I loved the book, I haven't read the other ones in the series but what a loving family, and the way they helped the couple, mainly Montagu to understand Eleanor. Other great thing was how the author made the cultural changes, like the work conditions a big topic, showing changes in society that needed to happen, the whole family was very much ahead of their time, And the list about a ideal husband made me laugh and also the protagonist choosing to appear dumb another funny plot to me. I really thought they wouldn't fight, but it was a good reason and a great happy ending.

The Marriage List is the eighth book in The Worthington Brides series. This makes sense since I continually felt as if I was missing a lot of the story as other characters or references to things that had happened. As always it is best when reading a series to start at the beginning. This can be a stand-alone, but I would have preferred to have read the previous books, so I had some backstory to understand why something was being referred to.

The story starts with Lady Eleanor Carpenter who is part of a large family, has come across a family out in the cold with the mother unresponsive and the children trying to save her. Lady Eleanor is determined to stop and rescue them. The children disclose that their father was killed recently, and they are now homeless. Once hearing this Lady Eleanor takes charge of the family to insure, they are cared for. A Mr. Dobbins had set his sights on the newly widowed mother and is furious when the woman is rescued and marries another. He is determined to make Lady Eleanor pay for thwarting his plans.

Meanwhile Lady Eleanor and her twin Alice, and Madeline her brother-in-laws sister, are making their debuts so they compile a list of essential qualifications in a potential husband. John, the Marquis of Montagu appears to be a good catch meeting most of the qualities on the list. Lady Eleanor is interested in seeing if he can meet
the remaining criteria.

John, meanwhile, has his own list for marrying, but it is the opposite of Eleanor's list, The more time they spend with each other the more they find interesting about each other until the sparks start to fly, but when Eleanor is in danger their relationship will be tested.

This was a wonderful story about strong willed women instead of empty-headed females who's only goal is to secure a husband. These characters were instantly attracted to one another, but this story took the time for them to get to know one another before throwing them together in a hurried marriage. It was interesting when settling the marriage contracts that each of the women would retain their own properties and prior inheritances. Very uncommon since it was a time that widely thought women couldn't manage their own affairs and were mostly their husband's property. All in all, it was a nice story and looking forward to reading more in this series.

I so enjoyed this book and catching up with this modern family. Seeing the next set to marry and carry on the family traditions.

Lady Eleanor Carpenter knows what she wants and is glad her family supports her choices. In this large multifaceted family she has, it might seem like things get missed but they don't. Her twin and steps sister have their first season and decide to make a list their future husbands have to have. As the three add things they allow themselves to make changes if necessary. As with other members of the family had mentioned things will arise that might want to be considered.

Lord John Marques of Montagu is finally ready to marry, so to town he goes. Having no experience in the matter he decides to think of what he wants in a wife. Someone good, kind, polite, and the opposite of both his mother and sister, not controlling. As he has no clue what the rules are he listens and takes mental notes. He starts asking questions of his friends on what to expect and thinks a dim wife might suit him and receives a suggestion to not appear to smart.

As you can guess this adds a depth of comedy to the story. Getting to see the male nerves and bumbling is fun but also seeing the females wish side too. So join the merry romp through the ballroom and Almack's as these two navigate the marriage mart, family gatherings, and the List.

So, wow, I’ve been in flux about how to rate this book. For me, it was a 3.5 – but do I round it down to 3 stars or up to 4? Hopefully, by the time I finish writing this review, I will have my answer. This writer’s books are always well-written and well-researched – and this one is as well – but the story is very slow and plodding. Then, the romance, was such a slow burn you almost wondered if it would happen.

Frankly, I felt a bit short-changed with the story. Given the way the book started in Chapter 1, I thought this was going to be an exciting adventure with our intrepid H/h getting involved in all sorts of shenanigans tracking down and foiling a nasty villain, and finding true love in the process. I thought this book had the potential to be the best and most exciting of the series. Instead, it was slow-paced to the point I found myself skipping over sections of descriptions about which Worthington was married to whom, etc. That said – I enjoyed the story; it just wasn’t the exceptional story I thought it would be. Shucks, even that stuff in the exciting first chapter fizzled to the point that I wondered why it was even included since it did little for the plot other than provide a bit of a pivotal point for the H/h toward the end.

