Nope 🤷‍♀️. I just couldn’t get into this at all, hard as I tried. Thank you to netgalley for the ARC.

Jane Ashford's How To Cross A Marquess is a sweet tale of childhood friendship turned "second chanc love".


The often times less than diplomatic Marquess of Chagrin may have a hard time controlling his thoughts when attempting to put them into words.
But when the tragic death of his outspoken new bride puts him in the path of his very beautiful, and very much matured childhood friend, and neighbor, Fenella Fairclough.
She proves to be a woman very hard to forget.

Though whether the reason for this is because of the Lady that she has become. Or her relationship to his late wife and the circumstances surrounding her death. Remains a question that both characters and reader find themselves presented with time and again. As the story progresses.

Although there are a few rather oddly placed supporting cast members who mange to provide rather interesting diversions from the rather plodding storyline offered by Roger and Fenella.

This odd placement is most markedly emphasized in the part of the story where the ins and outs of the main relationship, and that of all supporting interactions said relationship relies upon to further the story as a whole meet.

Examples.

The appearance of Arthur Shelton, Earl of Macklin. Who styles himself as a Regency Dr. Phil of sorts in the story's prologue.
But then is not heard from again until he 'appears' on Roger's doorstep. Just in time to be the social saving grace for a rather floundering Fenella. And an 'angel on the shoulders' of Roger. Very interesting ward in tow.

A ward who, just happens to fit the bill for the other plot driving 'odd placement in the story. Fenella's nephew, John.
Who again appears on the doorstep of his aunt.

These happenings wouldn't stand out as odd so glaringly. If not for the fact that their stitching into the fabric of the story is not as seamless as it should be.
This fact, however bothersome. Doesn't really detract from the overall enjoyability of the read. Just a hiccup in the story's continuity.

All things considered. This is a very sweet, balanced, and readable mid-level romance.
That lovers of second chance "happily ever afters" will adore.

This book is about second chances, forgiveness, and following your heart.

I am not sure exactly if I loved this book or not. The first part of the book dragged a little for me. But by the end I was engrossed and did enjoy the story.
Fenella and Roger had been thrown together by their fathers when they were younger, told to marry and settle a land dispute. Taking matters into their own hands, Fenella and Roger refuse and each "escape" the pressure of their parents.
Roger soon finds himself in an extremely unhappy marriage to someone who did not want to marry him. Due to odd circumstances, his wife has died. Fenella and Roger are once again together, only this time their feelings for each other are very different.
Can the two overcome a revenge plot, vindictiveness, and even her family to be together?
Lots of interesting characters, and a few side stories that do make the book enjoyable.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Fenella and Roger made a cute couple. I kept imagining little red head children running around in their future. With everything that they had to overcome, they should have a strong relationship at least. I enjoyed reading, How to Cross a Marquess. I can't wait to see how Macklin helps in the next book of the series.

A couple who ran form an arranged marriage as youth are reunited after they have grown nd matured. Their love story is aided by a fairy godfather or Prospero character, the figure who ties Jane Ashford’s series together. This books can easily be read as a standalone, though.Fun, a bit of mystery and fulfilling love story, this book can be recommended for patron who like their romance without explicit sexual science. I would highly recommend to my patrons.

Book 3 in her The Way to a Lord’s Heart series tells us of neighbors Roger and Fenella. Roger is a widower who feels guilty over his wife’s death. Fenella is a woman who defies her father and her family. We see the reoccurring character Lord Macklin who is trying to help Roger over the death of his wife. This was a great second chance at love story. I can’t wait to read the next in the series A Duke Too Far coming out in April 2020. I hope by the time the series ends we see Lord Macklin married (perhaps to Roger’s Mom?) as well as young Tom settled. I received this ARC for my honest review.

Years previously, Roger, the Marquess of Chatton, was nearly forced to marry Fenella Fairclough. Although close friends for years, they had no desire to marry and Fenella fled. Roger did indeed marry, but that was definitely not a love match, and due to odd circumstances, his wife died.

