This was an excellent historical romance. Eleanor and John are just too perfect for each other, even if they don't think they are at first. They each have their own idea of the perfect spouse, but as anyone who has fallen in love can tell you, sometimes the ones who look perfect on paper aren't actually your perfect match. I really enjoyed falling back in time and watching this story unfold before my eyes, and I'll definitely be checking out more books by this author in the future!

Unfortunately I could not get into this one, I found the plot line boring and the characters more boring. I will try this author again but this one was just not for me!

It’s really good and romantic book. The only issue is that you have to read the previous ones before to read this or you would be like me, confused in some moments, other than the story delivers

First of all, I do love reading the author's books. I have read many of them, but not all of The Worthington ones, so found this one very overwhelming with characters. I think that authors forget that readers read other books in the same genre and time periods and the other authors, especially in the Regency period, use similar names and places, so it gets very confusing, because I think I was remembering some characters from other author's series. I would have found it helpful to have a family tree.

The book starts off with Lady Eleanor Carpenter coming to the rescue of the widow and children of a murdered miner. However, the villain who was responsible for her husband's death, because he wants her, has vowed revenge against Eleanor. This casts a dark shadow over the rest of the book. When is he going to strike?

Eleanor, her twin Alice and sister-in-law Madeline Rivers, are coming out together and have created a list of what they would like in their husbands. Meanwhile, John, the Marquis of Montagu, has decided this year he would find a wife. His mother and twin sister wrote a list for him of qualities that they think he should look for in a wife and a list of potentials. For some reason, that is never explained, something had happened two years before when his father was ill and then died, that alienated him from his mother and sister, and he wants nothing to do with their list. He is thinking like a dunderhead and the qualities he thinks he wants would have him bored within a week. However, once he spots Eleanor, he has no eyes for anyone else. Now he is the one who must convince her that he is the one that she needs.

I read an ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley.com. In my copy, two chapters were reversed and there were a few mistakes, but I am confident that these issues were caught before the final edition.

Although The Marriage List begins a trilogy sub-story within the larger Worthington world I did enjoy my time back with familiar faces and some new ones as well. But then, I’ve read The Worthingtons up to this point… not every reader will have so there might be characters who simply don’t fit easily in this new world for them. If you aren’t up to date on the larger series, I still believe you can enjoy Eleanor and John’s romance for what it is at this point in the series – and you can always go back to the beginning if you so choose to get caught up.

I liked Eleanor from the start, she’s intelligent, caring, and rather independent for the times. She and her twin sister, and their brother-in-law’s sister are about to come out to society at the same time but before that momentous event they each compile a list of traits they’re looking for in a future husband – will the men they meet match those lists or blow them out of the water, only time will tell.

John on the other hand wants a wife who he can basically plop down in the country and ignore for the larger part of their married life, or so it seems from his list of docile, no opinion of her own or content to stay in the country requirements. What he’ll discover is that the lady who catches his eye is nothing at all like his list, and that opens up some self-searching of himself and the enjoyment of convincing Eleanor that they are the perfect match. He’ll have his work cut out for him there for Eleanor may find him attractive but well, the gentleman certainly needs some work on some of his attitudes concerning women and a future wife.

I liked them together, and they lead us on a merry chase to their happy ending which along the way will give us some danger, society gossip, sizzling chemistry, lots of families, and eventually the realization that they’ve found the person right for them… it will just take a bit of time and changes to reach that point. I had fun with The Marriage List, and if you enjoy either The Worthingtons series or Regency Romance in general then you’ll want to check out this one.

*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.*

If you haven't read any of the books in this series, you have no idea what you are missing.
When Lady Grace Carpenter married the Earl of Worthington, two large families joined together. The females of this family have an equal say for what goes on in their lives. It's Lady Eleanor Carpenter's first season, but she's already caught the eye of John, the Marquis of Montagu. It's his duty to find a wife with his requirements. Eleanor has her own ideas about what she wants in a husband. With the help of her sisters, she makes a list. Eleanor and her family open John's eyes to a different way of living. Laugh out loud with the antics and unexpected behavior of the Carpenter/ Worthington family as John learns there is a lot to know when you fall in love with a young lady in this family. Some heat.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher. This in no way impacted on my view.

In The Marriage Game, Lady Eleanor Carpenter and her sisters are embarking on their debut Season. Because of her large family, Eleanor knows what she wants in a husband, and won't settle for anything less, creating a marriage list with all of her requirements. So when she meets John, the Marquis of Montagu, who seems to fit each item, can she allow herself to fall for him, and trust he is the man for her?

