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Imperious Lords #4
Her Wicked Marquess
Can there ever be real love between a powerful lord and the actress he took as a mistress?
A year ago, Hester Green's fascination with Lord Worcester led her to accept his proposition to be his mistress, her first foray into the delights of the bedroom. And what delights! Every time they spent the night together, he made her even more addicted to his prowess. But now the gossipmongers are abuzz with his impending betrothal to a duke's daughter. That is too much to swallow, and she severs their liaison even though it wrenches her insides to do so.
Drake, the Marquess of Worcester, has no intention of bending to his mother's manipulation. Even less marry the girl the dowager spread rumors as being his intended. And he has zero intention to allow it to damage a perfectly convenient arrangement with the woman he can't get enough of. But Hester moves out of the house he bought her—and out of his life. He'll find ways to keep her close, though the woman is revealing to be more of a rebel and less of the meek mistress she once was.
A year ago, Hester Green's fascination with Lord Worcester led her to accept his proposition to be his mistress, her first foray into the delights of the bedroom. And what delights! Every time they spent the night together, he made her even more addicted to his prowess. But now the gossipmongers are abuzz with his impending betrothal to a duke's daughter. That is too much to swallow, and she severs their liaison even though it wrenches her insides to do so.
Drake, the Marquess of Worcester, has no intention of bending to his mother's manipulation. Even less marry the girl the dowager spread rumors as being his intended. And he has zero intention to allow it to damage a perfectly convenient arrangement with the woman he can't get enough of. But Hester moves out of the house he bought her—and out of his life. He'll find ways to keep her close, though the woman is revealing to be more of a rebel and less of the meek mistress she once was.
222 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 28, 2020
6 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Torquay
32 books196 followersLisa Torquay comes from a multi-cultural family. She graduated in History and earned a Master’s Degree in British Empire. She has worked as an English and History teacher at high schools. She married a Norwegian and moved to Norway, where she has lived for three years. Writing has been her passion since she was thirteen. When she’s not writing, she’s messing up in the kitchen because she loves cooking as much as she’s clumsy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
September 13, 2020
Great story with a unique twist.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
What I love so much about Lisa’s writing is that she doesn’t stick to traditional historical romance stories. Her characters include very strong women with beliefs about the equality they so deserve.
The story is no different in that aspect. Hester is a woman who is an actress. By definition then, you’re no better than a typical whore. But not only that, but she is also a mistress to a very decidedly handsome and desired man. A kept woman is an acceptable practice back then. Unless you were the mistress and then you were treated like crap by everyone else.
But things change and Hester takes matters into her own hands. Torquay beautifully spins the story so that we get both sides of their feelings. He is not happy and realizes what he has lost. She is adamant that she preserves her self-respect.
Both of the characters are strong and independent and I love the way Torquay incorporates that into her stories. Passion and desire are powerful in this story but so are compromises and finding the path you are supposed to take.
Torquay writes with fiery passion and feeling that just begs you to keep turning pages. Love her unique twists.
* Copy received for review consideration
Full review - https://amidlifewife.com/her-wicked-m...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
What I love so much about Lisa’s writing is that she doesn’t stick to traditional historical romance stories. Her characters include very strong women with beliefs about the equality they so deserve.
The story is no different in that aspect. Hester is a woman who is an actress. By definition then, you’re no better than a typical whore. But not only that, but she is also a mistress to a very decidedly handsome and desired man. A kept woman is an acceptable practice back then. Unless you were the mistress and then you were treated like crap by everyone else.
But things change and Hester takes matters into her own hands. Torquay beautifully spins the story so that we get both sides of their feelings. He is not happy and realizes what he has lost. She is adamant that she preserves her self-respect.
Both of the characters are strong and independent and I love the way Torquay incorporates that into her stories. Passion and desire are powerful in this story but so are compromises and finding the path you are supposed to take.
Torquay writes with fiery passion and feeling that just begs you to keep turning pages. Love her unique twists.
* Copy received for review consideration
Full review - https://amidlifewife.com/her-wicked-m...
September 13, 2020
This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I was pleasantly surprised. I have read many other historical romances with the mistress-to-wife trope but this is one of the better ones I’ve read.
I enjoyed Hester’s character for her spunkiness and pragmatism. Drake was far ahead of his time as an open-minded Marquess who believed that there should be social equality. The passion between the two MC’s was palpable.
Torquay has a way with words. Her writing is descriptive and engaging. The plot was nicely-paced with a surprise twist at the end. I was glad that they got their HEA. I was expecting the villainous earl to rear his ugly head again but he didn’t! Looking forward to Millicent’s story.
A complimentary ARC of this book was provided and this review is my own opinion.
I enjoyed Hester’s character for her spunkiness and pragmatism. Drake was far ahead of his time as an open-minded Marquess who believed that there should be social equality. The passion between the two MC’s was palpable.
Torquay has a way with words. Her writing is descriptive and engaging. The plot was nicely-paced with a surprise twist at the end. I was glad that they got their HEA. I was expecting the villainous earl to rear his ugly head again but he didn’t! Looking forward to Millicent’s story.
A complimentary ARC of this book was provided and this review is my own opinion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 13, 2020
** ARC received from the author im exchange of an honest review **
I've read the stories of Drake's friends. While reading the last novel of the series I didn't expect to receive an ARC but here I am.... And I loved it❤️
I was already excited about this different story of a lord and his actress mistress that too when the mistress is so lovable/hard working and so genuine.
She being an actress understands the reality of everything so well. She's strong enough to bear the hate of ton showed to her in the beginning but still emerged as the loyal strong woman that she is.
Drake didn't understand his love for her in the beginning but the idea of not seeing her/having her everyday unsettled something deep in his heart.
I must say he's modern and open-minded enough to overlook Hester's profession and her so called 'position' in the society.
I really enjoyed the story.
Plotting is amazing. All the twists made me crazy for more!!
I especially loved their chemistry🔥🔥
Writing style is as usual amazing 💞
I've read the stories of Drake's friends. While reading the last novel of the series I didn't expect to receive an ARC but here I am.... And I loved it❤️
I was already excited about this different story of a lord and his actress mistress that too when the mistress is so lovable/hard working and so genuine.
She being an actress understands the reality of everything so well. She's strong enough to bear the hate of ton showed to her in the beginning but still emerged as the loyal strong woman that she is.
Drake didn't understand his love for her in the beginning but the idea of not seeing her/having her everyday unsettled something deep in his heart.
I must say he's modern and open-minded enough to overlook Hester's profession and her so called 'position' in the society.
I really enjoyed the story.
Plotting is amazing. All the twists made me crazy for more!!
I especially loved their chemistry🔥🔥
Writing style is as usual amazing 💞
November 20, 2020
Disclosure: Book provided by the author for an honest review. Thank you to Ms. Torquay for sending it to me.
Her Wicked Marquess – the last book in Imperious Lords series – offers an unique story of forbidden love set against a backdrop of a theater production.
When Lisa Torquay reached out to me with ARC copy of this book I was very excited as the plot immediately intrigued me.
It’s not very common for HRs to follow already established couples, especially not married ones, so the story of an actress turned mistress and a powerful Marquess sounded fresh and fun.
And it was!
I really enjoyed Hester (I LOVE that name) and Drake’s romance; the chemistry between them might not be as hot and sizzling as in the previous book, but every scene they interacted was fun and romantic. They so beautifully bantered with each other, and oh, the pining!
I was looking forward to the pining the most; most established couples romances are either about married couples or the ones given second chances, so pining is either not present or not very well written. Here it was just right!
Both protagonists were likable and fun to read about; I really liked Hester, she was strong and smart heroine, with just a right amount of sass in her. Her story arc of finding her own strength and being brave enough to leave behind a plush life of a mistress (and the man she loved, let’s be real here) made me root for her from the very beginning.
Drake, even if a little thick headed and stubborn at times, was such a swoony hero. I loved how he stood up for Hester and how supportive of her he was. The way he inserted himself into Hester’s work was both infuriating and entertaining. In any other character it could be annoying how bossy he was, but his rough charm made it work.
Not to mention, he had great friends. Many characters from the previous books made a brief appearance, sort of as a reunion to say farewell to the series, and it was so lovely to read how supportive of Drake and Hester’s relationship they were. I mean, the ending was perhaps too Disney-esque with how perfect it was, but hey, we all need a little fuzziness in our lives.
Her Wicked Marquess is a light and romantic book; not too long and not too short to leave one bored or unsatisfied. Entertaining where it needs to be, but also emotional and engaging.
And it was a fun to read.
For the most part.
Unfortunately, the book’s biggest flaw is prose.
Lisa Torquay’s stories have a lot of heart in them, but sometimes the awkward writing style makes them difficult to read through.
Similarly to Her Wicked Duke, the previous book in the series, this one has numerous grammatical and stylistic mistakes, mostly incorrect use of prepositions (‘in’ where it should be ‘of’, or ‘up’ vs ‘off’), but also wrong tenses (‘stridden’ vs ‘strode’) or word associations (the most glaring one: using ‘ashamed’, where ‘embarrassed’ made more sense, or use of ‘whimsical’ where perhaps ‘capricious’ or ‘fanciful’ would sound better).
At times, it was obviously autocorrect making changes, like when ‘dressed in’ became ‘dressing’, during others, words were simply missing, usually prepositions again, leaving sentences feeling incomplete.
Another thing was overcomplicated vocabulary; sometimes it’s better for the flow of the story to use simple, descriptive words rather than overly posh sounding ones.
There were many examples of very awkward sounding sentences, so much so that they ended up not making much sense or sounding almost funny. For example, ‘Philippa, the Duchess of Brunswick, opened a wide smile at the sight of her.’ “Opened a wide smile” just sounds weird to me.
Curiously enough, for the most part, dialogs and erotic scenes worked much better. There was some awkwardness, but also natural flow to the paragraphs, the language used felt smooth and the banter was lively and witty. Sex scenes, well written, had also pretty delicious heat to it (I mean, that outdoors scene? Very nice).
