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Fortune's Brides #6

Never Marry a Marquess

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Shy Ivy Bateman has always felt more comfortable behind the scenes than front and center. She is happiest caring for her family and baking sweet treats. She certainly never expected the wealthy Marquess of Kendall to propose marriage, especially a marriage of convenience. It seems his baby daughter needs a mother, and Ivy cannot deny the attraction of the role, or the attraction she feels for the handsome marquess.

Kendall had asked Miss Thorn of the Fortune Employment Agency to find him a particular sort of lady. His heart went to the grave with his first wife. Now, all he cares about is ensuring his frail daughter doesn’t follow it. Installing Ivy Bateman as his next marchioness will not disrupt his life or make him question his love for his dead wife. But as he comes to appreciate Ivy’s sweet nature, he begins to wonder about their future. When an old enemy strikes at Miss Thorn and all her ladies, a grieving lord and a shy lady must work together to save the day. In doing so, they might just discover that love, and a good cinnamon bun, can heal all wounds.

299 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 13, 2019

111 people are currently reading
161 people want to read

About the author

Regina Scott

136 books1,009 followers
Regina Scott started writing novels in the third grade. Thankfully for literature as we know it, she didn’t actually sell her first novel until she had learned a bit more about writing. Since her first Regency romance was published in 1998, her stories have traveled the globe, with translations in many languages including Dutch, German, Italian, and Portuguese. She is now the author of more than 50 works of warm, witty historical romance.

She and her husband of 30 years reside in Washington State on the way to Mt. Rainier. Regina Scott has driven four in hand, learned to fence, sailed on a tall ship, and dressed as a Regency dandy, all in the name of research, of course. Sign up for her free alert service to hear when the next book will be out or on sale at https://subscribe.reginascott.com/. You can find her online blogging at www.nineteenteen.com. Learn more about her at www.reginascott.com and connect with her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/authorreginascott .

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
Profile Image for Alysha (For The Love of Christian Fiction).
481 reviews440 followers
July 30, 2019
In one short year we have been blessed with 6 of the greatest books ever! I have enjoyed every single second of it IMMENSELY. Though I'm so sad to see the series end, I know I can dive back in anytime I want. (REREADS!!!! 😍)

One thing I really enjoyed about the series is meeting the couple from the NEXT book, and kind of getting to know them. Not in a super detailed way, but enough to build a great foundation for a wonderful love story.

I LOVED Ivy & Lord Kendall in "Never Kneel to a Knight" and was REALLY looking forward to reading their story. Lucky for me I had the book on hand, so I started it as soon as I was done with "NKTAK", and finished it in one sitting.

The characters really came out of their shell throughout the book. Both started off very aloof and separate, but as time went on...*wiggles eyebrows* BAM! LOVE.

They learned from each other, they grew stronger as individuals and as a couple. It was a real partnership! (Even if it started out as a bit of a business deal)

Y'all know how much I LOOOVVVEEE 'marriage of convenience' stories. I also love when they're "forced" to get married. (Don't judge me)
I guessed you gathered this book uses that troupe. (ALL of the heart eyes. ALL OF THEM.)

As always, our little "shotgun marriage" turned into a great relationship and marriage.
Because the characters were living under the same roof they had time to truly get to know each other. It was just sweet!
They learned what made each other tick, what made them happy or sad. They then took that information and used to strength each other.

Lord Kendall started out pretty paranoid. He wanted to hide his daughter from the world so she could never get hurt, but Ivy showed him that that was no way to LIVE. She helped him open up to love and live again.

Ivy was quite but observant, loving, and gentle. So different than most Society ladies. (but those are always my favorite stories) Though she had so much to offer, she didn't see it. She let people take advantage of her, but Kendall helped her see her worth and realize that she could stand up for herself because she was worth it.

They were fun characters to learn about, and watch their story unfold. I already want to reread it!

Regina writes the best romances! All the wit, all the banter. all the chemistry, all the things. *swoon*

I rated this book a 4.5/5 stars.

*I received this book from the author**I was not required to leave a positive review**All opinions are my own*
Profile Image for QNPoohBear.
3,586 reviews1,563 followers
October 28, 2021
I received a free digital copy of this book from the author. All opinions expressed in my review are all my own and not affected by the giveaway.

