This was a quick and charming read with plenty of steam, which I like, I just wish it had been a bit longer

While I did enjoy the cat and mouse/seduction aspect of this book, it did end abruptly. The mystery wasn't addressed, and the love declaration came weirdly fast.

Although this was book 2 in her series I had no problem reading this book as a standalone. In fact, I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish. It was a lovely romance with a heroine who was not the normal stick-thin woman, and I loved it! Well-written story, great characters, a nice blend of humor and some really steamy romance made this book a winner for me. Excellent read!

Harriet Wheatley is the mastermind behind the Ladies of Virtue's quest to rehabilitate the gentlemen of the ton. So when it comes to selecting her own target, she knows who to choose: Oliver Weeks, Marquess of Davenport—the most extravagant wastrel in all of London. Known for his opulent lifestyle, Oliver isn't surprised by Harriet's confrontation. It's obvious Harriet longs for any way to take him down a notch. She says she'll help him find a bride, but he knows it's only because it gives her the excuse to chastise his indulgent ways.
This was an ok story. I’ve read a lot of stories with the same plot so it was a bit hard for me. However, I did like that neither main character was perceived as perfect in this book. Definitely makes it worth at least trying.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book

Harriet and Oliver are delightful. I love a heroine that doesn't let a few extra pounds get to her. And I love a hero who prefers a woman with a little oomph. Harriet was rejected by Oliver years ago and the experience made her stronger. Now Oliver needs a wife, and the only woman he wants is the one he hurt.
This book made me laugh out loud, The author is one of my new favourites and one to watch out for.

This was a passionate and sexy romance between Oliver and Harriet. After being set up years ago by both of their mothers, Oliver rejects Harriet for his own reasons but Harriet thinks he rejected her because of her looks. Both characters are flawed but I liked how the author handled Oliver's reaction to Harriet's curves. The one complaint I have is about the back story of Ladies of Virtue society. I didn't think there was any connection to the main story and felt like it was an unnecessary addition. It didn’t flow well with the story and also the author left the mystery about the attacks against the ladies unsolved which was frustrating.

* I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review*

I loved Harriett and Oliver's love story! Such a sweet, heartwrenching, romantic read. Perfect!

Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

Sadly I was bored with this novel. I had no urge to read it and just didn't want to continue with it. I did end up finishing it but it took me like two weeks just to read this book. The characters were shallow, and unlikable, and the plot was just boring. The writing was okay but honestly not amazing. It did interest me anymore. Overall I don't really even remember this book. I got more than halfway through and couldn't remember much about what I had read.

The Marquess and the Maiden (Lords of Vice, #2)
by Robyn DeHart
A definite buy buy buy buy buy book.

While I have seesawed back and forth on how to rate, I finally had to go all five stars. This book has so much packed inside of it that it was difficult for me to down grade it for a few small personal irritants. I adore the characters. I think the plot with the Ladies group is one that is a great twist. I like them as a couple , I liked the fact that the hero was one that had to learn to stop being a ........ I enjoyed the heroine being different with curves. Each building block in this story was just capturing interest for me. I will keep looking at this series for it just keeps getting better. There are many layers to this book that I had not expected. The writing was great in this one! A definite buy and read and enjoy book. I was given this ARC via NetGalley. All opinions expressed here are my own. Regards, Anna

Oliver and Harriet's story was absolutely wonderful. From their (very painful!) first non-engagement through all of Oliver's (clueless) denied engagement through their actual relationship--even when I wanted to throttle him for his obtuseness or cry over her lack of self worth, I loved their story and couldn't wait to see them get to their HEA.

Which they did. Wonderfully. (Spoiler? ;))

I haven't had a chance to read the first book in the series yet ( The Scoundrel and the Lady ) but that wasn't an issue here. I believe that at least part of this book was happening concurrently with that one; an overarching concern about Harriet and Iris's group being outed to the press wasn't resolved here and will (hopefully!) continue to the next book, so I've got time to catch up. (Which I will. Iris's story sounds wonderful.)

Rating: 4 stars / A-

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

Things I liked: Characters. Harriet and Oliver came very much alive for me. I liked their singleminded focus on their passions. Oliver was determined to make up for his father’s shortcomings. Harriet’s passion for her work was clear and admirable. (I particularly liked the mothers, btw. The two mothers are friends, and their love of their children set our hero and heroine up for a successful marriage.)

