This is a fairly decent read and while I think Ms. Quinn is an excellent writer, this isn’t my favorite of her books.

It reads like an unabridged version. I feel like it could’ve been 15-20% shorter and I would not have felt cheated.

The story’s potential was there so I was afraid to skip too far ahead and miss when things started to get good. Sadly, I think this actually made me more frustrated because I ended up reading things that contributed to the story, but not in any meaningful way and it never really got good. The other significant flaw for me was the sex. I’m all for sex in my romance, but the few scenes here felt like they were an after thought. Like a clean version was written and then the author went back and spliced in a little sex here and another bit there. Maybe it’s that I never really felt the chemistry. For the majority of the book, the heroine completely disregards the hero because she thinks he’s looking for a marriage of convenience. All the while, the hero is trying to figure out how one can arrange to fall in love, as though there’s a plug and play formula. Another piece that didn’t quite fit for me was the scandalous, selfish, and technically criminal mother of the hero, for her to be the straw that nearly brings down their house of cards, she’s awfully two dimensional.

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

I received an ARC of this book to read through NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. The Marquis She’s been waiting for is the 10th book in Ella Quinn’s The Marriage Game Series.
It can be read as a stand-alone. Alexander Endicott, Marquis of Exeter returned from his Grand Tour to find a bit of a disaster. His father had died, his mother remarried and fled to Scotland and his younger sisters left in the care of servants in London. His father never prepared him to take over the estates and lands that are now his and he doesn’t know where to turn for help. Lady Dorcus (Dorie) Calthorp had been helping out with his household in his absence and he thinks perhaps that marrying her would be the most convenient solution to his problems. Dorie is not having that as she plans to marry for love and so sets out to find him a suitable wife from the ton. As always Ella Quinn writes an enjoyable story that will provide a lovely escape on a rainy afternoon. Medium Steam. Publishing Date September 3, 2019. #NetGalley #EllaQuinn #TheMarquessShesBeenWaitingFor #KensingtonBooks #LyricalPress #Bookstagram #HistoricalRomance

This was a lovely regency romance between Dorie and Alexander. It takes both of them some time to realize they are in love with the other and decide they are actually the perfect fit. There is quite a bit of drama surrounding Alexander's family and I love the way Dorie and her family stand up for him. The romance is a slow simmer but when it comes to it's climax - no pun intended - it is worth the wait.

Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Books for the eARC!

Loved Dorie and Alex as characters in this. Such a fun Regency romp.

Many thanks to Netgalley, the author, and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

The Marquis She’s Been Waiting For by Ella Quinn is a fun historical romp. The book was well written and an enjoyable read. The book opens with two girls left alone by their mother upon word that their brother was returning from a trip abroad. Lady Dorcus Calthorp, called Dorie has been helping her neighbors out after all the situation is unacceptable.

Alexander, the new Marquis of Exeter returned home after a trip abroad to find his mother has eloped and left his younger sisters alone in his town house in London. Alexander knows he needs help and fast! He does not know how to run his house and his properties, after all his father thought he had plenty of time left to teach him.

Dorrie wants to marry for love, not because Alex needed help with his sisters and land management. Alex has much to learn. The ton of course has too many opinions about what is right.

The book was a slow romp with with Alex pressing his suit and Dorie being unavailable. I love how Alex kept pressing forward and still was able to help others. I love how Dorie was willing to teach Alex how to manage his land and tenants. The story is part of a series, but can definitely can be read as a stand alonte. The Marquis She’s Been Waiting For by Ella Quinn was quite enjoyable - a good read!

Another beautiful story by Ella Quinn. Alex is thrust into unexpected circumstances with the title and guardianship of his sisters. Dorie wants to find love and to be useful. This is an endearing story. Both Dorie and Alex are great characters who show tremendous grace under pressure. The story follows them as they try to figure what Love is and how to grasp it with both hands. Many of the characters are familiar from past stories which gives you the feeling of visiting with old friends. You will enjoy their development as they make their way to a happy ending.

3 1/2 stars...

I've been following the Worthington series now for quite a while by this author and began reading The Marriage Game books as well. Alex and Dorie's story is easy to follow even if you are behind on the series.

The storyline isn't unique but the characters are lovely. Dorie is an intelligent woman, ahead of her time and determined to marry for love. Alex is a wonderful man, kind and well meaning but he isn't looking for a love match when it comes to marriage. Rather, he needs help to raise his sisters (who are teens) and manage his property. The two characters are friends first and this is definitely a slow burn. There's not even a lot of tension between them until later in the book. Their friendship was very rewarding to read and I loved how much Alex respected Dorie and her opinions.

