What do you think?
Rate this book
Agents of the Crown #2
How to Marry a Marquis
She’s trying to follow the rules…
When Elizabeth Hotchkiss stumbles upon a copy of How to Marry a Marquis in her employer’s library, she’s convinced someone is playing a cruel joke. With three younger siblings to support, she knows she has to marry for money, but who might have guessed how desperate she’s become? A guidebook to seduction might be just the thing she needs—and what harm could there be in taking a little peek?
…But he’s making his own
James Sidwell, the Marquis of Riverdale, has been summoned to rescue his aunt from a blackmailer, a task that requires him to pose as the new estate manager, and his primary suspect is his aunt’s companion, Elizabeth. Intrigued by the alluring young woman with the curious little rulebook, he gallantly offers to help her find a husband… by practicing her wiles on him. But when practice becomes all too perfect, James decides that there is only one rule worth following—that Elizabeth marry her marquis.
When Elizabeth Hotchkiss stumbles upon a copy of How to Marry a Marquis in her employer’s library, she’s convinced someone is playing a cruel joke. With three younger siblings to support, she knows she has to marry for money, but who might have guessed how desperate she’s become? A guidebook to seduction might be just the thing she needs—and what harm could there be in taking a little peek?
…But he’s making his own
James Sidwell, the Marquis of Riverdale, has been summoned to rescue his aunt from a blackmailer, a task that requires him to pose as the new estate manager, and his primary suspect is his aunt’s companion, Elizabeth. Intrigued by the alluring young woman with the curious little rulebook, he gallantly offers to help her find a husband… by practicing her wiles on him. But when practice becomes all too perfect, James decides that there is only one rule worth following—that Elizabeth marry her marquis.
375 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 9, 1999
About the author
Julia Quinn
144 books43.3k followers#1 New York Times bestselling author Julia Quinn loves to dispel the myth that smart women don't read (or write) romance, and and if you watch reruns of the game show The Weakest Link you might just catch her winning the $79,000 jackpot. She displayed a decided lack of knowledge about baseball, country music, and plush toys, but she is proud to say that she aced all things British and literary, answered all of her history and geography questions correctly, and knew that there was a Da Vinci long before there was a code.
A graduate of Harvard and Radcliffe Colleges, Ms. Quinn is one of only sixteen members of Romance Writers of America’s Hall of Fame. Her books have been translated into 32 languages, and she lives with her family in the Pacific Northwest.
The Bridgertons, her popular series of historical romance, is currently in production by Shondaland as a Netflix original series starring Julie Andrews, Phoebe Dynevor, and Rége-Jean Page.
A graduate of Harvard and Radcliffe Colleges, Ms. Quinn is one of only sixteen members of Romance Writers of America’s Hall of Fame. Her books have been translated into 32 languages, and she lives with her family in the Pacific Northwest.
The Bridgertons, her popular series of historical romance, is currently in production by Shondaland as a Netflix original series starring Julie Andrews, Phoebe Dynevor, and Rége-Jean Page.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,245 reviews
August 27, 2016
Very cute romance.....up until James' true identity was revealed. Then our funny & charming heroine turned into an annoying irrational priss. It was bad enough to make me demote this from 3 to 2 stars (if I could, I'd do 1.5). Elizabeth is desperate enough to marry for money, but suddenly too good to accept money from James. Even if it meant comfort for her siblings and the much needed education for her brother. And even to refuse marriage (or any common sense) from the Marquis who kept trying to tell her he loved her and the real reason why he kept his identity hidden. But noooooooo all Elizabeth can rail on and on and on about is how it was all a heinous plot by James to simply mock her. Perhaps she should let her siblings starve and be homeless then. Or marry the guy who was fat, mean, and had leery eyes for her 9 year old sister. YEAH that makes sense. Seriously the last 60 pages ruined the entire book for me.
July 10, 2021
This was really cute until the end when the back and forth between the hero and heroine became ridiculous.
Elizabeth is actively trying to find someone to marry. Someone with enough money to take care of her and her younger siblings. They were all orphaned a few years back and the funds are running low. She's not mercenary, she just needs to take care of them and marriage is her only option at this point. <--she already has a job as a companion to Lady Danbury and it ain't covering nearly enough.
Ok, so James has been called home by his Aunt Agatha (Lady Danbury) to help save her from a blackmail scheme. He is unusually suited to this sort of work because he used to be a spy for the Crown. However, he is also the Marquis of...nobodyfuckingcaresitisaromancenovel.
Point is, he's got plenty of money and he needs to get married, but he's tired of all the ladies who only want him for his title.
Fate (who goes by the name Agatha Danbury) throws these two kids together and the results are a mostly adorable regency romance.
Elizabeth finds this book in Lady Danbury's library called How to Marry a Marquis and due to desperation, decides that it couldn't hurt to take a peek. She eventually gets caught with it by James, who she thinks is Agatha's estate agent. She's mortified, but James takes one peek at the laughable advice in the book and offers to help her by giving lessons on what men actually want in a woman.
Now, James isn't just doing it to be nice. Part of him is completely intrigued by Elizabeth and part of him thinks she might just be the blackmailer he's looking for.
They are destined to fall in love!
But then at the end, because you've gotta have a little conflict before you get your Happily Ever After, there's a big kerfuffle that drags on quite too long, in my very humble opinion.
Elizabeth finds out that he's lied to her and he's not an estate agent. Now, prior to this revelation, they've already opened up and told each other their darkest secrets, made out as much as you can in a regency romance, and promised to find a way to be together. Thing is, James feels like he needs to find the blackmailer before telling her who he is. <--this is due to nothing other than plot, as I don't see how she could have been put in danger by knowing his true identity. The opposite was more likely, but whatever because it's a romance novel.
Regardless, it shouldn't have mattered to her that he was a marquis. I mean, sure. She had a right to be confused or weirded out right up until he said let me explain, and then she really needed to stop squawking and let the dude talk. She didn't do that. Even though he never gave her a reason to think he was a cruel person, she just kept insisting that he was somehow mocking her by keeping his identity secret. Thing is, she didn't want to fall for James initially BECAUSE she thought he was penniless, and now all of their problems are solved!
What the fuck is wrong with you, girl?
It would be like your boyfriend proposing marriage and then telling you that he'd just won the lottery. Is your first instinct to get pissed off and throw the ring in his face?
I think not.
Ok. THEN after waaaaay too many pages of people trying to explain that he's not a sleazeball and she's possibly overreacting, he tracks her down and begs her to marry him. She finally agrees after he points out that he can provide for her siblings.
BUT then, like the world's floppiest dick, he resends the marriage offer because she didn't say she was agreeing to marry him for love. <--yeah! What the fuck? Why even bring up that you can provide for her family if that isn't something you want to sway your pissed off, impoverished, slightly unhinged girlfriend to marry you!
By this time, I was over both of these idiots.
Yeah, yeah. They (of course) get together at the end. But all the cuteness that the vast majority of the book held was soured due to all the stupid at the end.
The big reveal at the end that
Like, should I even bother to spoiler tag that? Did anyone not see that coming from a mile away?
However, this is a romance so I'm not deducting points for that.
But at the very end, they pull it all out and have a cute little HEA. And while I've been a bit bitchy, the vast majority of the book was filled with fluffy romance and snappy banter.
Even with all the complaints, it is still definitely worth a read for any Julia Quinn fan.
Elizabeth is actively trying to find someone to marry. Someone with enough money to take care of her and her younger siblings. They were all orphaned a few years back and the funds are running low. She's not mercenary, she just needs to take care of them and marriage is her only option at this point. <--she already has a job as a companion to Lady Danbury and it ain't covering nearly enough.
