So I had requested this book a couple of weeks ago and kept going back and forth on when to read it due to some of the reviews that I had read and also because I was afraid of what Hugh had done to her years ago, I am so not the person to condone cheating. I am glad that my nosiness had me putting everything aside and reading the book, I did enjoy and have found a new author folks I think there was a previous book with how some of the secondary characters were portrayed I could be mistaken however I intend to find out and if that is the case will be reading not that I was overjoyed with Ian in this book but I did like Grace and I was intrigued (secondary characters). Ok so Hugh and Ellie were in love 5 years ago and he broke her heart and she has decided that she will not marry she wants and likes her freedom and she has started assisting woman who are in abusive relationships and she gets married she wont be able to assist. Hugh has returned from the military to take the title of Marquess since his father and brother have died something he never thought he would have and since he has been back he has not seen Ellie and has been cavorting with actresses, widows and loose woman. These two unexpectedly meet since they both want to own and run the same club and now they are in a contest to see who will win and as they spend time together old feelings return and secrets come out and revelations occur..Grab a copy my friends and enjoy! I sure did and hope to get a story on Olivia..

A contest for ownership of her brothers club,The Raven, becomes more personal when the man who broke Ellie's heart years ago is her competition. Now the Marquess of Deveril, Hugh wants it all, including Ellie. Loosing Ellie's trust has been his biggest mistake, only Hugh hasn't figured that out...yet. This is an EXCEPTIONALLY good book. I definitely had a DO NOT DISTURB sign in front of me while I was reading it. 5 stars plus another one.

Ellie and Hugh were such a fun couple to read! This is a couple with a history and as a reader I could moot wait to turn the page. These two area couple you are rooting for after the first chapter.

Lady Ellie Swift has a past, one she has worked hard to forget. Unfortunately, she's staring right back at a big part of it, Hugh Vere, the Marquess of Deveril. To make matters worse, he is going to be competing against her for ownership of the Raven Club, a gaming establishment, she wants to run. How will Ellie be able to stand being around him?

Hugh had no idea he'd be competing against Ellie to win the club. He just assumed he was the only one interested in it. Still Hugh is determined to win, and if that means sticking close to the girl he once loved, then so be it. What Hugh isn't expecting is for old feelings to resurface. Suddenly, he wants something more than the club, he wants Ellie.

HOW TO BEST A MARQUESS was a touching story about two young lovers who are reunited. Ellie has always believed the worst of Hugh, but he had his reasons for doing what he did that long ago day. Hugh has to get past Ellie's defenses and make amends if he wants a second chance with her. It was wonderful to see them thaw toward one another and learn to open back up again. I am so relieved they got their HEA.

How to Best a Marquess
Raven Club book 2
by Tina Gabrielle


I just love reading a Tina Gabrielle romance it’s like chocolate, decadent smooth and sultry all at once. You can’t just have one you need a box! I absolutely adore her writing she never lets me down!

Hugh Vere never forgot or stopped loving the young Ellie Swift, she was his first and only love. As a second son he had nothing to offer her and when his father threatened and refused to allow him tho marry her, mainly because of her brothers scandalous reputation, he did what he thought was right -so like a man- he broke her heart in the cruelest way, by getting caught kissing another woman! To forget he joined the military. Years later he’s the new Marquess and in need of something more. When his friend offers to sell the Raven Club he jumps at the chance. He never expected to compete for the club by none other than the woman that always held his heart....Ellie Swift!

Ellie Swift has no desire to marry after her heart had been crushed and betrayed, she focussed on helping women in need by abusive men. Acquiring her brothers club will give her the independent means to accomplish this. Things aren’t that easy she has a competitor for the club...... Hugh Vere the man that destroyed her heart!!! She will never forgive him for the past they shared and the future they lost. She hates him with all her shattered heart but can’t help the need his kisses bring. Can there be a future for them? It’s a fine line between love and hate and love is what they both deserve, they just have to put the past behind and let love heal their hearts!

I absolutely adored these two! They had such passion and fire and a whole lot of stubbornness. Hugh being the ever knowing man never gave Ellie the benefit of asking her opinion and wants, he just bulldozed ahead doing what he thought was best for her. After all what woman wants to feel useless! Overall this was an amazing read the flow and characters were well paced with plenty of twists, intrigue and sizzle. With a very satisfying HEA!