So, when I saw this book on NetGalley, I thought it was the start of a brand new series. Though it 'technically' is a new series, it's part of a larger family of books, with both The Worthingtons and The Lords of London series playing a role in this book. As soon as it started, I could already see that it was going to be a difficult book. I've read a lot of series with companion books, and have never really struggled to get my head around who each of the characters were, but there's too many side characters here to keep straight. I had both a eARC and audiogalley of this book, so read it using both mediums - on my commute and during breaks at work and home. I didn't really like the narrator of the audiobook, and felt like I was getting distracted by other things while listening to the book. Nothing really gripped my attention, not even the parts with Dobbins which were supposed to be the action. After I finished the book, I had a quick check on GR, and apparently I've read another of Ella's books, and the couple in that one are seen in The Marriage Game - that didn't register while reading at all! I'm sorry to say I'm disappointed, and that Eleanor and John's love story was not engaging enough for me to really care if they ended up together or not. Looking at NetGalley, I have two other books of Ella's unread, and I'll read them to clear them, but I won't be looking for any more of her books in future. Not a book for me!

An easy to follow read with quite a few characters. This is the first book from this author that I have read and I did not have a hard time figuring out who was kin to whom. There was mystery involved in the story dealing with coal miners and their wages. The easy banter between characters was good. Would read another book by this author.
Received the book from Net Galley and leaving a review by my own accord.

WONDERFUL! The Marriage List by Ella Quinn is book 2 in the The Worthington Brides series and though in a series this book can be read as a standalone. What I loved about this book was the realism to it. I could just picture 3 sisters sitting in a room writing down what they are looking for in a husband and if the man Eleanor has meets all of the requirements. So very charming. I also loved the big close family that Eleanor has and that they all watch out for one another and are always there for them. Ellla Quinn is one of the most talented authors of today and I am never disappointed in her books. I found this story to have wonderful characters, original, very well written, had the real feel of the regency era and just a true joy to read. This story has a debutante and her sisters making their come outs, a marques looking for a wife without the help of his mother and sisters, having meals with all the children, 2 greats Danes that live in the house, a lady owning a mine, wanting to make that mine into a safe environment for the workers, wanting a wife that is not really intelligent, revenge, rescue, getting to know one another and falling in love. I am highly recommending you read this book.

***This book was gifted to me and I am voluntarily reviewing.

First off, the cover was beautiful! I would get it for the cover alone. The story had some fun moments. I enjoyed the HEA and the banter between the H and h. Would read more from this author!

This being my first Ella Quinn book, I wish I had come into the series at an earlier point. There were a lot of characters from the previous books mentioned, and it made it rather confusing as a first time reader of the series to connect with the book. I feel like a family tree at the outset of the book would have been a nice reference in order to connect who was who.

I felt like the pacing was a tad awkward and slow especially at the beginning. I did feel like the novel picked up just after the half-way mark. There was some repetition throughout the novel particularly with the marriage list itself which felt a bit like filler. And I feel like the character of St. Albans who had been prominent at the beginning of the novel, just appears to disappear, which felt a bit disjointed to the plot.

What I did love was Eleanor's family especially the connections between the male members (those who married into the family). The conversation where they need to decide who has to go and have a talk with Montagu had me smiling. I feel like I connected more to the other couples than I did to Eleanor and Montagu. I feel like the family was the parts of the story I enjoyed the most, yet at the same time remained slightly confused by again having not read any of the previous books. I would definitely suggest reading the other books in this series before this one, in order to feel more connected to the characters and the story.

This story is about Eleanor who is from a large family, who have many happy marriages in the family. Eleanor decides to make a list of the qualities which would make a successful marriage and look for a husband. John - Montagu is looking for marriage and has his own list, he wants someone quiet and easy going, which is not what Eleanor is. Sometimes lists need to be adjusted. I have to say, I was a little disappointed in the book, it was slow paced at times, and in the beginning, there were so many characters and names I was getting a little confused. But overall it was a good story.
I received an ARC of this book from Net Galley and am leaving my honest opinion.

The Worthingtons return in this opposites attract story.
As part of a large, rambunctious family, Lady Eleanor Carpenter has gained some knowledge of what makes a successful marriage. She’s even compiled a list of essential qualifications in a potential husband. John, the Marquis of Montagu, seems of good character (check), with money enough to support a family (check). But what of the many other requirements on her list?
Montagu, meanwhile, believes the key to a comfortable life lies in marrying someone quiet and docile. Yet the one lady who captivates him could hardly be more different to what he envisioned. Lady Eleanor is as opinionated as she is lovely, determined to improve working conditions for coal miners, even at risk to her own safety.
From evenings at Almack’s to carriage rides in Hyde Park, this Season will contain many pleasures—and a few surprises that compel both John and Eleanor to rethink their expectations. For one thing is certain: love will not be defined by any list.
Ella Quinn returns with this rendition of the Worthingtons novel.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

I'm afraid I found this a bit of a dull read with little conflict between the couple although they were nice enough in themselves. It felt like the whole middle section dragged with the villain only appearing at the very beginning and the end and was rather inept. A little disappointing all in all I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

A Marquis’ plans overturned!

Another story in the Worthington series. This time it’s Lady Eleanor Carpenter’s turn. A modern woman who is keen to find out all she can about mining, her ambition is to have a model mine. However this is her coming out season and she’s also busy making a list, along with her sisters about what to look for in a husband.
At the same time John, the Marquis of Montagu has come to town to find a wife. Someone who’s not too intelligent and is content to be in the countryside. His mother supplies him with a list of likely candidates and what their attributes.
Unfortunately Eleanor doesn’t fit the bill but she does set his blood afire. Eleanor is wondering if Montagu is sufficiently intelligent as he only seems to discuss the weather.
The story meanders on drawing together the many facets, each blending to make a satisfactory whole
I loved it when Montagu meets the Great Danes. I adored the way the children interviewed him.
A fun read!