Once Alex realizes he is in love, he's all in. From that point, the love piece picks up and the story ends in a very sweet and fulfilling place. I'd have rated this book higher if it hadn't felt so slow for the first several chapters. This is not abnormal for this author so I'm used to it. Just keeps me from giving more stars.

Overall, if you're a fan of strong heroines in historical romance, you'll enjoy this book. I loved that Alex wasn't a rake, just a normal man looking for a life partner. The side characters add some great depth as well. If you're already an Ella Quinn fan, you should enjoy this as well although I personally like the Worthington series better.

Alexander Endicott is on his Grand Tour when he learns that his father has passed and he is now the Marquis of Exeter, he returns to London and is overwhelmed with news – not only has he inherited a title he is woefully unprepared to assume, but his mother has cause a bit of a scandal by running off with the estate steward and leaving him with his young sisters to care for. When he seeks out help, everyone’s advice is the same – marry!

Lady Dorcus “Dorie” Calthorp is in her second season and will only marry for love, she was disappointed last season when she believed she had found a match and learned that the suitor did not feel the same, so now she has decided to focus her attentions on a “nice, steady” man and has made a list, a list that definitely does not include the handsome Lord Exeter!

Alex decides that Dorie is perfect for him – she will train his sisters, help him with the estate and begetting an heir will certainly be no hardship, but the lady doesn’t seem to agree and goes out of her way to introduce him to other eligible ladies! Alex is sure that Dorie is the “one” and uses any excuse possible to call on her and ask for help with his estate and his sisters. Dorie might not want to marry him, but she cannot say no to his requests for help and the two end up spending a lot of time together. But by the time she realizes that Alex is the man she has been looking for, it seems like her matchmaking may have worked and he has set his sights on another! Or has he??

This was a very mellow, low key story, it is slow moving and uneventful for most of the story, and while I had no problem with the writing, the characters, the imagery or the story, I was waiting for something to happen and when something finally did “happen” at the end, it was a bit anticlimactic and breezed over rather quickly. I am also a bit surprised that after reading 80% of a book with nothing more than touching while dancing or riding that the final 20% of the book managed to include three somewhat heated love scenes – I have nothing against a steamy love scene - but these felt out of character when compared to the behavior of Alex and Dorie in the rest of the book. Overall, this was an “OK” book, nothing spectacular, yet nothing objectionable, I personally felt like it was a little slow and dull, but it did hold my interest throughout. This is the ninth book in the series, but it can definitely be read as a stand-alone and while is it not part of The Worthingtons series, this story takes place the same time and does overlap with Lady Augusta’s story – Believe in Me

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

This book was just ok for me. It was well written but extremely proper and tbh lady dorie wasn’t that likeable to me. Thank you to netgalley for the ARC!

After the sudden death of his father, Alexander the Marquis  of  Exeter returns home to find with sisters abandoned by their mother and his family on the brink of scandal. Thankfully Lady Dorcus Calthorp, Lady Dorie to her intimates has been the ever friendly neighbour and looking out for Alex’s sisters. Upon meeting the revered Lady Dorie, Alex feels an immediate attraction to her, not only beautiful, she is also the easiest solution to all his problems! Sadly, Lady Dorie experienced disappointment last season during her courtship with different and all handsome lord. She is determined to find a love match and feels that a man as handsome as Lord Alex and with so many immediate concerns does not have the time and luxury of a love match. He is not for her. Then why does she feel so different in his presence? This is very inconvienient when she has decide to make a love match with another lord… to bad the other man does not evoke the same feeling… maybe she just needs to try harder…

I fond the character for Lady Dorie somewhat grating. She had preconceived prejudices towards Lord Alex from the get go based on his need to wed and his looks. She fights her feelings for so long, when everyone sees the obvious match in front of her. The whole story seemed to just go on with poor Lord Alex trying to subtly make her realize her feelings for him until the near end a random attempted kidnapping occurs that really adds nothing to the story.

The writing was good and I would read another book from Ella Quinn, I feel that the premise character of Lady Dorie soured the book for me. I did really enjoy how the females in the story were including in the running of the estates and the political interests. In general the females were given a lot of opportunity and I would be interested in seeing what other stories in this series do with that.