Ok, so James has been called home by his Aunt Agatha (Lady Danbury) to help save her from a blackmail scheme. He is unusually suited to this sort of work because he used to be a spy for the Crown. However, he is also the Marquis of...nobodyfuckingcaresitisaromancenovel.
Point is, he's got plenty of money and he needs to get married, but he's tired of all the ladies who only want him for his title.
Fate (who goes by the name Agatha Danbury) throws these two kids together and the results are a mostly adorable regency romance.
Elizabeth finds this book in Lady Danbury's library called How to Marry a Marquis and due to desperation, decides that it couldn't hurt to take a peek. She eventually gets caught with it by James, who she thinks is Agatha's estate agent. She's mortified, but James takes one peek at the laughable advice in the book and offers to help her by giving lessons on what men actually want in a woman.
Now, James isn't just doing it to be nice. Part of him is completely intrigued by Elizabeth and part of him thinks she might just be the blackmailer he's looking for.
They are destined to fall in love!
But then at the end, because you've gotta have a little conflict before you get your Happily Ever After, there's a big kerfuffle that drags on quite too long, in my very humble opinion.
Elizabeth finds out that he's lied to her and he's not an estate agent. Now, prior to this revelation, they've already opened up and told each other their darkest secrets, made out as much as you can in a regency romance, and promised to find a way to be together. Thing is, James feels like he needs to find the blackmailer before telling her who he is. <--this is due to nothing other than plot, as I don't see how she could have been put in danger by knowing his true identity. The opposite was more likely, but whatever because it's a romance novel.
Regardless, it shouldn't have mattered to her that he was a marquis. I mean, sure. She had a right to be confused or weirded out right up until he said let me explain, and then she really needed to stop squawking and let the dude talk. She didn't do that. Even though he never gave her a reason to think he was a cruel person, she just kept insisting that he was somehow mocking her by keeping his identity secret. Thing is, she didn't want to fall for James initially BECAUSE she thought he was penniless, and now all of their problems are solved!
What the fuck is wrong with you, girl?
It would be like your boyfriend proposing marriage and then telling you that he'd just won the lottery. Is your first instinct to get pissed off and throw the ring in his face?
I think not.
Ok. THEN after waaaaay too many pages of people trying to explain that he's not a sleazeball and she's possibly overreacting, he tracks her down and begs her to marry him. She finally agrees after he points out that he can provide for her siblings.
BUT then, like the world's floppiest dick, he resends the marriage offer because she didn't say she was agreeing to marry him for love. <--yeah! What the fuck? Why even bring up that you can provide for her family if that isn't something you want to sway your pissed off, impoverished, slightly unhinged girlfriend to marry you!
By this time, I was over both of these idiots.
Yeah, yeah. They (of course) get together at the end. But all the cuteness that the vast majority of the book held was soured due to all the stupid at the end.
The big reveal at the end that
Like, should I even bother to spoiler tag that? Did anyone not see that coming from a mile away?
However, this is a romance so I'm not deducting points for that.
But at the very end, they pull it all out and have a cute little HEA. And while I've been a bit bitchy, the vast majority of the book was filled with fluffy romance and snappy banter.
Even with all the complaints, it is still definitely worth a read for any Julia Quinn fan.
September 25, 2018
4 Estrellitas muy bien merecidas. Éste libro sí es un 100% Quinn. Me he reído muchísimo, me ha enganchado mucho, sus personajes han sido divertidos, y en general la relación de todos ha estado muy lograda.
Cuando leí "Cómo atrapar a una heredera" me quedé con muchísimas ganas de conocer la historia de James y no me ha decepcionado. Lo mejor de "Cómo casarse con un marqués" fue descubrir que el gran personaje secundario de éste libro, y que juega un papel muy, muy importante, es nada más y nada menos que Lady Danbury; la entrañable anciana de la serie de los Bridgerton.
En esta historia conocemos a Elizabeth Hotchkiss, una dama de la nobleza rural y empobrecida, que se ve relegada a trabajar como dama de compañía, y de Lady Danbury nada menos. Tras el fallecimiento de sus padres, estos dejaron a su prole sin dinero ni propiedades, solo con un pobre título de baronet, destinado al pequeño de la familia. Elizabeth es la mayor de los cuatro hermanos, y como tal, de ella dependen los menores. El problema es que cada vez hay menos dinero, y hay que pensar en el futuro del pequeño Lucas, así que a Elizabeth no le queda otra si no contemplar la idea del matrimonio.
Conocimos a James en el primer libro, el gran amigo de Blake con un corazón enorme. Como marqués que es, y ya con una edad propicia, debería casarse, pero él quiere algo distinto, no quiere lo que tuvieron sus padres. Así que, cuando es llamado a la finca campestre de su tía, Lady Danbury, con una misión especial para él, no duda en salir de Londres y librarse de las madres casaderas. Lady Danbury tiene un problema, y es que alguien la está chantajeando, necesita de la ayuda de James, pero la idea es que para que no le descubran, debe hacerse pasar por el administrador de la propiedad.
De esta manera es como se conocen Elizabeth y James, cuando él llega a la propiedad solicitando el puesto como nuevo administrador, y descubre a Elizabeth intentando esconder un pequeño libro en su bolso. Elizabeth descubre de manera casual en la biblioteca de Lady Danbury un librito llamado "Cómo casarse con un marqués", quizás sus enseñanzas no le vendrían mal, ya que lo que necesita es casarse, y mejor si puede ser de alguien con dinero. Pero el extraño comportamiento de Elizabeth llamará la atención de James, que no puede si no sospechar de Elizabeth como la chantajista.
Volvemos a tener una novela divertida y con enredo incluido. Intentar descubrir al chantajista, las cargas de Elizabeth y el misterioso pasado de James, y no solo su pasado, si no el engaño que está urdiendo para ayudar a su tía, y que afectará igualmente a Elizabeth.
En general ha sido una novela muy completa y entrañable, que ha hecho las delicias de esta lectora. Puede que no sea de los mejores de Julia Quinn, pero ha merecido mucho la pena, y si lo que quieres es una novela romántica de comedia y enredo, esta es la tuya.
Cuando leí "Cómo atrapar a una heredera" me quedé con muchísimas ganas de conocer la historia de James y no me ha decepcionado. Lo mejor de "Cómo casarse con un marqués" fue descubrir que el gran personaje secundario de éste libro, y que juega un papel muy, muy importante, es nada más y nada menos que Lady Danbury; la entrañable anciana de la serie de los Bridgerton.
En esta historia conocemos a Elizabeth Hotchkiss, una dama de la nobleza rural y empobrecida, que se ve relegada a trabajar como dama de compañía, y de Lady Danbury nada menos. Tras el fallecimiento de sus padres, estos dejaron a su prole sin dinero ni propiedades, solo con un pobre título de baronet, destinado al pequeño de la familia. Elizabeth es la mayor de los cuatro hermanos, y como tal, de ella dependen los menores. El problema es que cada vez hay menos dinero, y hay que pensar en el futuro del pequeño Lucas, así que a Elizabeth no le queda otra si no contemplar la idea del matrimonio.
Conocimos a James en el primer libro, el gran amigo de Blake con un corazón enorme. Como marqués que es, y ya con una edad propicia, debería casarse, pero él quiere algo distinto, no quiere lo que tuvieron sus padres. Así que, cuando es llamado a la finca campestre de su tía, Lady Danbury, con una misión especial para él, no duda en salir de Londres y librarse de las madres casaderas. Lady Danbury tiene un problema, y es que alguien la está chantajeando, necesita de la ayuda de James, pero la idea es que para que no le descubran, debe hacerse pasar por el administrador de la propiedad.
