I love this Carmichael family, How to Capture a Duke was one of the most entertaining books I have read. This book in the Matchmaking for Wallflowers is Arthur and Madeline's story and is just as entertaining. Bianca Blythe can spin a tale like no other. Although this series is set in the same period and follows the same family, each storyline is unique and very different from the others. Arthur and Madeline's story actually started many years prior, however a falsehood led them in two different directions. She married a rich baron,but is now a widow. He became a very successful spy. They meet again during his investigation into stolen jewels that are important to the tenuous peace between England and France. And just what does Madeline have to do with the missing jewels? How does Arthur and his "boss" figure into it? Will Madeline and Arthur ever be able to work out their differences? Like most of Ms. Blythe's books this is an exceptional read when compared to others in the genre. Although this is part of a series, it is a standalone, but I recommend reading them all because they are so very enjoyable.

I really enjoyed Madeline and Arthur's story! It was a reunion story, which is always one of my favorites. Arthur is looking for a jewel thief and goes to Madeline for help. Unfortunately, he doesn't know that the person he seeks is the person he is getting help from. The antics in this story had me furiously reading until the end as I just had to see how it all played out! This was a great addition to the Matching for Wallflowers series!

Two and a half stars.

Lady Madeline Mulbourne is living a secret life, while the ton think she is the epitome of a titled noblewoman she is secretly the author of a series of books on art published under her husband's name. Even after his death she continues to 'find' new works to publish. Despite being wealthy Madeline has also taken in upon herself to steal five priceless pieces of jewellery, parts of a set belonging to an impoverished Italian family, which were confiscated by Napoleon's army.

Lord Arthur Carmichael, Marquess of Bancroft, is a British spy who disguises his activity by acting like a pleasure-seeking rake. However, now the war is over his lifestyle may jeopardise his career ambitions, unless he can find a suitable wife to lend him respectability. In the meantime he has been tasked with catching the thief who has stolen jewellery from four high ranking French officials before it creates a rift in the newly formed peace between France and England.

Years ago Madeline and Arthur shared a passionate kiss but because of a misunderstanding he left London and she married Lord Mulbourne, will their old feelings complicate matters?

I received an early ARC of this book (bad me for taking so long to review it) and it is riddled with typos, I assume they have been corrected in the final version of the book.

This book, in my opinion, suffered from too much 'telling' and not enough 'showing'. We were 'told' about Madeline and Arthur's previous relationship, we were 'told' about Arthur's wild reputation, we were told about Madeline's first husband. It felt almost like an outline for a book waiting for someone to put in the passion and the characters. I didn't really feel any connection to either Madeline or Arthur, possibly because we didn't really get any real drama. Madeline gets arrested, Arthur runs to the rescue and 'boom' she's free. Something similar happens later in the book. It's sad because I think that Bianca Blythe had some unusual ideas but nothing got developed properly before it was bam, on to the next thing.

I see that this is the fifth book in a series, perhaps if I had read the previous four books I would have seen more of Madeline and Arthur and better understood what we were told but ddn't see in this book.

3.5 stars

A Marquis for convenience is the fifth book in the Matchmaking for wallflowers series. It can be read as a stand alone or as part of the series.

I've enjoyed reading this series and have been looking forward to Madeline's story. The series is based around a pamphlet called Matchmaking for wallflowers that is aimed at debutantes trying to capture the perfect husband. All of our heroes appear within this pamphlet before they are swept away by their brides-to-be.

Madeline is a widow and befriends a member of Italian aristocracy who is trying to recover the jewellery Napoleon stole and has since been given to the French government. Arthur is a government spy sent to try and stop the last bracket being stolen. The two knew each other when they were younger and were on the verge of being engaged before Arthur disappeared mysteriously.

