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Forever Yours #1
The Marquess and I
Lady Willow Arlington, hauntingly lovely, is also blind and known by the ton as the dowry-less daughter. Alasdair Morley, the Marquess of Westcliffe, is in need of an heiress, but Lady Willow should be the last person he craves after she was persuaded to reject his offer of marriage when he was a mere third son. Passion reignites between them, and he makes an enticing offer she cannot resist, drawing them into a dance of lust and love despite the misgivings in his heart.
176 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2015
706 people are currently reading
994 people want to read
About the author
Stacy Reid
91 books3,426 followersI am an unapologetic romance lover. I read it. I write it. Enough said. Well..I also have a warrior way "Never give up on my dreams." I spend a copious amount of time drooling over Rick Grimes from Walking Dead, watching Japanese anime and playing video games with my love, Dusean.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 228 reviews
November 29, 2018
This will be a strange review, because I will essentially be reviewing this book AND the next book in this series - The Duke and I.
Why do you ask I'm doing such a weird thing? Well read on and you'll understand.
Either by some mystic force, or I was simply the unlucky one but I ended up reading both these books back to back. You know, as one does when they're in one series. And imagine my surprise when I realized I was basically read the same book.
Twice.
I kid you not. Just bear with me for the next minute or so, and you'll see as well.
Basic Plot - The book (both of them FYI) chart out a second chance romance between young almost lovers, who were tragically separately at a tender age due to external circumstances and hold a good deal of contempt of each other.
Exhibit no.1 - In The Marquess and I, Willow was a young girl falling in love with Alasdair, her brother's best friend. And guess what?! Alasdair had come to realize that the little Willow who followed him and her brother everywhere was turning into a beautiful girl nay woman. They shared a sweet relationship until it was suddenly broken by scheming schemers and both were left with a broken heart.
Exhibit no. 2 - In The Duke and I, Emma and Elliot has been friends since she was a young girl and he - yes, that's right you guessed it - her brother's best friend. The shy, plump Emma had fallen in love with Elliot and quite predictably he had a tendre for her as well. But of course, extrenal forces in the form of an accident and the heroine's fear of her being a burden tore them apart. Leaving them both with bruised hearts.
If you remove the names, and like 15% of the plot - the books are legit the same.
In Marquess and I, Willow was forced to reject Alasdair's suit because her father forced her to do so and she was only a girl of 16. Alasdair of course hates her for rejecting him. Then years later they meet and the spark is instant, but this time the twist is in the fact that Willow has been blinded after an injury and is extremely nervous and feels her self-confidence slipping. She's been deemed as an embarrasement by her parents and instructed to not let her lack of sight bring down their name. Of course, basis this she feels no one would truly be happy with her as a wife.
In Duke and I, Emma's love for Elliot was squashed because he was a mere doctor's son, and she the daughter of a peer. Then she suffers a terrible accident and is left with a mangled leg, and suffers from deep pain caused by the accident. She must walk with the help of the cane, and Elliot in his dashing save-the-heroine move asks her to marry him many times. Of course, by this time Emma's self confidence is somewhere on the floor and she's certain he'll resent her in no time once he realizes how inconvenient her injuries are.
Both hero and heroine's love each other from their youth, both are separated by stupid plot points, both heroine's have some or the other disability designed to give them low self-esteem, both hero's propose and are rejected multilple times. Both books start with a seduction in the first 20% and both end quite the same - with the hero finally convincing the heroine she will never be a burden to him, and that he'll never resent her for her infirmity.
The thing is, I couldn't tell you without looking which couple is from which book.
Apart from all of this, the books are too short for me to really feel the depth of the emotion the characters feel. I liked the first book better I think, not that they're much different. The writing is good enough, but it doesn't pull you in, which considering stories like this are right up my alley it should have. You're basically just told that they love each other and are to believe it, with no corraborating evidence to see that love build.
I still can't get over the fact that both stories are basically the same but sigh. I'll give this book 2.5/5.
And the next book too.
Why do you ask I'm doing such a weird thing? Well read on and you'll understand.
Either by some mystic force, or I was simply the unlucky one but I ended up reading both these books back to back. You know, as one does when they're in one series. And imagine my surprise when I realized I was basically read the same book.
Twice.
I kid you not. Just bear with me for the next minute or so, and you'll see as well.
Basic Plot - The book (both of them FYI) chart out a second chance romance between young almost lovers, who were tragically separately at a tender age due to external circumstances and hold a good deal of contempt of each other.
