When a handsome boxer kisses Lady Ellie Swift for good luck during a match, it turns her world upside down. Because the rogue isn’t just anyone…it’s the Devil Marquess returned. Thanks to Hugh Vere, Marquess of Deveril, Ellie learned at an early age that men are more trouble than they’re worth. Now, instead of a husband, she wants to take over her brother’s infamous gambling club–the Raven … Club. And apparently the devil wants it, too.
From the moment Hugh sees Ellie again sparks fly, but battle lines have been drawn. Whoever is the most successful overseeing the club in one month’s time will win. And Hugh intends to win. And he intends to stay very close to Ellie to make sure she follows the rules. What he discovers, though, is that Ellie is no longer the sweet girl he knew years ago–and winning won’t be easy. But the nearly combustible chemistry between them is hard to ignore, and soon the club is not the only prize he wants…
Each book in the Raven Club series is STANDALONE:
* How to Tempt an Earl
* How to Best a Marquess
more
I love it when a new Tina Gabrielle book comes out because I know it will be a great read. We read about Ellie’s brother Ian in the first book of this series and the Raven Club adventures continue. Ellie and Hugh are great characters with great depth. They are not run of the mill and their exploits are binge reading material. Second chance romance is a favorite so, yay, it was the basis of this story also. Loved the interaction of Ellie and Hugh. If you have not read Ms. Gabrielle’s books, start with any, you will find that they are hard to put down.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
So I had requested this book a couple of weeks ago and kept going back and forth on when to read it due to some of the reviews that I had read and also because I was afraid of what Hugh had done to her years ago, I am so not the person to condone cheating. I am glad that my nosiness had me putting everything aside and reading the book, I did enjoy and have found a new author folks I think there was a previous book with how some of the secondary characters were portrayed I could be mistaken however I intend to find out and if that is the case will be reading not that I was overjoyed with Ian in this book but I did like Grace and I was intrigued (secondary characters). Ok so Hugh and Ellie were in love 5 years ago and he broke her heart and she has decided that she will not marry she wants and likes her freedom and she has started assisting woman who are in abusive relationships and she gets married she wont be able to assist. Hugh has returned from the military to take the title of Marquess since his father and brother have died something he never thought he would have and since he has been back he has not seen Ellie and has been cavorting with actresses, widows and loose woman. These two unexpectedly meet since they both want to own and run the same club and now they are in a contest to see who will win and as they spend time together old feelings return and secrets come out and revelations occur..Grab a copy my friends and enjoy! I sure did and hope to get a story on Olivia..
Rcvd an ARC at no cost to author..(netgalley) voluntarily reviewed with my own thoughts and opinions
A contest for ownership of her brothers club,The Raven, becomes more personal when the man who broke Ellie’s heart years ago is her competition. Now the Marquess of Deveril, Hugh wants it all, including Ellie. Loosing Ellie’s trust has been his biggest mistake, only Hugh hasn’t figured that out…yet. This is an EXCEPTIONALLY good book. I definitely had a DO NOT DISTURB sign in front of me while I was reading it. 5 stars plus another one. A free copy from Netgalley for an honest review.
3.5 stars rounded up.
Five years ago, Lady Ellie Swift was in love and believed Hugh felt the same, but he broke her heart and walked away without a word. Now he is back and has challenged her for the right to buy the Raven Club from her brother Ian. Ian and his wife Grace propose a competition, since both Ellie and Hugh want the club, Ian will give them both a chance to prove who is best suited to take over – they both have one month to implement their plans for the club and whoever makes the most money will win. Ellie is angry, she wants the club for reasons beyond being the owner. She uses the club as a haven for battered women (without Ian’s knowledge) and has plans to expand her aid.
Hugh Vere, now the Marquess of Deveril regrets the way he handled things with Ellie years ago, but he did what he thought was best for her at the time. He never stopped thinking of her and hopes that this competition will give him a chance to get back in her good graces.