In the prologue of this story the Arthur Shelton, the Earl of Macklin has gathered several men who have suffered loss together. He has a very odd role of a matchmaker, although he doesn't want to be viewed as such. He would rather be viewed as someone who can change things for people when he sees a need in them.

Roger wasn't the best person for most of his life, spoiled as he was. However, with his experiences, he has changed and become a better man. Fenella was my favorite in this story, however. She experienced far more than her fair share of abuse and ridicule by her father, in fact, her entire family. However, she showed remarkable strength and fortitude, proving that she was not only a capable person, but someone deserving of love and happiness.

When Roger and Fenella get a second chance, the story becomes truly heartwarming. Roger tried so very hard to honor the memory of his wife, as unhappy as he was. However, he must face the fact that he is indeed quite drawn to Fenella, and must cope with feelings of guilt and self-recrimination.

While these two are carving their path toward a warm and happy future, the story includes other memorable characters. There is, as mentioned, the Earl of Macklin, but also Roger's mother, and a couple of teen boys who, in their own ways, affect change with regard to what might happen with Roger and Fenella.

The story takes a bit of a turn when it comes to an element of mystery when Fenella's life might be in jeopardy. With the romance, characters and scenarios, this proved to be an excellent book. I really did enjoy How to Cross a Marquess, as I have the previous books in The Way to a Lord's Heart series.

Many thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.

The story involves a new love between Fenella and Roger, the death of her father and the meddling of her brothers-in-law. Also there is an unexpected marriage and someone who wants to destroy them, going as far as to try and kill Fenella. There is constantly something happening in the book that keeps your attention. I would highly recommend this book.

How to Cross a Marquess is book three of the Way to a Lord’s Heart series and is by far the most emotionally engaged one. This time we meet the Marquess of Chatton who after the lost of his wife Arabella finds himself falling for his neighbor Fenella Fairclough whom he had previously refused to marry at the bequest of both their families. Roger who was never able to get close to his wife, who seemed not to have loved him also despite him trying to please her, regretted his choice upon being reunited in later years with Fenella.

We learn that Fenella as well had refused the marriage because not only had she felt she was being forced into into it by her parents, her father in particular, but also due to how violently Roger had seemed to oppose the match. As the book proceeds we discover that she had always had an interest in him and it was that reaction that made her flee to her grandmothers’.

We know from when we first meet Roger during the meeting at Whites that he’s not really looking for another wife but that Lord Macklin is again into his matchmaking plots and won’t abide failure at bringing closure to these lords who’s lives he’s chosen to meddle in. However, as the two begin to let their romance take its course a series of difficulties due to past actions start rearing their ugly heads. This time though Roger’s mother, a past love interest of Arthur, is all in for this match as well and becomes a co-conspirator.

Fenella and Roger however seem to always fall victim to a reckless lack of self control and their own innate stubbornness. Roger is impulsive with his words which he often follows with rash actions that keeps on placing their chance at happiness in jeopardy at every turn. For Fenella it’s the actions of her family towards her that are very disgraceful and hurtful so you get to understand why she feels she must be defiant at every turn. With Fenella desperately seeking to be in charge of her life thus, they are their own worst enemy and must come to terms with that before they can find happiness.

We know of course that Arthur Shelton, the Earl of Macklin has no intention of having his matchmaking plans thwarted by however who seems so determined to keep the two lovers apart. So enters our supporting characters from the two previous books Tom and Mrs Thorpe. In book three we understand Lord Macklin more as he interacts with Roger’s mother who was a past love interest. They both seem to understand that choices can have repercussions that lead to regret and that second chances should be grabbed with both hands.

What follows is a nicely paced book full of the same humor and complexities as the first two books as things come to light about Roger’s marriage and the source of its failure. The book shows how human emotions causes us to choose the wrong path and how that can lead to such sorrow. As you get further into the chapters you understand all the characters more and more and the need to see what happens to them next grows.

As in the previous books in the series thus far, this book touches on realistic life circumstances, choices and speaks of healing and moving on the best we know and to get a chance at happiness. It can still be read as a stand alone book however. Overall all it makes for a great read and you will find yourself waiting for the next installment in order to find more about the characters you’ll come to love.