Exhibit no.1 - In The Marquess and I, Willow was a young girl falling in love with Alasdair, her brother's best friend. And guess what?! Alasdair had come to realize that the little Willow who followed him and her brother everywhere was turning into a beautiful girl nay woman. They shared a sweet relationship until it was suddenly broken by scheming schemers and both were left with a broken heart.
Exhibit no. 2 - In The Duke and I, Emma and Elliot has been friends since she was a young girl and he - yes, that's right you guessed it - her brother's best friend. The shy, plump Emma had fallen in love with Elliot and quite predictably he had a tendre for her as well. But of course, extrenal forces in the form of an accident and the heroine's fear of her being a burden tore them apart. Leaving them both with bruised hearts.
If you remove the names, and like 15% of the plot - the books are legit the same.
In Marquess and I, Willow was forced to reject Alasdair's suit because her father forced her to do so and she was only a girl of 16. Alasdair of course hates her for rejecting him. Then years later they meet and the spark is instant, but this time the twist is in the fact that Willow has been blinded after an injury and is extremely nervous and feels her self-confidence slipping. She's been deemed as an embarrasement by her parents and instructed to not let her lack of sight bring down their name. Of course, basis this she feels no one would truly be happy with her as a wife.
In Duke and I, Emma's love for Elliot was squashed because he was a mere doctor's son, and she the daughter of a peer. Then she suffers a terrible accident and is left with a mangled leg, and suffers from deep pain caused by the accident. She must walk with the help of the cane, and Elliot in his dashing save-the-heroine move asks her to marry him many times. Of course, by this time Emma's self confidence is somewhere on the floor and she's certain he'll resent her in no time once he realizes how inconvenient her injuries are.
Both hero and heroine's love each other from their youth, both are separated by stupid plot points, both heroine's have some or the other disability designed to give them low self-esteem, both hero's propose and are rejected multilple times. Both books start with a seduction in the first 20% and both end quite the same - with the hero finally convincing the heroine she will never be a burden to him, and that he'll never resent her for her infirmity.
The thing is, I couldn't tell you without looking which couple is from which book.
Apart from all of this, the books are too short for me to really feel the depth of the emotion the characters feel. I liked the first book better I think, not that they're much different. The writing is good enough, but it doesn't pull you in, which considering stories like this are right up my alley it should have. You're basically just told that they love each other and are to believe it, with no corraborating evidence to see that love build.
I still can't get over the fact that both stories are basically the same but sigh. I'll give this book 2.5/5.
And the next book too.
September 30, 2019
..
The Marquess and I is the introductory volume of the Forever Yours series written by Stacy Reid. 'The Marquess and I' was previously published in the Regency anthology A Midsummer Night's Kiss. This series included different characters who are damaged or disabled.
This is a novella for ** MATURE AUDIENCES **
Lady Willow Arlington, hauntingly lovely, is also blind and known by the ton as the dowry-less daughter. Alasdair Morley, the Marquess of Westcliffe, is in need of an heiress, but Lady Willow should be the last person he craves after she was persuaded to reject his offer of marriage when he was a mere third son.
Lots has happened since Lady Willow rejected Aladair Morley's proposal many years ago, in favor of another. Circumstances changed and physical limitations are now much more prevalent than they ever were in the past.
Yet, his hero seems to instantly feel a pang in his heart at the sight of the woman he loved and was crushed by so long ago. He rushes to her side to aid her to stumble . . . and the race was on. His heart would not listen to his head. Which one will win?
Passion reignites between them, and he makes an enticing offer she cannot resist, drawing them into a dance of lust and love despite the misgivings in his heart.
Although this novella is shorter than I usually prefer, it seemed to cover all the highlights of the storyline adequately.
I was delighted and impress with the contents of the epilogue, which reveals a H.E.A. filled with all her dreams come true.
------------------------------------------------
The Marquess and I (Forever Yours Book 1) Kindle Edition
Stacy Reid (Author)
Length: 148 pages
..
The Marquess and I is the introductory volume of the Forever Yours series written by Stacy Reid. 'The Marquess and I' was previously published in the Regency anthology A Midsummer Night's Kiss. This series included different characters who are damaged or disabled.
This is a novella for ** MATURE AUDIENCES **
Lady Willow Arlington, hauntingly lovely, is also blind and known by the ton as the dowry-less daughter. Alasdair Morley, the Marquess of Westcliffe, is in need of an heiress, but Lady Willow should be the last person he craves after she was persuaded to reject his offer of marriage when he was a mere third son.
Lots has happened since Lady Willow rejected Aladair Morley's proposal many years ago, in favor of another. Circumstances changed and physical limitations are now much more prevalent than they ever were in the past.