De esta manera es como se conocen Elizabeth y James, cuando él llega a la propiedad solicitando el puesto como nuevo administrador, y descubre a Elizabeth intentando esconder un pequeño libro en su bolso. Elizabeth descubre de manera casual en la biblioteca de Lady Danbury un librito llamado "Cómo casarse con un marqués", quizás sus enseñanzas no le vendrían mal, ya que lo que necesita es casarse, y mejor si puede ser de alguien con dinero. Pero el extraño comportamiento de Elizabeth llamará la atención de James, que no puede si no sospechar de Elizabeth como la chantajista.
Volvemos a tener una novela divertida y con enredo incluido. Intentar descubrir al chantajista, las cargas de Elizabeth y el misterioso pasado de James, y no solo su pasado, si no el engaño que está urdiendo para ayudar a su tía, y que afectará igualmente a Elizabeth.
En general ha sido una novela muy completa y entrañable, que ha hecho las delicias de esta lectora. Puede que no sea de los mejores de Julia Quinn, pero ha merecido mucho la pena, y si lo que quieres es una novela romántica de comedia y enredo, esta es la tuya.
January 12, 2020
*4.5 stars
I knew I will love James, cause he already caught my eye in the previous book, and I actually like him more than Blake (but I like Blake too).
The plot was so good and unique. I love this whole 'How to Marry a Marquis' idea and the fact Elizabeth didn't knew that James is actually a marquis. It was great.
Oh and for those who read Julia Quinn's Bridgertons series, Lady Danbury is also a big part of the book, and she's bringing her usual sassy self. I love her!
My ranking of the series:
1) How to Marry a Marquis
2) To Catch An Heiress
I knew I will love James, cause he already caught my eye in the previous book, and I actually like him more than Blake (but I like Blake too).
The plot was so good and unique. I love this whole 'How to Marry a Marquis' idea and the fact Elizabeth didn't knew that James is actually a marquis. It was great.
Oh and for those who read Julia Quinn's Bridgertons series, Lady Danbury is also a big part of the book, and she's bringing her usual sassy self. I love her!
My ranking of the series:
1) How to Marry a Marquis
2) To Catch An Heiress
April 15, 2012
(Edited: spoiler deleted scene - copied from JQ's website - at the end of this review. Another lovely epilogue)
I have no doubt that Julia Quinn is the queen of historical romance to me. This book gave me a great time (I was ill when I read this). It had quite a simple and common story with predictable plot and yet I ended up loving it. Tons of laughter guaranteed!
The source of all the troubles is How To Marry A Marquis, a guidebook which provides information the ladies need to know to snare an aristocrat. Elizabeth Hotchkiss thinks it might help her to find a wealthy husband who can save her family from poverty. Her fourteen years old sister comes with the idea that Elizabeth should begin practicing her new skills (based on those silly rules in the silly guidebook) on James Sidwell a.k.a James Siddons, Lady Danbury's new estate manager. That's when all the fun begin.
JQ somehow successfully managed a romance theme which might have sounded excessively light into something meaningful. I fell in love with the couple in an instant. James and Elizabeth both came from noble families and had lost their parents in some tragic ways. The difference was as the only child James was left with his family’s great fortune and the title as Marquis of Riverdale, while Elizabeth’s parents left her with three younger siblings and no money at all. Regardless of what happened in the past, James and Elizabeth are kind and so adorable. With these types of H and h, instead of bored they entertained me and warmed my heart. Elizabeth's innocence, ingeniousness, and clumsiness drive James insane. James also has the confidence and charm which make him irresistible. But when she's in danger, he can easily changes from angel to devil.
The romance was rich. Emotionally rich. It was about learning how to trust, to accept someone for what they really are, and to forgive when it hurts knowing that the one who loves you never meant to hurt you. I always admire if a fast-paced romance can keep it's pace with more precious elements rather than overusing sexual tension. So if you're looking for smokin' hot romance with lots of sex, you won't find it here. James and Elizabeth will make you laugh and sad and laugh so much more until you're screaming and begging for them to make love. And when they finally did, I wasn't disappointed at all.
Other characters were as lovely as the main two. So glad I met Lady Danbury again! She played an important role in this story. If James and Elizabeth don't make you laugh loud enough, Lady Danbury will. If she doesn't, the cute three younger Hotchkiss siblings will do. If they don't, the couple from the previous book (which I haven't read yet) Blake & Caroline will. And even if they all fail to make you laugh (hardly) there's still Malcolm! I loved them all...
The character Malcolm, Lady Danbury's overweight kitty was based on real kitty.
Source: Author's website.
The epilogue was a great finishing touch. Simple, unique, very funny, and extremely sweet. From all romance books I've ever read so far there were two with the best epilogue, One Night with the Rebel Billionaire and Dangerous Passion. How To Marry A Marquis makes it three.
Had a bad day? Or just want to read a light romance with some qualities? Try this and let a bunch of friggin' hilarious lovers, families, and bestfriends share some laughter and happiness with you.
********************************************************************
From the author's website:
Deleted scene from How to Marry a Marquis
The original epilogue for How to Marry a Marquis took place at the wedding, but my editor felt it would be fun to style it like a book instead. I think she was right (I love what we ended up with) but I still like this scene a lot! ~ JQ
Epilogue
I have no doubt that Julia Quinn is the queen of historical romance to me. This book gave me a great time (I was ill when I read this). It had quite a simple and common story with predictable plot and yet I ended up loving it. Tons of laughter guaranteed!
“I offered to burn the book, if you recall. I told you it was utter nonsense." He glared at her, and when that didn't cause her to quake in her shoes, he glared at Blake and Caroline. That also seemed to have no effect, so he turned back to Elizabeth and yelled, "For the love of God, woman, there's only one rule in that bloody book worth following."
"And that is?" Elizabeth asked disdainfully.
"That you marry your damned marquis!"
The source of all the troubles is How To Marry A Marquis, a guidebook which provides information the ladies need to know to snare an aristocrat. Elizabeth Hotchkiss thinks it might help her to find a wealthy husband who can save her family from poverty. Her fourteen years old sister comes with the idea that Elizabeth should begin practicing her new skills (based on those silly rules in the silly guidebook) on James Sidwell a.k.a James Siddons, Lady Danbury's new estate manager. That's when all the fun begin.
JQ somehow successfully managed a romance theme which might have sounded excessively light into something meaningful. I fell in love with the couple in an instant. James and Elizabeth both came from noble families and had lost their parents in some tragic ways. The difference was as the only child James was left with his family’s great fortune and the title as Marquis of Riverdale, while Elizabeth’s parents left her with three younger siblings and no money at all. Regardless of what happened in the past, James and Elizabeth are kind and so adorable. With these types of H and h, instead of bored they entertained me and warmed my heart. Elizabeth's innocence, ingeniousness, and clumsiness drive James insane. James also has the confidence and charm which make him irresistible. But when she's in danger, he can easily changes from angel to devil.
The romance was rich. Emotionally rich. It was about learning how to trust, to accept someone for what they really are, and to forgive when it hurts knowing that the one who loves you never meant to hurt you. I always admire if a fast-paced romance can keep it's pace with more precious elements rather than overusing sexual tension. So if you're looking for smokin' hot romance with lots of sex, you won't find it here. James and Elizabeth will make you laugh and sad and laugh so much more until you're screaming and begging for them to make love. And when they finally did, I wasn't disappointed at all.
"Oh, Elizabeth," he murmured, leaning down to press a gentle kiss on her mouth, "I love you so much. You must believe me."
"I believe you," she said softly, "because in your eyes, I see what I feel in my heart."
