Only a Marquess Will Do

To Marry a Rogue #4

by Tamara Gill

It's a game of instruction and seduction. But who's teaching who?

The London Season is not for Lady Victoria Worthingham. After a disastrous marriage that lasted no more than six weeks, she's sworn off men forever. But that doesn't mean she can't help her brother's best friend find his perfect match. It should be simple…unless she falls in love with him first, of course…

Marquess Albert Kester is everything ladies aren't looking for in a husband—socially awkward and bumbling as a debutante at her first ball. Writing adventures instead of living them seems to be his lot in life. Unless he can convince Victoria to stop seeing him as a project and start seeing him as a man, that is…

She's determined to see him happily settled. All he wants is her. Only one outcome is certain in this game.

Rules will be broken…and if they aren't careful, so will their hearts…

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Historical, Regency

263 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 10, 2021

About the author

Tamara is an Australian author who grew up in an old mining town in country South Australia, where her love of history was founded. She loves to write romance novels in an array of genres, including regency, medieval, and time travel.

https://linktr.ee/tamaragillauthor

Buy direct from my store - now open!
https://www.tamaragill.com

Reviews

[Elaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a favourite of mine. I didn't like Victoria very much. I was getting fed up with the way she treated Albert - it was like a role reversal. I did laugh when I first read both their names....Victoria and Albert.
I do love reading this author, but I just couldn't stand Victoria. 3☆

[Rainelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Only a Marquees Will Do, by Tamara Gill. Ok, I am head over heels swooning over Albert’s character. In my opinion he has proven himself to be a patient man. Victoria should be very fearful of the patients wearing out. The characters I found very charming in the book.
The story reads at a fast pace, which is very good. The book has realism to it that helps with the scenarios Albert and Victoria find themselves in. The plot was catchy, but I found myself getting very tired of Victoria. I found her character very rude towards Albert. For a smart woman, she clearly didn’t think to well at all.
I found myself saying go find another woman Albert. Don’t get me wrong, I love the authors writing. She has done an awesome job with the book. The steamy moments that Victoria and Albert partake in are very passionate and hot. The visuals provided by the details described are so very good.
I look forward to more great writing from this author.

[Joan · Rating 1 out of 5]

I loved the sweet, virginal hero, Albert. But I detested the selfish, wretched Victoria. I hate when a character, who has been wounded by their previous partner, punishes the new partner for the bad deeds of someone else.

Refusing to give Albert children, her condition of marriage, was simply cruel. Why make this kind, gentle man pay for the mistakes of her rapscallion former husband by denying his heart’s desire to have children of his own?? Albert’s title and lineage will die out and Victoria is not even worth giving up Albert’s dream of children. This was neither romance or an HEA for me. This will be my last book by Tamara Gill.

[Pam Bereznak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read.
Loved Tamara Gill. Really like Albert. Felt Victoria a bit selfish but still a good read.
I have read 37 of her books. I guess I like her :)

Can't wait for the next one.

[Christopher Jos. Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written in terms of being historically accurate.

I very much liked the characters, especially the leading man, Albert.

Way too focused on improbable erotic interludes which become the slow-rolling body of the story for a hundred pages.

While technically a HEA, the ending is not at all satisfying. It’s as though the author spent so much time on the eroticism that they had to cut the ending short.

[donna potts · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not one I'd recommend

It went on and on about her reasons for not marrying. Ugh. Did I mention it went on and on? I disliked her. Not much romance but it did have premarital sex. Pass on this one.

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This romance is similar in theme to a number that I have read before, nevertheless I enjoyed the interplay between Lady Victoria and Lord Melvin as Victoria sets out to instruct the intensely reserved Lord in the ways of courtship. I loved Lord Melvin in spite of his shyness around women and enjoyed the way in which he narrowed his focus on the wounded Lady Alexander. I could sympathize with Alexander as she braves her way through society after her husband's devastating insults towards her only six weeks after the wedding, and can only admire her courage. I found the story romantic and was glad that Victoria and Lord Melvin found their happy ending. I received a copy of this novel as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny and Poignant

This book is mildly funny and poignant.
It is amazing ! Tamara Gill writes a good story and I love reading her books.

[Tisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a game of instruction and seduction. But who's teaching who?

Lady Victoria Worthingham the talk of the ton due to a disastrous marriage that lasted no more than six weeks, she's sworn off men. Her husband bedded the maid & ran off with her. Then slept with another man’s wife & got himself killed.
Josh Worthingham will not let is sister live a life like a Nun by running away from the gossip that was never her fault. When Josh’s Best Friend the Marquess Albert Kester informs him that he wants to court Lady Victoria he has his doubts that his friend will convivence Victoria to believe in love & marriage again. The 1st moment Albert had set eyes on Lady Victoria Worthingham, he adored her from afar. Albert socially awkward as if he were a bumbling debutante at her first ball. Lord Albert writes about adventures, romance, desires instead of living them? So, while the Worthhingham's come visit Rosedale. With his BFF approval he is determined to have Lady Victoria teach him the game of instruction and seduction. To snatch a bride. What she doesn’t know is that he only has eyes for one woman. The Lady who is teaching him or is he teaching her the art of seduction.

Albert has two secrets of his own... one that he is a author of romance novels & that he is a virgin. Learning how to please a woman is not just a game to him. It’s how he can get the love of his life to fall for him. Albert only knows the readings of sex from a text book his father left him. Maybe strange to the outside world of his passion for writing let alone not wanting to whore around with women to get experienced in the art of love making. His books told a different story. His writings would sure make you think he is experiences in the art of love making. For appearances he can play the Rake to society. His fires, desires he writes when it comes to devouring, adoring & lusting for a woman is all based on his muse Lady Victoria.
Though, he never expressed his feelings toward her during her season. He simply wasn’t ready for marriage at the time of her début Which is why she now lives with the decision to never marry or have children due to her mistake of her first marriage.

Now older & Unbeknownst to Lady Victoria and the Ton. Albert is the much sort out and mysterious gothic romance writer Elbert Retsek, which just so happens to be Victoria’s favorite romance novels. Albert lives voraciously through his writing.
Now if he could be the man from his romance pages to his real life so he can claim Victoria desperately as his wife. How can he convince her that marriage isn’t a dooms day! That he would never betray her as a husband like the disgusting Mr. Armstrong did by bedding another man’s wife & getting himself killed because of his disgusting habits of bedding another. How can he let Victoria know she will have adventure, dreams, & desires if she becomes the Marquess wife?

Lady Victoria has known Marquess Albert Kester all her life. He has always been the gentlemen towards the Worthingham family. They have gone to balls, throughout numerous seasons together. She never thought of him as a suiter during her year in her season. Instead, she married a rogue that shamed her & the family when he bailed out on their marriage after 6 weeks with their maid. She swore off men permanently! Because of her embarrassment of her husband shameful dismiss & being the joke in society both in the newspapers, & the ton. Josh Worthingham, Duke of Penworth (brother) has decided to have the family his mother the Duchess & Lady Victoria have an extended trip out in the country with their family friend. Josh’s BFF home of Marquess Albert Kester. Albert knows all to well what’s its like to be an outcast. He has loved Lady Victoria for years. So, when the gossip of what her husband had done to the Worthhingham’s family. Albert was eager to help his BFF Josh & the Worthingham clan to stay on the Rosedale estate.

I could go on & on of the plot. But I have to admit that beside the romance, list & sextual encounters the couple plays all to for the so call instruction for Lord Albert to catch a bride is sweet but a bit far fetched. Don't get me wrong I love the fact that Albert, is vulnerable, inexperienced, & a is a hidden gem when it comes to romance.
For a man to have that much patience to win Lady Victoria's heart was a bit long. I did find that Victoria's character was a smartass, rude, & clearly all about herself.
I found myself hoping that Lord Albert would find another Lady.