Lady Madeline Mulbourne is a jewels thief who justifies her action as doing the right thing by retrieving and returning the heirlooms to the Costantini family, the jewels' rightful owners. Lord Arthur Carmichael, Marquess of Bancroft, a spy, was entrusted the job of recovering the stolen jewels which were considered as spoils of war.
As they play 'cat-and-mouse' from England to France' their journey is fraught with danger and scandal. Arthur saved Madeline's life and reputation and they eventually rekindled their long-lost romance.

This is a fast-paced, full of suspense love story. Read and enjoy it.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley. This is my impartial review.

Enjoyed this book a lot I was gifted a copy, but because I enjoyed it so much I also bought. I know I will be rereading this one

This is a story of two people who met years ago and fell in love. Unfortunately they were split apart by actions that neither realized at the time was not the fault of the other. Lord Arthur Carmichael, has been working for the crown and receives an assignment which brings him in contact with his lost love, Lady Madeline Melbourne. Madeline, recently widow from the man she married instead of Arthur, has her own agenda and tries to avoid him as much as possible. The author brings intrigue, mystery and even humor to the story as they both try to find their way and sort out their emotions. Can they trust each other and find that spark they had years ago? I have read several books by Bianca Blythe and she does not disappoint! You will be wondering until the end what fate awaits these two forces of nature!!

I received a free copy from NetGalley; this is my honest review.
- Editing, editing, editing (one star off). A few examples: 1. Or are their (there) others 2. See that the carriage (is) ready 3. we'll need other (more) blankets 4. and of her cheek as it rested against his bare chest (she had never seen him naked) 5. lauded, lauding, laud (that word keeps coming back in every book) 6. undeterred by the dearth (this one too).
- I loved the setting of the story: after the war when the French and the British are trying to be friendly with each other.
- Funny how people have a hard time speaking about the white elephant in the room. Of course, it's only until the end that the matter is spoken of.
- The story moves along quite well with plenty of action, deception, humorous and tender moments, and some light suspense. Sometimes, though, it leans into the absurd.
- I loved that we've met again the main characters from other books in the series. But there's also no need to read the books in the series in order as these other characters are only tertiary to the story.

Madeline and Arthur's story line is one of my favorites: A second chance at love, if they can get over the hurts of the past. In addition, there is plenty of mystery, danger, intrigue, spies and lies! The characters are vivid and compelling. The story is addictive and enthralling. The scenery is richly-detailed. The chemistry and sexual tension is delightful.

Blythe had me in Bluestocking bliss with this one!

*I received a complimentary ARC of this book from NetGalley & Victory Editing NetGalley Co-Op in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.

A Marquess for Convenience was an easy read. Although it contains jewel thieves and spies it seemed like a light read as well..

So this is the 5th book in the Matchmaking for Wallflowers series by Bianca Blythe. While you don't need to have read the previous books in the series, some of the characters from the previous books do pop up and it's nice to be reminded of them since they are related to the main characters of this book. This romance is a second chance story between Madeline and Arthur. They had a brief romance during her come out and now are meeting again after 7 years and a previous marriage. Madeline was mentioned in previous stories and she always seems like an empty headed shallow character so it was nice to have her redeemed in this book. We discover that she's got a lot more going on to her possibly some secrets that coincidently will push Arthur back in her world. The book is a fast paced adventure with little surprises and humor here and there. The story and romance was pleasant and the characters were likable. The end did seem to wrap up rather too quickly for me though.

'A Marquess for Convenience' by Bianca Blythe is Book 5 in the "Matchmaking for Wallflowers". Is the story of Lady Madeline Mulbourne and Lord Arthur Carmichael, Marquess of Bancroft.
I have read some of the previous books in this series, but feel this is a standalone book.
Madeline and Arthur have met before and almost made their relationship permanent. But that didn't happened due to some interference. Arthur went on to be a spy for the crown and now that job is coming to an end. But he has one more job to do before being done.. to catch a jewel theft. But he happens upon Madeline.
Madeline is still upset with Arthur for leaving her. But she had to move on and now she is having to be a jewel thief not by her choice it would seem.
Another Exciting Read!
"My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."
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Lord Arthur Carmichael, Marquess of Bancroft, has been employed as a spy by the British Governmentduring the French war, meanwhile Lady Madeline Mulbourne, has been intent on retrieving stolen jewels and giving them back to their rightful owners. But then Carmichael is assigned to find and arrest this unknown thief.
An enjoyable thriller and romance with likeable characters.

