The Society for Single Ladies is a crime-solving club founded by the wealthiest woman in London. Yet even Miss Angela Childers’ charming detectives are not immune to the forces of love . . . Dorothea Rowland attends a country house party to investigate a long-lost heir—not to find a husband. But when the dashing American claimant discovers her prowling for clues, she is startled—and then … clues, she is startled—and then seduced—by his provocative kiss. It’s all Dorothea can do to remember her mission. Especially when a series of accidents adds up to something far more dangerous . .
Benedict only meant to silence lovely Dorothea—not find himself enamored. What’s a gentleman to do but join forces—and propose to the clever beauty? Yet as Ben and Dorothea pursue the truth about his inheritance, their faux betrothal threatens to become the real thing. Soon Ben’s plan to return to his life in America is upended—not only by his deepening bond with his bride, but by someone who wants his fortune badly enough to jeopardize his future—even end it. And Dorothea can’t let that happen. Not for the title, but for Ben . . .
“Lynne Connolly writes Georgian romances with a deft touch. Her characters amuse, entertain and reach into your heart.” —USA Today bestselling authorDesiree Holt
“With plots, deviousness and passion galore, Temptation Has Green Eyes by Lynne Connolly is a truly enjoyable read.” –Fresh Fiction
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As a member of the Society for Single Ladies, a crime solving club headed by Angela Childers, Dorothea Rowland is thrilled to be assigned a case. She is currently at a house party at Cressbrook House, being given by Louis Thorpe. Louis is planning on having Benedict Thorpe, Lord Brocklebank declared dead and have himself declared the successor to the title of Marquess of Belstead. Ben disappeared after he and Louis dueled over Lady Honoria. Thinking he had mortally wounded Louis, Ben fled to the colonies and hasn’t been heard from in years.
Dorothea is sadden to learn that Ben is to be declared dead, once upon a time, Ben and Dorothea’s families had proposed a match and Ben was happy to oblige, until he met and fell in love with Honoria. Dorothea had loved Ben, but she was gracious when he proposed to Honoria without even telling her and she was heartbroken when he fought the duel and disappeared. So she is shocked and is not sure how to feel now that he has returned from the dead.
Ben is not the same man Dorothea loved, he has matured and has become a successful business man in the years he had been away. He would have been content to let Louis inherit, but his friend Hal, who has been the only person he stayed in touch with has told him of the decline in the estate and the debts Louis has amassed, draining the estate and endangering the livelihoods of his tenants. Despite his desire to stay in the colonies, duty to the title has been ingrained deeply in Ben and he couldn’t let the estate suffer. When he returns Louis tries to claim he is an imposter and that the title belongs to Louis. Ben turns to Dorothea for help proving he is in fact who he claims to be.
Dorothea agrees to help him and they both begin to develop stronger feelings and Ben decides that Dorothea would make a perfect partner for him, but it is soon clear that someone doesn’t want Ben to inherit and they are willing to do whatever is necessary to ensure that he doesn’t!
This was a good story, albeit wordy and stuffed with random facts that did nothing to move the story along. I enjoyed the relationship between Dorothea and Ben, it was not “instalust” and developed in a believable fashion, the mystery was decent and not immediately obvious (but the villain didn’t really come as a surprise), the love scenes were on the warmer side and the epilogue is very heartwarming. As I mentioned, I did find the book a bit wordy, it also dragged a bit and then the ending was rushed and anticlimactic. I didn’t love the book, but I didn’t hate it either – it was an “OK” read and I will definitely continue with the series.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provide to me by NetGalley and the Publisher.*
Barbara’s Rating: 3.5 of 5 Stars
Series: The Society for Single Ladies #2
Publication Date: 3/31/20
Number of Pages: 279
Benedict (Ben) Thorpe, heir to the Marquess of Belstead, had a rebellious childhood. With disinterested parents who spent little time with him, he longed for their care and respect – especially his father’s. Ben knew he had to marry and since he’d never seen anyone who particularly appealed to him, he went along with his parent’s choice – until Lady Honoria Colt made her debut. Ben was immediately enthralled – he immediately dropped the betrothal negotiations with the other girl and pursued Honoria. Unfortunately, his cousin, Louis also wanted her. When hot heads prevailed, Ben fled England vowing never to return.
