4.5 stars - How to Cross a Marquess is a cross between a friends to lovers and enemies to lover regency romance, How to Cross a Marquess have intrigue, plotting, abductions, elopements and love. It’s a wonderful read, full of entertainment, capped off nicely with a HEA.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

How to Cross a Marquess by Jane Ashford was a new series to me. I have not read one of the prior books only, but didn’t find it difficult to pick up this one and read. I enjoyed the presence of Arthur the Earl of Macklin. His seeming job as a fixer, just made the book more interesting.

Roger, The Marquis of Chatton and his neighbour Fenella Fairclough when younger were feeling forced to marry by their families. Roger was not on board and took off to be a man of leisure only he was trapped in marriage to a very unhappy woman. His marriage was a nightmare only made worse by the death of his wife. There are so many horrid rumors about her.

When Roger returns he does talk with Fenella only to find out she was not the guilty party as rumors suggest. The more time he spends with Fenella, the more he understands the truth. Fenella is struggling with her father’s increasingly serious illness. She is in fact running the estate while being berated by her father for not being a male.

Roger and Fenella have a lot to overcome if they are truly going to find love. How to Cross a Marquess by Jane Ashford was a good read.

Fenella and Roger seem to have the worst luck. Neither wanted a marriage years ago when Fenella’s family tried to force her and when Roger objected so almost violently. It’s true that Roger often has outbursts of anger and regrets his words later, but words sting whether meant or not. Add to the mix the fact that Fenella actually liked Roger, she was defiant of her family pushing her into something that her “intended” obviously did not want any part of. So, they each said no, no way.

Years pass life changes for them both. Now faced with seeing each other again, a bit older, maybe wiser, certainly more mature you’d think they might be able to get along. Yet there is a matchmaker at work once again, and he’s got a good track record and a head full of mischief in the making. Lord Macklin knows a match when he sees one, even if his intended victims, erm… loved ones don’t. But getting Fenella and Roger together might take more than simply an older man’s intention, it might take more than luck for there are nasty people who would rather see this couple, or at least one of them, dead than to see them get together.

HOW TO CROSS A MARQUESS has everything I love from Jane Ashford, a likable couple with issues to be dealt with, and engaging plot, some vile bad villains, and one matchmaker to simply enjoy his shenanigans. I had fun and that’s the whole point. I’d definitely recommend this story or the series to any reader who loves a good romance, no matter the genre.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

It’s a little bit hard for me to rate this book, because I’m really struggling with my feelings about the hero of it. Roger, Marquess of Chatton, is a decent enough sort of fellow for the most part, and it also seems plain that in today’s world, he’d be diagnosed on the autism spectrum. Subtlety is completely alien to him, he doesn’t see nuances or reasons behind the actions of other people, and words really aren’t his friends - he has a habit of blurting out things others would find inappropriate.

Once I’d armchair-diagnosed Roger’s autism, his behaviour was much more understandable - but that still didn’t make him very likable. There’s one moment where he’s verbally nasty to the heroine’s ten-year-old nephew, and even though he regrets it afterwards and does his best to make amends, I know how I’d feel if someone treated my ten-year-old son that way, and ‘completely untrusting’ would be the least of it. It would be a deal-breaker.

The heroine, Fenella, is much easier to like. The ‘spinster daughter’, she’s been left looking after her disagreeable father on his descent into dementia. Years ago, her father and Roger’s tried to arrange a match between the two, but they were both far too immature. Fenella ran off to her Scottish grandmother, where she was supported and coached into her own independence, and Roger… ran off to London and made some different mistakes, some of which are still haunting him. Now they’re back in the same place, and both of them are starting to think that maybe marriage wouldn’t be so bad after all, because as adults, they rather like each other.

If you’re looking for an insta-love sort of read, this very much isn’t it. It is, however, a rather good portrayal of two people slowly realizing what they’ve been looking for was right there in each other the whole time, once they’d grown up enough to realize it. There’s common ground and mutual goals and genuine affection between the two, a foundation strong enough to build a life together on.

It’s very realistic and true to how most marriages actually start, and… it just falls a little flat as a romance novel. Despite a minor suspense subplot, it’s frankly rather dull. Combined with my mixed feelings about Roger as a hero, I just struggle to feel more than ‘meh’ about this one. Three stars.

An Earl comes a calling ... surprises all around!

