Redeeming the Marquess

Proper Regency Matchmakers #4

by Laura Beers

Miss Elizabeth Bentley is in a most precarious situation, that is, until fate intervenes and Lady Bideford agrees to host her for the London Season. Desperate to change her circumstances, she sets out to marry, and quickly. That is the only way to escape her current predicament. It makes perfect sense, except her plan has one problem - Lord Bideford. He is not at all pleased that she is residing under his roof, and he seems to undermine her at every opportunity.



Roswell Brooksbank, the Marquess of Bideford, finds most people to be insufferable, especially his mother’s new charity case. She is constantly getting in his way, and he is infuriated by her bold, unconventional speech. Additionally, she quickly becomes a distraction, and he doesn’t have any time for those. He is much too busy managing his estate and pursuing a lady who would make a suitable match for him.



Once the truth is revealed, Roswell agrees to help Ellie, but it won’t be as simple as it appeared in the beginning. They agree to a tentative ceasefire as they work to free her from the evil clutches of Lord Worthington, transforming their friendship into something more. However, their plan never included falling in love.


As the fourth novel in this series by author Laura Beers, this story continues the Sweet Regency Matchmakers series. This is a light-hearted series set in the Regency period.

The series includes:

Saving Lord Berkshire
Reforming the Duke
Loving Lord Egleton
Engaging Lord Charles
Refining Lord Preston

Other books by Laura Beers include the The Beckett Files, Regency Brides: A Promise of Love and the Regency Spies & Secrets.

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Regency, Clean Romance

226 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 2021

About the author

Laura Beers is an award-winning author. She attended Brigham Young University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Management. She can't sing, doesn't dance and loves naps.

Laura lives in Utah with her husband, three kids, and her dysfunctional dog. When not writing regency romance, she loves waterskiing, hiking, and drinking Dr Pepper.

You can connect with Laura on Facebook, Instagram, or on her site at www.authorlaurabeers.com.

Reviews

[Edwina " I LoveBooks" "Deb" · Rating 4 out of 5]

Redeeming the Marquess was really good. Ms. Beers the author is a really good storyteller. I just wish she had some passion and sexual romance in her stories.

Elizabeth is sent to her mothers best friend Lady Bideford to avoid being trapped into a marriage with her deceased fathers heir.

I really disliked Rosewell Brooksbank Marquess of Bideford at first he was treated Ellie/ Elizabeth deplorably at first and kept trying to get her to leave and go back home. But once he finds our the horrible and disgusting way Ellie and her mother has been treaded by the new Viscount and cheated out of there due inheritance he starts to fall in love with her.

[Mara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm sure I've said how much I love a good enemies to love story, and I really liked this one. Miss Elizabeth (Ellie) Bentley needs to be married and the sooner the better. Her father has died and the next male heir, the supremely odious Lord Worthington, has taken up residence and each time Ellie refuses his offers of marriage he takes his revenge by moving them to a run down cottage on the property, only allowing them a housekeeper, AND since he's guardian over Ellie's mother's stipend they must tread carefully.

In a desperate act to keep Ellie safe from Lord Worthington's clutches, her mother arranges to send her to spend the Season with her dear friend Lady Bideford. If Ellie can make a match she and her mother will be safe from Lord Worthington. There's one problem--Lady Bideford's son, Roswell, the Marquess of Bideford doesn't want a houseguest, let alone one trying to make a match without a dowry.

There were so many things I enjoyed about this book. The kindness of Lady Bideford and how Ellie was befriended by Roswell's brother and sister, Charles and Emma. I liked Ellie's happy outlook on life even though she had problems--this is one of things that irked Lord Bideford because he handled his grief by withdrawing, shutting people out and generally being moody. I liked how as Ellie and Roswell spent time together he started becoming less moody, so much so his family noticed the change in him.

I liked how the author reveals in layers when and why Lord Bideford has changed and the reason he's willing to settle for a marriage without love. "Love has no place in a marriage. It is a foundation that will crumble upon its first real test of devotion." Harsh! The author managed to make me feel for a character that was certainly not likeable and by the end of the book I loved Roswell and Ellie together. Of course all of the angst could've been avoided if Ellie had told everyone about Lord Worthington at the start, but then the story would've been a lot shorter and not as good.

