4.5 stars

I didn't want to put this one down! The Wrong Marquess pulled me right in from the start and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough on this hilarious and hopeful historical romance. It features a wonderfully grumpy (but truly romantic) cinnamon roll and a quirky and naive romantic. Fate grants these two a fantastic meet hate and they clash from the get go. I loved how that animosity and distrust slowly gave way to a beautiful friendship and more, as fate threw them in each other's paths time and time again. This is the 3rd book in the series and even though I haven't had a chance to read the others, I didn't feel lost or confused. This can definitely be enjoyed as a standalone.

Brandon. *swoon* He was a wonderful hero and he gave me all the Mr. Darcy vibes with his gruff exterior, but absolute marshmallow center for those that he loves. I think this is the first time I have ever not rooted for the childhood friend/love interest (not that George's behavior was ever remotely attractive). Brandon's relationship with his sister, Meg, was the perfect balance of caring and overbearing. LOL. His tenderness and thoughtfulness had me swooning and I loved what a romantic at heart he was. His patience and restraint throughout the novel, giving Ellie time to overcome her fears and not settling for anything but being her first choice, made me fall even harder for him. Book boyfriend hall of fame here for sure!

I loved him and Ellie together (the sunrises and bridge *heart eyes*), but Ellie's inability to see George for who really was grated on me. In the beginning I was able to look past it given their history, but once she realized her true feelings for Brandon, she really should have put an end to any of the George nonsense. Her behavior was very disrespectful to Brandon and though that wasn't the ultimate reason for the drama at the end of the book, I do wish Brandon would have put his foot down more firmly. Ellie had a wonderful character arc though and I appreciated that she realized her errors and took steps to grow and move forward. She also gave some good grovel (I'm always a fan of more grovel though LOL) and I was thankful that everything with George and his character was resolved once and for all.

I wasn't a big fan of Ellie's friend, Prue, given what transpired, but my heart hurt for her and what she experienced. The end of the book planted the seeds for a wonderful (but likely emotional) second chance romance for Meg and laid the foundation for an intriguing marriage of convenience/arrangement for Prue. This is my first book by Vivienne Lorrett, but I can't wait to go back and read Jane and Wynn's books, while I wait for Prue's book next!

CW: death of parent/family, anxiety, panic attacks, nightmares/fear of impending death/loss

*I voluntarily read an advance review copy of this book*

This is the next chapter in a series... the Mating Habits of Scoundrels. I have read them all! AND I recommend them ALL. You could start with this one and then circle back, or read them in order. Either way... just read them. This is the story of Elodie and Brandon. Elodie is pretty much assured of who she will find her HEA with, and it is totally NOT Brandon. It's her Ace-In-The-Hole childhood kind-of sweetheart. He is not pissing, and should definitely get off the pot! Enter our hero.... He's not having that. Oh but how to convince her to let go of that pie-in-the-sky cloud puff and see the real, lots-of-muscular-flesh-and-red-blooded-man right in front of her...... and right here, we have an amazing love story! So well written and such a heart-warming escape! i can't wait for more in the series!

Owww this was a really good book!
Ellie has been in love with George, The Marquess of Nethersole since they were children, but when she mets London’s most elusive bachelor, Brandon, the Marquess of Hullworth, the word love, passion and attraction, start to have another meaning.
There is not cheating as she's been waiting for George's proposal for forever, but he does not look really interested in marrying soon
This was a really fun and sweet story, I loved how Ellie and Brandon were from strangers, to hate each other, to be friends, to be lovers.
Brandon was a extremely sweet hero and I loved Ellie's personality.
Can't wait to read Meg's book, she was one of my favorite characters in the book.

AND ELLIE'S AUNTS!!!! The are lovely!

Thank you Avon, for the free copy.

Vivienne Lorret brings us pure delight and joy in this must read historical romance. This is the summer reading we've been waiting for! This is the perfect HR to bring on vacation, to the beach or for Bridgerton fans. I'm new to this series and it worked well as a stand alone. I'm now eager to read more though!

We begin meeting Elodie as a child after the death of her father. Lorret sets up a sad but endearing scene with the boy next door, George. This scene is so touching in itself but it sets up so much for us as the reader through the book. Elodie as an adult lives with her aunts, thinks she will marry George one day, is skilled with a needle and has many fears/worries. Elodie also has a close group of friends that she is researching a book about marriage and courting.