Dorothea Rowland is proud and honored to have become a member of The Society for Single Ladies. The society was formed by London’s wealthiest woman, Angela Childers, in order to solve crimes. At thirty, Dorothea is firmly on the shelf, and happy with her life. After her almost betrothal to Benedict Thorpe, she’d not quite taken the ton by storm and had settled into spinsterhood. She was thrilled with an assignment from the society – to investigate the new claimant to the Marquessate of Belstead. He’s having the last heir, Ben, declared legally dead so he can assume the title.
At the urging of his best friend, Lord Henry (Hal) Evington, Ben returns to England to prove he is alive and to stop his cousin from assuming the title. It isn’t that he wants the title or even to be back in England, but his cousin Louis has decimated the formerly beautiful and rich estate. The tenants are suffering and Ben can’t let that continue.
Ben immediately recognizes Dorothea – and she recognized him. What ensues are attempts at murder, betrayals, an unexpected villain, and a romance. Ben and Dorothea have to solve a mystery and claim the title for Ben, and as they work together, they grow to respect and care for each other.
This is a nicely told tale – the plot is a good one, the writing is good – but, I just couldn’t get into the story and found myself skimming over sections of it. I think the characters just didn’t grab me by the heart – and I’m not sure why. I would suggest you read the story and decide for yourself whether the characters bring you joy.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The Making of a Marquess
The Society of Single Ladies Series #2
Lynne Connolly
https://www.facebook.com/LynneConnollyAuthor/
Release date 03/31/2020
Publisher Kensington Lyrica
Blurb :
The Society for Single Ladies is a crime-solving club founded by the wealthiest woman in London.
Yet even Miss Angela Childers’ charming detectives are not immune to the forces of love . . .
Dorothea Rowland attends a country house party to investigate a long-lost heir—not to find a husband. But when the dashing American claimant discovers her prowling for clues, she is startled—and then seduced—by his provocative kiss. It’s all Dorothea can do to remember her mission. Especially when a series of accidents adds up to something far more dangerous . .
Benedict only meant to silence lovely Dorothea—not find himself enamored. What’s a gentleman to do but join forces—and propose to the clever beauty? Yet as Ben and Dorothea pursue the truth about his inheritance, their faux betrothal threatens to become the real thing. Soon Ben’s plan to return to his life in America is upended—not only by his deepening bond with his bride, but by someone who wants his fortune badly enough to jeopardize his future—even end it. And Dorothea can’t let that happen. Not for the title, but for Ben . .
My review :
Will their past history doom a possible future together …
Oh my!
What a fabulous read it was.
This story is the epitome of what I love to find in a book, clever characters, strong without being too much, resilient, a dash of sleuthing, some actions without overdoing it, the right dose of steam …
I loved this book even more than the previous one, the heroine is just perfect, with her flaws and insecurities, she was able to draw a future for herself and when things move, she adapts herself to the situation.
Dorothea has loved and lost, have been overlooked for shinier, showier ladies, then discarded because she was not pretty enough. I admired her because she could have become bitter and resentful. Instead she gave a purpose to her life.
So when the man, she loved and left her, comes back from the dead, when she could have lashed to his hurtful actions, she is content and willing to help him regain his rank. But cautious she must be, as her heart is still a fluttering thing, easily swayed.
Benedict was an arrogant man and it was life’s lessons that taught him to regard it under a different radar. For long, he just wanted what was seen as the most beautiful item, what shone the most. Unable to see beauty could be a hidden gem. When his temper cost him his place among the English ton, he did not understand the full length of this life’s lesson until he reiterated it in his second chance life.
Now, older, wiser, he thinks he has everything mapped out.
Until he crosses road with the one woman he cowardly abandoned without the courage of a word to explain himself.
And this same woman is now everything he would want for himself, as beauty is a fickle thing and Dorothea has grown in a gorgeous woman, determined, making her own decisions.
I loved Mrs Lynne Connolly didn’t let the past define her characters, both when they meet again are very different from their younger self, why anger found no room between them. There might have lingering hurt, but it is easily left behind when the future is threatened. Dorothea is very rational, she examines her every feelings and refuses to go blind. She tells and asks. She stands and does not cower. Benedict knows he must make amends for the pain he selfishly even if unknowingly inflicted her. And the more he gets to know her, the more he sees the error of his past, even if he needed to grew up to become the man he is now.
Mrs Lynne Connolly offers with Benedict and Dorothea’s story a full of layers tale with action, suspense, friendship and love.
A big 5 stars for a tale forgiveness and going forward.
I was granted an advance ecopy by the publisher Kensington, I preordered my own.
Here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272830/posts/584416362147539/?d=n
4.5 stars rounded up
Dorothea Rowland is attending a country house party to investigate the financial viability of the marquesate’s potential heir, in the absence of the son of the late marquess, who is presumed dead. When said lost son arrives from America, Dorothea instantly recognizes him. After all, one doesn’t forget their almost-fiance. What does surprise her is her body’s perceptive and inconvenient reaction to him.
Benedict Thorpe, the true Marquess of Belstead, had hoped never to return to England, but when he learns of the suffering caused by his cousin Louis’ wasteful spending and immoral ways, Ben knows he must return to save the estate and the people who rely on it. However, he fully intends to establish a suitable manager and return to America as soon as possible, only his growing infatuation with Dorothea rather complicates things, as does the series of suspicious and dangerous accidents plaguing him. When Ben and Dorothea are discovered in a compromising position, they soon find themselves engaged. Though Dorothea isn’t at all sure she’ll go through with the ceremony, she and Ben make an excellent team and both become increasingly determined to protect each other from whoever is out to destroy their future.
I really enjoyed this book. There was a nice second chance/redemption element here with Ben showing lots of growth and Dorothea was a lovely sensible heroine to read. I liked these two together and the mystery element added much to the feel of the book. I think this series is shaping up nicely and I’m eager to read more.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Benedict Thorpe never planned on staying away for 7 years after a duel with his cousin, but when he receives a dire letter from his friend that the estate was in trouble, he comes back to England to claim his title and estate once again. Unfortunately, it’s not that simple because his cousin Louis has enjoyed the perks of being the marquess without actually holding the title. Now an investigation is needed to see who is actually entitled to the estate and Dorothea Rowland is part of it. Dorothea has loved Ben for years and tries to shield her heart from anymore heartache, but sometimes, the heart does what the heart wants. Can these two find their way back to each other or will a sinister mystery kill Ben before she can declare her love?
I enjoyed this book, but I found the some parts dragged a bit. There was a good mystery running through the book and that kept me turning the pages. I liked Ben. He was someone who had learned from his mistakes and showed remarkable restraint while the investigation into who actually was the marquess continued. There is a lot of sex in this book–too much and I skipped over those pages. I get their attraction without every detail of their sex life revealed. All in all, this was good read.
Crestbrook House
“No more the discarded spinster, Dorothea now had a a purpose in life. She was a member of the Society of Single Ladies, and she was here on a mission. Her first assignment for the SSL was a personal connection.” Yes I was intrigued and found out she had started a courtship with Ben, Lord Brocklebank(love that name!), although her father had wanted him to let her grow up a little. She was smitten with the tall handsome elegant gentleman. Then Lady Honoria Colt had come into society and any chance at Ben had been lost to her. Then a duel with his cousin Louis over the Lady and Ben had just disappeared.
Now with his cousin trying to declare Ben dead so he would inherit the title, Dorothea would work with a man of the Crown to try to prove Louis killed Ben and have him put in jail. But as Louis was making an announcement about making his bow to court soon as the Marquess and his wife Honoria Marchioness were declared, there came a voice from the doorway, “I believe the saying is over my dead body.” Thus Ben reappeared!
This had the feeling of a game of Clue and I loved it! The different characters, each with their own secrets and wishes and a villain in the midst beside the despicable Louis. Ben and Dorothea become reacquainted and they take a slow journey to romance and a happy ever after. Don’t miss this second book in this series!
The Making of a Marquess by Lynne Connolly is book Two in The Society for Single Ladies Series. This is the story of Dorothea Rowland and Benedict ‘Ben’ Thorpe, Lord Brocklebank. I have read the previous book but feel you could make this a standalone book if you wish to do so.
Several years ago Dorothea and Ben’s family where setting them up to marry with marriage contracts. Ben just wanting to please his father was going forward with it until he saw Honoria Colt and wanted her. But his cousin Louis Thorpe also wanted her which lead to them to duel which Ben thought he hurt his cousin so he left England. Now all these years later he is talked into returning to England to claim his title by his friend. But his cousin wants that title and claims that Ben is a imposter. Dorothea is a spinster after Ben has broken the engagement talks. Dorothea who is now a mature 30 year old, who has become a part of ‘The Society for Single Ladies’. This group of ladies go around solving mysteries. Dorothea has been given the case to find the Title holder of the Marquess of Belstead…aka Ben. Of course when Ben returns she knows who she is but they have to come together to prove who he is and to fight off the person wanting him dead. Enjoyed their story.
Benedict Thorpe hadn’t planned on ever returning to England after leaving under a cloud seven years ago. Learning he’s about to be declared dead and the marquessate is about to devolve to his wastrel cousin, though, he reluctantly decides to return – only to have his identity questioned and his life threatened as his cousin valiantly attempts to oust him. A shocking death raises the stakes dramatically and throws everything into question – everything but his admiration for Lady Dorothea Rowland, a lady investigator determined to get to the bottom of the whole mess on behalf of her banker employer.
The mystery at the heart of this story had some intriguing twists and turns, although the villain of the story was logically obvious from early on as the only person with both motive, means and opportunity. For two smart people, Ben and Dorothea were a bit too willing to accept certain characters at face value, something I don’t think I’d be doing if a family member had been murdered and attempts made on my life. On the other hand, they were perhaps somewhat distracted by falling in lust.
The more I thought about it, the more irritated I felt about Ben having just abdicated his responsibility for years on end, especially with his mother ill. I couldn’t see any real reason which justified it; yes, sailing from America to England and back was quite the production in those days, but he literally owned a shopping company, and he knew from correspondence with the one trusted friend who knew he was alive that his cousin wasn’t doing right by the estate. Having failed in his responsibility thus far, I really didn’t get why he didn’t just continue to get on with the very nice life he’d made for himself and wash his hands of the title he didn’t want or use anyway.
The romance in this was excellent, and I really bought into Ben and Dorothea as a compatible couple (though once again he irritated me with his plans to push off back to Boston and leave her in charge). Dorothea is so delightful as a single lady who has embraced her status of being firmly on the shelf and found something productive to do with her life, so much so that she turns down Ben’s first proposal in a marvellous scene where she tells him she’s waited this long, she’s not settling for anything less than love.
Lynne Connolly is one of the best historical romance authors out there in terms of making her work feel genuinely authentic to the period; her research and knowledge really shines through and there’s no moment in this where it feels at all anachronistic. For that alone, I really want to give this five stars, but my continuing annoyance with the hero mean I just can’t quite bring myself to do it. Four stars, but it’s a very good read.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this title via NetGalley.