I love a good mystery so I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery that popped up surrounding Ellie's lack of a dowry and the chase when she was wisked off by the awful Lord Worthington. Don't you love when the hero finally recognizes his feelings and then has a chance to show them to his lady? I loved the scene at the inn when the despicable Lord Worthington gets what's coming to him.

I received a complimentary copy for review. All opinions and thoughts expressed in my review are my own.

[Lisa (Bookworm Lisa) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ellie was not about to be forced into a marriage with a repulsive and manipulative man. She and her mother came up with a plan to hide her with friends in London. The problem was that the Marquess was not open to the idea of a house guest!

This book is cute and fun. There are many playful moments of banter. I love banter when it is done well. This story did not disappoint.

[Leann Arave · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read from Author Laura Beers! I loved this story. It is a wonderful regency romance about Ellie Worthington, a young woman mourning her fathers death. She is being forced into a marriage, with the man, who inherited her father’s estate. The plot thickens and I was engrossed in the storyline. I thought the characters were intriguing and engaging. Roswell was a naysayer to anything and everything. But very swoon worthy when he started to find happiness. The only downside to this book, is the climax, I would have like a little more of a chase. Or maybe, it was because I just didn’t want it to end!!

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book in the Regency Matchmakers Series although the sisters that were Matchmakers in the first three books are not really in this one, only a brief mention of them. There does seem to be some matchmaking going on behind the scenes in this one.

Miss Elizabeth Bentley has had her life completely overturned with the death of her beloved father and the arrival of his heir who has become the new Lord Worthington. This man has taken over their home and when she has continued to reject his marriage proposal, has left them quite destitute. Her mother sends Elizabeth to stay with her good friend, Lady Bideford in London in order to get her away from Lord Worthington. Elizabeth has this one London Season to find a husband so that she can protect her mother and herself from the plans of Lord Worthington.

Roswell Brooksbank, the Marquess of Bideford, is not happy to discover his mother will be hosting a penniless girl with no dowry for the Season. He goes out of his way to make it known that she is not welcome and even offers Elizabeth a bribe to go back to her home. He seems gruff, not finding any joy in life and there is something in his past that torments him. Roswell has no idea why this girl rubs him the wrong way but when he finds out the truth about her circumstances, he may be the one to right the wrongs that have been done her.

I enjoyed the interaction between Elizabeth and Roswell and the growth that came about in him as his attitude towards Elizabeth changed.

I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest unbiased review.

[Emily Flynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was delighted with this tale, though did miss significant mention of our matchmaking sisters. The premise of the story was solid and the characters were very well written. Roswell was honorable and Elizabeth a delight. Lord Bideford was completely vile and very much a villain. All that being said, this was a delightful story and I couldn't put it down once I started reading. I am always happy to be a part of a well written Regency world and find this to be exactly that.

Elizabeth was as independent as I have come to expect from Laura Beers' writing. Roswell was a bit judgmental and lost so there were some brooding, prejudicial vibes from him at first. In spite of the Pride and Prejudice rough start between Elizabeth and Mr. Darc---Er., Roswell, the relationship was natural and not forced. It was fitting and their chemistry was good.

I received an early copy from the author and this is my honest review.

[Leslie Books and Socks Rock · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Laura Beers’ work. She has such an easy prose to fall into and be escorted into Regency England.

This is a sweet story that includes a Cinderella trope, gruff and grumpy man, an evil relative and a blend of fake dating/enemies to lovers/friends to lover.

This is part of the Matchmaker world but is not a matchmaker storyline. It briefly mentions Lady Berkshire. While a little disappointing, I didn’t see how it would play into the storyline. But I thought the series was over with the sisters married. This can be read as a stand alone and it makes me hopeful there will be more in the series.

Thanks to the author for the earc copy. These are my own thoughts and opinions.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roswell Brooksbank, the Marquess of Bideford keeps himself aloof from his family and friends. He detests society and looks only to marry a lady who knows her duty. When impoverished Miss Elizabeth Bentley is invited to stay as a guest of his mother, Roswell can't stand the site of her perky nature. He will not be surrounded by happiness. However, the more he learns about Elizabeth the more he comes to realize he misjudged her and her situation.

