The Marquess of Tain has always obeyed every social rule. Obeyed his father. Remained faithful to his two departed wives. Been a devoted father. An expert steward of his lands and investments. But this Christmas, he’ll throw convention to the wind. He’ll seize the chance of his lifetime-and invite himself to a house party where he will woo and wed the only woman he has ever loved. No matter the … the cost.Lady Penelope Goddard has always followed every social convention. Married her first husband because her father ordered it. Married her second-and her third-because they were?well?charming. And she had no skills to make a living for herself. This Christmas when she attends her cousin’s house party, she is shocked to find her long lost love there. He’s seductive, intent on kissing her senseless. She chuckles when they’re discovered in the ladies’ retiring room, and the library, and the stairwell.But will she marry him?When she knows she can never give him the one gift which she never was capable of giving her three husbands?And which she cannot give him?
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Theo and Penelope – Penn – had been madly in love twelve years ago, but Society being what it is, they had married others. Along the years, they had never been free at the same time, but in December of 1815, they both are and Theo will not let the opportunity pass him by. Alas, one thing hasn’t changed for Penn…
What a splendid novella this is! From the moment they meet, you can feel the love between Theo and Penn. More than lust, the affection for each other is palpable. I loved the flirtatious banter, their playful exchanges in and out of the bedroom, the simple joy they had when in each other’s company. There are so many delightful passages, but one of my favourite is the memorable (re)meet-cute. It’s hilarious and has to be read to be fully appreciated. Also unforgettable is the formidable Lady Bridgewater. Although I enjoyed meeting the character, I would have liked just a little less of the Duke of Harlow because it was a trifle spoiler-ish.
THE MARQUESS’S FINAL FLING is a very dynamic story; it’s fast-paced, there’s always something happening, and crisp descriptions add to the festive Christmas ambience. The story felt complete, as we are given our couple’s backstories and a lovely conclusion. Both Theo and Penn are sunny, engaging people; honourable and kind without being boring. Every woman should meet her own Theo; he is a superb hero in every way. Cerise DeLand’s wonderfully evocative prose is the icing on this delicious cake of a story: here’s a tiny example of the author’s fine writing:
“Once enjoyed, once given, tenderness blossomed in a person’s soul like a daring rose.” Isn’t it simply lovely?
I loved this book! The hero and heroine have loved each other for years-but married other spouses. She had 3 deceased husband and he had 2 deceased wives when they meet each other at a Christmas houseparty. The love they share is enchanting and at times heartbreaking. A beautiful book by Cerise DeLand!
I loved, loved this book. It is now one of my favorites by Cerise DeLand. Though I’ve had this book on my Kindle for a few months, I never got around to reading it. After recently reading (and reviewing) the next book in the series, Aunt Gertrude’s Red Hot Christmas Beau, I decided I had to read this book right away. I was so anxious to find out more about Theo, the Marquess of Tain, and Lady Penelope Goddard and their story. Wow. It is great. Penelope has been widowed three times with no issue from those marriages. Theo was married twice and left a widower with two daughters. They were in love years before but Theo abided by his father’s wishes that he wed someone more socially equal. Penelope’s father pressured her into marriage to someone else. Bless his heart, Theo invited himself to the Countess of Marsden’s Christmas Party as he knew Penelope would be there. He was determined to finally wed the woman he gave up years before. Though Penn has likewise carried a torch for Theo, she knows she is the wrong choice for him and he should find someone else. Oh, how sweet was the wooing by Theo and the back and forth banter between them. It was so beautiful, the long, sensual, enticing build-up to their lovemaking. I lost my heart to Theo then and there. And Penn, I thought to myself, how can you give him up. I can only say, read this wonderful, beautiful romance, though full of heartache is a testament to how love for another can survive through the years.
I think I forgot how it feels to breathe. DeLand can break your heart, steal your breath and touch your soul all at once. The Marquess’s Final Fling is a heartache that’s been years in the making. Forced to make hard choices, two hearts struggle to find their way back home. A rapturously, beautiful romance.
Theo, Marquess of Tain, invited himself to the Countess of Marsden’s Christmas house party, he had one goal in mind, to convince the love of his life to finally marry him. Theo and Pen were in love when they were younger, but his father, the Duke of Harlow, refused to allow them to wed. In the twelve years since, they have both married and been widowed (he twice and she three times). Their reunion is a quick surprise; their first conversation quite entertaining. Their time together at the party is exciting, romantic, and fun. They still love each other, and Theo believes they are on their way to a happy future, then Pen bolts. She has a painful secret that she feels must keep them apart. Theo follows her to London and the courtship begins in earnest. Can Theo win her over?
