I loved this book. I liked the humor between the two characters. I felt that Nicholas was very comfortable around Maryann. He was charming towards her with wit. His devil may care attitude.
And his insatiable need to get to know her more. I think he was sweeping Maryann off her feet. I like how the two played the cat and mouse game with each other. Maryann new how to stand her ground with Nicholas and Stamford, but not her parents. I enjoyed the romantic entertainment in the book.
I also enjoyed the mystery that played in the background of the romance. I struggled with the courtship between Nicholas and Maryann just a little. I was looking for Nicholas to kiss Maryann again or at least a passionate make out session between the two characters halfway through the book. Also, the mystery, I was waiting for it to pick some steam when Nicholas made the decision to protect Maryann. I still enjoyed the book.
The romance between Maryann and Nicholas I found quite entertaining and romantic. I received a free copy of this book via NetGally and am voluntarily leaving a review.

In an effort to right a wrong, Lady Maryann Fitzwilliam has enlisted her brother Crispin to help her carry out her plan to embarrass her former friend and the reigning belle of the ton, Lady Sophie Wembley. Her plan is simple, she will wait until Sophie comes close to a window in the ballroom and then will have Crispin dump a bucket of grass snakes on her and watch her humiliate herself. But it isn’t Crispin who comes to her aid, a fact she doesn’t learn until after the deed is done. She is horrified and runs away – but soon discovers who her “helper” was – none other than the notorious libertine, Nicolas St. Ives, the Marquess of Rothbury.

Nicolas had his own reasons for being at the ball and for intercepting Crispin. Maryann was never part of his plan, but after meeting her, he is intrigued by her and can’t seem to stop thinking about her. Especially once he learns she plans to use him to ruin her – or at least imply that he ruined her to get out of an arranged marriage. When he overhears her spreading a rumor that he snuck into her room and stole a kiss – he can’t let that slide and proceeds to do just what she accused him of.

But at much as he is captivated by her, he can’t afford to get tangled up with her – at least not until he carries out his plans for revenge on those who hurt someone he loved and cause her to kill herself. He has been setting up his revenge for years and tracking down all the men who were involved in Arianna’s downfall and ultimately her death. He is not positive, but thinks that Maryann’s brother was involved, so that is even more reason for him to stay away – but he just can’t. And as he spends time with her, and begins to fall for her, he knows he will have to make a choice – love or honoring his vow to Arianna’s memory.

This was not a light read and based on the blurb, I was not prepared for a book that was in essence a revenge story – which is not a trope I enjoy. I felt like the book had the potential to be fabulous, but the revenge, inconsistencies, the title errors, and the odd raccoon references (I totally agree with another reviewer who noted this – there were no raccoons in England, so why use them??) – however, the twist at the end of the book was outstanding and the love scenes were smokin’ hot – so the book was not a total miss for me. Overall, the book was not my favorite by this author and it did drag a bit in the middle – but the ending did go a long way into making up for that and as this was an uncorrected arc, I am going to assume inconsistencies and title errors will be corrected before publication (hopefully), so would recommend that you judge for this book for yourself. This is the second book in this series, but they are very loosely connected and are definitely able to be read as stand-alone titles.

I did not know going into this story that it was going to be as dark as it was and I loved it. I am into tortured heroes and dark stories so this was right up my alley (I do like light fare also). Nicolas is out for revenge and it is taking him ten years to exact it upon those who wrong a friend of his in the worst possible way. Maryann wants out of her situation so she makes up a story (or at least twists a story that is already out there) to her advantage about the rake Nicolas. Their romance takes a journey from a little bit of lust to true friendship to love. I thought the friendship part of their story was so fantastically told you could image them playing games, sitting around talking and comforting each other.

Oh and it was great to see Rhys again if one for one scene. He is one of my favorites of Stacy's characters.

I recived a free xopy from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I loved loved this book. I wanted to get work over with so I could spend the rest of the day just reading this book.
Nicolas is bent on revenge and has devoted years getting jutice for the girl he cared for.
Maryann wants nothing more than to get out of her engagement with a man old enough to be her father.
Once the two meet Nicolas can't help being mesmerized by Maryann.
Nicolas's devotion and ruthless need for revenge and to protect Maryann was great as well as him being hopeless enthralled by her.
Maryann was a independent woman who knew what she wanted which quickly became Nicolas.
5 stars all the way. Off to read the first book in the series and impatiently wait for the 3rd book.