A Kensington Books ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

"The Marriage List" by Ella Quinn is the latest installment in the Worthingtons series. Since I'd read another of Quinn's books before and enjoyed it, I was looking forward to picking this up; unfortunately, it did not meet my expectations. I didn't feel invested in the romance between Eleanor and John, and felt that the story was not strong. I'm sure this would be more enjoyable to read for people who had read all the previous books in the series, but it didn't hold up well as a standalone novel.

The marriage list is the newest stories in the series of the Carpenters and Worthington's. This is the story of Lady Eleanor Carpenter and Lord John, the Marquis of Montague. Lady Eleanor and 2 of her sisters are preparing to come out together this season and they made a list of attributes that their husband would need to have in order for them to agree to marry them. Lord John thinks he is looking for a spouse who will take care of his home, his children and follow his rules and not have her own independent thoughts. They notice each other while they are riding in the park, Lady Eleanor is with her twin sister, Alice and her other sister, Madeline and Lord John is with his friend, Lord St. Albans. They do not speak to each other until they meet while John is visiting Lady Eleanor's brother in law Lord Worthington, and he introduces them. Lady Eleanor is intrigued by Lord John but he hasn't impressed on her that he is as intelligent as she would hope her betrothed would be and Lord John also likes her but she may not fit the mold he thought he wanted for his spouse. As they continue to meet at various balls and events, Lord John manages to get to waltze with Lady Eleanor and enjoy meals with her by requesting her supper dance as well. They face a hurdle in their relationship when a villain who has been running a mine that Eleanor inherited and is now determined to make into a "model mine" comes to London to terrorize Lady Eleanor. After Lady Eleanor is attacked while shopping and Lord John comes upon the incident, they argue after he tells her that when they are married she must follow his rules, she decides he is not the man who will be her husband. Lord John has to make a decision on whether he will accept Lady Eleanor as she is or live without her. This is a great addition to the series and I am looking forward to the next book by Mrs. Quinn.

I received this book as an ARC from Netgalley but I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Reasons I enjoyed this book

Ella Quinn has written another wonderful historical romance with her newest book, The Marriage List. Eleanor, Alice and Madeline finally are having their first season and are being introduced to the Ton. Each of the ladies is excited to be married and start their new life. So how do they plan, other than buying loads of gorgeous gowns? They come up with a list of traits that they feel are important for their future spouse.

Eleanor is determined along with getting married that she can continue to work on reforms that make life better for the lower classes. She was made aware of the horrible conditions of mines and who they worked with and is determined to make a statement by running a model mine.

John, the Marquis of Montagu has determined that he is to marry. For him the key element is someone demure, quiet and docile - and then he met Eleanor. John manages to muck up his pursuit a couple of times, being a clueless male, but is determined.

The series is about the Worthington/Carpenter clan. There are loads of characters and offspring and connections that can be very confusing. I wish there was a family tree offered to help keep everyone straight on who is who. However, if you just focus on the story of John and Eleanor, the book is quite enjoyable. It is clear that Alice and Madeline are next in line for marriage.

The Marriage List by Ella Quinn is a good read.

This was an entertaining, well-written book. It was fun, sweet and I appreciated that the main characters spent time getting to know each other. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books by this author.

⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Marriage List is the first book in The Worthington Brides series by Ella Quinn. Lady Eleanor Carpenter is part of the large Worthington family. This is Eleanor’s first season, and she and her sisters have compiled a list of attributes for their husband candidates. John, the Marquis of Montagu, has his list of what he thinks he wants in a bride. When John and Eleanor meet, his list is tossed aside by Eleanor’s sparkling intelligence and beauty. John has to prove to Eleanor he meets her requirements if he hopes to make her his bride.

This book relates to the previous series, The Marriage Game, The Worthingtons, and The Lords Of London. Characters from the previous series feature prominently in this book. There is an immense amount of time spent on secondary characters. I have read many books in the previous series, and I was still lost in the sea of names at times. I felt at times that John and Eleanor’s romance took second place to the other characters. Also, there was a villain who was generic and one-dimensional. It felt as though he was an afterthought until the conclusion.

I did enjoy John and Eleanor’s personalities. John seemed lost. I felt sorry for him; he had no idea what he wanted in a wife. Eleanor was quite mature for her age and had a good head on her shoulders. The sections centered on the romance between John and Eleanor were entertaining and kept my interest. This was a slow to medium-paced book. I am a fan of Ella Quinn and have enjoyed many of her books. I feel this novel lacked the sparkle of the older books. I liked this book and will read more in the series because I enjoy this author. There are promising characters and hinted storylines in this book that excited me about the forthcoming books in this series. I hope the next book will shine as I know it can.

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