her brain, Clare isn’t sure they can make each other happy.
The couple journeys to London, to the home of Lady Harriet Inskip (heroine of the previous book) who is due to marry one of Rawcliffe’s closest friends, Jack, Viscount Becconsall, in a few days. However, Rawcliffe is greeted with bad news: another of his friends, Thomas Kellett, has been found dead – drowned – off the Dorset coast not long after leaving London to visit his godmother and see what he could discover about the jewel thefts.
Rawcliffe is devastated at the news, sure his friend’s death was no accident and that he died at the hand of whoever is behind the thefts. He already has a pretty good idea who that is, and realises now that marrying Clare will give him the perfect opportunity to further his investigation into the activities of Clement Cottam. Rawcliffe has never liked the man – having long ago recognised him for the bully he is – but he fears that Clare might think that he married her purely to he can get close to her brother. So he does his best to keep her at arm’s length to avoid any awkward questions, putting physical distance between them and being coldly off-hand during the day – although at night, he finds himself unable to resist going to her bed and unable to remain there afterwards, his guilt at not being honest with her and his fear he will become too attached to her driving him away straight after they have made love. And for her part, Clare is completely thrown off balance by this man who is all consideration one moment and the epitome of icy disdain the next; and who makes love to her with such passion and then coolly and calmly leaves her afterward.
Rawcliffe spends most of the book being pretty unpleasant to Clare, and while I can understand his reasons, his poor behaviour goes on for too long. Clare, on the other hand, is determined to defer to her husband and be the sort of demure wife he seems to want, even if her temper sometimes gets the better of her. The thing that saves the book from a lower grade is the way in which Clare, when finally confronted with the truth, is neither blindly loyal nor weepily betrayed – she has a brain and she uses it to make up her own mind, piecing together a full and correct picture of events… and the fact that Rawcliffe has just about redeemed himself by the end.
This has been a difficult review to write, as is often the case with those ‘middling’ books which are neither good nor bad and about which one has found little that is particularly memorable. As is obvious, I was disappointed in The Marquess Tames His Bride; the humour I’d enjoyed in the previous book is lacking, I couldn’t warm to the hero, found the heroine somewhat insipid and the overarching plotline weak.
January 29, 2020
The Marquess of Rawcliffe has always found his childhood friend Clare Cottam enthralling, she's provided light and laughter in a way no one else has, but there interactions are often filled with barbed words and arguments. Rawcliffe is certainly like a school kid annoying Clare in order to get any reaction from her. When Rawcliffe has to declare Clare his fiancé in order to save her reputation, he is delighted, Clare not so much.
The onset of this amused me quite a bit, but have to say there were times where Rawcliffe was too much of a jerk, and the resolution of things felt a tad anti-climatic, wanted a bit more oomph to the ending.
99p on amazon, Jan 2020.
The onset of this amused me quite a bit, but have to say there were times where Rawcliffe was too much of a jerk, and the resolution of things felt a tad anti-climatic, wanted a bit more oomph to the ending.
99p on amazon, Jan 2020.
January 27, 2018
Naughtiness 3.5
Utterly fantastic, I am truly grateful for the chance to read this awesome book as well as its sister book, though they can be read as stand alones I highly advise reading them as a series in order, that way you get all the pieces of the mystery which is entwined with these beautiful stories of our heroes and heroines.
As always I will not give spoilers, but I will say, this book has everything from giggles to being enraged for our hero and heroine, mystery adventure and a villan you cheerfully could smack into next week (I know I would). I very much love Clare and Roberts story and cannot wait to read the next as I'm so wanting to see how things enfold in our next book.
Thank you dear lady for writing this awesome book and the honour of reading it. XxX
Utterly fantastic, I am truly grateful for the chance to read this awesome book as well as its sister book, though they can be read as stand alones I highly advise reading them as a series in order, that way you get all the pieces of the mystery which is entwined with these beautiful stories of our heroes and heroines.
As always I will not give spoilers, but I will say, this book has everything from giggles to being enraged for our hero and heroine, mystery adventure and a villan you cheerfully could smack into next week (I know I would). I very much love Clare and Roberts story and cannot wait to read the next as I'm so wanting to see how things enfold in our next book.
Thank you dear lady for writing this awesome book and the honour of reading it. XxX
March 14, 2019
Good book. The story opened with Clare on her way to take up a position as a companion after the death of her father left her homeless and penniless. The last person she expected to encounter at the coaching inn was her nemesis, the Marquess of Rawcliffe. They had been childhood friends, but a misunderstanding over a proposal drove them apart, leaving each feeling humiliated. In the years since then, Rawcliffe has delighted in provoking Clare's temper. This time was no different, except that Clare's temper erupted into the physical when she punched him in the nose. Unfortunately for her, it was witnessed by many people. To save her from scandal, Rawcliffe announced that they were engaged.
