This is my first book by this author I really enjoyed the story between Penelope and Stephen and how their relationship grew. The slow seduction with Stephen towards Penelope was quite enjoyable and did not feel rushed. For me the story did not seem to drag along or stall like some other romance books do.

When Penelope mentioned swimming early on it seemed to for tell an important event relating to swimming further along in the book. Things really turn around for Stephen and his mindset over losing his sight when he meets Travis.

If there is not a story between Dorothea and Jonathan I hope one is written. I am going to check out other books by the author to see if one is written.

I can not wait to read her other books!

Drawn to the Marquess by Bronwen Evans is an intense story with a blend of romance and crime solving mystery. The strength of the heroine is only surpassed by the intensity of the hero. This book ranges far with subject and geography. The characters are well written, complex and rich. Their interactions are not predictable which adds to the drama and storyline. Highly recommend the unique story. And there is a lot of story so make sure you have time as it is very hard to put down.

Overall, I thought the story was enjoyable.  I did think Stephen fell too fast for the kind of rake he is portrayed to be in the beginning.  I would have liked for him to keep thinking it was lust for a lot longer before realizing the lust he felt was actually love.  I thought that for a rake portrayed as stubborn and stuck in his ways and very determined to never get involved, he fell pretty fast. It didn’t take him long to start thinking about his feelings for her and how quickly his views changed, and I didn’t think her actions truly inspired that quick of a turn around. I wanted him to be a stronger rake type character that would be hard to win over, and he seemed to fall rather fast. Penelope was an interesting female character and her back story made her interesting and believable when it came to finding it hard to trust him. The story did end well and I really liked the epilogue. I love seeing how things end up after the last chapter, especially when time has gone by. The plot was intriguing and the conflicts the characters had to overcome were entertaining and made for a good story.  I liked it overall, I just like my rakes to be far more stubborn than Stephen seemed to be.

Just loved this book and the writer! Bronwen Evans can spin words into a captivating story that makes you feel like you are there with the characters! This is a must read!

Lady Penelope "Pen" Fisherton needs help clearing her name, her brother in law, Lord Rotham wants her inheritance and has accused Penelope of killing her husband. If his accusations are proven, Penelope will be charged with murder and Rotham will claim her fortune for himself. She has come to London from Essex to bribe Stephen Hornsby, the Marquess of Clevedon into helping her. Stephen is a spy, a rake and a lover of beauty, Penelope plans to outbid him on a painting he wants and use it as leverage to get him to help her.

Stephen has a secret, he is going blind just as his father before him, as a lover of beauty, this terrifies him, the painting of a sunrise is especially lovely and he wants it so he can burn the image in his mind before he loses his sight. He is surprised by the beautiful woman bidding against him, but wins the painting. Intrigued by her, he tracks her down, to give her the painting. And when he meets her, he learns why she wanted it. He agrees to help her on one condition - she will let him try to seduce her. She agrees, but has no plans of letting him succeed.

Stephen needs more information and goes to see her brother, the Duke of Sandringham, he learns about Pen's unhappy marriage and Carmichaels untimely death. He tells Pen they will need to go to Essex and she agrees. On the trip, he begins his seduction and she is upset to learn that she is not as immune as she thought. They stay with his sister, who is married to Pen's dear friend Jonathan, and both of them are a bit envious of the couples obvious love. By the time they reach her home, she has figured out his secret and confronts him. A talk with his sister, makes him realize how selfish he has been regarding his plans for when his sight finally fails. He returns to the house to find Pen waiting for him. They talk and Pen seduces him.

They are falling in love and they discuss marriage, but Stephen still needs to clear Pen's name. His investigation turns up information about Carmichael that is truly shocking and nearly gets him killed. Pen cares for him while he is injured, she knows that she should tell him the secret she has been keeping from him, but is scared he will think she used him, she uses the time together to prove to him that she loves him. When he is healed, he leaves to go to London to speak to the magistrate, he will clear her name and return to her to marry.

But while staying with his sister on his return, he gets a note that changes everything. He returns to Pen, but instead of the loving reunion she expected, Stephen accuses her of using and betraying him. The HEA she envisioned crumbles before her eyes. She tries to explain, but his insecurities lead him to believe the worst. She is heartbroken and desperate to prove to him her love is true, but her past catches up to her before she can find him and it may be too late.

This is a well written book (there were a few inconsistencies and title errors, but I assume that they will be corrected prior to publication) that moves at a steady pace. Stephen and Penelope are both flawed, broken people who don't believe that love is their destiny, but as they get to know each other, they find love and because of their insecurities, almost lose it. There are cameos with Alex & Hestia, steamy love scenes, a nail biting ending, a hard won HEA and a very sweet epilogue. I liked the book but honestly, I really, really had a hard time buying the plot, it made no sense to me why Pen would seek out Stephen's help without telling him her secret or why she would want him to investigate in the first place. I don't feel like that aspect of the story was ever explained and it left me feeling confused. This is the second book in the series, but it can absolutely be read as a stand alone.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an uncorrected eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*

A young, handsome man says to you “I am going blind.” What would be your reaction?

