The Marquess of Chatton and his neighbor Fenella Fairclough have known each other all their lives. They refused to marry each other years ago when their parents demanded it, and they won’t concede now¿even if circumstances have brought these former enemies much closer than they ever could have anticipated…
How to Cross a Marquess
By janeashford
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Sourcebooks Casablanca via NetGalley and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
The author transported me to a simpler time (but more difficult in others). Their pattern of speech is more formal than that of today and thus required me to really use my e-reader’s dictionary. It is a great way to learn. I was completely enthralled with Fenella Fairclough and Roger, The Marquess of Chatton. These two were neighbor children who grew up together. Their fathers decide to settle a feud over a piece of land by having them wed. How this decision affected these two characters was such a enchanting tale.
This is the third book of the series. I have not read the prior two. This book can be read as a stand-alone though. I was intrigued by the character the Earl of Macklin. As the Prologue eludes to, it appears that the Earl is something of a matchmaker. A group of men have dinner at White’s (a gentleman’s club) and it is there that Macklin meets with four men who have suffered from death of a loved one. It appears that the matchmaking of these men are at the core of the series.
I adored the story being told in a dual POV format. Seeing into both characters’ minds (especially Roger) was really helpful. Roger is not the most eloquent with words and his struggle is charming. Most male protagonists are portrayed as almost perfect specimens. It was endearing to read about two characters that almost seemed life-like.
This was a clean romance that really anyone could read.
The heart often does not recognize what it wants. Especially when it involves two young people who are being pushed together by their parents to marry. Roger, the Marquess of Chatton had taken off to avoid that marriage but ended up with another wife, Arabelle, who was truly not a good match. After her death he comes back home, where his neighbor Fenella, who he did not marry comes home as well.
Fenella had grown up with a verbally abusive father and had run to her granfmother’s in Scotland and become a stronger person. Now when Roger sees her he cannot believe how she has changed and speaks her mind.
Of course there is a matchmaker in the mix and it is a journey on the road to a happy ending. Can these two childhood neighbors now find they are attracted to each other and find happiness?
A delightful story with some suspense and sweet kisses that will keep your attention until the end.
Book 3 in her The Way to a Lord’s Heart series tells us of neighbors Roger and Fenella. Roger is a widower who feels guilty over his wife’s death. Fenella is a woman who defies her father and her family. We see the reoccurring character Lord Macklin who is trying to help Roger over the death of his wife. This was a great second chance at love story. I can’t wait to read the next in the series A Duke Too Far coming out in April 2020. I hope by the time the series ends we see Lord Macklin married (perhaps to Roger’s Mom?) as well as young Tom settled. I received this ARC for my honest review.
Roger Berwick, the Marquess of Chatton has known his lovely neighbor Fenella Fairclough his entire life. He even refused to marry her when their parents tried to force them five years ago. After that fiasco Fenella fled to her grandmother in Scotland and came back much changed and more confident. To fight his attraction to this new version of Fenella, Roger fled to London and found himself strong-armed into an unhappy marriage with a beautiful but miserable debutante. After her death, Roger blamed Fenella for failing to stop his willful wife’s reckless ride into a storm, the chill from which ultimately led to her death.
Now some months have passed and Roger and Fenella are living close together again, and more attracted to each other than ever. But Fenella has her own responsibilities nursing her ailing father and isn’t sure how she feels about trying a real courtship with Roger. Soon it seems someone is out to cause problems for these two, but that may just draw them closer together.
I’ve never read anything from this author so I didn’t know what to expect, but I found the storytelling style to be quite different, which was fine once I got used to it. However, Roger struck me as being too weak and easily cowed and I wanted Fenella to be more consistent in standing up for herself and expressing her feelings. These two were sweet together toward the end of the book, but there wasn’t enough steam for me (i.e. none), and I would’ve liked to see more communication between the characters. Though Roger’s difficulty getting his thoughts out was adorably charming, I would’ve liked to see more compensation for that aspect of their relationship elsewhere; I feel like he didn’t really have enough uninterrupted one-on-one time with Fenella on page for me to be really invested in their love story.
I’ll still read more from this author and I enjoyed this story, but it wasn’t my favorite.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
How to Cross a Marquess is the delightful third installment of Jane Ashford’s The Way to a Lord’s Heart series. If you haven’t read the first two, no problem; this one stands alone just fine. You will want to go back and see what you’ve missed. I really enjoyed the prior book.
The fathers of Roger, The Marquess of Chatton and Fenella Fairclough wanted them to marry. Both objected; Fenella ran away to Scotland, and Roger went to London and entered into a contentious marriage. Now a widower, Roger returns home to Northumberland. Fenella also returns to take care of her ailing father. She is no longer the same quiet and unassuming young lady she was when she left. Reunited, they begin to feel a deep attraction. Throw in a play, a snake obsessed nephew, “Fairy Godfather” Lord Arthur Macklin and his unique young friend Tom, and attempts on Fenella’s life, and you end up with a sparkling Regency romance with great characters.
I loved the interactions between Roger and Fenella. Roger was an interesting hero. Bitter after the death of his wife, he placed blame on Fenella and other people. He occasionally acted like the bratty young child he once was. He wasn’t particularly articulate, with words just pouring out of his mouth without thought. When he did give thought to his words, he couldn’t get them out like he wanted. Fenella was now a very strong woman, but it was heartbreaking the way her father and other family members treated her. It was so obvious that Roger and Fenella needed each other, and I loved it when their love bloomed. Their banter was funny and sweet. Though they have passion for each other, it’s all behind closed doors. With such a fun story, you don’t even miss it!
