You Can't Always Get the Marquess You Want

Masters of Seduction #2

by Alexandra Hawkins

A MOST FORBIDDEN LOVE

They call him Chance, though in truth the Marquess of Fairlamb feels bitterly cursed: A long-ago family feud is still standing in the way of his heart’s desire. Lady Tempest is the daughter of his father’s sworn enemy, the Marquess of Norgrave. She is beautiful, innocent, and utterly untouchable. But some seductions are just too good to resist…

Turns out Tempest is a woman of her own mind—and a true romantic who will overcome every obstacle to be with the man of her dreams. But the odds are against handsome, wickedly charming Chance if he intends to win Tempest as his bride. Will he choose loyalty to his family—or risk everything he has for the woman he yearns for?

Genres: Historical Romance, Historical, Romance, Regency, Regency Romance, Historical Fiction, Fiction

352 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published April 5, 2016

About the author

Alexandra Hawkins is an unrepentant Anglophile who discovered romance novels as a teenager and knew that one day she would be writing her own. In "The Lords of Vice" series, she has combined her love of English history, mythology, and romance to create sensual character-driven stories that, she hopes, will touch readers' hearts.

You can also find me at:

www.facebook.com/author.alexandra.haw...
Fan page: www.facebook.com/lordsofvice
www.twitter.com/lordsofvice
https://plus.google.com/u/0/103785519...

Reviews

[Esther · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC from Netgalley for honest review.

This is a 3.75 rating for me. I enjoyed the book but found a couple issues that didn't gel with me.

This very much has the Hatfield's and McCoys/Romeo and Juliet feel too it, but this actually involves the Fairlamb/Norgrave. The hero and heroine's families HATE each other and it's a well known fact in London and that neither family or family member should be in the vicinity of the other. The children aren't sure why the parents have such hate/animosity towards each other, but they are definetley loyal to their parents. But of course the the ending in this scenario is a happy one.

We open with Chance Fairlamb our hero in a brawl with Marcroft Norgrave and that sets the underlining feel and tone of hatred that the two have for each other as well as the families. I thought the author did a very good job in conveying to the reader the intensity of that hatred. As we read further we have the scene of the first meeting for our hero and heroine. Chance and his friends are skinny dipping and our heroine stumbles upon all three men (her sister accidentally also comes into the scene just minutes later). The girls return to their younger siblings and chaperone acting as though nothing happened. But eventual the gentlemen find/run into the group of young ladies taking in some sun as well as sketching, reading and just relaxing. Introductions are made and instant awareness develops between Chance and Tempest. Neither is aware of their last names until the end of their conversation and it's Chance who discovers who Tempest is and instantly withdraws and leaves. Tempest returns home and runs into Marcroft (her older brother) he has been informed by the chaperone of what transpired. He then informs his sister who Chance really is and tells her to stay away.

But life is funny that way because Chance and Tempest find they are now running into each other quite often, when it never had happened in the past. Each feels the pull of attraction and fights it out of loyalty to their family. Chance and Tempest begin to question the feud/hate and wonder what caused it. They slowly become aquatinted with no one knowing and realize the attraction is too strong to resist. They meet in secret, come to like each other and fall in love. But so many forces are at play; Tempest Father pushing for marriage with a certain Marquess, ex-lovers coming back into the picture, friends/family giving warnings of the futility of the situation. But the two forge on and eventually marry in secret. And things get somewhat ugly and tumultuous after it comes out that they have married, secrets are revealed and some wrongs are righted

I really liked the hero and heroine. Both had good hearts and loyalty to their family (the villain in this story is Tempest Father and she struggles with her loyalty to him). Chance and Tempest relationships was engaging (even with the cloud of animosity between the familes), sweet, funny and had plenty of sexual tension. Chances friends, I LOVED them and cannot wait for their stories, they were such support and wonderful friends. I also liked Tempest sister, Arabella and hope that one of Chances friends and her have their own HEA.

I enjoyed reading and watching the unfolding of Chance and Tempest love story. It had me engaged and immersed in their determination and quest for their HEA. This was well written, had very good pacing and I loved all the secondary characters (but Tempest Father, I hated him). My issue with the book was towards the end and how the secrets came to light, as well as the reaction and resolution. I felt in needed several more chapters to give it true justification for the heaviness of the subject matter and closure to what had happened. It seemed to end abruptly and didn't flow as smoothly as it could have. It ended with me feeling okay/good but not great. Looking forward to reading the next book~Waiting For an Earl like you~

[Sonya Heaney · Rating 2 out of 5]

Originally posted HERE .

