This was a standard regency romance in many ways, with a very competent and intelligent heroine Dorie, who has a kind heart and determined personality, and Alex, the new Lord Exeter. Alex has come home from his grand tour to find his mother has elected and he is completely unprepared to manage his estates and look after his sisters, who have been left behind as he is their legal guardian. Dorie has been helping his sisters out while he has been away, and when he returns she decides to help him find a suitable wife who has been well trained in management to support him. Although she is attracted to him, Dorie is determined to fall in love. Alex Immediately realises he wants to marry Dorie as she could solve all his problems but it takes far too long for him to realise that he loves her.

This book was very long, and I think, a little too long. Neither of the characters made me feel that invested in them or their story and I also was absolutely astounded at the way Alex’s mother was vilified in the book. Her husband had had a bigamous marriage with four other children since she had had her children, and she was blamed and penalised for trying to find happiness after her husband had died. She also seemed to have been treated quite badly by him, and not even been given the respect that she should have had as his wife.

There were also a lot of details that didn’t seem to go anywhere, such as the detail about the Marchioness’ apartments, and so on.

All in all, I felt this was ok, but not a favourite, it was overlong and a little disjointed.

I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book and all opinions are my own.

Also posted on Goodreads

The characters are great! They are well fleshed out and interesting. I just couldn't take the slow pace of the story. It felt like I was on a merry go round for 80% of the story and the last 20% I got off all dizzy, wondering what just happened. Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for this ARC.

Another lively read from Ella Quinn.

What do you do when you've become the Marquis earlier than wished, your mother's scandalously run off with the land steward leaving your two sisters in your care, and you know nothing about managing households, lands, or young ladies?
What Alexander, now Marquis  of  Exeter decides is that he needs a wife to help him through the mire of governing his marquisate. An aunt he's asked for assistance fires off the following tersely worded sensible sentiment, 'My advice is to find a wife.'
Meanwhile Lady Dorcus Calthorp, daughter of a Marquis and sister one of Alex's friends, crosses Alex's path and decides to help him by introducing him to eligible potential candidates.
Dorie discounts herself as a candidate. She's decided to marry for love, like the rest of her family. (I must admit to finding the interactions of her parents, the Marquis and Marchioness of Huntington very amusing.)
Alex is completely bamboozled about the idea of being in love. This is foreign territory and not for him. However as he starts to change his mind he ruminates that, "This falling in love made life much more problematical just when it did not need more complications."
He feels his only viable action is to pursue the reluctant Dorie. Having decided she is his preference will be difficult because, "Dorie was definitely a challenge. His greatest one yet."
Now added to this it seems his father has another family. We don't hear much in this novel but that fact seems to be somewhat up in the air and hidden. Will it come to light later? And then there's Dorie's friend Lady Augusta Vivers, who seems to me even more absent minded than ever. Mmmm!
What with amongst many things, preventing scandals from coming to light, needing a wife, and not even on a nodding notice with the idea of falling in love, our newly minted noble has his hands full, as does his chosen lady.

A Kensington Books ARC via NetGalley

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

It's been a long wait, at least it seemed so to me, for this conclusion to the Marriage Game series. The Marquis She's Been Waiting For, by Ella Quinn, is listed as book #9 but It's actually #10. If you've not read any of the books in this series please don't miss them, they're very clever.

Alex Endicott, new Marquis of Exeter, has arrived home to find chaos. Lots of chaos. His mother ran off to Scotland with her new hubby & left his underage sisters behind. He's not been trained to run an Marquisate & suffers from a slight case of dyscalculia. I've read of this syndrome and think I might be effected slightly. It's akin to dyslexia, but with numbers. I can't balance my checkbook, poor Alex has to look after his holdings & make sure he's not being cheated. Thank goodness for Lady Dorie, she took charge while the girls, & estate, were alone & has done a magnificent job. Marrying her would sure solve a lot of his problems. Love? No need for it, just get married quickly. He's a Marquis for heavens sake., it shouldn't be difficult.

Lady Dorcus, "Dorie", Calthorp is a young lady with a good head on her shoulders. She's been taught to run a household and holdings too. Managing is a word applied to her often. Burned last season by a gentleman she's wary now. Backstory, he realized they were wrong for each other a little late but did manage to stop a catastrophe by bowing out. Dorie wants a love match & understands Alex doesn't care, he needs to marry soon. Alex asks his friends how to make her fall in love with him & how would he know if he loved her. There was some good advice and lots of snickers. It all works out in the end but I felt it dragged a little and then rushed to the finish line. I still enjoyed the book, don't get me wrong, but it's not my fav in the series.

