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The Worthington Brides #2
The Husband List
By popular demand, USA Today bestselling author Ella Quinn returns Regency England’s beloved extended family, The Worthingtons, for the second in a sparkling spin-off series!
Determined to tame the marriage market on their own terms and make advantageous love matches, three confident sisters draw up a list of qualities they expect their new beaus to meet. But as they are about to discover, people are hardly ever perfect - including one handsome politician whose ambition and glib smile masks a tender heart and the sincere desire to help improve the everyday lives of the average English citizen…
While her older sisters have sought out adventure, Lady Madeline Vivers is content to be the conventional one in the family. A respectable husband, spring and autumn in Town, a place in the country—these are Madeline’s very reasonable goals. And Mr. Harry Stern is not the man to help her reach them—no matter how much he causes her pulse to race. He is far too ambitious and determined to make his mark in Parliament. Yet, somehow he’s convinced that Madeline is just the helpmate he needs . . .
The moment Harry witnesses Madeline gently convincing a shopkeeper to hire the child who is stealing from him, he’s intrigued. If only she realized how much good they could do together, aiding their fellow countrymen and women. And the way her color deepens at his touch tells him she too feels their intense attraction. In fact, Harry has never felt so powerful an attraction either. What better reasons to use all his gifts of persuasion to convince her she belongs by his side—and in his arms . . .
Determined to tame the marriage market on their own terms and make advantageous love matches, three confident sisters draw up a list of qualities they expect their new beaus to meet. But as they are about to discover, people are hardly ever perfect - including one handsome politician whose ambition and glib smile masks a tender heart and the sincere desire to help improve the everyday lives of the average English citizen…
While her older sisters have sought out adventure, Lady Madeline Vivers is content to be the conventional one in the family. A respectable husband, spring and autumn in Town, a place in the country—these are Madeline’s very reasonable goals. And Mr. Harry Stern is not the man to help her reach them—no matter how much he causes her pulse to race. He is far too ambitious and determined to make his mark in Parliament. Yet, somehow he’s convinced that Madeline is just the helpmate he needs . . .
The moment Harry witnesses Madeline gently convincing a shopkeeper to hire the child who is stealing from him, he’s intrigued. If only she realized how much good they could do together, aiding their fellow countrymen and women. And the way her color deepens at his touch tells him she too feels their intense attraction. In fact, Harry has never felt so powerful an attraction either. What better reasons to use all his gifts of persuasion to convince her she belongs by his side—and in his arms . . .
370 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 27, 2023
435 people are currently reading
4026 people want to read
About the author
Ella Quinn
54 books2,545 followersUSA Today bestselling author Ella Quinn’s studies and other jobs have always been on the serious side (political science professor and lawyer). Reading historical romances, especially Regencies, were her escape. Eventually her love of historical novels led her to start writing them.
She is married to her wonderful husband of over thirty years. They have a son and two beautiful granddaughters, and a Great Dane named Lilibet. After living in the South Pacific, Central America, North Africa, England and Europe, she and her husband decided to make their dreams come true lived on sailboat for three years. After cruising the Caribbean and North America, she completed a transatlantic crossing from St. Martin to Southern Europe. She's currently living in Germany, happily writing while her husband is back at work, recovering from retirement.
Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Blog ~ Instagram ~ BookBub
She is married to her wonderful husband of over thirty years. They have a son and two beautiful granddaughters, and a Great Dane named Lilibet. After living in the South Pacific, Central America, North Africa, England and Europe, she and her husband decided to make their dreams come true lived on sailboat for three years. After cruising the Caribbean and North America, she completed a transatlantic crossing from St. Martin to Southern Europe. She's currently living in Germany, happily writing while her husband is back at work, recovering from retirement.
Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Blog ~ Instagram ~ BookBub
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews
May 30, 2023
The list will pave the way!
I must be frank. I was a bit surprised at the fairly ordinary plot of a young woman, Lady Madeline Vivers, in her first season, looking for a man with the required qualities of a husband from a list that she and her sisters had composed. Once I fell in with the pace, I became pleasantly aware of the tension in the story around the quest for the right suitor to become apparent.
A friend, Lady Merton (Dottie), visits the sisters with her brother, Mr Harry Stern, Member of Parliament for Bittleborough. Madeline wonders what a wife’s role would be in a MP’s life. Harry wonders about how someone like Madeline could fit into his life.
Of course by the time the plots Harry had my vote but would Madeline be of the same opinion. After all he wasn’t a Duke, something Madeline’s mother was angling for for her daughters. (That obsession is a story by itself.)
Then there’s Harry himself who is looking for a suitable wife but would Madeline be the one to assist him in his role as an MP?
As each privately wondered about what love looked like I was drawn into their personal deliberations.
Almost pedestrian in the way their relationship develops, yet a little gem which I greatly enjoyed.
A Kensington Books ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
I must be frank. I was a bit surprised at the fairly ordinary plot of a young woman, Lady Madeline Vivers, in her first season, looking for a man with the required qualities of a husband from a list that she and her sisters had composed. Once I fell in with the pace, I became pleasantly aware of the tension in the story around the quest for the right suitor to become apparent.
A friend, Lady Merton (Dottie), visits the sisters with her brother, Mr Harry Stern, Member of Parliament for Bittleborough. Madeline wonders what a wife’s role would be in a MP’s life. Harry wonders about how someone like Madeline could fit into his life.
Of course by the time the plots Harry had my vote but would Madeline be of the same opinion. After all he wasn’t a Duke, something Madeline’s mother was angling for for her daughters. (That obsession is a story by itself.)
Then there’s Harry himself who is looking for a suitable wife but would Madeline be the one to assist him in his role as an MP?
As each privately wondered about what love looked like I was drawn into their personal deliberations.
Almost pedestrian in the way their relationship develops, yet a little gem which I greatly enjoyed.
A Kensington Books ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
April 23, 2023
Ella Quinn is one of very few authors where I will automatically read her new release, so I was VERY excited to receive an advance copy through Netgalley! I have read and enjoyed all eleven of The Worthington books.
This story starts overlapping the time frame of the preceding book The Marriage List: An Opposites Attract Regency Romance. Like it, the scenes are traditional season balls and rides through the park. Both Lady Madeline Vivers and Mr. Harry Stern - a friend of the family and brother to a relative by marriage - are honorable people of good character. I liked them both. The story was low angst without any true villains. I enjoyed the book, but it wasn't particularly exciting. Like its predecessor, don't start the series with this book. Basically, three sisters (two by birth and one by marriage) are navigating one season together to find husbands. All three are good girls who create checklists of what they must have in a spouse, including love. They all honor their guardians and follow both their heads and their hearts. These first two also found men equally honorable to the point of almost being dull. I am really looking forward to the next book with the third sister's story. I think she finds a man who is not quite as nice.