Arthur Shelton, Earl of Macklin, continues his advice to lost and grieving men, popping up like some demented leprechaun, in his quest. Once again he's brought together a group of men who have suffered personal tragedy to reflect on the subject of death and grief.
This time the target of his attention is Roger the Marquess of Chatton whose petulantly stubborn wife Arabella caught a chill and died after riding in the rain against all advice. Unfortunately his neighbor Fenella Fairclough has born unwarranted blame for the tragedy.
The enigmatic young Tom, wise beyond his years, accompanies Macklin. Here’s a figure to watch!
So cupid’s (aka Macklin) arrow is pointed towards Roger's neighbor Fenella.
Apart from the inanely enjoyable line oft repeated about 'sodding sheep' I found the story fairly ordinary, although I did really liked Fenella.
In fact she Tom and her nephew John get all my stars and Fenella's dogged determination in the end is magnifico.
Roger the hero, who seems a tad lack lustre, is always opening his mouth to shoot him self in the foot, giving a so so performance.
Still fans of this series will want to see where Yoda figure Macklin is heading!

A Sourcebooks Casablanca ARC via NetGalley

The heart often does not recognize what it wants. Especially when it involves two young people who are being pushed together by their parents to marry. Roger, the Marquess of Chatton had taken off to avoid that marriage but ended up with another wife, Arabelle, who was truly not a good match. After her death he comes back home, where his neighbor Fenella, who he did not marry comes home as well.
Fenella had grown up with a verbally abusive father and had run to her granfmother's in Scotland and become a stronger person. Now when Roger sees her he cannot believe how she has changed and speaks her mind.
Of course there is a matchmaker in the mix and it is a journey on the road to a happy ending. Can these two childhood neighbors now find they are attracted to each other and find happiness?
A delightful story with some suspense and sweet kisses that will keep your attention until the end.

Fenella Fairclough and the Marquess of Chatton were neighbors and had known each other all there lives. When their fathers pushed for them to marry, they refused. Fenella went to her grandmothers and Roger went to London. Fenella came home to take care of her father who became ill and bedridden. Roger had married Arabella under the force of her mother and even though it was an unhappy marriage, he never knew who she chose to go riding in a downpour and brought about her death. He blamed the physician, and his neighbor and the Crenshaws blamed him. That was a year ago. This story has so much in it from Fenella being born a girl and her father never gave her any credit and praise for anything, to always putting her down as never being good enough. Roger’s problem was he spoke before he thought which sometimes came across the wrong way. Could these two put their differences aside and let their true feelings out? I enjoyed this story. I received an advance copy from NetGalley and this is my honest review.

I feel like it's been a minute since my last historical romance - I've been waiting to pick up another one! I was so excited about this one because it sounded up my alley.

""May I court you?" He blurted out. "Court?" She looked startled."

Honestly, I am going to blame myself for a 3 star rating. My brain has been all over the place and maybe my heart just wasn't an into this story as I wanted to be. I wanted to enjoy it more than I did. That's not to say, I still didn't. I really did, just wasn't a favorite for me. I felt there was a lot of shuffling around and I felt we kept changing the "scene" every time I turned around. But again, that could be just me and my scattered brain.

But I really did love our hero, Marquess of Chatton. Plus, I am a SUCKER for childhood friends/enemies to lovers. Fanella, our heroine and Roger (Marquess of Chatton) have known each other their entire lives. They were supposed to marry, but both refused to.

"Love makes you want to agree. It doesn't mean you will, or solve every problem that comes along. Like some sort of magic wand."

Cute book and definitely can't wait to read more of Jane's work!

Roger Berwick, the Marquess of Chatton has known his lovely neighbor Fenella Fairclough his entire life. He even refused to marry her when their parents tried to force them five years ago. After that fiasco Fenella fled to her grandmother in Scotland and came back much changed and more confident. To fight his attraction to this new version of Fenella, Roger fled to London and found himself strong-armed into an unhappy marriage with a beautiful but miserable debutante. After her death, Roger blamed Fenella for failing to stop his willful wife's reckless ride into a storm, the chill from which ultimately led to her death.

Now some months have passed and Roger and Fenella are living close together again, and more attracted to each other than ever. But Fenella has her own responsibilities nursing her ailing father and isn't sure how she feels about trying a real courtship with Roger. Soon it seems someone is out to cause problems for these two, but that may just draw them closer together.

I've never read anything from this author so I didn't know what to expect, but I found the storytelling style to be quite different, which was fine once I got used to it. However, Roger struck me as being too weak and easily cowed and I wanted Fenella to be more consistent in standing up for herself and expressing her feelings. These two were sweet together toward the end of the book, but there wasn't enough steam for me (i.e. none), and I would've liked to see more communication between the characters. Though Roger's difficulty getting his thoughts out was adorably charming, I would've liked to see more compensation for that aspect of their relationship elsewhere; I feel like he didn't really have enough uninterrupted one-on-one time with Fenella on page for me to be really invested in their love story.