3.5 stars

Ivy Bateman is not enjoying her first Season. She was happier before her brother Matthew was elevated by the Prince and she and her sister Daisy were launched in Society. Ivy would prefer to stay home and bake. When she's accidentally shut in a library with her crush, the Marquess of Kendall, Meredith Thorn insists he make reparations. Kendall doesn't need a wife, he needs a mother for his infant daughter Sophia who isn't thriving. Is Ivy the right one to bring love and hope into his daughter's life? She's kind and gentle and good with her sisters but all he can offer is a marriage of convenience. Ivy dreams of Kendall pronouncing the words she longs to hear. Can she accept a loveless marriage? She must, for his daughter's sake. She finds herself in a strange household ruled by antiquities, a stern housekeeper and old-fashioned nanny. Does Ivy have what it takes to help baby Sophia survive? Meanwhile, Meredith Thorn and Julian Mays are preparing for their wedding but not everyone wishes them well. An unknown enemy is looking into Meredith's background and into her former clients. Is this person a threat to Meredith and everyone she holds dear?

I liked this book well enough. My feelings about it have nothing to do with the writing quality, which is excellent, as always, but more my personal preferences for plot and characters. I HAAAAAAAAAAAATTTTTTTTTEEEEEEEE babies! I also hate marriage of convenience stories. This one has entirely too much baby but at least it doesn't follow the usual marriage of convivence plot trope where they secretly love one another but are forced into marriage before they're ready/having misunderstanding on wedding night. Kendall at least lays out his expectations and his feelings from the outset. The villain subplot was too obvious and lacked some of the dramatic tension found in previous books but I still stayed up late to finish the story and see how it all turned out. I was so happy to catch up with the other characters I grew to love, especially Lydia, who turned out to be a surprise favorite.

I can quibble with the historical accuracy and say I didn't think cinnamon buns were known in Regency England. However, research shows something different than what we think of as cinnamon buns but buns flavored with cinnamon and other spices (like Hot Cross Buns) were common in cookbooks of the period.
Naples biscuits are correct for the time period. Here's a recipe from 1801. They were around much earlier though. Brambleberry pie might be a family recipe and not something that ever appeared in cookbooks. White icing appears in a cookbook for 1809. I can't find pineapple icing but I suppose if one HAD access to pineapples and didn't know you weren't supposed to eat them... Recipes for Almond Cheesecakes, which don't seem to contain any actual cheese, existed at least as early as the late- 18th-century. Hannah Glasse and others shared recipes for lemon biscuits. (All of these recipes are very expensive to bake!) I've never had The Dowager Duchess of Wey's favorite tea but FYI I have regular bohea and it smells smoky, like bacon. Her Grace's violet version doesn't sound appealing to me either but it did exist.

Weddings were not such grand affairs yet but in Jane Austen's Emma, the entire village of Highbury turns out for Miss Taylor's wedding to Mr. Weston and there IS cake. Personally, I would have nitpicked and nitpicked until I had it exactly right but that's why I study history and don't write fiction.

The Roman villa and mosaic floor sounded fascinating and I wish I could see the Marquess' home and Roman artifacts. I HIGHLY recommend the Roman Baths Museum in Bath, England.

I liked Ivy right away when we first met. She's a shy homebody who loves to bake, much like me. I would not enjoy the Season or the shallow people of the ton. I like how Ivy finds her confidence and inner strength after her marriage. She knows what she wants and is patient enough to wait for it until she's threatened and then she stands up for what she wants. Ivy's relationship with her sisters is very sweet. I don't like Daisy, she's a brat. I knew right away how Ivy and Kendall found themselves shut up in a library. I don't think Daisy fully understood the consequences of what she did or if she does, it makes her seem extra selfish. I loved Tuny! She's an animal lover like me and I adore Rufus. He's a good doggy! Tuny makes me laugh. Matthew is an overprotective big brother, inclined to react first and ask questions later. He needs to learn to calm down and asses the situation first. Hopefully Charlotte can help him with that.