This story starts overlapping the time frame of the preceding book The Marriage List: An Opposites Attract Regency Romance. Like it, the scenes are traditional season balls and rides through the park. Both Lady Madeline Vivers and Mr. Harry Stern - a friend of the family and brother to a relative by marriage - are honorable people of good character. I liked them both. The story was low angst without any true villains. I enjoyed the book, but it wasn't particularly exciting. Like its predecessor, don't start the series with this book. Basically, three sisters (two by birth and one by marriage) are navigating one season together to find husbands. All three are good girls who create checklists of what they must have in a spouse, including love. They all honor their guardians and follow both their heads and their hearts. These first two also found men equally honorable to the point of almost being dull. I am really looking forward to the next book with the third sister's story. I think she finds a man who is not quite as nice.
July 16, 2023
Wonderful series I’m swooning over!
June 29, 2023
Lady Madeline Vivers and her two sisters have drawn up a list of qualities they require in a husband, all of which seem fairly reasonable to the modern reader. The most conventional of the sisters, Madeline just wants a home in the country, children and a dog, also her mother wants her to marry a nobleman. So the way her heart pounds when she is near the ambitious barrister turned MP Mr Harry Stern is rather unfortunate. But as Madeline steps out with a number of eligible suitors it seems that only Harry meets all her criteria.
For his part, Harry is looking for a woman to help him in his career, not a pampered member of the aristocracy, aside from his instant attraction to Madeline, he is also struck by her innate kindness and the way in which she helps those less fortunate than herself - perhaps she would be the ideal wife for a hard-working MP after all.
I think this could have been a fun novel. Unfortunately, not having read each and every one of the previous books in the Worthington series and its spin offs, I was totally adrift in a sea of cousins, second cousins, half-sisters and the like together with their spouses and their spouses' siblings. Actually it turns out that I have only read one previous book in the series, which probably added to my confusion because I expect I was remembering a different series with a similar cast of thousands (possibly Lisa Kleypas?). Added to which, this is clearly a trilogy about Madeline and her two twin sisters (Alice and Eleanor) where their stories run concurrently, hence there was a story about someone attacking Eleanor which was referenced vaguely and glossed over - presumably because it happened in the first book in the trilogy (The Marriage List - which I have just see is indeed Eleanor's story). All of which means there feels like very little actual plot concerning Harry and Madeline, they are just being tugged along by the juggernaut that is the Worthington saga (for reference I believe that Madeline, Alice and Eleanor have two older married sisters, a (possibly) older unmarried brother, and at least three or four younger siblings).
Pleasant enough but doesn't really work as a standalone.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Bumped for release.
For his part, Harry is looking for a woman to help him in his career, not a pampered member of the aristocracy, aside from his instant attraction to Madeline, he is also struck by her innate kindness and the way in which she helps those less fortunate than herself - perhaps she would be the ideal wife for a hard-working MP after all.
I think this could have been a fun novel. Unfortunately, not having read each and every one of the previous books in the Worthington series and its spin offs, I was totally adrift in a sea of cousins, second cousins, half-sisters and the like together with their spouses and their spouses' siblings. Actually it turns out that I have only read one previous book in the series, which probably added to my confusion because I expect I was remembering a different series with a similar cast of thousands (possibly Lisa Kleypas?). Added to which, this is clearly a trilogy about Madeline and her two twin sisters (Alice and Eleanor) where their stories run concurrently, hence there was a story about someone attacking Eleanor which was referenced vaguely and glossed over - presumably because it happened in the first book in the trilogy (The Marriage List - which I have just see is indeed Eleanor's story). All of which means there feels like very little actual plot concerning Harry and Madeline, they are just being tugged along by the juggernaut that is the Worthington saga (for reference I believe that Madeline, Alice and Eleanor have two older married sisters, a (possibly) older unmarried brother, and at least three or four younger siblings).
Pleasant enough but doesn't really work as a standalone.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Bumped for release.
June 27, 2023
2 Stars! This is the second book in ‘The Worthington Brides’ series and can be read as a standalone. I did find this book confusing since I never read the previous book and haven’t read any books from ‘The Worthington’s’ series. So many secondary characters that just confused me while trying to read Madeline and Harry’s story. If you’ve read ‘The Worthington’s’ series, you’ll love this ‘Worthington Brides’ series as it continues with the same characters. I never read either series and couldn’t really get into this book. Some things are mentioned in this book that happened in the first book of this series and I was lost as to why it was happening since I never read that book. Basically, if you haven’t gotten invested in either of these series, you’ll be lost like I was. If you’ve read most or all of these series’, you’ll know who the people are, what is going on, and why it is all happening.
*I received this at no charge & I voluntarily left this review.*
*I received this at no charge & I voluntarily left this review.*
June 16, 2023
Barbara’s rating: 3.7 of 5 Stars
Series: The Worthingtons #9
Publication Date: 6/27/23
Period: Regency London
Number of Pages: 365
I love this author’s attention to detail and she is one of the very few authors who actually writes a period-correct story. I also loved the characters in this story and I liked that there wasn’t a lot of angsty navel-gazing going on. This story runs concurrent with the eighth book in the series, and if you haven’t read that one, you might wonder why the dangers to Eleanor aren’t given more page time in this book. The reason, of course, is that Eleanor’s story has already been told. I have read all of the books in this series, but if you haven’t, it is my opinion that you’ll have a hard time keeping all of the supporting characters straight. Those characters appear in this book with little explanation of who they are. However, to me, what is really missing – and probably confusing if you haven’t read the previous books – is how the family came to be a family in the first place – with cousins, and others who come together and become ‘sisters’ or brothers and are referred to as such. For me, I loved catching up with those previous characters and seeing where they currently are in their lives, but I do honestly think it would be a bit confusing for someone who hasn’t read any of the previous books.
Lady Madeline Vivers is participating in her first season and she has a specific list of criteria for finding a husband. Madeline and her sisters have composed that list by observing the traits of their brothers and brothers-in-law. There are many traits and characteristics on that list and none of them are outrageous and several eligible men could meet those criteria. However, the most important thing on the list is love – he must love her and she must love him. Madeline’s mother has an additional requirement though. The man must be a peer and the higher ranking the better. Madeline's mother has a candidate she is actively promoting, the Duke of Salforth. For Madeline, he meets many of her criteria, but does he love her and could she love him? There certainly aren’t any tingles when he touches her. Now, Mr. Harry Stern – he causes tingles, but he is only a Mr. and not a peer.
Harry Stern is a highly respected and successful lawyer who has spent all of his time in Bristol since finishing school. However, he’s recently been elected as a Member of Parliament for his district and is in London to take up that new role. He knows he’ll need to find a wife to be successful in his MP role, but he isn’t in a hurry – until he meets Madeline Vivers. Harry is intelligent, resourceful, steadfast, patient, caring, and kind, but he is not a peer – nor will he ever be. He is well connected as the grandson and nephew of a duke, but if Madeline requires a peer, it cannot be him. She doesn’t strike him as someone who cares about that, but will her mother have enough influence over her to convince Madeline to choose the duke?
