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Lords of Vice #2
The Marquess and the Maiden
Harriet Wheatley is the mastermind behind the Ladies of Virtue's quest to rehabilitate the gentlemen of the ton. So when it comes to selecting her own target, she knows who to Oliver Weeks, Marquess of Davenport—the most extravagant wastrel in all of London.
Known for his opulent lifestyle, Oliver isn't surprised by Harriet's confrontation. It's obvious Harriet longs for any way to take him down a notch. She says she'll help him find a bride, but he knows it's only because it gives her the excuse to chastise his indulgent ways.
Oliver has good reason for his flagrant overspending, but Harriet will hear nothing of it. So he has no choice but to teach the lady a lesson, even if it means risking his heart to the hard-headed and fiery woman.
Each book in the Lords of Vice series is
* The Scoundrel and the Lady
* The Marquess and the Maiden
212 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 10, 2018
58 people are currently reading
236 people want to read
About the author
Robyn DeHart
34 books528 followersNational Bestselling author, Robyn DeHart’s novels have appeared in the top bestselling romance and historical romance lists. Her books have been translated into nearly a dozen languages. Her historical romantic adventure series, The Legend Hunters, were not only bestsellers, but also award-winners, snagging a Reader’s Crown and a Reviewer’s Choice award. She had three releases in 2013 and 2014 will see four more, all set in the popular historical romance Regency and Victorian eras.
Known for her “strong dialogue and characters that leap off the page” (RT Bookclub) and her “sizzling romance” (Publishers Weekly), her books have been featured in USA Today and the Chicago Tribune. A popular writing instructor, she has given speeches at writing conferences in Los Angeles, DC, New York, Dallas, Nashville and Toronto, among many others.
When not writing, you can find Robyn hanging out with her family, husband (The Professor) a university professor of Political Science and their two ridiculously beautiful and smart daughters, Busybee and Babybee as well as two spoiled-rotten cats. They live in the hill country of Texas where it’s hot eight months of the year, but those big blue skies make it worth it.
You can find Robyn online in a variety of places.
Sign up for Robyn’s newsletter www.robyndehart.com/newsletter/
Robyn’s website www.robyndehart.com
Robyn on Twitter twitter.com/RobynDeHart
Robyn on Facebook www.facebook.com/pages/Robyn-DeHart-H...
Robyn on Goodreads www.goodreads.com/author/show/288853....
What others say about Robyn’s books.
“Robyn DeHart’s vibrant characters sweep the reader into a clever and sensual romp that is not to be missed.” – Julia London, NYT Bestselling Author
“Robyn DeHart proves that falling in love is the greatest adventure of all.” – Teresa Medeiros, NYT Bestselling Author
“Sizzling romance…DeHart makes the romance believable and enticing.” - Publishers Weekly
“DeHart is a genuine treasure.” – Booklist
“Robyn DeHart has become one of my favorite authors…where she shines is in creating character…. DeHart’s romances are tender and adventurous, and funny enough you may laugh your nethers off.” – FreshFiction
“One of the best historical romance authors writing today.” - Shana Galen, National Bestselling Author
Known for her “strong dialogue and characters that leap off the page” (RT Bookclub) and her “sizzling romance” (Publishers Weekly), her books have been featured in USA Today and the Chicago Tribune. A popular writing instructor, she has given speeches at writing conferences in Los Angeles, DC, New York, Dallas, Nashville and Toronto, among many others.
When not writing, you can find Robyn hanging out with her family, husband (The Professor) a university professor of Political Science and their two ridiculously beautiful and smart daughters, Busybee and Babybee as well as two spoiled-rotten cats. They live in the hill country of Texas where it’s hot eight months of the year, but those big blue skies make it worth it.
You can find Robyn online in a variety of places.
Sign up for Robyn’s newsletter www.robyndehart.com/newsletter/
Robyn’s website www.robyndehart.com
Robyn on Twitter twitter.com/RobynDeHart
Robyn on Facebook www.facebook.com/pages/Robyn-DeHart-H...
Robyn on Goodreads www.goodreads.com/author/show/288853....
What others say about Robyn’s books.
“Robyn DeHart’s vibrant characters sweep the reader into a clever and sensual romp that is not to be missed.” – Julia London, NYT Bestselling Author
“Robyn DeHart proves that falling in love is the greatest adventure of all.” – Teresa Medeiros, NYT Bestselling Author
“Sizzling romance…DeHart makes the romance believable and enticing.” - Publishers Weekly
“DeHart is a genuine treasure.” – Booklist
“Robyn DeHart has become one of my favorite authors…where she shines is in creating character…. DeHart’s romances are tender and adventurous, and funny enough you may laugh your nethers off.” – FreshFiction
“One of the best historical romance authors writing today.” - Shana Galen, National Bestselling Author
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
September 2, 2018
This was a lovely historical romance. The kind that sucks you in and makes you care deeply for the characters. A few things irritated me but I realize they're more a function of the age I'm born in, rather than true flaws.
Usually the Big Misunderstanding trope annoys me but this time I found it oddly charming. Harriet is a lovely woman, one I want to have been real, because of her passion and rather rebellious (for the age) nature. A bit naive but ready to fight for her own happiness. Her empathy and courage are something every human being should strive to possess. Oliver is my favourite type of male lead - the broken man that needs love to see he isn't really broken. The callous way he was treated due to his disability is truly appalling but unfortunately quite common even nowadays. Yes, he did some things I found disturbing but in that day and age it wasn't considered as wrong as it is today. Still I loved him and am happy that he got his HEA.
Apart from the disturbing nature of Oliver's courtship of Harriet the only other thing that annoyed me was the unresolved mystery of the book. I realize it will probably be a long running plot in the series but I still would have liked if the mystery was solved at the end. I have my suspicions and I wanted to know if I'm right. And now I'm off to read the first book of the series because this definitely caught my attention.
eARC provided by NetGalley in exchange of an honest review.
Usually the Big Misunderstanding trope annoys me but this time I found it oddly charming. Harriet is a lovely woman, one I want to have been real, because of her passion and rather rebellious (for the age) nature. A bit naive but ready to fight for her own happiness. Her empathy and courage are something every human being should strive to possess. Oliver is my favourite type of male lead - the broken man that needs love to see he isn't really broken. The callous way he was treated due to his disability is truly appalling but unfortunately quite common even nowadays. Yes, he did some things I found disturbing but in that day and age it wasn't considered as wrong as it is today. Still I loved him and am happy that he got his HEA.
Apart from the disturbing nature of Oliver's courtship of Harriet the only other thing that annoyed me was the unresolved mystery of the book. I realize it will probably be a long running plot in the series but I still would have liked if the mystery was solved at the end. I have my suspicions and I wanted to know if I'm right. And now I'm off to read the first book of the series because this definitely caught my attention.
eARC provided by NetGalley in exchange of an honest review.
September 11, 2018
Both the protagonists of this book are rather unique in their own different ways. Yes, Harriet is the well-dowered daughter of a duke… but she’s also very short and endowed with an over-abundance of curves, making her decidedly unfashionable among tall, willowy beauties. And Oliver is a tall, handsome, wealthy marquess… with a disability. A disastrous fall left him with a severe limp and unable to walk without a cane, or dance. His intended bride married another without a backward glance and, angry at the world, he pushed away those who would have helped. Including Harriet.
That was six years before the events of this story. Now Oliver’s mother is pushing him to take a wife to ensure the line of succession to his title, so he reluctantly re-enters society. And who should be the first person he notices but Harriet, still as sweet as ever… and still as alluring, with her curves he just wants to lose himself in.
Of course, he was an ass to her back then. And the problem I have with this romance is that Oliver really hasn’t learned from his mistakes. He’s still an ass. Harriet’s absolutely right when she describes him as embodying greed, out of the seven deadly sins, and accuses him of just taking what he wants without regard for others.
There is a prevalent trope, found particularly in historical romance because it lends particularly well to marriage of convenience scenarios, where the hero claims to the heroine that he doesn’t know how to love and will never love her. This usually occurs right after she has allowed him some extremely intimate liberties, showing her complete trust in him, and despite evidence to the contrary because of a loving relationship with someone else (mother or sister, usually). And frankly, it’s massively aggravating to me. It’s as though the author is trying to give her hero an air of Mr Darcy - aloof, unattainable - but has forgotten that Darcy opened himself up to rejection by professing himself passionately in love with Elizabeth Bennet before he had any notion of her true feelings.
