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The Notorious Flynns #5
O Marquês de Mary
Mary Quinn está quase no fim de sua liberdade. Após dois anos sob a proteção de sua irmã e seu cunhado, pode ter que voltar logo para a casa de seu terrível pai se não conseguir encontrar um marido. Em seu desespero, esbarra em Edward, Marquês Woodley. Atraídos um pelo outro, logo são lançados em um escândalo que leva a um noivado.
Mas à medida que o casal se une e seu casamento se aproxima, o passado de Woodley e as circunstâncias horríveis da morte de sua primeira esposa podem impedi-los de um final feliz que salvará os dois.
Duração: Novela
Nível de sensualidade: quente e vaporoso
Este livro pode ser lido como uma história isolada, mas faz parte de uma série (Os Notorios Flynn).
Mas à medida que o casal se une e seu casamento se aproxima, o passado de Woodley e as circunstâncias horríveis da morte de sua primeira esposa podem impedi-los de um final feliz que salvará os dois.
Duração: Novela
Nível de sensualidade: quente e vaporoso
Este livro pode ser lido como uma história isolada, mas faz parte de uma série (Os Notorios Flynn).
194 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2015
86 people are currently reading
309 people want to read
About the author
Jess Michaels
128 books1,578 followersJess Michaels is a USA Today Bestselling Author who likes geeky stuff like Star Wars, playing video games (she ships herself with Dragon Age’s Iron Bull FOREVER), Bob’s Burgers and collecting POPs! She also drinks a LOT of Diet Coke. Probably an unhealthy amount, but it’s her only vice. She will eat (almost) anything coconut, truly anything cheesy and nothing spicy (yes, she is a walking stereotype when it comes to that). She likes cats, her dog Elton and people who care about the welfare of their fellow humans.
Although she started out traditionally published by Avon/HarperCollins, Pocket, Hachette and Samhain Publishing, in 2015 she went fully indie and has never looked back! She is lucky enough to be married to her favorite person in the world and live tucked between the ocean and the mountains in Oregon.
When she’s not watching Our Flag Means Death or trying out all the new flavors of Greek yogurt, she writes historical romances with smoking hot heroes and sassy heroines who do anything but wait to get what they want.
Although she started out traditionally published by Avon/HarperCollins, Pocket, Hachette and Samhain Publishing, in 2015 she went fully indie and has never looked back! She is lucky enough to be married to her favorite person in the world and live tucked between the ocean and the mountains in Oregon.
When she’s not watching Our Flag Means Death or trying out all the new flavors of Greek yogurt, she writes historical romances with smoking hot heroes and sassy heroines who do anything but wait to get what they want.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
July 15, 2023
I've really enjoyed some books from Jess Michaels.
But this was dumb af.
But this was dumb af.
June 11, 2016
I didn't realize I had already met Mary and Edward before reading this novel but not in the series I mean. They appear in the Wicked Woodley series in Forbidden (which I didn't finish either, I will get back to this in a moment). I'm going to keep this short so I will say Mary and Edward are a lovely couple. This book was a short and sweet romance read. I am excited to know that this book introduces the Woodley family who have their own spin-off series. I have to go back and read the first book. I tried reading it and liked it but wasn't feeling up to reading it at the time so I will go back and read that series as well. I love cross-over stories.
June 9, 2015
The Flynn's stories continue!
I had great hopes for Edward, the Marquis of Woodley, after meeting him in The Widow Wager. As sympathetic as I am to both Edward and Mary, I found their story just a tad vapid. It was like watching a Potential blockbuster devolve into a B grade movie. I wanted much more. Edward and Mary deserved more.
The situation should have been fraught with tension. All the ingredients were there but it just didn't quite come together for me.
Mary, Crispin"s sister-in-law is now living with Crispin and Gemma, but the threat of her father, Sir Oswald Quinn, and his venality, his attempts to use her for his own needs and inclinations, haunt her. This, despite the fact that Rafe and Crispin have bargained with Quinn to not trouble Mary. Mary doesn't feel assured of her father actually leaving her alone.
Edward was the cuckolded husband of Crispin's love Alice. Many believe Edward murdered his pregnant wife Alice. Alice reaches out from beyond the grave as it were as Edward is threatened by threats and vengeance from his wife's twin sisters Imogen and Isadora.
Mary is dragged into the situation.
Edward's and Mary's first words to each other certainly set the tone for the story when Edward asks her why she s lurking on the terrace during a ball, and she confesses that it's because she's avoiding her father as, '...one's father is likely considering selling one to some hundred-year-old Earl so he can cash in on a titled man's fortune and influence.'
A wonderful beginning! ..and father dearest does inject angst and situations.
Despite my disappointment, this is still essential reading for those of us who want to see how those Notorious Flynn's fare!
A NetGalley ARC
I had great hopes for Edward, the Marquis of Woodley, after meeting him in The Widow Wager. As sympathetic as I am to both Edward and Mary, I found their story just a tad vapid. It was like watching a Potential blockbuster devolve into a B grade movie. I wanted much more. Edward and Mary deserved more.
The situation should have been fraught with tension. All the ingredients were there but it just didn't quite come together for me.
Mary, Crispin"s sister-in-law is now living with Crispin and Gemma, but the threat of her father, Sir Oswald Quinn, and his venality, his attempts to use her for his own needs and inclinations, haunt her. This, despite the fact that Rafe and Crispin have bargained with Quinn to not trouble Mary. Mary doesn't feel assured of her father actually leaving her alone.
Edward was the cuckolded husband of Crispin's love Alice. Many believe Edward murdered his pregnant wife Alice. Alice reaches out from beyond the grave as it were as Edward is threatened by threats and vengeance from his wife's twin sisters Imogen and Isadora.