This was a good story, but not quite as enjoyable as the previous book. I didn’t think the “competiton” really worked in the story and both Ellie and Hugh were very stubborn and a bit self-centered. But I liked how they worked together, the chemistry between them was evedent and despite their past, it was clear that they never really stopped caring for the other. I thought Ellie’s quest to save women had a lot of merit, but she was a bit naive and didn’t really seem to have a real grasp on how dangerous her work could be. Hugh was overbearing at times, but I think that was an accurate protrayal of men in that era – as much as it ruffles my modern sensibitilies 🙂 Overall, I liked the book and would recommend it.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*
How to Best a Marquess by Tina Gabrielle is book Two in the Raven Club Series. This is the story of Hugh Vere, the Marquess of Deveril and Ellie Swift. I have read the previous book, but fee you can make this as a standalone book.
Hugh and Ellie were once young and in love. Hugh was the second son of the Marquess so he felt that it was better if he broke Ellie’s heart and joined the military. Ellie of course was heart broken but she learned from that experience that men aren’t to be trusted. Now about 5 years later in their present day, Ellie has a dream of taking over her brother’s Raven Club. The Club gives her a cover for something secret and dangerous she has been doing. Hugh has never felt in control of much and now his father and brother has died leaving him the Title of Marquess. Now he has had to resign from the military to take over the title. Hugh has found that boxing helps him release some of his issues which in his friends Raven Club is a boxing arena. Hugh wants to take over the club and to his sock he finds that he has to literally complete with is Ellie for the club. This puts them into working closely to prove that one of them should have the honor of the club.
Enjoyed their story.
They both want the Raven Club….but for different reasons! Five years ago, Lady Ellie Swift and Hugh Vere were in love and planning a future together but after finding him kissing another woman, it all ended there.
Hugh Vere, now the Marquess of Deveril, is back in town and he wants the club AND Ellie! She has no intentions of making it easy for him, though!!!
This was a very well written unique story and Hugh & Ellie are wonderful characters although he could be very controlling and she could be very stubborn!
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Lady Ellie Swift loves everything about her brother’s gambling hall. She always wears a mask when she is down among the customers especially when watching the boxers fighting.
Hugh Vere the Marquess of Deveril has recently returned from the war. Fighting in the boxing ring is a good way to let off steam and challenge himself. Another way will be to buy the gambling hall from his friend. The problem is someone else wants it, so they have to compete with each other to see who will be best for the club.
The history between our characters will make the sparks fly. Our heroine wants to be independent, run the club and help abused women.
Our hero loves a challenge, but also needs to protect our heroine even when she doesn’t want it.
Good fun with lovely characters. A little danger and some steamy scenes.
I loved it.
My first from this author, but definitely not my last!
Ellie and Hugh have a past–he broke her heart five years ago, and now he’s back, threatening the future she’d planned for herself, one where she takes over ownership of her brother’s club (the Raven Club that the series is named for). So you’ve got a second chance romance here, with a healthy dollop of lovers-to-enemies-to-(hopefully!)-lovers again. Ellie and Hugh have all kinds of chemistry, so there’s tons of will-they-won’t-they-OMG-they-need-to-just-do-it-RIGHT-NOW for the first 50% or so.
Delicious!
Things get a little wonky in the last third or so–neither Hugh or Ellie seem to be able to learn their lesson (actually, neither really seems to even understand what the lesson they need to learn IS) and the HEA feels further away than ever at many points. Fortunately, they both manage to pull it together in the end, giving us a very satisfying ending and epilogue.
You don’t have to have read the first book to enjoy this one, but you’d better believe I’m going to go back and read it now!
Rating: 4 stars / A-
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
How to Best a Marquess
Raven Club book 2
by Tina Gabrielle
I just love reading a Tina Gabrielle romance it’s like chocolate, decadent smooth and sultry all at once. You can’t just have one you need a box! I absolutely adore her writing she never lets me down!