I received a complimentary download of this book from Sourcebooks Casablanca through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed here are completely my own and sincerely given.

This was a great book in a series that is fast becoming a favorite of mine. I loved the characters and the secondary characters are just as loveable.

I have voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this title given to me via NetGalley. How to Cross a Marquess is the third book in the Way to a Lord’s Heart series and it was so good. I loved getting to enter this world and meet these wonderful characters. I just fell in love with this story and these characters and I am so excited to see what this author writes next.

I’m not sure how I feel about this book. The good—I loved almost all of the characters. The hero and heroine were easy to root for, and the supporting cast, some of whom we met earlier in the series, was fun. I like that this series isn’t only about a hero and heroine but details the people around them. The bad: the packing was slow; the first half of the book dragged. The ugly: the melodrama that happens late in the book. I don’t want to spoil it, so I’ll just say I found the whole thing over the top.

This series has so much potential, but I’ve been disappointed by every book so far. I loved the Duke’s Sons series so much, and I still think this one could be wonderful; the endings seem to be giving the author trouble, however.

An enjoyable historical romance with good characters and plot. Sweet romance it follows the others in the series. Will offer in the store

This is a first time book for me by this author and it will definitely be the last. The story drags and drags along with lackluster boring characters and an ending that is more concerned about introducing the next book than finishing this one. Don’t bother to waste your time.

This novel brings together two people who were thrown together by their fathers in their hope they would marry to settle a land dispute. Fenella Fairclough And Roger, the Marquess of Chatton, and no desire to marry. Fenella ran away to her grandmother’s home in Scotland and Roger went to London. Roger married another woman who became friends with Fenella. However, some blamed Fenella for the lady’s death. Years later, Fenella and Roger meet again, both different people and begin to see each other in a new light. They like each other and begin to spend more time together. However, there are those who do not want them together and force them to make a decision that will have an impact on all those around them, good, bad, and dangerous.

How To Cross A Marquess is book 3 in the series of “The Way To A Lord’s Heart, a historical romance by Jane Ashford. The book is well -written with amazing cast of characters. Roger, Marquess of Chatton, who lost his wife and then blames his neighbor Fenella for the death of his wife. Growing up, Fenella always had a crush on Roger, but then when their parents attempt to force them into marriage, she escaped to her grandmother home in Scotland. I enjoyed reading Roger and Fenella's love story because it full of action, drama, spice and suspense. I looked forward to reading more from Jane Ashford book in the future.

This was a good weekend read. Loved the characters . Loved the second chance the couple get with each other. Neither were ready or able to take a forced marrage and given they were now older, the explored their feels better.

This is the third book in the series and as with the other 2 books, the prologue introduces us to a group of men who have faced a tragedy in their lives and who are brought together by the Earl of Macklin who tries to offer comfort to each of them. This book features Roger Berwick, Marquess of Chatton and his neighbor Fenella who have known each other all their lives. Their fathers tried to get the two together, but with disastrous results. Now years later, the two meet again and could sparks fly now?

I really liked this book. Ms. Ashford is a master storyteller teasing out the back story of Roger and Fenella and how life events have changed them. There is plenty of drama, twists and turns in the story that will keep you turning the pages to find out what happens next. Who is the villain bent on reeking havoc for Roger and Fenella? Can't wait to read the next book in the series!

Loved this story! I like that the “matchmaking” in this series is being done by an older man - which is a bit of a twist for regency tales. Interesting characters with growth over the story and multiple challenges to overcome - How to Cross a Marquess is surprisingly full of twists & turns.

I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

How To Cross A Marquess is a fabulous historical romance by Jane Ashford. Ms. Ashford has provided readers with a well-written book packed with an outstanding cast of characters. Roger, Marquess of Chatton, has lost his wife and blames the neighbor he grew up with. Fenella had a crush on Roger growing up, but when their parents tried to force marriage on them she escaped to Scotland to her grandmother and stayed for years. Roger and Fenella's story is loaded with drama, humor, spice, action and suspense. I enjoyed every page of this book and look forward to reading more from Jane Ashford in the future. How To Cross A Marquess is book 3 of The Way To A Lord's Heart Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.

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