The second story in the Sisterhood of Independent Ladies. Lady Francis, Marchioness of Ardsmere is living a lie. Now she and Alec Douglas, Duke of Lionwraith will have to find out who the person is that ruined his sister and using her pretend husbands name. The story is engaging and kept me turning pages as they try to solve the mystery. I will be reading the next book. I received a copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.

I love historical romances. I could devote my life to reading them.

I loved this one. To Steal a Marquess it's a beautiful romance between two strangers who started off on the wrong foot and whose attraction gradually grew until it became irresistible to them. I thought the book was wonderful and the story doesn't have that many plot twists and unnecessary drama, so in my case it was a quick read.

4 1/2* STARS*
Lady Francis (Frannie) Croyden, Marchioness of Ardsmere, left Belgium to travel to Lionwraith Estate, England. She plans to meet with Alec Douglas, the Duke of Lionwraith, for answers. How dare he target West Belgium International? A forceful confrontation and an explanation, convince them to work together to find the imposter who brought disgrace and the loss of business. Frannie discovers it's not easy to tell a duke, "No!" Who is the imposter? A very passionate open bedroom door with a surprise twist. I didn't see that coming!
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.

An interesting read To Steal a Marquess by Maeve Greyson, where each of their mother’s married well during their debut seasons only to lose their husbands early in the marriage and give birth to daughters. To maintain the businesses and the name, they each decide that there was indeed a male heir and raise strong daughters to take over the business and run it. The Sisterhood of Independent Women is born with each woman being successful.

In this novel, we meet Lady Francis Isabelle Marie Croyden, Marchioness of Ardsmere, who runs a shipping company with her mother and has led a good life keeping the secret that she is in fact her father’s only heir. Her mother lists her as the ward of the family who eventually marries the “son” of the former Marquess of Ardsmere. This situation is further complicated when His Grace, Alec Douglas, the Duke of Lionwraith’s sister Lady Violet claims the father of her unborn child is the Marquess of Ardsmere!

Lady Francis’ ships encounter difficulties with cargo missing and she decides to confront the duke. Frankie takes a trip to confront him, together with a couple of bow street runners and her lawyer.

Frankie having commissioned a portrait of a dark-haired man is relieved to discover that the man Lady Violet met is blond and looks nothing like the Marquess, hence the two join forces to find the perpetrator.

The twists and turns and the mystery are something that draws you in and has you routing for the couple and sweet Lady Violet; this was an enjoyable read and kept me engaged throughout. I really liked it.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publishers in exchange for my honest review.

The lengths women had to go to to own their own businesses or property in such a man's world. How about inventing a fake husband to be able to keep titles and a shipping business. That worked well until someone started impersonating him.

This book all starts when Franny confronts the Duke of Lionwrath because Alec went after her shipping business. He of course thought the husband impersonator was his sister's lover. Oh what a twisted set of lies. Fast forward a bit Franny agrees to try to find the impersonator with Alec and they fall for eachother.

As with the previous book, the drama comes when Franny can't figure out how to get out from under her fake husband because she loves Alec. Oh the schemes and lies that were created to cover things up. And of course some meddling and unkind mothers get involved too.

The concept of this book is great from the sense that women have been trying to do everything that could to make their way in the world, even if it meant bending the rules. This book also showed that men could be kind and giving as well, Alec was a perfect example of that.

I'm curious how the third book will play out since we have had a fake brother and husband so far.

Thank you to Dragonblade and Netgalley for providing me a copy of this ARC for my honest review.

Family secrets is all Frannie has known. Secrets that she must continue keeping even after she meets Alec, the Duke of Lionwraith.
When it becomes clear that their problems will best be solved by working together, Frannie realizes that she doesn’t want her secrets to ruin their budding relationship.
I loved every minute of Frannie and Alec’s story. Despite his grouchiness, their chemistry was off the charts. I can’t wait for more from this trio of women who take their lives into their own hands.
5 stars!!