Mary is dragged into the situation.
Edward's and Mary's first words to each other certainly set the tone for the story when Edward asks her why she s lurking on the terrace during a ball, and she confesses that it's because she's avoiding her father as, '...one's father is likely considering selling one to some hundred-year-old Earl so he can cash in on a titled man's fortune and influence.'
A wonderful beginning! ..and father dearest does inject angst and situations.
Despite my disappointment, this is still essential reading for those of us who want to see how those Notorious Flynn's fare!
A NetGalley ARC
June 6, 2015
I was disappointed with this novella. Ms. Michaels missed the chance to develop what could have been an extremely emotionally charged story. Edward and Mary were nice characters and I liked them but their relationship had no real zing, and the private moments between them felt contrived and stilted. The secret in Edward's past was interesting and not one I've come across but as the story unravelled I'm afraid I rapidly began to lose interest. A missed opportunity to evolve what could have been a fantastic story but what sadly turned out to be only at the very best, a mediocre one. A shame... and I'm sorry that I am only able to award 2 stars.
I received an ARC from Net Galley
I received an ARC from Net Galley
May 31, 2015
Originally Reviewed For: Bodice Rippers, Femme Fatales and Fantasy
Oh, those fabulous Flynns and Friends.. Jess Michaels writes a delightful series on the Notorious Flynn Family. A Ducal family that came into their inheritance in a very round about way. But they are settling in, sort of.. They will never completely conform it's just not who they are.
In a Marquis for Mary we learn the story of well, Mary.. sister to Gemma or Mrs Crispin Flynn. We first met Mary in the Widow Wager. Her hero is a rather daunting Marquis .. Edward, Marquis Woodley. We met him in the Widow Wager as well.
Mary was saved from the horrendous humiliation her sister received by that same sister. No way was Gemma going to let Mary be bartered off just so her father could rise in society. But the years have passed and still no suitors. What's a girl to do? Her father is only going to play along with Crispin's plans for so long, then Mary is doomed. Yet, one night on the terrace with a mysterious Marquis changes everything.
Edward, Marquis Woodley was once the golden child but life got bad, fast. His marriage to a woman he loved ended in tragedy.. although ending was not such a bad thing as his wife was slightly pyscho and totally evil. But for years he suffered, shut off his family, escaped from the ton and just existed. But he knows he needs a new wife, maybe a better wife. So back into the mass of the ton.. On his first night out he thinks he is saving a woman from throwing herself off the balcony.. He's not.. and he finds said woman to be a total delight. She is open, honest, lovely and Crispin Flynn's sister in law. Could life get any more tangled?
The theme for this book might be a bit over used but the wit and writing make it totally unique. Mary and Edward are caught in an indiscreet situation by her thug of a father and forced to marry. Only they discover that it's not such a forced wedding after all.
Old enemies attempt to insinuate themselves between Edward and Mary and they must face down the past before any chance of forever comes to pass. And Daddy Dearest? Yeah he's so toast.. YAY!!!
This was a fun and engaging Novella and certainly worth the read.
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of A Marquis for Mary, provided by netgalley and is scheduled to be released on June 9, 2015
Oh, those fabulous Flynns and Friends.. Jess Michaels writes a delightful series on the Notorious Flynn Family. A Ducal family that came into their inheritance in a very round about way. But they are settling in, sort of.. They will never completely conform it's just not who they are.
In a Marquis for Mary we learn the story of well, Mary.. sister to Gemma or Mrs Crispin Flynn. We first met Mary in the Widow Wager. Her hero is a rather daunting Marquis .. Edward, Marquis Woodley. We met him in the Widow Wager as well.
Mary was saved from the horrendous humiliation her sister received by that same sister. No way was Gemma going to let Mary be bartered off just so her father could rise in society. But the years have passed and still no suitors. What's a girl to do? Her father is only going to play along with Crispin's plans for so long, then Mary is doomed. Yet, one night on the terrace with a mysterious Marquis changes everything.
Edward, Marquis Woodley was once the golden child but life got bad, fast. His marriage to a woman he loved ended in tragedy.. although ending was not such a bad thing as his wife was slightly pyscho and totally evil. But for years he suffered, shut off his family, escaped from the ton and just existed. But he knows he needs a new wife, maybe a better wife. So back into the mass of the ton.. On his first night out he thinks he is saving a woman from throwing herself off the balcony.. He's not.. and he finds said woman to be a total delight. She is open, honest, lovely and Crispin Flynn's sister in law. Could life get any more tangled?
The theme for this book might be a bit over used but the wit and writing make it totally unique. Mary and Edward are caught in an indiscreet situation by her thug of a father and forced to marry. Only they discover that it's not such a forced wedding after all.
Old enemies attempt to insinuate themselves between Edward and Mary and they must face down the past before any chance of forever comes to pass. And Daddy Dearest? Yeah he's so toast.. YAY!!!
This was a fun and engaging Novella and certainly worth the read.
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of A Marquis for Mary, provided by netgalley and is scheduled to be released on June 9, 2015
June 9, 2015
5 short and sweet and perfect STARS!!
We met Mary (Gemma's sister) and Edward (Marquis of Woodley) in The Widow Wager, Crispin and Gemma's story (which I DEVOURED!!!) And have been dying to read more of Edward!!
I highly recommend reading all the stories in this heart-felt series with the Notorious Flynns:
The Other Duke
The Scoundrel's Lover
The Widow Wager
No Gentleman for Georgina
Siiiiigh... Jess Michaels really knows how to write a tormented Hero!! And every story I read, I LOVE that Hero.... then she gives us another, and I'm swooning all over again!
