Review: The Marquis and I (The Worthingtons, #4) by Ella Quinn

Print Length: 320 pages

Publisher: Zebra (February 27, 2018)

From Goodreads.com: 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.

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My Rating: 3 stars out of 5

Let me begin this review by saying that you do not have to have read the prior novels in this series in order to understand this one. Yes, there is some overlap regarding characters and plot lines from prior novels, but this one can stand on its own as well. 

I have now read all of the books in this series (to date), and I have come to enjoy this author's particular brand of story-telling. It is easy to get lost in her stories, especially this one as I always enjoy being able to "catch up" with characters from other stories and seeing where they are in their lives now. And this story definitely had its moments (a dog wedding stands out as does the ultimate climax of the plot). However Charlotte? Was annoying. Honestly, it got to the point where I could not care if she received her happily-ever-after or not. 

Don't get me wrong I completely understand why she held certain values, but her naivety on the world and the way it worked coupled with her holier than thou attitude regarding Constantine just made a part of me wish he would walk away and leave her to her fate. I did enjoy watching Con begin to come around to certain ways of behavior, I just wish we could have gotten there with less interference from Charlotte and her attitude. 

Overall, I do believe this story will appeal to those who are prior readers of this series, or those who enjoy well-written historical romance novels that take a somewhat unconventional approach. 

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

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                          The Marquis and I  is available from Amazon.com