At an afternoon tea one day, Elodie falls (which she thinks is to her death) and is scooped up by the Marquess of Hullworth. Brandon is a bit grumpy about the gaggle of ladies who are always throwing themselves at him. He saves Elodie, but assumes she is one these female schemers. His assumptions intensify when she befriends his sister Meg.

And that my friends is just the beginning of the story! My favorite historical romances have complex lovable characters, a fun plot and challenges within themselves and outside themselves that must be overcome. This story has all of that in troves. I was stuck in a book full of too much back and forth. I put it down to read this one and fell in love so quickly.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
#Vivienne Lorret #TheWrongMarquess #NetGalley #Avon #avonbooks #harpervoyagerusa

The Wrong Marquess is a primer on how to write slow-burn with excruciating, heated glances across crowded rooms and a veritable cloud of longing. Aka I LIVED for it. Was there sighing and swooning on my part? Luckily, no one like Ellie was around to keep tally. It also features a not-really love triangle where one corner holds the overwhelming stench of the historical equivalent of a fuckboy. Aka I was only too happy to root against him.

Ok, so I got a bit ahead of myself. The plot. Yes, let's discuss it. Ellie has expected to marry her friend George ever since he comforted her after her father's death as a child. Now we find Ellie at age 25, teetering on the edge of spinsterhood, and George expects a future marriage just not *yet* (did you catch that repugnant whiff of fuckboy?). When Ellie runs into the rude Lord Hullworth, it is only their mutual love of his sister that keeps throwing them together. However, Ellie can't help but notice that the Marquess shows a lot more constancy and care than her would-be betrothed, not to mention the fact that he makes her feel all hot and bothered... surely the onset of a deadly illness.

This book was so genuinely heart-warming. I die and am resurrected for a romance where the protagonists grow together and support one another flawlessly. There was just enough conflict to keep things spicy, but the main focus was on the gentle crescendo of the love story. I found our main couple to be empathetic, and the side characters were colorful. Ellie's aunts' so-called "recipe espionage" had me googling "how to adopt an aunt."

This is a story about overcoming fears and about taking the risk that is living. I adored it and would recommend it to anyone.

Thanks to Avon and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book! It's out on 6/29, so get this series on your TBR stat.

I was ecstatic to start reading THE WRONG MARQUESS, as Lorett is one of my favorite historical romance authors and I always anticipate her releases. While this story had her ever-present spunky heroine and rakish hero, I didn’t quite find it as charming as her previous releases. It was still an enjoyable read! But not as much as usual…

Don’t you love it when an arrogant hero expects the heroine to faint for him, but instead she only had eyes for something else? I love romance boons that humble the heroes. In THE WRONG MARQUESS, Elodie only had eyes for her childhood friend that she’s promised to, George. Unfortunately, George doesn’t seem to have any plans to settle down soon and Elodie decides to take things in her own hands. By observing and learning from the elusive bachelor Brandon, maybe she can fast forward the timeline to her happily ever after with George.

Well, things don’t go as planned and sparks fly between Elodie and Brandon. I thought they had wonderful chemistry together and Lorret’s trademark banter is clearly seen in their POVs. Like I said, I really enjoyed the premise of this book but also felt like something was a little lacking/it was not as up to par as Lorret’s usual. Of course, I’m still eagerly anticipating the next book in the series. I just have high expectations since I’m usually in love with Lorret’s books! I would still recommend this for HR readers, as Elodie and Brandon are both likable characters who grow in this book in different ways. Here’s hoping Lorret’s next book bounces back!

Thank you Avon and Netgalley for the review copy!

I loved this addition to the The Mating Habits of Scoundrels Series. I enjoyed the previous two books, but the hero's determination to help the heroine overcome her fears on her own terms was something I have not seen in many novels, and it was just lovely. At first, I worried that the hero's past romantic trouble would make for an angsty experience. But instead he grows and comes to see just how amazing the heroine is. I am also a fan of books where the hero falls in love first.

Like the previous two novels, the heroine is gathering research about noblemen, and it leads to a number of funny moments.

The writing is solid, and the secondary characters are wonderful. This book also lays wonderful groundwork for the next book in the series. I can't wait to read it!

I received an advanced readers copy of this book from the publisher and Net Galley in return for a fair review.

The book starts off with the saddest event any child, especially a young child, can possibly witness. This beginning is beautifully written and deals with Elodie’s emotions wonderfully. It also shows, very plainly, the genesis of all of her fears and phobias that are a central part of this story. To be honest, I had reservations about this trope because it usually turns out that one party clings to their ‘love’ for another for way, way, way too long. It didn’t work exactly that way in this one, but there was an event that made me just want to reach into the book and spank her. The book is well written and the characters are lovely.