I enjoyed the story but would have appreciated fewer interactions with previous characters and more time with Harry and Madeline. I honestly didn’t get Madeline’s preoccupation with what her mother wanted. Her mother had caused untold amounts of trouble for other members of the family, and Madeline was a strong enough personality to stand up to her mother, so I didn’t get the constant ‘trying’ to make herself care for the duke when she knew she didn’t.
I can recommend this book to you if you have read and enjoyed previous books in the series. If you haven’t read any of the previous books, I’d suggest reading at least a few of the earlier ones to ‘get’ the family dynamic before you try any of these later books.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Series: The Worthingtons #9
Publication Date: 6/27/23
Period: Regency London
Number of Pages: 365
I love this author’s attention to detail and she is one of the very few authors who actually writes a period-correct story. I also loved the characters in this story and I liked that there wasn’t a lot of angsty navel-gazing going on. This story runs concurrent with the eighth book in the series, and if you haven’t read that one, you might wonder why the dangers to Eleanor aren’t given more page time in this book. The reason, of course, is that Eleanor’s story has already been told. I have read all of the books in this series, but if you haven’t, it is my opinion that you’ll have a hard time keeping all of the supporting characters straight. Those characters appear in this book with little explanation of who they are. However, to me, what is really missing – and probably confusing if you haven’t read the previous books – is how the family came to be a family in the first place – with cousins, and others who come together and become ‘sisters’ or brothers and are referred to as such. For me, I loved catching up with those previous characters and seeing where they currently are in their lives, but I do honestly think it would be a bit confusing for someone who hasn’t read any of the previous books.
Lady Madeline Vivers is participating in her first season and she has a specific list of criteria for finding a husband. Madeline and her sisters have composed that list by observing the traits of their brothers and brothers-in-law. There are many traits and characteristics on that list and none of them are outrageous and several eligible men could meet those criteria. However, the most important thing on the list is love – he must love her and she must love him. Madeline’s mother has an additional requirement though. The man must be a peer and the higher ranking the better. Madeline's mother has a candidate she is actively promoting, the Duke of Salforth. For Madeline, he meets many of her criteria, but does he love her and could she love him? There certainly aren’t any tingles when he touches her. Now, Mr. Harry Stern – he causes tingles, but he is only a Mr. and not a peer.
Harry Stern is a highly respected and successful lawyer who has spent all of his time in Bristol since finishing school. However, he’s recently been elected as a Member of Parliament for his district and is in London to take up that new role. He knows he’ll need to find a wife to be successful in his MP role, but he isn’t in a hurry – until he meets Madeline Vivers. Harry is intelligent, resourceful, steadfast, patient, caring, and kind, but he is not a peer – nor will he ever be. He is well connected as the grandson and nephew of a duke, but if Madeline requires a peer, it cannot be him. She doesn’t strike him as someone who cares about that, but will her mother have enough influence over her to convince Madeline to choose the duke?
I enjoyed the story but would have appreciated fewer interactions with previous characters and more time with Harry and Madeline. I honestly didn’t get Madeline’s preoccupation with what her mother wanted. Her mother had caused untold amounts of trouble for other members of the family, and Madeline was a strong enough personality to stand up to her mother, so I didn’t get the constant ‘trying’ to make herself care for the duke when she knew she didn’t.
I can recommend this book to you if you have read and enjoyed previous books in the series. If you haven’t read any of the previous books, I’d suggest reading at least a few of the earlier ones to ‘get’ the family dynamic before you try any of these later books.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 11, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this novel and this is my freely given opinion.
I am rather heavily invested in the Worthington series since I have read it from the beginning. So continuing to read about the Carpenter-Worthington family as they grow and expand has become like wearing that warm cozy sweater, sitting by the warm fire, on the comfy couch, during a cold winter evening. It is familiar warm comfort.
This is the story of Madeline Vivers, the half sister of the Earl of Worthington, Matt from book 1. The timeline of this story is concurrent to that of Eleanor Carpenter, from the book prior to this one, the Marriage List. The two of them are making their come out concurrently with Eleanor's twin, Alice. Madeline is popular, as a beautiful, wealthy young lady, who is a member of a prominent Society family with many influential members. She is sought after by many men, but is conflicted when the one man she finds meets all the points on her list is Hugh Stern, the brother of Thea, Marchioness of Merton. But he is a mere mister, a new MP in the House of Commons, and the heir of a baronetcy. But he is far below the stature of what Madeleine's mother, the Lady Wolverton, and former Dowager Countess of Worthington, wishes for her daughter.
Madeline wishes to please her mother and allows other bachelors of note court her during the Season, but finds her heart is won by Hugh who is the only one who meets all her desires of having a man who would respect and listen to her, be and equal to her, share and aid in her concerns, and also be a willing and active member of her large family.
This is a sweet story, and it involves actively many members of the expanded family, from the previous stories and other books in the broader Ella Quinn world. In fact, because it occurs concurrent to the story of Montagu and Eleanor, there are points where, if you have not read The Marriage List, it feels like to skips over large parts of the story (and it does, because it is the story of the Marriage List!). But it was enjoyable for me to read about the growth of the family and their wonderful relationships - except the conflict with Lady Wolverton, the mother, and her ill conceived ideas of who her daughter should marry. That sets up the rather mild drama of this rather gentle and sweet love story.
My interest is quite piqued however by the conflict between Alice and her nemesis/suitor, St. Albans - a strong back story in this and the previous book. So I am definitely willing to dip my toes back into the Worthington-Carpenter world again... and probably over again, since there are several other siblings yet to come of age.
... and always, I adore the Great Danes ...
3.25 stars out of 5
I am rather heavily invested in the Worthington series since I have read it from the beginning. So continuing to read about the Carpenter-Worthington family as they grow and expand has become like wearing that warm cozy sweater, sitting by the warm fire, on the comfy couch, during a cold winter evening. It is familiar warm comfort.
This is the story of Madeline Vivers, the half sister of the Earl of Worthington, Matt from book 1. The timeline of this story is concurrent to that of Eleanor Carpenter, from the book prior to this one, the Marriage List. The two of them are making their come out concurrently with Eleanor's twin, Alice. Madeline is popular, as a beautiful, wealthy young lady, who is a member of a prominent Society family with many influential members. She is sought after by many men, but is conflicted when the one man she finds meets all the points on her list is Hugh Stern, the brother of Thea, Marchioness of Merton. But he is a mere mister, a new MP in the House of Commons, and the heir of a baronetcy. But he is far below the stature of what Madeleine's mother, the Lady Wolverton, and former Dowager Countess of Worthington, wishes for her daughter.
Madeline wishes to please her mother and allows other bachelors of note court her during the Season, but finds her heart is won by Hugh who is the only one who meets all her desires of having a man who would respect and listen to her, be and equal to her, share and aid in her concerns, and also be a willing and active member of her large family.