Hugh Vere never forgot or stopped loving the young Ellie Swift, she was his first and only love. As a second son he had nothing to offer her and when his father threatened and refused to allow him tho marry her, mainly because of her brothers scandalous reputation, he did what he thought was right -so like a man- he broke her heart in the cruelest way, by getting caught kissing another woman! To forget he joined the military. Years later he’s the new Marquess and in need of something more. When his friend offers to sell the Raven Club he jumps at the chance. He never expected to compete for the club by none other than the woman that always held his heart….Ellie Swift!
Ellie Swift has no desire to marry after her heart had been crushed and betrayed, she focussed on helping women in need by abusive men. Acquiring her brothers club will give her the independent means to accomplish this. Things aren’t that easy she has a competitor for the club…… Hugh Vere the man that destroyed her heart!!! She will never forgive him for the past they shared and the future they lost. She hates him with all her shattered heart but can’t help the need his kisses bring. Can there be a future for them? It’s a fine line between love and hate and love is what they both deserve, they just have to put the past behind and let love heal their hearts!
I absolutely adored these two! They had such passion and fire and a whole lot of stubbornness. Hugh being the ever knowing man never gave Ellie the benefit of asking her opinion and wants, he just bulldozed ahead doing what he thought was best for her. After all what woman wants to feel useless! Overall this was an amazing read the flow and characters were well paced with plenty of twists, intrigue and sizzle. With a very satisfying HEA!
I recieved a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This is my honest unbiased opinion.
The Raven Club, London 1825 For a heartstopping moment, he was inches from her face. “A kiss from a lovely lady for luck, he said, breathing heavily. Before she could blink, those perfect lips pressed against hers. Hot. Swift. Over in seconds as he turned to his opponent. Oh my God. It was the devil returned, as Ellie recognized him.” Wowza. Talk about getting my attention as our heroine was masked watching a boxing match.
Hugh Vere, Marquess of Deveril had returned from the war and had to take over over the title after the death of his father and brother. But he had no love for the ton and wanted to buy the Raven Club. He loved to box and he wanted to be in charge. But when he sees Ellie again, he soon learns she wants the club even more.
The challenge begins. Whoever is the most successful running the club for 30 days gets ownership. Two determined people who have a history together when they were youg that cannot be forgotten or fogiven by Ellie as he broke her heart. But sometimes the heart cannot pull away from what it wants and as these two are around each other, combustible desire is sure to win the day!!
Loved this story and always enjoy everything this author pens! I read this through NetGallery
How to Best a Marquess is the second book in the Raven Club series. It can be read as a standalone but the first book is a must read! Hugh broke Ellie’s heart 5 years ago and she is determined to avoid it again. Hugh is interested in buying the Raven Club and Ellie wants to take over the running of it from her brother. A contest is arranged to see who could make the most profit and be the best person for the club. Ellie is determined to win so that she can continue to use the club to cover her secrets. Hugh is determined to protect Ellie when she puts herself in danger. Hugh likes to be in control of all situations but he has to realize that Ellie needs to be part of his decisions in order for them to reach their HEA. This was a fun book to read (as was the first book) and was well paced and intriguing. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series and recommend reading this book. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
How to Best a Marquess is the second book in Tina Gabrielle’s The Raven Club series. This one can totally stand alone, but I recommend reading the first because it was such a fun book. However, I think I enjoyed this one even more!
Lady Ellie Swift is at The Raven Club, her brother’s gambling and boxing club. While wearing a mask to protect her identity, she is kissed for luck by the handsome boxer in the middle of a bout. Hugh Vere, now the Marquess of Deveril, soon discovers that underneath the mask is the girl whose heart he broke five years before. Ellie’s brother Ian and his wife Grace are about to have a baby and they no longer wish to keep the club; it is her dream to take it over. But then she is informed that Hugh also wants The Raven. And she must compete with him to see who will get it! Let’s just say that Ellie is NOT amused.