The Marquis She's Been Waiting For by Ella Quinn is due to release September 3rd, 2019.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kensington Book, Lyrical Press through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

#TheMarquisShesBeenWaitingFor #NetGalley

4.5 Stars
Lady Dorcus Calthorp, daughter of the Marquis of Huntington, loved and lost during her first Season, leaving her suspicious of gentlemen. Now Dorie finds herself with no marital prospects in sight until Alexander, the newly elevated Marquis of Exeter, arrives in town. Handsome, charming, and an interesting conversationalist, he at first seems to be her perfect match. Then Dorie discovers he may not be seeking a wife so much as a land steward and mother to his sisters.
After learning of his father’s death, Alexander returns home to find his mother has run off with his land steward, leaving his younger two sisters with their governess. Everyone he talks to recommend that he marries. Lady Dorie meets all the requirements she even agrees to help him learn how to run the earldom.
It’s been a while since the last Marriage Game novel & this could easily be read on its own, there are appearances from earlier characters in this series & also some of the Worthingtons make cameo appearances, which I love. A well written novel of two people gradually falling in love & not realising their feelings until events happened that made them open their eyes. This was a slow burn romance & the pace was steady until the final quarter when things moved much quicker. & I found I had to continue reading to finish the book, so yet another night of burning the midnight oil. The characters were well fleshed & likeable, I loved how Alex & Dorie verbally sparred whilst their attraction grew, I was hoping for a second HEA with another couple who were separated years ago but maybe there’s time for them as Penelope & Phillida are rapidly growing up
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

I started out really liking this story. It was not a love at first sight story, which seems to be so common lately.
Lady Dorie actually decided she didn'tike Alex, the Marquis of Exeter. He was too handsome and sure of himself and she had gotten hurt last year by one such man. She also wants a love match.
Alex needs to marry. He meets Lady Dorie and thinks based on her qualifications and looks, she would make the perfect wife. All the wrong reasons.
But this is where the book starts to drag a little. Alex continually tries to court her and she just keeps rejecting him for no good reason.
I also felt there were 1 or 2 scandals too many. First the mother, than they learn about his father and his second family. Then the governess and the mother again. A little too much.
When they finally get together, the book picks up again, rushing to its conclusion.
I give it 31/2 stars rounded up to 4.
I love this series and all of Ella Quinn's books. Just a little disappointed in this one.
I'd like to thank netgalley for allowing me to review this book.

Alexander Endicott, Lord Exter, returns from his Grand Tour to find his home in London in an uproar. His two youngest sister have been abandoned by their mother who ran off with the newest steward. Only with the help of Lady Dorie has there been some stability in his sister's lives and in his holdings. Alex is immediately infatuated with Dorie and decides she will be his wife. Only Dorie has her own thoughts on marriage. She will only marry for love. Alex is a Marquis trying to figure out how to make a lady fall in love with him, even when he doesn't know what love is. Funny laugh out loud.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

Lady Dorcus Calthorp known as Dorie, having taken on the role of caring for Alexander, the Marquis of Exeter’s sisters, finds herself searching for a wife for him, when he returns after the death of his father. However, Alexander is fascinated by Dorie, and wants her to become his wife as she will solve all his issues – finding a governess for his sisters, helping him to run the house and to help him manage the estate. Dorie wants to marry for love, so she opposes all of his romantic gestures.
I must admit that I have been a fan of Ella Quinn for some time but this book was not one of my favourites. Whilst I enjoyed the character of Alexander, I found it difficult to warm to Dorie and her opposition to Alex. Their feelings for each other were quite stilted and then it was difficult to understand the rapid progression of the romance to full intensity. The storyline was quite slow to start and then in the last three quarters of the book, the pace was quite rapid. Whilst I enjoyed many of the secondary characters, it would have been good to delve into this section of the book in more detail.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

The Marquis She's Been Waiting For by Ella Quinn The Marriage Game #10

I confess I am a Worthington Series fan and I have never read any of the Marriage Game series. Nevertheless, I jumped right in and found the book populated with cameos of characters from the Worthington series... I felt right at home. The hero is Alexander, the new Marquis of Exeter who came back from his travels because of his father sudden death. Making the situation even worse is the fact that when he lands in London he finds out that his mother has eloped with the steward (now a peer) and left his two younger sisters in his care. What makes it totally scandalous is that this happens during the traditional mourning period. So Alexander has to cope with taking care of his sisters and learning about his inheritance in one fell swoop. Enter the heroine of this book, Dorie the daughter of the Marquis of Huntington who lives next door. She has been helping out and organization things ever since the widow left.