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Rawcliffe and Clare. The scene at the inn was amusing. Rawcliffe had developed his snarky teasing as a way of protecting his heart because he had never stopped loving her. Clare always reacted strongly as a way to hide the fact that she was in love with him for years. The possibility of scandal gave Rawcliffe the perfect opportunity to get what he has always wanted - Clare as his wife - not that he was ready to tell her that. Clare didn't want him to feel forced to marry her and tried to talk him out of it. But it didn't take too much convincing for her to decide that she could get her wish to be his wife, and hope that he would come to care for her.
When Rawcliffe took Clare to London to stay with Lady Harriet (The Major Meets His Match), he was devastated by the news of the death of a close friend. Rawcliffe and his friends were investigating the theft of some jewels and Rawcliffe was certain that Thomas's death was no accident. He was pretty sure that Clare's brother Clement was involved, and realized that his marriage to Clare gave him an unexpected chance to investigate further. The downside was that he feared Clare would think that was why he married her. The guilt he felt over this had him blowing hot and cold whenever he was with Clare. Sometimes he would be kind and considerate, reminding Clare of the boy she knew and loved, and then he would turn around and be cold and disdainful. The physical passion between them was intense, but then Rawcliffe would coolly and calmly walk away afterward. This behavior frustrated and confused Clare, who tried her best to be the wife that Rawcliffe said he wanted. There were times that her temper got the best of her, and I loved seeing her let go, making it clear to Rawcliffe that she was ticked.
I ached for both Clare and Rawcliffe as he carried out his plan to use Clare to investigate Clement. Clare was moved by Rawcliffe's taking her to see her brother, even though she knew he didn't like Clement. But Clement's words and actions made Clare suspicious of her husband's motives. As Rawcliffe's investigation progressed, he realized that he was caught between a rock and a hard place. If he pursued his suspicions, he took a chance on alienating the woman he loved, but if he didn't, Clement would get away with murder. I was truly impressed with Clare, who except for one brief moment, handled the discovery of the truth very well. I loved how she took the little bits she learned and put them together into an accurate picture of what was going on. Their big moment on the cliff, as truths were revealed and feelings shared, was fantastic.
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Rawcliffe and Clare. The scene at the inn was amusing. Rawcliffe had developed his snarky teasing as a way of protecting his heart because he had never stopped loving her. Clare always reacted strongly as a way to hide the fact that she was in love with him for years. The possibility of scandal gave Rawcliffe the perfect opportunity to get what he has always wanted - Clare as his wife - not that he was ready to tell her that. Clare didn't want him to feel forced to marry her and tried to talk him out of it. But it didn't take too much convincing for her to decide that she could get her wish to be his wife, and hope that he would come to care for her.
When Rawcliffe took Clare to London to stay with Lady Harriet (The Major Meets His Match), he was devastated by the news of the death of a close friend. Rawcliffe and his friends were investigating the theft of some jewels and Rawcliffe was certain that Thomas's death was no accident. He was pretty sure that Clare's brother Clement was involved, and realized that his marriage to Clare gave him an unexpected chance to investigate further. The downside was that he feared Clare would think that was why he married her. The guilt he felt over this had him blowing hot and cold whenever he was with Clare. Sometimes he would be kind and considerate, reminding Clare of the boy she knew and loved, and then he would turn around and be cold and disdainful. The physical passion between them was intense, but then Rawcliffe would coolly and calmly walk away afterward. This behavior frustrated and confused Clare, who tried her best to be the wife that Rawcliffe said he wanted. There were times that her temper got the best of her, and I loved seeing her let go, making it clear to Rawcliffe that she was ticked.
I ached for both Clare and Rawcliffe as he carried out his plan to use Clare to investigate Clement. Clare was moved by Rawcliffe's taking her to see her brother, even though she knew he didn't like Clement. But Clement's words and actions made Clare suspicious of her husband's motives. As Rawcliffe's investigation progressed, he realized that he was caught between a rock and a hard place. If he pursued his suspicions, he took a chance on alienating the woman he loved, but if he didn't, Clement would get away with murder. I was truly impressed with Clare, who except for one brief moment, handled the discovery of the truth very well. I loved how she took the little bits she learned and put them together into an accurate picture of what was going on. Their big moment on the cliff, as truths were revealed and feelings shared, was fantastic.
July 7, 2020
2.5 rounded up to 3. This is a hard one to review. I did not like Lord Rawcliffe in The Major Meets His Match. However, in his book, I liked him more than Clare. The hubris they showed to each other was too much. The mystery was almost non-existent. Finally about two-thirds of the way into the book, the story changed, Lord Redcliffe became almost human. When he changed, Clare made the effort to change. I began to like them each, and together. Only a little hint of the mystery and an introduction to Lizzie Hutton in the third book. Way too steamy and lost a star for that.
February 17, 2018
Marry in haste ... ?
Feisty vicar's daughter meets old childhood chum ... and things just couldn't go any more awry. Complicated truths need complicated excuses to bring things around--or not!