Lady Victoria was purely selfish, not just confused, she wanted to have her cake & eat it too. While hurting a man who adores her. Pretending she didn't know his emotions. They were written all over is sleeve. Her excuse because of what another man did to her.
Please it's one thing to make the Lady strong, independent but to have her be a teacher to a male Virgin based on the concept of a sex book as the means to instruct the art of seduction. When Victoria had only been married for 6 weeks rather silly. Don't misinterpret I do love the characters chemistry. It was definitely passionate & hot when it came to the steamy sextual encounters. The visuals were described in great details.

I just feel Victoria was only concerned about her pleasures. It didn't matter how she broke Albert's heart with every touch she allowed him to give her. While Albert had a goal to win back Lady Victoria's heart after that so called husband destroyed her believing in true love. Now for another aspect I cannot get past based on the era... Is the Marquess is fine with not having an heir for his estate all because he will do whatever Victoria wants. Not believable. Albert is just find passing over his estate & inheritance to a cousin & his family when he dies.
But they could have a compromise.
Now I understand to not have a boatload of kids. But she could have had one. Still go & have adventures & travels. What a great education that would have been for a child. Now it could have been brought up in the epilogue, that thru their many travels, & passion that she accidently got pregnant. Victoria still being stubborn about having a child but mostly out of fear. Then once they communicate together she would look forward becoming a mother.
Again this is just an opinion. Overall I still love the book & this series.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not what I had hoped.

I had so looked forward to Victoria's story....I adored Albert. He is sweet, unassuming and shy. But he knows his mind and has a wonderful secret. Victoria was, however, disappointing. Yes, she was embarrassed by her former husband, but to treat Albert the way she did was not well done. Yes, her intentions were good, help him be less socially awkward. I understand her wanting to protect her heart but Albert proved over and over and OVER that her heart would be safe with him.

I enjoyed Albert and his willingness to try to come out of his shell. His caring for Victoria was touching, but I was disappointed that he didn't stand his ground with her.

I remain hopeful for Josh to fair better.

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

A disappointing read

Both of the main characters in this book were not believable! She was selfish and cruel and he was supposed to be a romance author who enthralled people with his stories yet he could not articulate to the woman he loved! I will have no lasting memories of these two people!

[Agnes · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the series mostly but found this installment a bit lacking. Victoria's character, which we learned to enjoy over the previous two books was only narrowed down to her marriage aversion. Obviously, she had lived through the scandal but I was under the impression, that she cared little about ton's opinion. She did not loved her husband, and so her trauma was not exactly justified.

[AmazingJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good but a tad disappointing

I did enjoy the book, but I didn't care for the h. She is selfish & cold hearted. I understand her 1st husband humiliated her by leaving her for 1 of her Maid's after 6 weeks of marriage.
But to deny a wonderful man as Albert children was just unacceptable.

[Maxine Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

fantastic read not to be missed

The book grabs your attention from the very first page to the very last

Fantastic story line, highly recommend do not miss this series

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Victoria and Albert's tale of instruction and seduction.

Lady Victoria Worthingham's first marriage had ended in disaster not only had her husband run off with a maid 6 weeks after they had exchanged their vows, but he had managed to get himself shot and killed by an errant husband some 2 years later.  After this disastrous union she had sworn off men altogether.

Marquess Albert Kester was socially inept, awkward and excruciatingly shy when it came to the fair sex as he abhorred large gatherings and crowds. Unbeknownst to the Victoria and the Ton Albert was also the much sort after and mysterious gothic romance writer Elbert Retsek, Victoria loved his books of romance and adventure and Albert lived voraciously through his writing.

Albert was also her brother's best friend and if he was to ever marry he would like that woman to be just like Victoria or better still Victoria herself if he could just get her to overcome her aversion to men and marriage and get her to see him as her future. He felt comfortable with her and talking to her came easy not as easy as he would have liked, but still at least he could have some sort of conversation with her without breaking out in a cold sweat and eyeing up the first available exit.

Victoria on seeing how nervous Albert gets in company decides that she will help him to become the rake that she knows he could be, by giving him lessons in how to talk to ladies and how to flirt with them. Over the course of their lessons attraction becomes so much more leading Victoria to realise that she loves Albert and wishes to be his wife, but does her realisation come too late as Albert is set to take the Ton by storm.