As always, Ms Quinn has a masterful way with the side characters. I love their stories & it sets up the next book without giving away too much. She manages to do this every time, I'm amazed. The guy who dumped Dorie? He's next. Poor guy. Another thing I enjoy is how Ms Quinn uses archaic words. While Behoove isn't archaic it's old fashioned & few of us use it. It sounds funny. Roundaboutation popped up again, love it, and a new phrase, quacking yourself! I almost choked on my coffee, it's a terrific scene. Happy reading & we'll meet again for The Most Eligible Lord in London in March of 2020. Happy reading.

#Netgalley #EllaQuinn #TheMarquisShe'sBeenWaitingFor #TheMarriageGame #KensingtonPress

Book Title: The Marquis She’s Been Waiting For
Author: Ella Quinn
Pub Date: September 3, 2019

***ARC was provided to me by Net Galley and the Publisher for a fair and honest review***

Overall rating: 3/5

Heroine (Lady Dorie Calthrop): 4/5 She is the daughter of politically involved parents and is politically involved herself. She hopes to have a large house to run and sponsor charities, but most of all she hopes for a love match

Hero (Alex, Marquis of Exeter): 3/5 He is a newly inherited lord who has no idea how to run his household or his land holdings. He hopes to find a wife who can do both in addition to helping him raise his two little sisters. A love match is the last thing on his mind

Plot: 3/5 Dorie has been effectively running the Exeter household since the girls' mother had abandoned them by running off with a new husband shortly after their father’s death. Once the Alex comes to claim his seat and his sisters it is clear he has no idea what he is doing. Dorie wants to help and becomes his tutor in all things regarding his title. But can Dorie help him find the perfect wife?

Personal Review: Usually I really enjoy stories by Ella Quinn, but I found this one to just drag a little bit. In short, I didn’t have as much fun reading it as I did her other books. Once Dorie and Alex were forced together through her giving him lessons on how to do everything required of a title the story picked up a bit for me but that isn’t even until the 50% mark. That said I would still read another book by Ella Quinn.

Alexander, the new Marquis of Exeter has returned home to find his mother has run off with his land steward. He soon realizes he needs to marry someone to run his estate and his household. Lady Dorcus Calthorp, aka Lady Dorie, daughter of the Marquis of Huntington, meets all these requirements. His mother asked Lady Hunting for help and her daughter Lady Dorie comes to help out. She’s been stopping by to check on his sister and helping out taking over his mother’s responsibilities overlooking the menu and accounts. Only problem is Dorie does not want to be a convenient wife and wanted to marry for love, but she agrees to would help him find a match. This is an enchanting story with a slow courtship that builds as the story goes along. I voluntarily read and reviewed this story.

It’s been a while now since I read the last released title in The Marriage Game series, yet some worlds come back to the reader no matter how long in-between visits. THE MARQUIS SHE’S BEEN WAITING FOR is a story that had me frustrated, giggling, misty-eyed and enjoying the journey once again.

Alex and Dorie make an… unusual couple since neither really is saying what they truly feel and both are so stubborn that misunderstandings are an expected result. Alex faces so many changes in his life, most he’s not really prepared to deal with. His solution is a wife to take care of the “home front” part of the marriage deal. What he discovers is a woman who has been hurt beyond reason and has little trust in any man. She’s not willing to marry for less than love, and all she can see about Alex’s requirements in a wife shouts no love required. Her solution may have opened Alex’s eyes, but not her own for her mistrust of any male is very clear in her actions and her words.

Dorie often frustrated me since love can not be produced upon demand. Just because a man fits all of her requirements does not mean that she will fall in love with him (or him with her). But she cannot see that. What she’s always wanted is right in front of her but she is blind to Alex’s changed feelings. Watching them work their way to a happy future was enjoyable, frustrating and a very good story.

I loved catching glimpses of past couples, even an appearance or two by The Worthingtons made my day. Secondary characters often make or break a story for me so I was quite happy with the cast of THE MARQUIS SHE’S BEEN WAITING FOR.

If you enjoy a really good Historical Romance with a bit of sizzle, an unlikely couple, and the shenanigans that falling in love requires then you’ll want to pick up this one.

*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.*

I’ve read several Ella Quinn stories, and she is a reliably sound writer. In “The Marquis” we meet Dorcus Calthorp, who is cold-bloodedly husband hunting. Surprisingly, she is uninterested in Alexander, the Marquis of Exeter, who is equally cold-bloodedly hunting for a wife. It really isn’t clear why Dorie is so opposed to a match with him, which is encouraged by her friends and family; she claims to be looking for a love match.

While I liked the writing, the characters and the overall plot, I was slightly disappointed that there were no real surprises in the story.

The Marquis She’s Been Waiting For is as much about societal norms as it is a light hearted romance. Alex’s father dies fairly young and Alex’s mother marries way below her station shortly after said death, leaving her daughters in the hands of a questionable and incompetent governess. She did ask a peer’s daughter to watch after her daughters and the household until Alex returns from his trip on the continent. Alex comes home to a mess. His friends tell him he needs to marry quickly so his wife can take care of his sisters and his holdings.

