Lady Dorcus Calthorp, daughter of the Marquis of Huntington, loved and lost during her first Season, leaving her suspicious of gentlemen. Now Dorie finds herself with no marital prospects in sight—until Alexander, the newly elevated Marquis of Exeter, arrives in town. Handsome, charming, and an interesting conversationalist, he at first seems to be her perfect match. Then Dorie discovers he may not be seeking a wife so much as a land steward and mother to his sisters…
After learning of his father’s death, Alexander returns home to find his mother has run off with his land steward, leaving his younger sisters with their governesses. The most expedient solution is a wife who will take the household and estate in hand while he assumes his role in parliament. Lady Dorie meets all the requirements—until she makes a surprising proposal. Instead of marrying Alexander, she will tutor him in his duties, freeing him to find his heart’s match. Yet the more Dorie teaches him, the more he longs to change their course of study—to love. And with the end of the Season nearing, he doesn’t have much time.
Titles in the Marriage Game series include — The Seduction of Lady Phoebe – The Secret Life of Miss Anna Marsh – The Temptation of Lady Serena – Desiring Lady Caro – Enticing Miss Eugenie Villaret – Madeleine’s Christmas Wish – A Kiss for Lady Mary – Lady Beresford’s Lover – Miss Featherton’s Christmas Prince – The Marquis She’s Been Waiting For –
(connection to The Worthingtons series)
Title: The Marquis She’s Been Waiting For
Series: The Marriage Game #9
Author: Ella Quinn
Genre: Regency Romance
Published: September 3, 2019
Publisher: Kensington Books – Lyrical Press
My Rating: 4 stars
It’s been a while now since I read the last released title in The Marriage Game series, yet some worlds come back to the reader no matter how long in-between visits. THE MARQUIS SHE’S BEEN WAITING FOR is a story that had me frustrated, giggling, misty-eyed and enjoying the journey once again.
Alex and Dorie make an… unusual couple since neither really is saying what they truly feel and both are so stubborn that misunderstandings are an expected result. Alex faces so many changes in his life, most he’s not really prepared to deal with. His solution is a wife to take care of the “home front” part of the marriage deal. What he discovers is a woman who has been hurt beyond reason and has little trust in any man. She’s not willing to marry for less than love, and all she can see about Alex’s requirements in a wife shouts no love required. Her solution may have opened Alex’s eyes, but not her own for her mistrust of any male is very clear in her actions and her words.
Dorie often frustrated me since love can not be produced upon demand. Just because a man fits all of her requirements does not mean that she will fall in love with him (or him with her). But she cannot see that. What she’s always wanted is right in front of her but she is blind to Alex’s changed feelings. Watching them work their way to a happy future was enjoyable, frustrating and a very good story.
I loved catching glimpses of past couples, even an appearance or two by The Worthingtons made my day. Secondary characters often make or break a story for me so I was quite happy with the cast of THE MARQUIS SHE’S BEEN WAITING FOR.
If you enjoy a really good Historical Romance with a bit of sizzle, an unlikely couple, and the shenanigans that falling in love requires then you’ll want to pick up this one.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
Available in paperback and for the Kindle