Can Lady Victoria convince Albert of her love and willingness to become has Marchiness before it is too late?

[LOU71 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Only a Marquess Will Do is the fourth book in the To Marry a Rogue series. Set in London, 1809, and Hampshire, 1811, the story rolls over into another London Season in 1812. This book is thirty-eight chapters long with an Epilogue in Venice on The Grand Canal in 1817. Despite its length, it’s an erotic historical romance that is well-paced.

Only an Earl Will Do: 4 stars: Henry & Elizabeth
Only a Duke Will Do: 3 stars: Merrick & Isolde
Only a Viscount Will Do: 3 stars: Callum & Alice
Only a Marquess Will Do: 4- stars: Albert & Victoria

Albert Kester, Marquess Melvin, uses a pseudonym to write gothic romance novels. He is a sweet, thoughtful, and unassuming Hero who is very shy and a virgin. Albert is socially inept, awkward, and excruciatingly shy. He had an endearing willingness to learn more social graces to gain his confidence.

Lady Victoria Worthingham is a jilted Heroine focused on protecting herself from any future embarrassment to do with a man, hence her declaration that she’ll never marry again after the demise of her six week marriage. She’s a hard-headed Heroine and I soon grew tired of her stance.

Albert and Victoria’s relationship relies heavy on the premise of her instruction to help him, and his secret and hopeful seduction of her. They have a very physical relationship. Their sexy times are experimental and clandestine.

I recommend this book. I recommend this series.

[JenReviews4U · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a predictable story line, it has been done before but it is such a fun read, I love seeing how they get to their HEA. Ms. Gill's artistry with words sweeps you into the world of ballrooms, elegant dresses, and London's upper class society. I really did enjoy reading this romance. The chemistry between Victoria and Albert is felt through the pages, and the romantic scenes are hot! I thought it nice that Victoria didn't balk at learning that Albert didn't know certain things but was willing to be a patient instructor with him.

I did think she was a bit too pushy in some circumstances and a man like Albert would have run from her, if he hadn't already known her. I didn't care for Victoria's boldness, it was a bit too much. A lot of ideas in the story are mentioned over and over again, like for example the facts that she was married before and Albert being socially awkward. It felt like filler to me as we already knew that and had been told nearly every chapter before.

Overall I would recommend this novel. Although part of a series, it is a standalone story but characters from the previous series books make numerous appearance. I have never read any of the series and felt that it would help some to clarify some information but is not necessary.
I received an advanced copy in exchange for my review

[Debbie Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Albert Kester the Marquess of Meldon has been in love with his best friend’s sister for as long as he can remember, even after she married another. Poor Albert is socially challenged, he becomes tongue tied and it’s difficult to talking to people especially new people and in crowds. Widowed Lady Victoria Worthingham has married once, lived with her husband’s scandalous behavior and ultimately his death by a jealous husband. Victoria has always like Albert and when she see him across the room and she realizes notices he’s in need of help socializing with other people and offers to help him with finding a wife. A captivating story as Albert tries to win Victoria’s affections and she keeps stating she’ll never marry and be tied down, but this doesn't stop her from helping Albert in everyway. Poor Victoria is determined not to fall in love again to find what she feels for Albert is nothing like the feeling she had for her husband, they are much deeper, more sexual and definitely more stimulating than anything she’s ever experience. Albert is a gentle man, he wears his heart on his sleeve for everyone to see except Victoria, he needs to proceed carefully with Victoria if he ever has a chance with her, so he agree to let her help him become more socially active and find a wife. I enjoyed this book immensely and I’m voluntarily writing a review.

