3.5 stars rounded up.

Five years ago, Lady Ellie Swift was in love and believed Hugh felt the same, but he broke her heart and walked away without a word. Now he is back and has challenged her for the right to buy the Raven Club from her brother Ian. Ian and his wife Grace propose a competition, since both Ellie and Hugh want the club, Ian will give them both a chance to prove who is best suited to take over - they both have one month to implement their plans for the club and whoever makes the most money will win. Ellie is angry, she wants the club for reasons beyond being the owner. She uses the club as a haven for battered women (without Ian's knowledge) and has plans to expand her aid.

Hugh Vere, now the Marquess of Deveril regrets the way he handled things with Ellie years ago, but he did what he thought was best for her at the time. He never stopped thinking of her and hopes that this competition will give him a chance to get back in her good graces.

This was a good story, but not quite as enjoyable as the previous book. I didn't think the "competiton" really worked in the story and both Ellie and Hugh were very stubborn and a bit self-centered. But I liked how they worked together, the chemistry between them was evedent and despite their past, it was clear that they never really stopped caring for the other. I thought Ellie's quest to save women had a lot of merit, but she was a bit naive and didn't really seem to have a real grasp on how dangerous her work could be. Hugh was overbearing at times, but I think that was an accurate protrayal of men in that era - as much as it ruffles my modern sensibitilies :) Overall, I liked the book and would recommend it.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*

This is another solid story by Ms. Gabrielle. The second chance that Ellie and Hugh grab is set in such a unique tale that I literally sped through this book. The writing is strong and smooth. The characters are well rounded with flaws and strengths. This book made me happy and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I received an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review

Sweet story but not enough heat in the beginning

What a cute romance....

Ellie Swift wants her brother’s gambling club, but so does Hugh Vere, the Marquess of Deveril. So how does Ellie’s brother decide whom to sell to? He holds a contest. They each have one month to improve the club’s profits and the winner gets the club. Ellie is not enthused at all because first she feels like the club should rightfully be her’s because it is her brother’s club and second she has a history with Hugh. He broke her heart five years previously and she can’t stand him.

This was a cute romance. Both the hero and the heroine are young at 23 years old and I feel that a lot of their behavior is childlike. Hugh has his reasons for breaking Ellie’s heart and Ellie has an ulterior reason for wanting the club. But Hugh still feels the attraction between them and wants more while Ellie pushes him off at every turn.

The writing was well done. The pacing was steady and flowed. There was not a lot of external conflict, but the couple spent a lot of time together which I love in a romance. The majority of the book is them together in some scene. The HEA did feel a little rushed especially with another conflict introduced toward the end of the book that was significant in my opinion.

This was 3.5 stars for me. I do recommend for a lighthearted romance.

Another great romance from a great author!
Recommended because the plot was good and romance was entertaining.

How to Best a Marquess by Tina Gabrielle is book Two in the Raven Club Series. This is the story of Hugh Vere, the Marquess of Deveril and Ellie Swift. I have read the previous book, but fee you can make this as a standalone book.
Hugh and Ellie were once young and in love. Hugh was the second son of the Marquess so he felt that it was better if he broke Ellie's heart and joined the military. Ellie of course was heart broken but she learned from that experience that men aren't to be trusted. Now about 5 years later in their present day, Ellie has a dream of taking over her brother's Raven Club. The Club gives her a cover for something secret and dangerous she has been doing. Hugh has never felt in control of much and now his father and brother has died leaving him the Title of Marquess. Now he has had to resign from the military to take over the title. Hugh has found that boxing helps him release some of his issues which in his friends Raven Club is a boxing arena. Hugh wants to take over the club and to his sock he finds that he has to literally complete with is Ellie for the club. This puts them into working closely to prove that one of them should have the honor of the club.
Enjoyed their story.

Lady Ellie Swift loves everything about her brother's gambling hall. She always wears a mask when she is down among the customers especially when watching the boxers fighting.
Hugh Vere the Marquess of Deveril has recently returned from the war. Fighting in the boxing ring is a good way to let off steam and challenge himself. Another way will be to buy the gambling hall from his friend. The problem is someone else wants it, so they have to compete with each other to see who will be best for the club.
The history between our characters will make the sparks fly. Our heroine wants to be independent, run the club and help abused women.
Our hero loves a challenge, but also needs to protect our heroine even when she doesn't want it.
Good fun with lovely characters. A little danger and some steamy scenes.
I loved it.

I thoroughly enjoyed this well-written and well-plotted addition to the series. I haven’t read the first book in the series, How to Tempt an Earl, but that didn’t detract from my enjoyment of this book. Actually, this book just made me want to read that book as well! I loved the main characters – both are stubborn and thoroughly convinced that their way is the only right way, and it is a delight to watch them have to figure out how to compromise – him more than her, but they both had to give.