To Steal A Marquess by Maeve Greyson is a shining example of this writer’s talent. She has come up with an amazing premise: since women aren’t allowed to inherit, they must develop a scenario in which they have a brother/husband, etc, elsewhere, allowing them to lead the lives they choose. In this case, Lady Francis Croyden, Marchioness of Ardsmere, is the lady in question who is furious at unprovoked attacks against her businesses by the Duke of Lionwraith. She knows no better way to get to the bottom of this mess than to beard the lion in his den, so she and her solicitor enter the carriage to make their way to his home. Mr. Parkerton is a nervous man, not her idea of a man at all, and is aghast at their intrusion on this man’s life. She roars into the entry, bypassing the butler’s attempt to shut the door in her face and shouts for the man. She threatens to take out her pistol and shoot into the ceiling if her request is not met. Thus, this is their first sight of one another.

Frankie is an astute business woman, comfortable in her own skin, confident that her secret will remain a secret. Her biggest angst is caused by her mother, who is difficult at best, despite the fact this masquerade had all been her idea. Alec responds by calling his sister into the room. There he tightens her dress to her body and introduces, the yet unborn, next Marquess of Ardsmere. To say she was shocked puts it mildly, for she knows the reason this is impossible, but she obviously can’t say. This all leads to an exciting adventure, both romantically and practically. The characters are wonderful, both interesting and charismatic. The plot is a new one, and since it is a romance, pretty much predictable, but getting there was a fun adventure. Kudos to Ms Greyson for a wonderful book!

I was invited to read To Steal A Marquess by Dragonblade. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley, #Dragonblade #MaeveGreyson #ToStealAMarquess

Delightfully Entertaining

Alec summoned a marquess, but a marchioness showed up instead. He vowed to destroy the marquess who ruined his sister. He had no idea that he was imaginary. He had no inkling that the woman who showed up on his doorstep would steal his heart. What happened when he discovered that there was no marquess? Who was it that ruined his sister?

I found this story delightful. There is romance, of course, but there is also treachery, intrigue, mystery, and suspense. I look forward to what comes next in this series.

Title: To Steal A Marquess by Maeve Greyson

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Stars

I received this book in exchange for an honest review via Netgalley.

This is the second book in the series The Sisterhood of Independent Ladies #2 but can be read as a stand alone.

In a tale of twists and turns, Alec Douglas, the Duke of Lionwraith, a brooding war hero with trust issues, stumbles upon a shocking discovery. The Marquess of Ardsmere, his target for revenge, turns out to be a clever lady named Lady Francis, aka Frannie. Hailing from Belgium, Frannie plays pretend as the marquess's wife to protect her turf. But when she meets Alec's caring sister, her facade crumbles. Touched by the kindness she sees, Frannie decides to join forces with Alec, blending admiration with a dash of sisterly love.

As Alec and Frannie team up to uncover the real troublemaker, their adventure weaves them together in a thrilling tango of danger and longing. Frannie, a master of secrets but a stranger to love, feels a pull towards Alec, a champion of honesty. Balancing between their emotions and beliefs, they must tread carefully on a tightrope where love and truth meet head-on.

What do master liars and bitter souls have in common? They both dwell in solitude, simmering with intense emotions. This fascinating duo keeps us on our toes until their hidden truths come tumbling out, causing chaos.

Alec and Frannie's sparks fly like fireworks, leaving readers cheering for their fairy tale ending!

"To Steal a Marquess” combines romance and mystery in a captivating way that will charm readers throughout. Featuring touching scenes, an engaging storyline, and vivid characters, this book provides a delightful journey into a realm of love, secrets, and suspense. Whether you enjoy historical romance or intriguing mysteries, this novel has something for everyone. I will be looking forward to reading the next book.

Women find innovative and deceptive ways to keep a title, lands, and wealth despite not having male heirs.
Frannie is the wife of an imaginary Marquess and is shocked when Alec the Duke accuses her nonexistent husband of ruining his sister..
Steamy kisses, loads of twist and turns, difficulty mothers add to the fun adventure of this story.