This short and sweet (with a little angst) Journey with Edward and Mary was perfect!!! I think there only a few author's that can get away with giving us a Novella, and not have a mutiny :) and Jess Michaels is one of those gifted author's!!! You really don't feel like you miss out on anything with this new installment of The Notorious Flynns. And I loooooooove that Crispin and Gemma are very present in this book! When you fall in love with characters, like you would with the Flynns, it is essential that an author keeps the connection of characters.
This swoon-worthy story gives us more answers surrounding a secret that Edward has suffered with for 3 years... there were Tears and Smiles! Mary is a perfect strong, sensual sweetheart for Edward. The passion and tension between Edward and Mary has quite a few heart-pounding moments!
And I'm not sad that this series is coming to an end because Jess Michaels has already told us about the next series, featuring Edward's family, The Wicked Woodley's, where I'm sure we will get to keep up-to-date on the Notorious Flynn's, while we fall in love with a new family!!
We met Mary (Gemma's sister) and Edward (Marquis of Woodley) in The Widow Wager, Crispin and Gemma's story (which I DEVOURED!!!) And have been dying to read more of Edward!!
I highly recommend reading all the stories in this heart-felt series with the Notorious Flynns:
The Other Duke
The Scoundrel's Lover
The Widow Wager
No Gentleman for Georgina
Siiiiigh... Jess Michaels really knows how to write a tormented Hero!! And every story I read, I LOVE that Hero.... then she gives us another, and I'm swooning all over again!
This short and sweet (with a little angst) Journey with Edward and Mary was perfect!!! I think there only a few author's that can get away with giving us a Novella, and not have a mutiny :) and Jess Michaels is one of those gifted author's!!! You really don't feel like you miss out on anything with this new installment of The Notorious Flynns. And I loooooooove that Crispin and Gemma are very present in this book! When you fall in love with characters, like you would with the Flynns, it is essential that an author keeps the connection of characters.
This swoon-worthy story gives us more answers surrounding a secret that Edward has suffered with for 3 years... there were Tears and Smiles! Mary is a perfect strong, sensual sweetheart for Edward. The passion and tension between Edward and Mary has quite a few heart-pounding moments!
And I'm not sad that this series is coming to an end because Jess Michaels has already told us about the next series, featuring Edward's family, The Wicked Woodley's, where I'm sure we will get to keep up-to-date on the Notorious Flynn's, while we fall in love with a new family!!
May 18, 2015
The fifth installment of the Notorious Flynns series. Mary Quinn realizes that her time is running out. Mary wanted to marry for love like all her friends and family. But there has been no offers of marriage. She knows her father will sale her virtue to the higher bidders like he did with her sister. Sometimes the past don't stay dead and buried. Sometimes, the past still haunts you. Lord Edward Woodley has came back into society to find a wife. During a ball, Mary comes on the terrace alone, Edward is captivated by her. He never thought his heart will heal after the damage his first wife afflicted. Will they live happy ever after? Or will they live alone in pain. I love this story. It was wonderful story. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher thru NetGalley for an honest review.
April 12, 2016
3.5 stars
A nice bookend to what was a really great series. I do however wish the plot had been a bit more solid and maybe the story a tad longer. Mary and Edward were so sweet! Though their ~courtship and subsequent engagement were rushed, I did feel that their connection was real and their feelings genuine. Mary finally found someone who saw her and Edward found someone whom he could trust with his whole heart again. He even climbed a tree for her! If that's not love, I don't know what is.
A Marquis for Mary was also a wonderful lead-in to Jess's new series, The Wicked Woodleys. I can't wait to devour those with as much enthusiasm as I did with The Notorious Flynns (who I'm sure will be making cameos throughout, double yay!).
A nice bookend to what was a really great series. I do however wish the plot had been a bit more solid and maybe the story a tad longer. Mary and Edward were so sweet! Though their ~courtship and subsequent engagement were rushed, I did feel that their connection was real and their feelings genuine. Mary finally found someone who saw her and Edward found someone whom he could trust with his whole heart again. He even climbed a tree for her! If that's not love, I don't know what is.
A Marquis for Mary was also a wonderful lead-in to Jess's new series, The Wicked Woodleys. I can't wait to devour those with as much enthusiasm as I did with The Notorious Flynns (who I'm sure will be making cameos throughout, double yay!).
March 30, 2023
This was an INSTA book. Insta love , Insta marriage Insta rushed.
Such a shame as I love the Woodleys and I remember the wicked Woodley series being great. So Im disappointed poor Edward didn’t get the book he deserved
As we’ve heard of him through some of the Flynn stories he was building to be a deep mysterious character. But I only got to see a sneak peak unfortunately and missed out of what could have been a great start for this family’s series.
Mary … was boring. I couldn’t even tell you what her character was . She was portrayed to me like a young girl with no depth.
So yeah I’m sad it came to this but I give credit for the story line and meeting the Woodley family which I’m about to dive into again after a long time.
Such a shame as I love the Woodleys and I remember the wicked Woodley series being great. So Im disappointed poor Edward didn’t get the book he deserved
As we’ve heard of him through some of the Flynn stories he was building to be a deep mysterious character. But I only got to see a sneak peak unfortunately and missed out of what could have been a great start for this family’s series.
Mary … was boring. I couldn’t even tell you what her character was . She was portrayed to me like a young girl with no depth.
So yeah I’m sad it came to this but I give credit for the story line and meeting the Woodley family which I’m about to dive into again after a long time.