I recieved a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This is my honest unbiased opinion.

This book surprised me with a few of it's darker themes but was more realistic for their use. I liked the premise and the characters had me cheering for them the whole way. Looking forward to reading more from this series!

The Raven Club, London 1825 For a heartstopping moment, he was inches from her face. "A kiss from a lovely lady for luck, he said, breathing heavily. Before she could blink, those perfect lips pressed against hers. Hot. Swift. Over in seconds as he turned to his opponent. Oh my God. It was the devil returned, as Ellie recognized him." Wowza. Talk about getting my attention as our heroine was masked watching a boxing match.
Hugh Vere, Marquess of Deveril had returned from the war and had to take over over the title after the death of his father and brother. But he had no love for the ton and wanted to buy the Raven Club. He loved to box and he wanted to be in charge. But when he sees Ellie again, he soon learns she wants the club even more.
The challenge begins. Whoever is the most successful running the club for 30 days gets ownership. Two determined people who have a history together when they were youg that cannot be forgotten or fogiven by Ellie as he broke her heart. But sometimes the heart cannot pull away from what it wants and as these two are around each other, combustible desire is sure to win the day!!
Loved this story and always enjoy everything this author pens!

How to Best a Marquess is the second book in the Raven Club series. It can be read as a standalone but the first book is a must read! Hugh broke Ellie’s heart 5 years ago and she is determined to avoid it again. Hugh is interested in buying the Raven Club and Ellie wants to take over the running of it from her brother. A contest is arranged to see who could make the most profit and be the best person for the club. Ellie is determined to win so that she can continue to use the club to cover her secrets. Hugh is determined to protect Ellie when she puts herself in danger. Hugh likes to be in control of all situations but he has to realize that Ellie needs to be part of his decisions in order for them to reach their HEA. This was a fun book to read (as was the first book) and was well paced and intriguing. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series and recommend reading this book. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Hugh broke Ellie’s heart five years ago and now he is back. The end up in a competition over her brother’s club and whoever makes more money wins it. Fast-paced read with steamy chemistry and an entertaining story. I loved the characters. A great read.

What a wonderful entertaining story this is, from the very start the likeable characters make this a pleasure to read.

This is a good story.

Ellie Swift is determined to be an independent woman. No desire for marriage and love, the only thing standing in her way is Hugh Vere, the man who broke her heart into a million pieces five years earlier. He's back, sexier than ever and in direct competition with her to win the life of her dreams.

This second chance romance was intriguing, with the added layer of suspense and danger to the plot. The plot was paced well, and was not overly complicated.

I recommend this book.

I voluntarily read & reviewed an ARC of this book, received via NetGalley.

They both want the Raven Club....but for different reasons! Five years ago, Lady Ellie Swift and Hugh Vere were in love and planning a future together but after finding him kissing another woman, it all ended there.

Hugh Vere, now the Marquess of Deveril, is back in town and he wants the club AND Ellie! She has no intentions of making it easy for him, though!!!

This was a very well written unique story and Hugh & Ellie are wonderful characters although he could be very controlling and she could be very stubborn!

I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

How to Best a Marquess is the second book in Tina Gabrielle's The Raven Club series. This one can totally stand alone, but I recommend reading the first because it was such a fun book. However, I think I enjoyed this one even more!

Lady Ellie Swift is at The Raven Club, her brother's gambling and boxing club. While wearing a mask to protect her identity, she is kissed for luck by the handsome boxer in the middle of a bout. Hugh Vere, now the Marquess of Deveril, soon discovers that underneath the mask is the girl whose heart he broke five years before. Ellie's brother Ian and his wife Grace are about to have a baby and they no longer wish to keep the club; it is her dream to take it over. But then she is informed that Hugh also wants The Raven. And she must compete with him to see who will get it! Let's just say that Ellie is NOT amused.

I loved the chemistry between Ellie and Hugh. He let her go all those years ago because he had her best interests at heart. (That phrase makes Ellie want to shoot him, by the way.) Though Ellie is still hurt by his betrayal, she can't help but still be drawn to him. She has grown to be an incredibly strong woman; she helps abused women escape their abusers. Hugh still wants her to be his...except he has a habit of thinking he knows what's best for her. Ellie does her best to disabuse him of this notion. You can't help but root for these two stubborn people to realize what we already know - they belong together. I definitely hope to see more goings-on at The Raven Club.