The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.

At a time when daughters were not allowed to inherit wealth or property, three women make up false sons/husbands in order to protect their daughters wealth. Frannie is one of those daughters and her journey takes us on a different journey of adventure. Her run in with Alex is based on a supposed act that her fake husband enacted. But when Alex finds out that this was impossible he and Fannie set out to discover the truth. Sadly, there truth is far worse the original belief. Lots of great characters, unforseen villains, deceit, betrayal and more. This is the second of three stories based on this unique concept. Don't miss out reading the entire series.

Lady Francis Isabelle Marie Croyden, Marchioness of Ardsmere, Frankie to friends and family, her mother, only known as Mother Ardsmere, Dowager Marchioness Ardsmere told everyone she was a ward of the family and had her married to her "son" who has very ill health. Frankie runs the family shipping empire, conducts all the property business, and takes care of the estate and lands. Her business supports the town in Belgium she grew up in, among others.


Alec Douglas, the Duke of Lionwraith, Lion to family and friends, sister Lady Violet grew up under the cruel guidance of Henrietta Douglas, Dowager Duchess of Lionwraith. Lion runs the family shipping business. He is exact in previewed wrong doing against those he loves. Heartless, cold and vengeful on the outside but a pussycat on the inside. He wants love and truths always. He most loyal friend fought with him in the war, Robert Galloway, Viscount of Dunkeld. Or Dun as he prefers.


Mr. Parkerton, the Ardsmere family solicitor, arrives with Frannie, her maid Daisy, and her two trusted Bow Street Runners at Lionswraith Manor. She storms in to confront him with the burning of two ships and warehouses. Upon learning it was her "husbands" actions that caused it, she tries to help Lady Violet find the culprit.

As Frankie and Lion work together to him him, the hope of a future and love bloom. As unexpected revelation get revealed a danger far greater looms. When the real people behind the danger are revealed it is shocking as to the why they did it.

So come join the Sisterhood of Independent Women as they work to unravel this mystery, help Frankie find her peace, love, and the man of her dreams. As Meave weaves intrigue, romance, family drama, and a bit of fun and frivolity to bring a masterfully crafted story into your life. This is a great trilogy that I can't wait to read the last one but hope she can find more characters to bring into this series.

Terrible secrets and cruel betrayals abound in Maeve Greyson's newest novel, To Steal A Marquess.

Frannie, the Lady Ardsmere, has a secret. But you mustn't tell.
She is not the wife of the Ardsmere heir.
She is the Ardsmere heir.
After her manipulative mother's fabrication gave Frannie the freedom she craved, she used it to bring her family's company, West Belgium International, to heights no one could imagine. But when a mysterious enemy begins destroying her profits, she seeks to find the cause -Alec, Duke of Lionwraith. A man who seeks vengeance for his wronged sister, who he believes was impregnated by Frannie's husband. But there's simply one tiny little detail that proves her husband could not have.
He doesn't exist.
As Frannie begins a daring dance of lies and truth, desire and deception, she begins to find love in the arms of her lion. But what will happen when her secret becomes known? Can love trump all?
Or is the Lady Ardsmere to find death by gallows?