The Marquess’s Final Fling is another delightful story in the Christmas Belles series, a heartwarming second chance story with characters who are easy to love. Theo and Pen have done their duty, accepted and done their best with what life has brought them. They want and are ready for a future together. The other characters are fun and likeable. Lady Bridgewater is an unrepentant gossip and a stalwart friend. Theo’s daughters are darling. Another romantic success for the Countess’s holiday party, this story is charming, well-paced, and easy to read right up to the big surprise at the end. I recommend this one and the series. It’s a winner.
I received a copy of this book from the author.
Enjoyed this story about a couple who were separate by parents and the rules of society. Years later, after several marriages and spousal deaths, they are now both single again, and reunited at a Christmas house party. I received an ARC of this book.
December 21, 1815
The Countess of Marsden’s Christmas house party.
Love of the heart endures. Sometimes no matter how long it has lain dormant, it only takes seeing that person or hearing their name to bring it back to a flame. Such was the case with Theo, Marquess of Tain as he gazed upon Penn, Lady Penelope Goddard that he had let go years ago to act as society demanded.
Now years later and after having lost two wives and she three husbands, he knew he would never find her equal again. Can I just say “sigh”. Of yes, loved this man! He was determined. Inviting himself to the Countess’s party he knew he would see Penn again.
Penn was shocked when she saw Tain! She could only get away as fast she could but of course he found her. “The man was her worst nightmare, her every Austen hero, her nemesis.” Of course she knew she could not allow herself to love him because she could never give him what he would need.
To say Tain was determined is an understatement and I could not read fast enough to see what would happen.
I think this may be my favorite in this series but I say that about each one! Do not miss this wonderful story of a second chance at love that will melt your heart!!
This was a wonderful story, and I enjoyed it so much. Cerise Deland is a reasonably new author for me since this is only her second book that I have read but I love you way she tells the story. I love when older couples can find love, and even better that they have fallen in love when they were both younger but because of social status, a relationship between the two would have been frowned upon. I look forward to reading more from this author. I received this book as a gift
This is a second chance novel (or we could say third or fourth chance…)
The couple, Theo, Marquess of Tain, and Lady Penelope Goddarg did not get a chance to be together when they fell in love at a young age. Theo’s father didn’t allow him to marry Penelope, and her father, worried that his daughter had been compromised, thought she should marry anyone else. And so they lived apart for long years.
Each remarried when they became widowed.
Theo had two daughters, while Penelope could not have children.
Now, many years later, when Theo knew that she would be attending the Marsden Christmas house party for seven days, he didn’t think twice about deciding that this time she would be his.
A romance of passionate characters, with some setbacks that could get in the way, but in the end, the great surprise.
Loving Christmas story.
5 stars
I absolutely loooove Cerise DeLand. If she’s writing it, I’m reading it. She writes like Jane Austen, but naughtier. This is an older couple/second chance romance and Theo and Penelope (Penn) are wonderful characters. I enjoyed their road to HEA. Theo is the best kind of persistent hero. He knows what he wants and he goes after it. Penn is strong-willed, stubborn, and a wonderful heroine. These two took 12 years to be on the same journey, but you can totally tell their love is everlasting. I did cry in the end because this was such a beautiful story. I will definitely be re-reading this again. Good job, Cerise DeLand. Stories like these are the reason why you are on my keeper shelf.
I received a complimentary copy from the author.
My star system:
5 stars: Ugly cried AF, major book hangover, made me wanna hug the author for writing a book that gave me all the feels. Will be re-reading this over and over and over again.
The Marquess’s Final Fling
Christmas Belles series #4
Cerise DeLand
https://www.facebook.com/CeriseDeLandAuthor/
Release date 10/07/2019
Publisher W.J. Power
Blurb :
The Marquess of Tain has always followed every social rule. Obeyed his father. Remained faithful to his two departed wives. Been a devoted father. An expert steward of his lands and investments. But this Christmas, he’ll throw convention to the wind. He’ll seize the chance of his lifetime—and invite himself to a house party where he will woo and wed the only woman he has ever loved.
No matter the cost.
Lady Penelope Goddard has always followed every social convention. Married her first husband because her father ordered it. Married her second—and her third—because they were…well…charming. And she had no skills to make a living for herself. This Christmas when she attends her cousin’s house party, she is shocked to find her long lost love there. He’s seductive, intent on kissing her senseless. She chuckles when they’re discovered in the ladies’ retiring room, and the library, and the stairwell.
But will she marry him?