Kendall is a decent hero. He's still mourning the loss of his first wife, Adelaide, who died a day after giving birth to their daughter Sophia, only 7 months ago. It's understandable he's still grieving and the official mourning period hasn't even passed yet. He loved Adelaide and they had a lot in common. His feelings are also complicated by growing up without a mother. He hasn't had good parenting role models and he feels helpless around his daughter. Sophia is failing to thrive. Her nanny is very old-school- like way old school from the time Kendall's grandmother was young. Seriously. Look it up because by the 1770s baby rearing was getting pretty modern-the age of enlightenment, Jean Jacques Rousseau influenced people who had the means to allow their children freedom of movement and plenty of fresh air and exercise. Ivy seems to know all this instinctually from raising her sisters. She tries some very modern methods on Sophia. I could have done without all that. Did I mention I HAAATTTTEEE babies? Sophia failed to charm me. Kendall is a super overprotective father. He's fearful of everything and wants to wrap Sophia up in cotton wool and keep her in a cocoon forever to keep her safe. Ivy knows this isn't healthy and thankfully helps Kendall see how much better Sophia is under Ivy's special care. At least he wants to be a good father.

The romance is a little weak. It's sweet and lovely but Kendall is kind of annoying with his dead wife obsession. Can he really expect Ivy to remain in a loveless marriage her whole life? That's absurd. He never considers her feelings, just what advantages he can give her in life. He has other options should he fall in love again or lust. Ivy doesn't have those privileges. I do like how she sweetly and shyly comes to show him how much she loves him even when he feels he can't reciprocate.

I never warmed up to Meredith. She was a silly young girl and grew up to be ice cold. I understand why she has to maintain proper demeanor at all times but she doesn't really unbend much, not even to Julian. He, however, has shown a lot of character growth. The villain is way too obvious. I can see why Julian couldn't figure it out but the villain made a lot of mistakes and their timing was bad.

Supporting characters include Meredith's cat, Fortune, who doesn't have anyone to assess anymore. I'm not a cat person and Fortune is as cold as her owner. Becky, the nursemaid, who is timid but slowly coming out of her shell thanks to Ivy. Mrs. Sheppard, the housekeeper, is a bit stern at first. She doesn't seem to trust Ivy and thinks whatever Kendall says or wants should be the law of the land. Fortunately, she grows and comes to see Ivy as a friend. Dr. Penrose seems like a sensible sort of doctor so I don't know why he let Nurse Wilman nearly kill Sophia. Travis, a footman, serves as bodyguard and an ally for Ivy. At least someone in the household respects her from the first. Mrs. Grunion, the cook, also warms up to Ivy right away because Ivy is very kind, thoughtful and generous in her new Cinderella role. Sir Alexander Prentice is completely awful yet probably the most accurate character in the novel. He's doing what he feels is right, it just doesn't make him likable. I think he's corrupt and possibly up to shady business. Dearborn is a lazy solicitor and possibly being paid by Sir Alex to stir the pot.

It was fun to see Jane, the Duchess of Wey and the girls again. I could do without her mother-in-law. Her Grace is as toplofty as always but she seems to have stopped forcing the girls into her mold and allows Jane to care for them. Larissa is still snooty but beginning to act like a normal girl. I adore Callie, who says everything that comes into her head. Little Belle is sweet and fun. I am eager for the new spinoff series featuring the younger girls as they become young adults. The Duke of Wey makes a cameo. He's unbent a lot and learned to become a doting dad and dole out love advice. He's the only one who can know how Kendall feels right now. I was happy to see them bonding.

I recommend reading this entire series in order so you get to know the characters and watch their stories unfold. This book does not work as a standalone.
Profile Image for Kathy Jo.
776 reviews142 followers
June 14, 2023
4.5 Stars

*Note to self* Do NOT read the last book in the series first. You might get confused. But did that stop me from reading? Nope! I started it last night and finished it this morning. But in my defense, I was in the mood for a regency marriage of convenience romance. Add a single parent into the mix, and I am hooked! There was no turning back for this Book Dragon.

From the moment Ivy was first introduced, I found myself rooting for her. She had the kindest heart and the sweetest disposition. There's no doubt that she's shy but she's very passionate and protective when it comes to the people she loves. I loved how she took charge the moment she was introduced to Lady Sophia. She was just who that sweet baby needed.

I really enjoyed watching the relationship between Ivy and Kendall develop. I knew he was a goner from the very beginning. You can't help but fall in love with Ivy. I also enjoyed watching the relationship develop between Kendall and Sophia. Watching him take an active roll in his daughter's life was very endearing. And watching them become a family was icing on the cake. I love HEA's!

