The Marquess and the Maiden

This story is filled with raunchy wit and steamy language. Harriet is strong willed and determined to have things her way and Oliver is determined to break down her walls. They go head to head in what becomes a clash of heated words hot enough to burn the pages. The back and forth banter is amazingly witty sometimes funny. It is an awesome love story.

The Marquess and The Maiden is the second book of the Lord's of Vice series. It stands alone, so don't worry if you missed the first one. This was a fun, quick little read. I always enjoy this author's books, and this one is no exception.

Harriet and Oliver were the children of best friends who hoped their children would unite the families through marriage. Harriet was a friend of many, but beloved by none. Oliver was bitter because his almost-fiance ditched him when he suffered a bad injury to his leg. When Harriet approaches him and suggests marriage to improve their lots in life, Oliver tells her in no uncertain terms that he doesn't want her. OUCH.

Fast forward six years, and both are still unattached. Oliver decides he needs to marry. Harriet is going to help him find a bride; however, it's Harriet he decides he wants. Harriet doesn't believe he desires her (she has self-esteem issues because she is short and curvy, while the desired form of the day is willowy). Also, Harriet wants to marry for love, not only desire. Oliver decides to change her mind. What follows is Oliver's steamy course of seduction.

I really enjoyed the romance between the leads. What I was a bit disappointed in was the lack of story concerning the Ladies of Virtue, a crime fighting team composed of women, including Harriet. There was also a bit of a mystery concerning said group, which was pretty much left dangling with no resolution. Hopefully those issues will be addressed in future installments of the series.

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

Harriet Wheatley knows many things about the ways of the world. Life is often unpleasant and those you surround yourself with are your best chance at finding happiness. Harriet surrounds herself with the ladies in her secret club, The Ladies of Virtue. Not only is the club a place where they discuss how to turn the men in the ton into purposeful members of society, but they also train themselves physically and mentally to fight crime. The one rule of The Ladies of Virtue is not to discuss The Ladies of Virtue. But someone’s tongue has wagged to a local newspaper and their club is in jeopardy.

Oliver Weeks, Marquess of Davenport, was once upon a time almost engaged to Harriet. Their mothers are the best of friends and wanted the pair to married. When Oliver refused to take Harriet as his wife for her dowry, it stung her heart and her pride. Several years later, Oliver has brought his estate and the properties of the family his father swindled back to glory. With good investments and a lot of knowhow, Oliver’s family is prosperous once again. But it is time for Oliver to find a wife and Harriet is friends with everyone. The scheme is hatched with both Harriet and Oliver having their own agendas, but the final goal is to find Oliver the perfect bride.

DeHart takes us on a very bumpy road to love. Harriet is full of untapped passion for life. She tries to show the world her skills, yet is stifled when their club is leaked to the papers. Oliver was desperate to show the world he could bring his legacy back from the brink of destruction. His one stipulation was he would never marry to recoup his father’s losses. While his exterior shows a man who walks with a defined limp and spends money like water, he is actually very selfless in his daily life, helping his friends and family live comfortably.

I loved each twist and turn DeHart threw at us throughout the novel. The issue of Oliver’s limp might not be a problem by the standards of today, but it was almost world ending to him in the time period of this novel. Harriet never saw his limp as a problem and even though she thought his spending was excessive, she couldn’t help but be drawn to the man.

The Marquess and the Maiden is a complicated and passionate love story told brilliantly from awe-inspiring wordsmith, Robyn DeHart. If you love your stories full of passion, romance, and a thrilling plot you can hold close to your heart, this novel is for you.

I received this book for free. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.