Who is responsible for this, the world’s clunkiest title? It’s like they randomly chose a sentence out of the book and just ran with it!

You Can’t Always Get the Marquess You Want runs with a theme I usually enjoy: the Romeo and Juliet-esque warring aristocratic family thing, where hero and heroine have reason to hate each other before they’ve even met. There were a few issues in the book here and there that had me hesitating, but I kept reading because of the appeal of that plotline.

In keeping with the theme, the hero in this one is much younger than they usually are in the historical romance genre. This wasn’t an issue for me.

However, as I read on and on there was a little anachronism here and an Americanism slipped into a sentence there, and after a while it was starting to bug me.

No female past girlhood in this era would be seen without her hair tied up, but there’re constant references to long hair hanging down backs – even at balls. It was a little like Pride and Prejudice and Pigs!

I was also a little annoyed by the overly descriptive passages. For example, a character couldn’t just hide behind a screen; they had to go to:

…the dark blue chaise longue that was partially hidden by a four-panel dressing screen adorned with a floral tapestry and walnut frame.

I don’t want descriptions of furniture when people are planning to have sex!

There’s a good plot here in this book, but – for me – it got lost in those little irritations peppered through the text.


Review copy provided by NetGalley.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like Alexandra Hawkins' books and the ones she wrote as Barbara Pierce. For me, this book was not as great as the Lords of Vice series but still a very good book.

The hero, Chance, and heroine Tempest, meet not knowing who their parents are. Their fathers, who at one time were best friends, hate each other - with good reason on his father's part. (See "All Night With a Rogue".) That doesn't stop Chance. He may be young, but he knows he loves her and wants her to be his wife. Secret meetings and a love that can't be denied bring them to the altar. But her father tells a lie that could keep them apart. No plot spoilers from me. Discover their HEA by reading this book!

[Jaci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Outstanding Historical Romance from Alexandra!! Her writing is so fluid and captivating that you never want the book to end.


This is the second book in The Masters of Seduction Novel and I loved that both the hero Chance and the heroine Tempest are the children of the hero and villain of the first book. But you don’t have to know the story to read this book, but if you haven’t read “A Duke But No Gentleman” I would highly recommend it.


Chance and Tempest meet quite by accident but the attraction is immediate. Chance finds out who Tempest is and is determined to stay away from her, but he cannot get her out of his head.
Tempest is intrigued by Chance and when he starts to show up wherever she happens to be she doesn’t want to be attracted to him but she cannot seem to help it either.


Their parents are enemies due to a violent past that they have kept hidden from their children. When it becomes obvious that they cannot stay away from each other will they be able to have a HAE?


I loved the instant chemistry that Chance and Tempest have. Even though they know that they shouldn’t be anywhere each other they cannot seem to stop. Tempest is a strong willed young lady and Chance is not afraid of going after what he wants.


Alexandra writes a marvelous love story that has lots of sexual tension with an edge of your seat finale that wraps up the story splendidly. There are funny moments and really sweet moments. I cannot say enough about Alexandra’s writing, I really enjoy her books.

Received a complimentary copy for an honest review.

[Meghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness, what a book! I experienced perhaps every emotion possible while reading this, so much so that I think I need a break and will read one of my usual, go-to-my-happy-place books. I am so used to reading books that are all rainbows and butterflies that I was a bit blindsided (in the best way) by life's realities being so plainly shown in a romance novel. But what a way to be blindsided - way to go Ms. Hawkins!

First, I will say that Ms. Hawkins writes some of the best love scenes (and I'm not talking just sex here) I have ever read. And I have read A LOT. She's right up there with writers like Julia Quinn, Lisa Kleypas, and Elizabeth Boyle. Not only was I getting all hot and bothered, but my heart was also swooning a bit. She created scenes that were genuine and sweet.

Chase and Tempest (LOVE her name, by the way) are adorable. They are pretty young, 23 and 22, respectively, so there was some degree of immaturity that made me want to smack them. But let's be honest, there was enough hitting going on in the book that I really didn't need to add to it. Both made mistakes but admitted to them and apologized. Their love practically leapt off the pages. If I could have slept with the book in my arms, I would have. Alas, a Kindle is not a comfortable bedfellow.

