As part of a large, rambunctious family, Lady Eleanor Carpenter has gained some knowledge of what makes a successful marriage. She’s even compiled a list of essential qualifications for a potential husband. John, the Marquis of Montagu, seems of good character (check), with money enough to support a family (check). But what of the many other requirements on her list?
 
Montagu, meanwhile, believes the key to a comfortable life lies in marrying someone quiet and docile. Yet the one lady who captivates him could hardly be more different from what he envisioned. Lady Eleanor is as opinionated as she is lovely, determined to improve working conditions for coal miners, even at risk to her own safety.
 
From evenings at Almack’s to carriage rides in Hyde Park, this Season will contain many pleasures—and a few surprises that compel both John and Eleanor to rethink their expectations. For one thing is certain: love will not be defined by any list . . .

Titles in The Worthington Brides series include — The Marriage List —♥— The Husband List —♥—

This is an adult 18+ story that may contain language, possible violence, and/or sexual situations geared to an adult audience.

NetGalley ARC

Title:  The Marriage List
Series:  The Worthington Brides #1(The Worthingtons #8)
Author:  Ella Quinn
Genre:  Historical Romance, Regency Romance
Published:  December 27, 2022
Publisher:  Kensington Books
My Rating:  4 stars

Although The Marriage List begins a trilogy sub-story within the larger Worthington world I did enjoy my time back with familiar faces and some new ones as well.  But then, I’ve read The Worthingtons up to this point… not every reader will have so there might be characters who simply don’t fit easily in this new world for them.  If you aren’t up to date on the larger series, I still believe you can enjoy Eleanor and John’s romance for what it is at this point in the series – and you can always go back to the beginning if you so choose to get caught up.

I liked Eleanor from the start, she’s intelligent, caring, and rather independent for the times.  She and her twin sister, and their brother-in-law’s sister are about to come out to society at the same time but before that momentous event they each compile a list of traits they’re looking for in a future husband – will the men they meet match those lists or blow them out of the water, only time will tell.

John on the other hand wants a wife who he can basically plop down in the country and ignore for the larger part of their married life, or so it seems from his list of docile, no opinion of her own or content to stay in the country requirements.  What he’ll discover is that the lady who catches his eye is nothing at all like his list, and that opens up some self-searching of himself and the enjoyment of convincing Eleanor that they are the perfect match.  He’ll have his work cut out for him there for Eleanor may find him attractive but well, the gentleman certainly needs some work on some of his attitudes concerning women and a future wife.

I liked them together, and they lead us on a merry chase to their happy ending which along the way will give us some danger, society gossip, sizzling chemistry, lots of families, and eventually the realization that they’ve found the person right for them… it will just take a bit of time and changes to reach that point.  I had fun with The Marriage List, and if you enjoy either The Worthingtons series or Regency Romance in general then you’ll want to check out 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.*

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