The Making of His Marchioness by Lauri Robinson

Posted January 24, 2023 by Marsha in 2023 New Release Challenge, ARC, Booksprout ARC, Harlequin, Harlequin Historical, Victorian Romance / 0 Comments

She trusted him with her life…

But what about her heart?

After the American Civil War propels widow Clara and her daughter to England, they’re given refuge by the enigmatic Marquess of Clairmount.

Being the damsel in distress doesn’t come easy to independent Clara, so after finding his estate in disarray, she seizes her chance to help him.

As she plays the role of the marchioness, her attraction to the guarded marquess is bittersweet, as this Cinderella knows she doesn’t belong in his aristocratic world… 

Titles in the Southern Belles in London series include — The Return of His Promised Duchess —♥— The Making of His Marchioness —♥— Falling for His Pretend Countess —♥—

This is an adult 18+ story that may contain language, possible violence, and/or sexual situations geared to an adult audience.

Booksprout ARC

Title:  The Making of His Marchioness
Series:  Southern Belles in London #2
Author:  Lauri Robinson
Genre:  Historical Romance
Published:  January 24, 2023
Publisher:  Harlequin Historical
My Rating:  4.5 stars

The Making of His Marchioness continues the Southern Belles of London series with an emotional romance with layer upon layer of discovering precisely who Clara and Roger genuinely are with each other… it might seem to be obvious, two people falling in love, but it’s more than that.  It’s also letting go of the past, without guilt, and embracing a different future from what was expected, or even desired in some ways.

Clara is not only grieving the death of her husband but the loss of their home, and the ravages of the Civil War on her friends, family, neighbors, and herself.  She’s independent beyond reason at times, makes assumptions quite easily, yet stays within her cocoon of grief while the world passes by… until Roger, his staff, and her friend begin to crack open that comfortable refuge and let reality in.  There were times when I experienced her grief as well, and times when she really needed a stern conversation about letting go of the past and seeing her future right in front of her.  She’s a complex and complicated character.  Watching her emerge into the land of the living and possibilities was, perhaps, the most satisfying part of The Making of His Marchioness.

Roger is also complicated, yet in a far different way.  He’s made his choice about his future… there will be no Marchioness at his side, ever.  Yet, one frail but stubborn woman and her adorable daughter will begin to crack that hardened exterior with possibilities, seeing his past differently, and perhaps opening up enough to let two ladies into his heart without guilt or hesitation.  I liked Roger, his thoughtfulness on so many occasions really showed the man he is at the core, not what he wants the world to see.

The Making of His Marchioness is an emotional, well-written romance that easily captured me from the first pages, and delighted me with the unraveling of the past and acceptance of the hope and love that the future could hold for this couple… if they only took the risk of offering up their hearts without fear of the consequences.  I loved this couple, I don’t think I’ve run into a more complex situation in a long time.  Grief is a powerful thing, and we each mourn differently.  Roger helped Clara through her grief, and perhaps, his own for his past as well.  I thoroughly enjoyed myself back in this world and definitely would recommend this series to any reader who loves a good romance, believable characters, a well-written plot, and second chances.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the author or author’s team via Booksprout. The opinions expressed in this review are my own – good, bad, or indifferent.*

Available in print or for your favorite e-reader

 

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