I will definitely be checking out the other books in this series. I'm more than intrigued to read the other characters stories. Part of me wishes I would have started from the beginning but this book just called to me and I couldn't say no!

I have read a few of Ms. Scott's older books and I'm looking forward to checking out her newer ones. It's going to be fun to catch up on her books!

As for my casting, I'm not going to lie, this one was kind of hard to find. But I love them. What do you think?

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Profile Image for Brittany .
2,882 reviews209 followers
June 10, 2019
I loved this book from start to finish! Marriage of convenience stories are a favorite of mine, and this one was done exceptionally well.

I couldn’t help but love the main characters, Ivy and Kendall. Ivy was so good with baby Sophia and so understanding and caring toward Kendall. My heart hurt for her as she patiently hoped for the marriage to become one of love instead of convenience.

Kendall was another great character. His heart was so fragile from the death of his first wife and he had so much fear regarding the possibility of something happening to his baby, Sophia. He was quick to jump in to protect her from any harm he imagined, leading to some funny moments in the story. I loved how he grew in so many ways in this book.

I liked catching up with characters from the previous books, especially seeing how things turned out for Miss Thorn and Julian. I have enjoyed this series so much!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
Profile Image for Heidi Robbins (Heidi Reads...).
1,674 reviews582 followers
July 28, 2019
Such a sweet story! We got to know Ivy in the previous book as Charlotte helps her and her sisters prepare to enter Society. I enjoyed Ivy's growth as she determines that helping baby Sophia will bring her happiness. Kendall is kind and overprotective, completely endearing as he learns from Ivy what his daughter truly needs. His joy at seeing his daughter thrive was lovely and I enjoyed the way he and Ivy quickly trust each other and the blossoming friendship that turns to more. The subplot of Miss Thorn and Julian's relationship that has lasted throughout the entire series is finally concluded as well. I've enjoyed this series and the consistent quality of storytelling and vibrant characters. I recommend that it be read in order for full enjoyment!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
Profile Image for Susan Snodgrass.
2,002 reviews274 followers
May 22, 2019
Regina Scott brings her Fortune's Brides series to an end with this one and I sure did hate to see it end. This one, in my opinion, was the very best! I loved it so much. It's a Regency, which I love and also a marriage of convenience, which is a favorite as well. There was nothing 'not' to like about this book! From the very beginning, I was captivated. As always, populated by great characters and themes. Well done!

*My thanks to the author for a preview copy of this book. The opinions stated here are entirely my own.
Profile Image for Phyllis.
1,288 reviews35 followers
June 13, 2019
A lovely conclusion to the series

Never Marry a Marquess drew me in like a familiar friend from the start. Simply reading the first few words brought a smile to my face as I settled in to enjoy it.

What fun to add a marriage of convenience theme to Regina Scott's Fortune's Brides series. I wasn't quite sure how she was going to get Ivy and Kendall together after having seen the possibilities in Never Kneel to a Knight. For some reason this was completely unexpected to me. Of course, having read the description, you probably saw what was going to happen. Me, I simply saw the author and knew I had to read it.

Though a little sad Fortune's Brides has concluded, yet I am so glad to have the mysteries resolved and Miss Thorne happily settled. This has been a wonderful series. If you haven't read the other books, go ahead and start from the beginning with Never Doubt a Duke. While it isn't completely necessary, I'm sure you could figure out what is important as you read this one. They do all build on each other.

Read my full review at at Among the Reads
Profile Image for Jasmine.
1,294 reviews43 followers
January 22, 2022
Can they make a match of it despite the odds?

I've been waiting for this book since my first introduction to Miss Ivy Bateman and the Marquess of Kendall in the previous Fortune's Brides novel. Maybe that doesn't seem very long, and I suppose it isn't, but I was intrigued and curious to find out just how the shy Ivy and the grieving Kendall would work out together. Even more importantly I wanted to know just what the wise feline Miss Fortune might think of the match...

Never Marry A Marquess was exactly what I hoped for and everything that I've come to expect from a Regina Scott novel. As usual the blend of romantic comedy, historical, and mystery was spot on and completely delightful. I was also pleasantly surprised, well at least for me but not so much for Fortune's Brides, to find that through the mystery that threatens to tear apart Kendall and Ivy's fragile family some resolution to the danger that has menaced Miss Thorn for years.