Yet, his hero seems to instantly feel a pang in his heart at the sight of the woman he loved and was crushed by so long ago. He rushes to her side to aid her to stumble . . . and the race was on. His heart would not listen to his head. Which one will win?
Passion reignites between them, and he makes an enticing offer she cannot resist, drawing them into a dance of lust and love despite the misgivings in his heart.
Although this novella is shorter than I usually prefer, it seemed to cover all the highlights of the storyline adequately.
I was delighted and impress with the contents of the epilogue, which reveals a H.E.A. filled with all her dreams come true.
------------------------------------------------
The Marquess and I (Forever Yours Book 1) Kindle Edition
Stacy Reid (Author)
Length: 148 pages
..
June 28, 2019
The first book in the Forever Yours series is a second chance romancing focusing on Lady Willow Arlington and Alasdair Morley. The two met when Willow was 16 and Alasdair Morley 20 or 21 and fell in love, but due to Alasdair being the third son, Willow’s father (a Duke) and her mother refused the match and persuaded her to reject Alasdair. Years later, when they once again, things are drastically different for the two – Willow has been blinded in an accident and Alasdair is now the Marquess of Westcliffe, due to the deaths of his farther and brothers. The estate he has inherited is in dire straits and he needs to marry for money, but when he sees Willow again, despite the bitterness he feels, he finds himself still drawn to her, but Willow’s farther has removed her dowry, thus Alasdair’s mother pleads with him to keep away – but he cannot.
Both characters are likable, their insecurities and love for each other overall nicely written, but the book felt a tad too short, a little more could have added depth and potentially a rich sense of emotional depth to the story. I wasn’t overly keen on the scene at the , that being said the seduction scene wasn’t bad at all, and I really liked the epilogue, and the way in which Alasdair encourages Willow to live was great to see.
I do wish her family had approached Willow’s blindness a bit differently, especially as it was apparent that they loved her, but that’s a personal preference and the way in which they acted and treated her after accident was believable – their love for her meant they wanted to keep her safe and out of harms way.
A short light HR read, nice as an easy, quick one time read.
Acquired via KU.
Both characters are likable, their insecurities and love for each other overall nicely written, but the book felt a tad too short, a little more could have added depth and potentially a rich sense of emotional depth to the story. I wasn’t overly keen on the scene at the , that being said the seduction scene wasn’t bad at all, and I really liked the epilogue, and the way in which Alasdair encourages Willow to live was great to see.
I do wish her family had approached Willow’s blindness a bit differently, especially as it was apparent that they loved her, but that’s a personal preference and the way in which they acted and treated her after accident was believable – their love for her meant they wanted to keep her safe and out of harms way.
A short light HR read, nice as an easy, quick one time read.
Acquired via KU.
November 10, 2021
Willow and Alasdair. A second chance romance after Willow who is blind now after an accident and Alasdair is finally able to convince her to marry him.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 19, 2024
4.5 stars
Premise: the MMC was rejected by the FMC years back when he was a mere third son, but he has returned a Marquess in search of a heiress. He is immediately drawn to the FMC who has become blind since they last met.
Why do I keep reading instalove novellas when I could read something like this instead?? I loved this wonderfully angsty and romantic second chances novella, which felt like a full story despite the short length.
I listened to this on the way to and from dinner, and my emotional journey was basically 🥺🥺😍🥵 [intermission for food] 🥺😢🥰😌.
(I'm also definitely going to keep reading instalove novellas. They're a sugar hit I just can't quit.)
Premise: the MMC was rejected by the FMC years back when he was a mere third son, but he has returned a Marquess in search of a heiress. He is immediately drawn to the FMC who has become blind since they last met.
Why do I keep reading instalove novellas when I could read something like this instead?? I loved this wonderfully angsty and romantic second chances novella, which felt like a full story despite the short length.
I listened to this on the way to and from dinner, and my emotional journey was basically 🥺🥺😍🥵 [intermission for food] 🥺😢🥰😌.
(I'm also definitely going to keep reading instalove novellas. They're a sugar hit I just can't quit.)
July 25, 2020
A sweet short story. Enjoyable. Basic hero and a heroine that suffered a tragic accident and they find their way back to each other.
June 17, 2024
KU. Novella. Historical Romance: Tropes: Disabled MC., Regency Romance, Second Chance Love,
MC’s h Lady Willow Arlington 23, (blind)daughter of the Duke of Arlington & H Alasdair Marquess of Westcliffe 28 needing an heiress.
