Customer Reviews

Marrying The Marquis (Flambeau Sisters)

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

There was one reasonably good thing about this book - or at least about the half of it that I managed to read. The horse racing aspect was interesting, with some insight into the Jockey Club and how horses are trained (although I have no idea if this information was accurate).

However this book had a HUGE problem for this reader - it was completely unbelievable. Setting aside the fact that our heroine can communicate with animals, her behaviour was completely out of character for a woman of her time (England, nineteenth century). She seems to be able to get her way in anything, interrupting her father's business meetings to ask him to buy her a horse - a matter of life or death, apparently - masquerading as a jockey in a horse race, behaving in an entirely unchaperoned manner and, the final straw for this reader, going to bed with someone because of a very thin piece of blackmail, but prior to that telling her stepmother about it. No way! It also seems that the unusually-named Blaze is singlehandedly inventing horseboxes and suggesting removal of cockfighting at horse races, replacing them with additional races, that no-one else had previously thought of.

Blaze wasn't someone I could like, particularly with regard to her lack of empathy with people, lack of manners and general lack of believability. Her suitor, Ross, was also a bit suspect as he has a one-track-mind (fortunately headed towards marriage) but is prepared to blackmail her. It also seems that he's laughing at her a lot of the time.

The author also slipped into many uncomfortable Americanisms throughout this book. Yes, these are very common, and yes, most readers can see past them, but when there are so many other irritants in a book these add to the overall feeling of disappointment.

After the aforementioned sex scene I had to give up on this book - I couldn't face the rest. Knowing that Blaze is one of seven daughters, and that two of her sisters have already married rich and titled men (presumably in previous books), it appears this author has written several books before. On the evidence of this one, I'm surprised anyone is buying them.

Originally published for Curled Up With A Good Book © Helen Hancox 2010

I have read ALL of Patricia Grasso's books...and I only have one complaint. I hate to have to WAIT SO LONG for her next book!! The Flambeau sisters are so much fun and their stories are all individual but still connected. Each sister has a "unique gift"...one "sees" and one "feels things" one can read thoughts etc... this book like her others was an excellent and super fun read. Lots of dialogue and characters that we are familiar with. If you haven't read any of her past Flambeau books, get them and get started as they are all unique. Also, her earlier works, Courting An Angel, To Tame A Duke, To Love a Princess, Violets In The Snow...lots more, pick them up on Amazon or wherever you can find them...they are all terrific!!!

One of the Duke of Inverary's seven illegitimate daughters, Blaze Flambeau talks to animals. Her stepmom the Duchess has no problems with the eccentricity of talking with animals, but Roxie Campbell is upset that her stepdaughter has no plans to marry. Roxie wants everyone happy like she is so keeps sending her eligible young men.

In spite of her indifference towards men, three males want Blaze. Her father offers her a deal she cannot refuse re the trio of suitors. However, only Scottish Marquis Ross MacArthur understands the way to Blaze's heart is through her animals; specifically her beloved Pegasus. He offers to train her horse to run in a race, which she accepts. When her jockey is killed, Blaze wears men's clothing to ride Pegasus; not understanding a killer plans to murder other jockeys. As Ross wins her heart, he must keep his beloved safe.

The latest Flamboyant Flambeau Regency romance (see Tempting the Prince, Seducing the Prince and Enticing the Prince) is once again an engaging historical starring a unique heroine, an awesome male champion, and a courageous horse. The story line is fast-paced from the moment Ross concludes how to win the heart of Blaze is through Peg. Fans will enjoy the latest entry in the delightful Flambeau sisters' saga as Ross pushes all of Blaze's hot buttons including scandalous, as he rationalizes to himself that the end of making her his justifies the means.

Harriet Klausner

(Set in Newmarket, England.) Blaze Flambeau is one of seven illegitimate daughters of a penniless French countess and the Duke of Inverary "Magnus". With their mother deceased, the Flambeau sisters live with their father and their stepmother, Roxie. Each sister has a genetic gift. Blaze can communicate with animals. Magnus has given Blaze a filly named Pegasus "Peg". Blaze intends to race Peg and use her winnings to buy land for an animal refuge.

Though Blaze has no intention to ever wed, Roxie is determined to do right by her stepdaughters. This time Roxie's target is Blaze. To that end, Roxie invites three bachelors to dinner and the games begin. The choices Blaze will have are between Dirk Stanley, the Earl of Boston, Ross MacArthur, the Marquis of Awe, and Prince Lykos Kazanov of Russia.

Ross never thought he would ever fall in love; however, he soon finds himself partial to a lady with red hair, freckles, and noble causes. It is then Ross becomes determined to win Blaze's hand in marriage by fair means or foul. Things get dicey when someone desperate to win the Triple Crown begins harming jockeys, horses, and even Blaze. Ross, Blaze's family, and the legendary Constable Amadeaus Black pull their talents, wits, and resources to discover the villain's identity.

***** FIVE STARS! This story has several surprises in store for readers. Danger, suspense, betrayal, and humor combined to keep my eyes glued to the pages, eager to see what would happen next. I have high hopes that Raven Flambeau's story will be the next title's focus. (Raven's gift is as fascinating as Blaze's.) The author made this story even more adorable to me with the addition of odd animals, such as a deaf kitten. Then there are some very interesting secondary characters that I cannot mention or risk spoilers and revealing a surprise or two. I honestly believe this story by Patricia Grasso to be more sinful than chocolate! *****

Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.

I really wanted to like this book. There was nothing wrong with the main premise of the story. We are revisted by many of the characters that are continuing in the Flambeau and Kazanov storylines. This is my fourth book in the series by this author and once again the female lead gets pregnant and needs to marry. This is a continuing theme in her series. The relationship between the main leads was just so-so. I was also annoyed at the continuing back story of Alex and Raven. Their relationship has been dragged through 4 books now with no conclusion in sight. I feel that I will continue to read the upcoming books because I've invested so much time already. However, I will likely wait until they are available at the library.

Scotsman Ross MacArthur is not looking for a wife and Blaze Flambeau is not looking for a husband. Blaze's father has other ideas though. Blaze wants to win enough prize money racing thoroughbred horses to build an animal sanctuary. Ross may not have wanted a bride, but he cannot resist Blaze's fiery beauty and even spunkier personality. Danger circles the race tracks and surprises are around every corner. Blaze did not want a husband, however, she's getting one and now she wants him to love her. Will Blaze ever get what she wants?

Blaze and her family are very unique, especially for the era they live in. They are individualistic and fairly accepting of each other's singularities. They are not your typical English snobs. Blaze is a champion of animals. Her kindness and compassion are admirable. Her convictions create many amusing moments for her where her wit shines brightly. Blaze's ability to communicate with animals is eerily intriguing, as is her sister's psychic talents. Ross won my heart from the moment he first watched Blaze from the window and smiled rather than ridicule her. I also loved watching Raven and Alexander's relationship develop as much as Ross and Blaze's, and I sincerely hope they get their own story. Marrying the Marquis is a distinctively different story with a delightful heroine.

Nannette
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed