Well, abductions seemed to run in the family. Lady Charlotte Carpenter was the second female relative of the Earl of Worthington's to be kidnapped, which was fortunate in a twisted sort of way, as Charlotte had been instructed as to how not to be left entirely defenceless. On his way to see his mistress Aimée, Constantine, the Marquis of Kenilworth, is accosted by Worthington's butler and informed that Charlotte was kidnapped a few moments ago. Worthington is a close friend of Constantine's, besides even if it will ruin his plans, he will not suffer to see a woman in distress. Meanwhile, Charlotte has pretty much dealt with her abductors on her own, and Constantine's part will be to drive Charlotte home. Alas, while chatting amiably on their way, a detail infuriates Charlotte with dire consequences: the local gossip saw them riding home, early in the morning, rumpled. Dreaded wedding bells loom ...

Most excellent, said she, clapping her hands in glee! THE MARQUIS AND I is a brilliantly executed marriage-of-convenience trope, and utterly irresistible from the first page until the last. Ella Quinn is a stickler for historical accuracy and an accomplished storyteller. With this book, she demonstrates how one can craft a riveting story while adhering to the strict Regency rules of propriety. Charlotte and Constantine like each other right away, but their conflict results from their opposite views they hold on the concept of mistresses and prostitution. Charlotte knows how it really is, but Constantine only thinks he does. Ms. Quinn weaves this dreadful social concern into a riveting story, which led to immense growth from both characters. The resolution to the conflict was simply brilliant.

Charlotte and Constantine are both wonderfully developed characters, very engaging, and so very unique that they defied stereotypes. They were terrific separately and together; they had wonderful chemistry and their road to romance was believable every step of the way. There are also marvelous secondary characters to be found. Aimée was fabulous, and I would have wished to read even more about her, six year-old Jemmy was another terrific character. There are some wonderful little details, such as the hilarious improvised kitty litter for Charlotte's cat.

THE MARQUIS AND I is flawless: the prose is divine, both lush and airy; the dialogues are realistic and the language was music to my ears; the syntax is exquisite, the idioms and expressions spot-on. Constantine has a serious competitive streak, he must marry Charlotte, he will marry her, and he will do what it takes to make it happen. Those who are familiar with my reviews know are critical I am of how this sort of situation is dealt with most of the time, and I was overjoyed with how Ms. Quinn handled it: this is how it's done, this is how you treat a woman you like, this is how you behave with a woman you respect! What a treat, what a joy, what a wonderful book! Ella Quinn, you made me a very happy woman with THE MARQUIS AND I!

Book Summary

Trouble is no match for a lady of the extended Worthington family—except when it comes in the form of a most irresistible gentleman . . . Lady Charlotte Carpenter’s brother-in-law has put an infamous brothel owner out of business—yet it is Charlotte who suffers the consequences. Abducted by thugs and held at an inn, she is plotting her escape when she’s suddenly rescued by a dashing gentleman. Only afterward does she realize she’s seen him before—with two courtesans! Unwilling to tarry with such a man, Charlotte makes her second escape. But it is too late to repair her reputation . . . A known gossip has spied Charlotte’s movements, and his report is speeding through the rumor mill. Soon, everyone knows that Charlotte spent the night with Constantine, Marquis of Kenilworth. And everyone agrees the only answer is marriage— including Constantine himself, his overjoyed mother—and his mistress! But Charlotte’s abductors aren’t finished with her yet. Now Constantine will do anything to protect the spirited woman he loves and win her heart . . .