Review I liked:
The Marquess and I is the introductory volume of the Forever Yours series written by Stacy Reid. 'The Marquess and I' was previously published in the Regency anthology A Midsummer Night's Kiss. This series included different characters who are damaged or disabled.
This is a novella for ** MATURE AUDIENCES **
Lady Willow Arlington, hauntingly lovely, is also blind and known by the ton as the dowry-less daughter. Alasdair Morley, the Marquess of Westcliffe, is in need of an heiress, but Lady Willow should be the last person he craves after she was persuaded to reject his offer of marriage when he was a mere third son.
Lots has happened since Lady Willow rejected Aladair Morley's proposal many years ago, in favor of another. Circumstances changed and physical limitations are now much more prevalent than they ever were in the past.
Yet, his hero seems to instantly feel a pang in his heart at the sight of the woman he loved and was crushed by so long ago. He rushes to her side to aid her to stumble . . . and the race was on. His heart would not listen to his head. Which one will win?
Passion reignites between them, and he makes an enticing offer she cannot resist, drawing them into a dance of lust and love despite the misgivings in his heart.
Although this novella is shorter than I usually prefer, it seemed to cover all the highlights of the storyline adequately.
I was delighted and impress with the contents of the epilogue, which reveals a H.E.A. filled with all her dreams come true.
------------------------------------------------
The Marquess and I (Forever Yours Book 1) Kindle Edition
Stacy Reid (Author)
Length: 148 pages
MC’s h Lady Willow Arlington 23, (blind)daughter of the Duke of Arlington & H Alasdair Marquess of Westcliffe 28 needing an heiress.
Review I liked:
The Marquess and I is the introductory volume of the Forever Yours series written by Stacy Reid. 'The Marquess and I' was previously published in the Regency anthology A Midsummer Night's Kiss. This series included different characters who are damaged or disabled.
This is a novella for ** MATURE AUDIENCES **
Lady Willow Arlington, hauntingly lovely, is also blind and known by the ton as the dowry-less daughter. Alasdair Morley, the Marquess of Westcliffe, is in need of an heiress, but Lady Willow should be the last person he craves after she was persuaded to reject his offer of marriage when he was a mere third son.
Lots has happened since Lady Willow rejected Aladair Morley's proposal many years ago, in favor of another. Circumstances changed and physical limitations are now much more prevalent than they ever were in the past.
Yet, his hero seems to instantly feel a pang in his heart at the sight of the woman he loved and was crushed by so long ago. He rushes to her side to aid her to stumble . . . and the race was on. His heart would not listen to his head. Which one will win?
Passion reignites between them, and he makes an enticing offer she cannot resist, drawing them into a dance of lust and love despite the misgivings in his heart.
Although this novella is shorter than I usually prefer, it seemed to cover all the highlights of the storyline adequately.
I was delighted and impress with the contents of the epilogue, which reveals a H.E.A. filled with all her dreams come true.
------------------------------------------------
The Marquess and I (Forever Yours Book 1) Kindle Edition
Stacy Reid (Author)
Length: 148 pages
October 11, 2019
This novella was rather cute! Second chance romance and H. with disability. I liked the writing style - it was lively, parts of the book were spicy considering it was a short story. There was some angst as well. I would have given this 4 stars had the H. by the name of Willow not started acting like a complete ninny in the second part of the book. But I really liked Alasdair. He was well-written and such a genuine character. Promising beginning for the series. I will definitely continue reading it.
April 23, 2021
I will be your anchor when you falter…always.
The Marquess and I was a delightful, sexy tale. I was looking for a book that I could read in one sitting on KU, and this was exactly what I was looking for! It was amazing how quickly I connected and adored these characters. If you love second chance and historical romance, then this is the book for you!
Hardly worth remembering? She had dreamed of him at the crest of each dawn and nightfall for years. Memories of past kisses, shared dreams, and nightmares rushed through her, causing her heart to tremble in both fear and joy.
Alasdair Hugh Morley, the Marquess of Westcliffe and Lady Willow Rosalind Arlington, the daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Milton, cared deeply for one another in their younger years. And while Alasdair wanted them to marry, Willow's parents would not allow that since he was a third son. She was to be wed to another. Six years later, after drastic events to the both of them, they're near each other again with instant sparks and attraction. But Alasdair is need of a wife with a substantial dowry and Willow has none.
I missed you . Yet the words would not come.
I loved Willow and Alasdair! Alasdair was kind, sexy, but his heart still hurt because of Willow's rejection years ago. He had plans of ruining her, to help get her out of his system. But when he discovers that Willow is now blind, from an accident in the past, that pulls at his heartstrings. And Willow?! You guys, I loved her! She was brave and strong, but she also sees herself as a burden to others. They both had so much to learn and grow, with themselves and each other, and the moment they came together again everything changes.