I'll still read more from this author and I enjoyed this story, but it wasn't my favorite.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I had a hard time getting into this story, the first few chapters just seemed to go on and on, repeating itself. The second half had a bit more action at least. I also prefer a bit more steam in the stories I read but then that's just me! I know some readers who prefer a very clean romance.

Fenella and Roger are both wonderful characters but I just felt no spark between them. It's understandable that they both needed to do some growing up before they decided to get together, their story is filled with misunderstandings, accusations and heartbreak. I enjoyed the secondary characters as well, they all fit nicely in the story with each their own role.

I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

Roger Berwick, the Marquess of Chatton, has recently been introduced to a number of aristocratic men who have suffered the loss of a loved one.

Roger’s home is Chatton Castle in Northumberland, which he shares with his widowed mother. Roger had been married to Arabella, but she died from a fever. Today, he is riding along the shore when he encounters a young woman on horseback. Her name is Fenella Fairclough. Theirs are neighboring estates and they have argued many times over the years of where the property lines lie. When he was a child, his mother had wanted him to marry Fenella, but as she grew up, she acquired a sharp tongue and he does not like it. She and Arabella had been good friends before Arabella passed away.

Fenella’s older sisters are married and as Fenella isn't, she became her father’s caregiver when he had a stroke. Fenella’s 10-year-old nephew, John, has been sent to her for the summer. The man accompanying the boy is very adamant that John is of a delicate nature and needs special treatment. John hates this. But a friend of Roger’s comes to visit and he brings with him a young orphan boy named Tom, whom he has taken under his wing. Tom and John becomes friends and John gets to sneak out and find adventures that young boys need.

Roger returns home from his ride to find his mother chatting with Mr. Benson who is organizing the annual local pageant where locals take part and dress as someone from Roman times. Roger does not volunteer as he has no interest in participating, but learns that both he and Fenella are getting roped into doing so.

When Fenella’s father dies, she finds herself at the mercy of her evil brothers-in-law so Roger suggests they go to Gretna Green to get married. Now, they are very happy, but there is someone out there that does want to see their happiness. To what lengths will this person go to break them apart.

I like Fenella and Roger and their love is true. I find Jane Ashford’s books can be rather “busy” with plots and sub-plots going on. I know many readers find this exciting, but I would like to see less because sometimes less is more. In addition, I am not a fan of books where characters are putting on a play. In my opinion that's overdone and somewhat childish. On a plus side, I was pleased that this book wasn’t as erotic as many others are today.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

How to Cross a Marquess is the delightful third installment of Jane Ashford's The Way to a Lord's Heart series. If you haven't read the first two, no problem; this one stands alone just fine. You will want to go back and see what you've missed. I really enjoyed the prior book.

The fathers of Roger, The Marquess of Chatton and Fenella Fairclough wanted them to marry. Both objected; Fenella ran away to Scotland, and Roger went to London and entered into a contentious marriage. Now a widower, Roger returns home to Northumberland. Fenella also returns to take care of her ailing father. She is no longer the same quiet and unassuming young lady she was when she left. Reunited, they begin to feel a deep attraction. Throw in a play, a snake obsessed nephew, "Fairy Godfather" Lord Arthur Macklin and his unique young friend Tom, and attempts on Fenella's life, and you end up with a sparkling Regency romance with great characters.

I loved the interactions between Roger and Fenella. Roger was an interesting hero. Bitter after the death of his wife, he placed blame on Fenella and other people. He occasionally acted like the bratty young child he once was. He wasn't particularly articulate, with words just pouring out of his mouth without thought. When he did give thought to his words, he couldn't get them out like he wanted. Fenella was now a very strong woman, but it was heartbreaking the way her father and other family members treated her. It was so obvious that Roger and Fenella needed each other, and I loved it when their love bloomed. Their banter was funny and sweet. Though they have passion for each other, it's all behind closed doors. With such a fun story, you don't even miss it!

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

This wasn't the book for me, not that it was a bad book but just moved to slowly, not hot enough for me and drama was all over the place and some characters just really had no purpose. I liked Fenella she was the best part of the story for me, Roger bored me. The book doesn't deserve a two star but there would be no way I would give it more than a three and that was pushing it for me.

This is the first book I have read by this author and it was not the typical historical romance novel I was expecting. Both of the main characters were interesting and straightforward, I loved that. I loved the Scottish grandmother as well. I was also not expecting the bit of mystery and danger that was thrown into the mix also. I liked that Fenella. Outdoor take care of herself, so refreshing, she saved herself. The story was a little slow but all in all the story was enjoyable.