Unfortunately, like I mentioned, the rest kind of fell apart.
All of those problems could be easily remedied with a thorough look by the editor. Maybe my copy - as it was ARC - was just a first draft, and the books sold would be cleaned up.
Of course the prose itself doesn’t take away from the well-paced and romantic plot, but it can be discouraging to finish the book.
Despite its flaws, I’d still recommend reading Her Wicked Marquess .
It’s a fun book: light and romantic, with just enough dash of pining and delicious spice; a nice story to read during still warm late Summer afternoons.
3,5/5 stars
PS.: I’m excited for the author’s next series! That preview sounded very nice.
Her Wicked Marquess – the last book in Imperious Lords series – offers an unique story of forbidden love set against a backdrop of a theater production.
When Lisa Torquay reached out to me with ARC copy of this book I was very excited as the plot immediately intrigued me.
It’s not very common for HRs to follow already established couples, especially not married ones, so the story of an actress turned mistress and a powerful Marquess sounded fresh and fun.
And it was!
I really enjoyed Hester (I LOVE that name) and Drake’s romance; the chemistry between them might not be as hot and sizzling as in the previous book, but every scene they interacted was fun and romantic. They so beautifully bantered with each other, and oh, the pining!
I was looking forward to the pining the most; most established couples romances are either about married couples or the ones given second chances, so pining is either not present or not very well written. Here it was just right!
Both protagonists were likable and fun to read about; I really liked Hester, she was strong and smart heroine, with just a right amount of sass in her. Her story arc of finding her own strength and being brave enough to leave behind a plush life of a mistress (and the man she loved, let’s be real here) made me root for her from the very beginning.
Drake, even if a little thick headed and stubborn at times, was such a swoony hero. I loved how he stood up for Hester and how supportive of her he was. The way he inserted himself into Hester’s work was both infuriating and entertaining. In any other character it could be annoying how bossy he was, but his rough charm made it work.
Not to mention, he had great friends. Many characters from the previous books made a brief appearance, sort of as a reunion to say farewell to the series, and it was so lovely to read how supportive of Drake and Hester’s relationship they were. I mean, the ending was perhaps too Disney-esque with how perfect it was, but hey, we all need a little fuzziness in our lives.
Her Wicked Marquess is a light and romantic book; not too long and not too short to leave one bored or unsatisfied. Entertaining where it needs to be, but also emotional and engaging.
And it was a fun to read.
For the most part.
Unfortunately, the book’s biggest flaw is prose.
Lisa Torquay’s stories have a lot of heart in them, but sometimes the awkward writing style makes them difficult to read through.
Similarly to Her Wicked Duke, the previous book in the series, this one has numerous grammatical and stylistic mistakes, mostly incorrect use of prepositions (‘in’ where it should be ‘of’, or ‘up’ vs ‘off’), but also wrong tenses (‘stridden’ vs ‘strode’) or word associations (the most glaring one: using ‘ashamed’, where ‘embarrassed’ made more sense, or use of ‘whimsical’ where perhaps ‘capricious’ or ‘fanciful’ would sound better).
At times, it was obviously autocorrect making changes, like when ‘dressed in’ became ‘dressing’, during others, words were simply missing, usually prepositions again, leaving sentences feeling incomplete.
Another thing was overcomplicated vocabulary; sometimes it’s better for the flow of the story to use simple, descriptive words rather than overly posh sounding ones.
There were many examples of very awkward sounding sentences, so much so that they ended up not making much sense or sounding almost funny. For example, ‘Philippa, the Duchess of Brunswick, opened a wide smile at the sight of her.’ “Opened a wide smile” just sounds weird to me.
Curiously enough, for the most part, dialogs and erotic scenes worked much better. There was some awkwardness, but also natural flow to the paragraphs, the language used felt smooth and the banter was lively and witty. Sex scenes, well written, had also pretty delicious heat to it (I mean, that outdoors scene? Very nice).
Unfortunately, like I mentioned, the rest kind of fell apart.
All of those problems could be easily remedied with a thorough look by the editor. Maybe my copy - as it was ARC - was just a first draft, and the books sold would be cleaned up.
Of course the prose itself doesn’t take away from the well-paced and romantic plot, but it can be discouraging to finish the book.
Despite its flaws, I’d still recommend reading Her Wicked Marquess .
It’s a fun book: light and romantic, with just enough dash of pining and delicious spice; a nice story to read during still warm late Summer afternoons.
3,5/5 stars
PS.: I’m excited for the author’s next series! That preview sounded very nice.
September 29, 2020
*ARC was graciously provided by the author for review purposes. This does not affect the rating.*
A decadent Regency romance with a strong-willed, lovely heroine and a sensual, forward-thinking hero, Her Wicked Marquess was a definite page-turner. Author Lisa Torquay never fails to entertain with her interesting storylines. But it's when the envelope is pushed, giving us unique characters who stand on their own--but are better when together--that her work truly shines. And that is exactly what happened between Hester and Drake.
I really do adore historical romance that shows women standing up for their position in the world in a realistic way while still being right on the edge of what was acceptable at the time. Hester was an actress, and those around her and in the ton would never dream she would be the one to end her liaison with Drake. She was smart in doing so. But the passion between Hester and her marquess wouldn't abate. Oh, how I loved their connection! And I loved that Drake was enthralled with Hester--with her strength and intelligence. He didn't necessarily follow society's rules and enjoyed the fact that she was a talented actress, which was wonderful to see.
Through the clever plot twists and the scandal that I just knew was around the corner for our unlikely but perfect for each other couple, Her Wicked Marquess was a sweepingly romantic, sigh-worthy story.
A decadent Regency romance with a strong-willed, lovely heroine and a sensual, forward-thinking hero, Her Wicked Marquess was a definite page-turner. Author Lisa Torquay never fails to entertain with her interesting storylines. But it's when the envelope is pushed, giving us unique characters who stand on their own--but are better when together--that her work truly shines. And that is exactly what happened between Hester and Drake.
I really do adore historical romance that shows women standing up for their position in the world in a realistic way while still being right on the edge of what was acceptable at the time. Hester was an actress, and those around her and in the ton would never dream she would be the one to end her liaison with Drake. She was smart in doing so. But the passion between Hester and her marquess wouldn't abate. Oh, how I loved their connection! And I loved that Drake was enthralled with Hester--with her strength and intelligence. He didn't necessarily follow society's rules and enjoyed the fact that she was a talented actress, which was wonderful to see.
Through the clever plot twists and the scandal that I just knew was around the corner for our unlikely but perfect for each other couple, Her Wicked Marquess was a sweepingly romantic, sigh-worthy story.
September 16, 2020
This is a well written Regency romance. Hester Green’s family are actors and her father owns a successful theatre. She has been The Marquess of Worcester mistress for a year. She hears rumors of him getting betrothed.
One thing leads to another and she leaves him!
This was such a lovely romance of two people from different stations in life are in love and even though they face the scrutiny of “the ton”.
A fast paced romance with a perfect ending!
I was given an arc from the author for an honest review.
One thing leads to another and she leaves him!
This was such a lovely romance of two people from different stations in life are in love and even though they face the scrutiny of “the ton”.
A fast paced romance with a perfect ending!
I was given an arc from the author for an honest review.
September 23, 2020
4.0 stars!
“You've become the light in my life.”
One of the things I just love about Lisa Torquay's stories is that they're ingenious and absolutely out-of-the-box! She takes on subjects that are rarely found in your everyday historical romance novels and spins a titillating tale that takes the reader through another dimension of angst, obstacles and how in the heck is this going to sort itself out— in every page you consume.
“Her Wicked Marquess: Imperious Lords 4” book #4 in the series is another thought-provoking, emotive romance between a man of title and privilege and a woman who, according to the upper crust of society was fit to be relegated to and remain nothing more than a mistress.
But when hearts become involved and love blooms, what is to become of a relationship that challenges and threatens the cemented rules of propriety and is looked upon high society with nothing but ire and disdain?
Hester Green was introduced to us in the previous book, “Her Wicked Duke” as ‘the actress who kept a liaison’ with the Marquess of Worcester, Drake Aldridge.
Hester had agreed becoming Drake's mistress feeling a mutual attraction to the handsome gentleman, not only physically but also in their many intellectual interests. In their shared curiosity to learn more about the arts, literature and broaden their horizons on science— subjects the ton found vulgar and objectionable, they found in each other a heartening and partnership that unbeknownst to them had become much more. They seemed to be well-suited for each other in the bedroom and out of it; apart from the obvious, of course… he was a blue blood and she was… a big… nothing.
Hearing rumors that Drake would soon be betrothed to a proper lady, a duke's daughter nonetheless, who would rear him blue-blooded children, Hester decides the final curtain had dropped on this role she'd chosen to play; a role society told her she was only good enough to play.
They sat in their leased houses, with clothes that weren't theirs, pampering themselves with expensive gifts, and waited. Waited for the men who paid for their lives, paid their finery, paid for the exclusive privilege of calling on them. Sent messages for their mistresses to ready themselves, avail their bodies for them. Men those women provided for. Provided entertainment, provided a break from boring families, boring social-lives, boring marriage beds.
And that's what Hester had done for the past year. Wait, provide, yield.
Her role was to lurk in the shadows so his pleasure didn't suffer shame or limitation.
Of all the heroines in this series I have to say Hester was my favorite. She took the high road, leaving what seemed to be a carefree life with many amenities to regain what she'd given up— her life, her work, herself, her will.
Yup, she channelled her inner Beyoncé!
And although she knew her decision was the right one for herself, her soul was attached to Drake who stirred in her the deepest of passions she'd ever known. He was her drug. Her weakness. And yet despite the prejudices society cast on her, Hester found an inner strength to keep true to herself.
She'd choose her richer existence any day over the restrictions, the veritable social corset those women were obligated to squeeze in every hour of every day.
I just absolutely loved her!
Drake was also a very likable character but he definitely needed a kick in the shins to get the blinders off. Although he had his own distaste for his class including their antiquated views, Drake nevertheless lived the life due his station. And the thought of keeping Hester a mistress didn't make him blink… until she made him.
