Cover Image: A Kiss from the Marquess

A Kiss from the Marquess

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

Loved the story and characters. Norah and Simon are polar opposites but this has no baring on the chemistry that exists between the two. This book has it all; mystery, intrigue and, of course, romance.
Thank you Lana Williams, Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley for allowing me an advance copy for my honest feedback.

Was this review helpful?

I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher, via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

Norah wishes she never spoke harshly to her father on the day he died. Trying to atone for it, she wants the Marquess of Vanbridge to open an exhibit at his museum in honour of her late father, but getting him to turn up to any of her meetings is proving to be difficult. Deciding to take matters into her own hands, she turns up at Vanbridge's home, and is shocked to see that he is just a shy man, more at home with his own studies rather than in society. Simon is intrigued by the beautiful woman who storms into his study and demands a meeting. Though not interested in pirate treasure himself, he finds himself agreeing to create the perfect exhibit for her father's items, to great success. But when items, including David Wright's coin, go missing, Simon and Norah find themselves involved in a plot which seems too big for them to manage alone, and which may be dangerous.

I like how the theme of the sister's time on Oak Island runs through the series. After Ella and Marbury have married, Norah finds she wants to have something to do, and a museum exhibit is perfect. Vanbridge's museum is the best, but she's angry he keeps forgetting her appointment. When they finally meet, the attraction is instantly there, and I loved that both characters came out of their shells, and were able to be vulnerable to each other, when they've always hidden those parts of themselves. Norah and Simon really were a great couple, made for each other, which was clear throughout the entire book. I hope book 3 explores Lena's 'feelings' a little more, as they were extremely useful here.

Was this review helpful?

This checked off everything I look for in a book. Was not disappointed. Really enjoyed this book. I will read more from this author. Must read. Historical fiction oh yeah. Kiss me Marquess

Was this review helpful?

History within history, this is a sweet story with some interesting characters.

I did enjoy this book. It's sweet, funny at times, and has a little mystery. Simon (our hero) is shy and awkward, especially at first, which I enjoyed. However, the writing left something to be desired, and somehow this book wasn't exactly what I wanted it to be. It was my first book in this series, and that didn't seem to affect my understanding of the story but I won't be seeking out other books by this author right away.

Star Rating: 2.5/5
Tropes: Treasure hunt, awkward hero
CW: Violence, death of a parent

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Romance, Mystery, and Lost Treasure

Simon is a recluse who wants nothing to do with people, until Norah walks into his life. She wants him to display artifacts from her father’s finds in his museum, and he does. However, Simon’s museum is plagued by thefts, and Norah loses one of her father’s precious coins. Simon and Norah go on the hunt to find the thief, but investigating crime is a dangerous endeavor. Will Norah and Simon discover the thief? What about love? Could a recluse and a woman who did not have immediate plans to marry give into the desires of their hearts? Adventure, romance, and intrigue kept me turning the pages. I enjoyed this story and would recommend it to those who like historical romance with mystery and a dash of suspense.

Was this review helpful?

A reclusive Marquess can’t hide from the determination and tenacity of Norah Wright. A treasure hunters daughter, her and her sisters were raised as capable, independent women and she knew exactly what she wanted in life. Until feelings snuck up on her, not to be denied.
I love the mystery element in The Dukes Lost Treasure series. It adds another layer to this delightful story, You can’t help but embrace Simon, he has lost so much and gained a world of doubt and insecurity. Allowing Norah into his life and heart opens him up to a whole new world, complete with love, friends & family. Well-written, keeping you coming back for every little tidbit. Getting to see the conclusion of Leo & Ella’s story was an extra little treat. Excited to read Lena’s love story next.

Was this review helpful?

I liked that the book was an easy read. The words seemed to flow from one to the next. I especially liked that leading lady character has an independent nature and strives to place women in the world as their own person. The plot was interesting I think. Simons character contributed to the fun entertainment in the story as well as the romance.

Was this review helpful?

The second installment of The Duke's Lost Treasures brings us a beautiful love story about Simon, a shy and quiet man who has trouble fitting into society, and Norah, a strong-willed and confident lady, who enters his quiet and reclusive world. Norah needs a place to display her father's artifacts and attempts to convince Simon his museum is the perfect place for them. Simon is not prepared for the force that is Norah and is completely taken off guard with the passion that she stirs within him. Add to this the mystery of stolen items from the museum, and this gives a wonderfully intriguing and entertaining story. A well-written and romantic story that pulled me in from the start and kept my interest till the end. I enjoyed watching Simon and Norah's love develop and grow. They were a great couple and had strong chemistry. A lovely addition to the series! Looking forward to the next one!
I received a complimentary copy from Dragonblade Publishing via Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

Was this review helpful?

