Elijah Watson, Marquis of Ridgefield, comes from a notorious family. Because of this, he’s determined to live above the reproach of society. Samantha Pengarden is an illegitimate daughter of an infamous Madame. Where Elijah wants to live a respectable life, Samantha has a bit more of a scandalous mindset. When Elijah first meets Samantha, he thinks he’s found a kindred spirit in his quest to have a normal life. It doesn’t take him long to figure out that he was wrong.
This book was about two people who come from dysfunctional families way before it was mainstream. Their meeting is happenstance when they both need someone that will understand, From their first meeting, there’s a mutual attraction. What starts from there, grows into a closeness and eventually love that helps them both heal. This was a great book. I highly recommend.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book

After tragically loosing his grandfather and turned away by his mother, Elijah Watson, Marquis of Ridgefeld, heads to a house party to discuss his grandfather's collection of artifacts. Before making it to the estate he meets Miss Samantha Pengarden traveling on the road in the cold. They form an immediate bond but things change drastically when Elijah is asked to leave the house party.

They meet again in London with Elijah set on courting Sam, and Sam hurt and angry at Elijah for leaving.

I enjoyed the story while it took place at the house party. As soon as the setting moved to London, Elijah was too sappy and Sam was too childish. If their banter could have gone back to what it was the story would have recovered. Lastly, the epilogue had things wrap up a bit too syrupy sweet.

I enjoyed this author's writing style but found the HR a little too juvenile for my taste .Good storyline.

I received an ARC copy of this book from NetGalley.

A charming love story that stands out from other historical romances. This is an unusual story of a family that is very uncommon for the times they live in and how they live their lives within societies bounds.

The main heroine Samantha cracks me up in a good way. This woman is very feisty and certainly does want to do things that push the bounds of society and could cause the downfall of her whole family. But I enjoyed what she did because it opened Eli to another type of life than what he was used to with his grandfather.

Eli on the other hand grew the most from his interaction with Samantha. He learned to open himself up and laugh again. The lessons he taught Samantha were lessons all of us could use in our lives at one time or another. Also, his character is stellar without coming across as soft sided.

Secondary characters, White's betting book and the men who signed the bet adds the needed spark to this story to keep it more entertaining. I will be interested in reading the next book to the series as Samantha's who family is very entertaining and interesting.

I give this book 4 STARS and recommend it for anyone who wants a very enjoyable read.

A super read. I admit to really liking and getting lost within it's pages. I have found this author to be witty, and extremely talented before and I keep that opinion now. One of the things that perhaps comes to me on this read is her characters. They are alive and human and have hearts and souls. The magic between the covers of this book is great. The meshing of history as well as passion and romance and real life keep you enthralled and actually the surprises will be funny at times and witty and just down right entertaining. I must say this is a book that is a keeper and reread for me. I especially liked the fact that while there was sex, it was not on every single page! I was given this book in return for an honest review. Anna Swedenmom

In this book the lonely adventurer Elijah, the Marquis of Ridgefeld, goes to a house party to discuss donating his late grandfathers collection of artifacts to a London museum, where he meets the free spirited Samantha who makes him feel alive for the first time in a long time. I enjoyed reading how an honest relationship develops between the two.

My favorite part of this book was the Elijah character. It was very refreshing to me to have a male lead character who had his own weaknesses and self-doubts and wasn't afraid to admit them to himself. This is very different than the typical male lead who exudes confidence at all time, which can often seem unrealistic.

I received an advanced free copy in exchange for an honest review.

Ok book. I did skip parts because I just got bored.

Publisher's Description:

COURTSHIP WAS NEVER SO SCANDALOUS

The grandson of an unconventional marquis and son of a notorious woman, Elijah Watson, Marquis of Ridgefeld, has spent most of his life outside of London. His atypical upbringing has left him longing for roots and a traditional family life, and he's determined to live his life above reproach. When he meets Miss Samantha Pengarden, he believes he's found the woman he wants to marry--except she has other far more sensual ideas for him.

Known throughout the ton as the illegitimate rebellious daughter of London's disreputable Craven House Madame, Samantha has never had to face the world without her shy twin by her side--until now. Her sister's marriage and the return of her blackguard father leaves her alone and adrift. When Elijah agrees to escort her to the town's most infamous establishments, she thinks she's finally found a man with a taste for scandal and a knowledge of matters of the flesh.

But she never counted on Elijah being so honorable. When Samantha is listed as the mistress of the Marquis of Ridgefeld in White's betting book, her reputation is in ruins--and only Elijah can save her. Can two total opposites come together for a love certain to last a lifetime?