Noblemen, not noblewomen, ruled this country… They comprised a caste of their own, detached from every other rank, living in their own glass-dome, making their own rules and, worse, using everyone they considered below them as pawn for their own benefit. Drake saw it clearly, wasn't proud of it, or the part he played in it. But one man alone couldn't change the world; he could change his world.
This was a really lovely story. It takes off like a rocket so hold on tight.
We get to see some of the characters from the previous books which always gets an A+ plus from me!
The romance wasn't as fiery hot or angsty as the previous books which is one of the things I love about Torquay's writing but it was enough to feel the passion between the characters. But I wanted MORE heat!
One of my favorite scenes involved an emerald necklace. And Drake pulls it off like the devilish charmer he is. I fairly swooned!
There's something SO sexy about a man putting jewelry on a woman that gets me all gushy and makes me feel all mushy inside. LOVED!
It definitely gives off those VIBES of being marked! OH. YASSSS!!!
As I mentioned earlier, Torquay doesn't water down the message or intent of the story. It's provocative and at times intense.
I do wish some of the earlier components had carried through to the end. I wanted more from the villain. What could've been built up to a level of villainy that would've added a deeper intensity to the story overall was barely a bleep which was highly disappointing.
I would still recommend this book for the content which once again is definitely worth exploring! Torquay's writing and prose flows smoothly and sticks to the time period for which the story is set. Nothing modern or choppy about it whatsoever.
One last thing… the book cover: Fits the bill!
And I cannot wait to see what Lisa has in store for us in her next series, “Ladies and Strays”!
RECOMMENDED!
“You've become the light in my life.”
One of the things I just love about Lisa Torquay's stories is that they're ingenious and absolutely out-of-the-box! She takes on subjects that are rarely found in your everyday historical romance novels and spins a titillating tale that takes the reader through another dimension of angst, obstacles and how in the heck is this going to sort itself out— in every page you consume.
“Her Wicked Marquess: Imperious Lords 4” book #4 in the series is another thought-provoking, emotive romance between a man of title and privilege and a woman who, according to the upper crust of society was fit to be relegated to and remain nothing more than a mistress.
But when hearts become involved and love blooms, what is to become of a relationship that challenges and threatens the cemented rules of propriety and is looked upon high society with nothing but ire and disdain?
Hester Green was introduced to us in the previous book, “Her Wicked Duke” as ‘the actress who kept a liaison’ with the Marquess of Worcester, Drake Aldridge.
Hester had agreed becoming Drake's mistress feeling a mutual attraction to the handsome gentleman, not only physically but also in their many intellectual interests. In their shared curiosity to learn more about the arts, literature and broaden their horizons on science— subjects the ton found vulgar and objectionable, they found in each other a heartening and partnership that unbeknownst to them had become much more. They seemed to be well-suited for each other in the bedroom and out of it; apart from the obvious, of course… he was a blue blood and she was… a big… nothing.
Hearing rumors that Drake would soon be betrothed to a proper lady, a duke's daughter nonetheless, who would rear him blue-blooded children, Hester decides the final curtain had dropped on this role she'd chosen to play; a role society told her she was only good enough to play.
They sat in their leased houses, with clothes that weren't theirs, pampering themselves with expensive gifts, and waited. Waited for the men who paid for their lives, paid their finery, paid for the exclusive privilege of calling on them. Sent messages for their mistresses to ready themselves, avail their bodies for them. Men those women provided for. Provided entertainment, provided a break from boring families, boring social-lives, boring marriage beds.
And that's what Hester had done for the past year. Wait, provide, yield.
Her role was to lurk in the shadows so his pleasure didn't suffer shame or limitation.
Of all the heroines in this series I have to say Hester was my favorite. She took the high road, leaving what seemed to be a carefree life with many amenities to regain what she'd given up— her life, her work, herself, her will.
Yup, she channelled her inner Beyoncé!
And although she knew her decision was the right one for herself, her soul was attached to Drake who stirred in her the deepest of passions she'd ever known. He was her drug. Her weakness. And yet despite the prejudices society cast on her, Hester found an inner strength to keep true to herself.
She'd choose her richer existence any day over the restrictions, the veritable social corset those women were obligated to squeeze in every hour of every day.
I just absolutely loved her!
Drake was also a very likable character but he definitely needed a kick in the shins to get the blinders off. Although he had his own distaste for his class including their antiquated views, Drake nevertheless lived the life due his station. And the thought of keeping Hester a mistress didn't make him blink… until she made him.
Noblemen, not noblewomen, ruled this country… They comprised a caste of their own, detached from every other rank, living in their own glass-dome, making their own rules and, worse, using everyone they considered below them as pawn for their own benefit. Drake saw it clearly, wasn't proud of it, or the part he played in it. But one man alone couldn't change the world; he could change his world.
This was a really lovely story. It takes off like a rocket so hold on tight.
We get to see some of the characters from the previous books which always gets an A+ plus from me!
The romance wasn't as fiery hot or angsty as the previous books which is one of the things I love about Torquay's writing but it was enough to feel the passion between the characters. But I wanted MORE heat!
One of my favorite scenes involved an emerald necklace. And Drake pulls it off like the devilish charmer he is. I fairly swooned!
There's something SO sexy about a man putting jewelry on a woman that gets me all gushy and makes me feel all mushy inside. LOVED!
It definitely gives off those VIBES of being marked! OH. YASSSS!!!
As I mentioned earlier, Torquay doesn't water down the message or intent of the story. It's provocative and at times intense.
I do wish some of the earlier components had carried through to the end. I wanted more from the villain. What could've been built up to a level of villainy that would've added a deeper intensity to the story overall was barely a bleep which was highly disappointing.
I would still recommend this book for the content which once again is definitely worth exploring! Torquay's writing and prose flows smoothly and sticks to the time period for which the story is set. Nothing modern or choppy about it whatsoever.
One last thing… the book cover: Fits the bill!
And I cannot wait to see what Lisa has in store for us in her next series, “Ladies and Strays”!
RECOMMENDED!
October 17, 2020
For over a year, Hester, a skilled actress, has been Lord Drake Worcester’s mistress. Hester is a strong woman who is used to being independent. She doesn’t like being under the thumb of a man, but her feelings for Drake are too deep to ignore. However, when she hears gossip about Drake’s betrothal, she quickly ends their arrangement.
Drake is devastated when Hester ends their relationship. Happy with their arrangement, he tries to convince Hester that the betrothal rumor is just idle gossip, but Hester’s resolve won’t budge. Drake is in love with Hester, and though he doesn’t realize it for the majority of the novel, his fierce determination to protect her and be with her speak louder than his words. Can this couple put their reservations and social expectations aside and embrace the love that they share?
I love that the story is based on two unconventional people with an equally unconventional relationship. Hester is ahead of her time, especially in her beliefs about social class and the treatment of women, and Drake seems to echo her sentiments. Their beliefs contrast with the rigid social standards and expectations that are imposed upon them. However, they both struggle with their feminist ideals and the reality of their lives. I enjoyed watching Hester and Drake breaking down barriers and slowly realizing their true feelings. They have fantastic chemistry, and their desire for each other is palpable.
Several other obstacles stand in their way, including a meddlesome, elitist mother and a lecherous and abusive antagonist. Between these unsavory characters, the societal issues, and their conflicted feelings, Hester and Drake have many challenges to face. The plot becomes even more intriguing when Hester’s well-being is threatened, and Drake does everything he can to protect her.
I enjoyed Her Wicked Marquess. It is a unique Regency romance with strong-willed characters and an interesting plot. Thanks so much to the author for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
Drake is devastated when Hester ends their relationship. Happy with their arrangement, he tries to convince Hester that the betrothal rumor is just idle gossip, but Hester’s resolve won’t budge. Drake is in love with Hester, and though he doesn’t realize it for the majority of the novel, his fierce determination to protect her and be with her speak louder than his words. Can this couple put their reservations and social expectations aside and embrace the love that they share?
I love that the story is based on two unconventional people with an equally unconventional relationship. Hester is ahead of her time, especially in her beliefs about social class and the treatment of women, and Drake seems to echo her sentiments. Their beliefs contrast with the rigid social standards and expectations that are imposed upon them. However, they both struggle with their feminist ideals and the reality of their lives. I enjoyed watching Hester and Drake breaking down barriers and slowly realizing their true feelings. They have fantastic chemistry, and their desire for each other is palpable.
Several other obstacles stand in their way, including a meddlesome, elitist mother and a lecherous and abusive antagonist. Between these unsavory characters, the societal issues, and their conflicted feelings, Hester and Drake have many challenges to face. The plot becomes even more intriguing when Hester’s well-being is threatened, and Drake does everything he can to protect her.
I enjoyed Her Wicked Marquess. It is a unique Regency romance with strong-willed characters and an interesting plot. Thanks so much to the author for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
September 12, 2020
Interesting theme!
This story has an interesting the theme, a Marquess and an Actress (who are lovers for over a year) and a meddling mother. Oh dear, the havoc she created!
I do have one grouch and that is the use of very unusual or infrequently used words in this book and this upset me greatly, for in order to understand what the author was getting at, I had to constantly stop reading and look up the meanings of these words. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy learning something new, but this is a novel after all and meant for enjoyment or entertainment or relaxation and the amount of times I had to stop reading for this reason upset me greatly.
That said, the story itself is good and the characters very strong willed, some likable and others not at all. The ending was most pleasing and made it all worthwhile.
I read an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of this book and my review above is given voluntarily and is unbiased.
This story has an interesting the theme, a Marquess and an Actress (who are lovers for over a year) and a meddling mother. Oh dear, the havoc she created!
I do have one grouch and that is the use of very unusual or infrequently used words in this book and this upset me greatly, for in order to understand what the author was getting at, I had to constantly stop reading and look up the meanings of these words. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy learning something new, but this is a novel after all and meant for enjoyment or entertainment or relaxation and the amount of times I had to stop reading for this reason upset me greatly.