Elodie Parrish has more fears and phobias than you can shake a stick at, but at least she doesn’t have to worry about marriage. She has had an understanding with George, Marquess of Nethersole since she was a very young girl – but now, she is twenty-five years old and is practically a spinster. George is busy sowing his oats and just isn’t ready for marriage yet. Elodie isn’t jealous and it doesn’t bother her for him to be sowing his oats, but it is just time. Elodie is totally oblivious to the way George takes her for granted, makes jokes of her, teases her unkindly – others notice, but Elodie doesn’t. He’s just being the George she’s known since she was a small girl.

Brandon Stredwick, Marquess of Hullworth, is unhappily in London for the season. He’s there to escort his much-beloved sister, Meg to all of the events. Brandon is rich, handsome, unwed – and pursued ceaselessly by the debutantes and their mothers. Brandon has no intention of marrying any of them and has not one ounce of patience for their ploys such as accidentally bumping into him, dropping their handkerchiefs, befriending his sister solely to get near him, or feigning injury. When he’s at a garden party and one of those women barrels into him, he’s deplorably rude to her and just walks off – only to find that she’s befriended his sister. He tries to warn Meg, but she’ll hear nothing against her new friend.

Elodie and Brandon certainly have an inauspicious beginning to their acquaintance and only tolerate each other because of Meg – until – Meg isn’t the only reason they tolerate each other. Elodie is focused on George and Brandon mistrusts all women, so their journey to an HEA is a hard one.

I loved both Elodie and Brandon and I loved how each of them grew – especially Elodie. She had so many fears to conquer and I loved that she finally embraced overcoming them. I also loved how Brandon came to trust Elodie and to learn that not all women were ‘out to get him’. I did NOT love George, but then I wasn’t supposed to. However, I also didn’t love Prue, and I think she might be the female lead in the next book. To me, what she did was unconscionable and I think Elodie was much too easy to forgive. So, it will be interesting to see how the author manages to make Prue acceptable to me in her book. Elodie’s aunts, Maeve and Myrtle are delightful and I think you’ll enjoy them as well. They could have offered Elodie a bit more guidance though rather than just letting her flounder after George for years.

I definitely enjoyed this book and hope you will as well.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I have not read the first book in the series, but I have read the second. I definitely enjoyed this one more.

Ellie has been planning to marry George since they were children. But she’s 25 now, and he still hasn’t proposed in earnest. When she meets Brandon, she instantly feels things. Like maybe she’s having a heart seizure. The more time she spends with Brandon, the more she feels undone. But is she prepared to choose passion over the comfortable life she thought she wanted?

I LOVED this book. It’s a bit of a slow burn, with the characters actually taking time to get to know each other as friends before they embark on something more. I wish more Regency romances focused on the characters like this, rather than a contrived plot. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

Ellie Parrish has spent her entire life believing she’d marry her childhood friend, George, the Marquess of Nethersole. Eventually. Once he was done sowing his wild oats and ready for marriage. But then Ellie bumped into Brandon Stredwick, the Marquess of Hullworth, the man known as London’s most elusive bachelor. All the society ladies wanted him as their own, all except Ellie. Brandon just knew she must be like all the other ladies, playing coy just to trap him into a courtship. But then Brandon and Ellie got closer, and under the guise of friendship, started breaking down each other’s walls. Even as Brandon helped Ellie conquer her fears and Ellie made Brandon see a future where he abandoned his bachelorhood, George was never far from Ellie’s mind. Both Ellie and Brandon will have to overcome their pasts if there’s any chance for a future together. The Wrong Marquess is a friends-to-lovers regency romance full of secrets, passion, and a dark, brooding hero and his brave heroine.

I really enjoyed The Wrong Marquess, but I have to say that the will they/won’t they between Brandon and Ellie was almost frustrating at times. Their romance was sweet and playful, but everytime Ellie held back and claimed their flirtations were all just due to their friendship, I wanted to yell at her through the page. This story is definitely a torturous slow burn - albeit a very well done torturous slow burn. Lorret incorporated a lot of elements into The Wrong Marquess. Not only do readers get the will they/won’t they slow burn romance, but we also see Ellie work through her lifetime of fears stemming from her childhood trauma, all thanks to Brandon. Brandon also has to work through his own issues in regards to love and relationships. Then there’s an air of mystery surrounding George and what he’s really been up to when he’s away from Ellie. Between the drama and the romance, there is no shortage of reasons to keep turning the page.