Robert Walmer, the Marquess of Rawcliffe meets the quick tempered Clare Cottam, the woman he's always loved, by happenstance in an inn. Clare, in badly dyed mourning clothes, is off to be a noble woman's companion after the death of her father. And now here she is, confronted by her nemesis, desperately hiding her secret love for him. No wonder she hauls off and punches him. Rawcliffe takes the opportunity to declare that they must we'd to avoid a public scandal. Right from their wedding night it seems that these two are more attuned than was thought. In fact their bedroom antics do take up rather a lot of space in the novel. But there are other happenings afoot including the death of one of Rawcliffe 's friends. And it seems Clare might be the key to unlocking that mystery.
The ending has us poised on the edges of the cliff. That's a problem for me as a reader. I would like some resolution of the problem. Despite this I enjoyed the Rawcliffe and Clare's story. I am looking forward to the next in this series.
A NetGalley ARC
Feisty vicar's daughter meets old childhood chum ... and things just couldn't go any more awry. Complicated truths need complicated excuses to bring things around--or not!
Robert Walmer, the Marquess of Rawcliffe meets the quick tempered Clare Cottam, the woman he's always loved, by happenstance in an inn. Clare, in badly dyed mourning clothes, is off to be a noble woman's companion after the death of her father. And now here she is, confronted by her nemesis, desperately hiding her secret love for him. No wonder she hauls off and punches him. Rawcliffe takes the opportunity to declare that they must we'd to avoid a public scandal. Right from their wedding night it seems that these two are more attuned than was thought. In fact their bedroom antics do take up rather a lot of space in the novel. But there are other happenings afoot including the death of one of Rawcliffe 's friends. And it seems Clare might be the key to unlocking that mystery.
The ending has us poised on the edges of the cliff. That's a problem for me as a reader. I would like some resolution of the problem. Despite this I enjoyed the Rawcliffe and Clare's story. I am looking forward to the next in this series.
A NetGalley ARC
May 5, 2018
At first I rated this as 2 stars, but after writing this review, I can't give it anything but a 1 star. if a 0 star rating would affect the overall rating of the book I'd give it.
It has been a very long time since I picked up a historical romance, in particular a regency, and if this is the direction Mills & Boon have taken for their historical fiction, then I have to admit to feeling let down.
My mam was an avid collector and subscriber to M&B historical romances during the 90's, and I probably read all of them at some point. When people pooh-pooh women's historical romance for being simple, depthless and cardboard characters, I can bring to mind several of those books which had some brilliant plots, excellent historical knowledge, three dimensional characters and very true emotional journeys.
Unfortunately I think that this book is a throw back to that much older style which gave (and continues to give) romance and historical romance such a bad reputation. Here's why:
Characters- they were fairly flat, not quite as horrendous as cardboard cut outs, but not far off. Clare is the typical vicar's daughter, innocent, naïve, do-gooder, looked over, unappreciated, easily manipulated. her background is that she was manipulated by her father and her brothers; and she's manipulated by the hero (more on that when I get to him). She's so emotionally abused that she sees everything the hero does which is bad as either her fault or something that she has to endure because of her fervent religious belief of a wife submitting to her husband. I have no doubt that there were many women in times gone by who were doormats because of the terrible emotional development they lacked, but even Jane Eyre, the greatest emotionally abused and emotionally deprived heroine in classical literature, had a back bone which came through when she was pushed too far.
Robert/ Rawcliffe is a high ranking lord so it must follow that he's a libertine, lady's man, jack the lad etc. He's sooo good looking and sooo rich, that women in the past can't help but throw themselves into his bed begging to be despoiled by him, so it's completely not his fault when he's just doing his civic duty in sexually satisfying them all. And, there's more good things about him. His anger, rudeness, bad behaviour, manipulation, nastiness and sexual selfishness (bordering on abuse) towards Clare are only things he's become because Clare refused his proposal of marriage some years ago when she was 16 (and she thought he was making fun of her), and it hurt him so bad. Therefore his redemption has to come from the young woman who made him that way, how stupid of the reader to think that he was anything but a big softie all along.
Historical accuracy- There was only one slip- describing Clare's flowing red locks like a rocket with flames. Did rockets exist in the early 1800's??? The historical setting was ok, but there was very little description of anything for any great blunders to be made.