This is a sweet story, and it involves actively many members of the expanded family, from the previous stories and other books in the broader Ella Quinn world. In fact, because it occurs concurrent to the story of Montagu and Eleanor, there are points where, if you have not read The Marriage List, it feels like to skips over large parts of the story (and it does, because it is the story of the Marriage List!). But it was enjoyable for me to read about the growth of the family and their wonderful relationships - except the conflict with Lady Wolverton, the mother, and her ill conceived ideas of who her daughter should marry. That sets up the rather mild drama of this rather gentle and sweet love story.
My interest is quite piqued however by the conflict between Alice and her nemesis/suitor, St. Albans - a strong back story in this and the previous book. So I am definitely willing to dip my toes back into the Worthington-Carpenter world again... and probably over again, since there are several other siblings yet to come of age.
... and always, I adore the Great Danes ...
3.25 stars out of 5
May 15, 2023
[This review is for the ARC of The Husband List.]
The Worthingtons strike again! And by "strike", I mean they are generally a pleasant family who almost always get along, solve relationship issues with relative ease, and consistently have two-week betrothals. I did not give this book all five stars, but only because it didn't blow me away. Otherwise, it's an enjoyable and reliable read. Fans of previous Worthington novels will enjoy this one. However, unlike the others, neither of the lead characters are put in peril in this one, so it's an even lighter read, comparably. For readers new to the series, the story should be easy to follow since not a lot of plot happens and the main conflict is a simple one. The combined families in the story contain many adults, adult children, young children, and small children, so keeping track of them can get a bit confusing. The trick is to focus only on the leads and their siblings. It's important to note here that the author blurb, as of the writing of this review, is not accurate and is a little misleading, but isn't outright lying.
It's the beginning of the season and Lady Madeline Vivers and her sisters are out for the first time and expecting to wed before the end of the season. To stay on top of things, they make a list of qualities they want in a husband. Harry, Mr. Henry Stern, is a newly elected MP and family friend to Madeline's large family. Harry is planning to wed soon and Madeline is immediately on his radar after meeting her again for the first time as an adult. Madeline very quickly becomes close to Harry and spends a lot of time with him, but she is unsure how he feels about her or if she is attracted to him.
The main conflict of the story is that Madeline's mother, due to her own personal issues, practically demands that she wed someone who is titled. While Harry has every quality Madeline requires in a husband, is enjoyable to be around, has many titled family members, and is a thoroughly progressive and determined MP, he is not titled. Will Madeline marry an "okay" titled gentleman and hope for the best, or will she go with her heart?
As with Ella Quinn's other historical novels, many historical political/social issues are brought up and discussed by the characters, with the Worthingtons being on the right side of history. In this case, the main issues are child labor, debtor's prison, and women's property rights. As for steaminess, the Worthington novels are normally fairly light on steam, and this one is even lighter. There is one short and partially explicit sexual intercourse scene after the characters are betrothed, but other than that, Harry occasionally momentarily fantasizes about respectfully making love to Madeline and makes excuses to touch her casually whenever possible.
In conclusion, this book was as I expected it to be and I found it to be a pleasant palate cleanser in between more tension-filled novels. It was nice to visit the Worthingtons again and I look forward to future novels. Ella Quinn tends to publish books that happen concurrently, but featuring different leads, and it looks like this will be the case for future books in this series. Therefore, there are very minor spoilers for what I suspect will be future novels. I look forward to reading them as well.
The Worthingtons strike again! And by "strike", I mean they are generally a pleasant family who almost always get along, solve relationship issues with relative ease, and consistently have two-week betrothals. I did not give this book all five stars, but only because it didn't blow me away. Otherwise, it's an enjoyable and reliable read. Fans of previous Worthington novels will enjoy this one. However, unlike the others, neither of the lead characters are put in peril in this one, so it's an even lighter read, comparably. For readers new to the series, the story should be easy to follow since not a lot of plot happens and the main conflict is a simple one. The combined families in the story contain many adults, adult children, young children, and small children, so keeping track of them can get a bit confusing. The trick is to focus only on the leads and their siblings. It's important to note here that the author blurb, as of the writing of this review, is not accurate and is a little misleading, but isn't outright lying.
It's the beginning of the season and Lady Madeline Vivers and her sisters are out for the first time and expecting to wed before the end of the season. To stay on top of things, they make a list of qualities they want in a husband. Harry, Mr. Henry Stern, is a newly elected MP and family friend to Madeline's large family. Harry is planning to wed soon and Madeline is immediately on his radar after meeting her again for the first time as an adult. Madeline very quickly becomes close to Harry and spends a lot of time with him, but she is unsure how he feels about her or if she is attracted to him.
The main conflict of the story is that Madeline's mother, due to her own personal issues, practically demands that she wed someone who is titled. While Harry has every quality Madeline requires in a husband, is enjoyable to be around, has many titled family members, and is a thoroughly progressive and determined MP, he is not titled. Will Madeline marry an "okay" titled gentleman and hope for the best, or will she go with her heart?
As with Ella Quinn's other historical novels, many historical political/social issues are brought up and discussed by the characters, with the Worthingtons being on the right side of history. In this case, the main issues are child labor, debtor's prison, and women's property rights. As for steaminess, the Worthington novels are normally fairly light on steam, and this one is even lighter. There is one short and partially explicit sexual intercourse scene after the characters are betrothed, but other than that, Harry occasionally momentarily fantasizes about respectfully making love to Madeline and makes excuses to touch her casually whenever possible.
In conclusion, this book was as I expected it to be and I found it to be a pleasant palate cleanser in between more tension-filled novels. It was nice to visit the Worthingtons again and I look forward to future novels. Ella Quinn tends to publish books that happen concurrently, but featuring different leads, and it looks like this will be the case for future books in this series. Therefore, there are very minor spoilers for what I suspect will be future novels. I look forward to reading them as well.
June 21, 2023
Clever, kind, and always ready to help Lady Madeline Vivers, sister to the Earl of Worthington, is ready for her season. Together with the twins, she’s made a list of qualities their future husbands should possess. Love and a willingness to marry the entire family are the most important ones. But she also wants to please her mother and marry a peer.
Talented barrister and newly elected MP, Harry Stern is a perfect gentleman. Except, he has no title.
He’s handsome and caring. He makes a nice living and is heir to a baronetcy. His grandfather was the Duke of Bristol and his sister is the Marchioness of Merton. Yet somehow, for some people, it’s simply not enough.
Madeline and Harry share their extended - through marriage, longtime family friendships and family ties - family and that’s how they’re introduced. Immediately comfortable and attracted to each other, their conversation is easy and a bond is quickly formed. All seems to be going exceedingly well until Harry’s old university chums, all peers of the realm, come to claim Madeline’s attention...
Will Harry measure up and overcome her mother’s prejudice? And is Madeline ready to give her heart to a politician?
📚 This was the first book of the Worthingtons I read and, yes, the family is extended, but I didn’t get lost in the who’s who of it all. I liked the strong sense of family and their social engagement a lot! The romance was sweet with some “naughty” fading to black. He’s attentive and considerate. She’s a lady with a good head on her shoulders.