I read the prior books in this series and really looked forward to Madeline's story. Her back story had really intriguing aspects, her art knowledge and book publications had been hinted at, so she deserved a great story. This wasn't quite what I wanted, but it was still very good. It just doesn't feel right that she be a jewel thief, but it's not for me to decide. Love the H and h as a couple, enjoyed their discovery of happiness in their new home, and falling in love.

Mix two young people in love, one scheming uncle’s actions, each believing the other had abandoned their love and the passage of time. When Madeline and Arthur meet again years have passed, each has changed in their own ways, neither is what they seem to the world in general. Yet one thing remains, that spark that has always been between them – only now with a second chance their outcome could be quite different.

A Marquess For Convenience is a delightful romance full of memories, secrets, danger and sexual tensions that are so easily felt. Madeline and Arthur have a history, one that was left in sadness, anger and feeling betrayed by each other. The truth is quite different from what they thought, but it’s also in the past and cannot be changed. Madeline’s ability to show one face to the ton and live a far different life on her own was a dangerous talent. Arthur’s determination to complete this last assignment runs into complications – but it also might be the way to win back the woman he still loves.

This series has been a favorite of mine and the latest addition continues that feeling. If you enjoy your romance with a touch of danger, a few twists and turns and delicious secrets, then this title and this series should be on your reading radar. I’d recommend this one for any Historical Romance reader – but then anyone who enjoys romance of any genre would have fun with this story.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

I honestly wasn`t sure I was going to be able to read this book based on the first few pages. The language was so flowery and amateur-ish, and many sentences weren`t making sense at all. I`m glad I pushed through the first chapter though, because things much improved. I also realized that I had actually already read the first book in this series. Missing out on books 2, 3, and 4 did not make a difference though since this one only had supporting characters from book 1.

I quite liked the characters, the romantic tension didn`t feel forced and there were no stupid assumptions made just to keep the suspense up. I also like the story line of the heroine stealing jewels and secretly writing books. It was really entertaining.

3 stars for an entertaining summer read :)

A Marquess for Convenience (Matchmaking for Wallflowers Book 5) by Bianca Blythe is a sweet, heartwarming story of a jewel thief, a bluestocking, romance and love. While, each book is a stand alone, I'd suggest reading the previous books in the WALLFLOWERS series, but not necessary to enjoy this story.

Lord Arthur Carmichael, Marquess of Bancroft, is a spy for the Crown. Lady Mulbourne, is a jewel thief not by choice but by necessity. Set against the French Riviera as a backdrop, second chances, danger and romance follows this couple on an adventure of hope, forgiveness, healing and a chance of an HEA.

Steady paced with an enjoyable cast of characters. A plot that flows seamlessly and effortlessly, readers will be transfixed by this sweet story. I enjoyed watching the characters come to grips with their passion, their love for each other and watching the story unfold.
Once again Ms. Blythe has written a story readers will thoroughly enjoy as they watch the characters grow. Ms. Blythe writes with compassion, emotions and her research shines through the pages of her story. Another great read!
I received a complimentary copy, however, all opinions are my own.

Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: mild
Revened by: AprilR

In A Marquess of Convenience, Bianca Blythe has built a second chance romance around a blue stocking, jewel thief and a spy for the Crown. Lady Madeline Mulbourne and Lord Arthur Carmichael, Marquess of Bancroft had been in love when young. They were separated by her uncle to allow her a better marriage. Arthur was not a marques at the time and did not expect to be one. Thinking he left her, she married someone else.