That said, the story itself is good and the characters very strong willed, some likable and others not at all. The ending was most pleasing and made it all worthwhile.
I read an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of this book and my review above is given voluntarily and is unbiased.
September 24, 2020
Not having the privilege of reading the other stories in this series, I didn't feel lost. This is a first time read by Ms. Torquay and I truly enjoyed the story, characters and the twists. In the beginning, I wasnt too sure where the story was leading and it started off a bit slow for me but eventually picked up and kept me interested in knowing the outcome.
I love that both H/h have strong characters and you can see that in this story. They have passion and desire that drives them both. However, there were some things that I didnt enjoy and that was the familiarity with using the same words repeatedly. It became a bit annoying but it did not deter me from enjoying the book.
I received an invitation to read this ARC from the author in exchange for my honest review. All opinions in this review are my own.
I love that both H/h have strong characters and you can see that in this story. They have passion and desire that drives them both. However, there were some things that I didnt enjoy and that was the familiarity with using the same words repeatedly. It became a bit annoying but it did not deter me from enjoying the book.
I received an invitation to read this ARC from the author in exchange for my honest review. All opinions in this review are my own.
September 8, 2020
I've been a fan of Lisa Torquay for a while now and I think she really understands what romance is all about. The emotions, the heat, and the irresistible attraction between the characters.
Here, she doesn't disappoint. More than that, she displays a very creative mind when she writes a romance where the heroine is a blatant surprise--an actress, a mistress. A woman who lived in the fringes of 'polite' society. Torquay gives her a voice, dreams and, more importantly, depth. The reader plunges into the universe of a person so covered in stereotypes and prejudices that even the word actress became stigmatized. Today, they refer to women in TV or cinema as actors, dropping the negative 'actress' completely. And this is the most amazing thing about this book. The despised mistress, 'actress', comes to front stage, so to say.
Hester's backbone will show, I tell you. During the entire book, she'll refuse to live down her art, her vocation, her dignity. And that's how she earns the lord's heart, by saying out loud: 'I'm an actress, yes, but I'm not for sale. My work does not give you the right to judge me." And THAT moved me to tears. By conveying this, Hester sets herself free to choose whoever she will love. It's just so beautiful.
I daresay Torquay has just expanded the romance universe, making it more varied and better. A keeper, and I do mean the double entendre.
I volunteered to review this despite having also edited it. A pleasure twice over.
Here, she doesn't disappoint. More than that, she displays a very creative mind when she writes a romance where the heroine is a blatant surprise--an actress, a mistress. A woman who lived in the fringes of 'polite' society. Torquay gives her a voice, dreams and, more importantly, depth. The reader plunges into the universe of a person so covered in stereotypes and prejudices that even the word actress became stigmatized. Today, they refer to women in TV or cinema as actors, dropping the negative 'actress' completely. And this is the most amazing thing about this book. The despised mistress, 'actress', comes to front stage, so to say.
Hester's backbone will show, I tell you. During the entire book, she'll refuse to live down her art, her vocation, her dignity. And that's how she earns the lord's heart, by saying out loud: 'I'm an actress, yes, but I'm not for sale. My work does not give you the right to judge me." And THAT moved me to tears. By conveying this, Hester sets herself free to choose whoever she will love. It's just so beautiful.
I daresay Torquay has just expanded the romance universe, making it more varied and better. A keeper, and I do mean the double entendre.
I volunteered to review this despite having also edited it. A pleasure twice over.
September 9, 2020
Note: ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
This 4th installment in the Imperious Lords series is another treat from this author. We've seen Hester Green and Drake Aldridge in passing from the previous books, where one by one, the rakes are claimed by feisty women who don't conform to society's rules.
I admire Hester for her independence. She was relentlessly wooed by the Marquess but she knows her place and she went to the relationship with eyes wide open. As an actress, society views her as a little above a whore and that's a sad fact in those times. To add to society's disdain, she's also a mistress.
She and Drake aren't the usual couple. They defied society's restrictions by hosting soirées that featured different themes; some decent, and some eccentric by others' standards, but interesting all the same.
Somewhere along the way, even though both of them acknowledged it at a later time, Hester and Drake fell in love. Per Drake's musings, they've been together for a year and he hasn't gotten her out of his system yet. I really felt for her when she decided to leave him and this visibly rattled Drake because a mistress leaving her protector just doesn't happen, until it happened to him.
Both of them clearly had strong feelings for each other and it's not just lust, but both were stubborn to define what those feelings are. I was also touched by Hester's family and how they care for each other. I felt the love and support and it's what kept Hester going until a certain play landed in her father's hands, which he wanted her to star in.
It's safe to say you won't get any cliffhangers here and there's a guaranteed HEA (that's all I'm going to spoil), but I was happy about another twist and surprise in the story.
This 4th installment in the Imperious Lords series is another treat from this author. We've seen Hester Green and Drake Aldridge in passing from the previous books, where one by one, the rakes are claimed by feisty women who don't conform to society's rules.
I admire Hester for her independence. She was relentlessly wooed by the Marquess but she knows her place and she went to the relationship with eyes wide open. As an actress, society views her as a little above a whore and that's a sad fact in those times. To add to society's disdain, she's also a mistress.
She and Drake aren't the usual couple. They defied society's restrictions by hosting soirées that featured different themes; some decent, and some eccentric by others' standards, but interesting all the same.
Somewhere along the way, even though both of them acknowledged it at a later time, Hester and Drake fell in love. Per Drake's musings, they've been together for a year and he hasn't gotten her out of his system yet. I really felt for her when she decided to leave him and this visibly rattled Drake because a mistress leaving her protector just doesn't happen, until it happened to him.
Both of them clearly had strong feelings for each other and it's not just lust, but both were stubborn to define what those feelings are. I was also touched by Hester's family and how they care for each other. I felt the love and support and it's what kept Hester going until a certain play landed in her father's hands, which he wanted her to star in.
It's safe to say you won't get any cliffhangers here and there's a guaranteed HEA (that's all I'm going to spoil), but I was happy about another twist and surprise in the story.
September 8, 2020
I received this book for my honest review.
I loved it. This story was fast paced I went to bed really late reading this. Absolutely love Hester and how she made a decision which ended up having good result at the end. It was the push Drake needed if I’m being honest because if she wouldn’t have stood her ground no matter her desire to actually stay he would have never examined his feelings. Which it was really fun to read his turmoil throughout the book. I can’t wait for the next series she writing I’m really excited to read more about these characters that were introduced in this series.
This series is worth reading
Lisa Torquay is an amazing author her stories have a way of making you feel like you’re actually in the story with front row seats. If you like historical romance with wicked rakes this series is a must!
I loved it. This story was fast paced I went to bed really late reading this. Absolutely love Hester and how she made a decision which ended up having good result at the end. It was the push Drake needed if I’m being honest because if she wouldn’t have stood her ground no matter her desire to actually stay he would have never examined his feelings. Which it was really fun to read his turmoil throughout the book. I can’t wait for the next series she writing I’m really excited to read more about these characters that were introduced in this series.
This series is worth reading
Lisa Torquay is an amazing author her stories have a way of making you feel like you’re actually in the story with front row seats. If you like historical romance with wicked rakes this series is a must!
September 28, 2020
Her wicked Marquess 5*
I really enjoyed this book. Hester was an actress and also mistress to Drake, Marquess of Worcester. They had a very strong attraction but neither would admit to anything deeper. I enjoyed the way that Hester took hold of her own life. Drake had all the arrogance and expectations of his title but he was also surprisingly forward thinking with regards to women. To add to their difference in social standing, there is an interfering mother and a domineering duke. There are also very steamy parts. This was an entertaining read that I just had to finish to see what happened in the end. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed this book. Hester was an actress and also mistress to Drake, Marquess of Worcester. They had a very strong attraction but neither would admit to anything deeper. I enjoyed the way that Hester took hold of her own life. Drake had all the arrogance and expectations of his title but he was also surprisingly forward thinking with regards to women. To add to their difference in social standing, there is an interfering mother and a domineering duke. There are also very steamy parts. This was an entertaining read that I just had to finish to see what happened in the end. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 27, 2020
Her Wicked Marquess
Imperious Lords Series #4
Lisa Torquay
https://lisatorquay.webs.com/
Release date 08/28/2020
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
Can there ever be real love between a powerful lord and the actress he took as a mistress?
A year ago, Hester Green's fascination with Lord Worcester led her to accept his proposition to be his mistress, her first foray into the delights of the bedroom. And what delights! Every time they spent the night together, he made her even more addicted to his prowess. But now the gossipmongers are abuzz with his impending betrothal to a duke's daughter. That is too much to swallow, and she severs their liaison even though it wrenches her insides to do so.
Drake, the Marquess of Worcester, has no intention of bending to his mother's manipulation. Even less marry the girl the dowager spread rumours as being his intended. And he has zero intention to allow it to damage a perfectly convenient arrangement with the woman he can't get enough of. But Hester moves out of the house he bought her—and out of his life. He'll find ways to keep her close, though the woman is revealing to be more of a rebel and less of the meek mistress she once was.
𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will pride, lies, haughtiness and silent rules doom their future ...
Mrs Torquay is a talented writer, she picks some past issues then twists them into a battle of will and wit.
This one is a progressist tale about women rights and everyone’s place on the the social ladder.
Usually in the historical romances I have read the hero wants to make the heroine his mistress to only finally marry her.
Here the deed is done, Hester is already Drake’s paramour and on her way to give him his notice. She never wanted to be a kept woman, but this man shattered all her defenses, so she willingly went to his bed, but she won’t sell her soul to him. So no money will make her compromise with her true self. She prefers to lose him than to share him if the rumors are to be believed.
Drake disliked his profligate of a sire, still he tunneled his way in the ton like a classical peer, he tried and tasted every pleasure life offers to privileged men. Yet a woman made alter his course from bed to bed, now she is the only one to warm his night. Well past tense, as she just showed him the door.