Plot- I know that this is part of a series so there is a bigger plot in motion, but it's also a stand alone. As a stand alone, the plot is weak. Rawcliffe manipulates Clare into marriage, Rawcliffe spends a week initiating her in bed (which no matter how cold and degrading he is, she forgives and is desperate for the next round), Rawcliffe takes Clare to visit her vicar brother in Devon/ Cornwall and she realises that her brother is a master manipulator and into some type of criminal activity; Rawcliffe and Clare leave Devon/ Cornwall to back to London and along the way admit that they love the other. The end. This book was 350 pages of not much. Which leads me onto my next issue:
Sexual content- ok, I know, I know! Historical+ romance= pages and pages of smut. Why did I think that it wouldn't be following that formula? Stupid me. I know that there are many readers out there who love reading sexually explicit material, and that the behind closed doors or the fade to black is sooo out dated. But I'm not one of them. If there had been one scene then I could have over looked it, but it wasn't just one scene. And the manner in which our hero treats Clare, particularly right after sex, is nothing short of appalling, even for the time period. One memorable example is that after pushing her face down onto the bed, and after having sex with her from behind, he then just leaves her in that position and goes to his own room. Oh, and he doesn't even tell his wife of half a week that he's going to do that. Yes, what a lucky, lucky girl Clare was to be manipulated into marriage with a man like that. What a gentleman. A real man to swoon over alongside Darcy, Thornton, Knightly and Brandon. What a hero.
If you take the sexual content out of this book, there is no conflict, the plot becomes even more scant and it becomes fan fiction of a Georgette Heyer. If a romance novel can't stand on it's feet without the sexual scenes, then it's not a romance, it's smut at best and erotica at worst. And it only doesn't become rape erotica because Clare goes weak at the knees at Rawcliffe's sexual aggression.
My usual genre is YA fantasy, and I have to say that there are many authors in that category who know more about plot, character arc, pacing and character than what I read in this novel.
I know what I've said is really harsh. It is not a personal attack on the author in anyway. From her other ratings, there are many people who loved this book, and I'm happy for them. But it can't come as any surprise when I say that I can't recommend this novel. I'm so sorry about the rating and the review. I sat down with this and was excited to go back to a genre which I loved for years, and I feel a bit grubby after having read it. Oh well, I'm chalking this up to experience.
It has been a very long time since I picked up a historical romance, in particular a regency, and if this is the direction Mills & Boon have taken for their historical fiction, then I have to admit to feeling let down.
My mam was an avid collector and subscriber to M&B historical romances during the 90's, and I probably read all of them at some point. When people pooh-pooh women's historical romance for being simple, depthless and cardboard characters, I can bring to mind several of those books which had some brilliant plots, excellent historical knowledge, three dimensional characters and very true emotional journeys.
Unfortunately I think that this book is a throw back to that much older style which gave (and continues to give) romance and historical romance such a bad reputation. Here's why:
Characters- they were fairly flat, not quite as horrendous as cardboard cut outs, but not far off. Clare is the typical vicar's daughter, innocent, naïve, do-gooder, looked over, unappreciated, easily manipulated. her background is that she was manipulated by her father and her brothers; and she's manipulated by the hero (more on that when I get to him). She's so emotionally abused that she sees everything the hero does which is bad as either her fault or something that she has to endure because of her fervent religious belief of a wife submitting to her husband. I have no doubt that there were many women in times gone by who were doormats because of the terrible emotional development they lacked, but even Jane Eyre, the greatest emotionally abused and emotionally deprived heroine in classical literature, had a back bone which came through when she was pushed too far.
Robert/ Rawcliffe is a high ranking lord so it must follow that he's a libertine, lady's man, jack the lad etc. He's sooo good looking and sooo rich, that women in the past can't help but throw themselves into his bed begging to be despoiled by him, so it's completely not his fault when he's just doing his civic duty in sexually satisfying them all. And, there's more good things about him. His anger, rudeness, bad behaviour, manipulation, nastiness and sexual selfishness (bordering on abuse) towards Clare are only things he's become because Clare refused his proposal of marriage some years ago when she was 16 (and she thought he was making fun of her), and it hurt him so bad. Therefore his redemption has to come from the young woman who made him that way, how stupid of the reader to think that he was anything but a big softie all along.
Historical accuracy- There was only one slip- describing Clare's flowing red locks like a rocket with flames. Did rockets exist in the early 1800's??? The historical setting was ok, but there was very little description of anything for any great blunders to be made.
Plot- I know that this is part of a series so there is a bigger plot in motion, but it's also a stand alone. As a stand alone, the plot is weak. Rawcliffe manipulates Clare into marriage, Rawcliffe spends a week initiating her in bed (which no matter how cold and degrading he is, she forgives and is desperate for the next round), Rawcliffe takes Clare to visit her vicar brother in Devon/ Cornwall and she realises that her brother is a master manipulator and into some type of criminal activity; Rawcliffe and Clare leave Devon/ Cornwall to back to London and along the way admit that they love the other. The end. This book was 350 pages of not much. Which leads me onto my next issue:
Sexual content- ok, I know, I know! Historical+ romance= pages and pages of smut. Why did I think that it wouldn't be following that formula? Stupid me. I know that there are many readers out there who love reading sexually explicit material, and that the behind closed doors or the fade to black is sooo out dated. But I'm not one of them. If there had been one scene then I could have over looked it, but it wasn't just one scene. And the manner in which our hero treats Clare, particularly right after sex, is nothing short of appalling, even for the time period. One memorable example is that after pushing her face down onto the bed, and after having sex with her from behind, he then just leaves her in that position and goes to his own room. Oh, and he doesn't even tell his wife of half a week that he's going to do that. Yes, what a lucky, lucky girl Clare was to be manipulated into marriage with a man like that. What a gentleman. A real man to swoon over alongside Darcy, Thornton, Knightly and Brandon. What a hero.