March 8, 2022
Ho, Hum
I really hated to rate this book anything because the story was so boring and unbelievable. I can not believe this was written by Lady Jess. I have read 29 books by this author, but this one could have " missed me.". I can not believe this is the same author that wrote "Pleasuring the Lady." Well, I guess no one is perfect. Of course she is one of my top five authors, so she will continue to be on the throne, but maybe I should read the synopsis first before purchasing. I am sorry Lady Jess.
I really hated to rate this book anything because the story was so boring and unbelievable. I can not believe this was written by Lady Jess. I have read 29 books by this author, but this one could have " missed me.". I can not believe this is the same author that wrote "Pleasuring the Lady." Well, I guess no one is perfect. Of course she is one of my top five authors, so she will continue to be on the throne, but maybe I should read the synopsis first before purchasing. I am sorry Lady Jess.
January 10, 2019
This novella shows the link between the Woodley series and the Flynn series. Edward’s backstory as a widower is finally told, and Mary’s story as well. As with all the Regencies by thus author, there is a lot of steam and erotica, but not as much as some books. It’s basically a sweet romance with the one obligatory obstacle, but unlike many books in this genre, the misunderstanding is quickly tackled and resolved, so our protagonists are not long separated.
November 29, 2017
A beautifully written story. Mary is in her fourth season and hasn’t met anyone that sparks her like Crispin does to Gemma. Edward decides it’s time to start living again and in doing so he meets Mary not knowing her connection. When they are caught in a compromising position her offers her marriage. A wonderful store with Edward and Mary finding their happily ever after!
November 22, 2023
Um romance que começa inocente e vai ficando intenso em desejo e segredos a serem revelados. Mary estava quase a se casar com qualquer um por conta do seu pai, até conhecer Edward. Eles dois vão se relacionando e algumas rusgas do passado vão se desfazendo. As cenas de declaração de Edward para Mary são de suspirar… Um final perfeito, estratégico e cheio de amor!
October 9, 2018
Short but sweet
I wasn't going to read this because I find novellas don't develop the characters well.
After reading Forbidden I had to go back and learn Mary and Edward's story. It helped to k ow there back stories from the previous books. I really enjoyed this story.
I wasn't going to read this because I find novellas don't develop the characters well.
After reading Forbidden I had to go back and learn Mary and Edward's story. It helped to k ow there back stories from the previous books. I really enjoyed this story.
September 3, 2019
This a cute fast read to introduce the readers to the Wicked Woodley's series. Great for an afternoon read. The characters are nice the dialogue is great but I would have like more story for these two.
I received this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
I received this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
March 23, 2024
4.5 This was a good novella but I definitely think The Widow Wager should be read first. Mary and Edward had a sweet instalove story but, Edward's back story was nearly identical to Gareth's, from Nothing Denied.
November 23, 2017
3.5 stars
November 1, 2020
Sweet
Cute sweet and to the point. It didn't drag on like some books. Could of used some more details in certain parts
Cute sweet and to the point. It didn't drag on like some books. Could of used some more details in certain parts
February 4, 2022
Great book…highly recommended.
September 26, 2022
Nothing to inspire disgust or hate or anything, I just didn't find these interactions believable and was kinda bored throughout.
May 12, 2015
"She was a cheeky little thing as well as pretty, and he found he liked the combination."
THE STORY: Mary Quinn has been happily living in the home of her sister and brother-in-law for two years. She was welcomed into their home to get her away from her social status seeking, manipulative father who forced her sister into marriage. After four seasons, however, Mary remains unmarried and her father is threatening to take her back. Ready to despair, Mary ends up meeting Edward, Marquis of Woodley. Edward is re-entering society to find a bride. Mary and Edward immediately like one another, but when they are caught in a compromising position, the two are forced to become engaged to be married. The secrets regarding Woodley's first marriage and his wife's death threaten any possibility of Mary and Edward's happiness.
OPINION: This is a good but not great novella. My least favorite of the series, I didn't really connect with Mary who I didn't feel had a great personality to feel engaged with. She felt rather bland compared to other Michaels' heroines including her own sister. My ambivalence toward her impacted my view of the romance.
On the other hand, I really liked Edward's character. He has a complex, angst filled background. Despite that, he is at heart a sweet guy. I especially loved his big family and the difficulties of his relationship with his siblings. I also really liked that he is a take charge character in the story.
This is a case where the novella length hurt the romance. I think that if there had been more scenes with Mary and Edward during their engagement then the crisis that occurs after their engagement party would not have been as disconcerting. I thought the story picked up momentum at that point, but I didn't truly feel the connection between the characters until there was a confrontation between Edward and Mary. Then I felt the connection between them and began to like them as a couple. (There is also a scene with Gemma and Crispin that made me laugh).
This novella goes wrap up the storyline from THE WIDOW WAGER and brings closure to the lingering issues in that novel. One other strength of the novella is that it has a sweet sexiness.
I liked this novella overall and thought that it was a nice wrap up of the Notorious Flynns and a great introduction to the Woodleys.
WORTH MENTIONING: Readers of the Notorious Flynns series will recognize Mary from A WIDOW'S WAGER. Readers get to revisit Gemma and Crispin from that series. Characters from the Woodley family are also introduced and the best part of this book is that I think the story of the next family of characters will be great.
FINAL DECISION: I liked this novella although it is my least favorite of the series. I never felt a deep connection between Mary and Edward and thus I was more interested in the story of the Woodley family than the romance here.
CONNECTED BOOKS: A MARQUIS FOR MARY is the fifth book in the Notorious Flynns series. It can be read as a standalone although it is closely connected with THE WIDOW WAGER and will be better understood after reading that book. A MARQUIS FOR MARY is also a prequel to the Wicked Woodleys series.
STAR RATING: I give this novella 4 stars.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in order to provide an honest review of the book. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.