A Kiss from the Marquess by Lana Williams is the second book of The Duke’s Lost Treasures. Miss Norah Wright feels very guilty for what happened the day her father died while digging for treasure on Oak Island. She wants to make sure his work and his findings aren’t forgotten. She finds the perfect museum to display them. Her only obstacle is getting the absentminded owner to agree. Simon Webb, Marquess of Vanbridge, owns the Museum of Antiquities. A history buff, he enjoys immersing himself in it to keep others away due to his reclusive ways. He has no interest in Society or marriage. Norah has no intent to marry soon. Opposites soon attract as Simon and Norah find themselves changing their tunes the more they are around each other. Which is a lot because along with many other artifacts, one of Norah’s father’s finds is stolen from the museum. Norah and her friends and family band together with Simon to solve the case.

This sequel is just as good as the first book! I enjoy Lana Williams’ writing style, character development, and ability to write a good romantic mystery.

Was this review helpful?

I received a copy of this from NetGalley and this is my freely given opinion.

This is the second in Lana William's series, the Duke's Lost Treasures, about the Wright sisters, who grew up in Nova Scotia, with a father obsessed with digging up the mysterious Oak Island treasure.

This is about the second sister, Norah. Despite her sister, Ella from book 1, and her plans to bring them to England to try to find secure futures for each of the three sisters, through marriage, Norah has no plans to marry as yet. What she does want to do is to try to honour her father through using some of his artefacts in an exhibit featuring his work on Oak Island. She also feels a lot of guilt because her last interaction with her father was very hostile and resentful on her part. So far, she has not been satisfied with the attempts at other museums in London.

She had been trying to arrange a meeting with Simon, the Marquess of Vanbridge, to speak to him about an exhibit at his museum. Simon had set up a museum in the home of his uncle, the previous Marquess, featuring the items the uncle had collected before. Simon had a rather paltry upbringing, having lost his parents early, then losing other family members as he was growing up, and had determined also that he would not marry. Or for that matter have any relationships, since from his experience, he loses everyone he comes to care for. Ultimately, he is a scholarly loner who would rather spend time studying and decrypting ancient artefacts in his study than socializing and spending time with judgemental Ton members who could find him lacking.

But he does have a talent and passion for setting up interesting and evocative exhibits and when Norah convinces him to do something with her father's artefacts, there is increased interest in his museum. Norah and Simon connect, but he feels that he is not good enough for her and their relationship would go nowhere. However, they are forced to work together more when the exhibit for the Oak Island artefacts is burgled and other items go missing at Simon's museum.

I enjoyed the story of Simon and Norah because I have a soft spot for introverted, lonely, nerdy types and Simon seems that way to me. It also sounds like he was and still is bullied and I love an underdog (hey, remember, I love all dogs and that includes 2 legged underdogs!). So I enjoyed how he was forced to come out of his hidey-hole and come to the realization that not only is he worthy, but he is well thought of and cared for by others. It is nice to see him overcome his bullies too - though it would have been nice to have him get back at his cousin somehow. I also liked seeing how the Worth sisters and their grandfather, the Duke, were progressing in their relationship as well, and mending a bit of the past.

While the family history and Oak Island were an essential part of the history of this story, it did not seem as overwhelmingly a part of the story as in the first book. This was an enjoyable and rather sweet read.

3.75 stars out of 5.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you NetGalley for the chance to read this interesting story. Norah and her sisters want to display her father's journal and finds even though they are a small amount in a museum. They had looked over all of the museums trying to find the right one. The Marquess has taken the home he inherited along with his uncle's artifacts and opened a museum in what was his home. He is a recluse but Norah won't let that stop her. Then with a single kiss the situation changes. One of her father's artifacts is stolen and Norah makes Simon take more interest in the museum.

Was this review helpful?

Norah Wright has no interest in marriage, she just wants a public display in a museum that honors her father and his work. Simon Webb, the Marquess of Vanbridge avoids society and is happiest working on his studies and research. He is also extremely talented in designing displays and doing the research and history of his displays.
When these two meet sparks fly, and fate seems to have a beautiful romance in mind for these two. I really liked seeing Simon open up and come out of his shell.
A delightful Story!

Was this review helpful?

I loved the female heroine great dialogue and interesting and suspenseful plot with a little romance, action thrown in. I can't wait to read more.