If you take the sexual content out of this book, there is no conflict, the plot becomes even more scant and it becomes fan fiction of a Georgette Heyer. If a romance novel can't stand on it's feet without the sexual scenes, then it's not a romance, it's smut at best and erotica at worst. And it only doesn't become rape erotica because Clare goes weak at the knees at Rawcliffe's sexual aggression.
My usual genre is YA fantasy, and I have to say that there are many authors in that category who know more about plot, character arc, pacing and character than what I read in this novel.
I know what I've said is really harsh. It is not a personal attack on the author in anyway. From her other ratings, there are many people who loved this book, and I'm happy for them. But it can't come as any surprise when I say that I can't recommend this novel. I'm so sorry about the rating and the review. I sat down with this and was excited to go back to a genre which I loved for years, and I feel a bit grubby after having read it. Oh well, I'm chalking this up to experience.
February 21, 2018
Plot: 2.5/5
Characterisation: 5/5
Prose: 3/5
How much I enjoyed it: 3/5
I love the H/h of the book, their chemistry, how Rawcliffe is like a little boy, instead of pulling the pigtails of the girl he likes, he just can't help doing and saying things to piss her off. Unfortunately, the plot of the story is so predictable for one and also feels incomplete due toe main part of the problem plot spans over the series. Even the way the misunderstandings were cleared is anti-climatic compared to their tumultous relationship.
Characterisation: 5/5
Prose: 3/5
How much I enjoyed it: 3/5
I love the H/h of the book, their chemistry, how Rawcliffe is like a little boy, instead of pulling the pigtails of the girl he likes, he just can't help doing and saying things to piss her off. Unfortunately, the plot of the story is so predictable for one and also feels incomplete due toe main part of the problem plot spans over the series. Even the way the misunderstandings were cleared is anti-climatic compared to their tumultous relationship.
November 3, 2018
Good
I found this a good book. It was good in places but I felt that Rawcliffe needed to be more honest with his new wife. I liked the mystery side of the story.
I found this a good book. It was good in places but I felt that Rawcliffe needed to be more honest with his new wife. I liked the mystery side of the story.
July 18, 2018
When Clare's father passes away Clare becomes homeless, so her brother arranges a position for her. On her way there she meets her old childhood friend Robert, the Marquess of Rawcliffe. Robert intended to Marry Clare when he was younger, but his proposal was dismissed. He might get another chance though, because of a possible scandal. He has to save Clare's reputation and presents her as his fiancée. Clare isn't a meek obedient woman, will he be able to convince her that getting married to him is the right thing to do?
Clare used to care for a demanding father and even though she has several brothers, none of them cares enough to take her in. She thinks Robert just messes with her when he proposes and has no idea he's serious about marrying her. When secrets of the past come to the surface, they finally start to understand each other better. However, Robert has an ulterior motive to make Clare his bride as soon as possible. He has a matter to investigate and Clare plays a key role in it. Will he be able to convince her of his love even though he can't be completely honest with her?
The Marquess Tames His Bride is a delightful story about true love, passion and mystery. I was immediately intrigued by the bold and confident Lord Rawcliffe. Robert hides his kind and loving nature well, but with Clare he becomes a lot softer. I loved that transformation. He's a good and loyal friend and he's incredibly clever. Clare knows how to stand up for herself, she never lets him walk all over her and I loved her fierce and fiery nature. They're evenly matched and sparks fly every time they are together. Their quarrels are a vital part of their sizzling connection and I enjoyed every single page of their story.
Annie Burrows has a terrific heartwarming writing style. She clearly understands emotions and uses that to her advantage. I loved how she gives each scene plenty of fabulous layers and enjoyed every single one of them. Her descriptive and gripping writing fascinated me from beginning to end and I didn't even once look up while reading The Marquess Tames His Bride before reaching the amazing end. I highly recommend the Brides for Bachelors series, it has every ingredient I like when reading historical fiction, beautiful interesting main characters, intrigues and secrets and plenty of chemistry. The Marquess Tames His Bride is a superb dazzling book and I can't wait to find out what comes next.
Clare used to care for a demanding father and even though she has several brothers, none of them cares enough to take her in. She thinks Robert just messes with her when he proposes and has no idea he's serious about marrying her. When secrets of the past come to the surface, they finally start to understand each other better. However, Robert has an ulterior motive to make Clare his bride as soon as possible. He has a matter to investigate and Clare plays a key role in it. Will he be able to convince her of his love even though he can't be completely honest with her?
