THE WILD MARQUIS
Miranda Neville
ISBN 13: 978-0061808708
March 9, 2010
Harper Collins/Avon Books
Historical Romance/Regency
Mass Market Paperback

The Marquis of Chase has a horrible reputation and is shunned by the majority of the ton.  Not that he cares, mind you, as he actually goes out of his way to be as outrageous as can be, in order to live up to the tales of his notorious exploits.  So what on earth would Chase want from the widow, Juliana Merton, a perfectly respectable bookseller?  Books?  Really???

***   As my introduction to this newer author, Miranda Neville, I have to say I really enjoyed this book.   The Marquis of Chase, as disreputable as he was known to be was actually quite likeable and his involvement with Juliana was, aside from some of his outrageous and very humorous comments to purposely irk her, quite gentlemanly.  [Although some of his private musings were quite risqué and very amusing.]

From the start the reader is aware of a mystery, both as to what Juliana’s deceased husband had discovered, and naturally who wielded the knife that took his life.  These two secrets were kept and threaded throughout the story even though it wasn’t obvious to either Chase or Juliana that such a secret existed.  I also admired this author in keeping the “wild” Marquis in line and how he actually became a friend to Juliana without having to have a raging affair to hold the sensual aspect of the plot. [Not that he didn’t have that in mind, but he kept his pants buttoned for quite a while, while his mind lusted after the beautiful widow.]

The setting and the use of the rare book auctions during that era, and tales of the folks who went to great lengths to own them was original and extremely interesting.  I always enjoy a story where I not only am entertained but learn something of historical significance as well. 

Ms. Neville did an admirable job of creating lively and interesting protagonists, including a fine cast of secondary characters, a surprising villain and original plot.   Those looking for new authors who can spin a good sensual story without a lot of graphic intimate detail should find THE WILD MARQUIS to be a perfect story and one I can seriously recommend.

Reviewed By:

I started reviewing books many years ago - but my love of reading began as soon as I could read and that’s a long time! From my very first library card, I would spend my summers at the local library rather than outside playing. My tastes ran from every horse book I could find, to dog books, then gothic romances, and now historical romances with the Regency period having a very close spot in my heart. [Many of my friends, who really know me, say I was born in the wrong era - they’re probably right.] Now that I am retired, and busier than ever, I read almost all genres with the exception of hard core erotica, horror and anything involving more than one sex partner! I am loyal to my tried and true favorite auto-buy authors but love discovering the newer authors as well. I was once a very impatient person, but now retired, and with a book, an audio, or my Kindle by my side - I am the epitome of infinite patience to sit and wait for whatever comes next be it for the light to change, a doctor’s appointment, or a commercial break on the television!

Email Reviewer | Other posts by Marilyn