Madeline is an accomplished art enthusiast, but secretly published under her husband’s name in order for her work to be taken seriously. Years later, she is a widow and Arthur has returned from service to the Crown with the war over. Madeline’s female companion, Gabriella Costa, knows she steals jewels from the French who took them from families during the war. Gabriella assists as possible. Arthur is being encouraged by his mentor, an admiral, to settle down with a wife so he can join the political system. His mind brings Madeline’s image to him without thought.

Without realizing it, Arthur shares information with Madeline about the location of one of the pieces of jewelry for which she searches. Thus, they unexpectedly attend the same ball in which Madeline steals the last piece. Events go horribly wrong. Yet, Arthur becomes the true hero for Madeline (no true spoilers here!), but ends up marrying her.

Arthur is the brother of Percival Carmichael, Duke of Alfriston; and Madeline is Fiona’s cousin of How to Capture a Duke, first in the Matchmaking for Wallflowers series. The pamphlet, Matchmaking for Wallflowers is mentioned several times during this book.

Their journey is sweet and endearing making you want to encourage them to open up to each other long before they do. A Marquess of Convenience is a delightful addition to the series and can be a standalone, but probably better enjoyed in sequence since you read about previous 'Wallflower' characters.. Thank you Net Galley for sharing this book.

Lord Arthur Carmichael, Marquess of Bancroft, used his bad reputation during the war, as he was a spy. Lady Madeline Melbourne is a bluestocking and does not care for the ton.
They meet in the French Rivera and boy, do things get complicated. There is some danger and intrigue but thank goodness, Arthur is there to help. The way the Mediterranean Sea and the setting of the sun are described is magical, you almost feel like you are there. There are some complex turns and maybe a surprise or two, but the tale moves well and is even paced to keep your interest. I enjoyed the book and thought the author did a great job. I look forward to her next book. I received this book from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed it.

Publisher's Description:

Unlike most bluestockings, Lady Madeline Mulbourne is quite content for the ton to dismiss her as a widowed baroness and renowned hostess of society parties. No need for anyone to know that her flighty manner disguises an encyclopedic knowledge of art, a bone-deep distrust of men, and a dangerous secret.

Lord Arthur Carmichael, Marquess of Bancroft, has carefully cultivated a wild reputation. What could be a more perfect cover for the spy missions he undertook for the Crown? Unfortunately now that the war has ended, his reputation could keep him from settling into a cabinet position—unless he takes a wife.

Before Arthur can embark on the dreaded wedding quest, he must complete one last mission: catch a thief who’s stolen four of five priceless pieces of jewelry. If the last one disappears, the fragile peace between France and England could be damaged beyond repair.

Whom should he encounter on the French Riviera but Lady Mulbourne, who never forgave him for vanishing during their long-ago courtship. Arthur suspects her nimble fingers are adept at more than just fluttering a fan, because he knows of one item she’s already stolen: his heart.

My Thoughts:

Just when I think Bianca Blythe couldn't possibly write a better book she surprises me with the next installment in this series.
Madeline has been in love with Aurthur since she was a young debutante. Because of a misconception they are parted and she marries another.
Arthur thinks she has spurned him and proceeds to leave to spy for the crown.
Now the war is over and he finds himself with a new mission. He needs to locate and apprehend a jewel thief.
Because these stolen pieces are considered art he seeks the help of Madeline who he remembers to have an expertise in the field.
Madeline is now a widow, but the problem with Arthur's need for her assistance is that she happens to be the thief he is seeking.
Will Arthur catch his culprit and if he does what will he do about her?
I gave this book 4.5 of 5.0 stars for storyline and characterization and a sensual rating of 3.75 of 5.0 flames.
This story, though bereft of actual physical encounters until near the end has an underlying sensuality that is undeniable.
I received a complimentary digital ARC from the author/publisher via Bookfunnel and NetGalley to read.
This in no way affected my opinion of this title which I read and reviewed voluntarily.