Their parents....oh boy. One thing I will say is a trigger for me is parents hitting their children. Probably part of my millennial ideology (I'm 24), but I just never see a reason to hit, especially hard enough to bruise, a child. Granted, this is historical and back then it was fairly acceptable. But this did cause me to really dislike both sets of parents. Obviously Tempest's father is leagues worse than Chase's father....but still. I'll allow myself this quirk. Didn't take away from the story.

Overall a wonderful book! Dare I ask if Arabella's story is next? Or perhaps St. Lyon? Both? I greatly look forward to the next book, whichever characters get their story.

**I received a free copy via NetGalley for an honest review.**

[Sissy's Romance Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an eARC, from NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
This is book two in the 'Masters of Seduction' series by Alexandra Hawkins.
This book follows the children of the main characters in the first book 'A Duke but No Gentleman' but with that said I think you can safely say it can be a standalone book . Although in the first book it sets up this book to cover a feud that is the main upset between Chance and Tempest.
We find that Chance and Tempest family both hate the other and has been a long standing highly know feud. Although none of the 'children' know the reason for it they just grew up hating each others family. Well Chance and Tempest happen to meet and neither really knows who the other one is and they spend some time together getting to know one another. At the end they find out who each really is and from then on they try to avoid each other. But as luck would have it the seem to be running into each a lot now. They start to question what this feud is about and she it keep them apart.

[Heather andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked Chance, and how playful he could be, and patient, "Chance grinned at her when she was finished. “Perhaps I should sack my valet and hire you,” he teased. “Now unfasten the buttons on my shirt while I work on the ones on my waistcoat.” I really just liked his attitude and personality, “I never got around to undressing you properly.” Chance picked her up and carried her to the bed. “Don’t worry, darling. You will enjoy how I make it up to you.” I enjoyed this book.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though their families may be bitter enemies, when Chance and Tempest first meet the attraction is undeniable. As they continue to run into each other the attraction grows and they begin to meet in secret. Will they do what is proper and find a way to leave each other alone or will they defy their families and find love. This is an excellent historical read with great characters and plenty of drama. The chemistry between Chance and Tempest was sweet and steamy. Loved it!

[Insh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pleasure’s a sin, and sometimes sin’s a pleasure.
—Lord Byron

an interesting take on a romeo and juliet.

[Artemiz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Usually the historical romance series are about friends, siblings, coworkers, relatives but Masters of Seduction series are a bit different. In A Duke but No Gentleman the protagonists in the love triangle were Tristan and Imogen Rooke and Caston Brant, and in this book the future lover are Mathias Rooke and Tempest Brant - the descendants.

Rooke and Brant families have been at war since the unfortunate incident in Tristan's mother's house. Everybody knows they do not socialize and the try to not invite both families to the same events. The oldest sons of the families - Mathias and Oliver - are fighting each other any chance they get, but at the same time nobody really knows the true reason why they are enemies, but they both are sure, that their fathers have a good reason to hate each other.

So when Tempest happens on a group of bathing young mans, she has now idea who they are. Later, when the young man find her and her sister with their chaperone, they just introduce themselves by their nicknames - Chance, Thorn and St. Lyon. When Oliver hears their names later, he knows at once, who they were. But even if Chance is the forbidden Rooke, Tempest can not get him out of her head.

Chance also can not get Oliver Brant's sister out of his head, even if he knows there is no point to pursue a lady his family will not approve. But Mathias is rather ready to lose his new lover to Oliver, than allow Tempest to stay alone in Opera house, that is packed with riffraff.

So the young will find their secret chances to be together here and there, share a kiss here and there, and feel jealousy toward the fellow whom Tempest's father has chosen for her and toward Mathews boyhood love interest. At the end Mathias sees no other way to be with his love, than to kidnap her, marry her and consummate their marriage.

When they return to London, Caston uses the same fear, that Imogen and Tristan felt before Chances birth, to tear the young couple apart, and at first they believe him, until Mathias goes home to confront his parents and Imogen tells her son the grisly reason why their family do not socialize and she assures him, that there is no reason for him and Tempest to be apart.