I would have liked the story to move at a faster pace. It’s a lot of the same: rides, balls and talking. The second half of the book had a little more life to it, and is quite entertaining. The side story about all the people they help is very nice and well-written! But, all in all, the book left me feeling vanilla: familiar, light and sweet ⭐⭐⭐✨
📚 Friends to lovers, slow burn, fade to black, he falls first
Thank you Ella Quinn, Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for this eARC. All opinions expressed are my own.
Talented barrister and newly elected MP, Harry Stern is a perfect gentleman. Except, he has no title.
He’s handsome and caring. He makes a nice living and is heir to a baronetcy. His grandfather was the Duke of Bristol and his sister is the Marchioness of Merton. Yet somehow, for some people, it’s simply not enough.
Madeline and Harry share their extended - through marriage, longtime family friendships and family ties - family and that’s how they’re introduced. Immediately comfortable and attracted to each other, their conversation is easy and a bond is quickly formed. All seems to be going exceedingly well until Harry’s old university chums, all peers of the realm, come to claim Madeline’s attention...
Will Harry measure up and overcome her mother’s prejudice? And is Madeline ready to give her heart to a politician?
📚 This was the first book of the Worthingtons I read and, yes, the family is extended, but I didn’t get lost in the who’s who of it all. I liked the strong sense of family and their social engagement a lot! The romance was sweet with some “naughty” fading to black. He’s attentive and considerate. She’s a lady with a good head on her shoulders.
I would have liked the story to move at a faster pace. It’s a lot of the same: rides, balls and talking. The second half of the book had a little more life to it, and is quite entertaining. The side story about all the people they help is very nice and well-written! But, all in all, the book left me feeling vanilla: familiar, light and sweet ⭐⭐⭐✨
📚 Friends to lovers, slow burn, fade to black, he falls first
Thank you Ella Quinn, Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for this eARC. All opinions expressed are my own.
June 27, 2023
While her older sisters have sought out adventure, Lady Madeline Vivers is content to be the conventional one in the family. A respectable husband, spring and autumn in Town, a place in the country these are Madeline’s very reasonable goals. And Mr. Harry Stern is not the man to help her reach them no matter how much he causes her pulse to race. Her mother is pushing Madeline to marry a peer but Harry is a plain mister.
This is the second book in the spin off from The Worthingtons & as there are many siblings & spouses I feel that The Worthington books should be read in order to fully appreciate this book. This book also runs in the same time frame as the previous book. This is another lovely romance with very little angst. I loved both Harry & Madeline who fall for each other but he thinks he’s not worthy of her as he's an MP no a peer. She wants to please her mother but as much as she tries she feels nothing for the aristocrats who pursue her. They are both caring, loving people & Harry soon ticks all the boxes on Madeline’s list. An endearing story, which I thoroughly enjoyed an added bonus is the author’s attention to detail & her historical correctness.
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
This is the second book in the spin off from The Worthingtons & as there are many siblings & spouses I feel that The Worthington books should be read in order to fully appreciate this book. This book also runs in the same time frame as the previous book. This is another lovely romance with very little angst. I loved both Harry & Madeline who fall for each other but he thinks he’s not worthy of her as he's an MP no a peer. She wants to please her mother but as much as she tries she feels nothing for the aristocrats who pursue her. They are both caring, loving people & Harry soon ticks all the boxes on Madeline’s list. An endearing story, which I thoroughly enjoyed an added bonus is the author’s attention to detail & her historical correctness.
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
July 5, 2023
Lady Madeline Vivers' mother demands that the gentleman she marries be a peer or an heir to a peer. Mr. Harry Stern is a barrister in Bristol and the newest member of Parliament for Bittleborough. He may not be the man her mother wants her to marry, but Madeline's heart knows otherwise. Harry is determined that Madeline will be his wife, but he's got competition and her mother to convince. With the help of friends and family he may succeed in checking off Madeline's list and marry the woman he loves. Never a dull moment with this family! Adults, children and dogs! I was puzzled why Madeline's mother didn't have a more physical presence.(?)
Mild open bedroom door.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Mild open bedroom door.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
July 6, 2023
I really struggled with this book. I think it comes down to the writing style mostly? I was just not engaged and kept leaving the book to read another. The plot was cute, and the MCs were sweet. But I just struggled to want to finish it. Also, there are a LOT of family members that get really confusing. Overall it was nice but not for me.
June 5, 2023
Thank you Goodreads giveaway for this arc copy of this book. It was a good read. The henry knew Madeline was for him. He spends the story trying to get to know her. Her mother wants her to marry a man for the title. Both characters trying to find their place in life. They are a perfect together.
July 7, 2023
This book seems like a fairly short plot got crazy stretched out. There weren't really a whole lot of plot points other than Madeline finding her match, but having a struggle due to her mother wanting her to marry with a certain status. Of course Harry had good lineage, but was just a new member of the house of commons.
Yes this is a continuation, but it was just too slow for me. I think that the previous book and this one could have been put in one book, with both romances developing. Eleanor was mentioning a bunch in this book, why not put it all together since it had the same events basically.
I hope the next book picks up the pace!
Thank you to Kensington and Netgalley for providing me a copy of this ARC for my honest review.
Yes this is a continuation, but it was just too slow for me. I think that the previous book and this one could have been put in one book, with both romances developing. Eleanor was mentioning a bunch in this book, why not put it all together since it had the same events basically.
I hope the next book picks up the pace!
Thank you to Kensington and Netgalley for providing me a copy of this ARC for my honest review.
June 11, 2023
I found this book so very irritating. This is book nine in the author’s series. The characters from past books are mentioned and enter into scenes with no background. It’s as if the author just assumes that readers have memorized all her characters and remembers the plots of their books. I think I’ve read some of the past books, but I read a lot of romances so I can’t keep them straight. I think it is the responsibility of the author or editor to provide a family tree or list of characters to keep straight who is married to whom and how people are related to each other. There is something rather arrogant about the author assuming readers can keep around a dozen characters from past books straight in their minds. There are step-families that are referred to as if they are blood relatives. Who can keep them straight? I realize it is tedious for readers who love a series and just read them all one after another, but if you read the books when they come out, it’s impossible to remember the details of past romances and relationships.
Add in that the romance between the two main characters follows a rather tedious path. The author includes lots of daily details. It’s as if we’re reading a daily diary of what a character eats, dresses in, and does with a bit of internal dialogue thrown in.
It was dull and aggravating. I only finished it because I’d received a free ARC and felt a responsibility to the publisher. But I was exasperated the entire time. If I’d picked this up from the library, I wouldn’t have finished it.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.
Add in that the romance between the two main characters follows a rather tedious path. The author includes lots of daily details. It’s as if we’re reading a daily diary of what a character eats, dresses in, and does with a bit of internal dialogue thrown in.
It was dull and aggravating. I only finished it because I’d received a free ARC and felt a responsibility to the publisher. But I was exasperated the entire time. If I’d picked this up from the library, I wouldn’t have finished it.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.
June 17, 2023
Let me start by giving you my personal and passionate opinion!
