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Shadows and Silk #5
At the Pleasure of the Marquess
Hortense Marchand has played many roles, but never wife. Until one desperate marquess seeks the lady spy’s help—and her hand…
Thief. Spy. Wife.
Orphaned as a child, Hortense has had to fight her way to becoming the ton’s favorite private investigator. But for a woman who lives on the edge, the past is never dead. When her former spymaster asks her to find his wastrel brother Jamie, the Marquess of Clare, she thinks it’s just one more job uncovering the ton’s dirty secrets. She has no idea that she’s about to find her future…
Lord. Lover. Husband.
To her surprise, Lord James Asquith isn’t as wayward as his brother thinks, and when Jamie catches Hortense searching his study one night, neither can ignore the sparks that fly. Intrigued, he tracks her through London, watching her work. But when his rakish past comes back to haunt him, Jamie can think of no one better to help him than the talented, and very fetching, lady spy…
When Lord Becomes Lover and Thief Becomes Wife...
Their quest takes them back to Hortense’s dark past as a child pickpocket, where she and Jamie will have no choice but to work together to do the bidding of a powerful thief lord—even if that means marriage! Despite their chaste intentions, passion flares and as they grow closer Jamie and Hortense can’t help but wonder if love will be enough to make their marriage more than a masquerade...
Thief. Spy. Wife.
Orphaned as a child, Hortense has had to fight her way to becoming the ton’s favorite private investigator. But for a woman who lives on the edge, the past is never dead. When her former spymaster asks her to find his wastrel brother Jamie, the Marquess of Clare, she thinks it’s just one more job uncovering the ton’s dirty secrets. She has no idea that she’s about to find her future…
Lord. Lover. Husband.
To her surprise, Lord James Asquith isn’t as wayward as his brother thinks, and when Jamie catches Hortense searching his study one night, neither can ignore the sparks that fly. Intrigued, he tracks her through London, watching her work. But when his rakish past comes back to haunt him, Jamie can think of no one better to help him than the talented, and very fetching, lady spy…
When Lord Becomes Lover and Thief Becomes Wife...
Their quest takes them back to Hortense’s dark past as a child pickpocket, where she and Jamie will have no choice but to work together to do the bidding of a powerful thief lord—even if that means marriage! Despite their chaste intentions, passion flares and as they grow closer Jamie and Hortense can’t help but wonder if love will be enough to make their marriage more than a masquerade...
348 pages, ebook
First published April 28, 2021
362 people are currently reading
605 people want to read
About the author
Sofie Darling
31 books1,430 followersUSA Today bestselling author Sofie Darling’s passion for historical romance began in middle school the moment she cracked open Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte. An instant and enduring love affair was born.
Sofie spent much of her twenties raising two boys and reading every romance she could get her hands on. Once she realized she simply must write the books she loved, she finished her English degree and set pencil to paper. (Ticonderoga #2 is her quill of choice.)
When she’s not writing heroes who make her swoon, Sofie enjoys a nice weekend hike, a visit to a crumbling medieval castle whenever she gets the chance, and a slightly codependent relationship with her beagle, Bosco.
You can keep up with her latest and future releases by joining her newsletter here:
https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...
Sofie spent much of her twenties raising two boys and reading every romance she could get her hands on. Once she realized she simply must write the books she loved, she finished her English degree and set pencil to paper. (Ticonderoga #2 is her quill of choice.)
When she’s not writing heroes who make her swoon, Sofie enjoys a nice weekend hike, a visit to a crumbling medieval castle whenever she gets the chance, and a slightly codependent relationship with her beagle, Bosco.
You can keep up with her latest and future releases by joining her newsletter here:
https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
December 9, 2025
Great interactions between MCs, blurry background, insane plot
Have you ever played the old Pokemon games? There was always a point where you had to go into a pitch dark cave. Even if you used 'Flash' the surroundings stayed dark.
You had to memorize the paths you had taken to get through.
↠ That is how this book felt.
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🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
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Have you ever played the old Pokemon games? There was always a point where you had to go into a pitch dark cave. Even if you used 'Flash' the surroundings stayed dark.
You had to memorize the paths you had taken to get through.
↠ That is how this book felt.
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・
・
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
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April 13, 2021
Series: Shadows and Silk #5
Publication Date: 4/28/21
Number of Pages: 303
** 3.5 stars **
Two broken people from disparate backgrounds find their HEA despite all of the odds against them.
James Asquith, Marquess of Clare, doesn’t think much of love or relationships – or perhaps just people in general. He was raised by unloving, uncaring, totally debauched parents who could hardly stand to be in the same room with each other. James had been doing a great job of drinking himself into oblivion until his parents were killed in a carriage a few months earlier. For some reason, after they had departed this earth, his need to drink himself to death evaporated. What he has done in the past five months, however, is sequester himself in his home because he needed that time alone. He has shut everyone out, including his brother Nick who we met in the first book of the series, Three Lessons in Seduction. Nick, a former spymaster, wants to know if his brother has finally succeeded in drinking himself to death – or if he is ill – or … So, he hires one of his former spies to infiltrate James’s home and see what is going on.
Hortense Marchand has been the much-loved child of doting parents, a resident of the St. Mary Magdalen workhouse, a pickpocket and member of the Lucky Eels, a spy, and now she conducts discrete inquiries. When her old spymaster approaches to ask her to gain employment in his brother’s home and report back on James’s well-being, she readily agrees. Gaining employment there is easy, but she certainly never expected to get caught in her spying. James certainly isn’t drinking – and he’s very sharp and intelligent – not to mention handsome.
James was intrigued by Hortense during their brief encounter and when he had news that needed further investigation, he decided to hire her for the job. Of course, his stipulation was that he gets to go along during the investigation – and since he offered more payment than she could refuse, she agreed. When that investigation leads to even more shocking revelations, the investigation had to continue – and it had to continue in an area where Hortense dreaded to go. “Once an eel, always an eel.”
I thoroughly enjoyed James and Hortense who were both lovely and relatable characters. I loved how protective James was and how Hortense would bristle at it. What I didn’t love was the cavalier manner the author spoke of annulling the marriage – and that was a large part of the story. An annulment or divorce was all but impossible to get in that period. You didn’t just have ‘papers drawn up to get an annulment even if you were a marquess.
I enjoyed the story, and I liked the characters, but every time the annulment was mentioned, I just lost track of the story. So, while I enjoyed the characters and the story, I probably wouldn’t read it a second time.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Publication Date: 4/28/21
Number of Pages: 303
** 3.5 stars **
Two broken people from disparate backgrounds find their HEA despite all of the odds against them.
James Asquith, Marquess of Clare, doesn’t think much of love or relationships – or perhaps just people in general. He was raised by unloving, uncaring, totally debauched parents who could hardly stand to be in the same room with each other. James had been doing a great job of drinking himself into oblivion until his parents were killed in a carriage a few months earlier. For some reason, after they had departed this earth, his need to drink himself to death evaporated. What he has done in the past five months, however, is sequester himself in his home because he needed that time alone. He has shut everyone out, including his brother Nick who we met in the first book of the series, Three Lessons in Seduction. Nick, a former spymaster, wants to know if his brother has finally succeeded in drinking himself to death – or if he is ill – or … So, he hires one of his former spies to infiltrate James’s home and see what is going on.
Hortense Marchand has been the much-loved child of doting parents, a resident of the St. Mary Magdalen workhouse, a pickpocket and member of the Lucky Eels, a spy, and now she conducts discrete inquiries. When her old spymaster approaches to ask her to gain employment in his brother’s home and report back on James’s well-being, she readily agrees. Gaining employment there is easy, but she certainly never expected to get caught in her spying. James certainly isn’t drinking – and he’s very sharp and intelligent – not to mention handsome.