The Wrong Marquess is the third book in the Mating Habits of Scoundrels series, but readers can definitely read The Wrong Marquess without having previously read the first two books. Ellie’s friends are the heroines of the first two books, and make return appearances in Ellie’s story, but The Wrong Marquess can be read as a standalone. As usual, Lorret’s writing jumps off the page, painting a vivid portrait of regency romance, including the highs and lows of society’s expectations for the young ladies of the ton. The Wrong Marquess is a wonderful new addition to the world of regency romance, especially for those readers who enjoy a playful slow burn.

A big thanks to Avon/Harper Voyager and Netgalley for the advanced review copy of The Wrong Marquess.

The Wrong Marquess
Book 3 in The Mating Habits of Scoundrels series
Thank you to the publisher for the ARC given through NetGalley for review. All opinions are my own.

This book can be read alone.

This was a rocking good read!!! Fast paced, enjoyable, funny.

Ellie is set to wed her childhood neighbor as a childhood promise. Brandon has given up on marriage due to being tired of women literally falling at his feet to get noticed.

These two meet by accident and it starts a hilarious, entertaining and crazy accidental meetings until they are not accidental at all. Confusion, insecurities and doubt emerge. In the end truths are told and blinders are removed.


Yes, I recommend The Wrong Marquess as well as the rest of the Mating Habits of Scoundrels series. These are fun historical romances, the writing is solid, the characters are fun, and I’d consider them must-reads.

THE WRONG MARQUESS is the third book in Vivienne Lorret’s “The Mating Habits of Scoundrels” series. Elodie “Ellie” Parrish lost both her parents at a young age and was raised by her maiden aunts. At such a critical time, she made the acquaintance of her neighbor George who was around the same age. Because she suffered a trauma so young, George became something of a lifeline to Ellie and she eventually believed herself in love. Now she’s all grown up, a hopeless romantic hoping for the feckless and fickle George to notice her and propose. In THE WRONG MARQUESS, Ellie winds up getting what she needed rather than what she always wanted.

Ellie and Brandon, Marquess of Hullworth have a fun meet-cute when he knocks into her while fleeing his admirers. He mistakes Ellie for one of the ravening hordes and is annoyed by their meeting, even though he is struck by her appearance. Ellie is struck by Brandon’s nerve and what she perceives to be rudeness. Because of his experience, and all the tricks used on him, it’s difficult to believe Ellie isn’t just like every other young woman hoping to trap a peer in marriage. Before Brandon, Ellie was single-minded in her pursuit of the elusive George. It’s highly amusing to have Brandon be seduced by a woman who’s not trying to seduce him in any way. The situations Brandon and Ellie find themselves in are almost farcical at times, but Vivienne Lorret succeeds at building the sexual attention and creating a potent chemistry between these two characters. Brandon is won over by Ellie almost immediately, but he wants her to want him for himself and to not have him be her second choice after her first love. It’s a delicate balance for this hero between indulging in their mutual attraction and teasing the possibilities without trying to cloud Ellie’s mind with passion, so that she chooses him with a clear head. It took me a long time to understand why Ellie was so committed to George. At first, I thought Ellie’s feelings had to do with some affection that grew as they grew up together, but I don’t think that was it. Near the end of the story, it becomes clear to me that Ellie’s determination to marry George is very psychological and tied up with her feelings of abandonment when her parents died. One of the reasons I like this hero so much, is because he respects this heroine, and understands her reasons for fixating on George more than she does.

THE WRONG MARQUESS beautifully captures the magic of mutual attraction and is equally amusing and romantic. Ellie’s aunts remind me of the little old ladies in ARSENIC AND OLD LACE, except matchmakers rather than having a morbid quality. I look forward to hopefully reading more about characters like Brandon’s sister, and Lord Savage in future books.

4.25 out of 5 stars!

In this series, a group of friends are trying to come up with a guidebook for debutantes to look out for the right gentlemen to marry. In this case, the heroine has set her caps on her neighbor and when she literally bumps into the hero, the two came up with misconceptions of each other. After numerous encounters, they began a friendship with hidden attraction. Along the course of the story, the two fall in love but face some obstacles along the way.