As I'm sure you can tell, I really enjoyed Never Marry A Marquess. It was a wonderful read and I kept finding it very difficult to put my e-reader down. Regina Scott just had me so charmed, enticed, engrossed, 'D' all of the above, with her world of Regency Era elegance and intrigue that I hated for the real world to dare to intrude into my reading time. I definitely recommend Never Marry A Marquess as well as the rest of Regina Scott's most captivating Fortune's Brides series...

(I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions are entirely my own.)
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
1,587 reviews181 followers
August 9, 2021
This one is so sweet! I think it’s my second favorite after Never Envy An Earl.
3,220 reviews67 followers
December 6, 2019
This book is the last in a series that I haven't read, but I could follow the connections. It's well written, with H grieving the loss of his wife, decides to make a MOC with the h to save his sickly daughter. He's a pathetic H, selfish, refused to care about her, although he trusted her, but he was so fussy. I didn't like him, and I didn't much like h either. She avoided telling the truth, and even involved his staff in her lies. Worse, she's a passionate baker,- ugh, one of my least favourite tropes. Unfortunately the only passion is this book was the baking.
442 reviews
June 19, 2019

Shy Ivy Bateman has always felt more comfortable behind the scenes than front and center. She is happiest caring for her family and baking sweet treats. She certainly never expected the wealthy Marquess of Kendall to propose marriage, especially a marriage of convenience. It seems his baby daughter needs a mother, and Ivy cannot deny the attraction of the role, or the attraction she feels for the handsome marquess.


Kendall had asked Miss Thorn of the Fortune Employment Agency to find him a particular sort of lady. His heart went to the grave with his first wife. Now, all he cares about is ensuring his frail daughter doesn’t follow it. Installing Ivy Bateman as his next marchioness will not disrupt his life or make him question his love for his dead wife. But as he comes to appreciate Ivy’s sweet nature, he begins to wonder about their future. When an old enemy strikes at Miss Thorn and all her ladies, a grieving lord and a shy lady must work together to save the day. In doing so, they might just discover that love, and a good cinnamon bun, can heal all wounds.


Sequel to Never Kneel to a Knight. Fortune’s Brides: Only a matchmaking cat can hunt true love.


Here’s a little taste:


Lord Kendall was on one knee, gaze on hers, waiting. Fine lines fanned out from his eyes. It seemed she wasn’t the only one wondering about this proposal. Once she’d dreamed of a proposal from the man she loved, of accepting with joy in her heart. Was it right to accept when she felt no joy? Was it wrong to accept for her family’s sake?


As if determined to protect her, Fortune the cat stalked out from behind the couch, put her paws on Lord Kendall’s knee, and glared up at him, tail swishing.


Ivy leaned back. “Please. Do get up.”


He set the cat gently aside and climbed to his feet. Fortune paced back and forth in front of him, tail in the air, back up, ears tight, as if challenging him to combat.


He returned to the chair and sat. “I take it you decline.”

His voice was so heavy Ivy hurt for him. Twice in the last month he had come to her aid—once by taking her in secret to see her brother box for the prince and once by helping her find Petunia when her sister had disappeared. He had been a true friend then. He had been honest with her now. She could do no less.


“I am not declining,” she told him. As he raised his head, she hurried on. “Neither am I accepting. I understand the honor you have given me, my lord. I never thought to receive a proposal from a gentleman like you. But I had dreamed of a love match. Can you give me no hope of one someday?”


His eyes dipped at the corners. “Alas, Ivy, I cannot. My heart, once given, does not easily give again.”


How extraordinary. She had loved her mother, father, and brother. That love had only expanded with the births of Daisy and Tuny. Now it had grown yet again with the addition of Charlotte to their family. Had he focused all emotions on his dead wife?


What would it be like to win such a devotion for herself?