Alex has big problems because (1) he is a bachelor and his sisters need female guidance and (2) his father neglected to train him on how to run his estates; he knows nothing about farming and estate business. The advice that he receives: Get a competent wife. Lucky for him the perfect candidate lives next door. However, there is a hitch - she is determined to marry for love or not at all. How does a handsome and wealthy lord solve that problem? You have to read the book to find out.

I enjoyed reading this book and luckily you didn't have to read the other books in the Marriage Game to understand the plot.

Thank you Netgalley and Kensington (Lyrical Press) for this ARC.

The Marquis She's Been Waiting For is the ninth book in the Marriage Game series. Slow burn romance that was mostly about Alexander, Marquis of Exeter dealing with the aftermath of his mother running away to get married, while leaving his two younger sisters alone with the governess and a house full of servants. Lucky for him, while he was away Lady Dorie came to assist with running of the house and befriending his sisters. When he arrives he has to learn how to manage his estates, serve in Parliament, and be the guardian of his sisters. Alex is told by several people that he needs to marry so his wife can assist in some these matters. Upon his arrival he learns of Lady Dorie. He learns of all that she has done and accomplished in his household while he was away. It is then when he decides that he will make her his wife. Unfortunately for him Lady Dorie has no plans in marrying him without it being a love match.
Most of the story we see Alex trying and failing to gain Lady Dorie's hand. This happens mostly throughout the book. The romance moved very slowly for me. It isn't until towards the end when we finally some passion between them that it felt that it came out of nowhere for me. Lady Dorie not wanting to accept Alex's hand because there was no love between them, yet she had a list of men who she was willing to marry before the season was over seemed a little awkward.
I have not read other books in this series, so it did feel a little overwhelming all the characters that were mentioned. I had a hard time keeping track of who was who. I did like her immediate family. Her parents and siblings were great characters.

Thank you to the publisher for providing the ARC through NetGalley for an honest review.

This book was rather “meh” to me. I enjoyed all of the characters, but I kept waiting for something to happen to further the romance—for the characters to realize they had feelings for each other, for them to flirt, a few stolen kisses...something. At 70% into the book, the heroine was still considering marrying someone else! Then, when the hero finally did act on his feelings, it was the very dramatic step of asking her to marry him! They had never kissed before the proposal, but immediately had sex once they were engaged. What?! The last 25% of the book was rushed and jammed in too many dramatic events. I would have much rather have seen these events spread out more throughout the book. It’s a shame, because these were wonderful characters who were ill-served by the pacing of the story.

I received an eARC from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

You certainly don’t need to read the previous books in The Marriage Game series, nor The Worthington series, but goodness, there are so many characters referenced, it might prove helpful. I recommend you do if you haven’t, because they fun and enjoyable, but The Marquis She’s Been Waiting For certainly stands up on its own.

This is simply a love story, one where the blinders are removed first from the hero, then from the heroine. There are minor scandals from secondary characters, but no shocking revelations. And it’s more than a friends-to-lovers tale. There’s recognition and trust and understanding and vulnerability, then friendship, then love. (And then some sexy times). It’s absolutely what I’ve come to expect from an Ella Quinn story.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Alexander, Marquis of Exeter, is called home after his father's death to find his mother has abandoned his sisters. He has to learn to be the Marquis and take care of his sisters... that means he needs a bride...the right kind of bride.
He finds that his sisters are being aided by Lady Dorie Huntington. They agree he has to marry, but she insists he needs to keep looking, she will only marry for love.
As he mucks his way through the mire his parents left him, Dorie, her family and friends all have his back and aid him the best they can.
They pair come to realize many things and both end up with a happily ever after.
Ms.Quinn's tale of sweet historical romance has angst, humor, wit, multi-faceted characters and descriptive phrases to fire your imagination.
I requested and received a NetGalley ARC to peruse and offer my opinion freely.

The marquis of Exeter returns home from his Grand Tour because his father died unexpectedly. His mother has run off with a Scottish lord and left his sisters behind. A neighbor, Dorie, has been keeping the estates going and his sisters under control. Poor guy has a lot on his plate since his father never taught him how to run things. Exeter decides the best thing to do is marry, and Dorie will suffice. But Dorie only wants to marry for love, so she introduces Exeter to all her friends.
This is a cute story as Dorie and Exeter find their way to a HEA. Lots of twists and turns, and surprising developments.
I received an ARC of this book.