James was intrigued by Hortense during their brief encounter and when he had news that needed further investigation, he decided to hire her for the job. Of course, his stipulation was that he gets to go along during the investigation – and since he offered more payment than she could refuse, she agreed. When that investigation leads to even more shocking revelations, the investigation had to continue – and it had to continue in an area where Hortense dreaded to go. “Once an eel, always an eel.”
I thoroughly enjoyed James and Hortense who were both lovely and relatable characters. I loved how protective James was and how Hortense would bristle at it. What I didn’t love was the cavalier manner the author spoke of annulling the marriage – and that was a large part of the story. An annulment or divorce was all but impossible to get in that period. You didn’t just have ‘papers drawn up to get an annulment even if you were a marquess.
I enjoyed the story, and I liked the characters, but every time the annulment was mentioned, I just lost track of the story. So, while I enjoyed the characters and the story, I probably wouldn’t read it a second time.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 18, 2021
The heat and desire between Jamie and Hortense is obvious early on, but the need to protect her heart only endears one to her. An absolute gem of a book!
Read full review in the 2021 June issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2021 June issue of InD'tale Magazine.
July 28, 2023
Absolutely delightful
Loved the characters and their chemistry was spot on. Plus when there's a dog with a funny name I'm sold lol
Loved the characters and their chemistry was spot on. Plus when there's a dog with a funny name I'm sold lol
April 27, 2021
At the Pleasure of the Marquess is the fifth book in Sofie Darling’s Shadows and Silk series, but it works perfectly fine as a standalone novel. I’ve only read the fourth book in the series, To Win a Wicked Lord, but I was able to enjoy this one – even with the appearance of characters from book one.
At the Pleasure of the Marquess was a story that grabbed me from the start, sucking me in with ease and ensuring I could not put it down. Once I started, I was desperate to see how everything came together. With great characters, wonderful chemistry, and a gripping storyline, I could not get enough of the unfolding events. Each detail packed a punch, pulling me in deeper and deeper. There were a few things that were a little too easy, a few details that were not taken quite as far as they could have been, but it was not enough to take away from my enjoyment of the story.
Without a doubt, this was a fun read. I’m now eager to go and read book one, as I need to find out more about certain characters.
At the Pleasure of the Marquess was a story that grabbed me from the start, sucking me in with ease and ensuring I could not put it down. Once I started, I was desperate to see how everything came together. With great characters, wonderful chemistry, and a gripping storyline, I could not get enough of the unfolding events. Each detail packed a punch, pulling me in deeper and deeper. There were a few things that were a little too easy, a few details that were not taken quite as far as they could have been, but it was not enough to take away from my enjoyment of the story.
Without a doubt, this was a fun read. I’m now eager to go and read book one, as I need to find out more about certain characters.
April 25, 2021
A suspenseful drama, I found myself being drawn into an adventure, unlike anything the Marquess of Clare had ever experienced before. Finding a slight shadow of a woman in his study late at night, Jamie comes to the realisation that he cannot escape his brother's concern for him but having just received news that points to his appalling parents' perfidy, he seizes on the opportunity presented to him in the form of Hortense Marchand. After all, she knows her way around in the underworld of London and can get the results he needs. Making an offer to Hortense, she accepts the outrageous request, but it takes a moment for her to realise that Jamie intends to come with her. Together they go to places and meet people that Jamie had never heard of let alone seen, resulting in the cementing of their relationship that scares Hortense half to death. This romance is exciting, different, and laced with suspense, keeping me glued to my seat, kindle in hand. The novel is a standalone and comes to a very successful conclusion. I received a copy of this book as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.
January 10, 2025
This is only my 5th book by Sofie Darling. I have only read book 1 thru 4 in this series. I am so glad I asked about her in my steamy FB group because she is definitely steamy and has such great depth with her characters and her storylines. Plus I love a good book cover and she has such pretty book covers. 😊
Wow, I loved this book. It was by far my favorite and I have really liked them all. I loved Hortense and James and their story. These characters were amazing. I loved their personalities and I loved the life stories of their past and what made them so great in the future. The ending gave me all the feels. Definitely adding as my first favorite read of the new year for January, 2025. Loved it.
Wow, I loved this book. It was by far my favorite and I have really liked them all. I loved Hortense and James and their story. These characters were amazing. I loved their personalities and I loved the life stories of their past and what made them so great in the future. The ending gave me all the feels. Definitely adding as my first favorite read of the new year for January, 2025. Loved it.
April 24, 2021
Maybe 3.5 stars
Worried about his brother, former spymaster, Lord Nicolas Asquith asks one of his former agents, Hortense Marchland to check on him. Nick tells Hortense that his brother, James “Jamie” Asquith, the Marquess of Clare has not been seen for months – not since the sudden death of their parents five months ago. Before their death, Jamie was slowly drinking himself into an early grave and Nick is worried that he has succeeded.
After the war ended and the need for agents with it, Hortense began an inquiry business. Years ago, Nick saved Hortense from a life on the streets and has come to be family to her – so when he asked her for help, there is no way she could deny him. But she didn’t expect his brother to be so observant or so sober. When Jamie catches her snooping around his study – he orders her to leave, but he is intrigued by her and follows her. He joins her on another job and then offers her an outrageous amount of money to help him learn what really happened to a lover he lost touch with years ago. Hortense takes the job, not realizing that in doing so, she will be dragged back into her days working for the crime lord Flick Doyle. But true to her word, Hortense learns what happened to Jamie’s lost lover and uncovers another lie his parents kept from him; he has a son. A son that has been lost to the streets and none other than Flick Doyle and his “Lucky Eels”.
Hortense agrees to do a job for Doyle to ensure his son’s release – but it will require connections to the ton that she doesn’t have – connections that Jamie offers to give her through marriage - Jamie is desperate to get his son away from Doyle and will do whatever is necessary – even marrying Hortense. They marry and work together to complete the job and get his son. But neither is prepared for the intense passion that blooms between them or the secret that Hortense is keeping that will definitely destroy any chance of a HEA.
This is a well-written, fast-paced story that is not your usual marriage of convenience story. Jamie and Hortense are both very likable and relatable characters who are both struggling with their pasts and the effect it has on their future. I liked the story, but I wasn’t sold on the need for them to marry, especially after Jamie so efficiently solved Hortense’s problem at that end and made this reader wonder why that solution hadn’t been employed at the first meeting. Aside from that and a few title errors – I did enjoy this story, it is filled with intrigue, steamy love scenes, surprises, twists and turns, and finally a HEA complete with a very heartwarming epilogue. This is the fifth book in the series, but it could easily be read as a standalone title with no problems.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own. *
Worried about his brother, former spymaster, Lord Nicolas Asquith asks one of his former agents, Hortense Marchland to check on him. Nick tells Hortense that his brother, James “Jamie” Asquith, the Marquess of Clare has not been seen for months – not since the sudden death of their parents five months ago. Before their death, Jamie was slowly drinking himself into an early grave and Nick is worried that he has succeeded.
After the war ended and the need for agents with it, Hortense began an inquiry business. Years ago, Nick saved Hortense from a life on the streets and has come to be family to her – so when he asked her for help, there is no way she could deny him. But she didn’t expect his brother to be so observant or so sober. When Jamie catches her snooping around his study – he orders her to leave, but he is intrigued by her and follows her. He joins her on another job and then offers her an outrageous amount of money to help him learn what really happened to a lover he lost touch with years ago. Hortense takes the job, not realizing that in doing so, she will be dragged back into her days working for the crime lord Flick Doyle. But true to her word, Hortense learns what happened to Jamie’s lost lover and uncovers another lie his parents kept from him; he has a son. A son that has been lost to the streets and none other than Flick Doyle and his “Lucky Eels”.