THE STORY: Mary Quinn has been happily living in the home of her sister and brother-in-law for two years. She was welcomed into their home to get her away from her social status seeking, manipulative father who forced her sister into marriage. After four seasons, however, Mary remains unmarried and her father is threatening to take her back. Ready to despair, Mary ends up meeting Edward, Marquis of Woodley. Edward is re-entering society to find a bride. Mary and Edward immediately like one another, but when they are caught in a compromising position, the two are forced to become engaged to be married. The secrets regarding Woodley's first marriage and his wife's death threaten any possibility of Mary and Edward's happiness.
OPINION: This is a good but not great novella. My least favorite of the series, I didn't really connect with Mary who I didn't feel had a great personality to feel engaged with. She felt rather bland compared to other Michaels' heroines including her own sister. My ambivalence toward her impacted my view of the romance.
On the other hand, I really liked Edward's character. He has a complex, angst filled background. Despite that, he is at heart a sweet guy. I especially loved his big family and the difficulties of his relationship with his siblings. I also really liked that he is a take charge character in the story.
This is a case where the novella length hurt the romance. I think that if there had been more scenes with Mary and Edward during their engagement then the crisis that occurs after their engagement party would not have been as disconcerting. I thought the story picked up momentum at that point, but I didn't truly feel the connection between the characters until there was a confrontation between Edward and Mary. Then I felt the connection between them and began to like them as a couple. (There is also a scene with Gemma and Crispin that made me laugh).
This novella goes wrap up the storyline from THE WIDOW WAGER and brings closure to the lingering issues in that novel. One other strength of the novella is that it has a sweet sexiness.
I liked this novella overall and thought that it was a nice wrap up of the Notorious Flynns and a great introduction to the Woodleys.
WORTH MENTIONING: Readers of the Notorious Flynns series will recognize Mary from A WIDOW'S WAGER. Readers get to revisit Gemma and Crispin from that series. Characters from the Woodley family are also introduced and the best part of this book is that I think the story of the next family of characters will be great.
FINAL DECISION: I liked this novella although it is my least favorite of the series. I never felt a deep connection between Mary and Edward and thus I was more interested in the story of the Woodley family than the romance here.
CONNECTED BOOKS: A MARQUIS FOR MARY is the fifth book in the Notorious Flynns series. It can be read as a standalone although it is closely connected with THE WIDOW WAGER and will be better understood after reading that book. A MARQUIS FOR MARY is also a prequel to the Wicked Woodleys series.
STAR RATING: I give this novella 4 stars.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in order to provide an honest review of the book. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.
January 4, 2021
Deleted on kindle
December 1, 2016
Mary Quinn is surrounded by happily married couples - sister Gemma and Crispin Flynn (The Widow Wager), Crispin's sister Annabelle and Marcus Rivers (The Scoundrel's Lover), and his brother Raphael with wife Seraphina (The Other Duke), even fellow debutante Georgina and her fiancé Paul Abbott (No Gentleman for Georgina). Yet after four seasons, Mary is still alone. To make matters worse, her prestige seeking father, Sir Oswald Quinn, has threatened to take control of her future with his own aspirations foremost in his mind. Crispin and Gemma have assured Mary that she can stay with them indefinitely, but she is still worried that her life is in jeopardy. That is, until a handsome stranger reveals himself while she is hiding on the terrace to escape her father's attention during a ball. Edward, the Marquis of Woodley, is drawn to her beauty and innocence, especially since his first marriage was to a devious women out to destroy anyone who crossed her path. Even so, he never would have spoken to Mary if he knew she was related to Gemma and Crispin Flynn who both played a major role in his gruesome past. Too late, though he tries to run from her, the chemistry already exists and with a few kisses, their fates are sealed (along with the help of the scheming Oswald). Mary is excited to have finally found the perfect man to share her future with, but both their families are a little reticent about this betrothal. After all, Edward has been withdrawn from the world for the past three years and suddenly banns are being read and a wedding is on the horizon. Since the Marquis doesn't want their marriage to be encumbered by his past, he shares his secrets, so Mary can understand some of the trauma which continues to plague his thoughts. Yet, there are still enemies who do not want to see him happy. Can true love conquer the perils which threaten their happiness?
A Marquis for Mary (The Notorious Flynns #5) by Jess Michaels is the perfect novella with just enough angst amidst the loving to titillate and entertain the lover of Regency Romances. Wrapping up some of the loose ends of The Widow Wager, those who have enjoyed the Notorious Flynns series are reintroduced to old friends as well as some manipulative adversaries. There is just enough (perhaps a tad too much) of the back story to keep new readers in the loop. While the Flynn Saga is now complete, our favorite characters are bound to be present in the spin off series, The Wicked Woodleys, as some of the enigmas surrounding Edward's family are explored.
Four stars. This review also appears on my blog, Gotta Read.
A Marquis for Mary (The Notorious Flynns #5) by Jess Michaels is the perfect novella with just enough angst amidst the loving to titillate and entertain the lover of Regency Romances. Wrapping up some of the loose ends of The Widow Wager, those who have enjoyed the Notorious Flynns series are reintroduced to old friends as well as some manipulative adversaries. There is just enough (perhaps a tad too much) of the back story to keep new readers in the loop. While the Flynn Saga is now complete, our favorite characters are bound to be present in the spin off series, The Wicked Woodleys, as some of the enigmas surrounding Edward's family are explored.
Four stars. This review also appears on my blog, Gotta Read.