I loved reading The Husband List just as much as all the other books where the Worthington family members and their extended family appear. It’s just great to disappear in a story where everyone is rooting for your happiness what ever it looks like.
Therefore, if you decide to read The Husband list, I recommend you to read it understanding the protagonist, Madeline Vivers. The flow and rhythm of the book goes along with the protagonist’s personality. Madeline is this calm, emotional matured, wise and kind human being that wants to please and make sure that everyone who surrounds her is comfortable and in peace, making her story feel slow, sort of like the interlude to a more passionate and exciting story for the next character who is Alice Carpenter.
Take also in consideration that this story is happening at the same moment Eleanor’s story is happening so the first part it’s like reading The Marriage List from another point of view which also helps you understand part of Alice story.
Every book is different because of its characters. Some books in these series will seem more interesting and passionate to some readers and this doesn’t depend on the author along, it also depends of the personality of the reader. To write the story different is to betray the character itself, in this case Madeline. She is her story.
In my case, I can’t wait to read the story of Alice Carpenter, Theo Vivers and Mary Carpenter,, Charles (Earl of Stanwood) and specially little Elizabeth’s (Madeline niece).
Thanks netgalley and the publishers to allow me the treat to read this book!
I loved reading The Husband List just as much as all the other books where the Worthington family members and their extended family appear. It’s just great to disappear in a story where everyone is rooting for your happiness what ever it looks like.
Therefore, if you decide to read The Husband list, I recommend you to read it understanding the protagonist, Madeline Vivers. The flow and rhythm of the book goes along with the protagonist’s personality. Madeline is this calm, emotional matured, wise and kind human being that wants to please and make sure that everyone who surrounds her is comfortable and in peace, making her story feel slow, sort of like the interlude to a more passionate and exciting story for the next character who is Alice Carpenter.
Take also in consideration that this story is happening at the same moment Eleanor’s story is happening so the first part it’s like reading The Marriage List from another point of view which also helps you understand part of Alice story.
Every book is different because of its characters. Some books in these series will seem more interesting and passionate to some readers and this doesn’t depend on the author along, it also depends of the personality of the reader. To write the story different is to betray the character itself, in this case Madeline. She is her story.
In my case, I can’t wait to read the story of Alice Carpenter, Theo Vivers and Mary Carpenter,, Charles (Earl of Stanwood) and specially little Elizabeth’s (Madeline niece).
Thanks netgalley and the publishers to allow me the treat to read this book!
June 7, 2023
This is the ninth in the Worthington series or second in the spinoff Worthing Brides series which ever way you count. I read the previous book, The Marriage List (Dec 2022), and this continues on with the same idea as that one. Marriage minded young women looking for the attributes they want in a husband. Lady Madeline Vivers wants a traditional life that someone of her status merits. Her mother would like her to marry a high title. Mr. Harry Stern is a recently elect MP and will inherit a Baronetcy.
Madeline is receiving the correct attention at balls and events from hirer titled gentleman. Harry pushes his courting forward during morning rides and discussing current politics concerning women being able to own and keep property. Will she choose the title or the man she likes? There isn’t much new here story wise. In fact it reads similarly to the previous book. Lot of details of rides, calling at houses, sending flowers, writing invitations or accepting them. It is very traditional and at times tedious. It isn’t a bad story but it is interchangeable with the last one I read. I did like the ease of the MCs talking together. There does get some passion but not till they are properly betrothed.
This is my fourth or more book by the author and they always get an average rating. They never inspire me to go back and read her catalog of previous books. Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books, Zebra for the ARC and I am leaving a voluntary review.
Madeline is receiving the correct attention at balls and events from hirer titled gentleman. Harry pushes his courting forward during morning rides and discussing current politics concerning women being able to own and keep property. Will she choose the title or the man she likes? There isn’t much new here story wise. In fact it reads similarly to the previous book. Lot of details of rides, calling at houses, sending flowers, writing invitations or accepting them. It is very traditional and at times tedious. It isn’t a bad story but it is interchangeable with the last one I read. I did like the ease of the MCs talking together. There does get some passion but not till they are properly betrothed.
This is my fourth or more book by the author and they always get an average rating. They never inspire me to go back and read her catalog of previous books. Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books, Zebra for the ARC and I am leaving a voluntary review.
January 13, 2026
REVIEW
Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
👩🏼❤️👨🏼👩🏼❤️👨🏼
Unfortunately, this book was not for me. I really, really tried to get into it, but it didn't work. I forced myself to finish it because I didn't want to dnf an ARC. It started to pick up when I reached 75%
👩🏼❤️👨🏼👩🏼❤️👨🏼
THINGS I LIKED
1. The ending
2. The MCs, I loved that they were doing good jobs, helping those who needed it.
3. I loved their big families and their antics
👩🏼❤️👨🏼👩🏼❤️👨🏼
THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE
1. Harry didn't declare his intent to marry Madeline soon enough. They were just going around a circle. It was annoying!
2. I was very confused by the Vivers/Carpenter family, I didn't understand how they became a unit. I'd have preferred a family tree
3. I hate reading books that are not clear about the ages of the MCs. I don't know either of Madeline or Harry's age, and it was really annoying.
4. The side characters except from the family members were 'blergh'. They didn't make any impression on me and I didn't like them.
👩🏼❤️👨🏼👩🏼❤️👨🏼
This book would have been better if it was a 'I like you, you know it and I'm going to marry you' from the very beginning of the book
Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
👩🏼❤️👨🏼👩🏼❤️👨🏼
Unfortunately, this book was not for me. I really, really tried to get into it, but it didn't work. I forced myself to finish it because I didn't want to dnf an ARC. It started to pick up when I reached 75%
👩🏼❤️👨🏼👩🏼❤️👨🏼
THINGS I LIKED
1. The ending
2. The MCs, I loved that they were doing good jobs, helping those who needed it.
3. I loved their big families and their antics
👩🏼❤️👨🏼👩🏼❤️👨🏼
THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE
1. Harry didn't declare his intent to marry Madeline soon enough. They were just going around a circle. It was annoying!
2. I was very confused by the Vivers/Carpenter family, I didn't understand how they became a unit. I'd have preferred a family tree
3. I hate reading books that are not clear about the ages of the MCs. I don't know either of Madeline or Harry's age, and it was really annoying.
4. The side characters except from the family members were 'blergh'. They didn't make any impression on me and I didn't like them.
👩🏼❤️👨🏼👩🏼❤️👨🏼
This book would have been better if it was a 'I like you, you know it and I'm going to marry you' from the very beginning of the book
May 1, 2023
Madeline is the Worthington (Vivers actually) most likely to try to please everyone especially her mother who wants her daughter to marry someone with a title, money and excellent reputation. Not for herself but she believes that those things will allow her child to be happy. This is the underling thread through the book.
I enjoyed this book - generally a low stakes Regency romance centered around the two main characters lives, what was going on politically at the time and family.
While this book can be read before other books in the series this book runs concurrently with the previous book but I think you will be reading other books about the family and friends very quickly.