Dangerous thought. He offered her nothing of his love. Yet she knew love could grow. He clearly cared for his daughter. Might he someday come to care for her as well? Was she willing to risk her future on a chance?
**

Profile Image for Kiley.
1,873 reviews45 followers
February 23, 2022
Never Marry a Marquess, Book 6 of the Fortune's Brides series, was about Miss Ivy Bateman, the oldest of Sir Matthew Bateman's three sisters, and widower Lord Stephen Kendall, the Marquess of Kendall.
Kendall, having lost his first wife less than a year before, had a daughter named Sophia who was only seven months old. The baby was not healthy or doing well and no one knew why. Determined to do everything he could to keep from losing the baby as he had his wife, Kendall decided he needed a wife, one who would take care of Sophia and not make any demands on him. If he found someone like that, she had to understand it would be a marriage in name only, for he believed he had buried his heart with his first wife.
Ivy, shy yet possessing a strong spirit, wanted to marry for love. However, having been caught in a compromising position with the Marquess of Kendall, she knew her chaperone, Miss Thorn, would press him to propose. When Miss Thorn told Kendall that, should he do the honorable thing and offer marriage to Ivy, he must do so in all honesty and tell her that it would not be a love match, but rather a marriage of convenience so he could provide a mother for his infant daughter. After having told Ivy the truth, she decided to go ahead and marry him.
When an old enemy of Miss Thorn's returned to England after having been in America for some time on business for the Crown, he decided to do some investigating of his own and to stir up trouble for not only Miss Thorn, but all of the ladies she had assisted that were now married to men with titles. As each of the ladies Miss Thorn had helped began to report to her that someone was going to them and questioning the servants, villagers, and staff about how they came to be in their particular homes, Miss Thorn began to grow concerned. She decided to alert all the ladies she had assisted, and her fiance as well, that someone was out to hurt them in some way.
There were so many twists and turns in this story it boggled the mind. The angst and drama were also very high, with little to no humor to alleviate the tension. The main characters were, though both mature, a bit lacking in that they weren't quite believable. Ivy seemed to be too good to be true. She was too nice to everyone, never got angry (and she should have been outraged on several occasions), and just a bit too sweet. Kendall was a bit too overprotective. One could almost see him jump at the sight of his own shadow, for he did so with everything else. Like Ivy, Kendall was just not believable enough. First, if he had truly loved his late wife (really, author...why didn't you realize this yourself?!), why did he not wait the full year to mourn her death like most widows/widowers did in that era? He hadn't even waited a full seven months before he started seeking a new wife, under the guise that he needed a new mother for his ailing baby.
While this was one of the better books in the series, it still did not earn a five-star rating. It had too much fluff, not enough romance, and it just didn't flow as smoothly as the author might have wanted it to.
Profile Image for Wendy.
525 reviews23 followers
June 24, 2019
BACK OF THE BOOK REVIEW
(copied from Amazon.com)

Shy Ivy Bateman has always felt more comfortable behind the scenes than front and center. She is happiest caring for her family and baking sweet treats. She certainly never expected the wealthy Marquess of Kendall to propose marriage, especially a marriage of convenience. It seems his baby daughter needs a mother, and Ivy cannot deny the attraction of the role, or the attraction she feels for the handsome marquess.

Kendall had asked MIss Thorn of the Fortune Employment Agency to find him a particular sort of lady. His heart went to the grave with his first wife. Now, all he cares about is ensuring his frail daughter doesn't follow it. Installing Ivy Bateman as his next marchioness will not disrupt his life or make him question his love for his dead wife. But as he comes to appreciate Ivy's sweet nature, he begins to wonder about their future. When an old enemy strikes at Miss Thorn and all her ladies, a grieving lord and a shy lady must work together to save the day. In doing so, they might discover that love, and a good cinnamon but, can heal all wounds.

Sequel to Never Kneel to a Knight. Fortune's Brides: Only a matchmaking cat can hunt true love.

MY REVIEW

I think this may be my favorite book in this series. What a beautiful story! This series should be read in order, it is possible not to but you will enjoy it much more it you do read it in order. Amazing job on this on Regina.