Generally, an heir is brought up being taught how to care for the title and the family estates. That is not the case with Alex and his father. It appears Alex has a learning disability, which may have been his father’s reason for not preparing him.

Neighbor Dorie is the young lady to whom Alex’s mother handed her family and home. Alex would like her to continue helping. Dorie does not want to marry except for love. She sees Alex is more interested in a helper than a true wife. The development of the relationship between Dorie and Alex is a sweet slow build. Neither really know what love is until it kind of runs over each of them.

Ms. Quinn uses her sweet style to keep in a part of this sweet relationship. She brings in characters from previous books to keep you aware of how their lives are progressing. You will absolutely love Dorie’s mother and her practical ways.

Ms. Quinn, I am adding this after posting my review because I did not want it to be for public knowledge. The lovemaking sections are written well and handled well, especially in showing Alex's care and consideration for Dorie. You write with such love and care already, that I believe you could leave out the more detailed gratuitous sex and have kind of a 'closed door' moment, leaving it to our imaginations. You did that for their wedding night and it was perfect! You would still have an amazing book. Thank you for allowing me to share this with you.

When Alex, the Marquis of Exeter, comes home from his Grand Tour after his father’s unexpected death, he’s woefully unprepared to manage his estates and has no real idea what to do with his teenaged sisters. The obvious solution is to find a wife, and Lady Dorie Huntingdon seems to fit the bill nicely - except Dorie wants a love match and Alex doesn’t even know what that is.

The first thing that bothered me about this is that marquis is a Scottish title. Exeter is a real town in southern England - so it should be marquess. This might seem like a small thing, but after a while it really started to get to me, and frankly Alex not having been prepared at all by his father was just unbelievable. People died a lot younger in those days, and of ailments which are easily cured today. There’s no way a marquess (or a marquis) would have left his only male heir completely ignorant. Alex should have been learning from his father from the moment he could follow him around. Now, the fact that he has dyscalculia could have affected things, but there was never any indication Alex’s father even knew about it.

Dorie was a likeable enough heroine - she describes herself as ‘extremely managing’ but ladies of her rank were expected to do a great deal, so I thought she just came across as admirably competent. The biggest problem with the whole thing is that there are no real stakes. There was no pressure on Dorie to marry at all because of her extremely nice family. There’s a vague mention of her distrust of handsome men because one did her wrong, and then it never comes up again. She wants to fall in love and she does, and though there’s a brief bit of concern that Alex might be planning to offer for someone else, we never get to explore how Dorie feels about that. There’s nothing ever really at stake here for her and it makes the whole story feel pretty dull. There’s never much more for Alex to worry about either, and I finished reading the book with a resounding feeling of meh. Two stars.

Maybe it was the name Dorcas, but I wasn't feeling it with this book. Everything seemed so contrived, and I just didn't feel the chemistry between Alexander and Dorie. The whole story started with this weird situation where Alexander's mother took her two daughters to London, then up an left them, married the land steward, and ran off to Scotland. Super managing who for some reason knows all about managing an estate steps in an helps with the sisters until Alexander returns from his travels. Alexander, on the other hand, knows nothing about managing an estate. And, well, you can guess the rest. Alexander has this idea that if he can just marry her all of his problems are solved, and she has this idea that she likes him but wants to be loved for herself. Tons of reasons are manufactured to throw them together, and just as many reasons are assumed to keep them apart, and bada bing they fall in love, Overall t0he story was entertaining, but not one of the best evers. *I received an ARC from Netgalley for this book. All the opinions are my own.

The Marquis She's Been Waiting For by Ella Quinn is book 9 in The Marriage Game Series. This is the story of Dorcus "Dorie"Calthorp and Alexander the Marquis of Exeter.
Alexander is returning home to take over the family title and to take over the care of his sisters after his mother has taken off. Alexander wants to find a wife that can look over his sisters and the house while he pursues his parliament position. Alexander finds that Dorie has been helping his sister and he finds Dorie to be a great candidate for his wife. Dorie thought that Alexander would be a ideal husband until she learns he just wants a babysitter and someone to oversea his house/land. Dorie goes forward to help him learn what to do but doesn't go forward with a marry him. But the more time he spends with her the more he wants to change what they are doing.
Enjoyed their story.

Ella Quinn won't fail her Regency readers with this romance. Quinn's characters are smart and not "simpering", giving her readers a bit more for their romance read.

Quinn gives us a great end of summer read with Dorie and Marcus's story in The Marquis She's Been Waiting For. Characters were well developed and the story was satisfying. This book is a great way to spend an afternoon.

Dorie and Alexander have a journey to make together. Getting them to their HEA takes a lot of work on both of their parts. Great story line with a fresh feeling. I really enjoyed the historical notes at the end.