My Thoughts:
This is the highly anticipated second book in Christina McKnight's bestselling Craven House Series! I own but have yet to read Book #1 ,"The Thief Steals Her Earl ".
I just know when I get around to reading it I will love it a much as I did this one. Although they are part of a series I feel that each one can be read as a standalone title.
These titles include background characters that have appeared in other novels and series by this author so if you have previously read historical titles by Ms. McKnight you will have an "Oh Yes" moment or two while reading..
"Sam"(Samantha) has a wild streak that refuses to be tamed and prefers being called by her male nickname as she feels it to be much stronger than her full feminine version.
Eli, even though his beginnings mirror Sam's in many aspects, is most assuredly a Gentleman and makes for an excellent Hero in this comical at times story. They both fall head over heels for each other but neither seems to know that their feelings are reciprocated.
The characters in this book are well developed and the storyline, although somewhat long and drawn out is a good one. I gave this book 4 of 5 stars for storyline and character development. The sensual aspect gets 3.5 of 5 flames for heat.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this book via NetGalley from the publisher to read and review.
This in no way influenced or affected in any way my opinion of this title.

I truly loved the H, very much liked the h, and loved them together, but found my least favorite characteristics in the form of "failure to communicate " and fear of love in the h. They were a terrific couple, but were not on the same page, although they were both in love! But that's what makes a great romance, and fortunately there is a great happy ending. I plan to continue in the series, though this is absolutely fine as a stand alone. Very well written with great characters and interesting personalities which will be great for the rest of the series. Looking forward to reading them!

The Mistress Enchants Her Marquis begins with the breaking of Elijah's heart as he loses his beloved grandfather and is thrust untimely into becoming the eighth Marquis. Far from England, the distress he feels is magnified when he finds that the mother he'd always wondered about wants nothing to do with him.

From that moment on, I felt very protective of Elijah; when Samantha made a plan to seek to deliberately hurt him, I found myself wanting to absolutely scratch her eyes out! But then, isn't that the ultimate goal of a romance writer... to make you fall utterly and irrevocably in love with the hero of the book?

Christina McKnight certainly managed that with Elijah. I wanted to be in Samantha's place, wanted to be there to help him sort his grandfather's treasures and plan his next exciting adventure. Samantha was a great match for him, though, fiercely independent and yet deeply desirous of someone she could trust to share her burdens. When Elijah proves that he can be that person by sharing secrets he has never told another living soul, Samantha's final surrender and lowering of her guard was as inevitable as it was beautiful.

Christina McKnight, you've done it again. I am an ARDENT fan of your works.
Five stars.

This is book two of the series and starts off on a sad note for our Hero. Our Lady also has her ups and downs at the start. I found all the traveling aspects very entertaining as well. As the couple had all sorts of escapades. But after going through many emotions we find a happy ever after. Good reading!

Elijah Watson, Marquis of Ridgefeld, has spent most of his life outside of London. He’s been morning the loss of his grandfather so to honor him he goes Hollybrooke Manor, the country home of Lord Cummings to see Lord Cartwright about his grandfather’s artifacts to be added the British museum. It’s at Hollybrooke Manor he meets Samantha Pengarden the sister to Lord Cartwright’s bride. Samantha and her siblings are known as the illegitimate rebellious daughter of London’s disreputable Craven House Madame. Samantha meets the devilishly handsome Elijah Watson when she’s out for a walk and then again later in the library where she finds a sinfully scandalous book of sensual pictures and reading that Elijah confiscates from her. She’s never had to face the world without her sister; Elijah agrees to escort her to the town’s most infamous establishments and she finds her reputation in ruins. The two are perfect for each other. His upbringing has left him wanting a family and Samantha fits the bill except she has other sensual plans for him. A captivating book I know you’ll enjoy!
I received an ARC copy from Net Galley in exchange for my honest opinion and review.

The grandson of an unconventional marquis and son of a notorious woman who fled to Baltimore, Elijah Watson, eighth Marquis of Ridgefeld, has spent most of his life outside of London. His atypical upbringing has left him longing for roots and a traditional family life, and he’s determined to live his life above reproach. When he meets Miss Samantha Pengarden at her sister’s wedding, he believes he’s found the woman he wants to marry.
Known throughout the ton as the illegitimate rebellious daughter of London’s disreputable Craven House Madame, Samantha has never had to face the world without her shy twin by her side. Her sister’s marriage and the return of her blackguard father leaves her alone and adrift. Sam & Eli are immediately attracted to each other but being found by Jude whilst sharing a kiss means Eli is forced to depart without a word to Sam. When they meet again in London they strike up an agreement which leads Elijah to agree to escort her where ever she wishes to go & includes the town’s most infamous establishments, she thinks she’s finally found a man with a taste for scandal and a knowledge of matters of the flesh. However she never counted on Elijah being so honourable. When Samantha is listed as the mistress of the Marquis of Ridgefeld in White’s betting book, her reputation is in ruins & only Elijah can save her.
This is the second in the Craven House series & whilst it could be a standalone book I’d recommend reading the first book as it gives back ground to this story. I also liked that Lady Theo appeared, (Theodora - Lady Archer's Creed Book 1) just before she went to school.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book, the characters are delightful, well portrayed & likeable. Eli has had an adventurous but lonely life & realises he craves a true partner. Sam has always had her twin Jude until, Jude’s marriage & now finds herself adrift. Sam & Eli’s attraction simmers & their conversations & actions often had me chuckling but also some of their conversations brought a tear to my eye. The story is well paced & I found I was reticent to put the book down. I’m looking forward to the other siblings’ stories.