Thank-you to Kensington Books, Zebra and NetGalley for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
#TheHusbandList #NetGalley
I enjoyed this book - generally a low stakes Regency romance centered around the two main characters lives, what was going on politically at the time and family.
While this book can be read before other books in the series this book runs concurrently with the previous book but I think you will be reading other books about the family and friends very quickly.
Thank-you to Kensington Books, Zebra and NetGalley for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
#TheHusbandList #NetGalley
April 9, 2023
The Husband List, has no surprises in it. It was a little boring at times because of this, but it was nice to think that it is more like reality. Madeline knows what she is looking for more than her sisters did. This helped her to see Harry as husband material. She asked questions for clarification and Harry was very open with his answers. This is what happens in real life most of the time so it is refreshing to read about it in a love story.
July 29, 2023
I believe Ella Quinn to be a fount of wisdom relating to anything Regency, if you need the answer to a question she is kind enough to share her extraordinary knowledge. I admire her tremendously as an author, even though I receive offers to read Arcs on a daily basis, I don't ever mind buying Ms. Quinn's books. I can tell you I loved the first three books in this Series, especially the first one, "Three Weeks To Wed", where all of these convoluted relationships begin, and I am still mad about Matt, the Earl of Worthington, and Grace, between the two they have raised their siblings due to the untimely deaths of parents. This Season we have Ladies Alice, Elinor, and Madeleine in the marriage hunt, The Season, balls, and soirees, and the men! I could leave it there, and the legion of Worthington fans will love me, hopefully the author will understand, my integrity on reviews led me to spend a small fortune on a blog that no one reads, and I did it because Amazon refuses to publish some of my reviews, mine are now published regardless, after all its just my opinion, ignore it, but it is an honest opinion. I would have happily frolicked through these last two " List" books, the young ladies are perfect, and when I say perfect, I mean sainthood is in the offing. Their charities are commendable, truly, but my belief is that not all Whigs are perfect, nor are all Tories child eating monsters. But here they are, Whigs I mean, Tories need not apply, nor should any blue blooded Alpha Males, only gentleman who mold themselves to fit into this humongous family, if you have any backbone of your own, get rid of it, because these ladies will have their servants sweep you out with the dust. That is my biggest concern, these last two males have done everything but lick these young ladies boots! I love ladies who behave like ladies, but I love men who behave like Alpha Males, who are not going to run around worrying what they need to give up in order to win one of the Worthington feminist females. Let's face it, Matt has always been an Alpha Male, and we still love him, or at least I do. I would have love to see another one, a male who would tell one of the Worthington females, yes I love your family, yes, you can see them whenever you like, but I have an Estate to run, and they will always be welcomed here, but I refuse to live 3 houses down from each other, you can stay here with Matt and Grace or you can grow up and live in the home I will provide for you. Now, that man I can't wait to meet, but you won't be meeting him here, the Worthington World is becoming like the Stepford Wives. Sorry, but that is why I struggled through the book, perfectionism can be boring. If you haven't read the series, please read the first three, I know that you will enjoy them. Thank you.
carolintallahassee
carolintallahassee
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 16, 2023
I adore the characters that Ms Quinn creates and the stories she weaves with details of the period clothing, mores and the day to day life of the upper class and the lower ones. My one complaint is there are so many characters, many whom have several names and titles, that I couldn't keep them straight. A family tree would be very helpful.
The Husband List happens concurrently to the Marriage List. You need to have read The Marriage List to understand what is happening with Eleanor. This book is about one of Eleanor's sister-in-laws, Madeline Vivers. Madeline, Eleanor and Alice, Eleanor's twin sister are all coming out this season. While the three of them made a list of qualities that they want in a husband in the last book, Madeline is being pressured by her mother, to look for a title. Fortunately, her brother is her guardian, and he wants all of his sister's to have love matches. Harry Stern is a barrister. He sees Madeline and it is love at first sight, but he needs to convince Madeline. He receives a lot of helpful suggestions from his many relatives and he is smart enough to listen. It is a charming story of Harry's wooing Madeline and then their setting up of their new household. Witty dialogue.
I read an ARC from the publisher via NetGally.com and this is my unbiased and voluntary review.
The Husband List happens concurrently to the Marriage List. You need to have read The Marriage List to understand what is happening with Eleanor. This book is about one of Eleanor's sister-in-laws, Madeline Vivers. Madeline, Eleanor and Alice, Eleanor's twin sister are all coming out this season. While the three of them made a list of qualities that they want in a husband in the last book, Madeline is being pressured by her mother, to look for a title. Fortunately, her brother is her guardian, and he wants all of his sister's to have love matches. Harry Stern is a barrister. He sees Madeline and it is love at first sight, but he needs to convince Madeline. He receives a lot of helpful suggestions from his many relatives and he is smart enough to listen. It is a charming story of Harry's wooing Madeline and then their setting up of their new household. Witty dialogue.
I read an ARC from the publisher via NetGally.com and this is my unbiased and voluntary review.
April 24, 2025
Title: The Husband List
Author: Ella Quinn
This cozy romantic story takes to apart of London were every young ladies fantasy is to meet her gentlemen of the peers and hope that he offers for her hand in marriage. In between that time I enjoyed the innocence and harmony of our two main characters, Harry and Madeline. I will have to say that I was mesmerized by the pure beauty of their courtship. It made the book so enjoyable to read. Of course we all know what plot is so I loved being entertained by the daily humdrum of the three families lives and how they entertain themselves by being busy bodies in their siblings lives.
This is a fun book to read. I thought that it was amazing. I give this book two snaps and a twist. Until next time my fellow readers. Read on!
Author: Ella Quinn
This cozy romantic story takes to apart of London were every young ladies fantasy is to meet her gentlemen of the peers and hope that he offers for her hand in marriage. In between that time I enjoyed the innocence and harmony of our two main characters, Harry and Madeline. I will have to say that I was mesmerized by the pure beauty of their courtship. It made the book so enjoyable to read. Of course we all know what plot is so I loved being entertained by the daily humdrum of the three families lives and how they entertain themselves by being busy bodies in their siblings lives.
This is a fun book to read. I thought that it was amazing. I give this book two snaps and a twist. Until next time my fellow readers. Read on!
January 14, 2025
I don’t think I’ve ever read a more boring book. There was no plot, no real conflict, and about 100 random characters who just show up without any background information and add nothing to the story. The MCs get along right away and then just hang out every day doing the same things over and over again until the book is eventually over.
July 2, 2023
I enjoyed the story as well as the characters. I love the Worthington family, and I'm looking forward to Alice's story. I would recommend.
July 12, 2023
Lady Madeline Vivers designs a list of qualities she wants in a husband along with her two sisters. Madeline is practical and wants a house in the country long with children and a dog. It's her mother who wants her to marry a peer; however, she only has eyes for Harry Stern, a barrister turned MP..
Harry wants a wife who will help him in his career - not one who is spoilt and part of the ton. His instant attraction to Madeline isn't going to reach his goal, but she impresses him with her kindness and how she works to help people less fortunate.