I adored Harriet and liked the fact that Oliver had a physical disability the narrative didn’t shy away from or gloss over, but I also wished he wasn’t such an ass. I wanted more resolution of the storyline with his ex at least, and the lack of closure to the investigation of Lady X was too obviously a setup for the next book. This one ended way too abruptly, and with the presence of that annoying trope, I’m afraid I can’t give this one any more than two stars.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review through NetGalley.
That was six years before the events of this story. Now Oliver’s mother is pushing him to take a wife to ensure the line of succession to his title, so he reluctantly re-enters society. And who should be the first person he notices but Harriet, still as sweet as ever… and still as alluring, with her curves he just wants to lose himself in.
Of course, he was an ass to her back then. And the problem I have with this romance is that Oliver really hasn’t learned from his mistakes. He’s still an ass. Harriet’s absolutely right when she describes him as embodying greed, out of the seven deadly sins, and accuses him of just taking what he wants without regard for others.
There is a prevalent trope, found particularly in historical romance because it lends particularly well to marriage of convenience scenarios, where the hero claims to the heroine that he doesn’t know how to love and will never love her. This usually occurs right after she has allowed him some extremely intimate liberties, showing her complete trust in him, and despite evidence to the contrary because of a loving relationship with someone else (mother or sister, usually). And frankly, it’s massively aggravating to me. It’s as though the author is trying to give her hero an air of Mr Darcy - aloof, unattainable - but has forgotten that Darcy opened himself up to rejection by professing himself passionately in love with Elizabeth Bennet before he had any notion of her true feelings.
I adored Harriet and liked the fact that Oliver had a physical disability the narrative didn’t shy away from or gloss over, but I also wished he wasn’t such an ass. I wanted more resolution of the storyline with his ex at least, and the lack of closure to the investigation of Lady X was too obviously a setup for the next book. This one ended way too abruptly, and with the presence of that annoying trope, I’m afraid I can’t give this one any more than two stars.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review through NetGalley.
September 5, 2018
Six years ago, Lady Harriet Wheatley's mother had a plan, Harriet would marry Oliver Weeks, the Marquess of Davenport, her dearest friend's son. Oliver has inherited a bankrupt estate, been injured and dumped by his would be betrothed and Harriet has a huge dowry and 2 unsuccessful seasons under her belt - it is a win - win for everyone! Too bad Oliver didn't fall in line with the plan, he told Harriet in no uncertain terms, he would not marry her - - he didn't want her dowry or her. Harriet is crushed, not that she was overly keen on marrying him, but rejection is rejection. She vows that she will only marry for love or not at all.
Fast forward six years, Oliver has singlehandedly restored his family fortune and then some. To Harriet, he seems to waste his money and as a member of the Ladies of Virtue, she feels it is her responsibility to show him the error of his ways, especially since the group has been forced to curtail their crime fighting activities thanks to an enemy known only as Lady X. When Oliver's mother suggests that he marry, he agrees with her, but states that he hasn't been in society for years and most women are frighten of him. His mother suggests that Harriet might be able to help him find a bride, he is surprised that she is still unwed and when he sees her again, wonders if the men of London are blind - she is not the traditional willowy figured woman that is lauded by the ton, she is petite, curvy and has a magnificent bosom - not that he is looking. He approaches her and is delighted to find that she is no longer the timid mouse he remembered by a feisty spitfire, who tells him that he will need more than a fortune to find a wife, she offers him a deal, he stops his spending and she will help him - NO. A couple of weeks later, he realizes she was right and asks for her help, she refuses. But when she learns he owns a property that she can use for secret meetings and training for her group, she reconsiders. Oliver has decided on his bride - Harriet. But still stinging from his rejection years ago, she thinks he is toying with her.
They grow closer and share some heated kisses, Oliver repeatedly tries to prove he wants her and she repeatedly rebuffs him. Finally Oliver forces her hand and they end up married, but he makes it clear he can never love her. Can Harriet accept this? Will passion be enough? Will Oliver get his head out of his butt before it is too late?
I'll be honest, this story was just okay, I have a really hard time believing the author that wrote the Legend Hunter series is the same author writing this series. The whole Ladies of Virtue angle is a bit ridiculous, crime fighting debutantes, really?? I felt like Harriet's insecurities and refusal to believe that Oliver found her attractive dragged on too long and became annoying. This along with some major title errors, some inconsistencies and some completely unbelievable scenarios made this a 3 star read. Upside, the story was cute and very steamy (YES!!), both Oliver and Harriet were likeable people, their interactions were for the most part amusing and entertaining, the secondary characters added to the story, but didn't overshadow the leads and the ending was very sweet.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*
Fast forward six years, Oliver has singlehandedly restored his family fortune and then some. To Harriet, he seems to waste his money and as a member of the Ladies of Virtue, she feels it is her responsibility to show him the error of his ways, especially since the group has been forced to curtail their crime fighting activities thanks to an enemy known only as Lady X. When Oliver's mother suggests that he marry, he agrees with her, but states that he hasn't been in society for years and most women are frighten of him. His mother suggests that Harriet might be able to help him find a bride, he is surprised that she is still unwed and when he sees her again, wonders if the men of London are blind - she is not the traditional willowy figured woman that is lauded by the ton, she is petite, curvy and has a magnificent bosom - not that he is looking. He approaches her and is delighted to find that she is no longer the timid mouse he remembered by a feisty spitfire, who tells him that he will need more than a fortune to find a wife, she offers him a deal, he stops his spending and she will help him - NO. A couple of weeks later, he realizes she was right and asks for her help, she refuses. But when she learns he owns a property that she can use for secret meetings and training for her group, she reconsiders. Oliver has decided on his bride - Harriet. But still stinging from his rejection years ago, she thinks he is toying with her.
They grow closer and share some heated kisses, Oliver repeatedly tries to prove he wants her and she repeatedly rebuffs him. Finally Oliver forces her hand and they end up married, but he makes it clear he can never love her. Can Harriet accept this? Will passion be enough? Will Oliver get his head out of his butt before it is too late?
I'll be honest, this story was just okay, I have a really hard time believing the author that wrote the Legend Hunter series is the same author writing this series. The whole Ladies of Virtue angle is a bit ridiculous, crime fighting debutantes, really?? I felt like Harriet's insecurities and refusal to believe that Oliver found her attractive dragged on too long and became annoying. This along with some major title errors, some inconsistencies and some completely unbelievable scenarios made this a 3 star read. Upside, the story was cute and very steamy (YES!!), both Oliver and Harriet were likeable people, their interactions were for the most part amusing and entertaining, the secondary characters added to the story, but didn't overshadow the leads and the ending was very sweet.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*
August 22, 2018
I am occasionally iffy about Regency romances. Even though I had my ups and downs with this couple, I loved Heather and Oliver being together by the end of this story
Harriet's involvement with the Ladies of Virtue made for a very unique story. I'll be honest, I struggled to figure out the true purpose of this organization. At first, I thought it was some sort of Robin Hood type of thing, but then it just seemed as if they were trying to change the men to be more charitable. I wish that more time had been spent in this story really explaining what this organization was for.
I won't spoil anything, but by the time I got to the end of the novel, I didn't really see the point in their whole storyline of "trying" to get together. They almost always had chemistry, even if they tried to deny it. It didn't make their romance pointless, but a lot of the "drama" between the two had me facepalming.
I did like the fact that Harriet was successful in her own way. Rather than succumbing to the "old maid" syndrome. She didn't stop her life because she didn't have a husband, or even feel the need to get a husband. She just wanted to live her life and better her community.
Even though Harriet may have been more spirited than the typical woman of the time, this book still stayed pretty historically accurate. It discussed the issues of women fighting against alcohol abuse, and woman fighting for the good of their communities. They didn't want the rich men to have all of the power and waste their money on pointless things, dragging their communities to the ground.
The plot of this story moved smoothly, and it started to move quickly after the beginning had finished. It took me a bit of time to get into the story due to a bit of a time skip at the start, but then I got hooked!
I would recommend this short story if you enjoy Regency romances with strong female main characters and sweet love stories.
I received an advance copy of this book and this is my voluntary review.
Harriet's involvement with the Ladies of Virtue made for a very unique story. I'll be honest, I struggled to figure out the true purpose of this organization. At first, I thought it was some sort of Robin Hood type of thing, but then it just seemed as if they were trying to change the men to be more charitable. I wish that more time had been spent in this story really explaining what this organization was for.