Hugh Vere, the Marquess of Deveril, who came from cold, hard-hearted parents, had no expectations or desire to become a Marquess – he was the second son. Yet, when both his older brother and his father died, he had no choice but to resign his military commission and assume the role. One of his first acts was to banish his cold and cruel mother to the country – then, it was on to finding something to give his life meaning besides the typical aristocratic activities. Since he’d recently taken an avid interest in boxing and he’d just learned that the Raven Club was going to be sold, he thought he’d purchase it. Imagine his surprise to find he had competition – a female – a female with whom he had a history. Hugh is a control freak – mostly because in his younger life he had no control over anything and it had cost him dearly – so, he fully intends to win his right to purchase the club.

Lady Ellie Swift, sister to Ian Swift, Earl of Carleton, had her heart torn out and ripped apart five years ago by Hugh Vere. She loved him with all of her being and she thought he loved her the same – but then, he betrayed her most foully. Since that time, she’s hated Hugh and has never trusted another man. She certainly has no intention of marrying one, and if she manages to win the Raven Club from her brother, she’ll have the financial independence she craves. She cannot believe her brother is actually making her compete with Hugh Vere! Ian knows their history; how can he do this to her?

Both Ellie and Hugh have reasons for wanting the club – Hugh’s are pretty open – he wants to be in control of things – Ellie’s are more hidden because she has activities that she absolutely must keep secret and the club gives her the perfect method of doing that. Should her brother – or Hugh – find out what she does, they’d stop her. She can’t afford for them to stop her because lives are at stake if they do. Hugh is very intelligent and has a gift for business, so she could easily lose to him. She has to be very careful to hide her secrets.

Not only is Hugh very intelligent – he is also very observant. He knows Ellie is up to something and it doesn’t take him long to figure out most of it – but when he figures it all out, he’s aghast! Hugh is a protector and his only desire is to protect Ellie – even from herself. Hugh does what he did in the past for Ellie – he decides what is best for her and he acts on it. He doesn’t ask her. He doesn’t give her a choice. That just absolutely infuriates Ellie – why can’t he see that she should be consulted, she should have a say in her own life. His decisions aren’t the only correct ones – there is more than one way to do things.

I began to despair that Hugh would ever have a grand epiphany, but he finally got there for a lovely, lovely HEA. It is definitely a good, intense, lustful read and I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I love it when a new Tina Gabrielle book comes out because I know it will be a great read. We read about Ellie’s brother Ian in the first book of this series and the Raven Club adventures continue. Ellie and Hugh are great characters with great depth. They are not run of the mill and their exploits are binge reading material. Second chance romance is a favorite so, yay, it was the basis of this story also. Loved the interaction of Ellie and Hugh. If you have not read Ms. Gabrielle’s books, start with any, you will find that they are hard to put down.

I received an arc for my fair and honest review. Good book! I don't know why but I love a historical romance where they heroine owns, wants to own, hangs out at her families, etc mens club. Or in this case, boxing club. Where so many romances only take place in ball rooms or town homes, I like a good scene in a mens club where the heroine is not really supposed to be! I haven't read the others in the series but this is a good standalone and I didn't lose anything by not reading the first.

An enjoyable read. However, while the book is definitely well written, it is a story that just did not grab my total attention. I would consider this one a beach read. One that did not take a lot of concentration. It seems like many other historical romances that are already written. I want to be fair and make sure I put across that the author is talented and the story is good. The characters are also written well. I did not care for the extreme over the top stubborn behavior of the heroine but she eventually matures. I like the authors writing style and will look for more from her in the future. So if you want a nice light read this is definitely one to buy. I was given this book via NetGalley. All opinions expressed here are my own and completely voluntary. Regards..................

That kiss at the boxing ring grabbed me from the start! I think the author hangs out at the gym watching muscular men doing pull ups. How else can she describe a scene so well! Tina Gabrielle has a wonderful series in The Raven Club books. She keeps the storyline moving through character actions and dialogue between the characters. I've enjoyed Ellie and Hugh and I look forward to the next book!

I was provided an advance reader's copy of this book but the thoughts and opinions are my own.

I received an advanced reader’s copy of this book.

Ellie Swift helps her brother at the Raven Club. When her brother decides to sell the club, Ellie makes it known she wants to take over the club. Hugh, the Marquess of Deveril, learns the club is for sale and is also looking to purchase it. The decision is made for them to compete for the club.

Ellie is stubborn and wishes to remain independent. Hugh is used to being in control, getting what he wants, and people doing what he says. This leads to clashes between Ellie and Hugh. I did like both characters even if at times Ellie seemed stubborn for the sake of being contrary toward Hugh. He had broken her heart and she still harbored resentment and anger toward him.