I loved the chemistry between Ellie and Hugh. He let her go all those years ago because he had her best interests at heart. (That phrase makes Ellie want to shoot him, by the way.) Though Ellie is still hurt by his betrayal, she can’t help but still be drawn to him. She has grown to be an incredibly strong woman; she helps abused women escape their abusers. Hugh still wants her to be his…except he has a habit of thinking he knows what’s best for her. Ellie does her best to disabuse him of this notion. You can’t help but root for these two stubborn people to realize what we already know – they belong together. I definitely hope to see more goings-on at The Raven Club.
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
She’s fearless. He’s predictable. She knows what she wants. He knows how to get it. What happens when these restless hearts collide? Passion. Ellie and Hugh have a history. Unfinished business is about to explode into irresistible attraction. How to Best a Marquess is a seductive duel of hearts. Gabrielle makes spice a sure bet with this dangerously, naughty affair.
Ellie is determined to never have her heart broken again. She is feisty, witty, and fiercely loyal. Hugh has become her greatest nemesis since he broke her heart. The two are now in direct competition for one prize. The story is filled with these two trying to outwit each other in words and deed. They are both passionate about the things they believe in and it spills over into major clashes. The topic of spousal abuse is dealt with by the author in this story as a serious issue that plagued women of that era. Having this couple work to better their lives is just one thing that brings them closer together.
When a handsome boxer kisses Lady Ellie Swift for good luck during a match, it turns her world upside down. Because the rogue isn’t just anyone, it’s the Devil Marquis returned. Thanks to Hugh Vere, Marquis of Deveril, Ellie learned several years ago that men can’t be trusted. Now, instead of a husband, she wants to take over her brother’s infamous gambling club—the Raven Club but Hugh also wants to buy the club so whoever is the most successful overseeing the club in one month’s time will win.
An engaging read that sparked my interest from the start, this is the second book in the series, it could easily be read on its own, however I loved catching up with Ian & Grace. The attraction is apparent from the start between Hugh & Ellie & the tension does build, but it is the verbal sparring which was hugely entertaining. The road to their HEA isn’t smooth but makes for an enthralling read
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
I thoroughly enjoyed this well-written and well-plotted addition to the series. I haven’t read the first book in the series, How to Tempt an Earl, but that didn’t detract from my enjoyment of this book. Actually, this book just made me want to read that book as well! I loved the main characters – both are stubborn and thoroughly convinced that their way is the only right way, and it is a delight to watch them have to figure out how to compromise – him more than her, but they both had to give.
Hugh Vere, the Marquess of Deveril, who came from cold, hard-hearted parents, had no expectations or desire to become a Marquess – he was the second son. Yet, when both his older brother and his father died, he had no choice but to resign his military commission and assume the role. One of his first acts was to banish his cold and cruel mother to the country – then, it was on to finding something to give his life meaning besides the typical aristocratic activities. Since he’d recently taken an avid interest in boxing and he’d just learned that the Raven Club was going to be sold, he thought he’d purchase it. Imagine his surprise to find he had competition – a female – a female with whom he had a history. Hugh is a control freak – mostly because in his younger life he had no control over anything and it had cost him dearly – so, he fully intends to win his right to purchase the club.
Lady Ellie Swift, sister to Ian Swift, Earl of Carleton, had her heart torn out and ripped apart five years ago by Hugh Vere. She loved him with all of her being and she thought he loved her the same – but then, he betrayed her most foully. Since that time, she’s hated Hugh and has never trusted another man. She certainly has no intention of marrying one, and if she manages to win the Raven Club from her brother, she’ll have the financial independence she craves. She cannot believe her brother is actually making her compete with Hugh Vere! Ian knows their history; how can he do this to her?
Both Ellie and Hugh have reasons for wanting the club – Hugh’s are pretty open – he wants to be in control of things – Ellie’s are more hidden because she has activities that she absolutely must keep secret and the club gives her the perfect method of doing that. Should her brother – or Hugh – find out what she does, they’d stop her. She can’t afford for them to stop her because lives are at stake if they do. Hugh is very intelligent and has a gift for business, so she could easily lose to him. She has to be very careful to hide her secrets.
