This was a fairly quick read, and it was an okay story, but it was a stereotypical Victorian romance. It's an arranged marriage. They must marry to fulfill the requirements of his uncle's will. His uncle was also her godfather, and neither will receive anything from the estate if they don't marry. He doesn't want to give up his mistress and spending his evenings with his friends. She wants a family and is determined to be a good wife. The servants fall in love with her, his ex-lovers hate her, he almost waits too long to see the error of his ways. It's not bad; it's just very predictable, and I don't like predictable. If you like those sorts of stories, you'll love this one.

I received this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review. ( )

Check out my review, an excerpt, and two teasers on my blog: http://frommetoyouvideophoto.blogspot.com/2012/03/blog-tour-made-grade-reluctant... ( )

Ahhhhhh....Cornwall, England in the 1700's....castles, servants, butlers, sumptuous meals, lords, and ladies. This book had all of my favorite things when it comes to books set in this time period.

The story begins when Charity is summoned to the castle thinking she is to meet with her Godfather, but finds out he has passed away and that she is to marry the Marquess whom she never met. Charity is a sweet young lady, but one with a mind of her own much to the dismay of Robert, the Marquess. Robert is a dashing man with marriage as not part of his plans and one who most likely would not be faithful.

The reader will follow Robert and Charity through the sweet times and also the tense times, but you will love it either way. Charity is trying to change Robert into a loving, faithful husband......will she succeed or is she too stubborn to try to make her marriage happy? Read this quick, entertaining read to find out.

The author does an excellent job of bringing details to life whether it is in describing a scene or a character. The description of the rooms in the castle was wonderful...I could just envision it all and could imagine what fun it would be to live there even though I know all the rooms had to be quite cold. I loved the chivalry and the concern with proper etiquette at formal and informal events and how the ladies had to be accompanied when they went out.

This book caught my attention from the first page. If you enjoy this time period, appealing characters, and some romance, you will definitely like THE RELUCTANT MARQUESS. ( )

Maggi Andersen's work is highly enjoyable! She captured my instantly with Charity and Robert's characters and their story. I was swept off my feet and taken to 1700's England, amid a time of Lords, Ladies, and Marquesses. Ms. Andersen incorporates fun loving characters with a complex, captivating plot, and never bores the reader!

Charity is orphaned when her parents pass away. So, she's left with having to live with her Godfather, the Marquess. But, there's a problem when she arrives. It seems she's left once again, with another death of someone she knows. She also learns that the only way that the Marquess' estate will be given to his son, Lord Robert, will be if she's married to him.

The Lord Robert is quite pleased with his life without the added complication of a wife. However, he's determined to have his estate, so he agrees to marry Charity on the condition she'll produce him an heir. But, Charity has other ideas, for she will settle for nothing less than love from her marriage.

I definitely recommend this 4 Book worthy story! It's a fun adventure of romance, arranged marriages, and learning to love. With a few twists thrown in to keep the reader gripped, Ms. Andersen throws her reader a charming novel of historical goodness! I'm a new fan of this author, and I am looking forward to reading more of her past works, as well as, any future releases she has! Fabulous job, Ms. Andersen!

This review originated at Reviews By Molly in part with a blog tour. ( )

The Reluctant Marquess by Maggi Anderson is a historical fiction novel set in England during the late 1700's. Charity Barlow has recently lost both her parents. She is forced to throw herself on the mercy of her Godfather, The Marquess of St. Malin. When she arrives at his estate she learns the devastating news that the Marquess has passed away through his heir, Lord Robert. The Marquess left a will dictating that for Lord Robert to inherit he will have to marry Charity. With no way around this clause Charity and Robert agree to marry but Charity has a clause of her own. She will not consummate the marriage until she's better acquainted with Robert.
Charity is kind, wise and a little naive. Robert is arrogant, handsome and quick to anger. He's been hurt in the past and puts a wall up to protect himself from harm. Charity sees this hurt in him and tries her best to help him through. However with several misunderstandings and miss communications these two have a hard time getting together. The story line is fast paced and easy to follow. I enjoyed the characters and their situations. The story is a bit predictable but entertaining none the less. ( )