Hortense agrees to do a job for Doyle to ensure his son’s release – but it will require connections to the ton that she doesn’t have – connections that Jamie offers to give her through marriage - Jamie is desperate to get his son away from Doyle and will do whatever is necessary – even marrying Hortense. They marry and work together to complete the job and get his son. But neither is prepared for the intense passion that blooms between them or the secret that Hortense is keeping that will definitely destroy any chance of a HEA.
This is a well-written, fast-paced story that is not your usual marriage of convenience story. Jamie and Hortense are both very likable and relatable characters who are both struggling with their pasts and the effect it has on their future. I liked the story, but I wasn’t sold on the need for them to marry, especially after Jamie so efficiently solved Hortense’s problem at that end and made this reader wonder why that solution hadn’t been employed at the first meeting. Aside from that and a few title errors – I did enjoy this story, it is filled with intrigue, steamy love scenes, surprises, twists and turns, and finally a HEA complete with a very heartwarming epilogue. This is the fifth book in the series, but it could easily be read as a standalone title with no problems.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own. *
December 29, 2023
MY RATING GUIDE: 3 Stars. I enjoyed the characters but there was more angst/poignancy than I prefer (“all the feels”?)
1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= THIS WAS SOMEWHAT ENJOYABLE; 3.5= I enjoyed it; 4= I liked it a lot; 5= I Loved it, it was great! (I seldom give 5 Stars).
London, beg April 1827 ~
Hortance (Amalie) Marchand, 23, is an (orphaned) woman originally from the workhouse. She escapes into the stews at about 12yrs, becomes a clever pickpocket and eventually is employed by a Lord (Nick Asquith), assisting him in catching certain criminals. When Nick retires, Hortance begins working private inquiries for herself in a smaller capacity. In ATPOTM, Nick asks Hortance to quietly locate his older brother, Jamie Asquith, the Marquess of Claire, 35, who Nick hasn’t seen since Jaime inherited the title. Nick fears something dire has occurred to Jamie.
Comments ~
1) AT THE PLEASURE OF THE MARQUESS is bk5 in a 6(?) bk series. I haven’t read the other books but didn’t feel like I was missing crucial information from the earlier books. ATPOTM stands alone.
2) I liked and could understand the perspectives of both main characters. Hortance was a survivor, street smart, physically tough and experienced in the hard facts-of-life. Jaime, even though he was a titled lord, had his own emotional and psychological scars from his past. There was underlying angst as these two characters, from 2 completely different worlds, come together and work toward resolving a specific problem. I felt this was rather a sad story, even with the HEA.
3) Readers who prefer angst, drama, and/or poignancy in their stories more than lightness and humor may enjoy AT THE PLEASURE OF THE MARQUESS very much. The tone was just a bit too serious for me. (I made myself finish it and the ending was good).
READER CAUTION ~
PROFANITY - Yes. Strong language is used on occasion.
VIOLENCE - PG. Brief scenes of poverty, life on the streets, etc.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - Yes. Open-door detailed scenes of intimacy occurs (a number of times) between MCs.
1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= THIS WAS SOMEWHAT ENJOYABLE; 3.5= I enjoyed it; 4= I liked it a lot; 5= I Loved it, it was great! (I seldom give 5 Stars).
London, beg April 1827 ~
Hortance (Amalie) Marchand, 23, is an (orphaned) woman originally from the workhouse. She escapes into the stews at about 12yrs, becomes a clever pickpocket and eventually is employed by a Lord (Nick Asquith), assisting him in catching certain criminals. When Nick retires, Hortance begins working private inquiries for herself in a smaller capacity. In ATPOTM, Nick asks Hortance to quietly locate his older brother, Jamie Asquith, the Marquess of Claire, 35, who Nick hasn’t seen since Jaime inherited the title. Nick fears something dire has occurred to Jamie.
Comments ~
1) AT THE PLEASURE OF THE MARQUESS is bk5 in a 6(?) bk series. I haven’t read the other books but didn’t feel like I was missing crucial information from the earlier books. ATPOTM stands alone.
2) I liked and could understand the perspectives of both main characters. Hortance was a survivor, street smart, physically tough and experienced in the hard facts-of-life. Jaime, even though he was a titled lord, had his own emotional and psychological scars from his past. There was underlying angst as these two characters, from 2 completely different worlds, come together and work toward resolving a specific problem. I felt this was rather a sad story, even with the HEA.
3) Readers who prefer angst, drama, and/or poignancy in their stories more than lightness and humor may enjoy AT THE PLEASURE OF THE MARQUESS very much. The tone was just a bit too serious for me. (I made myself finish it and the ending was good).
READER CAUTION ~
PROFANITY - Yes. Strong language is used on occasion.
VIOLENCE - PG. Brief scenes of poverty, life on the streets, etc.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - Yes. Open-door detailed scenes of intimacy occurs (a number of times) between MCs.
April 28, 2021
As a young orphan, Hortense saw a chance to escape the workhouse. She gathered her courage & did what she had to do. She’s been a survivor ever since. Her work as a spy for Lord Nicholas Asquith was more than just a job. It changed her life & gave her a family again. Even though she’s established her own investigative business, she takes an undercover job as a favor to Nick. It seems like an easy assignment...
James Asquith, the Marquess of Clare, is stuck in a bad place emotionally. He’s been hiding from the world. When he discovers one of his “employees” snooping around his study, his interest is peaked for the first time in ages.
Don’t want to give any details away, but what follows is a very entertaining story filled with plenty of twists & turns. Both Hortense & Jamie are dealing with some serious issues & secrets from their pasts that have to be dealt with before either can move forward. Luckily, they have each other. Safe to say, they find they really need each other.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book & this is my honest review.
James Asquith, the Marquess of Clare, is stuck in a bad place emotionally. He’s been hiding from the world. When he discovers one of his “employees” snooping around his study, his interest is peaked for the first time in ages.
Don’t want to give any details away, but what follows is a very entertaining story filled with plenty of twists & turns. Both Hortense & Jamie are dealing with some serious issues & secrets from their pasts that have to be dealt with before either can move forward. Luckily, they have each other. Safe to say, they find they really need each other.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book & this is my honest review.
April 28, 2021
Lord James Asquith, Marquess of Clare, is not the product of a loving home, just the opposite. His brother, Nick, has become worried because Jamie has isolated himself, probably with a bottle, since he inherited the title. Amelie Hortense Marchand did come from a loving home, but when her parents died, she was taken to the workhouse. She escaped and became a member of a pickpocket gang, until one night she picked the pocket of Lord Nicholas Asquith, a spy master. She stayed with Nick’s group for a while, and then decide to use her skills to be an investigator. When she breaks into his study to spy on him as a favor for Nick, Jamie catches her. Here is where their story begins.
Jamie and Hortense are wonderful characters. They are fun and have great chemistry. Their story is captivating. There is drama, suspense, mystery, drama, danger, a whole lot of humor, and some wonderful surprises. This is a story of finding hope and love. I enjoyed it from start to finish, and happily recommend it.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book
Jamie and Hortense are wonderful characters. They are fun and have great chemistry. Their story is captivating. There is drama, suspense, mystery, drama, danger, a whole lot of humor, and some wonderful surprises. This is a story of finding hope and love. I enjoyed it from start to finish, and happily recommend it.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book
April 15, 2021
At The Pleasure of the Marquess
(Shadows and Silk #5)
Written by: Sofie Darling
I don’t read Historical Romance as much as I should. Sofie Darling’s At The Pleasure of the Marquess is proof that I really should read at least three a month.