The Marquess Tames His Bride is a delightful story about true love, passion and mystery. I was immediately intrigued by the bold and confident Lord Rawcliffe. Robert hides his kind and loving nature well, but with Clare he becomes a lot softer. I loved that transformation. He's a good and loyal friend and he's incredibly clever. Clare knows how to stand up for herself, she never lets him walk all over her and I loved her fierce and fiery nature. They're evenly matched and sparks fly every time they are together. Their quarrels are a vital part of their sizzling connection and I enjoyed every single page of their story.
Annie Burrows has a terrific heartwarming writing style. She clearly understands emotions and uses that to her advantage. I loved how she gives each scene plenty of fabulous layers and enjoyed every single one of them. Her descriptive and gripping writing fascinated me from beginning to end and I didn't even once look up while reading The Marquess Tames His Bride before reaching the amazing end. I highly recommend the Brides for Bachelors series, it has every ingredient I like when reading historical fiction, beautiful interesting main characters, intrigues and secrets and plenty of chemistry. The Marquess Tames His Bride is a superb dazzling book and I can't wait to find out what comes next.
February 21, 2018
I'm a huge fan of Annie Burrows's Regency romances and I've read all of them. The Marquess Tames His Bride is the second in the Brides for Bachelors series, but it can be read as a standalone. It doesn't end on a cliffhanger, romance-wise, but there is a mystery that threads through each story which I am assuming won't be resolved until the last book.
The Marquess of Rawcliffe and Clare Cottam (a Vicar's daughter) were childhood friends but have grown apart after Rawcliffe proposed and Clare took it as a joke and turned him down. Now each thinks the other is completely uncaring, although they are still attracted to each other. After several years they meet again. I won't spoil the surprise for you, but after an extremely original proposal scene Clare finds herself accidentally engaged to him. Does she really want to go ahead with marriage to the Marquess, or is he not quite the cold-hearted man he seems?
The proposal scene was definitely my favourite part of the story but I also liked the characters, particularly the strong-willed Clare when she is stands up to Rawcliffe during his alpha male moments. Can she break through the shield he has formed around his heart to stop himself from being hurt? The Marquess may feel he is turning his untamed childhood sweetheart into suitable marchioness material, but it does sometimes seem as though it's the other way around - and that's why I really enjoyed this story!
The Marquess of Rawcliffe and Clare Cottam (a Vicar's daughter) were childhood friends but have grown apart after Rawcliffe proposed and Clare took it as a joke and turned him down. Now each thinks the other is completely uncaring, although they are still attracted to each other. After several years they meet again. I won't spoil the surprise for you, but after an extremely original proposal scene Clare finds herself accidentally engaged to him. Does she really want to go ahead with marriage to the Marquess, or is he not quite the cold-hearted man he seems?
The proposal scene was definitely my favourite part of the story but I also liked the characters, particularly the strong-willed Clare when she is stands up to Rawcliffe during his alpha male moments. Can she break through the shield he has formed around his heart to stop himself from being hurt? The Marquess may feel he is turning his untamed childhood sweetheart into suitable marchioness material, but it does sometimes seem as though it's the other way around - and that's why I really enjoyed this story!
November 12, 2020
This story is very very good! Second in a series. I will proceed to read the rest because I am intrigued. Both the hero and the heroine are strong people. Of course they have their vulnerabilities but there is less 'beating around the bush' than in other romantic stories. They tend to be quite honest, especially the lady, Clare. Both have insecurities that underline their relationship and there is one big misunderstanding but slowly it's cleared. Also there is a mystery in the background that can influence the way the main characters act and feed their insecurities but it doesn't particularly hurt their relationship.
The start of the story is priceless. Clare Cottam is alone in an inn, waiting for her post connection. She has lost her father, and as a vicar's daughter, her livelihood along with him. She has 3 brothers but even if she kept house for all of them since their mother died, none of them care enough for her to take her in, now that they have their own places. One of her brother though, Clement, has organised a position as an old lady's companion but wouldn't deliver her in person, so she is on her way alone by post.
Lord Rawcliffe is in the same inn by sheer coincidence. He has known Clare all his life, living so close to each other during childhood and even if from her point of view he is the most annoying man in her acquaintance, he is quite taken with her, but hides his feelings behind his jokes. She has been attracted to him for a long time as well but never thought he would be attracted to her.
So there she is, with a badly dyed coat (observing mourning as well as her pocket permits), and she sees him while trying to get to the toilet (oh no!), she tries to not take his attention but fails. He sees her and tries to provoke her into an argument.
The start of the story is priceless. Clare Cottam is alone in an inn, waiting for her post connection. She has lost her father, and as a vicar's daughter, her livelihood along with him. She has 3 brothers but even if she kept house for all of them since their mother died, none of them care enough for her to take her in, now that they have their own places. One of her brother though, Clement, has organised a position as an old lady's companion but wouldn't deliver her in person, so she is on her way alone by post.