Ten years ago a young lady was approached by five young men, a couple of days she sent a letter to her best friend Nicolas and then she drowned herself in a river. Ever since then Nicolas has been hunting these men one by one while at the same time feeling guilt and regret for not being there when his friend was attacked.

One night he crashes into the home of one of the suspects when he meets his sister, Maryann. Maryann is a wallflower and a bluestocking. No man of the ton looks at her twice for she is smart, outspoken, direct, honest and well read. She makes them uncomfortable. Nicolas never had any interest in her as he was blinded by his hatred. Not only that he has built a fame around his person that he is the wildest rogue in town, to associate with any woman would mean ruination for her.

Yet Maryann uses his fame to make up a rumor that she’s been ruined by him so her appointed fiancée will break the betrothal and her parents will have to send her to the country where she will be able to live her life as a spinster and be happy ever after. That very night Nicolas breaks into her bedchamber just to make the rumor true or so he made her believe, and they become friends. The rumor doesn’t work the way she wanted so… they plot to make things even harder for the ton to look the other way and in the meantime, Nicolas investigates his suspects, threatens them, and falls in love with someone who brings light to a life of darkness.

I think I would have enjoyed the book so much more without the “Is there forgiveness for them?” dilemma that is thrown into the book. For Stacy Reid there is no forgiveness, that much is clear, but she raises the question anyway. Having one character redeeming himself might lead to think she condones it and I’m afraid there will be readers who will not understand the actual circumstances for the redemption. I can’t give away details but there’s that.

Honestly it was the romance which I enjoyed the most, not the revenge plot or the fake rake trope. The romance is so beautiful. They are enemies for a second but then they fall in to such a ridiculous and funny fight that they become very good friends. They see each other for who they really are and not for the disguise they present to others, even family. They understand and support each other. Nicolas is very protective of Maryann but he also sees her fierceness and braveness. And Maryann is so understanding of his situation while at the same time she hurts for him, for the bitterness and the painful regret that she sees in his eyes. They meet when they most needed to be understood and comforted, they have fun together, they dream together… and they live happily ever after because they deserve that, more than anyone else.

The best thing is that I calculate that it all happens in a matter of weeks, but the pace set by Stacy Reid is slow and quiet, taking her time to uncover all the plot and the subplots… that if feels like a slow burn romance. And also because they become friends before becoming lovers and the process feels so natural that it’s heartwarming.

Oh my god! That ending!! Tears and smiles.
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I don’t know what it was about this book but Reid really touched me with this story. The characters were amazing and the story was so completely unique.

Nicolas was tough and not well-liked. He was on a mission that was ruthless and punishing. He was violent on one hand but with Maryanne, he was tender, sensual, and protective as hell. Heck, I was falling for him myself.

Maryann, while called a wallflower, she was anything but. She was smart, witty, and loved him with her whole heart. But she was supposed to marry another.

I love the way Reid tells the story. This is no ordinary historical romance. It’s an intimate connection that is on fire. Starting with a slow burn, she builds up the heat, page by page. The emotion packs a punch and several times my eyes were misty and my heart was breaking too.

This is more than a romance novel. This is a love story that gives you all the feels right along with the characters. The highs and the lows leading to an amazing climax to the story that catches you completely off guard. And the ending is simply perfect. It still makes me smile just thinking about it.

The story was more than I was hoping for and the author absolutely gave it her all. This book isn’t just for historical romance readers. It’s for anyone that loves a true love story. Reid is a masterful storyteller who just shouldn’t be missed!

You Are No Ordinary Lady
Stacy Reid writes an intense game of romance and revenge. Miss Maryann Fitzwilliam wants nothing more than to rid herself of an unsuitable match, and the only way may be ruin. Who better to sully her reputation, than the most notorious rake Nicolas St. Ives, the Marquess of Rothbury? Nicolas’ goal is revenge, and Maryann is his opportunity to get it. Maryann has a strong and spunky character, challenging Nicolas’ desires. Nicolas is captivated by her mischievous wit, and understands all to well the risk she is taking with her reputation. Reid does not shy away from discussing issues of gender inequality, society gossip, consent, and double standards. So, a warning, for there are mentions of rape and suicide. Filled with clever plots, villains, and plenty of misunderstandings. Maryann and Nicolas’ romance is a teasingly slow build into a steamy affair. Her Wicked Marquess is a humorous, heartfelt, and exciting romance with a satisfying ending.