While this book was fun, light-hearted, and sweet, it was too much of an insta-love for me to get into. The start of the book is Frannie barging in on Alec and him finding her intriguing, which is a fun part. But immediately, their next meeting, he's saying "You banish the darkness." Excuse me? You met her for five minutes, and in that time, you insulted her husband, accused her of marrying an adulterer, and saw her accidentally light herself on fire. Well damn, I didn't know your house was so lacking in candles and such that you need to have a woman who sets herself on fire as your companion. And their meetings following were so stereotypical, that I nearly cried. He keeps saying she banishes the darkness and calls her pet names, and she calls him, "Her brave lion." An antagonist is introduced in the form of "Lord Vulture," but he is so inconsequential, that you don't even need to focus on him. Violet was so annoying, I was very close to screaming. Everyone was saying she was the perfect picture of innocence and sweetness, but all I saw was a wretch who was gifted at hiding her true nature. They say the hard times show how a person truly is, and the minute the mess she got herself in got too much, she became utterly insufferable. Because of the beginning, and the fact she believed she had slept with Frannie's husband when she showed up was too much for me. When she met Frannie, she didn't even bother to act like she was remorseful for sleeping with another woman's husband, only saying, "He assured me he was quite unattached." Excuse me? And Alec, I had so many hopes for this guy at the beginning. His wife had cheated on him when he was at war, so he promised he would never touch a married woman. The minute he meets Frannie, he can't seem to rein in his lustful thoughts. Most Regency heroes, I complain because they're too noble. I assure you, I had no such complaints with Alec! What man will sleep with another man's wife while he is ill, especially when he had to suffer his wife dying giving birth to another man's child? And they were saying he's good, and just. Yeah, right. Frannie was also unnecessarily annoying. Her worrying was so ridiculous, and despite the fact everyone said she was sensible, she acted like a child. And all her friends seemed to lack any maturity. I was furious as I had to read about their "antics." Sophie's mother was idolized for the fact she played with men till she grew bored and left them heartbroken. Quite feminist aren't you? I'm a feminist, but it's messed up to idolize anyone who leaves people heartbroken in their wake. I did adore Alec's mother, though. Lady Emmeline was an immature fool, but Alec's mother had a true past. She was justified in everything, especially after reading about what her husband did to her. Abuse her, blackmail her- then she is vilified. Wonderful. And after Alec heard his mother's tale, rather than sympathizing and trying to re-analyze his past- I'm not saying he should forgive her- he merely called her a senile wretch and contemplated the proper flowers for her funeral, and wondered if you should put flowers on a grave meant for hell anyway. It was ridiculous. I also loved Dun! He was a darling man with some proper sense. He, I adored. But I still believe a wonderful man as he deserved far better than the likes of whom he got. The plot was also so foolish! Instead of having to investigate anything, they just send an investigator, and then he brings back the perfect info. Everything just falls into their laps so perfectly, it's ridiculous. The time skips were also overdone so the author could justify the quick plot.

While this book is a good quick read, the purple prose and silly additions made me take away two stars. Definitely a book I'll read over spring break while having a spa day. Quick, funny, and sweet, fans of Manda Collins and Virginia Heath will enjoy this new romance by Maeve Greyson.

Although this is the second book in the series, you don't have to have read the previous book in order to follow along with what is going on here with regard to the Sisterhood of Independent Ladies. There is enough background provided that you can really just jump right in. And this book definitely gets off to a quick start. I really liked that it started with Frannie confronting Alec rather than that being something that was built up to. I also liked that Alec was smart enough to realize his mistake pretty quickly. There is a lot going on this book - there's romance, the mystery of who was pretending to be Frannie's husband, the mystery of who was sabotaging Frannie's business, and Frannie's big secret. Everything moves at a quick pace so you never felt like things are dragging along. I thought Alec was kind of pushy at parts, especially considering he didn't yet know the truth about Frannie's "husband." There were two things I wish had been different - 1) Frannie had told Alec the truth herself rather than having him find out the way he did and 2) that Frannie and Alec had actually had the conversation rather than him partially forgiving her because of her almost dying. I still don't understand what Frannie's mother was thinking when she wrote to Alec's mother. I get that she was mad at Frannie for ending the charade, but to almost ruin her and her daughter's reputation did not make sense. The resolution to the sabotage part of the story was a bit of a surprise and not something I would have seen coming. I think Violet and Dunkeld's story deserved a little more attention - it kind of came out of nowhere and seemed just to be there to tie up Violet's story. Frannie's fellow Independent Ladies are great supporting characters here and I can't wait for Sophie's story.