I won't spoil anything, but by the time I got to the end of the novel, I didn't really see the point in their whole storyline of "trying" to get together. They almost always had chemistry, even if they tried to deny it. It didn't make their romance pointless, but a lot of the "drama" between the two had me facepalming.
I did like the fact that Harriet was successful in her own way. Rather than succumbing to the "old maid" syndrome. She didn't stop her life because she didn't have a husband, or even feel the need to get a husband. She just wanted to live her life and better her community.
Even though Harriet may have been more spirited than the typical woman of the time, this book still stayed pretty historically accurate. It discussed the issues of women fighting against alcohol abuse, and woman fighting for the good of their communities. They didn't want the rich men to have all of the power and waste their money on pointless things, dragging their communities to the ground.
The plot of this story moved smoothly, and it started to move quickly after the beginning had finished. It took me a bit of time to get into the story due to a bit of a time skip at the start, but then I got hooked!
I would recommend this short story if you enjoy Regency romances with strong female main characters and sweet love stories.
I received an advance copy of this book and this is my voluntary review.
August 20, 2018
Oliver, Lord Davenport has been thrown at Lady Harriet. He walks with a cane and has no fortune. She is considered everybody's little sister and has not had any offers. He rejects her totally. He comes back to London after several years and thinks Harriet is beautiful, but she can't believe anything he says after the set down he has given her. He asks Harriet to play matchmaker and find him a bride.. There's no one but Harriet for him. While at a house party, he meets his formally betrothed who left him after he had his accident. Harriet sees her and leaves the room. Oliver comprises Harriet so she will have to marry her. She realizes that she has fallen in love with him but he has told her that he will never fall in love. Harriet is gone and he cannot find her. Has she left him? Will he be able to win her back? Great story with a wonderful ending. I received this book from Net Galley and Entangled Publishing, LLC for a honest review and no compensation otherwise.
September 11, 2018
Will you always be drawn to the one you love?
Harriet Wheatley is a strong, independent, and very determined woman who cares not a wit about being on the marriage market one year too many. She is not the perfect in size, shape, or temperament however for the love match Harriet craves she will have found bliss. What Harriet does know is Oliver Weeks, The Marquess of Davenport is the last man she wants to wind up with even though their needs do align. He may need a wife and she a husband but neither of them is in any way attracted to the other so walk away and let it be. The problem is they both are attracted in many ways to the other but Oliver decides that moving on is the best decision and he of course is always correct.
After six years and many adventures later, they are reunited and Oliver realizes that the woman he is destined to marry has always been Harriet but the problem is Harriet is not interested. Alex spent years in self absorbed life recovering from an injury, a broken relationship, and rebuilding the family coffers now that he finds his love it turns out she has not found another but herself and Harriet likes the person she has become. Harriet works as a Lady of Virtue and by day they do good deeds and by night they fix the ills that is the streets of London. Harriet is a respected member of the group who knows how to never cross the line of sensibility and put anyone in danger but she will not let the group fall apart either. When an interruption in the good deeds is a wall, Harriet decides to use it to her advantage and engages Oliver in a match of wits to see who can get the other what they want faster. While Harriet knows that love is the only thing that will entice her into marriage and that Oliver is incapable of such an emotion, Harriet feels safe with her flirtation and arrangement to utilize one of Oliver’s properties while she finds him a wife. What Harriet is unaware of is that Oliver is going to make her his wife and this scheme is going to play out in his favor, or will it?
Harriet and Oliver tangle one too many times with a whisper of indiscretion, a kiss as sweet as candy, and a touch just hot enough to burn the skin. When Oliver traps Harriet into marriage she swears to never allow him to hurt her and that is the last thing on Oliver’s mind. He may not know how to love but he will forever cherish his wife and make sure she wants for nothing. He may have a handicap but it is not one in the how to pleasure a woman department and if he cannot convince Harriet that relationships do not need love to survive, he will go down trying. The funny thing with great plans is they do tend to blow up in your face and with Oliver that turns out to be an amazing and surprising turn of events for the heart.
Robyn DeHart has the author gift of character conception, development, fulfillment and romance. She twirls the reader around into the story until every one of us wants to stay and never leave these people we have come to cherish in our lives. Thank you, Ms. DeHart for your great talent and amazing love of romance.
Harriet Wheatley is a strong, independent, and very determined woman who cares not a wit about being on the marriage market one year too many. She is not the perfect in size, shape, or temperament however for the love match Harriet craves she will have found bliss. What Harriet does know is Oliver Weeks, The Marquess of Davenport is the last man she wants to wind up with even though their needs do align. He may need a wife and she a husband but neither of them is in any way attracted to the other so walk away and let it be. The problem is they both are attracted in many ways to the other but Oliver decides that moving on is the best decision and he of course is always correct.
After six years and many adventures later, they are reunited and Oliver realizes that the woman he is destined to marry has always been Harriet but the problem is Harriet is not interested. Alex spent years in self absorbed life recovering from an injury, a broken relationship, and rebuilding the family coffers now that he finds his love it turns out she has not found another but herself and Harriet likes the person she has become. Harriet works as a Lady of Virtue and by day they do good deeds and by night they fix the ills that is the streets of London. Harriet is a respected member of the group who knows how to never cross the line of sensibility and put anyone in danger but she will not let the group fall apart either. When an interruption in the good deeds is a wall, Harriet decides to use it to her advantage and engages Oliver in a match of wits to see who can get the other what they want faster. While Harriet knows that love is the only thing that will entice her into marriage and that Oliver is incapable of such an emotion, Harriet feels safe with her flirtation and arrangement to utilize one of Oliver’s properties while she finds him a wife. What Harriet is unaware of is that Oliver is going to make her his wife and this scheme is going to play out in his favor, or will it?
Harriet and Oliver tangle one too many times with a whisper of indiscretion, a kiss as sweet as candy, and a touch just hot enough to burn the skin. When Oliver traps Harriet into marriage she swears to never allow him to hurt her and that is the last thing on Oliver’s mind. He may not know how to love but he will forever cherish his wife and make sure she wants for nothing. He may have a handicap but it is not one in the how to pleasure a woman department and if he cannot convince Harriet that relationships do not need love to survive, he will go down trying. The funny thing with great plans is they do tend to blow up in your face and with Oliver that turns out to be an amazing and surprising turn of events for the heart.
Robyn DeHart has the author gift of character conception, development, fulfillment and romance. She twirls the reader around into the story until every one of us wants to stay and never leave these people we have come to cherish in our lives. Thank you, Ms. DeHart for your great talent and amazing love of romance.
October 7, 2021
In this book, i disliked how the hero spent too much time just lusting over Harriet’s voluptuous body that it baffles me when he realises he loved her as i did not see him ‘falling in love’.
It honestly felt like i was reading nothing and when i finished this book, i felt empty. I was not happy nor sad after finishing the book. I don’t know what i was reading except that Harriet thinks she’s ugly and Oliver tried to convince her that she’s pretty by seducing her which didn’t seem right to me.
It really looked as if he wanted her for her body, which did not make me love him. I disliked how he wanted her in his bed so badly that he had to compromise her to do that. That was badly done of him. Honestly i felt Harriet deserved better and because she did nothing wrong.
So I’ve read the first 3 books in this series and i have noticed a similarity in all of this author’s books. That similarity is the plot, or lack of a plot. It seems to me that the hero and heroine practically do nothing throughout the book, and suddenly realises that they are in love with each other at the end of the book.
I did not love any of this author’s characters, nor did i find it easy to relate to them because i felt the author did not touch on their stories deep enough for me to sympathize or love them as a character. It feels as if their stories were only touched on briefly, only on the surface. It also did not help that I couldn’t feel the chemistry between this author’s heroes and heroines. Despite that, the writing was not hard to understand and easy to read.
It honestly felt like i was reading nothing and when i finished this book, i felt empty. I was not happy nor sad after finishing the book. I don’t know what i was reading except that Harriet thinks she’s ugly and Oliver tried to convince her that she’s pretty by seducing her which didn’t seem right to me.
It really looked as if he wanted her for her body, which did not make me love him. I disliked how he wanted her in his bed so badly that he had to compromise her to do that. That was badly done of him. Honestly i felt Harriet deserved better and because she did nothing wrong.
So I’ve read the first 3 books in this series and i have noticed a similarity in all of this author’s books. That similarity is the plot, or lack of a plot. It seems to me that the hero and heroine practically do nothing throughout the book, and suddenly realises that they are in love with each other at the end of the book.