If that young, handsome man happened to be Stephen Hornsby, Marquess of Clevedon, he would quickly and emphatically tell you that he does NOT want your pity.

Stephen has been forever pegged as a playboy who loves women and beauty. He especially loves to see the delights of a woman enjoying lovemaking. He wants to see the joy that sexual climax once more and specifically on the face of Lady Penelope before his disease robs him of his vision.

What may sound like a rather tawdry premise is in no way any such thing. When I read the information about Bronwen Evans’s novel on NetGalley, I wondered just that, but was still drawn to accept the ARC offered. What I discovered was that Stephen is doing his best to accept his pending disability, planning for the future in a way that matters to him. I cannot help but to wonder if I would be able to do nearly as well.

The book is not mawkish but still makes clear the heavy toll blindness will take on a man such as Stephen. DRAWN TO THE MARQUESS, despite its serious undertones, is a striking love story that combines both passion and tenderness with a couple that becomes a team, each offering the other something that’s needed, making it a hard-to-put-down kind of book.

The Marquess of Clevedon is a man who loves to admire beauty in all his forms and when an unknown lady tries to win a painting he wants at an auction, he’ll find the focus of his interest dramatically shifted.
When Lady Penelope Fisherton finds herself in trouble, she will try to enlist the help of the ill reputed Marquess by any means possible, but once she realizes there’s more to him than the rumors of the ton, she’ll have to decide whether to reveal all her secrets and maybe lose her chance at true love.
I liked this story a little better than the first one, but again struggled with Ms. Evans writing style and ended up finding the book redundant and over the top. It is still a rather original story and I think others might enjoy it, but at the end of the day, I think this author’s work is not my cup of tea.

The story revolves around two people who have no desire to marry, Pen because of the abuse she suffered at her late husband’s hands and Stephen because he is loosing his eyesight and does not want to be a burden. Pen needs Stephen’s help in trying to keep her brother-in-law from getting her accused of her husband’s death that was previously ruled accidental. Stephen does not want any payment, he only wants the opportunity to try and seduce her. The story is much more than a romance, it involves a smuggler who was working with her late husband, the disappearance of two young girls from the village, Pen being kidnapped and her escape, and the reality that taking another chance at love can be quite rewarding. I loved this story because it is so much more than it appeared to be at first. It is extremely well written and pulls you into their world which is the sign of a great book. I would highly recommend this book as a great read, you will not be disappointed,

An absolutely gorgeous story. Stephen’s sexy, dirty talk is alluring and paints a vivid picture. Penelope is a fiercely determined young lady who is just strong enough to bring Stephen to his knees. Their sensuous banter, and sexual tension was a magnificent reason for turning each page in the book.

Stephen Hornsby, the Marquis of Clevedon, has one goal: to see every exquisite thing he can before he goes blind. His greatest joy, watching a woman shuddering in the throes of passion, will be gone. Lady Penelope Fisherton was married to a scoundrel who cared for no one but himself. Now he’s died after falling over a cliff that she’s free, she wants nothing to do with love, passion, or desire emotions that abandoned her with a cruel husband. Then the new Earl of Rotham learns from Carmichael's will that Pen is left everything that isn’t entailed. So Rotham has Pen investigated & tries to find evidence that Pen murdered her husband. Pen needs a high ranking man to prove she hadn’t anything to do with Carmichael's death, Stephen is ideal as he is impartial & has a history of investigative work. Both of them hadn’t bargained for the attraction they feel towards each other.
This is the second book in the series & could well be read on its own. We met Stephen in the first book Addicted to the Duke & I’ve been looking forward to his story ever since reading that. Stephen suffers from a degenerative eye condition & expects, like his father, to go blind so he’s very much living for the day. He has no intention of ever marrying nor of having children. Pen was abused & neglected by her husband, so although she’d love children she has no intention of ever marrying again. My heart went out to both Stephen & Pen as they were tortured souls but the more time they spent together the more they healed & soon both fell in love. The secondary characters were also well portrayed & it was good to meet Alex & Hestia again. The pace of the story was very good, there was plenty of intrigue, mystery & secrets to keep me engrossed from the start at the Sotheby’s auction until the epilogue. I love the author’s books & she's one of my must read authors because she never disappoints & this book is up there with her best.

My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

The is a great historical romance, sex scenes are really hot. But this story is about more than that. It has betrayal, a murder mystery and both characters are hiding secrets from each other. I thoroughly enjoyed the story.