Other characters were as lovely as the main two. So glad I met Lady Danbury again! She played an important role in this story. If James and Elizabeth don't make you laugh loud enough, Lady Danbury will. If she doesn't, the cute three younger Hotchkiss siblings will do. If they don't, the couple from the previous book (which I haven't read yet) Blake & Caroline will. And even if they all fail to make you laugh (hardly) there's still Malcolm! I loved them all...
The character Malcolm, Lady Danbury's overweight kitty was based on real kitty.
Source: Author's website.
The epilogue was a great finishing touch. Simple, unique, very funny, and extremely sweet. From all romance books I've ever read so far there were two with the best epilogue, One Night with the Rebel Billionaire and Dangerous Passion. How To Marry A Marquis makes it three.
Had a bad day? Or just want to read a light romance with some qualities? Try this and let a bunch of friggin' hilarious lovers, families, and bestfriends share some laughter and happiness with you.
********************************************************************
From the author's website:
Deleted scene from How to Marry a Marquis
The original epilogue for How to Marry a Marquis took place at the wedding, but my editor felt it would be fun to style it like a book instead. I think she was right (I love what we ended up with) but I still like this scene a lot! ~ JQ
Epilogue
May 3, 2015
Historical romance - 3.5 stars!
Sweet and fun!
"Are you paying attention or just trying to make me look like an idiot?"
"Oh, I'm definately paying attention. If you look like an idiot it has nothing to do with me."
"He looks like a man."
"How descriptive," Susan said in a droll tone. "Remind me never to advise you to seek work as a novelist."
September 25, 2024
Charming in every way. From the cat to Mrs. Danbury and of course our couple.
Will be in my next vlog
Will be in my next vlog
February 6, 2017
Precioso, desde la primera hasta la ultima pagina. A pesar de que al final ella se torna demasiado orgullosa, aunque en parte la entiendo que enterarse de la verdad de esa forma hiciera que mandará a paseo a James.
Divertido, de lectura ágil y con unos personajes tanto secundarios como principales (adoro a James, es un amor) encantadores, es un final de serie de broche de oro.
Divertido, de lectura ágil y con unos personajes tanto secundarios como principales (adoro a James, es un amor) encantadores, es un final de serie de broche de oro.
August 14, 2022
this book was amazing!! definitely one of my favorite historical romances
July 7, 2022
4'5⭐
Que contenta me pone poder decir que la segunda parte de esta bilogía entra a engrosar mi lista de favoritos de Julia Quinn.
La relación de los protas me ha encandilado desde el primer momento. Como es habitual, uno de los puntos fuertes de la historia es el ingenio de la dialéctica, los tira y aflojas, los piques entre los personajes. En esta ocasión, además, ha sido muy divertido añadir esas escenas en las que él supuestamente le está enseñando a comportarse de tal forma que pueda conquistar a un marido pero queda claro que el coqueteo no es meramente instructivo. Evidentemente, hay varias situaciones de por medio que van a dificultar que ambos reconozcan que hay algo más detrás de esas clases y que tal vez podrían ir más allá de ellas. En el fondo, es como una comedia de enredo muy divertida y entretenida, que además se lee rapidísimo.
A James ya le conocimos en Cómo atrapar a una heredera, y ya en ese primer libro fue un personaje que me gustó mucho, sobre todo por lo guasón que es, y tenía ganas de conocer su propia historia. Si que es cierto que en este segundo libro me da la impresión de que su personalidad es ligeramente diferente, aunque quizás se deba a que su situación y lo que hay en juego en este segundo libro también son diferentes, por supuesto.
De Elizabeth me ha encantado la relación que tiene con sus hermanos. La devoción y el amor que siente por ellos, los sacrificios que hace constantemente para mantenerlos y mantener unida a su familia han hecho que la adore desde el primer momento. Para mí, son cosas que tienen mucho valor.
En cuanto a Lady Danbury, que es para quien trabaja Elizabeth como dama de compañía, es cierto que también tiene gancho, pero no me ha parecido la misma Lady Danbury que conocí por primera vez en los Bridgerton. Sí, es una deslenguada y no le importa soltar lo primero que piensa, pero sí que da la impresión de que, como personaje, todavía no está pulido del todo.
Solo le veo un único problemilla que no puedo contar por spoilers, pero es un momento tenso/dramático que no tiene más repercusión en la trama que esa única escena, y me parece que es una cosa que, en la vida real, afectaría mucho más al personaje.
Pero a pesar de todo, ya os digo, de mis favoritos de Julia Quinn de lo que he leído suyo recientemente.
Que contenta me pone poder decir que la segunda parte de esta bilogía entra a engrosar mi lista de favoritos de Julia Quinn.
La relación de los protas me ha encandilado desde el primer momento. Como es habitual, uno de los puntos fuertes de la historia es el ingenio de la dialéctica, los tira y aflojas, los piques entre los personajes. En esta ocasión, además, ha sido muy divertido añadir esas escenas en las que él supuestamente le está enseñando a comportarse de tal forma que pueda conquistar a un marido pero queda claro que el coqueteo no es meramente instructivo. Evidentemente, hay varias situaciones de por medio que van a dificultar que ambos reconozcan que hay algo más detrás de esas clases y que tal vez podrían ir más allá de ellas. En el fondo, es como una comedia de enredo muy divertida y entretenida, que además se lee rapidísimo.
A James ya le conocimos en Cómo atrapar a una heredera, y ya en ese primer libro fue un personaje que me gustó mucho, sobre todo por lo guasón que es, y tenía ganas de conocer su propia historia. Si que es cierto que en este segundo libro me da la impresión de que su personalidad es ligeramente diferente, aunque quizás se deba a que su situación y lo que hay en juego en este segundo libro también son diferentes, por supuesto.
De Elizabeth me ha encantado la relación que tiene con sus hermanos. La devoción y el amor que siente por ellos, los sacrificios que hace constantemente para mantenerlos y mantener unida a su familia han hecho que la adore desde el primer momento. Para mí, son cosas que tienen mucho valor.
En cuanto a Lady Danbury, que es para quien trabaja Elizabeth como dama de compañía, es cierto que también tiene gancho, pero no me ha parecido la misma Lady Danbury que conocí por primera vez en los Bridgerton. Sí, es una deslenguada y no le importa soltar lo primero que piensa, pero sí que da la impresión de que, como personaje, todavía no está pulido del todo.
Solo le veo un único problemilla que no puedo contar por spoilers, pero es un momento tenso/dramático que no tiene más repercusión en la trama que esa única escena, y me parece que es una cosa que, en la vida real, afectaría mucho más al personaje.
Pero a pesar de todo, ya os digo, de mis favoritos de Julia Quinn de lo que he leído suyo recientemente.
March 27, 2019
I highlighted the scene where I officially gave up on this book:
Heroine: *punches Marquis*
Me: "YEAH! You go, girl!"
Irrelevant Character: "James...are you bleeding?"
Heroine: "Bleeding? Elizabeth hated that she cared, but she couldn't stop her gasp and she immediately turned to James. She would never forgive him for what he'd done, and she certainly never wanted to see him again, but she didn't want him to be hurt."
So punching someone who physically tries to prevent you from leaving poses no problem, but hurting them somehow does? What is the point of punching?!
Honestly, despite the one star rating, not the worst Regency romance I've picked up on a whim. I actually liked James for the first three quarters or so. Once Elizabeth learns of his identity, however, he turns into a raging asshole who keeps physically retraining her so he can speak his mind.
I mean, really, I feel like starting a campaign for the education of alpha males. "REPEAT AFTER ME. YOU ARE NOT ENTITLED TO MARRY THE GIRL YOU LOVE. SHE OWES YOU NOTHING. IF YOU TOUCH HER, YOU ARE AS BAD AS THE CREEPS YOU CONDEMN."
