Lady Charlotte's Ruined Marquess

The Heir and the Spare #2

by Fiona Miers

This Duke's daughter swears she will marry only for love--but can she convince a certain gentleman to do the same?

Lady Charlotte is the daughter of a Duke. She's been raised with everything her heart desires--except for love. Her parents' arranged marriage brought wealth, influence and power, but their happiness was never considered. Must she accept a union like theirs? Certainly she won't find the gentleman she's looking for in her family's social circle … except perhaps her brother's mysterious, handsome friend Archie. He draws her attention like no other, but can she convince him to trust his heart?

Archibald Turner, second son of a Marquess, lived the carefree life of a 'spare' until he was eighteen. That was the year he learned his older brother would not live to inherit the title. Archie has worked hard to become a suitable heir, but he dreads the coming time when he must give up all his own dreams, and assume their father's mantle. The only source of joy in his life is the lovely, audacious Lady Charlotte, who brings his dreams into bold, vivid color. But dare he ask her for her hand, when it means dragging her into scandal?

Can the two find a way to claim each other's hearts, even against a backdrop of family tragedy and shame?

Genres: Historical Romance, Historical, Romance, Regency, Audiobook, Historical Fiction, Amazon

272 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 1, 2019

About the author

Fiona Miers has a super busy life, like most modern women. But she always finds time for reading and writing romance.

Her love affair with the romance genre started when she was only 11 years old, when her mother and Nana handed her her first Mills and Boon.

Since that day, she's built her own business, become a mother to two beautiful little girls, and fallen in love with the most spectacular man on the planet.

Fiona writes historical romance. She also writes paranormal romance and more erotic stories under the pen names, Amelia Shaw and Tamsin Baker.

Reviews

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well…that was steamy.

I’m not sure how historically accurate Lady Charlotte’s Marquess is but I can definitely vouch that it was very sexy. It’s not a kinky historical romance, more steamy and concentrating on love and a mutual devotion. I think that was the appeal of Lady Charlotte’s Marquess…which unfortunately made it seem a little less historically accurate. In some ways, it was a bit of a reversal in roles too. We have a hero that followed his father's rules to the T and led him to live his life practically a saint. On the flip side, we have a Lady who is the daughter of a Duke, confident, a little brash and determined to not settle for less than what she desires. Will his good behaviour now, help him in the future? Or will all the hard work and sacrifice be for naught? Will her confidence and brash behaviour in the past, mess with her future? Or will her determination to find the perfect husband leave her a lonely woman?

Poor Archie…his family SUCKS!! His parents are unloving and have never acted in a way to show they care about him or his older brother. His older brother, being the heir, is given a little more freedom and attention. This, in the end, has not really done Archie’s brother any good, because his reckless life of freedom has shortened it dramatically. Archie has gone from being the spare to waiting and knowing he will become the heir. He is NOT happy about it. He never wanted the responsibility or the title and now the family name will be in tatters as well. The chances of him finding an advantageous marriage prospect are slim, and love…almost impossible. Unfortunately, he knows where his heart is and she is so far out of his league he can do nothing but look at her from afar.

Charlotte thinks that her brother’s best friend, Archie, looks down at her because she’s immature and brash. Knowing this she can’t help but find a little pleasure in making him uncomfortable. Charlotte’s lived a very privileged life but not necessarily in a loving or happy household. Her father loves his mistress more than his family and her mother resents her husband for being with his whore more than her. It also seems that Charlotte’s brothers are growing up to have a similar attitude to the duke. The heir, supposedly has a wife and a mistress, and the spare, keeps a constant line of mistresses and no plans to get married. All of these examples of infidelity are so unappealing to Charlotte, she’d rather stay unmarried.

Funny thing is, Charlotte and Archie have the hots for each other. At first, it’s obvious that the two of them are blind to each other’s mutual attraction, and suffer in silence. Then, once the attraction has been confirmed, they can’t keep their hands off each other. Charlotte starts thinking that maybe she has found love but Archie knows he loves her but doesn’t want his families issues to impact Charlotte’s standing in the ton. Will love conquer their reservations? Are they doomed to live without each other?

This is a very steamy read. What makes this a little different from most is that both the hero and the heroine are very inexperienced. They turn to their friends to learn how to pleasure their partner. I think this part is where I find it not really true to the time. From what I understand, this is not something that would be discussed even with a near and dear friend or mate you’ve known for years. I also find it unlikely that Archie would have exposed his vulnerabilities. Look, I actually enjoyed this part of the story, I just know that if you’re a stickler for a historically accurate tale, this one might be seen as lacking.