I received this e-book free from the author. I was not required to write a review but have chosen to do so sharing my hones opinion of this book.
Profile Image for Lidia.
509 reviews6 followers
December 28, 2020
This is my review of the audio version as posted on Audible:

A wonderful ending to a great series:)

First of all, I liked all the books in the series a lot, like really a lot:) And I think this one is an excellent closure to the whole series - a story of love found where and when you don't expect it, with enough intrigue to give us a moment of uncertainty (although we know everything must come to a HEA - it's a historical romance, remember?:)) and the main characters who are warm, loving people we would like to meet and befriend...:) And yes, we finally see Miss Thorn find her hapiness as well - she definitely deserved it:)

Both Ivy and Kendall are wonderful main characters. She's sweet, warm, considerate and yet strong and ready to fight for those she loves; he is loyal, protective of those who depend on him and kind of strangely disarming in his fear for his daughter's safety:) The way Ivy charmes her way to Kendall's heart is wonderfully written and there's no surprise he falls for her so quickly...
The 'danger lurking in the background' part is also well done - we know it will finally be successfully dealt with, still, there are some moments of uncertainty as to how much harm it can cause in the meantime...

Narration by Ms Meiseberger is impeccable as ususal:) The whole series shines in her interpretations: there is warmth and elegance of the ladies in her voice and there is strength and nobility of character of the gentlemen... She just brings the world of the Ton, so wonderfully described by Ms Scott, to life - in the best possible way:)

DISCLAIMER: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Profile Image for Lilmissmolly.
1,036 reviews
August 29, 2021
Never Marry a Marquess is an excellent edition in the Fortune’s Brides series by Regina Scott. Each book in the series starts with the mysterious Miss Meredith Thorn and her beloved cat Fortune as they place down on their luck gentlewomen in places of employment during England's Regency period.

This is the sixth book in the series where shy and sweet natured Ivy Bateman prepares to enter Society. Before she is fully out, the Marquess of Kendall unexpectedly asks Ivy to marry him, primarily to help him raise his baby daughter who is without a mother. I truly enjoyed listening to how Ivy and Kendall's marriage of convenience turned into friendship, and then everlasting love. I also thoroughly enjoyed listening to the satisfying conclusion of the subplot involving the relationship between Miss Thorn and Julian Mayes that has lasted throughout the entire series.

As with the other stories in the series, I listened to the audiobook version of this story, narrated by Jannie Meisberger. I highly recommend this story - and the entire series - to anyone who enjoys well written regency romance, without all the salacious details. I also recommend listening to this delightful series in order as each book builds on the relationships introduced in the prior book in the series.
Profile Image for Bethany Swafford.
Author 48 books90 followers
June 24, 2019
The wealthy Marquess of Kendall proposes marriage to shy Ivy Bateman after they are locked in a room together. His baby daughter is in need of a mother, and Ivy will fit into his life perfectly. Ivy accepts, having spent her life caring for her family. When trouble looms, will these two band together to protect their new family and how long will it take love to form?

This seems as though it brings an end to the Fortune's Brides series, though I am intrigued by hints at the end. I would love to see Fortune matchmake for second sons. Meredith Thorn has her happy ending after an old enemy appears to ruin things.

Ivy and Kendall were a sweet couple. Ivy's devotion to baby Sophia was heartwarming. She accepts her position with trepidation and fights to manage things on her terms. Kendell clings to the love of his first wife, but slowly notices Ivy's qualities.

The plot is easy to follow, with the characters shining throughout. We get to see past matches come forward to help Meredith defeat her enemy.

An excellent romance series with a hint of adventure. I would recommend this to any fans of Regency romance.
Profile Image for Judy.
3,290 reviews
June 15, 2019
Never Marry a Marquess by Regina Scott
Fortune's Brides Series Book Six
The Marquess of Kendall already had the love of his life once. He couldn't open his heart up again. But...he needed a mother for his daughter. She wasn't doing well and his last chance was a woman who would love her and help her to thrive.

Ivy Bateman had raised her two younger sisters and loved doing so. Now that her brother, Matthew, had saved the prince and been knighted, her new sister-in-law has sent her into Society...not her cup of tea, but hopefully things would settle down after the Season.