If in previous book the father did not care where his daughter spent her nights, then in this book the father is too interested about the money that comes with his daughters marriage, so he is ready to marry her of to anybody who has money, even if she is already married and probably pregnant, he is ready to annul her marriage. And then there is the other family, who keeps the secrets as close to their heart as possible, even if the secrecy is creating mistakes that could have been easily avoided.

In a way this was an Romeo and Juliet story, where lovers happiness is shadowed by family's conflict, but the protagonists of this story are not preteens and they do not end together in morgue. In this story they their love is supported at least by some in their family members and even if their union does not stop the family feud, at least it will not end their happiness. It was a good historical romance, where are some irking moments, but it still was a good read.

[WTF Are You Reading? · Rating 5 out of 5]

This case of "the daughter of my enemy is my enemy." At least that is, until I fall in love with her. Is the best example of a Hatfield vs. McCoy style feud brought to the English ton, that this reviewer has had the pleasure of reading in some time.

Though the lion's share of the grudge lies with the elders of both the Fairlamb and Brant bloodlines. It becomes very obvious, almost from page one, that the elder sons of both factions have absolutely no interest in burying the hatchet. Unless, of course, the burial of said weapon was to take place deep within the skull of one of the two parties.
The acrimony between these two men is to such an extreme that they are prone to engage in fisticuffs
at the slightest provocation, and walk around for much of the read sporting the bruises as proof.

It appears however, that said rancor is not as great an issue for the females of at least one side of this war. The Brant girls, though aware of both the feud, and the Fairlambs, have been most thoroughly cosseted against any of the finer details regarding its combatants. Meaning that they know nothing except that they are to avoid the dastardly Fairlamb clan at all costs. Chance or Mathias Fairlamb, in particular.
A task that wouldn't be difficult at all for any of the Brant girls if...they knew what he looked like.

So, when a chance (no pun intended) meeting between Chance Fairlamb and Tempest Brant results in a kindling of the Brant male ire, and the interest for one in the other between Tempest and Chance.
Things get very interesting, to say the least.

This is a story that is both irritating and entertaining in equal measure. Seeing Chance and Tempest flout both convention and the edicts issued by their parents in their efforts to be together is both exciting and fun. The fact that both the reader and the younger players in this drama spend about 95% of this read in the midst of a battle with no clear cause...down right exasperating!
In defense of the grand plot twist however, kudos must be given to the grand reveal of this long held secret and all the drama that ensues in its wake.

This is a wonderful romance for those who enjoy stories filled with secret trysts and forbidden love.



Reviewer's Note: This is the second novel of a companion aeries that can be read in any order.

*Reviewer's Note: I was provided with copies of the above referenced literary works for the express purpose of review. All opinions expressed therein are mine, and have been in no way influenced by St. Martin's Press or those acting on their behalf.

[Book Gannet · Rating 2 out of 5]

Considering that this book is based on a deep-lying family feud between the hero and heroine’s parents, I found this book surprisingly dull. I haven’t read the first book in the series (A Duke by No Gentleman) because I didn’t like the sound of the blurb, but I’ve read the reviews and know what happened between the families so perhaps that’s why I felt little surprise at the way certain story lines went. On the whole, though, it was the characters that failed to engage me.

Chance/Mathias is a smug, arrogant fool for most of the book. He purposefully baits his enemy, constantly puts himself in Tempest’s path – despite promising to leave her alone more than once – and can’t even seem to decide for himself whether he’s interested in her for revenge or something else. He doesn’t use Tempest precisely, but he’s not exactly careful with her either. He’s careless and feckless and I didn’t find much to like about him.

As for Tempest… well, aside from her name (which I could have accepted if the rest of her siblings didn’t have such ordinary names themselves), I found her lacking in much personality. There’s just very little there to work with. She seems nice enough and she paints well, but there’s no spark.

As for the rest of the tale – what’s with all the duels? Or talk of duels, rather. They were illegal! Yes, they happened, but not nearly so many as this book implies, and if these men were constantly going out and shooting each other, someone was going to die, which would have led to prosecutions or fleeing to the continent, not this blasé acceptance that Chance will just kill his enemies one day. Then there’s the whole Romeo/Juliet tale that goes along exactly as you’d expect, with a dastardly father on one side, along with a hot-headed brother. But it never really got going, and I was left disappointed on the whole.