Drawn to the Marquess has a truly unusual couple. Stephen and Penelope are so drawn to each other, from the first moment they meet. Stephen is determined to not marry and have children due to his situation in beginning to lose his eyesight, just as his father. Penelope was married to a horrible man who totally controlled her. She desperately wants a child, but refuses to marry to have one. She is determined to never give up her freedom again.

Penelope needs Stephen to help her keep from being charged with her deceased husband's murder. His brother is making a lot of noise about her being responsible for her death. His ulterior motive is to secure her fortune and properties. She was able to keep all after her husband's death.

Penelope and Stephen become close quickly. Their relationship is quick and sensual. Yes, he becomes disappointed once he finds out what really happened to her husband, but he realizes he cannot be without her. Their HEA is a rough road, but this is a delightful and entertaining romance. Although not light-hearted, it is still a great read. Ms. Evans is always a great writer by adding in those situations that intrigue and surprise you.

I loved Drawn to the Marquess! A great story with interesting characters. I loved Penelope and Stephen and there slow burning passion just took it over the top. I'm looking forward to reading more from this Author.

I give Drawn to the Marquess 5 stars for its slow burning romance.
I would recommend this book to Romance Fans.
#DrawnToTheMarquess #NetGalley

Drawn to the Marquess (Imperfect Lords, #2) by Bronwen Evans...Another great book in this series... Thanks to the publisher and #NetGalley for letting me preview this book. This is the story of Steven and Penelope (Pen) they both have their secrets...he fears he is going blind...she fears helping her he will find out her secret about her late husbands accident. This book has it all ..laughter..tears happy and sad... evil men and their deeds..mystery and danger...catching up with old friends from previous books...steamy sex and of course a very HEA.

Drawn to the Marquess is another excellent, well-written, historical romance by Bronwen Evans. This novel has 2 of my favorite combinations-a strong, handsome, yet flawed male character, with an equally strong female character. I loved how Pen’s character developed from a woman who is in desperate need of saving to a woman who took matters into her own hands and ended up saving those who needed it most. I highly recommend this novel!

Lady Penelope Fisherton needs the help of Stephen Hornsby, Marquess of Clevedon to help her from being accused of her husband’s death. She needs his investigative skills and he needs her in his bed. Stephen and Penelope have their own secrets to keep, but their getting close will reveal all.
Stephen doesn’t want to his family or Penelope to know he is losing his sight. He wants to experience everything beautiful so he doesn’t forget when his sight is gone. His plan is to take his life like his father did. Spending time with Penelope shows him that there is more to him than his sight and that is the selfish way out. His family needs him. As Pen and Stephen investigates her husband’s death she learns all about passion and he learns to trust in others. These characters made me want more. I prayed Pen could have a baby and Stephen wouldn’t lose his sight. I rooted for them to have the happy every after they deserve.

Ms. Evans never fails to delight with her hot historical romances with a solid plot. I totally loved the story of Stephen and Penelope. Both characters were developed quite nicely thoughout the book.

I enjoyed the story of Lady Penelope Fisherton and Stephen Hornsby, the Marquess Of Clevedon. There’s mystery, suspense, drama and white-hot romance in this book to match it’s charismatic characters.

I love historical romance, especially when there is some mystery involved! This book has romance, mystery, conflict, and the characters are developed well. It was a good read and I thoroughly enjoyed it!

Holy cow, I want Stephen Hornsby, the Marquess of Clevedon for myself! Dang this man is just so full of passion! And the cover on the book....WOW!!!!

Lord Stephen has been chasing a demon most of his life. His father had gone blind and taken his own life and now as an adult, Stephen is starting to lose some of his sight. He is determined to see the beauty in everything before this happens. So what if he likes to see woman in the throes of passion, whether from himself or from someone else. Since he will never marry and leave this burden to a wife, or pass it on to a child, Stephen will just enjoy his life as he can.

When a spitfire of a lady tries to purchase a painting he really wants, he is surprised when she doesn't take to his advances. Now even more intrigued, Stephen realizes he wants this lady in his bed. What Lord Stephen didn't realize is that Lady Penelope had set it all up!

Lady Penelope was married to an evil man who did horrible things. She was finally relieved when he accidentally died. Now that his brother was trying to frame her for the murder so she would lose her house, Pen realizes that she needs the help of Lord Stephen. Of course Stephen agrees...for a price....a chance to be in her bed!

As these two work to clear her name, real feelings start to emerge. It doesn't matter to Penelope that Stephen is losing his sight. She likes that he has returned feeling back into her life. Just when it looks like they are headed to their perfect happy ever after, life throws a wrench into the situation. When all looks lost, the promise of love looks like it will win out.

I just adored this book! It was fun, sexy and intriguing all at the same time.