Anyone But the Marquess by Ruth Ann Nordin

This is the fifth book in the Marriage by Obligation series

After reading the third book in the series, I wasn’t entirely sure I’d continue to the fourth. While the previous instalment wasn’t my favourite, this one most certainly was! The level of conflict here more than made up for what I felt was lacking before.

Felix does Lady Elizabeth a severe disservice by spreading lies about her, simply because she refused to dance with him. It wasn’t entirely out of malice, more the result of too much drink. That became something of a running theme, and one that still rings true today. People often do things they regret once they’re sober… haven’t most of us been there at some point?

Felix gives up drinking, but misses it. There are several times during his struggles with Elizabeth that he is sorely tempted for just one glass.

When he offers to marry her, you can’t help but wonder, how a relationship can work when one of them seems to hate the other? That said, enemies-to-lovers is always a winning trope. I thoroughly enjoyed the slow burn of their story, and of course, I’m always a fan of a happy ending.

I loved the era and the setting, although hearing London referred to as “the Ton” felt a little unusual at first, as it wasn’t a term I’d come across before.

All round, a beautiful five-star read!

Websites

Book Blurb and Link

A chaste lady. An impulsive marquess. Will a chance ballroom meeting spark spite or light the way toward forever?

Lady Elizabeth Clearly loathes idle chatter. Yet her reputation is in tatters after a drunken lie convinces the Ton she’s a woman of loose morals. Worse, she’s stunned when the gossipers begin whispering that she’s a witch as well. When her guardian reveals she’s due to marry the gentleman behind her problems, she vows she’ll never forgive her future husband.

Felix Hamilton, the Marquess of Roland, is swimming in regret. His alcohol-fueled lie started a rumor that wrecked an innocent lady’s world. He is bound by honor to do whatever he can to make things right. But he worries he’s permanently ruined both of their lives when Elizabeth promptly locks herself in her chamber after the wedding.

Lord Roland isn’t afraid to make personal sacrifices in his quest for atonement, but how can he turn their rocky relationship into a love match when all the odds are stacked against him?

Anyone But the Marquess is Book 5 in the Marriage by Obligation Series. This romance features a virgin hero and virgin heroine, an enemies-to-lovers angle, and a steamy scene. Its tone is tender and sweet with a dash of humor.