Get Book 3 in the bestselling ‘Lost Lords’ series! Regency Historical Romance at its best – and you can also read it for FREE in Kindle Unlimited!Betrothed to Marcus Balfour, Marquess Althorn since infancy, the entirety of Miss Jane Barrett’s life has been planned for her by others. Through an overheard argument, Jane discovers at a tender age that her betrothed is opposed to the match. The … the match. The knowledge wounds her deeply and sows the first seeds of rebellion in her. Rather than marry her, the Marquess joins the army but disappears in one of the war’s bloodiest battles. Jane is left in a state of limbo—betrothed to a man who never wanted her and who is most likely dead, but still not free to pursue love elsewhere.
Marcus’ objections to the marriage were less about the bride than the immorally young age of the bride at which their greedy and meddling fathers wished to force the match. While fighting for king and country, Marcus is confronted with the knowledge that there is a traitor in their midst, a man far closer to him than he might wish to admit. But he is captured, imprisoned, tortured, and left to rot for years until he can make his way back home to take up his rightful place as the Elsingham heir… and as a husband to Jane Barrett.
The years that have passed have eradicated any reservations about marriage to his betrothed, at least on his part. No man looking at her would ever mistake her for a child. More surprising is the attraction that he feels for her instantaneously and his determination to make her his, whatever the cost. It appears however, that his bride to be, will require some convincing.
As Marcus sets out to woo her, to prove that there is the possibility for something far more than a simple contract between them, danger lurks at every turn. The enemy, who robbed him of years of his life by handing him over to the French, is close at hand… and has their eye on Jane and her fortune, as well.
more
An excellent addition to the Lost Lords series!
Chasity Bolwin has written another winner!
Miss Jane Barrett’s life has been planned entirely by her grasping father, most especially her betrothal to Marcus Balfour, the Marquess of Althorn. Jane always known Marcus was opposed to the match and wasn’t terribly surprised when he joined the army to delay their marriage. But when he disappears at a deadly battle, Jane is left in a fog of mourning, still betrothed to a man who is most likely dead, but unable to pursue her own life or choices elsewhere.
Marcus was never opposed to marrying Jane herself, only to the fact that she was much too young still when their fathers attempted to force the wedding. While fighting for his country, Marcus is faced with the stark reality that there is a traitor far closer to him than he’d ever have suspected. He finds himself captured, tortured, and held in an enemy work camp for five years until he manages to escape and return home to take his true place as heir to the Duke of Elsingham and to finally claim his bride.
Marcus has no qualms about marriage now. His time at war changed him and there is no doubt Jane is a woman now, not a child. In fact, he’s instantly attracted to her and eager to claim her as his, but it soon becomes clear that Jane will need some convincing first. Marcus sets out to spend time with Jane, getting to know her before she decides whether or not to proceed with their marriage, but danger and grasping relatives haunt their every move, seeking to manipulate situations for their own selfish gain, regardless of the cost to Marcus and Jane.
I enjoyed the fast pace of this one and the villainous plots afoot. I do have to say that it felt slightly anticlimactic and I would’ve liked to see more real punishment for the villains and a bit more time spent between Marcus and Jane. I liked the gothic sort of feel this had, but Jane was ridiculously annoying to me this time around. I understand where she was coming from but her attitude at times was just uncalled for, especially when directed at Marcus when she should’ve been directing it at her awful family. This was not my favorite of the series but I enjoyed the story and I really hope to see Lord Highcliff get his own story eventually.
Well Written 4 – 4 1/2 Stars!
Captivating and engrossing story. Well defined characters. Greedy relatives. Villainous plots. Strong, honorable hero and meek appearing but independent minded heroine. Chastity Bowlin does a good job drawing us into the story of Marcus and Jane and their eventual path to HEA.
This is my first book by Ms. Bowlin, but it won’t be my last. This is a very well written story, wirh well developed, interesting characters.
Marcus, heir to a dukedom, returns from the war with France after five years as a prisoner of war. In his absence, his betrothed, Jane, has been in a state of limbo because she is engaged, but her fiancé has been missing but not declared deceased. Marcus knows that his return is a shock not only to Jane who remembers that eight years before he ran off to war rather than being forced to honor their betrothal, but to several members of his family for more nefarious reasons.
This story has a terrific plot filled with intrigue and interesting characters and it’s a page turner from the start to the end. The two main characters’ relationship develops with a heat between them that culminates in a satisfying hea. The tale itself keeps moving along with twists and turns that pull one into the story. I highly recommend this book to readers of historical romance who enjoy intrigue and heat.