Overall, I really enjoyed Lady Charlotte’s Marquess and found the love story sweet. The additional characters are great and I'm curious to see who will be the next spare to become an heir. Lady Charlotte's Marquess was the first story I have read by Fiona Miers and I am keen to read more of her work in the future.

To pre-order your copy of Lady Charlotte's Marquess from Amazon - http://amzn.to/25aYtYw



I’m an Aussie chick who loves to read and review romance, drink coffee, be a Style Setter and stalk David Gandy. To see more of my reviews, fashion, food and pervathons -

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very entertaining. A really good story. 4☆

[Inna]

DNF @10% this was painfully bad

[Lady Nilambari Reads HR · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don’t buy it, any of it…the plot, the characters, nothing! Insane disregard of everything Regency!

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great read! This one was such a page turner that I read it all in one day and even though I was pretty sure there was going to be a HEA it was still a roller coaster of emotion and uncertainty.

The plot was somewhat different from the average and felt fresh and interesting. I was completely sold on the story line and all of the characters. Even supporting characters were well developed and I was almost as invested in what was happening with their stories as I was with the main characters Charlotte and Archie. Both main characters were complex and realistic and I loved that Charlotte was portrayed as a strong woman with her own opinions.

The writing style was relatively simple and crisp with excellent dialogue and really good descriptions. There's no "filler" in the book, every chapter adds to the plot and the story and kept me completely entertained.

While this is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone. It does feature characters who appear in the other books. Recommended for all romance fans and a must read for any who like historical romance. I received a copy of this book from Booksprout and have chosen to leave a review.

[Elsbeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the first part of the book, when Charlotte has really embarassing conversations with her friends. I just can see their shocked faces! What can I say: Charlotte isbold and beautiful!
The latter part of the book I liked a bit less, in which she practises what her friend told her about sex. Again and again.
Where the first part of the book is sweet and funny, the latter is more sexy and entertaining - in a totally different way...
I love the friendships. And Charlotte is such a strong and beautiful character!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Frances Law · Rating 3 out of 5]

Drama and angst!

This isn't your usual froth and bubble historical romance. Lord Archie learns, just before his eighteenth birthday, that his brother, the heir to the Marquisate, is dying of syphilis! He is now the de facto heir and his father makes it clear that he is to keep healthy and not to visit any brothels! In fact his mother and father come across as very cold people on this their only appearance in the story. Archie, being an upright young man, took this to heart which led to him still being a virgin at the age of 27!
Lady Charlotte is the daughter of a Duke but has refused all offers of marriage. After all, as she said, a husband would take all her property and her dowry and would be able to use her body as he wished. She was therefore determined to remain single or to do as gentlemen did. That is, to wait for a non existent gentleman, one who was pleasing to the eye, wealthy and a virgin!
Archie's friends gave him away and Lady Charlotte started to look at Archie differently. Archie, on the other hand, has been in love with her for years but, knowing the disgrace that his family will face once his brother's condition becomes known, is determined to be noble and not pursue Charlotte.
It isn't clear what period this story is set in which would determine the reaction of society to this scandal. Somehow I can't believe that society would cut the heir to a marquess and friend of a duke! After all, a marquess is second in rank only to a duke!
So all the drama and angst is a bit unbelievable.
Lovers of historical romance will probably lap this up as long as they are ready to suspend belief.
Not too bad.

[The TBR Pile *Book review site* · Rating 4 out of 5]

Together they make a great, sexy couple (who are both inexperienced and I found it endearing!) and I really enjoyed the story unfolding around them. http://thetbrpile.weebly.com/reviews/...