I did not love any of this author’s characters, nor did i find it easy to relate to them because i felt the author did not touch on their stories deep enough for me to sympathize or love them as a character. It feels as if their stories were only touched on briefly, only on the surface. It also did not help that I couldn’t feel the chemistry between this author’s heroes and heroines. Despite that, the writing was not hard to understand and easy to read.
August 19, 2018
Review excerpted from my blog post over at FanSciHist (https://fanscihist.wordpress.com/2018...)
My Rating: 4 stars
Library recommendation: Recommended for public library Romance collections.
Warning: Hereafter, you chance spoilers. I will try never to reveal major plot points, but to review any book, you must reveal some parts of the story.
____________________________
Number of titles I have read by this author: 1
Love story speed: Medium burn
Relationship dynamics: The Formerly Rejected Spinster (h) / The Determined, Titled Gentleman (H)
Sexual content: Some. Sex is romantic, “onscreen”, and explicit
Triggers: Bullying of h (not by H); forced proximity of h to H
Grammar/Editing: Some awkward phrasing.
Review: This is a fairly well-written book. There seem to be overlapping events from the first book in the series, but I admittedly have not read it and am basing this on having read the blurb for it. I typically would not review a series book without having read its predecessors, but the publisher indicated that this could stand alone, which I found to be accurate. Without spoiling the plot, some of the tropes are overdone or extraneous and therefore some of the internal (relationship) conflict seemed to me to be unnecessary. However, this is still a satisfying read and there are certainly those readers who will appreciate a higher degree of individual angst or will tolerate it more readily just because of the keen attention to historical detail displayed in the novel.
Oliver and Harriet are solid characters, if a little over-committed to their perceptions of what society thinks of them. Granted, we know that that was encouraged in the Victorian era, but it still seemed to be done to a remarkable degree in this book. Some supporting characters were more well-developed than others, which is suggestive of who the hero/heroine might be in the next book (pure speculation on my part – I haven’t seen or heard anything to indicate that I’m right about that). The more developed characters also seemed to be sensible people, which was needed to balance the personalities of the hero and heroine.
Overall, an enjoyable read that leaves the door open for future potential in the series.
Architecture and Design version: A short, curvy structure is paired with a building of slightly unstable foundation and overcompensating upper supports. While this combination could in some ways resemble a fun-house, the structures mingle well when paired with sympathetic internal design.
Full disclosure: I received a free advance review copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
My Rating: 4 stars
Library recommendation: Recommended for public library Romance collections.
Warning: Hereafter, you chance spoilers. I will try never to reveal major plot points, but to review any book, you must reveal some parts of the story.
____________________________
Number of titles I have read by this author: 1
Love story speed: Medium burn
Relationship dynamics: The Formerly Rejected Spinster (h) / The Determined, Titled Gentleman (H)
Sexual content: Some. Sex is romantic, “onscreen”, and explicit
Triggers: Bullying of h (not by H); forced proximity of h to H
Grammar/Editing: Some awkward phrasing.
Review: This is a fairly well-written book. There seem to be overlapping events from the first book in the series, but I admittedly have not read it and am basing this on having read the blurb for it. I typically would not review a series book without having read its predecessors, but the publisher indicated that this could stand alone, which I found to be accurate. Without spoiling the plot, some of the tropes are overdone or extraneous and therefore some of the internal (relationship) conflict seemed to me to be unnecessary. However, this is still a satisfying read and there are certainly those readers who will appreciate a higher degree of individual angst or will tolerate it more readily just because of the keen attention to historical detail displayed in the novel.
Oliver and Harriet are solid characters, if a little over-committed to their perceptions of what society thinks of them. Granted, we know that that was encouraged in the Victorian era, but it still seemed to be done to a remarkable degree in this book. Some supporting characters were more well-developed than others, which is suggestive of who the hero/heroine might be in the next book (pure speculation on my part – I haven’t seen or heard anything to indicate that I’m right about that). The more developed characters also seemed to be sensible people, which was needed to balance the personalities of the hero and heroine.
Overall, an enjoyable read that leaves the door open for future potential in the series.
Architecture and Design version: A short, curvy structure is paired with a building of slightly unstable foundation and overcompensating upper supports. While this combination could in some ways resemble a fun-house, the structures mingle well when paired with sympathetic internal design.
Full disclosure: I received a free advance review copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 5, 2018
I read the first book in this series and was excited to read this one. I was not disappointed and loved revisiting with this quirky group of ladies who formed the Ladies of Virtue with Harriet Wheatley, the heroine, being one of the founders. Harriet leads a campaign to rehabilitate the gentlemen of the ton in whatever their vice might be. She chooses, Oliver Weeks, Marquess of Davenport to stop him from wasting money and give to charitable endeavors! Of course she and Oliver had a past that she could not forgive. Her mother had the idea that she and Oliver should marry because she had funds he desperately needed to repair his holdings that his father had gambled away. He rejected her badly because he was determined to restore the family wealth on his own. Now six years later, as Harriet tries to talk to him about his spending habits, he asks her to help him find a wife.
What is up with that? Oliver was a wounded man due to having had a bad fall years ago and walked with a cane. As the two interacted, some surprising emotions come out for both of them and the game was on.
I loved the interaction between these two. I just never knew what was going to happen next. This was really a very entertaining story and I cannot wait until the next in the series!! This can be read as a standalone.
What is up with that? Oliver was a wounded man due to having had a bad fall years ago and walked with a cane. As the two interacted, some surprising emotions come out for both of them and the game was on.
I loved the interaction between these two. I just never knew what was going to happen next. This was really a very entertaining story and I cannot wait until the next in the series!! This can be read as a standalone.
September 10, 2018
Just imagine a group of young women, the Ladies of Virtue, who are determined to “rehabilitate” the gentlemen of the ton! One of their founder members, Harriet Wheatley, is a headstrong, determined young lady and the man she’s determined to rehabilitate is the Marquess of Davenport, Oliver Weeks, the man who told her he wouldn’t marry her six years ago, not even if her substantial dowry would help him restore the bankrupt estate he’d inherited.
Now Oliver has restored his family fortunes his mother suggests it is time for him to marry. He agrees but acknowledges he needs help. . . . from Harriet! Will she even attempt to help him find a wife? They need to come to an agreement first but once their terms are agreed little does she know that he’s already determined who he wants to marry - her! Now he has the biggest obstacle to overcome - how to convince her after his previous hurtful attitude and comments.
This is a Regency romance with a very strong heroine who doesn’t believe herself to be attractive and a hero who lacks confidence in himself because of the limp he acquired in an accident. Their interactions, the attitudes of their peers and the continuing mystery regarding Lady X make this an entertaining read for anyone who enjoys Regency romances.
I requested and was given a copy of this book, via NetGalley. This is my honest review of the book after choosing to read it.
Now Oliver has restored his family fortunes his mother suggests it is time for him to marry. He agrees but acknowledges he needs help. . . . from Harriet! Will she even attempt to help him find a wife? They need to come to an agreement first but once their terms are agreed little does she know that he’s already determined who he wants to marry - her! Now he has the biggest obstacle to overcome - how to convince her after his previous hurtful attitude and comments.
This is a Regency romance with a very strong heroine who doesn’t believe herself to be attractive and a hero who lacks confidence in himself because of the limp he acquired in an accident. Their interactions, the attitudes of their peers and the continuing mystery regarding Lady X make this an entertaining read for anyone who enjoys Regency romances.
I requested and was given a copy of this book, via NetGalley. This is my honest review of the book after choosing to read it.
September 6, 2018
Harriet Wheatley is a member of the Ladies of Virtue's who’s quest is to rehabilitate the gentlemen of the ton. So when it comes to selecting her own target, she knows who to choose: Oliver Weeks, Marquis of Davenport the most extravagant wastrel in all of London & the man who cruelly rejected her.
Oliver & Harriet’s mothers are the best of friends & would love for their offspring to marry. When Oliver’s father dies leaving the family almost destitute the mothers think they dream will come true but Oliver rejects Harriet’s advance. Now six years later Oliver has amassed a fortune, he sees Harriet at a ball & is so drawn to her it he can think of nothing else but her.