Ivy has the love and caring that Kendall needs for his daughter. As long as she can agree to a marriage of convenience, she's the perfect choice. Great characters and story. Loved this series and the characters in it.
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Profile Image for Mireille.
748 reviews6 followers
July 20, 2022
Lovely conclusion to a wonderful series. Ivy Bateman is locked in a room with The Marquess of Kendall. He offers a marriage of convenience. He’s looking for a mother for his daughter and thinks Ivy will be ideal. Ivy needs a family to love and accepts him. Also, Miss Thiorn and Julian are finally ready to tie the knot. I loved this book, it centres around Ivy and Kendall and the evolution of their relationship but you also meet up with the characters of the previous books in the series. And finally Sir Alexander gets his comeuppance. I love it when the baddie is dealt with by the end of the book. I’m bloodthirsty that way. I loved this book, it was a lovely conclusion to a wonderful series. I’m looking forward to reading the next series.
963 reviews5 followers
July 29, 2019
The six book of Fortune’s Brides and I enjoyed this one as I did the others.
I liked how the story come “full circle” when the marriage of the two characters of the sub story occurs at the Duke of Wey’s.
I enjoyed seeing Ivy grow less shy and Kendall open his heart after his first wife’s death.
I enjoyed seeing how love not only grows and encompass more people but it allows those people to grow as well.
The was a mystery as to why someone would hate so much and the suspense of how to see it resolved.
Another enjoyable clean romance.
Profile Image for BlueJeansAndTeacups.
670 reviews24 followers
August 30, 2020
°●° A Most Agreeable Ending to the Series °●°

Lord Kendall & Ivy Bateman return in book 6 & are quickly thrown together.
I enjoyed Ivy's take-charge attitude when it came to baby Sophia and giving her proper care. I also appreciated Lord Kendall's devotion to her good character. The entire series is one I would recommend as a pleasantly diverting pastime.

I purchased the entire set from Amazon & all opinions are entirely mine.
☆☆☆
3 stars = It's good, I liked it.
(4 stars = very good, 5 stars = Excellent)
193 reviews2 followers
November 24, 2022
Worthy conclusion!

Never Marry a Marquess, by Regina Scott, is the 6th and final book in the Fortune's Brides series. Such final books are often a confusing mish mash of previous books as the author struggles to wrap up all loose ends and perhaps reunite the many characters. This book did as good a job as can be done of that complicated task. The romance is complete in this book and the previous characters are gracefully woven in. Thoroughly enjoyable, as is the entire series!
Profile Image for Crystal.
831 reviews
December 3, 2022
I do enjoy a good marriage of convenience story. Ivy was a character I liked getting to know more. This book wraps up this series, but apparently more secondary characters get their own story in another series. Fortune the cat wove her way throughout these stories in a quirky way. I'm not quite certain everything was historically accurate in certain behaviors and choices allowed during this time, but there are allows the exception... Overall these books provided a nice escape and world to get lost in for a few hours here and there.
257 reviews1 follower
June 14, 2019
Loved it!

I find that the more I read Regina Scott’s works, the more I find that I admire them. They are well written and edited as well as having interesting plot twists. I particularly like her realistic portrayal of strong women. They are no less feminine and yet they persevered and successfully stood up to the adversities that threatened their lives.
1,323 reviews23 followers
June 27, 2020
This series just is so good as each book in the series you find yourself loving the situation. Miss Thorn and her cat, Fortune always find woman to fit into work and are perfect for their employment agency.This is a historical romance that will have you hooked right after book 1. Regina hit the ball over the wall with this one.





I won book 1-6 in a contest that I entered.
22 reviews
September 2, 2024
Wow twists and turns

Wow 🦋Amazing mystery wonder I think I would enjoy reading these all again I found out a fortnight is two weeks or 14 days. I enjoy reading about historical times. Traveling to Surrey this time I found I had a most enjoyable time. I hope all will enjoy it as much as I.
221 reviews4 followers
January 21, 2025
A Tender Ending

Regina Scott brings the dessert to the table with this last novel. Kendall and Ivy are so loving and kind that it’s a joy to spend time in their company. Having all the characters from previous stories appear in this one only adds to the rich flavor of this romance.
Profile Image for Kathy.
1,702 reviews5 followers
July 12, 2020
Kendall wants a mother for his daughter and Ivy decides to become that mother by marrying the Marquess. But and enemy is out to destroy this marriage. This author has a way of pulling me into a story that makes me read until the end. I really enjoyed this series.
359 reviews
August 23, 2019
LOVE the conclusion to this Fortune's Brides series. It was a satisfying wrap up for Ms. Thorne and Mr. Mayes as well as Ivy and Kendall. Well done Ms. Scott!!!
Profile Image for Liz.
139 reviews3 followers
February 18, 2020
I loved this series! So fun and good, strong female characters!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews

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