[BJ · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not like the plot and worse, I thought they were both quite stupid. I tried but gave up at 64%.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful story about an adult, Lord Archibald Turner, a male at twenty-seven years of age was still a virgin and the object of his affection, Lady Charlotte Dunford who was also a virgin. Lady Charlotte is twenty-two and was considered nearly on the shelf. Charlotte was fiercely independent, witty, way too argumentative and loved life with a passion. This is why Archie had fallen in love with Charlotte. Since she was sixteen he knew he would love no other. Charlotte felt the same way, but did not know if Archie would return her affection.Then one evening Charlotte had proclaimed to her friends that she would only marry for love. He must be a gentleman, handsome, financially stable, a little older than her and he must be a virgin. Everyone laughed when one of Archie's friends, Rupert, told Charlotte she need look no further than Archie. Archie was stricken speechless. Charlotte now understood that she had found the right one. She wondered and worried if he could return her love. When she realized that he did but at the same time was pushing her away, she became confused, hurt and angry. Archie was shouldering a terrible burden, a secret that if known would tarnish his and his families name for all time. He would be given the direct cut from polite society and he did not want to drag Charlotte into his affairs. Charlotte did not know this. But sometimes Archie's resolve failed him and Charlotte could see how he really felt about her. Then Archie's feared nightmare came to pass. He became reclusive, rejecting his closest friends from visiting him. Charlotte would not be turned away by Archie and visited him without a chaperone and at his bachelor home. What would happen when they were finally alone? Would Archie finally let Charlotte break down all his walls? How would two innocents know what to do with each other if they chose to be intimate? Would Charlotte be willing to live a life with Archie, knowing of his disgrace? Would she be able to bear the scrutiny of the ton? These and other questions are answered when you read this delightful story of true love. I absolutely loved reading this. It grabbed my attention and held it throughout the book. There was sadness, suspense, comradery, loyal friends, happiness, fun, love and passion all expressed in this book. I highly recommend it. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[ColleenIsBooked · Rating 2 out of 5]

WARNING: There is depiction of and talk surrounding miscarriage in this story. It is not overly graphic or descriptive, but it is there.

I will start with what I liked about this story:
-The idea itself, the bare bones of the plot
-The consent before and checking in during sex (however, there is one time that it should have happened, but didn't Not to be too graphic, but Archie finishes in Charlotte without getting the okay to do that )

Things that were okay:
-The sex scenes were fine. Nothing special. But also a strange mix of saying the actual terms or slang and things like “down there”

What I disliked about the story:
-The pacing was all over the place. Things would happen at all once, then we’d get a chapter or two that was just irrelevant or boring
-We are immediately told that Archie has been in love with Charlotte for years, but we don’t get to see it in his actions until later on.
-Archie has no clear personality. He jumps from being kind of an asshole for no reason, to super nice, to what I assume is supposed to be an alpha male mentality?? And then back to nice?? But it is truly a jump from scene to scene with no underlying personality to explain it as his changing emotional state and not a flaw in his character development
-For the most part, I liked Charlotte’s character. BUT she is so obtuse and it just makes her annoying
- After Charlotte and Archie have sex for the first time (and he finishes inside her without getting the okay to do so), Charlotte ends up pregnant.
- Archie refuses to marry her after they have sex (he doesn't know about the baby) because his social circle has found out that his brother died from an STI (Syphilis, I think?). But doesn't explain that to her and it was just to cause drama and was quite stupid. They both found reasons to not be together officially and their reasons were absolute garbage
-Charlotte’s brother is honestly the worst and that is his only character trait

If you want a fast read that’s a little absurd, I would say pick this up. I got it for free on kindle.

[Francisca Bahamondes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second time taking this story. The first time I read it too fast and skipped some parts because I wanted to know what happened, lol! So I think that time doesn't count. Anyway, I needed to read all from the beginning and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The first story of "The heir and a spare" series I read was actually "Lizzie's recalcitrant earl" that's the third in the series. After that I read Sarah and Oliver's story, that's the first one. I think I read them last year but I'm not sure if I review them. Anyway, I found all stories very good, but I specially liked this one because of the unlikeliness of both main characters being inexperienced. It gives their encounters a novelty and a passion different to other stories.

The story is well written, very sexy, but has a background of deep love, hope and loyalty. The story has some angst but not much. Archie behaves in a silly way 50% of the book and breaks Charlotte's heart in a vane intent to protect her from his lost reputation, but they fix things in the end very satisfactorily.
I will expand my review at a later date. I think the end was a bit too fast though, it has an epilogue but there is not much story about her family's reaction or the things they had to endure due to his lost reputation due to his brother's unfortunate demise. I like how they learn to communicate and fix problems together, both of them learning to build a solid marriage in spite of the bad examples of their families.

Over all, very good story, very passionate and romantic and fast to read. I recommend it!