I thoroughly enjoyed both Lady Eleanor and John, Lord Montagu. They are both characters I would love to know in real life. Both are intelligent, kind, and thoughtful, and they are approaching the search for a spouse with both sound logic and emotion. Eleanor, with a huge, very open family, had a very sound idea of the traits/attributes she needed in a husband. She and her sisters even sat down together and compiled a written list (mostly based upon traits in her many brothers & brothers-in-law) and then added to it as new requirements dawned on them. There was nothing outrageous on the list, so I saw no problem with what they wanted – and they were practical with their assessment of whether a gentleman met those criteria or not. John, on the other hand, also had criteria, but those criteria were based on assumptions – not reality. The nice part about John’s requirements is that he was so willing to change them based on what he learned and found to be true. So, yes, very likable lead characters. I also enjoyed catching up with the ‘stars’ from the previous books – but – there might have been too much of that because there wasn’t enough of the romance between Eleanor and John.

My bottom line is that I enjoyed the story, but had hoped for more from it. I liked the characters and would have loved to see them sharing a real adventure together rather than slowly plodding from ball to ball during the season. So, I’m glad to have met both John and Eleanor, but it is not a book I would read a second time. One big plus is that you sort of get two epilogues – cool that.

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

If you like stories with a lot of characters this is your series, but as this is #8 it helps if you read previous books in the series. Eleanor is part of a large family and along with her twin Alice and what she considers her sister Madeline they are in town for their come out. The three have compiled a list of what would be good husband material. Eleanor meets John, but can’t decide if his will meet the requirements. John is drawn to Eleanor but he does lack town polish and is unsure of what he wants in a wife.
I have read several of EQ books, but this did seem to drag on, I was losing interest but glad I kept reading, the ending was what saved the story. Thank you NetGalley for this eARC. I am voluntarily posting an honest review after reading an Advance Reader Copy of this story. #NetGalley #TheMarriageList

I had such mixed feelings about this book. I really liked the mine plot portion, but I also felt that the romance portion was drug out way too long.

The book starts out with a lot of action and ends with it as well, but the middle dragged so much that I found myself getting bored. I liked John and Elenaor's connections, but I really didn't need the play by play. I mean how many times did we have to hear about them meeting for a horseback ride. That was like almost every other activity.

If you want to learn the society detail, this book has that for sure. If you want drama or a whirlwind romance, this book may not be the best choice.

Thank you to Kensington and Netgalley for providing me a copy of this ARC for my honest review.

This book has one of my favorite kind of historical romance plots: a man who thinks he knows exactly what he wants in a wife (someone sweet and quiet and simple, what he suspects is key to an "easy" life), but the heroine is brilliant and charming and has thoughts about politics and shows him what he thought was all wrong. So on a very basic level, yes, I really enjoyed this book. I like the plot, I liked the millions of siblings and nieces and nephews running around and causing mayhem. This family is fun.

Or they should be. I don't know, maybe I've been reading too many historicals that are written in a more modern way. But this book leaned so hard into the manners and rules of Society that it actually slowed down the plot. It made both the story adn the dialogue drag for me, and because of that, I couldn't fully sink into this book the way I wanted to. So even though I liked the book, I still walked away feeling somehow disappointed. I suppose it just didn't live up to it's potential for me.

Their lists.

Eleanor has a list of expectations for her marriage.
John has a list of expectations of a wife. His wife should be demure and quiet.
Eleanor is neither demure or quiet.

Seems like neither one is going to get what they want, but they are going to get each other.

Maybe 3.5 stars

Lady Eleanor Carpenter is returning home from a visit with her elder sister Charlotte when she spies some children on the side of the road. She has her coachman stop and learns that in addition to the children is their mother, who is barely clinging to life. Eleanor immediately takes charge and gets the woman and her children in the carriage and learns that they are victims of what became known as the Cinderloo Uprising. Eleanor is appalled and vows to help, bringing the woman back to Worthington Place and helping her start a new life and unknowingly making an enemy along the way. She wants to do more for the victims of Cinderloo and begins to look into it, wondering if she will be able to accomplish anything while she is in London. Because Eleanor along with her twin sister Lady Alice and their step-sister Lady Madeline Vivers are finally ready to make their come-outs and will be in London for the season. And in preparation for the suitors that they will surely have, the girls make a list of traits that any potential husband must have, and just like that the “Marriage List” was born.

John, the Marquis of Montagu needs a wife and he also has a list of traits his future Marchioness must have, such as being demure, not interested in causes, politics, or charities, who won’t tell him what to do, and will be happy to stay home and read novels – basically the complete opposite of his mother and twin sister. But that was before he saw Eleanor and her sisters riding in the park. He wonders how he can garner an introduction when his mother mentions attending Lady Bellamny’s Young Ladies soiree and that the young lady he saw in the park will most likely be there – he immediately offers to pick his mother up at the end. Later, he is surprised and pleased to learn that the object of his attention is Worthington’s sister-in-law and they are introduced. After meeting Eleanor, John’s list alters and it soon becomes clear that Eleanor is the only woman he wants to wed, but it remains to be seen if John meets all of Eleanor’s requirements… Let the courting commence!