Like nearly all titled men, he is full of arrogance, and never takes a no for a no. But I liked his perseverance, he aims to win and while he uses sneaky means, he is not one to apply force. He uses back doors but only to reclaim what he lists by not realizing its true value.
Hester and Drake are perfect together, sharing the same view of life and love for the arts alas them being on opposite sides of society tries their feelings and the depth of them.
Hester knows her mind, still she almost lets others dictate her love’s life. As while independent, she still listens to society’s gossip and acts according to their closed-mind’s view.
Drake is a very forward-thinking man, he enjoys his life at the fullest but does not view himself as beyond reach or beyond law.
I loved how the author worked them to the point they surrender to their chemistry to realize it is more than lust.
A five stars scorching hot romance with two very fleshy flawed characters facing society’s dictats and the issues their relationship will rise.
I was granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
Imperious Lords Series #4
Lisa Torquay
https://lisatorquay.webs.com/
Release date 08/28/2020
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
Can there ever be real love between a powerful lord and the actress he took as a mistress?
A year ago, Hester Green's fascination with Lord Worcester led her to accept his proposition to be his mistress, her first foray into the delights of the bedroom. And what delights! Every time they spent the night together, he made her even more addicted to his prowess. But now the gossipmongers are abuzz with his impending betrothal to a duke's daughter. That is too much to swallow, and she severs their liaison even though it wrenches her insides to do so.
Drake, the Marquess of Worcester, has no intention of bending to his mother's manipulation. Even less marry the girl the dowager spread rumours as being his intended. And he has zero intention to allow it to damage a perfectly convenient arrangement with the woman he can't get enough of. But Hester moves out of the house he bought her—and out of his life. He'll find ways to keep her close, though the woman is revealing to be more of a rebel and less of the meek mistress she once was.
𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will pride, lies, haughtiness and silent rules doom their future ...
Mrs Torquay is a talented writer, she picks some past issues then twists them into a battle of will and wit.
This one is a progressist tale about women rights and everyone’s place on the the social ladder.
Usually in the historical romances I have read the hero wants to make the heroine his mistress to only finally marry her.
Here the deed is done, Hester is already Drake’s paramour and on her way to give him his notice. She never wanted to be a kept woman, but this man shattered all her defenses, so she willingly went to his bed, but she won’t sell her soul to him. So no money will make her compromise with her true self. She prefers to lose him than to share him if the rumors are to be believed.
Drake disliked his profligate of a sire, still he tunneled his way in the ton like a classical peer, he tried and tasted every pleasure life offers to privileged men. Yet a woman made alter his course from bed to bed, now she is the only one to warm his night. Well past tense, as she just showed him the door.
Like nearly all titled men, he is full of arrogance, and never takes a no for a no. But I liked his perseverance, he aims to win and while he uses sneaky means, he is not one to apply force. He uses back doors but only to reclaim what he lists by not realizing its true value.
Hester and Drake are perfect together, sharing the same view of life and love for the arts alas them being on opposite sides of society tries their feelings and the depth of them.
Hester knows her mind, still she almost lets others dictate her love’s life. As while independent, she still listens to society’s gossip and acts according to their closed-mind’s view.
Drake is a very forward-thinking man, he enjoys his life at the fullest but does not view himself as beyond reach or beyond law.
I loved how the author worked them to the point they surrender to their chemistry to realize it is more than lust.
A five stars scorching hot romance with two very fleshy flawed characters facing society’s dictats and the issues their relationship will rise.
I was granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
November 10, 2020
Wow and wow!
Lisa Torquay has blown me away with the 4th book of the Imperious Lords Series- Her Wicked Marquess and I can only describe this book as "passion with words."
Her Wicked Marquess is beautifully written to highlight the plights of females within the regency era with no voice or rights outside of those given by a man. I love the reversal of roles and the powerful themes of unity, female empowerment, and justice for all regardless of station.
It centers around the delightful chase of Hester, a dutiful mistress who yearns for more, by Drakes, a progressive Marquess, determined to win her at all costs. Hester is such an amazingly unconventional leading lady for the regency romance era, and I applaud the author for writing her in this particular circumstance and time. Her headstrong attitude paired with her sharp intellect is in sharp contrast to the meek and submissive roles all too common within this genre.
The chemistry between Hester and Drakes was explosive!!!!! Their interactions were raw and passionate and sinfully devious without being overdone or cliché. I am not ashamed to admit certain naughty scenes had me fanning myself quite vehemently. I also loved the banter between them, there was no power distance but rather a meeting of the minds on an intellectual level which was enticing.
When I think of a good romance book, I think about a sound plotline, loveable characters, and a healthy dose of erotica, and "Her Wicked Marquess delivered on all three. This is ideal for those who enjoy a good historical/regency romance with a twist. I received an arc from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Lisa Torquay has blown me away with the 4th book of the Imperious Lords Series- Her Wicked Marquess and I can only describe this book as "passion with words."
Her Wicked Marquess is beautifully written to highlight the plights of females within the regency era with no voice or rights outside of those given by a man. I love the reversal of roles and the powerful themes of unity, female empowerment, and justice for all regardless of station.
It centers around the delightful chase of Hester, a dutiful mistress who yearns for more, by Drakes, a progressive Marquess, determined to win her at all costs. Hester is such an amazingly unconventional leading lady for the regency romance era, and I applaud the author for writing her in this particular circumstance and time. Her headstrong attitude paired with her sharp intellect is in sharp contrast to the meek and submissive roles all too common within this genre.
The chemistry between Hester and Drakes was explosive!!!!! Their interactions were raw and passionate and sinfully devious without being overdone or cliché. I am not ashamed to admit certain naughty scenes had me fanning myself quite vehemently. I also loved the banter between them, there was no power distance but rather a meeting of the minds on an intellectual level which was enticing.
When I think of a good romance book, I think about a sound plotline, loveable characters, and a healthy dose of erotica, and "Her Wicked Marquess delivered on all three. This is ideal for those who enjoy a good historical/regency romance with a twist. I received an arc from the author in exchange for an honest review.
September 29, 2020
The Play💘
ADULT Historical Regency Romance💕an All Consuming Love 💘 Story....
This book is all about Hester💃💋, a young actress who grew up in an acting family. Her father and brother own and run a theater in London. She is pursued by Drake🐺🍆⛲💪, the Marquess of Worcester, a famed bad boy rake.
Drake🐺🍆⛲💪 is insatiable with desire for Hester💃💋, and she with him, so much that she allows him to set her up as his mistress. After a year, she feels like she is just his plaything. She has to go her own way, but the attraction between them is all consuming, all the time!
It's the same old story, his meddling mother👵 tries to betroth Drake🐺🍆⛲💪, sight unseen, to a daughter of a Duke! Drake🐺🍆⛲💪 is having none of it, and is just about to banish his conniving mother👵 to The dower house on his estate🏰 the furthest from London!
Hester💃💋 moves out after she finds out about The betrothal. At the same time, her father gets a new play to produce and Drake🐺🍆⛲💪 is going to be the financier💰, as long as he gets to be the director!
Drake🐺🍆⛲💪 just can't let go of Hester💃💋, he wants to stay in her life. Hester💃💋 is an idiot to reject his expert and ardent🔥 loving!
ARC Provided by Author📚
I also got this ebook with KU.
The book is filled with torrid but tastefully written ADULT scenes! Drake🐺🍆⛲💪 is the MAN!
Yes, the story is a fantasy love💘 story between a commoner and an aristocrat, but aren't all romances💕 fantasies?
Ride em Bareback, Cowgirl!🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎
ADULT Historical Regency Romance💕an All Consuming Love 💘 Story....
This book is all about Hester💃💋, a young actress who grew up in an acting family. Her father and brother own and run a theater in London. She is pursued by Drake🐺🍆⛲💪, the Marquess of Worcester, a famed bad boy rake.
Drake🐺🍆⛲💪 is insatiable with desire for Hester💃💋, and she with him, so much that she allows him to set her up as his mistress. After a year, she feels like she is just his plaything. She has to go her own way, but the attraction between them is all consuming, all the time!
It's the same old story, his meddling mother👵 tries to betroth Drake🐺🍆⛲💪, sight unseen, to a daughter of a Duke! Drake🐺🍆⛲💪 is having none of it, and is just about to banish his conniving mother👵 to The dower house on his estate🏰 the furthest from London!
Hester💃💋 moves out after she finds out about The betrothal. At the same time, her father gets a new play to produce and Drake🐺🍆⛲💪 is going to be the financier💰, as long as he gets to be the director!
Drake🐺🍆⛲💪 just can't let go of Hester💃💋, he wants to stay in her life. Hester💃💋 is an idiot to reject his expert and ardent🔥 loving!
ARC Provided by Author📚
I also got this ebook with KU.
The book is filled with torrid but tastefully written ADULT scenes! Drake🐺🍆⛲💪 is the MAN!
Yes, the story is a fantasy love💘 story between a commoner and an aristocrat, but aren't all romances💕 fantasies?
Ride em Bareback, Cowgirl!🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎
October 28, 2020
I recieved a copy from the author in return for an honest review.
I've never read Lisa Torquay before, and the premise was intriguing. Hester is an a very talented actress and Lord Worcester's mistress, but when his mother spreads a rumor about his impending betrothal to the daughter of a Duke then Hester ends their arrangement. Drake confronts his mother and Lady Millicent, but Millicent asks if he would pretend to court her and then break it off because she is not interested in marriage. This keeps Hester away from Drake until her hand is forced because Lord Haddington, Lady Millicent's father threatens to make Hester his mistress against her will, and this pushes her back into Drake's home and into his arms.
I liked the first 50 percent of this book, and then the rest of it felt really rushed. The pacing was off on the back end, and it caused me not to enjoy this book as much. I thought the trope was interesting, but I wish the second half of the book had been better executed. There was some grammar mistakes, and just weird, repetitive wording that I did not enjoy.
I did enjoy the characters. Hester was willful and determined. She decided when their affair would end, which wasn't something a mistress did back then, and basically left him. Drake was very protective of her. I enjoyed that. Secondary characters also added a lot of depth. I just wish the second half of the book was as strong as the first half.