I desire you to touch me, to kiss me, because I crave something more in my life.
This was a beautiful and quick story about two souls who were destined to be together. I loved seeing that they still cared and trusted one another so deeply. And I loved watching their story unfold, especially their moment by the lake *fans face*. Their times together were seductive and sensual and I could have easily stayed with these characters longer. I highlighted close to half this book, that's how much I enjoyed this story lol. Now I can't wait to devour the rest of the books in this series!
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May 14, 2022
This is the second chance romance between Lady Willow and Alasdair. The two of them fell in love when they were in their early 20s, but Willow's family forbade the match because of Alasdair's lack of title. She had to break his heart to protect him from her father, so she said some hurtful and memorable things to him. Whatever she said worked, and the two have not seen each other in about seven years. Alasdair is now in need of a wife, and he ends up across Willow at a ball while he is searching. But Willow is not the same woman he knew all those years ago. She was in an accident that left her without her vision, and she is learning how to live as independently as possible in society. This is about Willow and Alasdair reconnecting :)
I really enjoyed this one!! There were just some things that honestly confused me. Like the heroine's dad threatens the heroine and the love interest when they were younger. He even strikes the heroine for it! After, it's like that occurrence never happened. I was really confused by that and how the heroine simply had the same loving relationship with her father after...?
Anyways! I thought this was a sweet novella! I love how Alasdair professed his love to Willow and showed her with his actions how his love would never diminish. I cannot wait to read more books in this series! Stacy Reid is amazing!!
READ FOR THE HISTORICAL ROMANCE READATHON
TROPES: damaged heroine, forbidden romance, historical, disability representation (heroine is blind), kindle unlimited, longing, ruined heroine, second chance romance, weddings
I really enjoyed this one!! There were just some things that honestly confused me. Like the heroine's dad threatens the heroine and the love interest when they were younger. He even strikes the heroine for it! After, it's like that occurrence never happened. I was really confused by that and how the heroine simply had the same loving relationship with her father after...?
Anyways! I thought this was a sweet novella! I love how Alasdair professed his love to Willow and showed her with his actions how his love would never diminish. I cannot wait to read more books in this series! Stacy Reid is amazing!!
READ FOR THE HISTORICAL ROMANCE READATHON
TROPES: damaged heroine, forbidden romance, historical, disability representation (heroine is blind), kindle unlimited, longing, ruined heroine, second chance romance, weddings
October 31, 2020
A sore disappointment 😪
This is an absolutely pointless book. This is a second chances story taking place after 6 yrs. She's had the chance to develop the characters and the back story as well as the current plot. Unfortunately, Ms. Reid does nothing.
The mcs are confused. Alasdair is better than Willow. True to her name she's constantly wallowing in self pity. I cannot understand her vacillating stance especially towards the end.
The constant repetitions are a waste of time and word length. I suppose its a great way to not write nothing and still write so much 🥱
Recommended: 👎
This is an absolutely pointless book. This is a second chances story taking place after 6 yrs. She's had the chance to develop the characters and the back story as well as the current plot. Unfortunately, Ms. Reid does nothing.
The mcs are confused. Alasdair is better than Willow. True to her name she's constantly wallowing in self pity. I cannot understand her vacillating stance especially towards the end.
The constant repetitions are a waste of time and word length. I suppose its a great way to not write nothing and still write so much 🥱
Recommended: 👎
September 13, 2016
This review is also featured as a mini-review at All About Romance: http://allaboutromance.com/book-revie...
In this sweet second-chance romance, Alasdair and Willow had a young love affair that ended when Willow’s father refused to accept Alasdair’s suit. Following his rejection, Alasdair went on without her, to war and back again. While he was gone both families suffered. Willow was in a horrendous accident that caused her to lose her sight, and Alasdair’s two older brothers passed away. Six years later, Alasdair is now the heir and needs to marry an heiress to fill his estates’ empty coffers. Can they put the past behind them and find love again?
The Marquess and I is a delightful novella. The setting is well described and it’s easy to feel empathy towards Willow. When she wanted to marry Alisdair before, she was too young to stand up to her family’s demands that she set her sights higher than a third son. Now her blindness makes things difficult for her in gaining a marriage partner who isn’t solely after her fortune. She comes across as courageous and steadfast, having come to terms with her disability and making the best of things. Alasdair is a war hero, a strong and upright man but he’s never forgotten the love of his life or how she rejected him. Though he at first relishes the chance to get back at her, it’s not long before he realizes that his feelings for her are still strong. He wants to be her protector again, even more so now because of her injury. The chemistry between them still sizzles and leads to some steamy love scenes, even as Willow must decide whether to accept Alasdair’s interest in her once again. They’ve hurt each other in the past, now they must mend those wounds together.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the author for review.