Elizabeth Bentley must secure her future with marriage. She is humbled by the invitation of her mother's friend and the generosity given her. The one person who detests her being there is the one person she desires most to understand. Roswell is a prickly bear, but he may be the only one who can help save her.

Loved this sweet Matchmakers story by Laura Beers. You can read it as a stand alone novel. I enjoyed the sparing between Elizabeth and Roswell as well as how things come together for them both. It is definitely a great read for any day and one I will reread again.

I received an ARC. The opinion expressed in this is my own honest opinion.

[Shauna Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet, compelling story you won’t want to put down
Roswell Brooksbank, the Marquess of Bideford no longer finds joy in his life. His new role along with a private guilt keeps him from happiness. When his mother suggests they host a daughter of a friend, Elizabeth Bentley or Ellie, he sees no reason to bring someone else into the house even as a favor to his mother’s friend. Ellie lost her father a year ago and the new Lord Worthington insists she will marry him, withholding her mother’s money and forcing them into a small cottage with very few belongings. Ellie has refused his proposals but still he insists and threatens. Her one hope for both her and her mother is to escape, have a season, and marry well so she and her mother will be taken care of. Her arrival is not welcomed by Roswell and he plots to see how he can make her leave not knowing that she simply cannot do that. Take secrets kept, mix with misunderstood situations and even threats and you have an engaging book you won’t want to put down. I received an early copy and this is my honest review.

[Louie Halfacre · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tiresome

I managed to read 36% of this book before I had to stop as boredom set in. The marquess is a character no one could like but the author tried to make him into someone who you would choke to get him to just stop and shut up. His treatment of Ellie was way overboard and unlikely although he had a terrible secret (gasp) which I’m sure justified his being a a first class A-hole. And I almost forgot the three riding across the vast lands of the Marquess when they were in London. That was impossible but I couldn’t let it go even though it was so bad of me. Sorry but I can’t recommend it to any readers.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ellie has been dealt many hard blows in life but still chooses to be hopeful and positive. When the new Lord of the Manor gets too bold in seeking Ellie's hand in marriage , her mother, sends her to a friends house for the London season. Ellie is thrilled to have a season to try to find a husband so she and her mother will have his protection from Lord Worthington. What she wasn't counting on was Roswell Bideford, the Marquess who will be hosting her, along with his family, for the season. He is terribly rude and irritable to her when she arrives. He feels unworthy of love or kindness due to a past experience. But eventually Ellie's hope and forgiveness thaws his heart. I loved this book. I couldn't put it down. So sweet and fun.

[Brooke Losee · Rating 4 out of 5]

a little flat but not a bad story

Actual rating 3.5

Ellie is in desperate need of a husband to ward off the pursuit of the man who has claimed her father’s title and to provide for both her and her mother. Having turned down her pursuer on multiple occasions, the man now withholds finances she and her mother need to survive. An invitation from her mother’s friend gives Ellie one last season in London, and one last chance to escape.

Roswell dislikes most people, and his mother’s temporary ward for the season is no exception. But as he comes to know Ellie, he finds himself more and more attracted to her and willing to help her find a match. He’s just not sure he wants that match to be with anyone but him.

This was a difficult one for me. I liked the idea of the overall plot and enjoyed Ellie’s character. Roswell was hard to like in the beginning, which was intentional, but I felt his sourness went on a little too long, or perhaps his inner dialogue wasn’t explored enough to help me like him. He only starts being kind to Ellie when he learns she possesses a dowry, which irked me through the book. By the end, he proclaims he loves her even if she is never able to claim that dowry, but by that point I’d been irritated with his attitude for too long. The story did get better toward the end, but I found the writing made it difficult for me to make an emotional connection with the characters. It reads a little stiff for me personally, but I would still give the other books in this series a chance.