An interesting read whilst I took young women crime fighters with a pinch of salt I really enjoyed Oliver & Harriet’s romance. They are both lacking in confidence, Oliver because of an accident that has left him with a limp & Harriet because she sees herself as a short dumpy woman with too many curves. Their verbal spats are delightful, their attraction sizzles. The road to their HEA was interesting & in the end had me engrossed in their story. The book flows well, there’s still the mystery to solve as to who Lady X is but this is almost an aside.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Oliver & Harriet’s mothers are the best of friends & would love for their offspring to marry. When Oliver’s father dies leaving the family almost destitute the mothers think they dream will come true but Oliver rejects Harriet’s advance. Now six years later Oliver has amassed a fortune, he sees Harriet at a ball & is so drawn to her it he can think of nothing else but her.
An interesting read whilst I took young women crime fighters with a pinch of salt I really enjoyed Oliver & Harriet’s romance. They are both lacking in confidence, Oliver because of an accident that has left him with a limp & Harriet because she sees herself as a short dumpy woman with too many curves. Their verbal spats are delightful, their attraction sizzles. The road to their HEA was interesting & in the end had me engrossed in their story. The book flows well, there’s still the mystery to solve as to who Lady X is but this is almost an aside.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
September 20, 2018
Publisher's Description:
Harriet Wheatley is the mastermind behind the Ladies of Virtue's quest to rehabilitate the gentlemen of the ton. So when it comes to selecting her own target, she knows who to choose: Oliver Weeks, Marquess of Davenport—the most extravagant wastrel in all of London.
Known for his opulent lifestyle, Oliver isn't surprised by Harriet's confrontation. It's obvious Harriet longs for any way to take him down a notch. She says she'll help him find a bride, but he knows it's only because it gives her the excuse to chastise his indulgent ways.
Oliver has good reason for his flagrant overspending, but Harriet will hear nothing of it. So he has no choice but to teach the lady a lesson, even if it means risking his heart to the hard-headed and fiery woman.
My Thoughts:
Oliver once refused to take Harriett as his bride. Now he needs to marry and although he now wants her she doesn't want him or does she?
When he asks her to help him find a bride his intentions are to make her that woman.
Helping him find a bride is never her intention. Taking the known wastrel down a notch is only a small part of her plans.
This is a well written and delightful romance.
I gave this read 4.25 of 5.0 stars for storyline and characterization.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this book to read.
This in no way affected my opinion of this title which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
Harriet Wheatley is the mastermind behind the Ladies of Virtue's quest to rehabilitate the gentlemen of the ton. So when it comes to selecting her own target, she knows who to choose: Oliver Weeks, Marquess of Davenport—the most extravagant wastrel in all of London.
Known for his opulent lifestyle, Oliver isn't surprised by Harriet's confrontation. It's obvious Harriet longs for any way to take him down a notch. She says she'll help him find a bride, but he knows it's only because it gives her the excuse to chastise his indulgent ways.
Oliver has good reason for his flagrant overspending, but Harriet will hear nothing of it. So he has no choice but to teach the lady a lesson, even if it means risking his heart to the hard-headed and fiery woman.
My Thoughts:
Oliver once refused to take Harriett as his bride. Now he needs to marry and although he now wants her she doesn't want him or does she?
When he asks her to help him find a bride his intentions are to make her that woman.
Helping him find a bride is never her intention. Taking the known wastrel down a notch is only a small part of her plans.
This is a well written and delightful romance.
I gave this read 4.25 of 5.0 stars for storyline and characterization.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this book to read.
This in no way affected my opinion of this title which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
September 12, 2018
Reviewed on my blog, Becky on Books, on 9/12/18.
Oliver and Harriet's story was absolutely wonderful. From their (very painful!) first non-engagement through all of Oliver's (clueless) denied engagement through their actual relationship--even when I wanted to throttle him for his obtuseness or cry over her lack of self worth, I loved their story and couldn't wait to see them get to their HEA.
Which they did. Wonderfully. (Spoiler? ;))
I haven't had a chance to read the first book in the series yet ( The Scoundrel and the Lady ) but that wasn't an issue here. I believe that at least part of this book was happening concurrently with that one; an overarching concern about Harriet and Iris's group being outed to the press wasn't resolved here and will (hopefully!) continue to the next book, so I've got time to catch up. (Which I will. Iris's story sounds wonderful.)
Rating: 4 stars / A-
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Oliver and Harriet's story was absolutely wonderful. From their (very painful!) first non-engagement through all of Oliver's (clueless) denied engagement through their actual relationship--even when I wanted to throttle him for his obtuseness or cry over her lack of self worth, I loved their story and couldn't wait to see them get to their HEA.
Which they did. Wonderfully. (Spoiler? ;))
I haven't had a chance to read the first book in the series yet ( The Scoundrel and the Lady ) but that wasn't an issue here. I believe that at least part of this book was happening concurrently with that one; an overarching concern about Harriet and Iris's group being outed to the press wasn't resolved here and will (hopefully!) continue to the next book, so I've got time to catch up. (Which I will. Iris's story sounds wonderful.)
Rating: 4 stars / A-
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
November 7, 2018
I received an ARC of this book to read through NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. The Marquess and the Maiden by Robyn DeHart is the second book in her Lords of Vice series but each book is written to be a stand-alone. The Entangled:Scandalous imprint of which this novella is under features Alpha Heroes, Confident and Unconventional Heroines and lots of sexual tension. Five years ago Oliver Weeks, Marquess of Davenport was broke, permanently injured, and had recently been dumped by the woman he planned to marry. So when his mother and her best friend propose that he marry, the best friends daughter Lady Harriet Wheatley whom he’s known all his life, as her dowry will bail him out of the financial trouble created by his father, he very bluntly says no. Present day he’s restored the family fortune on his own and is ready to marry, Harriet catches his eye as really the only woman he wants, but too bad for him because she’s having none of it. Quite Steamy. Publishing Date September 10, 2018 #TheMarquessandtheMaiden #NetGalley
September 12, 2018
THE MARQUESS AND THE MAIDEN by ROBYN DEHART is book 2 in her "Lord's Vice" series, but cam br read as a stand alone. A steady paved, quick and fun read. Well written although. I wanted to learn more of the Ladies of Virtue a mysterious, crime fighting team composed of women, including Harriet, our heroine. Follow, Harriet Wheatley, one of the Ladies of Virtue and Oliver Weeks, Marquess of Davenport, on their adventure to love, and finding a HEA. Ms. Dehart has a way with her character conceptions, her development, her execution of the romance, mystery with a bit of humor and wit.
I did feel, the ending was a bit abrupt, and left a few unanswered questions, hopefully, leading into the next book. Overall, a really great book with charming characters and an enjoyable and entertaining storyline. #NetGalley, #TheMarquessandtheMaiden
"I voluntarily received a complimentary copy, however, these are my honest opinions. I was in no way required nor compensated to write a review."
Rating: 4
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewer: AprilR
I did feel, the ending was a bit abrupt, and left a few unanswered questions, hopefully, leading into the next book. Overall, a really great book with charming characters and an enjoyable and entertaining storyline. #NetGalley, #TheMarquessandtheMaiden
"I voluntarily received a complimentary copy, however, these are my honest opinions. I was in no way required nor compensated to write a review."
Rating: 4
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewer: AprilR
August 31, 2018
This is the first book I've read by Ms. DeHart and while I liked the romance of Oliver and Harriett, I was disappointed that the main mystery theme running throughout the book was not addressed or resolved at the end of the book. I'm not a fan of a mystery running across multiple books. Usually by the time the next book in the series comes out, I've already forgotten what the original premise was.
I did enjoy Oliver Weeks, Marquess of Davenport, pursuit and courtship of Lady Harriet. He believes he is damaged goods because of a limp and Harriet believes that no one would ever find her attractive because of her lush curves which is the exact opposite of lithe figures of other debutants. In the end, they both help each other realize they are perfect for each other despite their imperfections. Having a flawed hero makes him more believable.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review and was not obligated to leave a review.
I did enjoy Oliver Weeks, Marquess of Davenport, pursuit and courtship of Lady Harriet. He believes he is damaged goods because of a limp and Harriet believes that no one would ever find her attractive because of her lush curves which is the exact opposite of lithe figures of other debutants. In the end, they both help each other realize they are perfect for each other despite their imperfections. Having a flawed hero makes him more believable.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review and was not obligated to leave a review.
August 17, 2018
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is definitely a book that I would recommend that you purchase. It is a fun, light-hearted read, which has left me with a big smile on my face.