May 19, 2015
Mary Quinn’s time is running out. She managed to escape the overbearing, callous house of her father for the last four Seasons, but through no fault of her own remains unmarried. Her father sold her sister into marriage twice before and Mary knows if she does not marry this Season, then her father will reclaim control of her life and force her to marry whichever Lord will take her. Lord Edward Woodley has hidden himself from society since the tragic death (and secret suicide) of his late wife. But now he is forced to re-emerge in order to find a bride and begin the task of producing heirs for the title. A chance encounter with enchanting Mary Quinn on the terrace at a ball quickly turns into a forced marriage that may just work in both their favors.
Mary yearns for the love and devotion she sees reflected in the marriages of her sister and friends. She believes in herself and knows she is worth more than whatever pittance her father will sell her for in order to enter the ranks of the ton. Though her father infuriates her sometimes, Mary loves her family and is very loyal to those she holds dear. Mary and Edward’s marriage is arranged hastily, but she quickly opens to the idea and reality of marrying Edward, realizing that she has been falling in love with him since the moment they met on the terrace. Edward is unpolished from his years of hiding from society, but this makes his reactions to Mary genuine and charming. His nobility and honor are his defining characteristics and they inform everything he does. You can’t help but fall in love with him. Together, Mary and Edward are a perfect match, their love sweet and devotional.
This is the transition novella between Ms. Michaels’ Nortorious Flynns series and the Wicked Woodleys series. Though you do not have to have read the other Nortorious Flynn books to understand and enjoy this novella, I highly recommend you do anyways not only because they are fantastic reads, but also so you can fully enjoy the nuances of the secondary characters in this novella who feature in the other books.
Originally posted at Plot Twist Reviews [dot] Com
I received this book for free from the Author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Mary yearns for the love and devotion she sees reflected in the marriages of her sister and friends. She believes in herself and knows she is worth more than whatever pittance her father will sell her for in order to enter the ranks of the ton. Though her father infuriates her sometimes, Mary loves her family and is very loyal to those she holds dear. Mary and Edward’s marriage is arranged hastily, but she quickly opens to the idea and reality of marrying Edward, realizing that she has been falling in love with him since the moment they met on the terrace. Edward is unpolished from his years of hiding from society, but this makes his reactions to Mary genuine and charming. His nobility and honor are his defining characteristics and they inform everything he does. You can’t help but fall in love with him. Together, Mary and Edward are a perfect match, their love sweet and devotional.
This is the transition novella between Ms. Michaels’ Nortorious Flynns series and the Wicked Woodleys series. Though you do not have to have read the other Nortorious Flynn books to understand and enjoy this novella, I highly recommend you do anyways not only because they are fantastic reads, but also so you can fully enjoy the nuances of the secondary characters in this novella who feature in the other books.
Originally posted at Plot Twist Reviews [dot] Com
I received this book for free from the Author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
June 9, 2015
First reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
Whenever there is a new Notorious Flynns novel to be read you can find me in my happy place as I completely enjoy this series.
If Mary doesn’t contract for a marriage soon she will be sold off to the highest bidder (in title and wealth) by her despicable father’s desire for fame and fortune. She and her sister, Gemma, know that there is only so long that Gemma and her husband can protect Mary from their father’s schemes. And that time is rapidly running out.
Edward, Marquis Woodley knows he must re-enter the marriage mart. His first wife’s death has followed him for years, even if she was more than crazy and evil to the core, she was still his wife. But the time has come to search out another wife, hopefully one totally the opposite of his previous encounter with matrimony.
What neither Mary nor Edward expected was to find themselves betrothed to each other on the balcony that fateful night. He thought he was saving a desperate miss from jumping from the balcony – she saw him as a caring gentleman she was instantly attracted to … until the ugly head of scandal raised its head.
I have loved every novel in The Notorious Flynns series, and A Marquis for Mary was no exception. This is a short, fast paced novella but one that packs a powerful punch. I love it when bad guys get what’s coming to them in the end. I highly recommend this story, not only because it’s a well developed, enjoyable, engaging story – it is all of that – but it is also where we get the first glimpse of the next series, The Wicked Woodleys. (Forbidden is the first novel and will release sometime in August 2015) I absolutely adore stories that don’t actually end, ones where we are sure to find old friends and new couples in a sort of continuation of an enjoyable series as it expands to more delightful romances to come.
I would highly recommend A Marquis for Mary to anyone who loves their Historical Romances a bit on the spicy side or simply enjoys a good, solid love story. Take a chance on love and pick this one up.
*I received an e-ARC of A Marquis for Mary from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*
Whenever there is a new Notorious Flynns novel to be read you can find me in my happy place as I completely enjoy this series.
If Mary doesn’t contract for a marriage soon she will be sold off to the highest bidder (in title and wealth) by her despicable father’s desire for fame and fortune. She and her sister, Gemma, know that there is only so long that Gemma and her husband can protect Mary from their father’s schemes. And that time is rapidly running out.
Edward, Marquis Woodley knows he must re-enter the marriage mart. His first wife’s death has followed him for years, even if she was more than crazy and evil to the core, she was still his wife. But the time has come to search out another wife, hopefully one totally the opposite of his previous encounter with matrimony.
What neither Mary nor Edward expected was to find themselves betrothed to each other on the balcony that fateful night. He thought he was saving a desperate miss from jumping from the balcony – she saw him as a caring gentleman she was instantly attracted to … until the ugly head of scandal raised its head.
I have loved every novel in The Notorious Flynns series, and A Marquis for Mary was no exception. This is a short, fast paced novella but one that packs a powerful punch. I love it when bad guys get what’s coming to them in the end. I highly recommend this story, not only because it’s a well developed, enjoyable, engaging story – it is all of that – but it is also where we get the first glimpse of the next series, The Wicked Woodleys. (Forbidden is the first novel and will release sometime in August 2015) I absolutely adore stories that don’t actually end, ones where we are sure to find old friends and new couples in a sort of continuation of an enjoyable series as it expands to more delightful romances to come.