I received an ARC of this book to read through NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.
How to Cross a Marquess by Jane Ashford s the 3rd book in her the Way to a Lords’s Heart series. It can be read as a standalone. In order to settle an old land dispute the fathers of Fenella Fairclough and Roger Berwick, Marquess of Chatton decided to arrange a marriage between the two. When Roger announces he’d rather wed a sodding sheep Fenella flees to her grandmothers in Scotland and Roger stomps off to London and makes an unfortunate marriage. Years later the two meet again and circumstances find them having to spend time together. An Older and slightly wiser widower Roger comes to realise that the sparks that fly between them may not be enmity at all. Witty banter a mystery to solve and the spice of danger will keep you intrigued till the very last page. More sweet than steamy.
Publishing Date August 27, 2019
#NetGalley #HowToCrossAMarquess #JaneAshford #SourcebooksCasablanca #HistoricalRomance #Bookstagram

Roger Berwick, Marquess of Chatton went to London as he needed to see his in-laws and he had an invitation to have dinner with Arthur Shelton, Earl of Macklin. He found he was not the only one to be invited, there were four others. Lord Macklin said they all had one thing in common, Death. Roger had been wondering what these other men wanted. He really didn't know them. He lost his wife a year ago and had lived with guilt and grief.
Miss Fenella Fairclough had recently returned from Scotland and her grandmother. To take care of her father who was very ill. They had grown up together. Their fathers had decided when they were in their teens that they should marry. But neither at the time wanted to and fought tooth and nail not to.
An excellent story of murder, matchmaking, and danger. I enjoyed the way they banter back and forth
and fought emotion. The author did a great job of keeping all the little pieces together, to make it make sense and be concise. It was a wonderful and enjoyable tale. The characters take you away and you almost feel the sensations and emotions they do. You want to keep reading.
I received this ARC from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.

The Marquis of Chatton and his neighbour Fenella Fairclough have known each other all their lives. They refused to marry each other years ago when their parents demanded it, she ran away to stay with her grandmother in Scotland & he went south to London where he married Arabella. Now Roger is a widower & has returned to his estate in Northumberland & Arabella has returned home to tend to her ailing father.
This is the third book in the series but could easily be read on its own, Arthur the Earl of Macklin is again meddling in the nicest possible way but this time both Roger & Fenella don’t need his meddling. The road to their HEA isn't easy with an ailing father, poison pen letters & then 'Maid Marian' out to injure Fenella but it's an engaging tradition read. There's also John & Tom who are both delightful. I found myself engrossed in the book & read it in two sittings. I'm looking forward to more in the series
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

A classic story Of Love. The Marquess is angry at the way things have gone in his life. He is not great at saying the right things when needed. Fenella believes she has finally found her voice. This story is lively and filled with wonderful and interesting characters. The conversations are witty and will find you laughing out loud many times. The antics they get up to are sweet and endearing. Despite all the obstacles these two find love in a most unique way.

How to Cross a Marquess is the third book in Jane Ashford’s new series, The Way to a Lord’s Heart. This is a traditional Regency romance with a few delightfully delicious kisses. Since I read the first book in the series, I decided to accept the offer from the publisher, via Net-Galley. My opinions are my own and are not influenced in any way.

This book is a second chance romance. Fenella and Roger have known each other since childhood, and at one time, their fathers wanted them to wed, but Roger wasn’t interested, and neither was Fenella. She ran away to her grandmother in Scotland, and he took off for London where he met and married Arabella. His was not a happy union, and four years after their marriage, she dies, leaving him a widower. Fenella and Roger are brought together again a year after Arabella’s death.

As you can imagine, they are not fond of each other, so this a bit of the enemies to sweethearts troupe as well. I’m not over fond of that one, but Ms. Ashford doesn’t make them to antagonistic toward each other, so I actually enjoyed the barbs they threw at each other for the most part. The author also masterfully brings out their backstory without any information dumps, which is excellent.

This is definitely a sweet romance with only a few steamy kisses. That is somewhat of a surprise since Regency romance today is normally full of passion and a good amount of sex. I enjoyed the level of intimacy between the couple. It was delightfully romantic and lovely.

While I liked both characters and loved her nephew John, I didn’t fall in love with the story, especially the villainous part of the tale. I just didn’t buy it. Nonetheless, John stole the show and I loved his part in the story. He made this a very worthwhile read.

If you enjoy traditional Regencies with engaging characters, then you will enjoy How to Cross a Marquess. Ms. Ashford did a superb job with the historical period which enhanced my overall pleasure. Happy reading!

Jane Ashford has a great talent. Fenella is a girl abused by her own father, until she is sent to her strong grandmother's home. There she gets strong. Roger is a spoiled brat, who is learning to grow up.
I don't want to tell you the story, but I promise you will fall in love with this couple.