Tour Review & Giveaway - - The Marquess Next Door

The Marquess Next Door

by Virginia Heath

The Talk of the Beau Monde - Book 2

Publisher: Harlequin Historical

Release Date: June 29, 2021

Reviewed by PJ

 

A dashing new neighbor…

 Temptation on her doorstep!

To avoid an unwanted suitor at a ball, Hope Brookes asks another gentleman to rescue her. He obliges—with a surprisingly passionate kiss! He's revealed as her sinfully handsome new neighbor, Lucius, Marquess of Thundersley, and they forge a friendship over their balconies. It’s refreshing that Lucius is more interested in her writer dreams than her looks, so why can’t she stop thinking about that kiss?

PJ's Thoughts: 

I've been looking forward to Hope's story since meeting her in her sister's book, The Viscount's Unconventional Lady. (And, let me tell you, this is one very unconventional Regency family!) She immediately captured my attention with her love of gothic fiction, determination to be a published novelist, pithy set-downs of men who can't see beyond her impressive bosom, and feelings of not living up to the talents and accomplishments of the rest of her family. I immediately wanted to be her friend and that feeling only intensified as I read her story.

Luke is one of my favorite heroes this year. I loved his kindness, his humor, his protective nature (maybe not quite so protective but reasons are explained and understandable) and his respect for Hope's intelligence and career dreams. I loved the friendship they formed (those late night balcony-to-balcony conversations - sigh), the chemistry that sizzled between them, the desire he held in control and the consent that was always foremost in their interactions. I was firmly in Hope's corner when the major "black moment" misunderstanding occurred but, considering past events in his life, I understood why he reacted as he did. Didn't like it, but understood it, appreciated his full acceptance of the blame when he finally figured out what he had done, and love, love, loved the consequences for the  person responsible for orchestrating that black moment. What a visual! 😊

Virginia Heath has become one of my favorite historical romance authors. I adore her fully-formed characters, sparkling banter, effervescent humor, depth of emotion, and willingness to explore difficult topics (discussed freely today) while keeping them historically accurate. I especially appreciated how she handled the painful and difficult past of Luke's mother, what had happened to her in the past, and the present-day impact on both Maria and Luke, with sensitivity and truth. 

The Marquess Next Door stands well on its own though I also loved oldest sister Faith's story in The Viscount's Unconventional Lady and highly recommend that as well (link to my review). Meanwhile, youngest sister, Charity, showed surprising, and well-hidden, depths in book two that have me eager for her turn to find love in book three, How Not to Chaperon a Lady. That one is scheduled to be released September 28th. 

CW: Postpartum depression, attempted suicide (off page - discussed after the fact)

Have you read Virginia Heath's Harlequin Historical Romances yet?

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When Virginia Heath was a little girl it took her ages to fall asleep, so she made up stories in her head to help pass the time while she was staring at the ceiling. As she got older, the stories became more complicated, sometimes taking weeks to get to the happy ending. Then one day, she decided to embrace the insomnia and start writing them down. Despite that, it still takes her forever to fall asleep.

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