Wallflower Miss Maryann Fitzwilliam set out for a little revenge with her brothers help, or so she thought. Nicolas St. Ives, the Marquess of Rothbury sets out to ruin those responsible for his friend’s death and ends up helping one of his suspect’s sister Lady Maryann. Nicolas learns she’s trying to escape an unwanted engagement and she means to use his name to ruin herself claiming he sneaked into her bedchamber on night at a house party. Nicolas is quite intrigued by the young lady and soon realizes he’s placed her in danger. I love the witty banter and midnight rendezvous’ they share as Nicolas tries to keep her and his heart safe. I have voluntarily read and reviewed these excellent story filled with intrigue, mystery and romance.

This is a much darker story than I'm used to from this author, but if you love a good revenge tale this is for you.
TW: sexual and physical violence, suicide

As our heroine is exacting revenge on a vicious diamond of the Ton she mistakes our hero for her brother, who quietly aids her, then after they've stolen away she discovers her mistake and runs off, but wait, she's no wilting miss, she comes back armed demanding to know what's happened to her brother. Talk about a meet cute lol.
Our daring wallflower then decides to use our hero's identity to escape a distasteful engagement. He overhears her plan and appears in her bedroom that same night and they have a sword fight.
This is so much freaking fun!!!
It gets a bit slower paced as we learn about the mysterious revenge plot and why it was unwise of our heroine to link her name to his. We also watch the hero trying to distance himself from the heroine to protect her and failing miserably at it.
There are so many midnight rendezvous but they don't get naughty till at least the 50% mark.

Overall this was an angsty good time with enough light hearted moments to keep the revenge plot from bogging it down. I'm wondering which wallflower will be next?

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I enjoy a good tropey romance with a wallflower and a rake (although sometimes I am a bit more cynical about some approaches, given the over saturation of the rake archetype). I love dark aspects in my romance (although I will say the cover and blurb were not forthcoming as to the extent of them, thus I can see why it might be jarring for some).

However, these elements coming together in Her Wicked Marquess just did not work for me. And I think a large part of that was the characters and their dynamic. I just didn’t care for them or see the spark, and it became startlingly apparent when things proceed from scandalous (“Gasp! they’re alone together!”) to the sex scene. As I’ve made apparent in other reviews, if the characters don’t intrigue me outside the bedroom, following them there is just all kinds of awkward.

And the slow pacing just bores me. I’ve heard from other critical reviews that it does improve in that last 30%, but I’m just too impatient to bother finding out.

I feel let down by this book, as the premise was great, but it fell down in execution. I also realize I’m in the minority and the general opinion tends towards the favorable, showing how subjective the racing experience is. I wouldn’t discourage anyone interested from trying it, with the caveat that they know going in that it’s not the sweet fluffy romance they’re expecting.
CW: discussions of past sexual assault, on-page depictions of violence against women.

This was not for me. I love historical romances, and I know that often they are not historically accurate and are often full of anachronisms, but it was really jarring and noticeable for me with this book. The way the main characters spoke to each other took me out almost every time. Also I hated how much the hero grabbed the heroines neck! I'm sure it was supposed to be sexy and dominant, but I felt very unnerved by it and it made me feel uncomfortable. He was a creep. I liked Stacy Reid's writing though, so I think I would try another of her books.

A minor complaint is the cover. The heroine looks beautiful, I love her dress, and her hair is the correct color. The hero however, what is going on there? What is that coat? This man is the least looking regency cover hero I have ever seen. Who was in charge of casting this lmao? I am screaming! Why does he look like a big dumb American football player? He has a bit of a cro magnon look about him around the brow area. Like seriously he looks like he is evolutionarily behind the modern human, and has the intellect to go with it (No offense to this model, but maybe some offense). Also why is he blonde?!!! The hero is described as having BLACK HAIR.
This not a criticism of the book itself, or the writing, I just wish whoever designed covers would maybe read the book and also have an idea of what the genre is about.

The complexity of this story is amazing. We sift through scandal, revenge and the need for escape. I really enjoyed the way the characters interacted and the chemistry between Nicolas and Maryann. Their steamy, but strange relationship makes my mouth water.

Ms. Reid has put forth another wonderful romance that will make your spine tingle.

My review will go live on the Book Confessions blog on 12-25-20.

A story about a man who try to take revence for a young woman who loved and a woman who try to escape a arranged wedding .
I received this novel from net galley and the publisher as an ARC. Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I love Stacy Reid's books. They are epically romantic. The characters are likable. Their pasts are quite dark and tragic though. Luckily, they got their happy ending! It's good to see such deserving characters to have a happily ever after.