I would highly recommend A Marquis for Mary to anyone who loves their Historical Romances a bit on the spicy side or simply enjoys a good, solid love story. Take a chance on love and pick this one up.
*I received an e-ARC of A Marquis for Mary from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*
May 17, 2015
*I got this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
Me and the novellas, we’ll never be friends. “A Marquis for Mary” by Jess Michaels is the 5th and last installment of the “Notorious Flynn” series which I loved. Very hot and passionate Regency Romance BUT this one is only about 110 pages long, which isn’t long enough for me.
Mary Quinn lives with her sister Gemma and her brother-in-law Crispin (we know the story of them from book #3 “The Widow Wager”, which was kind of my favorite) and Crispin allows their father to attend society events. However Mary has been in society for almost two years and isn’t married yet so her father tries to marry her off, like he once did with Gemma, well he kind of did it twice. The young woman is desperate because she doesn’t want to return to her father’s home, a man who is deep in his cups quite often and likes to gamble a lot.
One day she meets Edward, Marquis Woodley, and within moments they realize that they share something unique but it’s all about passion in the beginning and not commitment. But a single event forces them to get engaged to avoid a big scandal in society and Mary’s ruin.
Of course Edward is a good guy, always has been though there has been the scandalous death of his late wife (told about in book #3), so he offers for Mary’s hand. That’s something I really liked but it happened too early in my opinion, but than I had to remember the novella is only 110 pages long so if you want to tell a story, you have to make it quick. And it was too quick or their was the tendency to tell more than possible in 110 pages because the whole part with the evil twin sisters of his passed away wife was kind of rushed in my opinion.
Many things were a little rushed but it was nevertheless a good story, everything added up. Like I already said once or twice, maybe it’s me who isn’t made for novellas BUT who can resist one by Jess Michaels (or Kate Pearce)? It’s impossible.
Please Jess, writer 250-300 page novels, please! I am in for the long run!
Rating: 4****
Me and the novellas, we’ll never be friends. “A Marquis for Mary” by Jess Michaels is the 5th and last installment of the “Notorious Flynn” series which I loved. Very hot and passionate Regency Romance BUT this one is only about 110 pages long, which isn’t long enough for me.
Mary Quinn lives with her sister Gemma and her brother-in-law Crispin (we know the story of them from book #3 “The Widow Wager”, which was kind of my favorite) and Crispin allows their father to attend society events. However Mary has been in society for almost two years and isn’t married yet so her father tries to marry her off, like he once did with Gemma, well he kind of did it twice. The young woman is desperate because she doesn’t want to return to her father’s home, a man who is deep in his cups quite often and likes to gamble a lot.
One day she meets Edward, Marquis Woodley, and within moments they realize that they share something unique but it’s all about passion in the beginning and not commitment. But a single event forces them to get engaged to avoid a big scandal in society and Mary’s ruin.
Of course Edward is a good guy, always has been though there has been the scandalous death of his late wife (told about in book #3), so he offers for Mary’s hand. That’s something I really liked but it happened too early in my opinion, but than I had to remember the novella is only 110 pages long so if you want to tell a story, you have to make it quick. And it was too quick or their was the tendency to tell more than possible in 110 pages because the whole part with the evil twin sisters of his passed away wife was kind of rushed in my opinion.
Many things were a little rushed but it was nevertheless a good story, everything added up. Like I already said once or twice, maybe it’s me who isn’t made for novellas BUT who can resist one by Jess Michaels (or Kate Pearce)? It’s impossible.
Please Jess, writer 250-300 page novels, please! I am in for the long run!
Rating: 4****
June 9, 2015
2.5 stars. This is a quick, easy Regency read that throws historical accuracy out of the window and crams in a scandalous forced engagement and a tragic backstory with a bit of blackmail and lots of emotional turmoil. It’s also the final fling for those Notorious Flynns, a series that had its ups and downs. Personally I found this one okay, but neither Mary nor Edward particularly grabbed my attention and I wasn’t all that interested in how they faired.
My biggest gripes really were over propriety issues. Mary meets a stranger on a dark terrace, alone, and instead of thinking she should probably go back inside lest someone comes out and gets the wrong impression (such as her scheming father), she asks him to introduce himself and the pair of them have a lovely little chat. The next time they meet they walk off alone together and it’s not until after Edward kisses her that they each think about propriety. This is the Regency era, where women could be ruined over the stupidest and most contrived of situations, but neither of them care a bit about those rules. Basically Mary’s manners and behaviour are too modern for the period. Some people won’t care, but for me it undermined the whole tale.
Add in the fact that Edward is surprisingly eager to marry again considering his past, and my interested dropped away. There are a few heated scenes, some silly dithering over notes and blackmail and mean people, plenty of introduction to various members of Edward’s family (for the next series) and a fun resolutions to all the problems. In all it’s an okay read, neatly tying up the last ends of the Flynn series and setting the scene for the next. A quick read, but not one I’ll return to again.
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
My biggest gripes really were over propriety issues. Mary meets a stranger on a dark terrace, alone, and instead of thinking she should probably go back inside lest someone comes out and gets the wrong impression (such as her scheming father), she asks him to introduce himself and the pair of them have a lovely little chat. The next time they meet they walk off alone together and it’s not until after Edward kisses her that they each think about propriety. This is the Regency era, where women could be ruined over the stupidest and most contrived of situations, but neither of them care a bit about those rules. Basically Mary’s manners and behaviour are too modern for the period. Some people won’t care, but for me it undermined the whole tale.