Overall, I enjoyed this story and look forward to the next one in this series.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This wasn't the worst book if I've ever read by a long shot and I don't want this review to make out like it was, it just wasn't anything I haven't read before.
I suppose you get to a point as a fan of historical romance when you've read most of what there is and something needs to be absolutely outstanding for it to be counted amongst the books you remember.
I think, with this, it was the characters that I didn't like. They both seemed entirely too smug and high handed, although I know that their motives was good.
I think I'd read this author again, hopefully I will find other characters of hers more appealing and relatable.
Overall, good for a light read if you're not looking for anything too complex.
3 stars.

Another amazing historical romance. I really enjoyed this story and the characters are also great. Somewhat predictable but in no way boring, it's a good read.

I'll admit this isn't my usual genre but the blurb on the book drew me in and I'm glad I went for it.
What a fun, sexy romp with Ellie and her rival Hugh and life inside the Raven Club! Who would have thought?
Ellie's brother owns the Raven club and she's been a dedicated sister and worker at the club, keeping the books after her brother and wife are soon due to have a child. The club is private and exclusive, where ladies wear masks and can come to gamble along with men. A private side room is where fights are held and money passes hands among the men who are watching. When Ellie wanders in one night to watch a fight, she's drawn to a man who seemingly draws her in, getting closer to the ropes she watches and when he snags a kiss for luck and wins the match, she flees. This is the man who disappeared from her life those years ago. Ellie is still hurting over his desertion and when she realizes it's him and he's also a contender for buying the club, the story takes off. Along with the chemistry that sizzles between the two. Ellie is a corker, her wit and responses at times made me chuckle. Hugh is such a schmoozer. The games heat up as the two are pitted against each other to win the club, a decision made by her brother and his wife. There's a great subplot to the story with Ellie helping women escape abusive relationships. That was so nicely woven into this story. I loved these two characters and it was a nice change for me to read historical. Great story and great characters make this a book for everyone. Engaging, entertaining, romance and suspense! This one covers all the bases.

arc from Net Galley and Entangled for an honest review

This was a complimentary copy from netgalley - many thanks

I really enjoyed this - I do love a historical romance - this was read in one sitting - couldn't put down !!

The surprise for me with this were the additional strands dealing with female independence, feminism, domestic abuse and how it was hidden. The political aspects of society were deal with a light hand so raising awareness but not as hard hitting and didn't detract from the story telling which was very well done. I felt the language and vocabulary techniques were well done

This would make a great holiday read but also a great book club read as being to draw on the political aspects of the time and in particular the female in that era's society was very interesting to me

Loved the book and will be looking out for more of this author in the future

Ahhhhhhh this was just such a wonderful book and I just thoroughly enjoyed myself. I didn’t want to put this book down. I just fell in love with this wonderful story and it’s wonderful characters. I will most definitely be reading more stories from this wonderful author.

Rating 3.5

Lady Ellie's brother the Earl of Castleton is the owner of the Raven club. But with marriage and a baby on the way the Earl is going to step away from the club and Ellie would like to take over. Hugh, the Marquess of Deveril is friends with the Earl and would like to purchase and take over the club. But the situation become a little awkward as Ellie and Hugh have a past.

Lady Ellie and Hugh where young and in love. But Hugh second son at the time they first fell in love, so he decided to join the army thinking it was best they part for her sake, but his method left a lot to be desired. He broke Ellie's heart and left her pretty much hating Hugh and men in general (with good cause I might add). During the five years apart each had a lot of growing up to do and Hugh unexpectedly became the Marquess, not that he wanted to. Ellie found purpose in her life in helping abused woman and the club is used to help these woman escape.

The opening scene we have Ellie observing a boxing match at her brother club and she realizes that she know that gentleman in the ring, Hugh. After the match the two meet in the Earls office letting him know that each is interested in the club. He proposes a deal, that he will have them compete for the club. Each is fired up and determined to beat the other. But the caveat is they will be working together during the process.

The two begin in a competition but as time passes and they being to reestablish their relationship/friendship. But Ellie character is pretty stubborn and has a difficult time with Hugh. And Hugh is protective of Ellie and controlling as well. But he does something that Ellie say is betrayal. These two each have some past baggage, issues and trust that they need to confront and work through.

The storyline was different and unique. I liked it but didn't love it. Had a few issues with Ellie and her stubbornness, a little overboard. And Hugh and his control issue was frustrating. Pacing was average.

I really enjoyed this book. I liked the elements of the heroine running a gaming Hell and helping abused women! I’m glad that they found their way back to each other. Thank you to netgalley for the arc!