Lord Rawcliffe is in the same inn by sheer coincidence. He has known Clare all his life, living so close to each other during childhood and even if from her point of view he is the most annoying man in her acquaintance, he is quite taken with her, but hides his feelings behind his jokes. She has been attracted to him for a long time as well but never thought he would be attracted to her.
So there she is, with a badly dyed coat (observing mourning as well as her pocket permits), and she sees him while trying to get to the toilet (oh no!), she tries to not take his attention but fails. He sees her and tries to provoke her into an argument.
February 5, 2018
Clare Cottam, the daughter of a vicar, is always perturbed every time she runs into Robert Walmer, the Marquess of Rawcliffe. His comments are cutting and mocking. They have known each other since they were children. Ratcliffe has been nicknamed Zeus because he acts like he is above all mortals.
Clare’s father has passed away and she needs to find a new home. Her brother is a curate but claims that there is no room for her in his home. As she is heading to find a job and waiting for a coach at an inn, she sees Rawcliffe. His remarks anger her so that she punches him in the nose. When people notice what she has done, he calls her his fiancee. He puts her in his coach and takes her to London. There, he leaves her with his friend, Lady Harriet, while he procures a marriage license. Harriet is to marry Lord Jack Becconsall, nicknamed Ulysses.
Rawcliffe and Clare are married at the same time as Harriet and Jack. As Clare tries to get to know and understand Rawcliffe, she finds that he talks down to her which hurts and angers her. She is unsure how to go on with him as he is so hurtful to her.
When he tells her about a smuggling operation going on and being organized by a clergyman, she wants to learn more. But it may be too dangerous for her to do so.
Good grief. This Rawcliffe guy is a total jerk. Clare is much too trusting and she should have sent him packing when he called her his fiancee. I did not care for this story and wanted to smack both of them.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Clare’s father has passed away and she needs to find a new home. Her brother is a curate but claims that there is no room for her in his home. As she is heading to find a job and waiting for a coach at an inn, she sees Rawcliffe. His remarks anger her so that she punches him in the nose. When people notice what she has done, he calls her his fiancee. He puts her in his coach and takes her to London. There, he leaves her with his friend, Lady Harriet, while he procures a marriage license. Harriet is to marry Lord Jack Becconsall, nicknamed Ulysses.
Rawcliffe and Clare are married at the same time as Harriet and Jack. As Clare tries to get to know and understand Rawcliffe, she finds that he talks down to her which hurts and angers her. She is unsure how to go on with him as he is so hurtful to her.
When he tells her about a smuggling operation going on and being organized by a clergyman, she wants to learn more. But it may be too dangerous for her to do so.
Good grief. This Rawcliffe guy is a total jerk. Clare is much too trusting and she should have sent him packing when he called her his fiancee. I did not care for this story and wanted to smack both of them.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
August 11, 2018
somewhat unsatisfying The romance was good, eventually and the characters got to know each other well by the end but also by the end it finished as if the author was suddenly told that there should be another book in the series.
I missed reading book 1 (it's on the TBR shelf now) so there were bits and pieces that felt a little like I was missing things. lare Cottam and the Marquess of Rawcliffe knew each other when they were children and now when they meet she's sufficiently annoyed with the world to punch him in the nose, all of this leads to marriage. Rawcliffe fails to tell her that he's investigating her brother and there are a lot of different issues going on.
Seriously he used kissing too much to shut her up, talking is important, yo.
I missed reading book 1 (it's on the TBR shelf now) so there were bits and pieces that felt a little like I was missing things. lare Cottam and the Marquess of Rawcliffe knew each other when they were children and now when they meet she's sufficiently annoyed with the world to punch him in the nose, all of this leads to marriage. Rawcliffe fails to tell her that he's investigating her brother and there are a lot of different issues going on.
Seriously he used kissing too much to shut her up, talking is important, yo.
December 14, 2017
BUY BUY BUY BUY BUY BUY BUY!
I have to say that for all the things happening in this book, normally it would be a no go for an of interest to read. HOWEVER; this authors gift of writing makes the entire book fantastic! I loved the characters, the plots the different things happening and all in between. I would say this is a keeper and a read that is easy and enjoyable. The author shows talent all the way through and her writing is magnificent. A nice solid pace with lots of things happening that keeps your attention. So buy the book and enjoy! I was given this book in return for an honest review.
I have to say that for all the things happening in this book, normally it would be a no go for an of interest to read. HOWEVER; this authors gift of writing makes the entire book fantastic! I loved the characters, the plots the different things happening and all in between. I would say this is a keeper and a read that is easy and enjoyable. The author shows talent all the way through and her writing is magnificent. A nice solid pace with lots of things happening that keeps your attention. So buy the book and enjoy! I was given this book in return for an honest review.