This was a well-written, well-researched story with likable characters, but sadly it was a bit dull and slow-moving. I was excited by the beginning and expected that drama to be central to the story, but it really wasn’t – this was a very slow-burning romance with way too many characters (complete with backstories) that left readers struggling to stay on point with the hero and heroine. If I could make a suggestion to the author, it would be to start each book with a cast of characters with a brief history of who they are and their role and maybe even the title of the book they “starred in”, rather than including it in the story – especially when you are dealing with upwards of twenty additional people – it made this book wordy and drawn out. I also felt like this book had so many missed opportunities, such as; the relationship between John and his sister or the Cinderloo Uprising. In the end, this was a very vanilla story with a lot of characters, a touch of drama, a bit of steam towards the end, hints at romances for the other two sisters, Great Danes, heroes who learn to grovel, and finally a HEA complete with a two-part epilogue. So, while I found it a bit slow-moving and wordy, I am happy I read it and am looking forward to Alice & Madeline’s stories. This is the eighth book in the series, but it felt like the first book in a spin-off series and could easily be read as a standalone title.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*

Lady Eleanor Carpenter is part of a large, rambunctious family, she her twin Alice & Madeline her brother in laws sister are making their debuts so they've 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? John, 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.
Another well written delightful read in this lovely series, this is the eighth book in the series & I feel this best read after reading at least the first in the series, There are a lot of Worthington & Carpenters & to a new reader it could be confusing. I loved both John & Eleanor, they were perfect for each other but he did keep putting his foot in it. A straight forward romance with slight drama at the beginning & end. I loved how the chemistry between John & Eleanor was there from the start & only grew & grew. I look forward to Alice & Madeline’s stories
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

I was completely hooked before the end of the first chapter! I loved Eleanor’s kind but independent character and her determination to help others. John was a great match for her and the chemistry between them was palpable. Although this is a spin of series, it was great to catch up with many of the characters from the previous Worthingtons series. There is such warmth and humour in the depictions of family interactions, which really makes this book a joy to read. The plot is well scripted, with an interesting sub plot about the difficulties faced by miners and their families. I absolutely loved it and was sad to reach the end.

Eleanor and her sisters are making a list and checking it twice, and it is not a Christmas list but a marriage list, a list of the traits they are looking for in a husband as they prepare for their season in London's whirl of balls and parties for the ton.
John, the Marquis of Montagu seems like a good choice, but how can Eleanor be sure? He is nice enough, but he seems to have the money to support a family. But what of the other attributes on the list? The conversations she has had with him up to this point have done little to impress her. He hasn't talked of anything except dull subjects of the weather and everyday events. Does he have opinions of his own? And if he does why doesn't he say so? Is he really a little slow, dull even? She is determined to find out, because despite the dull generic conversation, there is something about John that gets her temprature risiing and her heart pounding when he is near..
I really liked Eleanor and John's story, I found them to be likeable characters and the whole Worthington family is entertaining always. Good for a Sunday quick read by the fireplace, snuggle up with this easy romance and a warm blanket.
Thank you to Kensington Books and to Net Galley for the free ARC, I am leaving my honest review in return.

Thanks #NetGalley and Ella Quinn for the advanced copy of #TheMarriageList in exchange for an honest review.

I'm not certain how much I enjoyed this book. I enjoyed Ms. Quinn's writing style and the overall story but I feel the romance lacked chemistry. John was just okay as a hero - nothing special about him at all, kind of boring to be honest. Eleanor bothered me as well as I feel she expected John to bend to her every desire but she wasn't willing to compromise with him at all. I enjoyed the extended family quite a bit but again it came across that John was marrying into her family but she wasn't necessarily marrying into his. At one point, the book was criticizing John's mother for her not being mistress of his house anymore - because some things weren't up to snuff so to speak but she never seemed like someone who would not have taken care of business before then and I thought it would be explained at some point but it really just served to make John's family look bad and Eleanor's family to look perfect. A relationship requires both parties to work together and find what's best for their new family and I feel like this book just served to show one person should have to sacrifice everything and one should get everything they want.