Good motives and favorable lighting do not excuse abusive behavior. Why is it so hard for authors to create likable guys who don't resort to violence?
Or for that matter, villains who don't resort to rape?
While this book encapsulates my complaint, I would broaden it to apply to the genre in general. Characters act like animals. The only way you can tell the heroes from the villain is that the heroines accept their coerced romance happily. Oh, and the heroes tend to use subtler methods. They don't drag the girl behind the barn. They just throw tantrums until she accepts their sexual overtures.
To the Elizabeths of the fictional world, you can do so much better.
Heroine: *punches Marquis*
Me: "YEAH! You go, girl!"
Irrelevant Character: "James...are you bleeding?"
Heroine: "Bleeding? Elizabeth hated that she cared, but she couldn't stop her gasp and she immediately turned to James. She would never forgive him for what he'd done, and she certainly never wanted to see him again, but she didn't want him to be hurt."
So punching someone who physically tries to prevent you from leaving poses no problem, but hurting them somehow does? What is the point of punching?!
Honestly, despite the one star rating, not the worst Regency romance I've picked up on a whim. I actually liked James for the first three quarters or so. Once Elizabeth learns of his identity, however, he turns into a raging asshole who keeps physically retraining her so he can speak his mind.
I mean, really, I feel like starting a campaign for the education of alpha males. "REPEAT AFTER ME. YOU ARE NOT ENTITLED TO MARRY THE GIRL YOU LOVE. SHE OWES YOU NOTHING. IF YOU TOUCH HER, YOU ARE AS BAD AS THE CREEPS YOU CONDEMN."
Good motives and favorable lighting do not excuse abusive behavior. Why is it so hard for authors to create likable guys who don't resort to violence?
Or for that matter, villains who don't resort to rape?
While this book encapsulates my complaint, I would broaden it to apply to the genre in general. Characters act like animals. The only way you can tell the heroes from the villain is that the heroines accept their coerced romance happily. Oh, and the heroes tend to use subtler methods. They don't drag the girl behind the barn. They just throw tantrums until she accepts their sexual overtures.
To the Elizabeths of the fictional world, you can do so much better.
February 11, 2020
#RetoRita4 #RetoJulia
Una historia preciosa con el estilo al que nos tiene acostumbrada Julia Quinn.
La historia nos sitúa en un pequeño pueblo o, más concretamente, en la mansión de lady Danbury, tía de James Riverdale, el protagonista. Con breves pinceladas y algunas anacrónicas actuaciones de los personajes, nos sumerge en una sencilla ambientación, la justa para saber en qué mundo nos movemos, porque aquí lo importante son los personajes y sus diálogos.
La trama, también sencilla, gira entorno a un engaño perpetrado por una buena causa cuyas previsibles consecuencias dan lugar a la historia de amor de los protagonistas. Lady Danbury le pide a su sobrino que se haga pasar por el administrador de sus tierras para que le ayude a descubrir quién la está chantajeando. James Sidwell, Marqués de Riverdale, se hará pasar por James Siddon, lo que le viene de perlas para poder alejarse de la aburrida sociedad de Londres con sus madres casamenteras.
Lo que más destaca en la historia son los diálogos entre los diversos personajes que aparecen en ella. Elizabeth Hotchkiss, nuestra protagonista, es la acompañante de lady Danbury y la hermana mayor de tres pilluelos (uno de ellos un pequeño baronet). La carencia de recursos económicos con los que mantener unida a su familia —algo en lo que se empeñó desde que sus padres fallecieron— se convierte en un enorme peso que arrastra consigo, y está dispuesta a hacer cualquier cosa para darle a sus hermanos lo que necesitan, incluso "pescar" a un marido. La idea le viene a la mente cuando encuentra un pequeño librito rojo en la biblioteca de la anciana dama, titulado "Cómo casarse con un Marqués". Elizabeth se nos presenta como una joven sencilla y llana, sin los artificios de las damas londinenses, con un ingenio agudo, divertida y sin doblez. Cuando se encuentra con el señor Siddon, el nuevo administrador, ve en ello una oportunidad para practicar las "artimañas" que propone la autora del librito rojo, aunque poco a poco se da cuenta de lo difícil que resulta no ser ella misma. También debe enfrentarse a la atracción que despierta en ella el joven administrador, que no resulta un candidato adecuado para el matrimonio dada su situación económica.
El personaje de James me gustó desde su aparición en la primera entrega de esta bilogía "Cómo atrapar a una heredera". Es un personaje muy completo y bastante alejado del típico marqués arrogante y consciente de su posición social. Más bien combina trazas de caballero campechano con una pátina de aristócrata de la "city". Su ingenio rivalizará con el de Elizabeth, lo que dará juego a la sencilla trama.
Lady Danbury y los hermanos de Elizabeth son también personajes entrañables que nos proporcionan momentos de diversión. A pesar de todo, echo un poco de menos cierta profundidad en los personajes. James, por ejemplo, ha tenido una niñez difícil y, excepto por el momento de la narración en el que se lo cuenta a Elizabeth, el resto del tiempo pasa por encima de ello superficialmente, sin que se vean heridas profundas en su carácter o en su alma; y lo mismo sucede con Elizabeth. Tal vez esto se deba a que la autora prefiere darle un cariz más cómico a la historia que dramático.
Diálogos ingeniosos y situaciones cómicas salpican las páginas, y es fácil encontrarse sonriendo a cada momento de la lectura, aunque en ocasiones encontremos cosas que pueden chirriarnos por anacrónicas. Es una novela cuya función es entretener, sin mayores pretensiones, y lo logra.
Una historia preciosa con el estilo al que nos tiene acostumbrada Julia Quinn.
La historia nos sitúa en un pequeño pueblo o, más concretamente, en la mansión de lady Danbury, tía de James Riverdale, el protagonista. Con breves pinceladas y algunas anacrónicas actuaciones de los personajes, nos sumerge en una sencilla ambientación, la justa para saber en qué mundo nos movemos, porque aquí lo importante son los personajes y sus diálogos.
La trama, también sencilla, gira entorno a un engaño perpetrado por una buena causa cuyas previsibles consecuencias dan lugar a la historia de amor de los protagonistas. Lady Danbury le pide a su sobrino que se haga pasar por el administrador de sus tierras para que le ayude a descubrir quién la está chantajeando. James Sidwell, Marqués de Riverdale, se hará pasar por James Siddon, lo que le viene de perlas para poder alejarse de la aburrida sociedad de Londres con sus madres casamenteras.
Lo que más destaca en la historia son los diálogos entre los diversos personajes que aparecen en ella. Elizabeth Hotchkiss, nuestra protagonista, es la acompañante de lady Danbury y la hermana mayor de tres pilluelos (uno de ellos un pequeño baronet). La carencia de recursos económicos con los que mantener unida a su familia —algo en lo que se empeñó desde que sus padres fallecieron— se convierte en un enorme peso que arrastra consigo, y está dispuesta a hacer cualquier cosa para darle a sus hermanos lo que necesitan, incluso "pescar" a un marido. La idea le viene a la mente cuando encuentra un pequeño librito rojo en la biblioteca de la anciana dama, titulado "Cómo casarse con un Marqués". Elizabeth se nos presenta como una joven sencilla y llana, sin los artificios de las damas londinenses, con un ingenio agudo, divertida y sin doblez. Cuando se encuentra con el señor Siddon, el nuevo administrador, ve en ello una oportunidad para practicar las "artimañas" que propone la autora del librito rojo, aunque poco a poco se da cuenta de lo difícil que resulta no ser ella misma. También debe enfrentarse a la atracción que despierta en ella el joven administrador, que no resulta un candidato adecuado para el matrimonio dada su situación económica.