The story revolves around the relationship between Harriet and Olivier. The two have known each other forever, as their mothers were best friends. Harriet is a member of the "Ladies of Virtue" a group of women determined to rectify the wrongs of the world including reforming the disreputable men of the ton. Harriet has not managed to make a marriage and her mother is determined that it is time she should. Oliver is known for his opulent lifestyle and for his deformity, a limp that he endured after an accident. Spurned by his fiance, as a result, he is determined to remain unmarried despite pressure from his mother to settle down.
It is obvious to all, except Harriet and Oliver, that they are in love, the banter and interaction had me smiling one moment, teary the next and finally happy at the conclusion. This is a lovely, cosy read. It is totally predictable, but that's its charm. I can't wait to read another book in this series or by this author.
This is definitely a book that I would recommend that you purchase. It is a fun, light-hearted read, which has left me with a big smile on my face.
The story revolves around the relationship between Harriet and Olivier. The two have known each other forever, as their mothers were best friends. Harriet is a member of the "Ladies of Virtue" a group of women determined to rectify the wrongs of the world including reforming the disreputable men of the ton. Harriet has not managed to make a marriage and her mother is determined that it is time she should. Oliver is known for his opulent lifestyle and for his deformity, a limp that he endured after an accident. Spurned by his fiance, as a result, he is determined to remain unmarried despite pressure from his mother to settle down.
It is obvious to all, except Harriet and Oliver, that they are in love, the banter and interaction had me smiling one moment, teary the next and finally happy at the conclusion. This is a lovely, cosy read. It is totally predictable, but that's its charm. I can't wait to read another book in this series or by this author.
August 21, 2018
Another fantastic read by Ms. DeHart. I love how some of the characters overlap in her series. It was great seeing The Brotherhood’s Lord/Lady Somersby again. The second Lords of Vice novel features the lovely, Ladies of Virtue member Harriet and the broken, lustful Oliver. I do love a story where the hero or heroine has to overcome a disability. It makes it seem more real. Not everyone is perfect in every story. This is a sassy, sexy and intriguing story. We still do not know who Lady X is…that is a story for another episode in Lords of Vice.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
August 20, 2018
I loved Harriet and Oliver's story!
Harriet was on a quest to reform Oliver and his spending. She doesn't feel like he should be throwing away all of his money and should be spending it on helping others instead. What she doesn't know is that there is a reason he spends so much of his money. They've known each other most of their lives, but they don't really know the other. I loved watching these two really learn what the other was like. Their bantering had me laughing out loud.
This was a great addition to the series and I can't wait to see what DeHart has in store for us with the next Lords of Vice book!
Harriet was on a quest to reform Oliver and his spending. She doesn't feel like he should be throwing away all of his money and should be spending it on helping others instead. What she doesn't know is that there is a reason he spends so much of his money. They've known each other most of their lives, but they don't really know the other. I loved watching these two really learn what the other was like. Their bantering had me laughing out loud.
This was a great addition to the series and I can't wait to see what DeHart has in store for us with the next Lords of Vice book!
October 3, 2018
Review Posted at HarlequinJunkie.com
Years ago, Oliver Weeks, the Marquess of Davenport, rejected Harriet Wheatley. However, now that he’s turned things around and made more than enough money to save the family estate, he’s finally ready to settle down. Yet, the only woman he wants is Harriet. Too bad she wants nothing to do with him. Not unless he changes his indulgent ways. Will Oliver find a way to win Harriet over? Read More
Years ago, Oliver Weeks, the Marquess of Davenport, rejected Harriet Wheatley. However, now that he’s turned things around and made more than enough money to save the family estate, he’s finally ready to settle down. Yet, the only woman he wants is Harriet. Too bad she wants nothing to do with him. Not unless he changes his indulgent ways. Will Oliver find a way to win Harriet over? Read More
March 4, 2021
This was a quick and charming read with plenty of steam, which I like, I just wish it had been a bit longer. The plot seems to be woven into a simultaneous timeline with the other book in the series, with hopefully more to come, so there is mystery woven throughout that isn't really resolved yet. This story focuses mostly on Oliver and Harriet learning to have confidence and believe that they can truly love and be loved. If you're looking for a fun and light-hearted read, I'd highly recommend it.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 9, 2018
Please see all of my reviews on my blog at www.robinlovesreading.blogspot.com.
4.5 Stars
The Marquess and the Maiden could have been a simple love story where a Regency couple married due to obligation. Harriet Wheatley wants to marry, well sort of, and has a substantial dowry. She sets her sights on The Marquess of Davenport, Oliver Weeks, who is drastically in need of funds. Their mothers, lifelong friends, think the two would make a fine alliance. However, Harriet and Oliver do not pair. Oliver is not going to marry for money, and he really hurts Harriet's feelings.
Harriet quickly moves on with her life and becomes a part of a group called the Ladies of Virtue, a group of women who secretly guard the streets of London. Years later, when their group is threatened, their aim changes. Harriet comes up with a plan, and sets her sights on rehabilitating Oliver. She is now in need of his help, and so they make a deal. She will find him a bride, if he will do a huge favor for her. One thing about Oliver is that he was badly injured in an accident once upon a time, and most women find him appalling. This does not deter Harriet in the least, but she is determined to marry only for love. However, the two must contend with a strong passion for each other...something that will definitely get in the way with both of their plans.
The Marquess and the Maiden is the second in Robyn DeHart's Lords of Vice series. Although I do wish that I had the opportunity to read the first, this does well as a standalone. It is a truly wonderful and sensual read. Both Harriet and Oliver are fantastic characters and their dance is truly spectacular to witness. In these historical romances, there is often the need to marry versus the need for love. What happens when a man decides that he can never, ever love? Why is there such a war when it comes to how Oliver feels about Harriet? I so enjoyed this couple, as well as the bit of mystery that came along with this love story.
If you enjoy Regency romances with a powerful hero who finds his heart and a very strong female heroine that stands out differently than many in these books, then you will definitely enjoy this read. The plot and the romance were quite interesting, and both moved along at a pleasant pace. I rather enjoyed watching Oliver make things go his way concerning Harriet. I was able to enjoy this book in one sitting. It was truly refreshing and I do look forward to continuing this series by Robyn DeHart.
I received this ARC or review from Entangled Publishing and Authors Pal in exchange for my honest opinion.
4.5 Stars
The Marquess and the Maiden could have been a simple love story where a Regency couple married due to obligation. Harriet Wheatley wants to marry, well sort of, and has a substantial dowry. She sets her sights on The Marquess of Davenport, Oliver Weeks, who is drastically in need of funds. Their mothers, lifelong friends, think the two would make a fine alliance. However, Harriet and Oliver do not pair. Oliver is not going to marry for money, and he really hurts Harriet's feelings.
Harriet quickly moves on with her life and becomes a part of a group called the Ladies of Virtue, a group of women who secretly guard the streets of London. Years later, when their group is threatened, their aim changes. Harriet comes up with a plan, and sets her sights on rehabilitating Oliver. She is now in need of his help, and so they make a deal. She will find him a bride, if he will do a huge favor for her. One thing about Oliver is that he was badly injured in an accident once upon a time, and most women find him appalling. This does not deter Harriet in the least, but she is determined to marry only for love. However, the two must contend with a strong passion for each other...something that will definitely get in the way with both of their plans.
The Marquess and the Maiden is the second in Robyn DeHart's Lords of Vice series. Although I do wish that I had the opportunity to read the first, this does well as a standalone. It is a truly wonderful and sensual read. Both Harriet and Oliver are fantastic characters and their dance is truly spectacular to witness. In these historical romances, there is often the need to marry versus the need for love. What happens when a man decides that he can never, ever love? Why is there such a war when it comes to how Oliver feels about Harriet? I so enjoyed this couple, as well as the bit of mystery that came along with this love story.
If you enjoy Regency romances with a powerful hero who finds his heart and a very strong female heroine that stands out differently than many in these books, then you will definitely enjoy this read. The plot and the romance were quite interesting, and both moved along at a pleasant pace. I rather enjoyed watching Oliver make things go his way concerning Harriet. I was able to enjoy this book in one sitting. It was truly refreshing and I do look forward to continuing this series by Robyn DeHart.
I received this ARC or review from Entangled Publishing and Authors Pal in exchange for my honest opinion.
September 3, 2018
The Marquess and The Maiden is the second book of the Lord's of Vice series. It stands alone, so don't worry if you missed the first one. This was a fun, quick little read. I always enjoy this author's books, and this one is no exception.
Harriet and Oliver were the children of best friends who hoped their children would unite the families through marriage. Harriet was a friend of many, but beloved by none. Oliver was bitter because his almost-fiance ditched him when he suffered a bad injury to his leg. When Harriet approaches him and suggests marriage to improve their lots in life, Oliver tells her in no uncertain terms that he doesn't want her. OUCH.