There are a couple of interesting side characters – Chance’s friends, mostly – but overall this book failed to grab me. I didn’t like the characters and the plot didn’t entertain me much either. Sadly, I don’t think I’ll be reading any more from this series.

(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: You Can't Always Get The Marquess You Want
Series: Master of Seduction #2
Author: Alexandra Hawkins
Genre: Historical Romance
Pages: 353
Heat Level: 2 out of 4 flames
Overall Star Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Kay the Snitch Bitch

The Hatfields and McCoys. The Montagues and the Capulets. Feuding families and love stories. I know it's wrong on several levels but I love this trope. Enemies to lovers? OMG, yes! Me please! Oh, please, please, please. The Rookes and the Brants now join those feuding families in the literary world.

Mathias Rooke is the oldest son of a Duke. He's good looking, smart, a bit of a brawler and a bit of a womanizer. He still likes his bachelorhood and it's many perks. He's been raised to dislike and steer clear of the Brants. When he and his friends are swimming one day, he realizes that he's being watched. The watcher is a dark haired female. She flees the scene of the crime and he and his friends give chase.

Tempest Brant is the daughter of a Duke also. The eldest daughter and also the one with a failed match from the last season. She's content being single until she finds the ONE. Her father would be content if she made a favorable match. On an outing she wanders off for a moment of peace and quiet. What she finds are three men swimming naked. When she realizes she's been spotted, she runs back to her family.

Mathias, AKA Chance finds out too late that the woman he was chasing after is a Brant. He's intrigued by her beauty and feisty attitude. Can you see past the sins of your parents? The lies? The over protectiveness? The secrecy? Can you do that to get to the love of a lifetime? Chance and Tempest are about to find out.

I liked this book so much better than it's predecessor. This one felt like Alexandra Hawkins to me. I'm eagerly awaiting stories on all of the Rookes, Brants and their collection of friends.

Book given in exchange for an honest review vis the publisher and NetGalley.

[Debra Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. You Can't Always Get The Marquess You Want is the second book in the Masters Of Seduction series by Alexandra Hawkins. I love this author's writing and the intriguing theme of this series. The story had everything; interesting characters, an emotional plot device, romance and sizzling passion. All of this and excellent writing made it a book that I couldn't put down.

Let's just say that there was a good reason why the Brant and Rooke families were enemies, although it was inevitable that their families would cross paths. There was plenty of emnity between the younger Lords, Fairlamb and Marcroft, although neither one of them knew the circumstances of the feud. Then an accidental meeting brings Chance(Fairlamb) and Tempest(Marcroft's sister) together. At first they don't know they're unwittingly consorting with the enemy and by the time they realize it is far too late. They were already smitten with each other.

Despite the many obstacles they faced Chance and Tempest were drawn to each other. These two were wonderful characters. Chance was a charming rogue and Tempest was the sweet ingenue. Family tensions couldn't stop them from falling in love, but the conflict of the story was whether or not they could withstand the constant opposition trying to keep them apart. Family secrets complicated their relationship and there was a very unpleasant villain who conspired against them.

I loved the romance of this story, and how Chance and Tempest defied their family to be together. I loved the edginess of the drama and the sensuality that isn't usually found in the historical romance genre. I loved the intriguing characters that were introduced and look forward to reading each one of their stories. I was definitely satisfied with this book.

[Blodeuedd Finland · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a Romeo and Juliet story. I have not read book 1, which is about their parents (and from other reviews I have decided that I sure do not want to read book 1. That is not romance to me.) Anyway, a total stand alone since duh book 1 is about their parents, and at the end we learn what happened with them and why there is a feud.

Tempest did not find a man last season. Her father is not happy but has another suitor in the wings for her.

Chance is the son of a Duke, he is a bit of a rake. But then he is young and not ready to settle down.

They meet, sparks fly. But dang it, their families are feuding and will not even be near each other. I was all, why are they feuding?!
The truth is dark.

I liked how he did not give up. He really wanted her (he does not know the Feud reason either.)
She was more careful, good for you, except for that one time.

And then they lived happily ever after!

I liked it. The future sure seemed bleak for them, and trust me, these families will not mingle even if their kids marry. But at least some are happy.

[Toula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to come tomorrow

[Danielle The Book Huntress · Rating 4 out of 5]

A diverting and spicy forbidden lovers tale, with a dash of Romeo and Juliet and no depressing ending.