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

She's fearless. He's predictable. She knows what she wants. He knows how to get it. What happens when these restless hearts collide? Passion. Ellie and Hugh have a history. Unfinished business is about to explode into irresistible attraction. How to Best a Marquess is a seductive duel of hearts. Gabrielle makes spice a sure bet with this dangerously, naughty affair.

Ellie is determined to never have her heart broken again. She is feisty, witty, and fiercely loyal. Hugh has become her greatest nemesis since he broke her heart. The two are now in direct competition for one prize. The story is filled with these two trying to outwit each other in words and deed. They are both passionate about the things they believe in and it spills over into major clashes. The topic of spousal abuse is dealt with by the author in this story as a serious issue that plagued women of that era. Having this couple work to better their lives is just one thing that brings them closer together.

This is honest and fair review in exchange for this ARC. Nice read with a lot of honorable characters. Well written.

Synopsis:

When a handsome boxer kisses Lady Ellie Swift for good luck during a match, it turns her world upside down. Because the rogue isn’t just anyone…it’s the Devil Marquess returned. Thanks to Hugh Vere, Marquess of Deveril, Ellie learned at an early age that men are more trouble than they’re worth. Now, instead of a husband, she wants to take over her brother’s infamous gambling club—the Raven Club. And apparently the devil wants it, too.

My Thoughts:
Hugh and Ellie's relationship is one that makes sparks fly. From the start you want to see what will happen between these two antagonists. There is as much angst as attraction between this couple and you expect an explosion around each corner
Battle lines have been drawn and whoever is the most successful overseeing the club in one month’s time will win the right to ownership. Hugh intends to win but so does Ellie. After all the club belongs to her family and she doesn't intend for the Devil Marquess to take the day.
I loved both of these characters. Although part of a series there is no need to have read the previous book to enjoy this one. There are however characters that do tie then together so if you prefer to read the series, start at the beginning.
I gave this book 4.5 of 5.0 stars for storyline and characterization.
I received a complimentary copy of this title to read. This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

When a handsome boxer kisses Lady Ellie Swift for good luck during a match, it turns her world upside down. Because the rogue isn’t just anyone, it’s the Devil Marquis returned. Thanks to Hugh Vere, Marquis of Deveril, Ellie learned several years ago that men can’t be trusted. Now, instead of a husband, she wants to take over her brother’s infamous gambling club—the Raven Club but Hugh also wants to buy the club so whoever is the most successful overseeing the club in one month’s time will win.
An engaging read that sparked my interest from the start, this is the second book in the series, it could easily be read on its own, however I loved catching up with Ian & Grace. The attraction is apparent from the start between Hugh & Ellie & the tension does build, but it is the verbal sparring which was hugely entertaining. The road to their HEA isn’t smooth but makes for an enthralling read
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

I loved Ellie and Hugh's story!! Although they were in a competition for ownership of the club, they couldn't seem to fight their attraction for one another. I loved watching the interact with one another and the chemistry was red hot!! This was a great addition to the Raven Club series!!

Lady Ellie Swift plans to take over her brother’s gambling club but unbeknownst to her, finds that Hugh Vere, the Marquess of Deveril has similar plans. It seems that her brother and sister-in-law have planned to make their decision as to who should run the club, into a competition. Yet Ellie and Hugh’s past romance, may threaten the competition before it even starts.
The history behind Ellie and Hugh is well outlined, with Hugh’s betrayal breaking Ellie’s heart five years earlier. As the second son, Hugh was never to inherit, and his romance was seen by his family, as unacceptable due to the scandal surrounding Ellie’s family. Threatened with losing his inheritance, Hugh plans for Ellie to witness him kissing another woman. It is this betrayal that leaves Ellie believing romance is not for her and explains her behaviour. Hugh, having been in the military, is quite regimented in his expectation for Ellie, and struggles to accept her propensity for dangerous situations. It is their past experiences, that are so well explained, that have shaped them, and we gradually see them mellowing to accept the other.
This was a sweet romance, with both characters finding it difficult to repress their feelings for each other. At times, I felt that Ellie was quite headstrong but in saying this, Hugh struggles to give way to her headstrong nature. Together, this made for an entertaining read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.