Fast forward six years, and both are still unattached. Oliver decides he needs to marry. Harriet is going to help him find a bride; however, it's Harriet he decides he wants. Harriet doesn't believe he desires her (she has self-esteem issues because she is short and curvy, while the desired form of the day is willowy). Also, Harriet wants to marry for love, not only desire. Oliver decides to change her mind. What follows is Oliver's steamy course of seduction.
I really enjoyed the romance between the leads. What I was a bit disappointed in was the lack of story concerning the Ladies of Virtue, a crime fighting team composed of women, including Harriet. There was also a bit of a mystery concerning said group, which was pretty much left dangling with no resolution. Hopefully those issues will be addressed in future installments of the series.
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
Harriet and Oliver were the children of best friends who hoped their children would unite the families through marriage. Harriet was a friend of many, but beloved by none. Oliver was bitter because his almost-fiance ditched him when he suffered a bad injury to his leg. When Harriet approaches him and suggests marriage to improve their lots in life, Oliver tells her in no uncertain terms that he doesn't want her. OUCH.
Fast forward six years, and both are still unattached. Oliver decides he needs to marry. Harriet is going to help him find a bride; however, it's Harriet he decides he wants. Harriet doesn't believe he desires her (she has self-esteem issues because she is short and curvy, while the desired form of the day is willowy). Also, Harriet wants to marry for love, not only desire. Oliver decides to change her mind. What follows is Oliver's steamy course of seduction.
I really enjoyed the romance between the leads. What I was a bit disappointed in was the lack of story concerning the Ladies of Virtue, a crime fighting team composed of women, including Harriet. There was also a bit of a mystery concerning said group, which was pretty much left dangling with no resolution. Hopefully those issues will be addressed in future installments of the series.
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
September 11, 2018
A funny, light-hearted and enjoyable read
My first book by this author, I could tell this was probably part of series from situations in the book. In fact, at first I thought it was probably the first book in the series but after research, it's actually book 2 in the Lords of Vice. Note I didn't feel like I was missing out on anything starting here.
I enjoyed this book from the start; it was light-hearted and funny, with a premise that was interesting as were the characters of both Harriet and Oliver. They had some nice chemistry together, and I liked the little mystery/suspense thread running through the story. Though Oliver's behavior was at times overbearing, it wasn't out of character for the period, and it was clear at heart he was a good and caring person, so his behavior was more misguided self-centeredness rather than either meanness or some kind of power play.
I did have a problem with the ending of the book--it was just too abrupt for me. Since this is my first book by this author, I'm not sure if this is the author's usual style or not, but I suspect it's because there is a story arc intended for the entire series (remember that mystery/suspense thread I mentioned?) as there were questions left unanswered at the end. That combined with the abruptness of the ending left me feeling like the story was incomplete. I think maybe something like an epilogue would have added some closure for me while still leaving the unanswered questions for the forthcoming books in the series.
Reading back over this, I don't want to give you the wrong impression--I really liked (4.5 to 5 stars liked) most of the story. Enough that I've already 1-clicked book 1 in the series. 😀 This was a funny, light, enjoyable read with enough steam as well as a touch of suspense to help keep things interesting. 4 stars
B2B Kelly
My first book by this author, I could tell this was probably part of series from situations in the book. In fact, at first I thought it was probably the first book in the series but after research, it's actually book 2 in the Lords of Vice. Note I didn't feel like I was missing out on anything starting here.
I enjoyed this book from the start; it was light-hearted and funny, with a premise that was interesting as were the characters of both Harriet and Oliver. They had some nice chemistry together, and I liked the little mystery/suspense thread running through the story. Though Oliver's behavior was at times overbearing, it wasn't out of character for the period, and it was clear at heart he was a good and caring person, so his behavior was more misguided self-centeredness rather than either meanness or some kind of power play.
I did have a problem with the ending of the book--it was just too abrupt for me. Since this is my first book by this author, I'm not sure if this is the author's usual style or not, but I suspect it's because there is a story arc intended for the entire series (remember that mystery/suspense thread I mentioned?) as there were questions left unanswered at the end. That combined with the abruptness of the ending left me feeling like the story was incomplete. I think maybe something like an epilogue would have added some closure for me while still leaving the unanswered questions for the forthcoming books in the series.
Reading back over this, I don't want to give you the wrong impression--I really liked (4.5 to 5 stars liked) most of the story. Enough that I've already 1-clicked book 1 in the series. 😀 This was a funny, light, enjoyable read with enough steam as well as a touch of suspense to help keep things interesting. 4 stars
B2B Kelly
September 13, 2018
Rating 3 1/2 Stars
Posted on What I'm Reading
Where to begin on The Marquess and the Maiden, I mean I'm kind of all over the place with my thoughts on this story. I did like the story, and I also liked Harriet and Oliver. However, during the story Harriet started to get on my nerves about her insecurities, I can completely understand where they were coming from. Oliver hurt her pretty bad when he was trying to get his life back together and his state of mind wasn't thinking marriage. He was callous towards Harriet, so I could understand why she had a hard time believing Oliver would ever want a girl like her. However, Harriet closed herself off from everyone in a sense. It takes a lot for her to believe that Oliver wants her, she had her friends trying to convince her that he might actually want her. Even though I like Oliver, what he did to Harriet was callous, and he never thought of the repercussion of his actions. He had to work twice as hard to prove to Harriet. Trust me that takes a LONG time.
I liked this story, because we have to characters that are not perfect. They both have flaws, and they both have a hard time seeing the beauty. Oliver is described as a handsome man, and he works very hard. However, society sees him as a monster. He was a gruff recluse for sometime. While Harriet is a bright spot who is a little more curvaceous than the ideal society girl. She does get picked on for that, like Oliver gets talked about his back about his limp. The Marquess and the Maiden is a decent story. Harriet did drive me a little nuts at times with her insecurities, and I did enjoy Oliver trying to prove that he wanted her.
Copy provided by Entangled via NetGalley
Posted on What I'm Reading
Where to begin on The Marquess and the Maiden, I mean I'm kind of all over the place with my thoughts on this story. I did like the story, and I also liked Harriet and Oliver. However, during the story Harriet started to get on my nerves about her insecurities, I can completely understand where they were coming from. Oliver hurt her pretty bad when he was trying to get his life back together and his state of mind wasn't thinking marriage. He was callous towards Harriet, so I could understand why she had a hard time believing Oliver would ever want a girl like her. However, Harriet closed herself off from everyone in a sense. It takes a lot for her to believe that Oliver wants her, she had her friends trying to convince her that he might actually want her. Even though I like Oliver, what he did to Harriet was callous, and he never thought of the repercussion of his actions. He had to work twice as hard to prove to Harriet. Trust me that takes a LONG time.
I liked this story, because we have to characters that are not perfect. They both have flaws, and they both have a hard time seeing the beauty. Oliver is described as a handsome man, and he works very hard. However, society sees him as a monster. He was a gruff recluse for sometime. While Harriet is a bright spot who is a little more curvaceous than the ideal society girl. She does get picked on for that, like Oliver gets talked about his back about his limp. The Marquess and the Maiden is a decent story. Harriet did drive me a little nuts at times with her insecurities, and I did enjoy Oliver trying to prove that he wanted her.
Copy provided by Entangled via NetGalley
September 25, 2018
Six years ago, Lady Harriet Wheatley agreed with her mother’s plan to marry the son of her dearest son. Oliver Weeks, the Marquess of Davenport has inherited a bankrupt estate, is recovering from life altering injuries and been jilted by the woman he thought he would marry. He has no intentions of following his mother’s plan to marry her friend’s daughter even if she comes with a large dowry.
Now six years on Oliver has single handily refilled the family coffers to an extreme degree and takes pleasure in extravagant purchases. He agrees with his mother that now is the time to find a wife but is hesitant, he has not been in society for years and believes he will have little success. When his mother suggests he seek Harriet’s aid in finding a bride he is surprised that this beautiful attractive woman is still unattached.
Harriet has grown accustomed to being everyone’s friend and knows her curvaceous figure is at odds with societies preference for slim willowy ladies. Her main pleasure is being a part of the ladies of virtue. Society ladies who protect the public from pick pockets and other dangers. When the group is threatened she agrees to the plan to reform certain gentleman of the ton, her task to reform the greedy Oliver and agrees to help him in his task to find him a wife.