Reviewed for Affaire de Coeur Magazine. http://affairedecoeur.com.

[Nessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

A SOLID 3.5 STARS!

THIS ONE WAS MUCH BETTER THAN THE FIRST, ALTHOUGH I CAN'T SEEM TO REMEMBER MUCH OF THE FIRST BOOK, THIS ONE FEATURE'S THEIR SON....CHANCE AND THIS IS HIS STORY. IT'S RATHER MUCH LIKE ROMEO AND JULIET, JUST WITHOUT THE TRAGIC ENDING.

OUR HERO was boring. BUT, he wasn't the kind that would dull you terribly. While he's boring it's only because he's the good kind of man, raised by a loving family yet he's also NOT a prude. We first meet him when he was fighting with the son of his father's old nemesis and no surprise, both heirs didn't get along. The first time Chance encountered our heroine was when she was caught him and his buddies swimming with not even a stitch of clothing on their bodies. Of course, the thought did cross his mind to use her for revenge against her brother but no, it was gone the second it appeared. Chance was taken by the enemy's daughter and there was something wonderfully unique about their relationship that I couldn't help but want to know where it was going. Their chance encounter led to numerous tete-a-tete, with the hero in full pursuit of our dear girl. I liked Chance. Even if he was a good nice, boring guy....he did things with a passion and a determination of a man.

OUR HEROINE is the eldest daughter of her family, and she may not be the prettiest daughter but she certainly had something special. She's also no simpering miss. The first time she met our hero, she hadn't a clue that HE was the family's enemy. Of course she has heard of them, but never met one in person. Who knew that the only man who will attract her and vice versa was the one she couldn't have? They started off on the wrong foot, and soon it was a bump in at the public bookstore, then an arranged rendezvous in the dark before one thing led to another. It was deliciously scandalous and sent my heart racing.

OVERALL while there was nothing new about this story, the refreshing relationship between the characters was the one thing that did it for me. And, that they were both written outside of a specific character mould, such as the rake or the bluestocking. They were just simply...themselves.

[Lynne Tull · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an improvement over the first book of this series. There is a lot of action-not of the lustful kind; although, there is some of that. 'Some of that' seemed to be added here and there in order to please readers who like 'some of that'. It does not always contribute to the story in my opinion. However, in this story it was a factor in coming to the 'happily ever after' end. I liked the H/H and ready to see who the H/H will be in the next book. It seems to me that there are a lot of characters in this saga to keep the series going for a while. How recommending.

[Ireland Durante · Rating 5 out of 5]

I rather enjoyed reading this book especially because the first book in the series, a duke but no gentlemen is one of my all time favorite books. It was great seeing their children grow up and to get updates on how nograve and Blackburn were doing. I was hoping to see more or nograve’s evilness. It was sentimental reading this book since I loved the first one.

[Cordelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply Beautiful

What a seductive novel. Never have I read a novel of historical romance with these many new twists. The love and romance between Chance and Tempest was dazzling. So much sensuous tension, anticipation and sizzling hot sex. First time reading this author and what an introduction. A sexy and up all night story. Can not wait to read anything by Lady Alexandra.

[Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Gina · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book would have gotten three stars from me had there not been so many errors throughout. Wrong words used in places and words missing from sentences that didn’t make sense.

[Rachael · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️❤️

Such a great book and awesome series! This is my third read through of the book. I am on to reread book 3!

[Bookfreak OHearn · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really hoped the villain would die. I did not enjoy reading about his kids.

[Eva · Rating 3 out of 5]

So this was my 2nd book my Alexandra Hawkins and probably my last one. My first one was the #1 in the series “Masters of Seduction” titled “A Man but no Gentleman” and now I just finished the 2nd “You can’t always get the Marquess you want” and I am not thrilled of this one either. Unfortunately. Nevertheless I finished this one, at the 1st one I gave up after a week.

The story is a classical Romeo & Juliette story (or like we call it “Romeo & Julia”) with not much of a twist. Both leads are children of antagonized families. Well it’s more like their parents are enemies and so are the kids – the heirs at least and very, very late in the story we learn why. Too late in my opinion.