This book started off well, but I hadn't read any of the series before and I couldn't tell most of Madeline's relatives apart. As a result, the constant mentioning of her family felt too much like a plot device since the plot itself was a a bit thin.
I received this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Harry wants a wife who will help him in his career - not one who is spoilt and part of the ton. His instant attraction to Madeline isn't going to reach his goal, but she impresses him with her kindness and how she works to help people less fortunate.
This book started off well, but I hadn't read any of the series before and I couldn't tell most of Madeline's relatives apart. As a result, the constant mentioning of her family felt too much like a plot device since the plot itself was a a bit thin.
I received this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 28, 2023
Determined to tame the marriage market on their own terms and make advantageous love matches, three confident sisters draw up a list of qualities they expect their new beaus to meet. But as they are about to discover, people are hardly ever perfect - including one handsome politician whose ambition and glib smile masks a tender heart and the sincere desire to help improve the everyday lives of the average English citizen…
While her older sisters have sought out adventure, Lady Madeline Vivers is content to be the conventional one in the family. A respectable husband, spring and autumn in Town, a place in the country—these are Madeline’s very reasonable goals. And Mr. Harry Stern is not the man to help her reach them—no matter how much he causes her pulse to race. He is far too ambitious and determined to make his mark in Parliament. Yet, somehow he’s convinced that Madeline is just the helpmate he needs . . .
The moment Harry witnesses Madeline gently convincing a shopkeeper to hire the child who is stealing from him, he’s intrigued. If only she realized how much good they could do together, aiding their fellow countrymen and women. And the way her color deepens at his touch tells him she too feels their intense attraction. In fact, Harry has never felt so powerful an attraction either. What better reasons to use all his gifts of persuasion to convince her she belongs by his side—and in his arms . . .
This is a typical Ella Quinn novel. A neat description of a life in which all dealings and encounters were subject to etiquette rules. The book explores Harry’s search for a wife, and he has set his eyes on Madeline. I missed a bit of pace and chemistry between Madeline and Harry. But if you like Ella Quinn’s style of writing this is the book for you.
I received and reviewed an advanced copy of this book and I am grateful for this opportunity. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
While her older sisters have sought out adventure, Lady Madeline Vivers is content to be the conventional one in the family. A respectable husband, spring and autumn in Town, a place in the country—these are Madeline’s very reasonable goals. And Mr. Harry Stern is not the man to help her reach them—no matter how much he causes her pulse to race. He is far too ambitious and determined to make his mark in Parliament. Yet, somehow he’s convinced that Madeline is just the helpmate he needs . . .
The moment Harry witnesses Madeline gently convincing a shopkeeper to hire the child who is stealing from him, he’s intrigued. If only she realized how much good they could do together, aiding their fellow countrymen and women. And the way her color deepens at his touch tells him she too feels their intense attraction. In fact, Harry has never felt so powerful an attraction either. What better reasons to use all his gifts of persuasion to convince her she belongs by his side—and in his arms . . .
This is a typical Ella Quinn novel. A neat description of a life in which all dealings and encounters were subject to etiquette rules. The book explores Harry’s search for a wife, and he has set his eyes on Madeline. I missed a bit of pace and chemistry between Madeline and Harry. But if you like Ella Quinn’s style of writing this is the book for you.
I received and reviewed an advanced copy of this book and I am grateful for this opportunity. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 18, 2023
I liked this story. It was a nice read from beginning to end. Our hero, Harry knew Madeline was the one for him the minute they met, and he spends the rest of the story trying to get as close to her and spend as much time with her as possible. He's patient, attentive, and willing to bid his time for Madeline to realise the same. Madeline for her part, was a little more cautious in her acceptance of Harry as she was aware of her mother's preference that she marry a man with a title - and the Duke of Salforth, being the son of her good friend saw her pushing the match as much as she could. However, Madeline knows her mind, and with the help of that all-important checklist and speaking with those more experienced than her, was able to whittle the potential candidate to Harry and find her HEA with him.
All of this happening while both were trying to figure out their place in life - Harry with his political aspirations and Madeline with her love of helping those less fortunate than her. They were a perfect match
I received The Husband List as an ARC from Netgalley for an honest review, I really liked this one and would definitely recommend it.
All of this happening while both were trying to figure out their place in life - Harry with his political aspirations and Madeline with her love of helping those less fortunate than her. They were a perfect match
I received The Husband List as an ARC from Netgalley for an honest review, I really liked this one and would definitely recommend it.
March 30, 2023
The Husband List is a super sweet, calm book! I adore the Worthingtons and the universe created around them!
Lady Madeline meets Harry, and there is an instant attraction, and a gentle meeting and getting to know each other.
Ella Quinn does a great job with all her series, and I love seeing characters again! You don't have to read all her books to know what is going on, but Ella Quinn fans will like seeing what past characters are up to and paying them another visit.
The dialogue is great, and how the many characters are managed and come in and out of the story is really well done. Madeline and Harry had great chemistry, and I really enjoyed both characters. Madeline was so cute and plucky, and Harry so constant and determined! This had just enough drama and conflict, and it is a nice, sweet read. I'd recommend this to historical romance fans and readers who love series and the worlds created within them. I really enjoyed this one!
I received The Husband List as an ARC from Netgalley for an honest review, this was a really nice read!
Lady Madeline meets Harry, and there is an instant attraction, and a gentle meeting and getting to know each other.
Ella Quinn does a great job with all her series, and I love seeing characters again! You don't have to read all her books to know what is going on, but Ella Quinn fans will like seeing what past characters are up to and paying them another visit.
The dialogue is great, and how the many characters are managed and come in and out of the story is really well done. Madeline and Harry had great chemistry, and I really enjoyed both characters. Madeline was so cute and plucky, and Harry so constant and determined! This had just enough drama and conflict, and it is a nice, sweet read. I'd recommend this to historical romance fans and readers who love series and the worlds created within them. I really enjoyed this one!
I received The Husband List as an ARC from Netgalley for an honest review, this was a really nice read!
March 20, 2023
Another sister dealt with and happy as a lark. From page one Madeline & Harry are meant for each other. No guessing for Harry, he intends to marry Madeline and that's that. Meeting her causes him to rethink his role as a new MP, ponder what he really wants out of the position. Poor Madeline falls more in love with Harry every day but she's getting a little parental pressure to go for the top of the eligible men pile. For her Harry confirms that holding out for love & butterflies & tingles is everything & her sisters were very right about it all. Every time Madeline became wishy-washy I internally, or externally if I was at home, screamed. Harry has to be one of the most forthright, honest and truly likeable male character that I've run into lately. He thinks the sun rises and falls in Madeline, I decided if she didn't want him then I did.
#TheHusbandList #TheWorthingtons #EllaQuinn #historicalromance #netgalley #Zebrabooks #KensingtonPublishing
#TheHusbandList #TheWorthingtons #EllaQuinn #historicalromance #netgalley #Zebrabooks #KensingtonPublishing
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