Harriet finds it hard to believe that a man that once scorned her now finds her attractive and both have secrets they seek to protect.
This was an ok read that had plenty of steam. The characters were likeable, but I found some scenes to be repetitive. I have read the other entry in this series and both books take place at the exact same time which has led to some crossover which I didn’t think worked well.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. For more reviews please visit my blog:
http://www.wonderfullyweird88.com/
Now six years on Oliver has single handily refilled the family coffers to an extreme degree and takes pleasure in extravagant purchases. He agrees with his mother that now is the time to find a wife but is hesitant, he has not been in society for years and believes he will have little success. When his mother suggests he seek Harriet’s aid in finding a bride he is surprised that this beautiful attractive woman is still unattached.
Harriet has grown accustomed to being everyone’s friend and knows her curvaceous figure is at odds with societies preference for slim willowy ladies. Her main pleasure is being a part of the ladies of virtue. Society ladies who protect the public from pick pockets and other dangers. When the group is threatened she agrees to the plan to reform certain gentleman of the ton, her task to reform the greedy Oliver and agrees to help him in his task to find him a wife.
Harriet finds it hard to believe that a man that once scorned her now finds her attractive and both have secrets they seek to protect.
This was an ok read that had plenty of steam. The characters were likeable, but I found some scenes to be repetitive. I have read the other entry in this series and both books take place at the exact same time which has led to some crossover which I didn’t think worked well.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. For more reviews please visit my blog:
http://www.wonderfullyweird88.com/
September 15, 2018
A delightful historical romance with a lot to love about it. Harriet is a strong female lead whose growth from the prologue to the actual story makes for an interesting novel. It helps that the POV switches between the leads so that the reader is able to truly see her evolution. She is such a fascinating, dynamic, and engaging character, it’s hard not to like her.
The hero is another story. While the author should be commended for inclusion of both a overweight heroine and a disabled hero, the hero is harder to like. This is mainly due to multiple strikes against him. First, he is a childhood acquaintance of the hero who treats her poorly (for which she hates him for) but ultimately ends up desiring her. Second, he was once “burned” by a woman, because if his acquired disability, which scars him and turns him off of love. This is such an old tired trope that women everywhere are rolling their eyes. It honestly makes the hero look whiny and pathetic rather than damaged. Third, it takes him a long time to treat the heroine well despite having no qualms with repeatedly sleeping with her.
The story itself is interesting and entertaining. The heroine's extracurricular activities are a highlight, giving the story a little something extra. The author has a nice style that flows smoothly. The novel is shorter at approximately 230 pages but the reader will have no trouble eating up every word.
The hero is another story. While the author should be commended for inclusion of both a overweight heroine and a disabled hero, the hero is harder to like. This is mainly due to multiple strikes against him. First, he is a childhood acquaintance of the hero who treats her poorly (for which she hates him for) but ultimately ends up desiring her. Second, he was once “burned” by a woman, because if his acquired disability, which scars him and turns him off of love. This is such an old tired trope that women everywhere are rolling their eyes. It honestly makes the hero look whiny and pathetic rather than damaged. Third, it takes him a long time to treat the heroine well despite having no qualms with repeatedly sleeping with her.
The story itself is interesting and entertaining. The heroine's extracurricular activities are a highlight, giving the story a little something extra. The author has a nice style that flows smoothly. The novel is shorter at approximately 230 pages but the reader will have no trouble eating up every word.
September 17, 2018
While this story was for me - an OK read, I don't think the synopsis really personifies the story. Yes, elements of the synopsis do come into play - but its not what you think. In fact although Harriet does bring it up to "reform" him, nothing is ever really done. You see, Harriet and Oliver were supposed to be married six years prior (an arrangement between their mothers), yet he made it perfectly clear that he did not want her, nor would he ever. So years later, Harriet is trying to find him an acceptable wife, while he is trying to prove to her that he wants her as his wife.
The romance between them was ok - it was obvious they desired each other, but I think Harriet's firm belief that he was merely trying to torment her went on so often it became boring. When they were fighting they were interesting. When he was trying to court her, they were boring.
The real kicker for me is the fact that an entire sub-plot revolving around Lady X and the Women of Virtue was left utterly unresolved. I'm sure that was done in order to set up the next book in this series, but I am sure the cliff-hanger ending of this particular plot will upset some readers.
Overall, I think people who enjoy historical romances will still enjoy it and I would read more from this author.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
The romance between them was ok - it was obvious they desired each other, but I think Harriet's firm belief that he was merely trying to torment her went on so often it became boring. When they were fighting they were interesting. When he was trying to court her, they were boring.
The real kicker for me is the fact that an entire sub-plot revolving around Lady X and the Women of Virtue was left utterly unresolved. I'm sure that was done in order to set up the next book in this series, but I am sure the cliff-hanger ending of this particular plot will upset some readers.
Overall, I think people who enjoy historical romances will still enjoy it and I would read more from this author.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
September 23, 2018
Lady Harriet Wheatley is a member of the Ladies of Virtue. Their latest quest is to rehabilitate the gentlemen of the ton based on the seven deadly sins. Harriet's target is Oliver Weeks, Marquess of Davenport.
Harriet longs to take Oliver down a notch after he cruelly rejected her offer to marry him when he was in desperate need of an infusion of money to his bankrupt estates. Harriet believes that Oliver is spending recklessly and is determined to change him.
Oliver's mother wants him to find a bride before she can find her own happiness. When Oliver sees Harriet again after being away from society for six years, he still desires her. Harriet wants to help him find a wife so he will stop his reckless spending, but she doesn't realize that the only woman he wants is her.
I was sucked into the book at the prologue. The characters were people that I ended up caring about. I felt so bad for Harriet when her mother and Oliver's decide that they should marry and Harriet approaches Oliver only to have him reject her. As the story progresses, I understood why Oliver didn't want to marry her at that point. Oliver was determined to rebuild his family fortune on his own, now with a wife's dowry.
I loved the plot of "the Big Misunderstanding". Oliver needed someone like Harriet to help him heal.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher. Thank you.
Harriet longs to take Oliver down a notch after he cruelly rejected her offer to marry him when he was in desperate need of an infusion of money to his bankrupt estates. Harriet believes that Oliver is spending recklessly and is determined to change him.
Oliver's mother wants him to find a bride before she can find her own happiness. When Oliver sees Harriet again after being away from society for six years, he still desires her. Harriet wants to help him find a wife so he will stop his reckless spending, but she doesn't realize that the only woman he wants is her.
I was sucked into the book at the prologue. The characters were people that I ended up caring about. I felt so bad for Harriet when her mother and Oliver's decide that they should marry and Harriet approaches Oliver only to have him reject her. As the story progresses, I understood why Oliver didn't want to marry her at that point. Oliver was determined to rebuild his family fortune on his own, now with a wife's dowry.
I loved the plot of "the Big Misunderstanding". Oliver needed someone like Harriet to help him heal.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher. Thank you.
September 11, 2018
This is a second chance story. The same thing which irritates me in modern stories irritates me here. Sure. Women couldn't go off and live their lives the way they can now, so contemporary stories have far less of an excuse to leave the heroine rejected and waiting on the sidelines until the hero comes to his senses. The target audience is women so I've never understood why this is considered a fantasy? The fantasy is the dude who rejected you will be sorry when he sees you living a full life and wish he hadn't be so foolish.
Where am I going with this? The hero callously rejects the heroine six years earlier. When he decides he wants her she is understandably not very receptive because he was really mean. We get a "it's not you, it's me" nonsense.
Sure. This is a different era so she has to behave to norms. Why can't these stories allow the woman to marry and move forward? It's easy enough to make her a widow a few years later. During this time he could at least think "oops, I made a mistake".
Then he gets his second chance.
I don't like the hero. It took him far too long to admit his love for her (not until the very end). I was left feeling sorry for the heroine thinking she got a raw deal in all of this.
Where am I going with this? The hero callously rejects the heroine six years earlier. When he decides he wants her she is understandably not very receptive because he was really mean. We get a "it's not you, it's me" nonsense.
Sure. This is a different era so she has to behave to norms. Why can't these stories allow the woman to marry and move forward? It's easy enough to make her a widow a few years later. During this time he could at least think "oops, I made a mistake".
Then he gets his second chance.
I don't like the hero. It took him far too long to admit his love for her (not until the very end). I was left feeling sorry for the heroine thinking she got a raw deal in all of this.
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