January 10, 2021
Firstly, barf to this awful title. This is essentially a second chance romance, but yet again the hero waited way too long to stop being an insufferable douche. The poor heroine was so dick-matised she put up with him - maybe that qualifies as being “tamed” idk.
When they were together and he wasn’t being a douche they were pretty cute.
Once again we go back to the B plot of the stolen rubies and the heroine’s dastardly brother, but I did not care.
Should I bother to seek out the third and final book 🤷🏼♀️
When they were together and he wasn’t being a douche they were pretty cute.
Once again we go back to the B plot of the stolen rubies and the heroine’s dastardly brother, but I did not care.
Should I bother to seek out the third and final book 🤷🏼♀️
April 26, 2019
Not a bad read. I liked the heroine but the hero, Rawcliffe blew hot and cold and left me gritting my teeth at times. The plot had promise but did not deliver at the end. There was resolution between Clare and Rawcliffe, as there should be in a good romance, but no real resolution to the sub plot, i.e. the capture and punishment of the villain responsible for jewel theft and murder. I suddenly came to the last page and was left thinking, 'Is that it. Where is the last chapter?'
March 2, 2018
Loved the chemistry between Clare and Robert, had me hooked from the first punch! Though honestly felt the ending was a little rushed, which for me as a reader left with no resolution/justice or closure for his friend. Also left me with a few questions.
Though still give this book 4 stars. 😊
Though still give this book 4 stars. 😊
September 30, 2022
When first we practice to deceive.
I wasn't sure of this book, but the story really grows on you before you know it you're knee deep in intrigue. Very well written. Great character development, plot and dialog. Worth a read by any historical romance lover.
I wasn't sure of this book, but the story really grows on you before you know it you're knee deep in intrigue. Very well written. Great character development, plot and dialog. Worth a read by any historical romance lover.
December 27, 2017
I love this story. It was romantic with a feel of mystery that kept me reading until the end. Lord Rawcliffe and Clare make a great couple and readers will not feel disappointed with their story.
September 27, 2018
Enjoyable read. 4☆
April 2, 2019
Would have been far better and shorter without the endless pages of introspection. Nothing really happens apart from lots of musing and a mild romance
April 2, 2019
Ha ha riktigt kul att läsa en Harlekin. Om jag inte tänker på språk jämställdhet och handling så var denna en stunds total verklighetsflykt.
May 12, 2020
4.5 The second entry in another excellent series. It keeps you reading even after bedtime because you can't put it down without knowing everything. Now for the third book.
July 27, 2022
Good story
Knowing each other since childhood the family manipulated them against each other but Fate knew the love they shared and brought them together
Knowing each other since childhood the family manipulated them against each other but Fate knew the love they shared and brought them together
January 16, 2023
3.5 stars
January 16, 2024
Overall, an enjoyable read. Though the final chapter/ending was incredibly rushed
January 29, 2018
I received this ARC free from netgalley.
This steamy, marry for reputation historical romance is a well crafted growth of a relationship based on a misunderstanding. When it gets cleared up I yelled in triumph. I felt for both of the main characters, especially when they are irritated with the other. If a man liking a woman because she is cute when angry makes you mad, you will not enjoy this. There is a lot of banter that becomes hurtful.
It was unsatisfying that the take down of the villain wasn't in this story. Maybe it will be in another book that will use a side character from this one.
This steamy, marry for reputation historical romance is a well crafted growth of a relationship based on a misunderstanding. When it gets cleared up I yelled in triumph. I felt for both of the main characters, especially when they are irritated with the other. If a man liking a woman because she is cute when angry makes you mad, you will not enjoy this. There is a lot of banter that becomes hurtful.
It was unsatisfying that the take down of the villain wasn't in this story. Maybe it will be in another book that will use a side character from this one.
March 13, 2025
utterly delightful
There are so many layers to this tale and to the characters within it, that peeling them back has the reader jumping back and forth between love and dislike.
Rawcliffe’s swing between kind husband and cold user, does not endear him to readers. Likewise, sympathy for Clare fluctuates to & fro as she tries to rein in her temper and retreats to her pious forgiveness of Rawcliffe’s ‘cruelty’.
Back to peeling away the layers. We soon learn they are each hiding more from the other than realised.
Add dastardly deeds, vile villains, and mysterious machinations, and we have an engrossing and addictive read.
Highly recommended
There are so many layers to this tale and to the characters within it, that peeling them back has the reader jumping back and forth between love and dislike.
Rawcliffe’s swing between kind husband and cold user, does not endear him to readers. Likewise, sympathy for Clare fluctuates to & fro as she tries to rein in her temper and retreats to her pious forgiveness of Rawcliffe’s ‘cruelty’.
Back to peeling away the layers. We soon learn they are each hiding more from the other than realised.
Add dastardly deeds, vile villains, and mysterious machinations, and we have an engrossing and addictive read.
Highly recommended
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