Romance novels are pure escapism for me. “Her Wicked Marquess”, like all of Stacy Reid’s books deliver! Fun characters, good chemistry. Nicholas’s back story was dark, but not pointlessly so; it motivated his actions. Maryann was a bit silly, but I was willing to get past that.

A light and enjoyable read.

This is the first book I've read by Ms. Reid and what an introduction to her utterly enthralling writing. Nicolas St. Ives is a man haunted by what happened to his childhood friend, Arianna. He's made it his mission to punish those men who were responsibility for what happened to her. He's playing a long game--10 years of plotting and angling himself to be the architect of their ruin. He's almost done with the revenge game, but he is distracted by the utterly fascinating Lady Maryann Fitzwilliam, a feisty wallflower that he can no longer overlook. He longs to make her his, but his enemies are watching and if they know she is important to him, he fears they will strike against her. Can he give up his revenge for the woman he loves?

Wow, what a riveting story this is! Ms. Reid is a master storyteller revealing bit by bit what makes Nicolas tick. Her descriptions bring scenes to life and I was hooked from the beginning. I loved Maryann. She was so brave and strong and the interactions between her and Nicolas were intriguing. A word of warning--there are numerous graphic sex scenes in this book for those readers who do not care for this in their stories. I will definitely look for other books by Ms. Reid.

I loved this face-paced and intriguing historical romance novel. The story is interesting, well-written, and has well-developed and likable characters. I enjoyed every minute of it. A rake and a wallflower makes a perfect couple after all. I think this is a must read for anyone who enjoys a good historical romance with a hint of mystery and danger.

Lord stamford is fifty two but he does take care of his body but she refuses to marry him. He has taken some moves that have left her with bruises. He has even threatened her. Maryann caught him in a room in her house doing the naughty and he knew she was watching and didn't stop. Her parents have decided, she will marry a friend of her fathers, Lord Stamford.
Nicolas St. Ives, a marquess with a very rake reputation. His is so bad that quite a few ladies won't go near him. He is very handsome and she is trying to come up with ways to be ruined by him. Nicolas is very rich and with his reputation some women find it hard to pass up. About ten years ago, he cared for a sixteen year old. She was abused by five men and then she thru herself in the river and drown. He was her avenging angel. He had already ruined a viscount and he was working on another of those who were there.
Maryann Eleanor Fitzwilliam was the daughter of the Earl of Musgrove, she was pretty and a wallflower. Her friends were in a group called the sinful wallflowers. Her problem was she was opinuated and was up on things happening in London. Politics is one she enjoyed debating. The men kept telling her that her brain had not the capacity to truly understand. That upset her but what could she do.
I thought this was a wonderful story. the plot was well thought out. The characters were determined but still kind. There were a lot of things happening in the tale, it kept your interest and kept it exciting. It is spicy but still a good book.
I received this ARC from Net Galley and voluntary reviewed it.

Goodness gracious, this book is a wild ride. Her Wicked Marquess is a lavishly written romance spiced with revenge and glamor. When Miss Maryann Fitzwilliam's parents promise her to an awful creep, she concocts a scheme to ruin her own reputation by claiming to have been ravished by known rake Nicolas St. Ives, the Marquess of Rothbury. What Maryann doesn't realize is that Nicholas is not the 2-dimensional womanizer he seems to be, but a calculating anti-hero on a quest to avenge a childhood friend's sexual assault. Nicholas and Maryann have powerful chemistry, and their sexual tension burns the reader to a crisp in the best way. An unforgettable book that I couldn't put down!

ARC received from Entangled Publishing. Voluntarily reviewing and all opinions are objective and my own.

I had read and LOVED the first book last year and was so excited to get into this one. While I didn’t find myself as involved in this book, it was still a great read!

To get out of a marriage, Maryann lies about being involved with Nicholas, known rake. She hopes this will get her fiance to break the engagement, but Nicholas has his own reasons for allowing her to use his name. Through secret meetings, they become closer.

I really enjoyed both characters! Maryann wasn’t some Mary-Sue. I enjoyed how she tried to fight her fate; she took charge of the situation the best she could. She was spunky and a fun read. Nicholas lit the pages on fire with the intensity and angst he brought to the relationship.

I really enjoyed how most of the romance was conducted behind closed doors with just the two of them. It was an enjoyable and refreshing concept. Can’t wait to see what is next from this author!