Things I didn’t like: Harriet spent a little too long whinging about her insecurities. I also felt like the story jumped around, and didn’t explain some of the plot sequences. Who are the Ladies of Virtue? Where did Lady X come in? Without a little more background, this isn’t a stand-alone novel in the series.

Overall… a good solid 3 *

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This could have been a good story, if the ridiculous story of the female characters patrolling the streets of London to prevent crime had been omitted. It’s just too preposterous. As soon as that nonsense shows up it ruins the credibility of the author in a regency story.
The writer has a good romance in just the story of a man with an injury that his former fiancée jilt him, then he rejected marriage to an heiress, choosing to rebuild his estate and fortune with hard work. Then later realizing he does want the h, whom he had rejected 5 years earlier. But, as many men in these stories do, he refuses to fall in love.
I can handle a little leniency with the time period, but this story really went too far with the story.

Six years ago, Lady Harriet Wheatley agreed with her mother’s plan to marry the son of her dearest son. Oliver Weeks, the Marquess of Davenport has inherited a bankrupt estate, is recovering from life altering injuries and been jilted by the woman he thought he would marry. He has no intentions of following his mother’s plan to marry her friend’s daughter even if she comes with a large dowry.

Now six years on Oliver has single handily refilled the family coffers to an extreme degree and takes pleasure in extravagant purchases. He agrees with his mother that now is the time to find a wife but is hesitant, he has not been in society for years and believes he will have little success. When his mother suggests he seek Harriet’s aid in finding a bride he is surprised that this beautiful attractive woman is still unattached.

Harriet has grown accustomed to being everyone’s friend and knows her curvaceous figure is at odds with societies preference for slim willowy ladies. Her main pleasure is being a part of the ladies of virtue. Society ladies who protect the public from pick pockets and other dangers. When the group is threatened she agrees to the plan to reform certain gentleman of the ton, her task to reform the greedy Oliver and agrees to help him in his task to find him a wife.

Harriet finds it hard to believe that a man that once scorned her now finds her attractive and both have secrets they seek to protect.

This was an ok read that had plenty of steam. The characters were likeable, but I found some scenes to be repetitive. I have read the other entry in this series and both books take place at the exact same time which has led to some crossover which I didn’t think worked well.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. For more reviews please visit my blog:
http://www.wonderfullyweird88.com/

Lady Harriet Wheatley is a member of the Ladies of Virtue. Their latest quest is to rehabilitate the gentlemen of the ton based on the seven deadly sins. Harriet's target is Oliver Weeks, Marquess of Davenport.



Harriet longs to take Oliver down a notch after he cruelly rejected her offer to marry him when he was in desperate need of an infusion of money to his bankrupt estates. Harriet believes that Oliver is spending recklessly and is determined to change him.



Oliver's mother wants him to find a bride before she can find her own happiness. When Oliver sees Harriet again after being away from society for six years, he still desires her. Harriet wants to help him find a wife so he will stop his reckless spending, but she doesn't realize that the only woman he wants is her.



I was sucked into the book at the prologue. The characters were people that I ended up caring about. I felt so bad for Harriet when her mother and Oliver's decide that they should marry and Harriet approaches Oliver only to have him reject her. As the story progresses, I understood why Oliver didn't want to marry her at that point. Oliver was determined to rebuild his family fortune on his own, now with a wife's dowry.



I loved the plot of "the Big Misunderstanding". Oliver needed someone like Harriet to help him heal.



I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher. Thank you.

This was so not what I was expecting. If you prefer true historical romances, that are pretty close to accurate to the time period, this may not be for you. If you want a contemporary romance set in a historical time, you will love this.

My rating: 4.5 Stars

The Marquess and the Maiden could have been a simple love story where a Regency couple married due to obligation. Harriet Wheatley wants to marry, well sort of, and has a substantial dowry. She sets her sights on The Marquess of Davenport, Oliver Weeks, who is drastically in need of funds. Their mothers, lifelong friends, think the two would make a fine alliance. However, Harriet and Oliver do not pair. Oliver is not going to marry for money, and he really hurts Harriet's feelings.

Harriet quickly moves on with her life and becomes a part of a group called the Ladies of Virtue, a group of women who secretly guard the streets of London. Years later, when their group is threatened, their aim changes. Harriet comes up with a plan, and sets her sights on rehabilitating Oliver. She is now in need of his help, and so they make a deal. She will find him a bride, if he will do a huge favor for her. One thing about Oliver is that he was badly injured in an accident once upon a time, and most women find him appalling. This does not deter Harriet in the least, but she is determined to marry only for love. However, the two must contend with a strong passion for each other...something that will definitely get in the way with both of their plans.