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Beers has given us yet another brilliant Regency romance. This is the fourth book of the Proper Regency Matchmakers series. I always enjoy Ms. Beers' books, so I had no doubt I would love this one as well and I was not wrong!
After her father's death, Elizabeth's mother sends her away to avoid being forced into a marriage with the new Lord Worthington. She stays with her mother's friend, Lady Bideford. Her son Roswell, the Marquess of Bideford, is anything but hospitable towards her. He tries to make her feel unwelcome and even offers her a bribe to go back to her home. But despite their rough start, Roswell soon discovers the true nature of her visit and realizes he misjudged her and decides to help her. This was a delightfully entertaining read that I simply could not put down. The characters were engaging and well-developed and the dialogue and banter were very well-done and entertaining. An absolutely delightful and enjoyable read and I would be happy to recommend!

I received a complimentary advanced reader's copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Emily Cronk · Rating 4 out of 5]

We are once again back with another round of, "why in the world did it take me so long to read this book?!"

I have thoroughly enjoyed every one of Laura Beers' books I've read, and Redeeming the Marquess was no exception. I'm fairly certain this book has everything you could want in a Regency romance - a charming leading lady, a grumpy marquess, lovable side characters, a villain that deserves a facer (or fifty), vicious gossips, ices at Gunter's, balls, horseback rides through Hyde Park, the sweetest romance....what is there not to love here??

Roswell and Ellie were so perfect for each other. Despite their rough beginning, seeing their relationship grow as they eventually became friends and then fell in love was the sweetest. Roswell especially had some great character growth throughout the story.

If this book (and the rest of the series) isn't on your TBR lists already, it definitely deserves to be. I have spoken.

[Tabitha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to read this and then when I realized it was in the same world as the matchmaking sisters books it made it even better.
Roswell is a bit of a jerk, but not so much as Lord Worthington, but at first it probably seemed to Ellie that she was surrounded by awful men, though Roswell's brother is nice enough.
Laura Beers writes independent and strong females mostly within Regency norms and Ellie is no exception. I love her positive outlook and how happy she is. Roswell can't help but be affected.
Clean romance, excellent dialogue with all the witty banter and humor you could want. A little bit of drama and intrigue but it just adds to the story and I'm hoping there will be more to this series. Highly recommend.

[Danielle Warner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simple read but clean

This was a cute story with potential. However I have found when reading this it feels stilted and too formal in the dialog. It doesn’t tend to flow. And also repetitive unnatural phrases are used regularly. For example: “it pleases me to hear that” or “that I am” type of phrase. The phrase “that I am” as an agreement to something is not a common type of response. Yet in this book more than one character uses it.

I would recommend the author gives characters, especially in informal household settings more relaxed phraseology. Make it more natural and flowing. I get very caught up in the formality that it makes for harder reading.

Otherwise I enjoy the clean stories.

[Heather · Rating 1 out of 5]

I just... What? I don't know how this is so nice on grammar and so terrible on characters.

She: absolutely perfect Cinderella Mary Sue, her dad died and now they're kind of poor and it's SUCH a hardship. But she's so gracious and perfect.

He: 100% boring and an asshole. Like, not even a redeemable kind of guy. He assumes a whole lot about her, them decides to be rude based on those assumptions and his own massive ege, and so he spends literally the entire first third of the novel telling everyone she's awful and doing his best to get rid of her.

There is zero reason she should fall in love with this guy. He literally has zero qualities of a decent human. He does his absolute best to shit on everyone around him at every opportunity.

[Luci Jamison · Rating 5 out of 5]

clean romance

A Regency melodrama with a hero, heroine and a nasty villain. This stand alone book in the series draws the reader in at the beginning as the plot unfolds to reveal characters in a desperate situation.

I loved the banter between the characters and cheered when the villain gets his just deserved fate.

I recommend reading the series in order as I think it gives the backstory a bit more depth, but with that being said the story holds its own and weaves a tale to keep you engaged.

I look forward to reading the next in the series and continue the adventure with these characters.