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.
This wasn’t the book for me, not that it was a bad book but just moved to slowly, not hot enough for me and drama was all over the place and some characters just really had no purpose. I liked Fenella she was the best part of the story for me, Roger bored me. The book doesn’t deserve a two star but there would be no way I would give it more than a three and that was pushing it for me.
rcvd an ARc at no cost to author..(netgalley) Voluntarily reviewed with my own thoughts and opinions
The Marquis of Chatton and his neighbour Fenella Fairclough have known each other all their lives. They refused to marry each other years ago when their parents demanded it, she ran away to stay with her grandmother in Scotland & he went south to London where he married Arabella. Now Roger is a widower & has returned to his estate in Northumberland & Arabella has returned home to tend to her ailing father.
This is the third book in the series but could easily be read on its own, Arthur the Earl of Macklin is again meddling in the nicest possible way but this time both Roger & Fenella don’t need his meddling. The road to their HEA isn’t easy with an ailing father, poison pen letters & then ‘Maid Marian’ out to injure Fenella but it’s an engaging tradition read. There’s also John & Tom who are both delightful. I found myself engrossed in the book & read it in two sittings. I’m looking forward to more in the series
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
A classic story Of Love. The Marquess is angry at the way things have gone in his life. He is not great at saying the right things when needed. Fenella believes she has finally found her voice. This story is lively and filled with wonderful and interesting characters. The conversations are witty and will find you laughing out loud many times. The antics they get up to are sweet and endearing. Despite all the obstacles these two find love in a most unique way.
I had a hard time getting into this story, the first few chapters just seemed to go on and on, repeating itself. The second half had a bit more action at least. I also prefer a bit more steam in the stories I read but then that’s just me! I know some readers who prefer a very clean romance.
Fenella and Roger are both wonderful characters but I just felt no spark between them. It’s understandable that they both needed to do some growing up before they decided to get together, their story is filled with misunderstandings, accusations and heartbreak. I enjoyed the secondary characters as well, they all fit nicely in the story with each their own role.
I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This was a well-written, entertaining book. The Marquess of Chatton and his neighbor Fenella Fairclough have known each other for years, and their parents tried to make them marry each other. Now they are seeing each other in a new way and they are starting to question what they thought they knew. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books by this author.
The story involves a new love between Fenella and Roger, the death of her father and the meddling of her brothers-in-law. Also there is an unexpected marriage and someone who wants to destroy them, going as far as to try and kill Fenella. There is constantly something happening in the book that keeps your attention. I would highly recommend this book.
How To Cross A Marquess is a fabulous historical romance by Jane Ashford. Ms. Ashford has provided readers with a well-written book packed with an outstanding cast of characters. Roger, Marquess of Chatton, has lost his wife and blames the neighbor he grew up with. Fenella had a crush on Roger growing up, but when their parents tried to force marriage on them she escaped to Scotland to her grandmother and stayed for years. Roger and Fenella’s story is loaded with drama, humor, spice, action and suspense. I enjoyed every page of this book and look forward to reading more from Jane Ashford in the future. How To Cross A Marquess is book 3 of The Way To A Lord’s Heart Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
As it is my first read by Mrs Jane Ashford (I know, I say it every day), and the third in a series, the prologue introduced the hero but also the two from the previous installment so I do believe the prologue is adjusted depending the hero but is nearly the same and the Earl of Macklin acts as a soul healer and matchmaker.
Fenella has always admired Roger from afar as a child but when their father join together to marry them, she ran away to avoid their scheming plan and him.
She has always been shy and reserved and how could she not be, under the verbal abuse and ill treatment of her father, even if it was not physical, he continually belittled her because she was born a girl. Gladly under her grandmother’s care she grew a spine and become who she was meant to be.
Roger Berwick, the Marquess of Chatton thought he has all he ever wanted in front of him, until his father summoned him to marry his neighbor’s daughter. Such a spoiled and conceited brat he was at that time, and still, for sure it comes with the tittle. Until his selfish personality drove him in the right place and finds him leg shackled to a beautiful but unsuitable bride. When this same bride gave a final breath, the best he could do was to charge others and Fenella especially.
I admire Fenella, she could have become bitter and resentful when she is only acceptance, patience and kindness. I doubted at time that Roger deserved her affection.
The author crafted a very genuine tale of second chance when life could have simply torn them apart.
Roger after his failure of first marriage at the beginning avoid society, he bears the guilt of it but can’t accept his own fault, why he put the blame on others and in the way hurt Fenella more. He felt twice guilty, for failing his wife but also being attracted to the bride-to-be he rejected years ago. So when in close proximity and because Fenella showed no sign of resentment, he got to know the true character of the young woman he disparaged in his youth. He has work in front of him to earn her respect and at time, the spoiler child in him resurfaces.
I was so angry on Fenella’s behalf, how a fool and egotistical was her father, I hurt for her how everyone in her family ill treated her, but still she did not bend, she ponders every aspects of her situation before acting, she is a true strong woman, doing with what life throws on her way.
This story ringed true, life is not fair, not every vilain gets its right reward, but tiny things and believing in what is good can alter too the course of life.
I was provided an advance copy thanks to Netgalley and the publisher Sourcebooks Casablanca but I purchased my own copy. This is my true and unbiased opinion.