El personaje de James me gustó desde su aparición en la primera entrega de esta bilogía "Cómo atrapar a una heredera". Es un personaje muy completo y bastante alejado del típico marqués arrogante y consciente de su posición social. Más bien combina trazas de caballero campechano con una pátina de aristócrata de la "city". Su ingenio rivalizará con el de Elizabeth, lo que dará juego a la sencilla trama.
Lady Danbury y los hermanos de Elizabeth son también personajes entrañables que nos proporcionan momentos de diversión. A pesar de todo, echo un poco de menos cierta profundidad en los personajes. James, por ejemplo, ha tenido una niñez difícil y, excepto por el momento de la narración en el que se lo cuenta a Elizabeth, el resto del tiempo pasa por encima de ello superficialmente, sin que se vean heridas profundas en su carácter o en su alma; y lo mismo sucede con Elizabeth. Tal vez esto se deba a que la autora prefiere darle un cariz más cómico a la historia que dramático.
Diálogos ingeniosos y situaciones cómicas salpican las páginas, y es fácil encontrarse sonriendo a cada momento de la lectura, aunque en ocasiones encontremos cosas que pueden chirriarnos por anacrónicas. Es una novela cuya función es entretener, sin mayores pretensiones, y lo logra.
February 16, 2012
This book started out with little promise for me, and it was largely because of the heroine. I sympathized with Elizabeth's position as the sole provider for herself and her three younger siblings, but I did not sympathize with her overreaction to pretty much everything that happened to her. I understand being embarrassed to be carrying around a horrid book about how to marry a marquis, but I had trouble understanding exactly why Elizabeth had blown the situation to the proportions that she did. It was a silly book that could easily be passed off as a simple laugh, and yet she acted as though it contained the missing 18 minutes of the Watergate tapes.
Sure, desperate times call for desperate measures, but really? Trying to take advice from a book that you know beyond a shadow of a doubt is completely ridiculous, makes no sense, and in no way preaches common sense? I couldn't believe Elizabeth blamed the book for her misfortune by the end - she was the one who followed its advice despite her better judgment.
And then we have the great unveiling of James's true identity. Why exactly did she go psychotic upon finding this out? How does "I'm posing as an estate manager to help my beloved aunt whom I love more than anything in the world avoid blackmail" sound malicious or intentionally hurtful? And why, for the love of god, was Elizabeth stubbornly insisting on making James's "lies" and the reasons for his alternate identity all about her? The man only saved her from rape, gave her an anonymous bank note to help her out of her financial problems and send her brother to Eton, and let her blather on about herself and her desperation without slapping her in the face (which, to me, seemed like a labor of Hercules). But no...the fact that James was working undercover with a different identity and thus BETRAYED HER totally negates all of that for Elizabeth. Forgive me, but I don't enjoy romance novels when one or both of the main characters is essentially a petulant and selfish child.
As far as grace and dignity goes...Elizabeth had none, in my opinion.
Also, the thing about her being clumsy, always smacking her hand on the table and howling in pain about it like a wimp got very annoying very fast.
Lastly, if you're going to use a well-known literary quote, make sure you're attributing it to the right person:
"She'd read enough Shakespeare to trust the Bard, and if he said it was better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all - she believed him."
I usually trust the Bard, too, Julia Quinn...but the fact is that Tennyson actually coined that famous quote, and he did so about 35 years AFTER this story is supposed to be taking place. Even if you haven't read "In Memoriam," a simple Google search would have confirmed this fact for you. This, and the fact that she can't seem to get the proper use of "lie" and "lay" right, makes her appear blatantly ignorant.
If you want something mindless to entertain you/annoy you on a rainy day, then this book will do the job. If you cringe at bad grammar, characters who are supposed to be admirable but continue to act psychotic, and glaring displays of poor knowledge of the Western literary canon, then this book will leave you beating your head against the wall.
Sure, desperate times call for desperate measures, but really? Trying to take advice from a book that you know beyond a shadow of a doubt is completely ridiculous, makes no sense, and in no way preaches common sense? I couldn't believe Elizabeth blamed the book for her misfortune by the end - she was the one who followed its advice despite her better judgment.
And then we have the great unveiling of James's true identity. Why exactly did she go psychotic upon finding this out? How does "I'm posing as an estate manager to help my beloved aunt whom I love more than anything in the world avoid blackmail" sound malicious or intentionally hurtful? And why, for the love of god, was Elizabeth stubbornly insisting on making James's "lies" and the reasons for his alternate identity all about her? The man only saved her from rape, gave her an anonymous bank note to help her out of her financial problems and send her brother to Eton, and let her blather on about herself and her desperation without slapping her in the face (which, to me, seemed like a labor of Hercules). But no...the fact that James was working undercover with a different identity and thus BETRAYED HER totally negates all of that for Elizabeth. Forgive me, but I don't enjoy romance novels when one or both of the main characters is essentially a petulant and selfish child.
As far as grace and dignity goes...Elizabeth had none, in my opinion.
Also, the thing about her being clumsy, always smacking her hand on the table and howling in pain about it like a wimp got very annoying very fast.
Lastly, if you're going to use a well-known literary quote, make sure you're attributing it to the right person:
"She'd read enough Shakespeare to trust the Bard, and if he said it was better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all - she believed him."
I usually trust the Bard, too, Julia Quinn...but the fact is that Tennyson actually coined that famous quote, and he did so about 35 years AFTER this story is supposed to be taking place. Even if you haven't read "In Memoriam," a simple Google search would have confirmed this fact for you. This, and the fact that she can't seem to get the proper use of "lie" and "lay" right, makes her appear blatantly ignorant.
If you want something mindless to entertain you/annoy you on a rainy day, then this book will do the job. If you cringe at bad grammar, characters who are supposed to be admirable but continue to act psychotic, and glaring displays of poor knowledge of the Western literary canon, then this book will leave you beating your head against the wall.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 24, 2015
i feel horrid to say that i found this book to be a HUGE dissapointment and far below my expectations if one could imagine :/
i loved the idea of the plot,but for some reason i felt almost the 1st half the book just drag,while the second half speed by with just fighting,screaming and dissapointments...
For the first time (in my long reading life ! ) I found myself unable to even LIKE ms.quinn's characters while struggling to finish the book..
A sad day indeed :(
i loved the idea of the plot,but for some reason i felt almost the 1st half the book just drag,while the second half speed by with just fighting,screaming and dissapointments...
For the first time (in my long reading life ! ) I found myself unable to even LIKE ms.quinn's characters while struggling to finish the book..
A sad day indeed :(
August 15, 2017
Cute. I liked this way more than the first.
I love Lady Danbury and her adorable, moody cat, Malcolm.
The couple was cute too, but they (mainly the girl) got rather annoying in the last 15-20%. She was far too prideful, and he just made the mistake of having bad timing. Agh - not a fan of the misunderstanding trope.
I liked that Elizabeth worked so hard to take care of her 3 younger siblings on her own. It was touching. On the other hand, James was sweet and pretty straightforward considering. Then, there's Lady Danbury who's this wonderfully sassy and honest old woman. She is surprisingly endearing. I love how she has become a "motherly" figure to both of them individually. I'm giving this 3 stars.
Things that you might want to know (WARNING: Spoilers below)
Is there a happy/satisfying ending?
Love triangle? Cheating? Angst level?
Tears-worthy?
Humor?
Favorite scene?
What age level would be appropriate?
I love Lady Danbury and her adorable, moody cat, Malcolm.
The couple was cute too, but they (mainly the girl) got rather annoying in the last 15-20%. She was far too prideful, and he just made the mistake of having bad timing. Agh - not a fan of the misunderstanding trope.