Add in the fact that Edward is surprisingly eager to marry again considering his past, and my interested dropped away. There are a few heated scenes, some silly dithering over notes and blackmail and mean people, plenty of introduction to various members of Edward’s family (for the next series) and a fun resolutions to all the problems. In all it’s an okay read, neatly tying up the last ends of the Flynn series and setting the scene for the next. A quick read, but not one I’ll return to again.
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
June 9, 2015
I think this novella is the crown jewel of this series. This book was a perfect end to this series.
I LOVED Edward and Mary - flat out, no exaggeration - LOVED them. I thought Paul was perfect hero (from No Gentleman for Georgina) Well, he must have taken hero lessons from Edward! Edward was be far one of the best heroes I have ever read. After everything his witch of a late wife out him thru - he deserved to be bitter and fear falling in love. But he wasn't and he didn't - what a refreshing change from the usual once bitten never trust a woman again heroes that are so prevalent in this genre.
And Mary, what a wonderful heroine she was. So sweet, so caring, so loving. You cannot help but love her and root for her happy ending
And I finally got in this book what I had hoped for in Crispin's book. A hero who admits that his love for Mary is much more than it ever was for Alice (may she rot in hell).
For such a short book - this novella really packs a punch, it is well written, potent and had just the right amount of heartache, joy and steam to provide a very quick yet satisfying read. It also nicely sets up the new upcoming series about Edward's family.
I highly recommend this entire series and am really looking forward to Audrey's book Forbidden due out in August!
** I received a eARC of this book from netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review **
I LOVED Edward and Mary - flat out, no exaggeration - LOVED them. I thought Paul was perfect hero (from No Gentleman for Georgina) Well, he must have taken hero lessons from Edward! Edward was be far one of the best heroes I have ever read. After everything his witch of a late wife out him thru - he deserved to be bitter and fear falling in love. But he wasn't and he didn't - what a refreshing change from the usual once bitten never trust a woman again heroes that are so prevalent in this genre.
And Mary, what a wonderful heroine she was. So sweet, so caring, so loving. You cannot help but love her and root for her happy ending
And I finally got in this book what I had hoped for in Crispin's book. A hero who admits that his love for Mary is much more than it ever was for Alice (may she rot in hell).
For such a short book - this novella really packs a punch, it is well written, potent and had just the right amount of heartache, joy and steam to provide a very quick yet satisfying read. It also nicely sets up the new upcoming series about Edward's family.
I highly recommend this entire series and am really looking forward to Audrey's book Forbidden due out in August!
** I received a eARC of this book from netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review **
May 17, 2015
Who doesn't love a good historical romance novel? I know I sure do and I found one in Jess Michael's A Marquis for Mary. While this is the fifth book in the series, it can be read as a standalone without confusion happening. I've never read any of the author's books before but I'm glad I read this because it charmed me. A Marquis for Mary receives an easy 4 stars from me for the sweet story line, the great hero and heroine, and a lovely happy ending.
Mary leaves no room to not like her! She's honest, charming, loyal, and protective of what she cares for. In a time where women were nothing more than pawns of the society to be married off, seen and not heard, Mary is a delight. She takes in stride Edward's secret and would do what she must to protect him.
Edward didn't mean to end up with a wife so soon after reentering society but is exactly what happened when he couldn't control his pull towards Mary. He has a tortured soul due to his deceased wife. Edward is noble, cunning, protective, sweet, and a great match for Mary. He holds tight to her even when she attempts to flee in order to do what she believes is best.
Simply, I liked the story. I liked the characters. There isn't much to not like and the hero is more than worthy of the heroine. A Marquis for Mary was a fun and easy read to which I would recommend to anyone who enjoys historical romance.
Mary leaves no room to not like her! She's honest, charming, loyal, and protective of what she cares for. In a time where women were nothing more than pawns of the society to be married off, seen and not heard, Mary is a delight. She takes in stride Edward's secret and would do what she must to protect him.
Edward didn't mean to end up with a wife so soon after reentering society but is exactly what happened when he couldn't control his pull towards Mary. He has a tortured soul due to his deceased wife. Edward is noble, cunning, protective, sweet, and a great match for Mary. He holds tight to her even when she attempts to flee in order to do what she believes is best.
Simply, I liked the story. I liked the characters. There isn't much to not like and the hero is more than worthy of the heroine. A Marquis for Mary was a fun and easy read to which I would recommend to anyone who enjoys historical romance.
April 17, 2016
Mary used to love going to a ball but after four long seasons she looked for a husband and still yet to find one. Two years ago had been taken out of the unhappy home of her father to live with her older sister Gemma and her brother in law Crispin. Her father has started making noises that Mary return to his home and control. He would sell his daughter to the highest bidder as her father was a notorious social climber - Sir Oswald Quinn. Mary had went out to the terrace after after one of the balls and met Edward the Marquis Of Waddley who she hadn’t noticed and he thought Mary was gonna jump from the terrace. Edward had married Crispin’s love Alice . Alice got pregnant and died and it was believed Edward killed her. Alice’s twin sisters threatened vengeance. But Alice had been evil but Edward had loved her. For years Edward was shut off by his family and just existed. Now he needs a new wife. Edward and Mary are caught on the balcony in an indiscreet situation by Mary’s father and forced to marry.
I enjoyed this novella , it had a good plot and very good writing I also loved the characters especially Edward and Mary. I was happy that even though forced to marry it wasn’t such a horrible thing for Mary or Edward. I recommend.
I received an ARC of this story for an honest review.
I enjoyed this novella , it had a good plot and very good writing I also loved the characters especially Edward and Mary. I was happy that even though forced to marry it wasn’t such a horrible thing for Mary or Edward. I recommend.
I received an ARC of this story for an honest review.
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