I've never read Lisa Torquay before, and the premise was intriguing. Hester is an a very talented actress and Lord Worcester's mistress, but when his mother spreads a rumor about his impending betrothal to the daughter of a Duke then Hester ends their arrangement. Drake confronts his mother and Lady Millicent, but Millicent asks if he would pretend to court her and then break it off because she is not interested in marriage. This keeps Hester away from Drake until her hand is forced because Lord Haddington, Lady Millicent's father threatens to make Hester his mistress against her will, and this pushes her back into Drake's home and into his arms.
I liked the first 50 percent of this book, and then the rest of it felt really rushed. The pacing was off on the back end, and it caused me not to enjoy this book as much. I thought the trope was interesting, but I wish the second half of the book had been better executed. There was some grammar mistakes, and just weird, repetitive wording that I did not enjoy.
I did enjoy the characters. Hester was willful and determined. She decided when their affair would end, which wasn't something a mistress did back then, and basically left him. Drake was very protective of her. I enjoyed that. Secondary characters also added a lot of depth. I just wish the second half of the book was as strong as the first half.
October 4, 2020
Overall, the book wasn't that good. It kept repeating lines, or the same phrases over and over again. It used the same words and didn't stray from the same use of vocabulary. The content was somewhat confusing. In the middle of conversations, there would be a very long break that explained something from the past, or too in depth of what the character was thinking. Then, the character would say something again after the long break and it was difficult to understand what was being said, I had to go back to the original question or previous part of the conversation to figure out what was being said between the characters. I was also confused as to who some of the characters were. I knew the two main characters and who a few of the supporting characters were, but I did not read where some of the characters who were talked about over and over again, were introduced. If they were introduced, I missed that part. It was hard for me to get into the book due to the confusion of characters and dialogue. Another part of confusion at the beginning of the book was trying to understand what the point was. There had to be an in depth background- which was placed between dialogue- which made everything confusing. It was also hard for me to get into the book, due to all of the confusion at the beginning. Towards the middle of the book, it all came together in understanding, except for the few characters I was confused as to who they were throughout the whole book.
September 9, 2020
As soon as I read the blurb, I was hooked and couldn’t wait to read this latest in Lisa Torquay’s Imperious Lords series. Hester Green had all she could want from Drake except for his heart. When Drake’s manipulative mother decides it’s time for him to wed and London is all abuzz with talk of his impending betrothal, Hester decides it’s time to walk away. Both had intended to have a provider/mistress relationship but those lines had blurred as their relationship progressed. They’d both developed feelings deeper than the physical. And if Drake wants Hester back, he’ll have to show her just how deep his feelings run.
I liked Hester and Drake. Both had backbone and a strong will. They were spirited and not afraid to voice their opinions. I loved that they decided to make their own rules despite society’s rules. The story was well crafted and the romance felt genuine. The chemistry was sizzling and I enjoyed watching the attraction simmer when Hester tried to remain immune to Drake’s charms. Every encounter was fraught with sexual tension, awareness, and a need to connect.
I thoroughly enjoyed seeing characters again from previous books in this series. I’m hoping a future book will have more of Millicent’s story.
I liked Hester and Drake. Both had backbone and a strong will. They were spirited and not afraid to voice their opinions. I loved that they decided to make their own rules despite society’s rules. The story was well crafted and the romance felt genuine. The chemistry was sizzling and I enjoyed watching the attraction simmer when Hester tried to remain immune to Drake’s charms. Every encounter was fraught with sexual tension, awareness, and a need to connect.
I thoroughly enjoyed seeing characters again from previous books in this series. I’m hoping a future book will have more of Millicent’s story.
September 9, 2020
Hester is an actress who bought into the mistress bargain with Drake, the Marquess of Worcester, she's fascinated by. But when rumors of an impending betrothal between Drake and the daughter of a duke reach her ears she thinks it's time to call it a day. Painfully, she severs her liaison. What she doesn't know is that the marquess isn't about to let her off the hook that easily.
Torquay weaves a romance full of twists as she puts Hester in the heart of the ton's disdain and prejudices. And makes the reader see that there's more than meets the eye in an actress, in a mistress, and Hester is much more than Drake signed up for. Steamy and romantic, the book sucks the reader in. I totally recommend.
I was lucky enough to be offered a copy for an honest review.
Torquay weaves a romance full of twists as she puts Hester in the heart of the ton's disdain and prejudices. And makes the reader see that there's more than meets the eye in an actress, in a mistress, and Hester is much more than Drake signed up for. Steamy and romantic, the book sucks the reader in. I totally recommend.
I was lucky enough to be offered a copy for an honest review.
September 24, 2020
Her Wicked Marquess by Lisa Torquay is the 4th book in the Imperious Lord Series. This story is absolutely delicious and I devoured it! It was a wonderful read and extremely well written. The characters come alive and it’s very easy to fall into the story and feel every emotion the characters are feeling. Hester and Drake are really a perfect match and I love everything about them and I adored the ending and the revelation he makes. I don’t want to give any spoilers so I’ll leave it at this...I highly recommend this book/series. They can be read separately but it’s such a wonderful series I recommend you read them all 😉 you won’t regret it!
October 6, 2020
DNF at 17%. Too long winded and not enough dialogue with plot movement. I want to experience what the characters are doing as they're doing it not be told with superfluous words that dont add to the story. It's a shame because this is my favorite genre and the synopsis was promising. Instead read The Secret Pearl by Mary Balogh if you want to experience the mistress angle to a pier.
September 21, 2020
A fast-paced steamy novella pushing gender equality into the modern age and breaking down the social class barriers. I really enjoyed this story! I found the main characters to have excellent chemistry and even with all the steamy parts it still had an engaging plot.
Despite it being the fourth book in the series, it still read just fine as a standalone.
I've been really drawn to novellas lately for a quick, rewarding happy ever after. This one did not disappoint. There were a couple of points where the storyline felt a bit rush but nothing that took away from the enjoyment. -Its pretty much impossible to not jump a bit with a shorter story.
This was my first book by this author and I would happily read more.
This book was gifted in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
Despite it being the fourth book in the series, it still read just fine as a standalone.
I've been really drawn to novellas lately for a quick, rewarding happy ever after. This one did not disappoint. There were a couple of points where the storyline felt a bit rush but nothing that took away from the enjoyment. -Its pretty much impossible to not jump a bit with a shorter story.
This was my first book by this author and I would happily read more.
This book was gifted in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
September 19, 2020
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
One isn’t aware of how valuable something or someone is until one loses them.
That could be a very brief yet very accurate summarize of “Her Wicked Marquess”. But that wouldn’t be an appropriate review of it, it’s too short, let’s get into detail.
Hester Green belongs to a family of actors, directors, costume designers… who own a little independent theatre in London. She is an actress herself but she’s been off the stage for a year, she stopped acting the moment she accepted to be the Marquess of Worcester’s mistress. But now that Drake is rumored to have a proper betrothed, a duke’s daughter on top of that, she’s left him and everything he’s given to her behind and therefore goes back to her family.
But Drake, who has been faithful to her like he hasn’t been to any other woman before her, isn’t willing to accept that. He is set on getting her back in his bed and in his life… after all, the betrothal was simply his mother’s trick to get him married and settled once and of all, it’s not what he really wants. In order to get Hester back he invests a lot of money on her next play at the theatre on the condition that he will be the director of said play.
But Hester knows that even if the betrothal isn’t real this time, Drake is meant to be betrothed and married to a lady of the ton. Titled men don’t marry mistresses do they?
Warning: this book is a page-turner. It is exciting, thought-provoking and quite steamy in my opinion.
When I read the synopsis the first thing I thought was that the plot sounded quite original. I don’t think I have ever read a romance about a man and his mistress from the point of view of the mistress. Don’t get me wrong, this book isn’t written in the first person be not afraid. It is the description of life as a woman who warms the bed of a man for a time (be it months, be it years) and in the meanwhile being given a house, servants, jewels, you name it… and knowing that all of that is temporary, like all those things were rented and the rental being paid with one’s body. And Hester has so much dignity about it, you get to really know what kind of woman she is when she refuses to keep anything Drake has given her, no matter how much he insists that they belonged to her whatever happens.
Hester is a feminist, she’s well aware of who and what she is. She’s not the kind of woman who go on the streets fighting for women’s suffrage, it was too early for that yet. But if you read carefully, everything she says and thinks is about women’s situation, mistresses, actresses, wives… Hester refuses to be taken for anything less than a man, she’s amazing. And the best part is that Drake takes everything she says in a very natural way, because his Hester is brave. Actually Drake is a very uncommon man in the sense that he never degrades or despises Hester for being a woman. The fight, they argue, but he never ever thinks less of her for her gender. I loved them for all that.
The pair of idiots love each other, they’ve been in love right from the start when he met her a year ago. But they’re also aware of the circumstances and the differences in rank. Also, they are both very proud people, it takes time for them to recognize, even to themselves, that they’re in love. You can see that when Hester recalls moments in their relationship and you understand that the only difference between them and a married couple is that they live in separate houses. They have many things in common and they enjoyed them together: long talks about the arts, music, meetings with painters, poets, musicians… they find comfort in each other’s company and they set the bed on fire after that.
What they’re not aware of is that there is someone else behind the curtain, someone without good intentions. Even if we know that the couple will have their happy ending we can’t help but feel uncomfortable and worried. When said someone insisted on the betrothal I knew their true motivations before the writer put them on paper. However these scenes lead to another refreshing fact about the novel; they talk! When either of them has a serious problem or some kind of trouble they talk. Even if they are at odds. So in conclusion; it was predictable but the outcome satisfied me as a reader.
As a whole, I throughly enjoyed this book. I had read another Lisa Torquay book before and I liked it, but this one is much better, it’s more thought-provoking than that book and more feminist and egalitarian so to speak. But the fact that this book is better in terms of subjects and plot means that the next is likely to be even better than this one. As they say, the best is yet to come.
One isn’t aware of how valuable something or someone is until one loses them.