I liked that Elizabeth worked so hard to take care of her 3 younger siblings on her own. It was touching. On the other hand, James was sweet and pretty straightforward considering. Then, there's Lady Danbury who's this wonderfully sassy and honest old woman. She is surprisingly endearing. I love how she has become a "motherly" figure to both of them individually. I'm giving this 3 stars.
Things that you might want to know (WARNING: Spoilers below)
Is there a happy/satisfying ending?
Love triangle? Cheating? Angst level?
Tears-worthy?
Humor?
Favorite scene?
What age level would be appropriate?
August 3, 2014
Just when me and my friends were complaining about the plateau plots of HR's lately, I come across an unread Julia Quinn and then, BAM, I take it back. I take it all back! There is hope as long as we have such books in our lives.
I enjoyed the first half of the Bridgertons series, I loved loved loved all the characters and how their stories were brilliantly written. I did not however enjoy the last few, as well as the SS Quartet so instead of tainting my thoughts on Ms. Quinn's writing I stopped reading her books. Then one day, I was digging through my friend's (Hi Riddhi!) favorite shelf and found this book and BAM, I took the cake and ate it and indulged in it and now I am a happy happy girl who is brimming with so much love from the book I just read.
I loved loved loved this one! This may probably be the funniest HR book I have ever read! The banters and quick witted dialogues were just all over the place. This, this is why I love Julia Quinn - now I remember. Humor aside, this book also oozed with sweet sweet unbridled romance that made me frantically flip through the pages! The H/h were amazing and I loved how their characters were 'stress-free' - meaning they didn't induce any anger (nor did they make me curse them. Their chemistry was just off the charts!
Also, we meet again the scheming and ever so funny Lady Danbury here! I love this woman, I love how she thinks and how integral she is to everybody's lives (even during the Bridgertons' time). So yes, if you're up to rekindle your faith in beautifully written HR then go pick this up!
Go on, read the book.
I enjoyed the first half of the Bridgertons series, I loved loved loved all the characters and how their stories were brilliantly written. I did not however enjoy the last few, as well as the SS Quartet so instead of tainting my thoughts on Ms. Quinn's writing I stopped reading her books. Then one day, I was digging through my friend's (Hi Riddhi!) favorite shelf and found this book and BAM, I took the cake and ate it and indulged in it and now I am a happy happy girl who is brimming with so much love from the book I just read.
I loved loved loved this one! This may probably be the funniest HR book I have ever read! The banters and quick witted dialogues were just all over the place. This, this is why I love Julia Quinn - now I remember. Humor aside, this book also oozed with sweet sweet unbridled romance that made me frantically flip through the pages! The H/h were amazing and I loved how their characters were 'stress-free' - meaning they didn't induce any anger (nor did they make me curse them. Their chemistry was just off the charts!
Also, we meet again the scheming and ever so funny Lady Danbury here! I love this woman, I love how she thinks and how integral she is to everybody's lives (even during the Bridgertons' time). So yes, if you're up to rekindle your faith in beautifully written HR then go pick this up!
Elizabeth planted her hands on her hips and glowered up at the handsome estate manager. "How dare you think I would blackmail this sweet old lady!"
"Sweet?" Mr. Siddons echoed.
"Old?" Lady Danbury hollered.
Go on, read the book.
May 24, 2015
Adorable, as always! And, even better, there is plenty of evil-cat humor - my favorite!
She looked down. Malcolm, the demon cat was sitting at her feet, staring at her as if she were a kitchen rat.
"What do you want?"
The cat shrugged. Elizabeth hadn't known that a cat could shrug.
Uppity cats!
bad kitty!
So, this book is about James, the Marquis from the last book, bff of Devin. He is an awesome love interest! He comes to help his aunt because she is being blackmailed, and in so doing, he meets his aunt's young companion, Elizabeth. Elizabeth is raising her siblings because their parents died 5 years ago. Although they are a titled family, they are destitute. She realizes that she must find a wealthy husband if she wants to continue feeding her brother and sisters. She finds a book entitled, "How to Marry a Marquis," and tries to follow the instructions. But, she has no idea that James is a Marquis because he is pretending to be his aunt's estate manager while investigating her blackmail situation. So, James, pretending to be poor too, says he will help her in her husband quest.
Of course, Elizabeth falls for the guy she thinks is poor. Isn't that always the case? My friend's mother used to tell us: "Girls, it is just as easy to fall for a rich man as it is to fall for a poor one." Yeah, neither my friend nor I married a millionaire! Sorry, Mom!
As usual, the book is funny, quirky, and sweet. JQ spins a good yarn!
She looked down. Malcolm, the demon cat was sitting at her feet, staring at her as if she were a kitchen rat.
"What do you want?"
The cat shrugged. Elizabeth hadn't known that a cat could shrug.
Uppity cats!
bad kitty!
So, this book is about James, the Marquis from the last book, bff of Devin. He is an awesome love interest! He comes to help his aunt because she is being blackmailed, and in so doing, he meets his aunt's young companion, Elizabeth. Elizabeth is raising her siblings because their parents died 5 years ago. Although they are a titled family, they are destitute. She realizes that she must find a wealthy husband if she wants to continue feeding her brother and sisters. She finds a book entitled, "How to Marry a Marquis," and tries to follow the instructions. But, she has no idea that James is a Marquis because he is pretending to be his aunt's estate manager while investigating her blackmail situation. So, James, pretending to be poor too, says he will help her in her husband quest.
Of course, Elizabeth falls for the guy she thinks is poor. Isn't that always the case? My friend's mother used to tell us: "Girls, it is just as easy to fall for a rich man as it is to fall for a poor one." Yeah, neither my friend nor I married a millionaire! Sorry, Mom!
As usual, the book is funny, quirky, and sweet. JQ spins a good yarn!
May 18, 2019
3.5 stars - Historical Romance
June 4, 2018
Was totally prepared to give this an unexciting 'meh' 3 stars but the silly melodramatic drama and dunderhead of a heroine made it hard to even do that. Elizabeth Hotchkiss is the biggest drama queen imaginable who loved to blow the smallest things waaaaay out of proportion. This girl should have taken a job in theater cause everything is either mortifying, humiliating or absolutely horrifying to her. She's also a total ditzy klutz who can't even stand still without causing bodily harm, tripping over some imaginary rock or slamming her hand into side tables and howling like a banshee.
It was just too much and got annoying real fast. And her reaction to finding that stupid book How to Marry a Marquis and trying to hide it like it carries world political secrets was just outrageous and so extreme. She's tossing that thing across the room and cursing it and its author to hell for RUUUUUINING! her life. 😑
Are you kidding me? And this is just after one day of trying to follow it's silly edicts. It's a freaking book on marriage calm. the eff. down. RME. And of course her reaction to finding out James's true identity was so overblown, silly and stupid you would think he murdered her family. For someone who's supposedly smart, independent and level headed, she was totally irrational, unreasonable and prideful. She seemed to care much more about her own pride and imaginary humiliation than seeing to reason or believing in James. And you're willing to let your 3 younger siblings starve & not go to school instead of accepting money you very much need? Seriously?
Girl, BYE.
It was just too much and got annoying real fast. And her reaction to finding that stupid book How to Marry a Marquis and trying to hide it like it carries world political secrets was just outrageous and so extreme. She's tossing that thing across the room and cursing it and its author to hell for RUUUUUINING! her life. 😑
Are you kidding me? And this is just after one day of trying to follow it's silly edicts. It's a freaking book on marriage calm. the eff. down. RME. And of course her reaction to finding out James's true identity was so overblown, silly and stupid you would think he murdered her family. For someone who's supposedly smart, independent and level headed, she was totally irrational, unreasonable and prideful. She seemed to care much more about her own pride and imaginary humiliation than seeing to reason or believing in James. And you're willing to let your 3 younger siblings starve & not go to school instead of accepting money you very much need? Seriously?