The Mistress Enchants Her Marquis is not as sensual as I was expecting from the description, but it is still a well-written adventure. Elijah Watson, Marquis of Ridgefeld, literally picks up Samantha from the side of the road on a rainy afternoon on his way to a country wedding. After some confusion on Eli’s part before he realized she was a twin, he berated himself for kissing a young lady betrothed to another. And, he was there to attend her wedding. Once that was cleared up, he began earnestly to try to get to know Sam better. He, also, realized quickly Sam would challenge him and his somewhat proper ways at every turn. Eli may not have been brought up in England but he was still a proper gentleman.

Eli was raised by his grandfather following the death of his father and the loss of his mother after she ran away. On the last trip Eli and his grandfather took together, they went to America to find Eli’s mother. His grandfather took ill and passed during the journey. Upon finding his mother, she did not even recognize him. She was basically living life as the equivalent of a courtesan and was not interested in renewing his acquaintance.

In the same vein, Samantha and her twin Jude, had never met their father until he comes by invitation to attend Jude’s wedding. Sam does not take this meeting well at all. She faults their father for leaving their
mother and half-siblings in near poverty to follow his father’s dictates of marrying a proper English woman.

With all of this going on around them, Sam sneaks into the library at the home in which her sister’s wedding is about to take place. Eli catches her slipping a naughty book out of the library and takes it away from her. Eli cannot seem to stay away from the naughty miss, but is warned off by her future brother-in-law at her twin’s request. Feeling betrayed and terribly hurt, Sam is heart-broken at what she considers Eli’s defection.

Weeks later Eli cannot forget Sam, she cannot forget him, either. Eli tells Sam he will not leave her again and to let him prove it. Poor Eli, Sam puts more challenges in front of him. What begins as the proof to her of his commitment to their friendship becomes his leap into wooing her. Sam’s adventurous streak to see what is unavailable to women in London rivals anything Eli and his grandfather did as they traveled the world. He plans to help her with her education.

Although apparently a second book, I found enough information was given from the previous book about the courtship of Jude and Cartwright for everything to make sense. There is a lot of heartfelt reflection in The Mistress to help you become an enchanting part of Samantha and Eli’s romance. Thank you Net Galley for sharing this book in exchange for an honest review.

A good well-rounded historical romance. Interesting plot and characters.

Born into scandal, Elijah has a lot to live down to. However, this Marquis is determined to live a life beyond repute. His rep is on the upswing but can his heart withstand the turbulence headed his way? Ms. McKnight is known for her unconventional heroines and she stays true to form with Samantha. Samantha is a lost soul looking for a bit of affection and instead lands in the middle of scandal. A pistol through and through, she never backs down from a challenge, despite the heartache she endures along the way. The Mistress Enchants Her Marquis is an explosion of color, scandal, sensuality and emotion that comes alive with every new character and each flip of the page. Falling in love with these exquisite characters isn't a possibility, but a fact.

I was thrilled to receive one of McKnight’s novels to review and also intrigued to see a familiar character know as Theodora from the book of the same name. This story follows Samantha Pengarden and Elijah Watson, the 8th Marquis of Ridgefield. Elijah and Sam meet at Hollybrooke Manor, where the wedding celebration of Sam’s twin Judith to Lord Cartwright, is to occur. Elijah, having returned from his travels to trace his mother, is quite depressed. His grandfather who has raised him since his birth, died during the voyage to see his mother. He feels responsible for his death as he wanted to find his mother again; however, his mother failed to acknowledge him nor bothered to explain her absence. As a result, Elijah feels compelled to donate his grandfather’s collection of antiquities to the British Museum. He believes his grandfather’s friendship with Lord Cartwright and Lord Cummings requires him to arrange this through these gentlemen. His arrival soon finds him staying for the wedding of Lord Cartwright and in the company of Samantha. Sam and Elijah find themselves together in a number of interesting situations, which leads to a dynamic romance.
I loved the characters of Sam and Eli. McKnight has a way of bringing her characters to life. Both Sam and Eli complement each other from the start.
I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I am giving an honest review for this ARC as promised. Nice long read. Well told story and interesting characters. It is my understanding that there is a series called Craven House. Not quite enough excitement for me however it was still a good tale.