That could be a very brief yet very accurate summarize of “Her Wicked Marquess”. But that wouldn’t be an appropriate review of it, it’s too short, let’s get into detail.
Hester Green belongs to a family of actors, directors, costume designers… who own a little independent theatre in London. She is an actress herself but she’s been off the stage for a year, she stopped acting the moment she accepted to be the Marquess of Worcester’s mistress. But now that Drake is rumored to have a proper betrothed, a duke’s daughter on top of that, she’s left him and everything he’s given to her behind and therefore goes back to her family.
But Drake, who has been faithful to her like he hasn’t been to any other woman before her, isn’t willing to accept that. He is set on getting her back in his bed and in his life… after all, the betrothal was simply his mother’s trick to get him married and settled once and of all, it’s not what he really wants. In order to get Hester back he invests a lot of money on her next play at the theatre on the condition that he will be the director of said play.
But Hester knows that even if the betrothal isn’t real this time, Drake is meant to be betrothed and married to a lady of the ton. Titled men don’t marry mistresses do they?
Warning: this book is a page-turner. It is exciting, thought-provoking and quite steamy in my opinion.
When I read the synopsis the first thing I thought was that the plot sounded quite original. I don’t think I have ever read a romance about a man and his mistress from the point of view of the mistress. Don’t get me wrong, this book isn’t written in the first person be not afraid. It is the description of life as a woman who warms the bed of a man for a time (be it months, be it years) and in the meanwhile being given a house, servants, jewels, you name it… and knowing that all of that is temporary, like all those things were rented and the rental being paid with one’s body. And Hester has so much dignity about it, you get to really know what kind of woman she is when she refuses to keep anything Drake has given her, no matter how much he insists that they belonged to her whatever happens.
Hester is a feminist, she’s well aware of who and what she is. She’s not the kind of woman who go on the streets fighting for women’s suffrage, it was too early for that yet. But if you read carefully, everything she says and thinks is about women’s situation, mistresses, actresses, wives… Hester refuses to be taken for anything less than a man, she’s amazing. And the best part is that Drake takes everything she says in a very natural way, because his Hester is brave. Actually Drake is a very uncommon man in the sense that he never degrades or despises Hester for being a woman. The fight, they argue, but he never ever thinks less of her for her gender. I loved them for all that.
The pair of idiots love each other, they’ve been in love right from the start when he met her a year ago. But they’re also aware of the circumstances and the differences in rank. Also, they are both very proud people, it takes time for them to recognize, even to themselves, that they’re in love. You can see that when Hester recalls moments in their relationship and you understand that the only difference between them and a married couple is that they live in separate houses. They have many things in common and they enjoyed them together: long talks about the arts, music, meetings with painters, poets, musicians… they find comfort in each other’s company and they set the bed on fire after that.
What they’re not aware of is that there is someone else behind the curtain, someone without good intentions. Even if we know that the couple will have their happy ending we can’t help but feel uncomfortable and worried. When said someone insisted on the betrothal I knew their true motivations before the writer put them on paper. However these scenes lead to another refreshing fact about the novel; they talk! When either of them has a serious problem or some kind of trouble they talk. Even if they are at odds. So in conclusion; it was predictable but the outcome satisfied me as a reader.
As a whole, I throughly enjoyed this book. I had read another Lisa Torquay book before and I liked it, but this one is much better, it’s more thought-provoking than that book and more feminist and egalitarian so to speak. But the fact that this book is better in terms of subjects and plot means that the next is likely to be even better than this one. As they say, the best is yet to come.
October 8, 2020
Hester and Drake have the perfect life, or so they think. He saw her acting in a play and swept her off her feet, making her his mistress, buying her a house, setting her up with jewels and fancy dresses, a life of luxury. Drake is the Marquess of Worcester, rich, powerful, handsome. They spend time together, they entertain; she has everything she could want. Everything, that is, except freedom and long term security and a future. But none of that matters to Hester – until it does.
The chemistry between them is blazing hot. Drake introduced Hester to wondrous feelings and sensations she can’t get enough of. They are ideally matched. They’ve spent a delightful year together. But when Drake’s mother spreads rumors of his impending marriage to the daughter of a Duke to manipulate him into settling down and producing an heir, Hester realizes that what they have after all is not a perfect life but a perfect arrangement, and she wants no part of it if he has a wife.
She moves out. She’ll never be part of society anyway, but she can be independent. Her family owns a theatre. She can go back to acting. Her mother left her a small house so her basic needs are taken care of. But staying away from her need of the Marquess, that’s another story.
I love Regency romances because they take everyday hopes and fears and desires and disappointments and surround them with the rules and restrictions and expectations of the time. People knew their place, knew what they could expect to achieve, and what was forever out of their reach. And they pretty much played by those rules. Until someone like Hester comes along. She has very modern thoughts about independence and equality and possibilities.
The physical attraction between Drake and Hester was almost too much at the beginning of the story. Every encounter, every look, everything they said and did was dominated by their lust and need. They were like teenagers, two minutes together and they were out of control. But the more I watched them together the more I realized this is what they think their relationship is: a pleasant arrangement designed to provide physical satisfaction, nothing more and nothing less.
So why does Hester bolt the second she learns of this impending marriage? Why does Drake insist he will not get married, and also insist that it must be Hester, she must remain as his mistress. And why does he go to such great lengths in the theatre to remain near her?
Her Wicked Marquess is a deliciously steamy romance with enough intrigue and danger thrown in to make it engaging and compelling. Hester and Drake are very likable, even if they are a bit dense about realizing there might be more than just a physical attraction between them. Watching them dance around each other, each as stubborn as the other, was fun and satisfying. Thanks to author Lisa Torquay for providing a copy of Her Wicked Marquess for my honest review. All opinions are my own. This was the first book in the series I read but it’s a wonderful standalone. I thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend it without hesitation.
The chemistry between them is blazing hot. Drake introduced Hester to wondrous feelings and sensations she can’t get enough of. They are ideally matched. They’ve spent a delightful year together. But when Drake’s mother spreads rumors of his impending marriage to the daughter of a Duke to manipulate him into settling down and producing an heir, Hester realizes that what they have after all is not a perfect life but a perfect arrangement, and she wants no part of it if he has a wife.
She moves out. She’ll never be part of society anyway, but she can be independent. Her family owns a theatre. She can go back to acting. Her mother left her a small house so her basic needs are taken care of. But staying away from her need of the Marquess, that’s another story.
I love Regency romances because they take everyday hopes and fears and desires and disappointments and surround them with the rules and restrictions and expectations of the time. People knew their place, knew what they could expect to achieve, and what was forever out of their reach. And they pretty much played by those rules. Until someone like Hester comes along. She has very modern thoughts about independence and equality and possibilities.
The physical attraction between Drake and Hester was almost too much at the beginning of the story. Every encounter, every look, everything they said and did was dominated by their lust and need. They were like teenagers, two minutes together and they were out of control. But the more I watched them together the more I realized this is what they think their relationship is: a pleasant arrangement designed to provide physical satisfaction, nothing more and nothing less.
So why does Hester bolt the second she learns of this impending marriage? Why does Drake insist he will not get married, and also insist that it must be Hester, she must remain as his mistress. And why does he go to such great lengths in the theatre to remain near her?
Her Wicked Marquess is a deliciously steamy romance with enough intrigue and danger thrown in to make it engaging and compelling. Hester and Drake are very likable, even if they are a bit dense about realizing there might be more than just a physical attraction between them. Watching them dance around each other, each as stubborn as the other, was fun and satisfying. Thanks to author Lisa Torquay for providing a copy of Her Wicked Marquess for my honest review. All opinions are my own. This was the first book in the series I read but it’s a wonderful standalone. I thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend it without hesitation.
September 29, 2020
I like the storyline.
In a time where the demarcation lines were very well defined between the classes and along gender lines, the place of a mistress seemed very clear.
Most of the time, it was just a business arrangement with perhaps some shared passion. What most historic romance novels often ignore is that many such arrangements were actually more honest that the kind of marriages that used to be set up among the aristocratic families. For even love marriages, tended to follow what was considered to be ‘proper’.
In most historical romance novels mistresses are a side-line story to bring out a point here or there. The exception being when a lady from the high class falls into hard times and has to take up that role. Then the happy ending is for her to be restored to her ‘natural’ place.
I like Hester because she is strong yet human. She wanted Drake and was realistic in her expectations, initially, so she accepted to be his mistress. However, she also knows her limitations and sharing him with his wife was not acceptable.
I liked what we were told about their relationship. The artistic interests they shared and the kind of circle they built around them. I wished we had a taste of that during their year together rather than learning of it second hand.
Drake naturally saw the world, and all that was in it, as his for the taking. But when he realizes how adamant Hester was, he decides to join her world if that what it takes to be close to her.
He wants her but he is also very protective. He probably needed lessons in communication though.
His mother circulates rumours about him being engaged to a daughter of a duke to force his hand. This particular duke was a vicious horrible character. So, when the daughter asks him to pretend a courtship, or at least not deny it, until she can come into her inheritance and get her independence, he agrees to protect her. Yet, he doesn’t explain this to Hester immediately, the idiot!
However, when that evil duke threatens Hester, he goes all out to protect her.
Luckily, in the end it all works out romantically. I guess the end is not very likely historically but not unheard of. After all, King Edward IV broke all rules to marry Elisabeth Woodville who was not of the aristocracy, strictly speaking.
I wish there was more romance though.
I think the energy of the tension of the challenge was prolonged and was too prevalent at the expense of romance and connection. This is until the last few chapters.
In a time where the demarcation lines were very well defined between the classes and along gender lines, the place of a mistress seemed very clear.
Most of the time, it was just a business arrangement with perhaps some shared passion. What most historic romance novels often ignore is that many such arrangements were actually more honest that the kind of marriages that used to be set up among the aristocratic families. For even love marriages, tended to follow what was considered to be ‘proper’.
In most historical romance novels mistresses are a side-line story to bring out a point here or there. The exception being when a lady from the high class falls into hard times and has to take up that role. Then the happy ending is for her to be restored to her ‘natural’ place.
