The Wrong Marquess

Miss Elodie “Ellie” Parrish has planned to marry her next-door neighbor since they were children. She’s going through one last season in the hopes that he’ll propose; before he can, she meets Lord Brandon Hullworth and falls in love with the wrong marquess. Orphaned at a young age, Ellie fears dying early and the deaths of those nearest to her. Brandon ascended to his title after tragedy and has taken seriously his role as a marquess. Quirky side characters occasionally distract from the central romance, though many readers will enjoy Ellie’s maiden aunts and their quest for all the best recipes in London. Particularly well-handled is the book’s villain, a character who is realistic rather than an over-the-top evildoer. The early portion of the story moves slowly, but the romantic payoff in the latter half will reward readers who continue.