When she knows she can never give him the one gift which she never was capable of giving her three husbands?
And which she cannot give him?
My review :
Can two longtime lovers torn apart by ton’s rules find their HEA…
Of all the novellas I have read in this series, this one is my favorite, Mrs Cerise DeLand has done marvels with Penelope and Theo.
My heart ached and swooned for them and the pain they had to endure.
The ravages conventions and society dictates caused them were heartbreaking, then the sorrows Penelope endured because she was unable to fulfill her duties as a wife.
So much weighted on them both why I just adored Theo because after having been a good son then a good husband, he was time he became a good lover for the only woman owning his heart and soul.
Penelope like Theo did her obligations, she was a faithful and amiable wife, even if she was unable to provide children, which hold her back to fully love Theo as customs demand a peer to provide with offsprings.
Mrs DeLand has a knack for witty and sharp dialogues, touching characters stirring a rainbow of emotions.
This tale had me pining and hurting for them to find their way to one another.
For such a short read, it was so full of the most vivid and fierce sentiments.
A big thanks to a so talented author, she gave life to those harrowing lovers and a love transcended by time.
5 well deserved stars.
I was granted by the author an advance copy and prior to it had preordered my own.
Here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272830/posts/475319993057177?sfns=mo
Oh my, what more can I say about the brilliant Author Cerise DeLand? I have been drawn into each of this amazing Author’s books from the beginning and when I think they cannot get any better, they do! In the fourth installment of the Christmas Belles series, the Marquess of Tain has sought an invitation to the big Christmas house party thrown by the Countess of Marsden. The love of his life is going to be in attendance and he intends to make himself happy once and for all. Lady Penelope Goddard has been married three times and widowed three times but her heart has always belonged to Tain. Feeling like she will never have the love that she craves, Penn is shocked when Tain attends her aunts house party. Knowing she can never be more to Tain than a mistress, Penn is hesitant to allow her heart to be broken once again, but what does it hurt to seek a little enjoyment? Inviting Tain to her bed, Penn has finally found the happiness she has always craved. Being the lover of the only man that has stolen her heart, Penn is immersing herself into brief love affair but Tain has more in mind than a brief affair. After revealing his true plans, Penn runs as far as she can away because she fears she is barren and will not allow Tain to throw his life away. But will Tain follow the only woman he has ever loved, to make her see reason? Will Penn throw caution to the wind and finally give in to her hearts desire? I anxiously await the next installment in this awesome series!
The Marquess of Tain has always followed every social rule & been a pillar of society. But this Christmas, he’ll throw convention to the wind. He’ll seize the chance of his lifetime he’s invited himself to a house party where he will woo and hopefully wed the only woman he has ever loved.
No matter the cost.
Lady Penelope Goddard has always followed every social convention. Married her first husband because her father ordered it. Married her second—and her third—because they were…well…charming. This Christmas when she attends her cousin’s house party, she is shocked to find her long lost love there. He’s seductive, intent on kissing her senseless. They try to be discrete but they’re discovered in the ladies’ retiring room, and the library, and the stairwell.
A lovely novella of second chances. I read it in a sitting, Theo & Penn first met & fell in love twelve years ago but their parents wouldn’t agree to them marrying so being dutiful children the married their parents’ choices however they still love each other. Strong characters, a well paced plot all made for an absorbing read
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
A love that was thwarted comes back to life with a vengeance. Theo was such a sweetheart. His love of Penelope, his love for his children and his desire to just be happy. I liked that Penelope did not resent her marriages but decided to make the best of them. The same with Theo. It is not every book where marriages are not looked on as horrid things. This story was so sweet and full of laughter and life.
I received a complimentary copy from the author.
Penn and Theo fell in love during their younger days. Theo wanted to marry Penn but his father forbade the marriage. Now Penn, Lady Penelope Goddard, is a widow three times over and Theo, the Marquess of Tain, is twice a widower. Theo invites himself to the Marden Christmas House Party because he knows Penn will be there and he is bound and determined to woo her and win her hand in marriage. Penn isn’t going to make things easy for Theo.
Cerise DeLand’s tale of Penn and Theo is a captivating romp with lots of sensual scenes. I really enjoyed traveling along on Penn and Theo’s HEA road.
A Second Chance
Penn and Theo lost their happiness when they were young. His father didn’t approve of her. Her father forced her to marry another man. In between times, they were married and widowed more than once, but were not free at the same time. Finally the time is right at this Christmas party and Theo is determined that she will say yes. But the same problems from before and a recurring one may still keep them apart. Don’t you just love a secret passage!