She’s from a huge family that’s growing bigger and he wants a family just as big. This story revolves around the social life of the ton, and of the couple’s progress in their relationship with the side issue of mining operations and the conditions miners and their families had to live on without government safety policies as well as a dastardly villain to capture. Informative with a jolt of action to keep the hearts and mind engaged.

I received an ARC from Netgalley and leaving my review voluntarily.

I really liked this historical romance! The characters were great, and the writing was good. Overall, I would definitely recommend!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

3.5/4 Stars ⭐️

As a first time reader of Ella Quinn’s books I went into Eleanor and John’s story with zero expectations and was very much surprised (in a good way) by it. 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗥𝗜𝗔𝗚𝗘 𝗟𝗜𝗦𝗧 is a historical romance that reads like a contemporary love story.

Eleanor and her entire family for that matter, are very much an enlightened and forward thinking bunch. I enjoyed their modern definition of family and gender roles. Eleanor was an educated and bright young woman of the nobility, she knew her mind and was not afraid to speak it and own it. I very much liked this about her. John was an interesting character. His thoughts on procuring a wife made me laugh and I was very happy when he got his head screwed on right and went after what his heart and mind truly wanted. Together they made a formidable team and I was very pleased with their happily ever after.

I will say that there were some things I did not enjoy (ie/this can be read as a standalone but there is a lot of catching up and information thrown at you in the beginning so you understand the family dynamics) but overall, a very satisfying read. I’m giving 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗥𝗜𝗔𝗚𝗘 𝗟𝗜𝗦𝗧 the judy.ann.loves.books stamp of approval, TBR and Enjoy!

A thoroughly enjoyable trip back into history. Lady Eleanor has her introduction into society and quickly finds a match with Montagu - both are strong willed people. Will they be able to put aside their strong opinions in order to become true partners? It’s a societal tale with an underlying piece of darkness. Thanks to NetGalley for a truly enjoyable read.

(3.5 Stars) Ella Quinn brings romance #8 as part of The Worthington Series which is also the start of a spinoff series called Worthington Brides. If you aren’t familiar with the series it focuses on a large family like the Bridgerton’s with various sisters finding romance. There are a lot of names which can be daunting if you are reading as a stand alone. In that case focus on the two main characters without trying to keep track of the side characters other than their supportive interactions.

Lady Eleanor Carpenter is coming out in society along with her twin sister. They are hoping for love matches and together make a list of the desirable qualifications for their future spouses. John, the Marquis of Montagu has decided to marry this year. He also has made a list of what would be pleasing in a spouse. Of course they meet and John is instantly taken with Eleanor. But she is the opposite of most requirements of his list.

Usually in historical romances an eligible peer is fawned having their choice girls. But in a change John has to jump through the hoops to be able to get an introduction to Eleanor, a sponsor at Almack's is needed to allow them to dance. He purposely goes out riding in the mornings to run into her. It is fun to see his urgency in getting the one he wants before she can be distracted by someone else. Even the marriage contract isn’t skewed in his favor.

I like the basic romance and the characters. I wasn’t clear on why John was so unaware of his duties and responsibilities as Marquis other than his being off in the country. His house is understaffed and he is unaware of what is required for politics in the House of Lords. There is a side story about mining and horrible conditions but it is part only at the beginning and end. There is some heat between the two once they are betrothed but it read more clinical than passionate. I always appreciate the research and notes the author adds at the end of the books of things for the time period or changes she makes.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books, Zebra for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book was rather irritating. This concerned one of the younger girls and the romance that begins right away when the hero sees her riding and admires her seat. He seems rather thick since he’s decided at first that he doesn’t want a wife who is intelligent because his mother and sister are smart and they have been nagging him about getting married. Yeah, that’s a reason for wanting a dim bride. And to get the affection of his chosen match, he’s going to be boring and talk about the weather. But our heroine is still attracted to him because he’s good-looking. But she’s too smart to want to marry someone who isn’t and who wouldn’t support her in all the reform work she is eager to be involved in.

I just didn’t buy their romance or all the complications that appear and then get knocked down so that their romance can grow.

And there were so many characters that I couldn’t keep track of them. Apparently, it’s part of a series about the romances of a family with 11 siblings. The older siblings are married and almost all of them have small children. It took almost to the end of the book until I was sure who was an adult and who was a child. And I couldn’t match the siblings with their spouses. The author needed a score card at the beginning so newcomers to this series knew who was matched with whom.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.

This was my first book by the author and I was initially intrigued by the summary. Unfortunately, this historical romance didn't work for me. I found it too long and dragging at times. It was hard to keep up to with the povs and writing style.