Darling gives us a hero who would have given up being the new Marquess if he could have. James (Jamie) Asquith, Lord Clare would have preferred to carry on being a wastrel and a rake, after all he learned that from his father, instead upon the untimely death of his parents, he now was able to finish something he has started as a young man. He could find out what happened to “her.”
Amelie Hortense Marchand had a loving mother and father until they were taken by Cholera. A child of seven she was moved to the workhouse only to escape but not far, she worked for Flick Doyle on the streets as a pickpocket/eel, became a spy and finally had her own little business as a private investigator. Soon she will have another role to play, a role she didn’t want but in order to help Jamie find his son she would play the part to help him.
The question is can she and Jamie play their parts and learn that maybe they can help each other heal. Are they playing roles or is what is between them real, or has their past damaged them both emotionally?
This story moves along quickly, both put in spots they have never had to deal with, one use to using their rank in society the other using street smarts learned over the years to find the answers and finally resolve their quest. Is the carnal pull of lust, appetite and hot kisses the catalyst to opening up their feelings or will they fold and part ways? From Mayfair and St. James Park to the rookeries this is a wonderful historical adventure into the past, the now and the future for Jamie and Hortense.
(Shadows and Silk #5)
Written by: Sofie Darling
I don’t read Historical Romance as much as I should. Sofie Darling’s At The Pleasure of the Marquess is proof that I really should read at least three a month.
Darling gives us a hero who would have given up being the new Marquess if he could have. James (Jamie) Asquith, Lord Clare would have preferred to carry on being a wastrel and a rake, after all he learned that from his father, instead upon the untimely death of his parents, he now was able to finish something he has started as a young man. He could find out what happened to “her.”
Amelie Hortense Marchand had a loving mother and father until they were taken by Cholera. A child of seven she was moved to the workhouse only to escape but not far, she worked for Flick Doyle on the streets as a pickpocket/eel, became a spy and finally had her own little business as a private investigator. Soon she will have another role to play, a role she didn’t want but in order to help Jamie find his son she would play the part to help him.
The question is can she and Jamie play their parts and learn that maybe they can help each other heal. Are they playing roles or is what is between them real, or has their past damaged them both emotionally?
This story moves along quickly, both put in spots they have never had to deal with, one use to using their rank in society the other using street smarts learned over the years to find the answers and finally resolve their quest. Is the carnal pull of lust, appetite and hot kisses the catalyst to opening up their feelings or will they fold and part ways? From Mayfair and St. James Park to the rookeries this is a wonderful historical adventure into the past, the now and the future for Jamie and Hortense.
October 6, 2022
Hortense and Jamie
Wonderful storyline! Such an addictive page turner. I loved the heroine, she is a lady who knows what she wants. She is beautiful, feisty and independent.
The Hero, Lord James Asquith the Marquess Clare is handsome and knows what he wants.
This was a great page turner, attention to details and wonderful dialogue and steamy love scenes ❤️🔥. I thoroughly enjoyed, loved this book, I definitely will read the entire series!
Wonderful storyline! Such an addictive page turner. I loved the heroine, she is a lady who knows what she wants. She is beautiful, feisty and independent.
The Hero, Lord James Asquith the Marquess Clare is handsome and knows what he wants.
This was a great page turner, attention to details and wonderful dialogue and steamy love scenes ❤️🔥. I thoroughly enjoyed, loved this book, I definitely will read the entire series!
August 25, 2023
I've come to enjoy Ms Darling's books ever so much.
I liked this story more than I thought I would, a lot more. It was everything sweet, emotional, romantic, sexy and with a great plot to boot! I read it in a single sitting...
I liked this story more than I thought I would, a lot more. It was everything sweet, emotional, romantic, sexy and with a great plot to boot! I read it in a single sitting...
April 28, 2021
At The Pleasure Of The Marquess is an enchanting historical romance by Sofie Darling. I warn you, once you start this book you may have trouble putting it down. Ms. Darling has provided readers with a well-written book populated with an outstanding cast of characters. I LOVED the characters in this story. After Amelie's parents died she was shuttled off to a workhouse. At a young age she managed to escape into a gang of pickpockets and grifters. She was pulled into the spy/detective business when she was older by Lord Asquith when she tried to lift his purse. Now her friend is asking her to spy on his brother. Jamie laid in wait to catch the thief in his home. Instead, he caught a woman searching for the bottles of liquor he used to drown himself in every night. Jamie and Amelie's story is loaded with drama, humor, sizzle, action and suspense. I enjoyed every page of this book and look forward to my next book by Sofie Darling. At The Pleasure Of The Marquess is book 5 of the Shadows and Silk Series but can easily be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from Bookfunnel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from Bookfunnel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 28, 2021
Hortense Marchand was orphaned at an early age & she has fought & clawed her way from being a pickpocket on the mean streets & finally becoming an member of an informal spy organization but it disbanded two years ago. Her handler & mentor, Lord Nicholas Asquith introduced her to his society acquaintances & she quickly became the favored investigator for society members who needed tact & expertise for their needs. Most cases were based around infidelity & fees from those investigations were the bulk of her earnings but occasionally there were lost or stolen items - nothing dangerous in any of the cases. Nick contacted her, he asked her to locate his wastrel brother Lord James Asquith, Marquess of Clare; she assumed it would be a just covering up more dirt about another society member & not something that would eventually change her life forever.
Jamie has lived some wild, dark, drinking, rakish times in the past & has now kept himself out of society or public while finding himself & dealing with all the duties of a marquess. His mother & father had died suddenly in a carriage accident & he was not ready to take on the title of marquess but he had to snap out of his wastrel life & take responsibility to the title. Tonight, he was waiting in his study for the person who had been here & searching for something - evidenced by things being moved at different angles that Jamie had placed them.
Jamie's study is where he first meets Hortense - she is there to find evidence of Jamie's drinking but hasn't found anything in the last few days. But then she is startled by him in the dark when he ask what she is looking for - after ascertaining she has been hired by his brother to make sure he is alive. He tells her "you may go' & before she leaves, she tells him to contact his brother & says "I thought you would be more impressive" (comparing him to his brother). This statement bother him & he follows her to show her how impressive is really is. All the fun starts here with capers, danger of returning to her childhood as a pickpocket & danger to him when his rakish past come back to haunt him, the romance is sigh-worthy. The story offers a page turning adventure for this wonderful couple & I loved the rescued dog, Sir Bacon! I voluntarily read & reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts & opinions are my own.
Jamie has lived some wild, dark, drinking, rakish times in the past & has now kept himself out of society or public while finding himself & dealing with all the duties of a marquess. His mother & father had died suddenly in a carriage accident & he was not ready to take on the title of marquess but he had to snap out of his wastrel life & take responsibility to the title. Tonight, he was waiting in his study for the person who had been here & searching for something - evidenced by things being moved at different angles that Jamie had placed them.
Jamie's study is where he first meets Hortense - she is there to find evidence of Jamie's drinking but hasn't found anything in the last few days. But then she is startled by him in the dark when he ask what she is looking for - after ascertaining she has been hired by his brother to make sure he is alive. He tells her "you may go' & before she leaves, she tells him to contact his brother & says "I thought you would be more impressive" (comparing him to his brother). This statement bother him & he follows her to show her how impressive is really is. All the fun starts here with capers, danger of returning to her childhood as a pickpocket & danger to him when his rakish past come back to haunt him, the romance is sigh-worthy. The story offers a page turning adventure for this wonderful couple & I loved the rescued dog, Sir Bacon! I voluntarily read & reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts & opinions are my own.
March 23, 2021
Intriguing, suspense, romance, add some spying and this is a first rate read. Absolutely a fantastic book.