The story starts very slow, too slow to be honest. Tempest is with her younger sister, their Chaperone and her brother (who took off to take care of a light skirt) and she is sketching at the river when she sees three nearly naked men bathing. How it comes they kind of see her, dress of course, and ride by their picnic place and introduce themselves with their nicknames. Because of Tempest brother’s bruised face and Chances, the young woman guesses that they know each other. But why? I mean couldn’t there be more people who get into a fight on this big island?

Anyway they fall in love, in the beginning it’s eventually more lust and the fact that there meeting have to be a secret but when her father plans to marry her off it gets serious.

Well … like I said, the story has no real twist. The reason why the two families are antagonized is so simple that it’s not even worth discussing it for a long time. To make the motive something unique would have been thrilling but it wasn’t. I really questioned myself why Tempest’s father really hated her mother so much, she gave birth to a heir and two three healthy daughters nevertheless and nearly died in childbirth respectively it took her long t recover and she gave birth to a stillborn boy in between and had several miscarriages. Yes, he is very egotistical but on the other hand he has an heir. So?

The reader doesn’t understand why Chance’s mother doesn’t want her son to move into her grandmother’s old house because of the bad memories – we learn that the bedroom was burned down. But why? There are like 300 pages between the first mentioning of the townhouse and the solution.

I really liked the meeting between Chance and Tempest’s mothers. They know the secrets of the past and they know that their kids cannot be together but the reader doesn’t know the reason by than which is kind of annoying. They talk to each other so very civil that you ask yourself why their families are enemies if they can be civil. Though those two ladies don’t have anything in between them – yes, Charlotte (Chance’s mother) is more than disliked by her husband and Imogene (Tempest’s) is loved and cared by hers but both women knew who they were marrying. And the quarrel between their husbands had been before it. Nevertheless the idea, that those two might solve things was nice.

I also liked the way Hawkins made the lovebirds escape society more and more often, but it wasn’t very creative either. The most creative was the “kidnapping” by highway man in the end ….
And I missed something like an epilogue. Does Charlotte and her husband still share a house? How are Charlotte and Imogene coming along knowing that Charlotte’s husband once abused the other woman?

So all in all … 3 small stars.
*I got this novel from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

[Maria Almaguer · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Romeo and Juliet trope is a common one in historical romance and this novel follows the love story of the children of former best friends Blackbern and Norgrave. Their infamous falling out twenty-four years earlier is detailed in the exquisite first book in the series, A Duke but No Gentleman. I had likened that book to Dangerous Liaisons by Choderlos de Laclos in its wit and cunning and downright scandalous behavior. Alas, the second book in Alexandra Hawkins’ new Masters of Seduction series does not quite measure up to either.

Both Norgrave and Blackbern are now fathers of adult children and in London high society, they are bound to eventually meet. They have managed to skillfully avoid each other and their families for many years–even society hostesses know not to invite both to the same soirees–but one hot day in the country, Tempest (Norgrave’s eldest daughter) catches a delicious glimpse of a naked Mathias (Blackbern’s heir) swimming in a pond with his friends. She has no idea who he is until he catches up with her and introduces himself. To his dismay, he realizes it’s the daughter of his father’s enemy and vows to avoid her. But he is hopelessly attracted. And so is she.

From here, the two meet at musicales and balls and then, more often, secretly, though her bombastic older brother Marcroft has threatened Mathias more than once with a duel. But I didn’t quite get the feel of danger and deceit though Tempest and Mathias are definitely playing with fire.
The denouement is a shocker but it seems a bit melodramatic but also, too little, too late.

As lovers, Mathias and Tempest are likeable but their relationship isn’t very passionate or fraught with peril. Their naivete in thinking they will never be caught is unrealistic but, more than that, I am not sure I feel the attraction is well portrayed enough to warrant all the perceived drama. Yes, Marcroft is aware of the attraction but all he does is threaten. In other words, all bluff but no bite. I feel the book needs more action to add excitement and tension.

Still, Ms. Hawkins writes very well and her depiction of the intricate dynamics in both families is very well done. I would love to see how the evil Norgrave ended up where is he now after the horrible scandal in A Duke but No Gentleman. That would be the more exciting and intriguing story to read. Perhaps Ms. Hawkins can be enticed to write a novella?

If you enjoy feuding family stories with star-crossed lovers, you might enjoy this book.

This review first appeared on Romantic Historical Reviews.