Was this review helpful?

Simon Web is a forgetful man who has other things that are more important. Until she finds him
Norah Wright is determined to get her fathers finding recognized. But is also determined to stay single.
This was a wonderful read for my weekend. Enough intrigue to keep my attention and enough romance to make a great story.

I recieved a free copy so that I can tell you what I honestly think. Hope you enjoyed my review. Now go enjoy the book

Was this review helpful?

Norah Wright is determined that her father’s work will be remember. She is also filled with guilt that what happened the day that he died, whilst digging for treasure on Oak Island. So she enlists the assistance of Simon Webb, The Marquess of Vanbridge, uses one of his residences to display artifacts. When Simon meets Norah, he is overwhelmed by her presence. She makes him feel alive. Simon has struggled with his role as a marquess, not having been born into wealth. Yet when one of Norah’s father artifacts goes missing along with his own personal artifacts, Norah and Simon must work together to uncover the thief, whilst hiding their own attraction.
A sweet read with two innocent people, struggling to fit into society. There was plenty of chemistry between them, yet it was quite innocent until the end. With a bit of mystery, this book kept me enthralled until the end.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

Miss Norah Wright is determined to get her father's work recognised. As a treasure hunter he was not very successful but she feels the need to tell his story. Our heroine is the middle one of three sisters who have had a most unusual life and are only just settling into a new one.

Simon Webb, Marquess of Vanbridge loves to investigate antiquities and owns a museum. Unfortunately he gets so involved with the side he likes best and neglects everything else around him. Our hero is very much a recluse who had a difficult childhood that still affects him.

This is a very entertaining historical romance. We get a mystery to solve along with our unusual characters. The villian is more annoying than dangerous, but it's enough to cause serious upset. Lots of emotional moments and strong family ties.

Really good fun.

Was this review helpful?

This was super wholesome, very adorable and definitely the best palate cleanser while still having a fair amount of intrigue.

Was this review helpful?

First it was their father's journal, now it's his coin that's missing from the Marquess of Vanbrige's Museum of Antiquities. Norah Wright and her sisters are prepared to search for the coin as they did for their father's journal. Simon Webb, the Marquess of Vanbrige, opened his uncle's home as a museum to display his uncle's possessions. The missing coin is not the only item to disappear. Simon is just as determined as Norah to solve the mystery. As the investigation turns up no definite leads, more items are missing. Discouraged, Simon decides to close the museum. Norah refuses to let him give up on finding the thief(thieves) and turn away from love. A little anticlimactic, but an interesting mystery with a slow budding romance between a reclusive marquess and one determined young lady.
Low heat level.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

Was this review helpful?

When a determined young woman demands an interview with the reclusive Marquess of Vanbridge, his world would never be the same again, despite the way in which he fought his feelings. Blaming herself for her father's accident, Norah refuses to allow his death to be in vain, and having seen the way in which Simon displays the artifacts in his museum, she knows that he is the answer to her quest. However, not everyone is enamored with Simon, Norah, or the museum and they find it a little more difficult to carry out their task than they would have thought. As with the first book in this series, the feisty Wright girls blithely walk into danger, but at least they are now protected by their Grandfather's servants. Simon is known for being a somewhat awkward person, is extremely private, forgetful, and not at all good with relationships. Norah, on the other hand, is prepared to go down a mine, face up to bullies, and champion lost causes. Together, they make the perfect couple, especially given the chemistry between them. We met the Wright sister's grandfather in the first book of the series before he began to unbend towards the girls, and it is delightful to see the way in which he backed them in this novel and stood by them. The novel comes to a good conclusion, but not without some mayhem and adventure. I received a copy of this romance as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

Was this review helpful?

Norah Wright wants to honor her father’s work with a public display. She is impressed with manner in which artifacts are exhibited in the antiquities museum owned by the reclusive Marquess of Vanbridge. His exhibits seem to tell the story surrounding the artifacts, which is what she would like for her father’s finds. About the time Simon opens the exhibit, items begin to go missing from the museum. While Norah and Simon spend time together trying to solve the mystery and locate the missing items, they find that they admire each other, have common interests in history, and enjoying being together. Is there a chance this could lead to more? Maybe, but first, the mystery. This is the second of the Duke’s Treasures. It is an engaging romance with a shy hero and a sweet independent heroine. The answer to the mystery is quite elusive, which is what you want in a good mystery. It is a story filled with emotion, hurt from the past, love of family, and finding trust and love. I enjoyed this story and the characters. I look forward to Lena’s story.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

Was this review helpful?