[HEATHER · Rating 5 out of 5]

Customer Review
5.0 out of 5 starsCharlotte Seduces her man!!
By sewsummore TOP 1000 REVIEWER on 30 May 2018
Format: Kindle Edition
Archibald is the second son of the Marquess of Hunting and for tens years he has been waiting for the death of his elder brother and the scandal it will bring with it. So terrible will be the scandal that there is no way he will consider marriage to Charlotte, the only woman he has ever loved. Tired of waiting for Archibald to see her as more than his best friend's sister, Charlotte takes matters into her own hands and sets out to seduce him instead. This is an engaging love story of two members of the ton, her naughty seduction of Archibald destroys his determination to keep away from her and they let their emotions carry them away resulting in an unplanned pregnancy and a quick marriage and a happy ending.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and have voluntarily read and reviewed this book.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Virgins Find Each Other

Yes, you read the title of this review correctly. For the first time ever, as much as I can recall, I’ve read a book where the hero as well as the heroine are virgins. I don’t want to give too much away as to why a 28 year old man is still a virgin in a time when men of his status usually had been introduced to sex at an early age. But Archie has abstained until this age and is longing to be with Charlotte, the young lady he has loved since he first met her. Charlotte is a strong character and doesn’t give a hoot about any of her admirers and secretly longs for Archie. But despite Archie’s love for Charlotte, he feels he does not deserve her. How these two work out their relationship is fun to read and the characters surrounding them are genuine characters, as well. The romantic scenes are lessons in love, and once again, something you don’t usually get in your regency novels. An easy and quick read and one I would recommend.

[Ruby · Rating 2 out of 5]

Reading this was like reading cardboard. I have yet to be convinced this wasn’t written by AI. Sentence structure felt leaden and some phrasing was very weird — phrasing that no English speaking human would make even by inadvertent typo. “No of his parents approached the bed, and Archie felt slightly ashamed of them.” No of? You mean……. Neither of?

The characters shouted a lot when it would’ve been better to have simply commented that they spoke forcefully. This led to me expecting something truly dramatic to be incipient, when in fact someone was just forcefully saying “No” to something.

I dislike that a conversation occurred in a ballroom which would never have occurred. The reader must completely suspend knowledge of societal norms in Regency times; and I guarantee that no woman would have loudly announced (in the first couple chapters) in a ballroom that she wanted to marry a virgin.

Got for free and will delete.

[Deb Diem · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Charlotte's Ruined Marquess is a fantastic historical romance by Fiona Miers. Ms. Miers has provided readers with a well-written book furnished with a stellar cast of characters. Archie, the second son of the Marquess of Hunting, is informed that his brother is dying from the dreaded French disease and to keep himself clean. That's how he ends up a 27 year old virgin. Charlotte has known Archie for years and after a waltz wonders if he's as unfeeling as she always thought. Charlotte and Archie's story is packed with drama, humor, spice and suspense. I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading more from Fiona Miers in the future. Lady Charlotte's Ruined Marquess is book 2 of The Heir and a Spare Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.

[Evie V. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Regency romance

This book hooked me from the beginning! Archie thought he knew what his life looked like until all that crumbled before his eighteenth birthday. For years, Archie has fought to control himself, especially when it comes to Charlotte. After years of being a single rich young lady, Charlotte imagines she's going to remain unmarried. What she doesn't think is that Archie feels for her just like she feels for him. When news breaks of Archie's brother's death he knows the time to be ostracized from the ton has begun. What he doesn't imagine is that his friends and Charlotte are willing to stand by him even through the scandal. Charlotte wants to marry Archie but he won't realize how much she truly cares for him. Will Archoe come to his senses before it's too late? Is Charlotte going to remain unwed like she once thought?

[Joanne · Rating 1 out of 5]

Well, I liked the two main characters, found the premise of their situation entertaining, and some of the conversations were hilarious. On the other hand, the narrative was written in a much too informal style with modern phrases, there were grammatical and comma errors, the character development was confusing, and the author has no understanding of the behavioral mores of the Regency period, which is often the real fun of these books, to see how clever characters maneuver around the rules and expectations. In the end, this novel was just modern people in period dress, surrounded by a cardboard cast of one-dimensional characters, and a gap-ridden plot that ran pretty thin by the end with a magical "solution" that fools no reader.

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwarmingly Sweet

This is my first book written by Fiona Miers. I like how uncomplicated it is. It is just a sweet love story of two people discovering love and passion for the first time. The heroine stood out for her strength of character. I also appreciate that, for once, the hero is portrayed as a sweet and sensitive person and not the dark and brooding type. The plot is also simple. It’s a love story minus the melodrama, mystery, adventure, and the fireworks of a typical historical romance.