Lord Alexander Endicott, Marquis of Exeter had been summoned home. His father had died and now he had the title. His mother had married the Earl of Portmore, brought his two sisters to London and left them there while they had gone to Scotland to look over his new lands. One was fourteen and the other was sixteen. Alex was wondering where his two older sisters were. His two younger sisters related that one just had a baby and the other was in Paris. His mother apparently had left a letter for him. He hoped it had some answers. Needless to say, he was very confused. The girls did mention that Lady Dorie had been stopping by to see how the girls were and if they needed anything.
Lady Dorie Calthrop is a managing sort of Lady. She can run a house and help with the estate. She was not interested in Alex. He was too handsome. His mother had left the girls with no real authority but the governess and the housekeeper.
I enjoyed the book. It was at times very funny and the situation was comical. The obstacles they had to solve and the banter between each other and their friends was entertaining. He knew nothing, his father had never spent the time training him and thought he had more time. The author did such a nice job on this story, it had the pain of family death, confusion, and not knowing where to turn. I did read it in one night and loved every minute.
I received this ARC from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed it.

Alexander Endicott, now Marquiss of Exeter had a hugh surprise when he was called home from his Grand tour. His father had passed away and his mother had married the estate steward and left his sisters on their own! His two older sisters had not stepped up eithe as one had gone to Paris and on had just had a baby. He was at a total loss as to what to do because he father had not taught him how to run the estates yet. That was suppose to come upon his return!
Lady Dorie Calthorp, his neighbor it seemed had stepped in and run things and helped his sisters until he returned but of course now she had stepped aside. He goes to meet her right away and is very much attracted to her and thinks the perfect solution would be to marry her and she could run everything! The estate, take care of his sisters and help him with an heir. Easy right?
Not... Dorie did not want to be a convenient wife and wanted to marry for love but posed that she would help him find a match.
The problem of course is that he is attracted to her and of course she is to him, but can they ever come to find they are meant for each other?
A slow burn romance that was a delightful read in this great series of The Marriage Game.

Dashing as they may be, Ella Quinn’s eligible bachelors have much to learn about life and love. Fortunately, just the right ladies are willing to instruct them …
I admit to being totally addicted to Ella Quinn's Worthingtons and this offshoot series,The Marriage Game.
You will be drawn in from the first chapter. The characters are delightful and well drawn out and the story will entrance you from the start.
Lady Dorcus Calthorp, daughter of the Marquis of Huntington, loved and lost during her first Season, Now Dorie finds herself with no marital prospects in sight. Alexander, the newly elevated Marquis of Exeter, arrives in town. Handsome, charming, and an interesting conversationalist
After learning of his father’s death, Alexander returns home to find his mother has run off with his land steward, leaving his younger sisters with their governesses. He is now in need of a wife and Dorie is just the ticket.
I loved this newest Marriage Game novel.
I gave it 4.5 of 5.0 stars for story line and characterization.
I received a complimentary ARC of this book to read via NetGalley.
This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

Alexander (Alex), the Marquis of Exeter, is sitting with his sisters, Lady Phillida Endicott, age 14, and Lady Penelope Endicott, age 16. They are enjoying tea. Alex has just returned from Paris and is now learning to take over his duties of the Marquis now that his father has passed away. He is the guardian of his two sisters. His mother has married the new Earl of Portmore and they have left for Scotland. Alex’s two older sisters are unable to care for their younger sisters as they have other pressing family matters to attend to. So, it all falls on Alex’s shoulders.

Lady Dorie Huntington is a neighbor of the family and has been helping care for the girls until Alex arrived. Dorie is the daughter of the Marquis of Huntington.

Alex knows nothing about running the estate and now has to learn quickly. He calls upon Dorie an her mother to thank them for their help with his sisters. Dorie had had a bad experience with another man and is shy of wanting a relationship, but she is quite taken with Alex’s looks as he is of hers.

Dorie begins to explain a lot about estate management to Alex and he is amazed at her knowledge. She thinks she needs to introduce him to young ladies to help him find a wife. But, he wants to marry Dorie, but she’s not interested in marrying him. Determined to win her love, Alex does all he can to prove to her how much he cares.

I have read a number of Ella Quinn’s books and find that she introduces a LOT of characters from her other books. This plot tended to get bogged down with extra characters and their stories. The end result always ends in an HEA, but I hope that future books will edit out the unnecessary “stuff.”

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

This was an enjoyable story and although I found it a bit slow going at times, it was still fun to read.

You have Alex, the new Marquis who is looking for a wife to help him with his sisters and his estates, you have Dorie who is trying to help him find a wife that will suit him and a whole other bunch of characters who are trying to help them both!! Little does Dorie know, though, that Alex has his sights on HER! Their love story is a very slowwww burn....I do wish there would have been more passion between them.

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