Girl, BYE.
September 4, 2010
After the lack luster hero in Julia Quinn's Ten Things I Love About You and the bubble head heroine in JQ's To Catch an Heiress, it was a refreshing change to read a JQ book where I actually really liked both the hero and the heroine. Not a bad place to start.
Marquis James Siddel is Lady Danbury's nephew(yes the beloved Lady Danbury of the Brodgerton series). Lady Danbury has been blackmailed and calls her nephew to flush out the criminal. He discuises himself as an estate manager in order to help.
Elizabeth is Lady Danbury's companion. She decides that she has to get married so that she can send her little brother to Eton. Since she can barely put food on the table, she needs to learn how to flirt. She finds a copy of "How to Marry a Marquis", the early 1800's version of The Rules.
James likes being seen for himself and not his title, and Elizabeth is torn because she is falling in love with a man that can't afford to keep her family. It is all very sweet and light.\
There's not much to say that couldn't be said about most Julia Quinn's novels. It's sweet, fun, has great dialogue and is a quick read. It lacks intensity and a bit of chemistry.
Overall, this is one of her better non-Bridgerton books.
Marquis James Siddel is Lady Danbury's nephew(yes the beloved Lady Danbury of the Brodgerton series). Lady Danbury has been blackmailed and calls her nephew to flush out the criminal. He discuises himself as an estate manager in order to help.
Elizabeth is Lady Danbury's companion. She decides that she has to get married so that she can send her little brother to Eton. Since she can barely put food on the table, she needs to learn how to flirt. She finds a copy of "How to Marry a Marquis", the early 1800's version of The Rules.
James likes being seen for himself and not his title, and Elizabeth is torn because she is falling in love with a man that can't afford to keep her family. It is all very sweet and light.\
There's not much to say that couldn't be said about most Julia Quinn's novels. It's sweet, fun, has great dialogue and is a quick read. It lacks intensity and a bit of chemistry.
Overall, this is one of her better non-Bridgerton books.
August 20, 2018
I consider myself a great historical romance fan. After growing out of Barbara Cartland and working my way through all the slightly outdated 1970's Corgi and Avon Historical romances which were the only books available during those pre-internet days, and every single Historical Georgette Heyer of course, I discovered Julia Quinn and Eloisa James. Eloisa James annoyed me because the way she wrote her stories felt so wrong, her books read like modern romances set in historical periods, very irritating for a bona fide historical romance reader. So many unrealistic turns on the stories! Next to her the couple of Julia Quinn's which I read, seemed, and in hindsight by comparison, quite promising. Upon the second reread, her one winning book, The viscount who loved me, was such a huge fail. And now this!!!!!!! What a tedious, boring, slow, silly, annoying book!!! Eminent fail i should say.
I need to add here that the heroine in this book is a blithering idiot.
I need to add here that the heroine in this book is a blithering idiot.
April 4, 2022
3.5
Divertido, mas nada demais
Divertido, mas nada demais
January 19, 2023
As much as I like Lady Danbury this wasn't the book for me.
January 30, 2021
Elizabeth's siblings were entertaining, especially her brother at the start.
A light and rather entertaining read, although the latter half didn't have the oomph I was hoping for.
August 2, 2022
This book was utterly delightful! The story was super fun, I adored the characters and the audio narration was excellent.
I'm gutted book 1 in this series isn't available in audiobook format, hopefully audible fixes this soon
I'm gutted book 1 in this series isn't available in audiobook format, hopefully audible fixes this soon
February 19, 2021
These past few days, I’m feeling blue and can’t see myself picking another book to read. And I’m feeling that I might be experiencing a “book slump.” And I don’t want that, so I willed myself to pick any book. This one immediately popped into my mind. And I’m glad that I did because this is exactly what I needed. I loved so many things about the book right from the very first page itself. There is so much humor packed into this story that I swear I couldn’t help but laugh out loud several times. It didn’t fail to make me happy!
I loved both Elizabeth and James immensely. They were both genuinely lovely people. And it was clear that they would be a perfect fit. They complimented each other perfectly, and their chemistry radiated off the pages. It was incredible how we got to see their relationship developed.
Before she had a chance to react, he reached out and took her hand in his. “Do you feel this?” he whispered, placing it against his heart. “It beats for you.”And as much as I loved James and Elizabeth, the secondary characters were also fantastic! It’s one of the strong points of this book. They don’t feel secondary ever! I loved every one of them, especially Lady Danbury! Yes, we get to see her again. She’s so wonderful! And then there are also Elizabeth’s three siblings. They were such cuties!
Overall, How to Marry a Marquis was an excellent read with great characters from the talented author Julia Quinn. And I highly recommend it for fans of historical romances. It will leave you with a big, happy smile on your face. It certainly did that to me!
August 20, 2022
Pues muy bien, como siempre con los libros de Julia, me lo he pasado pipa y me he puesto a desear que también hagan adaptación de este. Me ha encantado la trama y lo tontos que han sido ambos <3
September 22, 2019
Questa autrice è una certezza ormai. I suoi personaggi sono inconfondibili, mescola ironia e romanticismo lasciandomi sempre con un sorriso a fine lettura.
December 1, 2017
This was a cute and funny romance but still not as enjoyable as Splendid by the same author. I loved the heroine and her siblings. They were all so sweet and lovable. The Dowager Countess who employs the heroine is a funny and very engaging dragon lady who is trying to match make a marriage between the heroine and her nephew, the H.
The entire debacle with the book about how a girl is supposed to find herself a marquis and get him to marry her was entertaining at first but eventually got a bit too tedious. I think the author dragged on the story line a bit too long. The whole mistaken identity theme with the heroine thinking the H is too poor to afford to her was well done. I wished the author had done more with the story line of the fat evil squire who was mentioned so many times as a possible suitor for the heroine. What's the point of mentioning someone so many times and not actually using him as an effective plot device? All that the squire's "presence" as a "threat" served to accomplish was to get the H to send the heroine's family an anonymous money order so that she wouldn't have to marry anyone for financial reasons.
It was a nice novel but it didn't grab my attention during the entire duration I read it.
The entire debacle with the book about how a girl is supposed to find herself a marquis and get him to marry her was entertaining at first but eventually got a bit too tedious. I think the author dragged on the story line a bit too long. The whole mistaken identity theme with the heroine thinking the H is too poor to afford to her was well done. I wished the author had done more with the story line of the fat evil squire who was mentioned so many times as a possible suitor for the heroine. What's the point of mentioning someone so many times and not actually using him as an effective plot device? All that the squire's "presence" as a "threat" served to accomplish was to get the H to send the heroine's family an anonymous money order so that she wouldn't have to marry anyone for financial reasons.
It was a nice novel but it didn't grab my attention during the entire duration I read it.
June 17, 2022
One (run on) line baby feeding review, 2022:
Super charming- more so than even some of the Bridgerton books (although Lady D appears in this one with yet another conveniently handsome relative)- so much so that I just “sure, why not?”-d the ending when I got there, as improbable as it was. Fantastic Act 2 scene 2 of Midsummer levels of wind up and fun towards the end.
Super charming- more so than even some of the Bridgerton books (although Lady D appears in this one with yet another conveniently handsome relative)- so much so that I just “sure, why not?”-d the ending when I got there, as improbable as it was. Fantastic Act 2 scene 2 of Midsummer levels of wind up and fun towards the end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,245 reviews