[Hot Chocolate Confessions · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okay so a few things. First, I liked the plot. It was believable and had a good arc. However, the characters were inconsistent. If the hero is supposed to be cranky and dislike talking to people, don’t have him inserting himself into every conversation! And the heroine was described many times and being stubborn and strong willed, yet was never portrayed as being such! And I won’t go down the road of things that happened/were said that would never have been in high regency society.
Overall, a regency fan might enjoy this sort. So while the plot was good and the characters likeable, just be prepared for some inconsistencies.

[Holly Bleggi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. I liked how Ellie was able to help Roswell come to terms with his past and learn to move on. I liked how they didn’t get along at first but as Ellie tried to see behind the mask Roswell had on they were able to fall in love. I liked that Ellie didn’t give up on Roswell even when he was being mean to her. I enjoyed how the mothers were playing at being matchmakers and how it all worked out in the end.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own. 

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m incredibly confused. I made my notes on this book public. Somehow I read to the 32% mark but there’s so much nonsense in this. They are in London. And then the heroine takes a horse out and says she’ll stay on their property (so she can ride alone) but proceeds to gallop across the fields. Uh. In London!?

Add to the fact that she calls an older (previously unknown) woman by her first name; the hero isn’t just grumpy, he’s mean and over the top rude; and she’s sent to town on a mail coach with enough cash to outfit herself with gowns for the Season. It’s absurd.

[Jeanie Gaslin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elizabeth Bentley and Lady Worthington her mother have been forced from their home and into poverty after the death of her father Lord Worthington. The heir and new Lord Worthington has decided to make their lives miserable until Elizabeth agrees to marry him.
Lady Worthington has a friend in London Lady Bideford who agrees to hosts Elizabeth for a season so she can find a proper match and escape Lord Worthington. Lady Bideford has a daughter Emma who is a little older than Elizabeth and two sons who will enjoy introducing Elizabeth to the ton.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very nicely written story with a serious and snooty duke and the impoverished woman his mother takes under her wing. Roswell makes it well known that Ellie does not belong in their household and does everything to try to get her to leave. Ellie is stoic and determined to not let him bully her. Her courage has Reginald respecting her and stepping in when a man tries to force her to marry him. It was great how this young woman redeemed the duke who did not want to be redeemed.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This wasn't my favorite book in the series. It's enemies to lovers, and then it's a fake relationship. The writing style is pretty cut and dry. I don't mean to offend, but my reading voice in my head sounded like the voice from an app I have that does text to speech; without a whole lot of emotion, and straight to the point. There are a few phrases that seem out of historical context such as "I'm game." The content is very mild with just a little kissing at the end.

[Theresa Wachal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Smiles sprinkle chuckles

People who need to trust in humanity benefit from this book. Characters are developed realistically. Both main characters have opposite personalities. Yet empathy ameliorates each of them when depression affects each one at different times. As their friendship develops, the family notices and nurtures the romance. Dramatically they each prove their love before actually putting it into words. A most enjoyable story with uplifting witty dialogue.

[Terressa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh I truly love how Ms Beers writes her characters! They are realistic and relatable. This was the best afternoon read of the week! Five solid stars!!

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.

[Shaylin Maxwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again this author has done a great job writing a great romance with mystery included.
I listened to this one on audio and it was well done, but I’m not the biggest fan of the narrator.
In the beginning I hated Lord Bideford but he quickly redeemed himself when he jumped in to protect Ellie from Lord Worthington.
This is part of a series but can easily be read as a stand-alone although it was fun to see familiar characters make appearances.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed reading this story about how Roswell ends up realizing that Elizabeth is the lady to bring him happiness once again. Of course when he first meets Elizabeth he is not happy as his mother agrees to host her season. Then there are the misunderstandings and obstacles needed to over other villain out to ensnare Elizabeth. But finally we see them get the happy ending

[Merrilee Vanderwaal · Rating 2 out of 5]

Stilted language

This was a disappointment. The dialogue felt very simple and forced. There were lots of ‘Yes, you may.” And “I would be pleased with that” that didn’t really help move the story along.
There wasn’t a strong and convincing development of the two main characters feelings for each other.

[Ophelia Sellers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Redeeming the Marquess

This is a delightful regency romance written with style and and wonderful characters. Laura has once again shown her expertise of this genre. I recommend this book.