Not only is Hugh very intelligent – he is also very observant. He knows Ellie is up to something and it doesn’t take him long to figure out most of it – but when he figures it all out, he’s aghast! Hugh is a protector and his only desire is to protect Ellie – even from herself. Hugh does what he did in the past for Ellie – he decides what is best for her and he acts on it. He doesn’t ask her. He doesn’t give her a choice. That just absolutely infuriates Ellie – why can’t he see that she should be consulted, she should have a say in her own life. His decisions aren’t the only correct ones – there is more than one way to do things.
I began to despair that Hugh would ever have a grand epiphany, but he finally got there for a lovely, lovely HEA. It is definitely a good, intense, lustful read and I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
That kiss at the boxing ring grabbed me from the start! I think the author hangs out at the gym watching muscular men doing pull ups. How else can she describe a scene so well! Tina Gabrielle has a wonderful series in The Raven Club books. She keeps the storyline moving through character actions and dialogue between the characters. I’ve enjoyed Ellie and Hugh and I look forward to the next book!
I was provided an advance reader’s copy of this book but the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Belle of the Beau Monde, Lady Ellie Swift quietly aspires to take over the running of her brother’s well-known gambling den, the Raven Club, as the earl steps back to be with his wife and soon-to-be arriving child. Everything is going smoothly until the lost love who broke her heart then left for the army five years ago arrives on scene with the intention of buying the Raven.
Rakish second son Hugh Vere never wanted or expected to become the Marquess of Deveril, but has left the army to assume his responsibilities. He’s a topnotch boxer with a mind for business and a determination to have what he wants. Sparks fly between Hugh and Ellie immediately, even before her brother declares his intentions with regards to the club’s future: Hugh and Ellie will compete for it and whoever proves to be the best manager after a month will win the club.
Ellie is furious at this betrayal by her own brother. She must retain her position at the club in order to continue helping battered women with no one else to turn to. She’s certainly not risking her heart ever again either. Unfortunately, she can’t control her body’s reaction to Hugh, as much as she’d like to, especially when he makes known his intentions of keeping close to his competition.
Hugh craves order and control after his time as an officer and wants the club as something he can have for himself, apart from the marquesate. But Ellie has always been special and somehow he feels he must protect her, just as he tried to protect her years ago by letting her go, even if it was the hardest thing he’d ever had to do. Now there is no one to stand between them and Hugh decides he wants more than just the Raven Club. He wants Ellie.
There may be some spoilers and/or ranting ahead: consider yourself warned.
These second chance stories always make me a bit sad because all I can think of is all the time they lost when they could’ve been together, but I suppose that’s life. However, these two were very young when they first fell in love, so it was likely good that they had some time to grow and mature independently. Hugh’s way of ending things in the first place was tactless but to be expected of a young man and he certainly grew up as a military officer while Ellie found her own purpose helping battered women. Unfortunately, they both keep making the same mistakes. They’re both trying to stick to their present goals without letting their pasts get in the way, but there’s too much history and latent feelings between them for that. These two fight their rekindling feelings very hard, Ellie because she won’t have her life dictated for her and Hugh because he seeks to protect Ellie and do what he thinks best for her, even if he fails to consult her first. This consistent high-handedness is what drove me nuts about Hugh, along with the fact that he supposedly never got over Ellie, but had this long string of lovers in his wake. Don’t get me wrong, I loved his interactions with Ellie, even when he was screwing things up royally, but this little issue was always in the back of my head nagging me.
Nevertheless and complaints aside, despite all the angst this one had a likable hero and heroine. The plot had some ongoing threat in the form of angry husbands and the heroine’s motivations for wanting her independence were sensible rather than shallow. I couldn’t put this book down and really enjoyed it overall.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.