Every once in a while I need a book like this. Sort of going back to basics. A guaranteed feel good book.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book in the series and it is just getting better I want to read the next book. Archibald Turner, second son of a Marquess found out some things about his older brother when he was eighteen and kept to himself since it has shaped the way he is. Lady Charlotte is the daughter of a Duke and has sworn she will only marry for love but he must meet certain standards. I enjoyed the interaction between these two. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Laila Viking · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written story. Nice storyline and plot. A sweet book that has great romance. Typical regency story. True to its timeperiod. Charlotte is a very strong woman that knows what she wants and she has wanted Archie for a long time. Archie has been attracted to Charlotte for many years and she is the only woman he ever wanted. A story about finding love in spite of what rumours and the surroundings says. Lots of chemistry. Attraction and love.

There is drama, family issues, passion, emotions and some twists and turns. I like the main characters and how they develop and are described.

[SynergyQuest · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good

This is a friends to lovers story. The hero, Archie, has been in love the heroine since she was 16. It wasn't clear to me when, exactly, she became interested in him. Once he confesses his feelings, she soon confesses her's. It's a steamy read, with 3+ sex scenes, but somehow feels a little insert tab A into slot B. They're both virgins, and it's told from a dual perspective (my favorite point of view) so maybe that's why the sex scenes feel a tab bit clinical. Overall, however, it's a pretty good read.

[Mariana Ponce · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5

Un libro muy tierno sobre una Charlotte y Archie, Archie es amigo del hermano mayor de Char. Se conocen casi casi desde niños. Siempre se peleaban, pero era obvia la atracción, hasta que un beso lo cambia todo, pero Archie se niega a casarse. Él carga con un secreto familiar que le impide estar con Charlotte hasta que ya no se puede resistir. Me encantó este protagonista, porque a pesar de lo que pasa, siempre pensó en el bienestar de Charlotte. Además era virgen🥰 aprendieron juntos, me encantó.💜

[Virginia Tican · Rating 3 out of 5]

Aside from the usual sexual calisthenics indulged in by 2 curious virgins, there is also the harsh and painful reality of the normal "tonnish" hypocrisy manifested by the guilty but discreet members of the peerage. Archie has for 10 years lived with the fear of scandal destroying his family's standing with the beau monde. When his older brother finally died after suffering from the long term effects of syphilis, the news broke out and Archie's dread has now become a nightmarish reality.

[Patrice Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Steamy regency romance

I chose a 4 star rating because this is a very good story. The type of person her love is portrayed as is a refreshing change from the usual rogue depiction. I really can't think of anything I dislike about this book. Anyone who likes steamy regency romance will love this story. This is the first book I read by Fiona Miers...I will be looking for more. I suggest you do likewise.

[Paula Galvan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stubbornness and giving in

For years Archie has loved Charlotte but because of his brother's illness has refused to tell her or marry her. It's amazing how hypocritical the ton is. Every one knows the men have mistresses and frequent brothels but when you die of an STD which proves you are a rake your family is ostracized. The love between Charlotte and Archie makes for a great story.

[leila braga · Rating 2 out of 5]

rapaz, é paia, viu.

fraco demais.
o casal é bem carente, eles parecem duas crianças, sabe, dois imaturos. a história é meio desconectada, sei lá. o jeito no qual as coisas são contadas é esquisito. os diálogos são tristes. senti muita vergonha alheia lendo.

não dei 1 estrela nem sei pq. acho que pq não me deu ódio, só uma sensação de meh mesmo.

o hot é até ok, mas no fim das contas é tudo meh.

[Xaka · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read the original version, I guess, under the title 'Lady Charlotte's Ruined Marquess'. I enjoyed the story, even though I do get tired of these troubled men who don't believe they deserve a good, happy life. The story is well-told, regardless. Definitely a nice, breezy read, which is what I required at the time.

[Micol · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
I really like Archie and Charlotte. I loved that they were both inexperienced and looked to each to learn. It was clear from book 1 that this series was not going to be very historically accurate and honestly I’m fine with it because the books are still good.
If you are looking for an accurate historical fiction this book is not for you.

[Holly Bargo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute

A virgin hero is refreshing. One who actually communicated and does his utmost to treat the woman he loves with respect is awesome. The heroine also surprised with her candor and impressed with her take charge attitude. This story really hasn't anything in the way of conflict, but the tension between the characters is well written.