Those heart strings pulled for Hortense’s life from birth, to the work house then spying until on one of those spying mission she meets Jamie, who is determined to change her life around and in doing so his own as well.
Well written with quite a few twist and turns which pulled you into these two characters lives, wishing they would actually surrender to each other.
Superbly written, don’t do this very often but a huge thank you to the author Sofia Darling👏👏👏
Highly recommend
Stand alone
Some sensual content
Those heart strings pulled for Hortense’s life from birth, to the work house then spying until on one of those spying mission she meets Jamie, who is determined to change her life around and in doing so his own as well.
Well written with quite a few twist and turns which pulled you into these two characters lives, wishing they would actually surrender to each other.
Superbly written, don’t do this very often but a huge thank you to the author Sofia Darling👏👏👏
Highly recommend
Stand alone
Some sensual content
March 15, 2021
This book tugged (and ripped!) at my heartstrings over and over. Hortense was alone in the world and created her own family over and over again, for better or worse. The Marquess of Clare was less than impressive, but he was working hard to show her just how impressive he could be. Their adventures are not the typical ton activities, so this book is not your run of the mill romance. Great writing!
* I was fortunate to receive an ARC of this book in return for an honest review. **
* I was fortunate to receive an ARC of this book in return for an honest review. **
April 5, 2021
Forced into a life she never expected. Orphaned, workhouse, thief, spy, how could she ever
expect happiness and trust love. He grew up in a family that showed no love for one another or
there sons. He new nothing about trust, feelings, and love.
Yet, putting this together Sofie Darling has given us an incredible tale how Love can really change
everything. Filled with, adventure, new beginnings, letting go, excepting change, and lots of
passion.
Hortense and Jamie Marquess of Claire are a couple that were really perfect for each other. They
were able to heal each other. There was aura of something specially unique about them that had
you captivated.
This story will pull you in and tug your heart.
expect happiness and trust love. He grew up in a family that showed no love for one another or
there sons. He new nothing about trust, feelings, and love.
Yet, putting this together Sofie Darling has given us an incredible tale how Love can really change
everything. Filled with, adventure, new beginnings, letting go, excepting change, and lots of
passion.
Hortense and Jamie Marquess of Claire are a couple that were really perfect for each other. They
were able to heal each other. There was aura of something specially unique about them that had
you captivated.
This story will pull you in and tug your heart.
October 7, 2021
Great book.
This is book 5 in the Shadows and Silk series.
You do not need to read the others to read this one. This book is about orphaned, spy, thief, independent woman, Hortense Marchand and misunderstood, struggling with life, Lord James Asquith. They both have quite a past they struggle with. The adventure and the mystery of this book was great.
I received a free copy of this book for my honest review.
This is book 5 in the Shadows and Silk series.
You do not need to read the others to read this one. This book is about orphaned, spy, thief, independent woman, Hortense Marchand and misunderstood, struggling with life, Lord James Asquith. They both have quite a past they struggle with. The adventure and the mystery of this book was great.
I received a free copy of this book for my honest review.
April 27, 2021
👑 At the Pleasure of the Marquess 👑
Shadows and Silk Series #5
✒️ Sofie Darling
https://www.facebook.com/sofiedarling...
Release Date 04/28/2021
Publisher Love Ink Books
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08V8KD9LN/...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
Hortense Marchand has played many roles, but never wife. Until one desperate marquess seeks the lady spy’s help—and her hand…
Thief. Spy. Wife.
Orphaned as a child, Hortense has had to fight her way to becoming the ton’s favorite private investigator. But for a woman who lives on the edge, the past is never dead. When her former spymaster asks her to find his wastrel brother Jamie, the Marquess of Clare, she thinks it’s just one more job uncovering the ton’s dirty secrets. She has no idea that she’s about to find her future…
Lord. Lover. Husband.
To her surprise, Lord James Asquith isn’t as wayward as his brother thinks, and when Jamie catches Hortense searching his study one night, neither can ignore the sparks that fly. Intrigued, he tracks her through London, watching her work. But when his rakish past comes back to haunt him, Jamie can think of no one better to help him than the talented, and very fetching, lady spy…
When Lord Becomes Lover and Thief Becomes Wife…
Their quest takes them back to Hortense’s dark past as a child pickpocket, where she and Jamie will have no choice but to work together to do the bidding of a powerful thief lord—even if that means marriage! Despite their chaste intentions, passion flares and as they grow closer Jamie and Hortense can’t help but wonder if love will be enough to make their marriage more than a masquerade...
𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will she be able to leave the darkness behind to embrace love and a future with light ...
« 𝑌𝑜𝑢’𝑣𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑒 𝑠𝑜 𝑎𝑐𝑐𝑢𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑙𝑖𝑣𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠ℎ𝑎𝑑𝑜𝑤𝑠, 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑛𝑜 𝑙𝑜𝑛𝑔𝑒𝑟 𝑘𝑛𝑜𝑤 ℎ𝑜𝑤 𝑡𝑜 𝑙𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑙𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡, 𝑑𝑜 𝑦𝑜𝑢? »
Hortense has nearly only known shadows and darkness, a life obeying to others’ will, never her own master. And experiences, again and again demonstrated she is only one cog in the great thing of life.
So when life offers her a chance to explore a different shade of it, she is unsure if she is right to accept but she gives in the temptation because the man providing the deal is everything she should runaway from and also he is all she would want for herself.
For Jamie, Hortense is like a beacon of light, she awakened something he thought dead and buried, a genuine interest in someone else existence and well-being. But he is no master spy so he debarks into her life like a bull in a China shop, all puff and noise. But nothing worth noticing, well at the beginning.
With her, following her, he feels alive like he never had since years and years of drowning in every wealthy man’s vices. He might have left behind the worst of them, he still feels like he is not worth someone’s notice.
So together they embark in an adventure with a marriage of convenience as a tool to reach their goal. It might appear as a bit far fetched mean to an end, yet it is Jamie’s answer to keep Hortense close-by as he is not ready to let her go.
Their relationship is one of instant chemistry then secrets and shames shared to reach a halftone of a trust. But it could have only be obtained because Jamie was already in a healing process, to shredding his old skin for a new one. Same could be said about Hortense, but a lifetime of being said, she will never been anything else than what she has been brought up to be, leaves her with no real hope a different outcome for herself.
The author offers us a passionate tale of second chance with two flawed but determined characters who do nothing by half but are blind about their own needs or/and feelings.
4.5 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen lovemaking scenes.
I have been granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
Shadows and Silk Series #5
✒️ Sofie Darling
https://www.facebook.com/sofiedarling...
Release Date 04/28/2021
Publisher Love Ink Books
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08V8KD9LN/...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
Hortense Marchand has played many roles, but never wife. Until one desperate marquess seeks the lady spy’s help—and her hand…
Thief. Spy. Wife.
Orphaned as a child, Hortense has had to fight her way to becoming the ton’s favorite private investigator. But for a woman who lives on the edge, the past is never dead. When her former spymaster asks her to find his wastrel brother Jamie, the Marquess of Clare, she thinks it’s just one more job uncovering the ton’s dirty secrets. She has no idea that she’s about to find her future…
Lord. Lover. Husband.
To her surprise, Lord James Asquith isn’t as wayward as his brother thinks, and when Jamie catches Hortense searching his study one night, neither can ignore the sparks that fly. Intrigued, he tracks her through London, watching her work. But when his rakish past comes back to haunt him, Jamie can think of no one better to help him than the talented, and very fetching, lady spy…
When Lord Becomes Lover and Thief Becomes Wife…
Their quest takes them back to Hortense’s dark past as a child pickpocket, where she and Jamie will have no choice but to work together to do the bidding of a powerful thief lord—even if that means marriage! Despite their chaste intentions, passion flares and as they grow closer Jamie and Hortense can’t help but wonder if love will be enough to make their marriage more than a masquerade...
𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will she be able to leave the darkness behind to embrace love and a future with light ...
« 𝑌𝑜𝑢’𝑣𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑒 𝑠𝑜 𝑎𝑐𝑐𝑢𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑙𝑖𝑣𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠ℎ𝑎𝑑𝑜𝑤𝑠, 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑛𝑜 𝑙𝑜𝑛𝑔𝑒𝑟 𝑘𝑛𝑜𝑤 ℎ𝑜𝑤 𝑡𝑜 𝑙𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑙𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡, 𝑑𝑜 𝑦𝑜𝑢? »
Hortense has nearly only known shadows and darkness, a life obeying to others’ will, never her own master. And experiences, again and again demonstrated she is only one cog in the great thing of life.
So when life offers her a chance to explore a different shade of it, she is unsure if she is right to accept but she gives in the temptation because the man providing the deal is everything she should runaway from and also he is all she would want for herself.
For Jamie, Hortense is like a beacon of light, she awakened something he thought dead and buried, a genuine interest in someone else existence and well-being. But he is no master spy so he debarks into her life like a bull in a China shop, all puff and noise. But nothing worth noticing, well at the beginning.
With her, following her, he feels alive like he never had since years and years of drowning in every wealthy man’s vices. He might have left behind the worst of them, he still feels like he is not worth someone’s notice.
So together they embark in an adventure with a marriage of convenience as a tool to reach their goal. It might appear as a bit far fetched mean to an end, yet it is Jamie’s answer to keep Hortense close-by as he is not ready to let her go.
Their relationship is one of instant chemistry then secrets and shames shared to reach a halftone of a trust. But it could have only be obtained because Jamie was already in a healing process, to shredding his old skin for a new one. Same could be said about Hortense, but a lifetime of being said, she will never been anything else than what she has been brought up to be, leaves her with no real hope a different outcome for herself.
The author offers us a passionate tale of second chance with two flawed but determined characters who do nothing by half but are blind about their own needs or/and feelings.
4.5 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen lovemaking scenes.
I have been granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
June 4, 2025
Londra – Ospizio di St. Mary Magdalen, 1813
La piccola e dolce Amelie decise, d’ora in poi, di farsi chiamare Hortense, “una ragazza dura e audace (…) il tipo di ragazza che il mondo non avrebbe potuto toccare.”
Westminster, 1827
Hortense, ormai adulta, faceva parte di una rete di spionaggio informale, “al servizio dell’élite londinese.” Lord Nicholas Asquith, il suo mentore, la ingaggiò per un lavoro personale: lavorare presso la residenza di suo fratello Jamie, che era dedito al gioco e all’alcol.
Hortense conduceva una vita solitaria. Non vi era nessuno che pensasse a lei, doveva contare solo su stessa. Aveva avuto un passato prima di Nick. Il suo passato si chiamava Flick Doyle. La ragazza iniziò a lavorare presso la tenuta del Marchese, come domestica. Jamie capì subito che qualcosa non andava perché, nel suo studio, che era la sua stanza-rifugio, trovava degli oggetti fuori posto. Pensò ad un ladro e, invece, scoprì che a frugare fra i suoi incartamenti era una donna dal leggero accento francese, ingaggiata da suo fratello per tenerlo d’occhio. Una donna che non sembrava mostrare alcun timore reverenziale nei suoi confronti. Ne fu subito attratto, voleva conoscerla, entrare nel suo mondo.
Anche se Hortense pensava che fosse un marchese viziato e altezzoso, lui agognava un futuro meno solitario e prevedibile.
Lei, che si vestiva in modo da non attirare mai l’attenzione, con il marchese di Clare – “con il suo sguardo tempestoso e arrogante” – iniziò ad importarle di non essere sufficientemente elegante.
Jamie aveva in mente una proposta da fare alla ragazza, chissà se avrebbe accettato?
Sofie Darling ha saputo sviluppare il rapporto fra i protagonisti in maniera graduale; inoltre, i dialoghi: ironici, intelligenti e mai scontati, tengono alta la tensione.
Il marchese assume Hortense e, quell’indagine riporta la giovane all’ospizio St. Mary Magdalen da cui tutto era iniziato. In tutti i lavori per i quali era stata ingaggiata, la giovane spia aveva sempre avuto il controllo, ma non questa volta con Jamie e questo “squilibrio di potere non giocava a suo favore.” La ragazza non poteva immaginare l’effetto che esercitava sul marchese di Clare.
Jamie, in confidenza, incominciò a raccontare alla ragazza una storia segreta che viene sviluppata dall’autrice in parallelo, anzi in sovrapposizione, a quella di Hortense.
Per condurre la loro indagine, la spia portò il Lord nei vicoli più sordidi di Londra, nell’East End. Ben presto, Jamie pronunciò “una piccola parola” che cambiò “la traiettoria di una vita: Sposami”
“
”
Perché il marchese di Clare stava facendo tutto questo? Perché si stava annoiando e Hortense era un bel diversivo?
No, perché quando lei se ne andava: “portava con sé tutta la vivacità della vita, lasciandosi alle spalle un mondo scialbo ai margini.” Hortense sarebbe diventata sua moglie, principalmente per un motivo: avere finalmente una vera famiglia. Così diventa Lady Clare. Iniziò un gioco di seduzione per quegli sposi che erano tali “solo sulla carta”. E se tutto quello che stavano provando fosse solo frutto della novità, dell’eccitazione e delle circostanze? In fondo, erano tante le differenze: sociali, economiche e culturali, tra loro due.
Una scrittura magnifica che aggancia il lettore al racconto; un Regency di grande spessore. La morale di questo romanzo è che: “devi lasciare andare il tuo passato per avere il futuro che il tuo cuore desidera.”
La piccola e dolce Amelie decise, d’ora in poi, di farsi chiamare Hortense, “una ragazza dura e audace (…) il tipo di ragazza che il mondo non avrebbe potuto toccare.”
Westminster, 1827
Hortense, ormai adulta, faceva parte di una rete di spionaggio informale, “al servizio dell’élite londinese.” Lord Nicholas Asquith, il suo mentore, la ingaggiò per un lavoro personale: lavorare presso la residenza di suo fratello Jamie, che era dedito al gioco e all’alcol.
Hortense conduceva una vita solitaria. Non vi era nessuno che pensasse a lei, doveva contare solo su stessa. Aveva avuto un passato prima di Nick. Il suo passato si chiamava Flick Doyle. La ragazza iniziò a lavorare presso la tenuta del Marchese, come domestica. Jamie capì subito che qualcosa non andava perché, nel suo studio, che era la sua stanza-rifugio, trovava degli oggetti fuori posto. Pensò ad un ladro e, invece, scoprì che a frugare fra i suoi incartamenti era una donna dal leggero accento francese, ingaggiata da suo fratello per tenerlo d’occhio. Una donna che non sembrava mostrare alcun timore reverenziale nei suoi confronti. Ne fu subito attratto, voleva conoscerla, entrare nel suo mondo.
Anche se Hortense pensava che fosse un marchese viziato e altezzoso, lui agognava un futuro meno solitario e prevedibile.
Lei, che si vestiva in modo da non attirare mai l’attenzione, con il marchese di Clare – “con il suo sguardo tempestoso e arrogante” – iniziò ad importarle di non essere sufficientemente elegante.
Jamie aveva in mente una proposta da fare alla ragazza, chissà se avrebbe accettato?
Sofie Darling ha saputo sviluppare il rapporto fra i protagonisti in maniera graduale; inoltre, i dialoghi: ironici, intelligenti e mai scontati, tengono alta la tensione.