[Bridget Love to read Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Too focused on the past

Lady Victoria had a first bad marriage and she won't let anyone forget it, herself included! Albert is a good friend of her brother the Duke and his shyness and awkwardness hinder his life in the present!
I think Victoria needed to be by herself! This is the first time in a long long time if ever I wished the hero picked someone else!!! There is a lot of detail given about how beautiful and well kept Albert estate is! What man would put off indefinitely or forever a chance to have his heir keep his estate for future generations just because of a wife who wants to travel all the known world and have wonderful sex but no babies ever!
That is not love to me future generations need to know a kind loving father with an incredible writing gift! The fact that Albert waiting didn't even court another woman was not something I was happy with! Victoria harped on and on about he embarrassing ex and him sleeping with half the the Ton!!! No one saw his true character until after the fact but seriously get over it! The man is dead and gone yes Victoria has trust issues but Albert doesn't just have good intentions but the best of them!!! Will Victoria finally see Albert for the gift he is?
They get their HEA but I wish there had more giving with Victoria. All men are not alike!! The author put a little different spin on it! But.....

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Six weeks after they married, Victoria’s husband ran away with one of the maids. A few years later, the reprobate was killed in a duel by his latest lover’s irate husband. Good enough for him. Of course, she never plans to marry again. When the family returns to the country she decides to help her brother’s very shy friend, Marquess Melvin, learn to conduct himself in society and talk to women. She wants to help Albert find a wife and happiness. Albert writes a fantastic story, but is shy around real people, especially the ladies. He accepts Victoria’s offer. What he would really like is Victoria.

Albert and Victoria have a complicated love story. She must get past her pain before she can feel anything beyond desire. Albert is such a lovely hero. He is understanding and patient. There’s not just a physical attraction; they like each other. To clear some of the hurdles they face will require compromise. It will not be easy, but the love and happiness waiting for them is well worth it. I enjoyed this engaging story, and I like the characters. Albert and Victoria tug on you heart strings. A good read.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

The London Season is not for Lady Victoria Worthingham. After a disastrous marriage that lasted only six weeks before her husband ran off with a maid, she's determined never to marry again.
Albert Kester Marquis Melvin is everything ladies aren't looking for in a husband—socially awkward and bumbling as a debutante at her first ball. Writing adventures instead of living them seems to be his lot in life. She's determined to see him happily settled. All he wants is her.
This is the fourth book in this engrossing series & the fourth Worthington sibling to find love, it’s easily read on its own. I loved both Albert & Victoria, he’s the awkward duckling & she’s bitter widow, together they were electric. I loved how he gained confidence under Victoria’s tutelage, she also learned much from Albert & their ‘learning’ sessions were certainly different. A very well written romance, which had humour, love, steam & some pathos, I devoured it in two sittings & was totally captivated by this lovely couple
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Gladys · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really, really loved this book. To start, I have to say how clever and daring I thought it was for the author to take a a story concept we've all seen before and give it a fresh twist by having the heroine be the knowledgeable one determined to help and teach the shy, awkward hero how to shine. It's sweet, cute and emotionally moving. I found both of these characters incredibly likable and I felt they made an amazing couple. Every interaction they share is filled with the zing of chemistry, bright glimmers of humor and so much heart. Toss in the whole brother's best friend trope and I found this book just impossible to resist and honestly, I didn't want to. I embraced it and fell just as hard for Victoria and Albert as they fell for each other. I am electing to post a unprejudiced review of my own accord.

[Lana Birky · Rating 5 out of 5]

After six weeks of marriage, Lady Victoria Worthingham is now a widow - she married a horrible man & he was killed by the husband of one of his lovers. She has sworn off men, but she can help her brother's best friend find a wife during the season. Marquess Alfred Kester is inept when it comes to finding a wife.

Victoria desires Alfred to find happiness & will teach him the finer points of society & how to converse with the ladies. Alfred has been attracted to Victoria before she was married and all he just wants Victoria to notice him as a man. Fun, humor, romance, & love abound in this well-written story with a wonderful couple. I highly recommend this entertaining book & all the books in the series! I voluntarily read & reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts & opinions are my own.

[Anna Petersen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the book.

After a bad - short marriage Victoria has written off love and marriage for good. Our shy hero Albert have loved Victoria from afar for years - but never made his move as she is his best friends sister.