This is the second book in a series, but each book can be read on its own. However, personally, I think you will understand our heroine a little better if you have read the previous story. Her mother refused to allow her husband's title to pass to some cousin just because the child born after his death was a girl. Subterfuge and lies are the only way to retain power. Now that daughter is an intelligent and wealthy woman, with a big problem to solve.

Our hero has revenge in mind and a vulnerable sister to protect. Nothing will stand in his way.

Sometimes, mothers can be loving and supportive. Unfortunately, neither of our characters has that type. Both of their's are vicious and spiteful. That can prove dangerous.

This story is filled with adventure, intrigue, and fabulous characters. We never get boring or wishy washy people in this author's work.

I thoroughly enjoyed every page and can't wait to read the next one in the series.

Great fun.

When Lady Francis (Frannie), the Marchioness of Ardsmere, arrives at the estate of Alec Douglas, the Duke of Lionwraith, he is instantly smitten. Despite being a war hero and having faced many battles, he finds her fascinating. Frannie soon changes her mind about the duke, having realised that his destruction of two ships belonging to her shipping company, stems from his revenge on her husband for ruining his sister, Vivvy. Yet, Frannie cannot reveal that Vivvy is hiding the truth of the man who ruined her, as there is no Marquess of Ardsmere. Born in Belgium after a terrible accident killed her father, Frannie was introduced to the world as the family’s ward rather than an Ardsmere daughter, and a fake Ardsmere son was fabricated for her to marry to keep the wealth, lands, and privileges of the title away from a heartless cousin. Frannie decides to assist Alec when she meets his sister, but soon finds herself falling in love with him. In tracking down the real foe responsible, Alec and Frannie soon find themselves willing to risk everything to be together.
I am so enjoying this series, with highlights the strength of woman born into wealth, which is only given to them, when they hide behind a fictious male. I thoroughly enjoyed watching these two characters fall in love whilst wondering how Frannie will reveal her secret to Alec. I can’t wait to see how Lady Sophie’s story unfolds.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Alec Douglas, Duke of Lionwraith, a war hero betrayed on the home front while he was away at battle, trusts no one and prefers his solitude. Then his sister begs for help because she’s been ruined by the Marquis of Ardsmere, he vows to make the man responsible pay but when the man proves impossible to find, Alec isn’t swayed. He vows to destroy the Marquis’ businesses. But the despicable marquis can’t be the ruination of Alec’s sister, because the man does not exist. However, Lady Francis, better known as Frannie and sometimes as the Marchioness of Ardsmere, is quite real. Frannie was introduced to the world as the family’s ward rather than an Ardsmere daughter, and a fake Ardsmere son was fabricated for her to marry to keep the wealth, lands, and privileges of the title away from a heartless cousin. The ruse has served quite well Alec comes onto the scene. Frannie agrees to help Alec. Not just because he’s a tempting challenge she can’t resist, but also because his sister is kindness itself.
The second book in the series & it’s easily read on its own, a very well written romance with strong characters & a well paced story. I loved both Alec & Frannie & loved how they found their HEA. There are secrets, misunderstandings & assumptions, which all made for a delightful read. Alec is gruff & a bit dour but soft on the inside, Frannie has an astute brain & is down to earth, I loved the chemistry between them & thoroughly enjoyed their quest to find the villain
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

So, who's the villain?

I thought this was a clever premise and it delivered.
Frannie is fake married and successfully runs and empire.
Alec is out to avenge his wronged sister. Ok, I was prepared to very much not like him and at first, I did. But he wins me over. Ugh! And his sister, who I was also prepared to not like. But a deft hand makes them engaging and engrossing.
I really liked Frannie.
So. Complicated. Smart. A totally fresh premise.
Recommend.

This was well worth the effort! So many twists and turns ! Great chemistry between strong, but not perfect characters. Problems were resolved credibly and forgiveness granted when needed. Personally, I love when strong women are portrayed in backward times. I also appreciate strong male characters who are not threatened by strong women. I’ll read this authors work again.!