In this sweet second-chance romance, Alasdair and Willow had a young love affair that ended when Willow’s father refused to accept Alasdair’s suit. Following his rejection, Alasdair went on without her, to war and back again. While he was gone both families suffered. Willow was in a horrendous accident that caused her to lose her sight, and Alasdair’s two older brothers passed away. Six years later, Alasdair is now the heir and needs to marry an heiress to fill his estates’ empty coffers. Can they put the past behind them and find love again?
The Marquess and I is a delightful novella. The setting is well described and it’s easy to feel empathy towards Willow. When she wanted to marry Alisdair before, she was too young to stand up to her family’s demands that she set her sights higher than a third son. Now her blindness makes things difficult for her in gaining a marriage partner who isn’t solely after her fortune. She comes across as courageous and steadfast, having come to terms with her disability and making the best of things. Alasdair is a war hero, a strong and upright man but he’s never forgotten the love of his life or how she rejected him. Though he at first relishes the chance to get back at her, it’s not long before he realizes that his feelings for her are still strong. He wants to be her protector again, even more so now because of her injury. The chemistry between them still sizzles and leads to some steamy love scenes, even as Willow must decide whether to accept Alasdair’s interest in her once again. They’ve hurt each other in the past, now they must mend those wounds together.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the author for review.
October 8, 2016
Loved it!
Excellent read! Another passionate love story from Ms. Reid. I thoroughly enjoyed Alastair and Willows Love Story. I highly recommend.
Excellent read! Another passionate love story from Ms. Reid. I thoroughly enjoyed Alastair and Willows Love Story. I highly recommend.
January 15, 2018
Loved this book. This is one of my go to Author’s!
April 16, 2019
A blind heroine is rare in historical romance, i actually like the story , my only complain is..it is too short, if only it is full length story
October 18, 2019
Really enjoyed Lady Willow and Alasdair. Beautiful story with lots of emotion. Couldn’t put it down until the very last page was read. 💛💛💛💛💛
June 2, 2024
3.75-4⭐️
“I will be your anchor when you falter…always.”
This was more like a novella, but I really enjoyed it. The heroine was blind due to an accident and that’s all I will say. Sometimes you just need a second chance romance.
“I will be your anchor when you falter…always.”
This was more like a novella, but I really enjoyed it. The heroine was blind due to an accident and that’s all I will say. Sometimes you just need a second chance romance.
July 6, 2018
The Marquess and I is the first novella in the Forever Yours bundle. London, 1815. It’s a refreshing gutsy romance for the historical romance genre. Why? Two reasons...
Firstly, the dialogue between the Hero and Heroine was candid communication which I loved. And secondly, the behavior and reactions of the Hero and Heroine in untangling their tangled history was surprising to me at times which I also loved.
Lady Willow Arlington, hauntingly lovely, is also blind and known by the ton as the dowry-less daughter.
Alasdair Morley, the Marquess of Westcliffe, is in need of an heiress, and Lady Willow should be the last person he craved because she had been persuaded to reject his offer of marriage when he was a mere third son.
But now, six years later, their circumstances have changed.
The intimacy between Alasdair and Willow grows from a familiarity that began many years ago, so it doesn’t take much for the flames of desire to burn when these two meet again. Their attraction is believable and their chemistry is obvious. I loved how he could read her emotions just by looking at her.
Their sexy times were meaningful, and I loved the timing of them during their journey to love. Unique.
What made an impression on me was that many scenes did not follow the usual predictable pattern of withheld truths, misunderstandings, and regrets kept silent. On the contrary, Alasdair and Willow played out their scenes by talking and admitting their thoughts and emotions. How wonderful! Especially how Alasdair handled the wedding day. Gallant and mature. And how he handled her brother and father. Sensible and stoic. And the fact that Willow can admit her shortcomings is admirable.
I really appreciated their names...Alasdair and Willow. In a genre where certain historic names get rehashed over and over again, the names Alasdair and Willow were different. Nice.
I highly recommend this novella. Now I’m continuing with the Forever Yours bundle and will read The Duke and I.
Firstly, the dialogue between the Hero and Heroine was candid communication which I loved. And secondly, the behavior and reactions of the Hero and Heroine in untangling their tangled history was surprising to me at times which I also loved.