The Marquess and the Maiden is the second in Robyn DeHart's Lords of Vice series. Although I do wish that I had the opportunity to read the first, this does well as a standalone. It is a truly wonderful and sensual read. Both Harriet and Oliver are fantastic characters and their dance is truly spectacular to witness. In these historical romances, there is often the need to marry versus the need for love. What happens when a man decides that he can never, ever love? Why is there such a war when it comes to how Oliver feels about Harriet? I so enjoyed this couple, as well as the bit of mystery that came along with this love story.

If you enjoy Regency romances with a powerful hero who finds his heart and a very strong female heroine that stands out differently than many in these books, then you will definitely enjoy this read. The plot and the romance were quite interesting, and both moved along at a pleasant pace. I rather enjoyed watching Oliver make things go his way concerning Harriet. I was able to enjoy this book in one sitting. It was truly refreshing and I do look forward to continuing this series by Robyn DeHart.

I received this ARC or review from Entangled Publishing and Authors Pal in exchange for my honest opinion.

Publisher's Description:
Harriet Wheatley is the mastermind behind the Ladies of Virtue's quest to rehabilitate the gentlemen of the ton. So when it comes to selecting her own target, she knows who to choose: Oliver Weeks, Marquess of Davenport—the most extravagant wastrel in all of London.

Known for his opulent lifestyle, Oliver isn't surprised by Harriet's confrontation. It's obvious Harriet longs for any way to take him down a notch. She says she'll help him find a bride, but he knows it's only because it gives her the excuse to chastise his indulgent ways.

Oliver has good reason for his flagrant overspending, but Harriet will hear nothing of it. So he has no choice but to teach the lady a lesson, even if it means risking his heart to the hard-headed and fiery woman.

My Thoughts:
Oliver once refused to take Harriett as his bride. Now he needs to marry and although he now wants her she doesn't want him or does she?
Helping him find a bride isn't her intention.
Taking the known wastrel down a notch is only a small part of her plans.
This is a well written and delightful romance.
I gave this read 4.25 of 5.0 stars for storyline and characterization.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this book to read.
This in no way affected my opinion of this title which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

While this story was for me - an OK read, I don't think the synopsis really personifies the story. Yes, elements of the synopsis do come into play - but its not what you think. In fact although Harriet does bring it up to "reform" him, nothing is ever really done. You see, Harriet and Oliver were supposed to be married six years prior (an arrangement between their mothers), yet he made it perfectly clear that he did not want her, nor would he ever. So years later, Harriet is trying to find him an acceptable wife, while he is trying to prove to her that he wants her as his wife.

The romance between them was ok - it was obvious they desired each other, but I think Harriet's firm belief that he was merely trying to torment her went on so often it became boring. When they were fighting they were interesting. When he was trying to court her, they were boring.

The real kicker for me is the fact that an entire sub-plot revolving around Lady X and the Women of Virtue was left utterly unresolved. I'm sure that was done in order to set up the next book in this series, but I am sure the cliff-hanger ending of this particular plot will upset some readers.
Overall, I think people who enjoy historical romances will still enjoy it and I would read more from this author.

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

I enjoyed Harriet and Oliver's story. I really liked that it was a straight forward love story of a hero trying to woo and conquer his lady love. I just wished that the mystery woven throughout the story was resolved. Overall, this is a lovely, light hearted read with charm.

I received this book from Net Galley and Entangled Publishing, LLC for a honest review and no compensation otherwise.

Oliver Weeks, Marquess of Davenport, after his father had died, they found he had lost everything. He and his mother were destitute. So the mothers, his and Harriet's decided that they marry. He would get her substantial dowry and she would have a husband. But Davenport told her"I don't want you and I don't want your money". He hurt her badly. Six years later, he is rich and she is still unmarried. His mother tells him he needs a wife and she talks him into going to a ball. He had a bad accident and now has a limp and uses a cane.
The characters are fully developed, argumentive and has bad feelings when he tries to convince her to marry him. He had his chance and blew it. She keeps telling him, no but he is persistent. The storyline is fun and they banter back and forth. There also are some twists. The author wrote a well balanced, even paced and interesting tale. I really enjoy this book and found it drawing my attention and keeping it there until the end.

I received this ARC from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed it.