Il marchese assume Hortense e, quell’indagine riporta la giovane all’ospizio St. Mary Magdalen da cui tutto era iniziato. In tutti i lavori per i quali era stata ingaggiata, la giovane spia aveva sempre avuto il controllo, ma non questa volta con Jamie e questo “squilibrio di potere non giocava a suo favore.” La ragazza non poteva immaginare l’effetto che esercitava sul marchese di Clare.
Jamie, in confidenza, incominciò a raccontare alla ragazza una storia segreta che viene sviluppata dall’autrice in parallelo, anzi in sovrapposizione, a quella di Hortense.
Per condurre la loro indagine, la spia portò il Lord nei vicoli più sordidi di Londra, nell’East End. Ben presto, Jamie pronunciò “una piccola parola” che cambiò “la traiettoria di una vita: Sposami”
“
”
Perché il marchese di Clare stava facendo tutto questo? Perché si stava annoiando e Hortense era un bel diversivo?
No, perché quando lei se ne andava: “portava con sé tutta la vivacità della vita, lasciandosi alle spalle un mondo scialbo ai margini.” Hortense sarebbe diventata sua moglie, principalmente per un motivo: avere finalmente una vera famiglia. Così diventa Lady Clare. Iniziò un gioco di seduzione per quegli sposi che erano tali “solo sulla carta”. E se tutto quello che stavano provando fosse solo frutto della novità, dell’eccitazione e delle circostanze? In fondo, erano tante le differenze: sociali, economiche e culturali, tra loro due.
Una scrittura magnifica che aggancia il lettore al racconto; un Regency di grande spessore. La morale di questo romanzo è che: “devi lasciare andare il tuo passato per avere il futuro che il tuo cuore desidera.”
May 7, 2022
💫 Book Review💫
At The Pleasure of The Marquess by Sophie Darling
🎧Audiobook by Dan Lee
Hortense Marchand has had a rough life, but she’s managed to make herself comfortable by using her skills she learned from pickpocketing to become a private investigator for the nobility. There’s the desperate need to catch a cheating husband or uncommon one of rescuing a beloved pup from a lover. Hortense owes her new comfort to a dear friend a former spymaster. He’s asked her to check on his brother, to ensure he’s still alive and hasn’t drank himself to death.
Jamie, the Marquess of Clare, has all of life’s pleasure at his finger tips. He had a momentary relapse in his life, but has turned himself around. One night in his study, he noticed things weren’t place the way he liked them and believed a thief to be present.
Enter Hortense.
Shocked to find a sensual and strong woman, who happens to bite with words, he’s drawn to her. Naturally, after their confrontation and her leaving, he follows Hortense. Begrudgingly, she allows him to help her rescue a dog. This little adventure has awoken a desire in him for excitement, and for her. Jamie hires Hortense to find out what happened to a past lover who disappeared.
This is a slow burn romance, not a favorite trope of mine, but the banter made it worth it. I loved Jamie and his need to protect Hortense. She drove me crazy though, not being able to understand Jamie’s sincerity.
Once the two get..together… things get spicy!
I enjoyed the audiobook a lot. Definitely recommend if you’re looking for a slower read, and I say this not negatively, but because you need to pick up clues in this mystery. I like to start and end a book as soon as possible, but this one I wanted to try to solve everything myself, before we learned the truth from the author.
I’ve never listened to a male reader, and I quite enjoyed Dan Lee!
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
🔥🔥.5/5
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#bookstagram #bookstagrammer #historicalromance #readsromance #bookreview #hrbookreview #bibliophile #kaylareadshr #reader #romancetagram #bookrecommendation #books #booknerd #romancereader #hrromancereader #booklover #bookreview #avidreader #readersofig
At The Pleasure of The Marquess by Sophie Darling
🎧Audiobook by Dan Lee
Hortense Marchand has had a rough life, but she’s managed to make herself comfortable by using her skills she learned from pickpocketing to become a private investigator for the nobility. There’s the desperate need to catch a cheating husband or uncommon one of rescuing a beloved pup from a lover. Hortense owes her new comfort to a dear friend a former spymaster. He’s asked her to check on his brother, to ensure he’s still alive and hasn’t drank himself to death.
Jamie, the Marquess of Clare, has all of life’s pleasure at his finger tips. He had a momentary relapse in his life, but has turned himself around. One night in his study, he noticed things weren’t place the way he liked them and believed a thief to be present.
Enter Hortense.
Shocked to find a sensual and strong woman, who happens to bite with words, he’s drawn to her. Naturally, after their confrontation and her leaving, he follows Hortense. Begrudgingly, she allows him to help her rescue a dog. This little adventure has awoken a desire in him for excitement, and for her. Jamie hires Hortense to find out what happened to a past lover who disappeared.
This is a slow burn romance, not a favorite trope of mine, but the banter made it worth it. I loved Jamie and his need to protect Hortense. She drove me crazy though, not being able to understand Jamie’s sincerity.
Once the two get..together… things get spicy!
I enjoyed the audiobook a lot. Definitely recommend if you’re looking for a slower read, and I say this not negatively, but because you need to pick up clues in this mystery. I like to start and end a book as soon as possible, but this one I wanted to try to solve everything myself, before we learned the truth from the author.
I’ve never listened to a male reader, and I quite enjoyed Dan Lee!
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
🔥🔥.5/5
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.
.
.
.
#bookstagram #bookstagrammer #historicalromance #readsromance #bookreview #hrbookreview #bibliophile #kaylareadshr #reader #romancetagram #bookrecommendation #books #booknerd #romancereader #hrromancereader #booklover #bookreview #avidreader #readersofig
May 18, 2021
A pretty solid 4 stars. I should mention that I haven't read the previous books in the series, so Hortense was a new character to me. I do tend to enjoy spy-themed Regencies, though, and even though this isn't a spy novel per se I enjoyed it. I particularly liked the strength and of the h; she's not your typical romance novel heroine. I also liked the H, who is not an alpha, nor is he a pushover--and he's not perfect. He has gone through some rough patches even though he was born of the nobility, and seems to have more dimension that a lot of the fictional heroes out there right now. H/h have great chemistry and are a believable couple. It's easy to root for them.
But, the plot falls apart a bit if you analyze it too closely. POSSIBLE SPOILERS AHEAD: You realize by the end that the issue with Hortense being under the control of the underworld crime lord and the necessity to steal the tiara is a bit of a McGuffin--why didn't she have her spymaster friend take care of things sooner? And why didn't she confide in the H when she was tasked with stealing his ring? The piece of jewelry meant nothing to him. If the crime lord was planning on having her act as a mole in the H's household after she stole the ring (that was the OG plan with the son) nothing became of it and the villain was quickly out of the picture. I just didn't like the whole idea that no matter how well matched h and H were, and how much he'd opened up to her, she sill planned on going through with the theft and possibly betraying him without asking for any help. One last thing: once a marriage was consummated in those days, you couldn't get it annulled easily. "Automatic annulment" is a common romance novel trope that grates on me.
The H\h's chemistry and the writer's overall skill make this book worthy of a read, though.
But, the plot falls apart a bit if you analyze it too closely. POSSIBLE SPOILERS AHEAD: You realize by the end that the issue with Hortense being under the control of the underworld crime lord and the necessity to steal the tiara is a bit of a McGuffin--why didn't she have her spymaster friend take care of things sooner? And why didn't she confide in the H when she was tasked with stealing his ring? The piece of jewelry meant nothing to him. If the crime lord was planning on having her act as a mole in the H's household after she stole the ring (that was the OG plan with the son) nothing became of it and the villain was quickly out of the picture. I just didn't like the whole idea that no matter how well matched h and H were, and how much he'd opened up to her, she sill planned on going through with the theft and possibly betraying him without asking for any help. One last thing: once a marriage was consummated in those days, you couldn't get it annulled easily. "Automatic annulment" is a common romance novel trope that grates on me.