Lady Willow Arlington, hauntingly lovely, is also blind and known by the ton as the dowry-less daughter.
Alasdair Morley, the Marquess of Westcliffe, is in need of an heiress, and Lady Willow should be the last person he craved because she had been persuaded to reject his offer of marriage when he was a mere third son.
But now, six years later, their circumstances have changed.
The intimacy between Alasdair and Willow grows from a familiarity that began many years ago, so it doesn’t take much for the flames of desire to burn when these two meet again. Their attraction is believable and their chemistry is obvious. I loved how he could read her emotions just by looking at her.
Their sexy times were meaningful, and I loved the timing of them during their journey to love. Unique.
What made an impression on me was that many scenes did not follow the usual predictable pattern of withheld truths, misunderstandings, and regrets kept silent. On the contrary, Alasdair and Willow played out their scenes by talking and admitting their thoughts and emotions. How wonderful! Especially how Alasdair handled the wedding day. Gallant and mature. And how he handled her brother and father. Sensible and stoic. And the fact that Willow can admit her shortcomings is admirable.
I really appreciated their names...Alasdair and Willow. In a genre where certain historic names get rehashed over and over again, the names Alasdair and Willow were different. Nice.
I highly recommend this novella. Now I’m continuing with the Forever Yours bundle and will read The Duke and I.
August 6, 2023
A good start to a series but this one felt slow.
September 12, 2022
Representation: Blind Heroine
Overall: 3.5-stars
Safety Rating: Safe
Possible Triggers: Yes
Ending:
Overall: 3.5-stars
Safety Rating: Safe
Possible Triggers: Yes
Ending:
September 2, 2021
Quick, fun read
We get right into it, since this is a novella and while not everything made absolute sense, I love Stacy Reid's writing and am willing to make concessions for her, especially because the story worked overall. The hero was gone for the heroine and vice versa. This is my third Stacy Reid book and so far, each one has had disability rep.
We get right into it, since this is a novella and while not everything made absolute sense, I love Stacy Reid's writing and am willing to make concessions for her, especially because the story worked overall. The hero was gone for the heroine and vice versa. This is my third Stacy Reid book and so far, each one has had disability rep.
April 16, 2022
Childhood friends to eventually lovers.
The heroine had an accident that changed everything in her life.
4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The heroine had an accident that changed everything in her life.
4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
December 9, 2021
Even though this has a rocky start, that nearly made me stop reading it, after pushing through enough chapters, it did turn into a very sweet story. I really didn’t care for the opening idea of the hero determined to rape/trick the heroine into having sex with him with violence on his mind, even with the idea that roughness was turning her on (ugh). Thankfully he gave up that idea quickly before anything really happened and the story turned more to getting reacquainted since the years apart had changed both of them. Though the heroine continues with the idea of wanting meaningless sex, just so she can experience it once and continues with that idea through most of the book. Honestly, I didn’t really understand how she was determined to gain her freedom while still remaining at home, since that wouldn’t be freedom with still being trapped in the house and she’d have to rely on family since she didn’t want to marry and there was no mention of her wanting to learn a trade. I did want to know more about the duke that let her go. And I really wanted to know more about her brother, like why he didn’t talk about her more to Alasdair, since apparently they were friends during the war. I also wanted to know more about Alasdair’s sisters. They were never really mentioned other than to moan about how he couldn’t properly provide for them. I love the idea of finding love later in life, past the debutante age and I love the second chance theme. I also loved the idea of trying to help Willow regain her confidence, as a way to making her more open to regaining her old life. And I loved Alasdair’s determination that he wanted a relationship with her any way he could, even if it just meant as friends.
July 31, 2019
I just...
It was disappointing.
The heroine is silly and rejects the hero *because he loves her and she loves him*, which is stupid. She fears he will never love her forever and will eventually resent her. Okay, these are issues. They aren't entertaining issues. They are annoying issues that can be resolved with one good chat, except not really, because she doesn't trust him.
He's basically her savior and treats her as she should be treated, which smacks of...I dunno. I liked him I guess. He seemed a bit unreal. I never really felt for him? And definitely not for her. She was annoying.
The sex scene wasn't even good because of the timing. I was stressed as hell because of when it took place. Guys, you have THINGS YOU NEED TO BE DOING right now. Everyone is waiting. Hanky panky after! FFS. I couldn't pay attention to it at all and basically speed-read it.
Every problem in the story was caused by external issues and lack of self esteem based on little grounds, if any. Annoying and tiresome.
[spoiler]
The whole she-has-no-dowry-BUT-WAIT twist was predictable, as was the rejection thereof. It wasn't special. I could see it all a mile away. Sigh.