[Peggy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'll start by saying that I have been a fan of Alexandra Hawkins in the past. I had gotten away from reading historical romance for the last few years and when I had an opportunity to read and review a book by an author who had been a favorite I said yes.

This is the second book in the series and is about the children of the two main families in the first book. I didn't not read that one but it didn't affect my review of the second book. I was surprised at how disappointed I was by this book. Yes, Ms. Hawkins is still a good writer and crafts a well written story but I found the plot to be weaker than her previous series. This is a book about a relationship between the children of two feuding families. While the story line was not original, I thought perhaps the author would put some type of unique twist on it. However, that wasn't the case.

I was also very disappointed with the characters. In the past Ms. Hawkins has filled her books with wonderful hero's who jump off the pages and while have a tendency to be alpha males are likable, diverse and developed. Her heroine's are strong, feisty women who push to be partners in their relationships. That was sadly missing in this book. I found Tempest to be the feather-brained type heroine in these types of stories who goes along with whatever her parents want. I found Mathias, to be less than likable. He is the entitled type of hero that I typically dislike to see in historical romances. For me, characters are supposed to evolve and it appears that neither the parents (who were involved in the first book) nor their children grow or evolve. The characters, for me remained flat and unlikable, making this book feel like something I had to force myself to finish. Maybe it's just me because I have not read this genre in quite a while but this book was not enjoyable for me and did not leave me wanting to see what happens to the next characters in the series.

I received an ARC of this book from St. Martin's through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This did not influence my review and the thoughts expressed are my own.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free ARC from Netgalley.com. **Tread carefully as this review contains spoilers!**

Ah, forbidden love. The kind of love that makes soft hearted women like myself weak at the knees and desperate for their man after reading books like this one. I loved that there was a main character named Tempest, and the chemistry between her and Chance was better than any "better than sex" brownies any day. The story flowed nicely, the dialogue was strong, and the characters were full and engaging.

Now to the part that we all dread when reviewing anything that we enjoyed. The dislikes....

1. The Title:
Now, usually I overlook titles that really don't fit with the book, but this one really got me. It insinuates that maybe Tempest wanted one man, but as the book progressed she found she didn't really want him and ended up with the man she was really meant for all along. That is so far from the case here.

2. Bits of the Story:
As with most romances, there was the usual "girl meets boy, girl falls for boy, girl marries boy" dynamic, but the story didn't read like it was really building towards what the ending contained. I was so startled when I saw where the story had taken, that I had to step back and give what I was reading some serious thought.

3. The Sex:
For those of you who read my reviews, you know I'm not much of a fan of overwritten sex scenes. I felt that was the case here. Not only that, but when we finally get to Imogene's history, the author just skimmed right over the details. I would have liked for there to be more in-depth writing there (although I'm told the author does give us a glimpse of the details in another book) than to have read 4 pages worth of Tempest and Chance's sexual exploits. I don't like the fact that if I really want details about Imogene's tragedy, that I have to turn myself into a PI and go searching for information.

[Evelyn B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do ill fated couples steal your heart? Chance and Tempest's story truly reminds me of Romeo and Juliet. With the "Brant" and "Rooke" family drama without knowing what caused it or why the generations seem content to hate each other up until a Chance meeting brings out a spark between the two families.

Mathias or better known as Chance is an interesting hero. He knows what is doing is courting disaster but he can't seem to help himself. He often resigns himself to likely being the person that is going to kill the older Brant brother without ever knowing why. As a character he has dimension and substance and is interesting and a bit fun-aren't most wicked things fun?

Tempest is the smart, outspoken one. She is pragmatic and knows her place in the world and sees the role that her family requires of her. That entire family is as opposite from the Rooke family as possible.

When the starcrossed lovers inevitably decide to defy their families and elope the unthinkable happens. Her father shows up with a huge reason they shouldn't be together. And the mystery of the reason the families hate each other is revealed.

My only dislike with this book was some of the way that the plot unfolded at the end. It was harder to fallow with what happened between the families and I think could have been cleared up a tiny bit more but overall was an amazingly fun read.

Definitely worth the time to read it and will make you want to know what happens with Thorn and St. Lyon's stories as well. I know I think I will download Thorn's story if only to hear what happens with him and the girl who is always around his twin!

I recieved this book from NetGalley before release for my honest opinion. My opinions are expressed freely, without compensation and are not influenced in any way. Thank you.