Using the return of her brother as an excuse to invite Victoria and her family for a stay in order to see if he can change her mind and have her accept him as her husband Albert is in for a challenge. He is normally shy with women and ask her to help him getting better at talking etc. this gives him a lot of opportunities to be with her in order to change her mind.

I love that the heroine doesn’t just change her mind straight off and makes him work for the relationship - making the foundation stronger.

Would absolutely recommend this book

I received an ARC of this book.

[Ghazal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received "Only A Marquess Will Do" from the fantabulous Tamara Gill. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Victoria Worthingham's husband ran away with a maid after only 6 weeks of marriage,  and then was killed by a husband of one of his many lovers. Albert Kester,  Marquess Melvin, has been in love with Victoria,  his best friend's sister, since before her first marriage. He is shy among people and has a secret no one knows about. Two years after her marriage, Victoria meets Albert and loves reconnecting with him. She make a commitment to help him feel less awkward amongst women so he can find his bride. But Albert has only ever loved Victoria and has always wanted her as his wife. Steamy romance!

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful love story. Albert has always wanted Victoria and now that she has agreed to help him get over his shyness and tutor him in how to converse with a lady, he is hoping that she will give him a chance to court her. Albert learns his lessons very well, and uses his time to get close to Victoria. The story shows how things do not always go the way planned and how she tries to fight her attraction to him. The story is well written and entertaining. The author has written both Victoria and Albert as strong characters who have decided what they want out life and to go forward in obtaining it. This is an excellent story that is worth reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Bookfunnel and are voluntarily leaving a review.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though the plot will sound familiar, this is more than a ‘brother’s best friend’ storyline. Tamara Gill weaves a story that is fresh and new, with the heroine being the knowledgeable one and the hero having that hidden sizzle that will create perfect chemistry. The widowed Lady Victoria is sworn off men, until her brother’s best friend comes into her view and she aims to get him happily settled. Having admired her from afar, even before her marriage, Alfred’s socially awkwardness has kept him out of the limelight, but he just needs Victoria to notice him for who he is deep down. And deep down he is one steamy guy with a secret. This story was so entertaining, with a fun, humorous, romantic thread that will keep your turning the pages.

[CATHERINE BURHANS · Rating 4 out of 5]

Victoria is the daughter, and a sister of a Duke, but she has been emotionally devastated and humiliated when her scoundrel of a husband leaves her for a maid. She swears to never marry or trust a man again. Albert is a close friend of her brother, and a Marquess as well. He has adored Victoria for years, and even though he is nothing like her cheating first husband, she repeatedly tells him that she will never marry again. But she wants to help Albert, and makes it her mission to teach him how to court a wife. Victoria and Albert’s relationship is sizzling, the banter entertaining and the romance delightful. Albert was really sweet, kind , and patient, and I felt bad for him because Victoria was very selfish and self serving to the end.

[Wendy Tavenner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding love when she wasn’t looking

Loved Victoria and Alberts story. Victoria was made a fool of by her disgraceful husband. Vowing never to marry again she wants to help her friend Lord Melvin find a bride. Lord Melvin has been in love with Victoria since before her first marriage but he has a problem talking to woman. He invites the Duke, his mother and Victoria to his home for a few days. While there she vows to assist Albert. Victoria keeps pushing different woman towards him and he continues to say NO! All she wants to do is help her friend and then go on her adventure to different countries. A beautifully written story where the Hero wants his girl and the Heroine needs to find what is important to her.

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tamara Gill writes a book which gets me very involved, the time flies. This book is about is about Albert and Victoria. Victoria is a widow, who husband embarrassed her after 6 weeks of marriage, now she never wants to be married again. Albert is Victoria’s brother’s friend and has know her for years. He is a shy gentleman who does not know how to act with the ladies. Victoria decides to help and tutor him so he can find a wife. The main problem is he wants Victoria as his wife. While they spend so much private time alone, they get physically closer, which is hot, very hot. They are perfect when they are together.
I received an ARC of this book for my honest opinion.