[/spoiler]
It was disappointing.
The heroine is silly and rejects the hero *because he loves her and she loves him*, which is stupid. She fears he will never love her forever and will eventually resent her. Okay, these are issues. They aren't entertaining issues. They are annoying issues that can be resolved with one good chat, except not really, because she doesn't trust him.
He's basically her savior and treats her as she should be treated, which smacks of...I dunno. I liked him I guess. He seemed a bit unreal. I never really felt for him? And definitely not for her. She was annoying.
The sex scene wasn't even good because of the timing. I was stressed as hell because of when it took place. Guys, you have THINGS YOU NEED TO BE DOING right now. Everyone is waiting. Hanky panky after! FFS. I couldn't pay attention to it at all and basically speed-read it.
Every problem in the story was caused by external issues and lack of self esteem based on little grounds, if any. Annoying and tiresome.
[spoiler]
The whole she-has-no-dowry-BUT-WAIT twist was predictable, as was the rejection thereof. It wasn't special. I could see it all a mile away. Sigh.
[/spoiler]
May 5, 2021
This is way too short to form any kind of sympathy or attachment to the characters. It is a nice quick and easy read though and I really liked that the hero let go of old anger really quickly. I picked this one up, because the heroine is blind and I was curious how sie dealt with it. But actually that was very sketchy.
Nonetheless if you just read the complete Dark Tower series or finished something like Anna Karenina, this is perfect to come back to something at least Stephen King says doesn't exist. A happy ending.
Nonetheless if you just read the complete Dark Tower series or finished something like Anna Karenina, this is perfect to come back to something at least Stephen King says doesn't exist. A happy ending.
May 23, 2022
I love Stacy Reid and I am so glad I found this series! I loved the first book - two friends that are separated by chance, after a few years of separation, they get back. Truly lovely and amazing novella!
April 30, 2018
Well written - really intense and dramatic. Totally enjoyable.
November 1, 2025
Characters: Lady Willow Arlington and Alasdair Morley, the Marquess of Westcliffe
Trope: blind heroine, second chance, class difference
Lady Willow and Alasdair Morley were going to be married years ago when Alasdair was a mere third son. Her father and mother forbade Willow from marrying him, so Willow tried to let Alasdair down easy and ended up breaking his heart instead. Angry and hurt Alasdair joins the military.
Years later Alasdair is the Marquess of Westcliffe due to his older brother’s dying. He now has to find a wife with wealth in order to settle the debts that his older brother accumulated when he was the Marquess after their oldest brother died. Alasdair sees Willow again, and he’s struck by how much she still has an affect on him, and he thinks that if he treats her as a mistress, he can finally get her out of his system once and for all. But that doesn’t go quite as planned when he finds out that Willow is blind.
*This book was okay, but definitely wasn’t Stacy Reid’s best. I believe she has gotten better with her writing, I felt like this lacked the angst and buildup I’ve read from her other books. The couple got together way too quickly, and also Willow annoyed me*
Trope: blind heroine, second chance, class difference
Lady Willow and Alasdair Morley were going to be married years ago when Alasdair was a mere third son. Her father and mother forbade Willow from marrying him, so Willow tried to let Alasdair down easy and ended up breaking his heart instead. Angry and hurt Alasdair joins the military.
Years later Alasdair is the Marquess of Westcliffe due to his older brother’s dying. He now has to find a wife with wealth in order to settle the debts that his older brother accumulated when he was the Marquess after their oldest brother died. Alasdair sees Willow again, and he’s struck by how much she still has an affect on him, and he thinks that if he treats her as a mistress, he can finally get her out of his system once and for all. But that doesn’t go quite as planned when he finds out that Willow is blind.
*This book was okay, but definitely wasn’t Stacy Reid’s best. I believe she has gotten better with her writing, I felt like this lacked the angst and buildup I’ve read from her other books. The couple got together way too quickly, and also Willow annoyed me*
January 26, 2018
The Marquess and I (Forever Yours, #1) is a beautiful romance. A sweet and emotional second chance at love story. With a bit of steam, a touch of drama and a heavy dose of heartbreak this book gives us the romance between Alasdair and Willow. These two were torn apart years ago when Willow's father demanded she marry a wealthier man of a better position. Now years later, they cross paths again and they have both changed. Can they work through the hurts of the past to embrace the HEA they were denied years ago? Grab a copy to find out. I greatly enjoyed this charming book, the realistic heroine that was portrayed in it and the man that loved her just as she was. I'm voluntarily posting a review of an advance copy of this book.
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