I thoroughly enjoyed this addition to this Vivienne Lorret series. I liked the author's writing style and vibe. The main couple were enjoyable to read, flaws and all. The surrounding familial support were entertaining and the friendships that started in this book deserved to last. There were other characters that I was exasperated with. Some minor details could have been omitted while in other places a bit more details could be added, but that's a personal preference of mine. Overall, I recommend this book for historical romance readers and I look forward to reading more of the series in the future.

**Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the review copy. All opinions and thoughts in the review are my own.**

The Wrong Marquess
Book 3 in The Mating Habits of Scoundrels series
Rating: 4 stars
Thank you to the publisher for the ARC given through NetGalley for review. All opinions are my own.

Ellie's marital plans were to marry her childhood friend, George, who has lead her on the promise of matrimony for many years. George is a marquess who has lived a very carefree life and has been very selfish in his decisions in leading poor Ellie.
Luckily Ellie literally bumps into Lord Brandon and hence begins their journey to falling in love. Though she is very attracted to Brandon she doesn't know what to do with her feelings. Brandon's actions towards her are making her very confused about how she feels about George.
I loved Brandon!! I loved how he treated Ellie and how he taught her to overcome her many fears (and they were many!! Their relationship was slow paced that for a minute there I was a little bored in the middle of the book because the story seemed to not move along. I just wish Ellie would of given up on George sooner. His reckless behavior gave her many opportunities to realize how he was the wrong marquess when the right one was in front of her for quite a while. Even when she admits her feelings towards Brandon, her fear of the future almost caused her to miss having a HEA.
The secondary characters were a charm! I loved the antics her aunts would do and Brandon's sister, Meg.
I'm looking forwards to the next in the series!!

I really enjoyed third book of The Mating Habits of Scoundrels series. Friends to enemies romances are great fun and this one does not disappoint. The two main characters are great. The chemistry between them is wonderful.

Brandon is a great guy - he makes sure Ellie knows, on every level, that she is first in his world. Ellie a little too long to realize the differences between Brandon and George. Even though it is clear that she is the only one who doesn't realize it.

I loved this book so so much. I can't wait for the next installment in this series.

Thanks to NetGalley and Avon for this e-ARC in exchange for my fair and honest review.

I loved this story, especially Brandon and how he gradually learns to trust and understand Ellie and I also liked Ellie, despite finding her extremely innocent about George, even though I understand he is a familiar and safe figure for her. I thought she might have been a little more irritated with him. I also loved how both Brandon and Ellie support each other to overcome their fears and challenges. George is insufferable, but I understand his role in the story. And Ellie's isolated friend Prue shows up and it's not really clear how she and George got involved but I like her future pair. Waiting to see what happens in the next book and I hope the author includes Brandon's sister Meg in this series too!

The Wrong Marquess, by Vivienne Loret. How can I give a brief review of this book without being overly excited? It’s impossible I believe. I loved everything about this book. I absolutely loved all the characters.
They kept the story fresh and whimsical. Brandon, you sir, I don’t think that I can imagine another strong, handsome and robust man such as yourself. Ladies this man had me panting for him every time he said something naughty, dirty oh so deliciously succulent. Yes, I said succulent, because he can succulent me all he likes. Ain’t no shame in my game.
Did I tell you that his love interest, Ellie did not mind at all too? She was a little flirtatious herself. I couldn’t help but get carried by the romance of this book. With the help of Ellie’s aunts, they brought some comedic moments to the book. I found myself enjoying their conspiring ways when they thought no one was looking.
The one that got on my nerves and me rolling my eyes the most was George. If only that hot air balloon could have missed that darn tree. Anyway, I enjoyed the realism to this book. The exciting journey that Brandon and Ellie took towards one another melted my heart. There were so many sentimental things that Brandon did for Ellie that made me swoon over this book.
I give this book two snaps and a, “George, do you ever get tired of talking out your backside?” Until next time my fellow readers... read on!

I really enjoyed this book, and I was genuinely surprised by many elements of the plot! I loved the hero a lot -- I have a special weakness for heroes who, once they make a decision, are determined and focused. I must also say, I was NOT expecting the Lord F twist until about halfway through. This was such a great read -- i enjoyed the other two book but this one is my favorite by far. I'm so glad I was provided an advance copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

This was a sweet story although no big events happen. There's a lot of internal thinking and I wanted to nudge Ellie into realizing that George was not a very nice man. At every turn she makes excuses for his bad behavior. It got annoying after a while. I loved Brandon--stiff and arrogant on the outside, but loving and romantic on the inside. In the end after some ups and downs, these two finally realize they love one another.