I also am hoping this author finds a way to give Lord Highcliff a story of his own, as his part in this was fascinating.
I read this as an arc which affected my review in no way at all.
Betrothed to Marcus Balfour, Marquess Althorn since infancy, the entirety of Miss Jane Barrett’s life has been planned for her by others. Through an overheard argument, Jane discovers at a tender age that her betrothed is opposed to the match. Marcus’ objections to the marriage were less about the bride than the immorally young age of the bride at which their greedy and meddling fathers wished to force the match. After being missing and presumed dead for the last five years Marcus has returned to reclaim his life. During the last years Jane has made a life for herself and marrying the returned Marquis is not in her plan. Both have a lot to overcome and decide for their future. Marcus is determined to make things right and Jane is determined she is not going to marry him. This was an enjoyable story and I liked Marcus and Jane’s characters. I have not read Chastity Bowlin’s books before and I am looking forward to reading another.
A fast paced story that captures you from the first and leads you through many surprises. Betrothed at a very young age, Jane Barrett hears that her betrothed, Marcus Balfour is opposed to the union. Marcus’s objection is due to the bride being so young, so he joins the army to bring some space and time until the marriage takes place. Little did he know what was ahead as he was immersed in a terrible battle that in the end left him a prisoner of war for several years. He finally comes back home, weary of the war and ready to take his place as heir to his estate. Of course that also means it is time for marriage to Jane and as he sees her, he is instantly attracted and ready to wed. Jane still feels reservations due to the conversation she overheard years ago and does not make things easy for Marcus. This story tugged at my heart because there is Marcus who has been challenged by the war and his captivity. Jane, who has been pushed around by her family and just wants to be independent. As these two start to spend time together, dark forces are at hand that bring danger to both of them. Can they find their happy ending? Chasity Bowlin is a new author to me and by reading this story I know I only want to read more by her!!
Wonderful! The Missing Marquess Of Alton by Chasity Bowlin is book 3 in The Lost Lords series and what a book it is! This story is so creative and wonderful that I couldn’t put it down! The characters are so well defined and the era is well described and holds true for that time. I just can’t say enough about this book and I enjoyed every minute of it. This story begins with an arranged marriage and continues with cruelty, greed, poverty, hate, abuse, death, spies, treason, brotherly love, plots, misunderstandings, revenge, pride, humiliation, friendship, elopement, abduction, being captured, war, abandoned, scandal and somehow ends with love. I highly recommend this book, you won’t be disappointed! Travel back to 1806 London England with the Marcus Balfour, Marquess of Alton and Miss Jane Barrett on their journey of their arranged marriage.
***This book was gifted to me and I am voluntarily reviewing.
Marcus Balfour, the Marquess of Althorn ran off to war after an argument with his father. He didn’t expect to be gone so long. Years in a French prison have changed him a lot. He is now ready to take up his responsibilities. It might not be quite as easy as he hoped.
Miss Jane Barrett has spent years in limbo, not knowing if her betrothed is dead or alive. She knows the only reason anyone would marry her is her father’s money, but she has plans to get free from the rule of men. The last thing she wants is her betrothed turning up and expecting to marry her.
There is just as much danger at home for our returning hero, and not much of a welcome. Someone is out to claim all that is his. Our heroine has been downtrodden by her family and is desperate for independence.
Lots of excitement and some laughs in this very entertaining story. I loved the characters and hope to meet some of them again in other books.
I loved it.
Most Enjoyable!
I like the characters in this book, especially the heroine. Jane grew from an insecure girl into a smart and independent young woman with no wish to marry…or so she thought. It is easy to see why she wavered in her resolve. The spark shared between Jane and Marcus is clear.
This book has an interesting storyline and characters (one in particular I hope to see in a future release). There is also a degree of humor due to the heroine’s pragmatic dialogue. I highly recommend this book.
I do enjoy this author and her writing style. I disliked the h through most of the story because she was like a dog with a bone. She could not get over something the H said when she was 13. Even after our H explained how she was incorrect in her thinking 8 years later she still treated him awful. She does improve but near the end.
There is lovemaking mildly described outside marriage but they have been betrothed for 8 years. By that time I did have a liking for the h so their lovemaking was filled with passion. Both our H/had had awful and uncaring parents especially the Father’s. There are many villains in this story and through out the story our H remained honorable.
We do get HEA, no cliffhanger, no cheating by our H/h. Even though this is book 3 and my first in series I was not lost. I am not going into the premise as many have explained it better than I can, just what u may get out of reading it. (Ljb)