The H\h's chemistry and the writer's overall skill make this book worthy of a read, though.
August 10, 2021
At the Pleasure of the Marquess is the fifth in the Shadows and Silk series but can be read as a stand alone story. This is a story of overcoming the tragedies of the past, finding a new direction and never let the differences keep you from the love you discover. Hortense (Amelie) was orphaned at a young age, escaped the workhouse, became a pickpocket for Doyle and now works as spy for Nick Asquith. She is a survivor and loner but soon finds that with each new job she undertakes, she acquires something or someone she never expects. First a dog that she was sent to rescue, and now the Marquess of Asquith whom his brother fears is trying to kill himself with drink. Jamie, the Marquess of Asquith, grew up in a very debauched, unloving home and has sworn to not carry on the family line. He has become something of a recluse, which worries his brother. When Jamie catches Hortense sneaking around his study, he is at first angry but also surprisingly intrigued with her strength and attitude. He tags along on the rescue of Sir Bacon (the dog) and not wanting his time to end with Hortense, hires her to find out what happened to a past love. They discover more than they bargained for and so the adventure begins. The story that follows is filled with drama, intrigue, a few laughs and an opposites attract love story that will have you entertained until the very last page.
I received an advanced reader copy from the publisher but all thoughts and feelings are my own.
I received an advanced reader copy from the publisher but all thoughts and feelings are my own.
February 23, 2023
Hortense and Jamie, the pleasure of their story
Hortense is a very interesting woman. After losing her parents at a very young age, she spent time in a workhouse, grew up as a thief and pickpocket, served as a spy, and became a self-employed detective. Her next job is to find out what she can about a marquess. The Marquess, Jamie, sparks to life when he is with Hortense. We find out early on that Jamie had a difficult childhood, his difficulties quite different than Hortense’s, but they affected his adulthood and his interactions with others. Both main characters are scarred in their own way, and continue to carry those scars. After accompanying Hortense on a job, Jamie hires Hortense to locate a long long lover and then their surviving child. They have to work together to free Jamie‘s son from the clutches of someone from Hortense‘s past and present. They agree to a marriage to pull off the job, but will they stay married once the job is over? They were going to have a marriage in name only but that didn’t last long. Hortense and Jamie are highly attracted to one another, enjoy their discussions, and simply being together. Hortense and Jamie make a great couple, they had to work hard for their happy ever after but could only do so by overcoming their pasts. Very steamy read with a creative plot and interesting characters. Well written and enjoyable.
Hortense is a very interesting woman. After losing her parents at a very young age, she spent time in a workhouse, grew up as a thief and pickpocket, served as a spy, and became a self-employed detective. Her next job is to find out what she can about a marquess. The Marquess, Jamie, sparks to life when he is with Hortense. We find out early on that Jamie had a difficult childhood, his difficulties quite different than Hortense’s, but they affected his adulthood and his interactions with others. Both main characters are scarred in their own way, and continue to carry those scars. After accompanying Hortense on a job, Jamie hires Hortense to locate a long long lover and then their surviving child. They have to work together to free Jamie‘s son from the clutches of someone from Hortense‘s past and present. They agree to a marriage to pull off the job, but will they stay married once the job is over? They were going to have a marriage in name only but that didn’t last long. Hortense and Jamie are highly attracted to one another, enjoy their discussions, and simply being together. Hortense and Jamie make a great couple, they had to work hard for their happy ever after but could only do so by overcoming their pasts. Very steamy read with a creative plot and interesting characters. Well written and enjoyable.
November 6, 2023
My Rating⭐⭐⭐⭐
Amount of spice: 🔥🔥
Explicitness: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes/Themes:
❤ Marriage of Convenience
❤ Opposites Attract
❤ Class Difference
❤ Street Smart Heroine & Starchy Hero
❤ Thieving, spying and games
This was a lot of fun! I don’t think the romance was anything to write home about (at least until the last 30%) but I enjoyed the story so much it didn’t really matter. I loved Hortense, she was clever, independent and a whole lot of fun. Hortense’s friendship and eventual romance with the very starchy Jamie, although slow to start, was very sweet by the end. Extra points for the cute dog, Sir Bacon.
I will say the spice was a little boring and that’s coming from me, someone who is usually very vanilla. I just think it wasn't particularly well written and if it had packed more of a punch then I would have rated it higher.
I would recommend this if you like a marriage of convenience, some adventure and a heroine who could easily outmanoeuvre any man.
Amount of spice: 🔥🔥
Explicitness: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes/Themes:
❤ Marriage of Convenience
❤ Opposites Attract
❤ Class Difference
❤ Street Smart Heroine & Starchy Hero
❤ Thieving, spying and games
This was a lot of fun! I don’t think the romance was anything to write home about (at least until the last 30%) but I enjoyed the story so much it didn’t really matter. I loved Hortense, she was clever, independent and a whole lot of fun. Hortense’s friendship and eventual romance with the very starchy Jamie, although slow to start, was very sweet by the end. Extra points for the cute dog, Sir Bacon.
I will say the spice was a little boring and that’s coming from me, someone who is usually very vanilla. I just think it wasn't particularly well written and if it had packed more of a punch then I would have rated it higher.
I would recommend this if you like a marriage of convenience, some adventure and a heroine who could easily outmanoeuvre any man.
July 15, 2025
Con "A disposizione del marchese", Sofie Darling firma un nuovo, avvincente capitolo della sua serie storica, proponendo una narrazione che unisce suspense, emozione e sensualità, con una protagonista femminile fuori dagli schemi e un eroe maschile tanto tormentato quanto affascinante. La narrazione è scandita da un ritmo che alterna momenti di azione e suspense a scene più intime e riflessive, offrendo un equilibrio perfetto tra romanticismo e tensione narrativa. L’ambientazione è descritta con una cura meticolosa che restituisce un’atmosfera molto suggestiva. Il trope del "matrimonio di convenienza" si intreccia con temi più profondi come la fiducia, la redenzione e la rinascita personale. Come sempre, un plauso alla traduzione di Isabella Nanni, il suo lavoro restituisce con precisione e accuratezza il tono originale del romanzo. Un romance storico di qualità, con protagonisti fuori dagli schemi e una tensione narrativa ben gestita. Adatto agli amanti del genere che cercano emozione, carattere e una scrittura ricca di emozioni.
May 9, 2021
AMAZING!!! At the Pleasure of the Marquess by Sofie Darling is book 5 of the Shadows and Silk series and this one left me on the edge of my seat. This regency, spy and romance story is one for the ages. How I truly enjoyed every single word in this book. Sofie has such amazing storytelling skill. This book was easy to read and just a joy to read. Though in a series this book can be read as a standalone. This story has an orphan, an awful workhouse, evil, not having choices, an alcoholic, a loving brother but not close, good friends, a thief, not wanting to marry, not feeling good enough, doing what you have to do to survive, blackmail and falling in love. I am highly recommending you read this book. You will not be disappointed.
**This book was gifted to me and I am voluntarily reviewing.
**This book was gifted to me and I am voluntarily reviewing.
May 2, 2021
Although I have not read the earlier books in this series I was pulled into this story from the start. This was an enjoyable Regency romance with interesting characters and some added suspense. I loved the main characters, especially Hortense with her unusual occupation and sad background story. It seemed natural somehow that the H would want to keep Hortense (and the amusing Mr. Bacon) in his life, and would do what it took to keep her there. This story was well written and kept my interest all the way through. I think that if you like historical romance you will really like this book. I know that I am looking forward to reading more of this author.
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