I like Hester because she is strong yet human. She wanted Drake and was realistic in her expectations, initially, so she accepted to be his mistress. However, she also knows her limitations and sharing him with his wife was not acceptable.
I liked what we were told about their relationship. The artistic interests they shared and the kind of circle they built around them. I wished we had a taste of that during their year together rather than learning of it second hand.
Drake naturally saw the world, and all that was in it, as his for the taking. But when he realizes how adamant Hester was, he decides to join her world if that what it takes to be close to her.
He wants her but he is also very protective. He probably needed lessons in communication though.
His mother circulates rumours about him being engaged to a daughter of a duke to force his hand. This particular duke was a vicious horrible character. So, when the daughter asks him to pretend a courtship, or at least not deny it, until she can come into her inheritance and get her independence, he agrees to protect her. Yet, he doesn’t explain this to Hester immediately, the idiot!
However, when that evil duke threatens Hester, he goes all out to protect her.
Luckily, in the end it all works out romantically. I guess the end is not very likely historically but not unheard of. After all, King Edward IV broke all rules to marry Elisabeth Woodville who was not of the aristocracy, strictly speaking.
I wish there was more romance though.
I think the energy of the tension of the challenge was prolonged and was too prevalent at the expense of romance and connection. This is until the last few chapters.
September 26, 2020
The fervently emotional moments in this book kept me captivated throughout the whole story with their heartfelt portrays by such a fascinating couple. Hester and Drake may come from vastly dissimilar levels of English society, but it does not keep them from finding happiness with each other. As he is a marquess and her an actress, nothing more can come of their arrangement of her being his mistress. But when a declaration is stated that changes everything between them, both will be faced with making choices which could alter the days ahead in ways never imagined. Lisa Torquay has once again created a totally original Regency romance for her Imperious Lords series, one filled with unique situations and lots of emotion.
When the Marquess of Worcester made a request to Hester Green for her to be his mistress, she reluctantly knew it would improve her life and an agreement was made. Drake Aldridge set her up in a house and made certain she had every confront that was needed, and in turn, he gets to enjoy nights with her. Though everything has been satisfying for them both, when Hester hears he will be marrying soon, she knows it is time for them to part as she has let her emotions become involved in their relationship. Upon hearing she will be out of his life, Drake come to comprehend how much her presence in his life means to him.
HER WICKED MARQUESS has an abundance of surprising developments which had me so eager to discover how each of these events would work out. I never knew if Hester or Drake would be happy with the results, nor did I know what their reactions would be. There is realism during every scene in this story, as I did not think even once that a happening could not be taking place. The author also cleverly places colorful details all through the book to let me know exactly how any circumstances should be visualized. I really enjoyed the way Lisa Torquay incorporated how people viewed the different social orders in London, and what their responses were to the same situation. HER WICKED MARQUESS has intensely passionate encounters, candidly expressed feelings, and very appealing characters.
I voluntarily reviewed the book, and all comments are my honest opinion
When the Marquess of Worcester made a request to Hester Green for her to be his mistress, she reluctantly knew it would improve her life and an agreement was made. Drake Aldridge set her up in a house and made certain she had every confront that was needed, and in turn, he gets to enjoy nights with her. Though everything has been satisfying for them both, when Hester hears he will be marrying soon, she knows it is time for them to part as she has let her emotions become involved in their relationship. Upon hearing she will be out of his life, Drake come to comprehend how much her presence in his life means to him.
HER WICKED MARQUESS has an abundance of surprising developments which had me so eager to discover how each of these events would work out. I never knew if Hester or Drake would be happy with the results, nor did I know what their reactions would be. There is realism during every scene in this story, as I did not think even once that a happening could not be taking place. The author also cleverly places colorful details all through the book to let me know exactly how any circumstances should be visualized. I really enjoyed the way Lisa Torquay incorporated how people viewed the different social orders in London, and what their responses were to the same situation. HER WICKED MARQUESS has intensely passionate encounters, candidly expressed feelings, and very appealing characters.
I voluntarily reviewed the book, and all comments are my honest opinion
October 7, 2020
What a fantastic read! This was a novel where you see "what could have been", and frankly I loved every minute of it. In a lot of novels you see the hinting at a hero taking his love interest to mistress, but rarely do they actually go through with it, ending in a wedding instead. And frankly I was one of those readers that skipped books where the heroine was already a mistress, preferring females who don't have that version of jaded love. But this book made me a believer!
Lisa Torquay takes two solid characters and crafts a book that gives them a solid storyline. Hester is an actress, and unlike in today's society, she was painted as a harlot, despite never having had a love of her own. Hester is a kind and genuine person however, hearing of romance of course, but never testing it out on her own. So when she meets Drake and they have an instant connection, she follows her heart and becomes his mistress when asked.
Drake is captivated by Hester and is use to getting what he wants given his status as a Marquess. But beyond that he also seems like a genuine character who unlike some heroes of today's novels doesn't change the whole world to suit himself(or throw all the money at it).
So we catch up to these characters a year into their cozy arrangement, just as Hester learns that Drake is heading for marriage. While she's not trying to push him into marriage with her, she does call an end to their quiet relationship, unwilling and unable to share him and what they have, with another.
This throws Drake into a tailspin and over the rest of the novel, we get to see just how well suited they are to each other. Drake as he fights to keep Hester in his life, learns to see a deeper level within her character and finally acknowledges his love for her. I loved the romance and spice we got to see as things came crashing to an end!
This was my first book by Lisa Torquay, and though I was originally hesitant, I found I instantly started enjoying the book from chapter one. This is fourth in a series "The Imperious Lords" but can easily be read as a standalone. I look forward to reading future and past items by Torquay thanks to this book.
My opinions are my own and freely given.
Lisa Torquay takes two solid characters and crafts a book that gives them a solid storyline. Hester is an actress, and unlike in today's society, she was painted as a harlot, despite never having had a love of her own. Hester is a kind and genuine person however, hearing of romance of course, but never testing it out on her own. So when she meets Drake and they have an instant connection, she follows her heart and becomes his mistress when asked.
Drake is captivated by Hester and is use to getting what he wants given his status as a Marquess. But beyond that he also seems like a genuine character who unlike some heroes of today's novels doesn't change the whole world to suit himself(or throw all the money at it).
So we catch up to these characters a year into their cozy arrangement, just as Hester learns that Drake is heading for marriage. While she's not trying to push him into marriage with her, she does call an end to their quiet relationship, unwilling and unable to share him and what they have, with another.
This throws Drake into a tailspin and over the rest of the novel, we get to see just how well suited they are to each other. Drake as he fights to keep Hester in his life, learns to see a deeper level within her character and finally acknowledges his love for her. I loved the romance and spice we got to see as things came crashing to an end!
This was my first book by Lisa Torquay, and though I was originally hesitant, I found I instantly started enjoying the book from chapter one. This is fourth in a series "The Imperious Lords" but can easily be read as a standalone. I look forward to reading future and past items by Torquay thanks to this book.
My opinions are my own and freely given.
September 26, 2020
*** A love worth fighting for ***
What a hard-fought fight for romance. Hester is an interesting character. An actress on Drury Lane at her father's theater. She is the best of the best. She is kind, creative, intelligent, gets along with everyone and she is genuine. She is an innocent but has heard other speak of romances. She knows what the ton thinks of actresses. They are light-skirts and whores. But she had her dignity and self-respect that kept her going. Like two magnets Drake, the Marquess of Worcester was enthralled with Hester. He needed to make her his. He propositioned her to be his mistress and because of what she felt around him she agreed. Drake was used to getting what he wanted. He was not cruel and was a generous lover. He and Hester had so much in common it was uncanny. His problem was his meddling mother who tries to set him up with women to marry. A very contented and happy year passed for Hester and Drake until she heard that he was getting married. Hester utterly shocked Drake by leaving him. They did not truly understand their feelings for each other until they were tested and Hester made sure Drake knew she was serious. The story continues to reveal the struggles they went through not being together. Drake was wondering what was wrong with him because he was having all kind of feelings he never felt before. When Hester was threatened, Drake became protective of her and gave her a bodyguard. He also moved her back in with him for safety. What excruciating pain they went through being in the same space longing to be together and Hester fighting against it all the way. Drake saw a new side of Hester he had not seen before and she intrigued him even more than before. He refused to give up. But Hester would no longer entertain the option of being his mistress again. She knew marriage was out of the question and she had no desire for it. But something was happening inside Drake's heart. This is a great story and I enjoyed reading it.
I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
What a hard-fought fight for romance. Hester is an interesting character. An actress on Drury Lane at her father's theater. She is the best of the best. She is kind, creative, intelligent, gets along with everyone and she is genuine. She is an innocent but has heard other speak of romances. She knows what the ton thinks of actresses. They are light-skirts and whores. But she had her dignity and self-respect that kept her going. Like two magnets Drake, the Marquess of Worcester was enthralled with Hester. He needed to make her his. He propositioned her to be his mistress and because of what she felt around him she agreed. Drake was used to getting what he wanted. He was not cruel and was a generous lover. He and Hester had so much in common it was uncanny. His problem was his meddling mother who tries to set him up with women to marry. A very contented and happy year passed for Hester and Drake until she heard that he was getting married. Hester utterly shocked Drake by leaving him. They did not truly understand their feelings for each other until they were tested and Hester made sure Drake knew she was serious. The story continues to reveal the struggles they went through not being together. Drake was wondering what was wrong with him because he was having all kind of feelings he never felt before. When Hester was threatened, Drake became protective of her and gave her a bodyguard. He also moved her back in with him for safety. What excruciating pain they went through being in the same space longing to be together and Hester fighting against it all the way. Drake saw a new side of Hester he had not seen before and she intrigued him even more than before. He refused to give up. But Hester would no longer entertain the option of being his mistress again. She knew marriage was out of the question and she had no desire for it. But something was happening inside Drake's heart. This is a great story and I enjoyed reading it.
I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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