It started with a duel with his cousin over a young lady. Ben Thorpe fled from the duel. Injured he leaves England on a ship to America. Almost seven years later he must return to claim his title or lose to his cousin Louis. The one obstacle is he needs proof of his identify. Dorothea Rowland was to have been betrothed to Ben, but he broke the contract. She still loves him even though she’s built another life. Now he’s returned and some one wants him dead. A well written who done it with a passionate love story. Enjoyed reading this one. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The Making Of A Marquess, by Lynne Connolly, is available at booksellers 3-31-20. Making is book 2 in Ms Connolly’s The Society Of Single Ladies series. The premise of the SSL is crime solving. Many things happen in the world of the ton and rich cits. Who better to look and listen than spinsters. They’re of quality, know many people, and are invited many places. They are ignored, become background, and this is to their crime solving benefit. Ms Connolly had me looking up a lot of words, what was it, did I have it right? She kept me on my toes & I enjoyed it. Making is a romance/mystery/thriller. Sounds complicated but trust me, it worked.
Our SSL member is Dorothea Rowland, spinster and resigned to being one always. The SSL has given her a purpose and makes being unmarried bearable. She’s like many ladies I’ve known, Prince Charming forgot to stop by. She’s witty and brave. I liked her from the start. The hero, Benedict Thorpe was another story. Lord Brockbank had to grow on me. He was the usual annoying fop, certain he’s handsome beyond measure and charming enough to get away with anything. He was awful to Dorothea during her season, the cad. In the story he’s grown and made something of himself without his title. He’s worried he won’t be able to prove his identity, that his tenants will suffer, worried about the estate at last. He won me over when he took such care with his mother. He had substance after all.
#LynneConnolly #netgalley #TheMakingOfAMarquess #TheSocietyOfSingleLadies #KensingtonBooks #romance #Mystery #Thriller
This was a well-written, entertaining book. Dorothea belongs to a crime-solving club and encounters Ben in the process of an investigation. Love, intrigue, suspense and humor follow. I enjoyed this book and would read more books by this author.
Benedict Thrope, Lord Brocklebank, heir to the mighty Marquess of Belstead. In a dumb duel over a woman that they both wanted. His cousin had fallen in love with Honoria as had Ben. When he fired after his cousin, he had been told that he might die. His best friend, Lord Henry Evington, Rushed him to the harbor and put him on the first ship leaving. It was illegal to duel in England. It had been seven years since he left and his parents were dead and his cousin was having him declared dead but he had been destroying the estate.
Lady Dorthea Rowland had been his parents choice for his wife. But he had fallen for Honoria so he abandoned their beginning courting. Seven years later she is confident and trying very hard not to be in love with Ben. She is a thirty-year-old spinster. But she is good at Math and has a good head on her shoulders.
This was a mystery but it is so good. It kept my attention. I also enjoyed the twists to the story. It was entertaining,
fun, and well written. The characters are engrossing, nicely developed, and appear to be lifelike. It is worth the read. I was interested in the way and how many things he had to do to prove he was the Marquess.
I received this ARC from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed it.
4.25 Stars
Yet even Miss Angela Childers’ charming detectives are not immune to the forces of love . . .
Dorothea Rowland is nearing thirty & has given up on love but attends a country house party to investigate a long-lost heir not to find a husband. Benedict returns after nearly seven years abroad after he fled fearing he’d killed his cousin Louis in a duel but Louis survived & is now pressing to have Benedict declared dead. Yet as Ben and Dorothea pursue the truth about his inheritance, their relationship develops from friends to lovers. Soon Ben’s plan to return to his life in America is upended by someone who wants his fortune badly enough to jeopardize his future.
This is the second book in the series & could easily be read on its own. The author’s books are always well written, they have a lovely attention to detail & I love the mix of fact & fiction. The story flows extremely well, the mystery has a few twists and turns which I enjoyed but it is the relationship between Ben & Dorothea which is enthralling. She’s always loved him but he was blinded by the beauty of another when they were younger, however he’s grown up & I loved how he came to like, value, respect & love Dorothea. A lovely read that at times had me on the edge of my seat
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
The idea of the Society of Singles Ladies is a great concept for books. This story is very nice and sweet and good for someone looking for not too much angst. There is a little mystery which was pretty good. However, I felt that the story was repetitive. It could have been half the length and still been good. If you want a nice story about a great “spinster” and a man who made himself instead of relying on his title, then this is the story for you.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley.