<< 1 >>
Rating: 
Summary: Unlikely Heroine; Great Story
Review: Margaret Munroe is everything parents would want in a daughter today. Sadly, in the Regency period, she isn't. She rides horses, speaks her mind, moves with energy and enthusiasm, and thinks for herself. When the handsome, well bred, and well to do Thomas, Marquis de Guis, takes an interest in her, they are beside themselves. Will Margaret settle down, give up her charity work with fallen women, and behave like a proper lady? Nope. Margaret's thoughts aren't on settling down, they are on why a passionate and attractive man like the Marquis refuses to kiss her. What is he hiding?This is by far one of Regina Scott's most unique characters and unusual plots. If you enjoy a good plot with your romance and women who aren't Barbie(tm) dolls, buy the book. You won't be disappointed.
Rating: 
Summary: Not a riveting romance...somewhat hard to get through
Review: The Marquis is looking for a bride, but his last two prospects cried off after he kissed them, so he thinks there's something about his kiss that makes him unacceptable as a husband. (Although it's not specifically stated, the reader is led to believe that he is a virgin or at least the next best thing to one.) His courtship of Margaret Munroe starts out as more of an accident that anything else, but it isn't long before he finds himself falling for her honest character as well as her physical attractions. Margaret has been in love with Thomas since the time he was the fiancé of her cousin Allison. She should have been ecstatic when he begins to show an interest in her, but she finds herself wondering if he is too cold and stuffy to be a good match with her since he refuses to kiss her even when she practically begs him to do it. I usually get through a Regency in a couple of hours tops, but this one took several days. The hero is too introspective and boring. His reasons for marrying are not romantic, and the romance only comes into play in the last chapter. There's something about the secondary plot involving a romance between the hero's sister and an honorable but somewhat stupid artist that just doesn't seem to fit in this story. I love the crotchety aunt, though, and I admire Margaret for being true to her convictions even though they go against the dictates of society, and it's only for this reason that I give it three stars instead of two.
Rating: 
Summary: One of Regina Scott's better works
Review: The Marquis' Kiss by Regina Scott The synopsis the publisher provides is a bit deceiving. Sure Thomas, the Marquis de Guis, is determined to find a wife, but he certainly does not choose Margaret Munroe because she can not reject him. Quite the contrary, she intrigues him. Margaret Munroe is quite an Original. She speaks her mind, lives for the moment, and refuses to act like anything other than herself. Even though Thomas is certainly move reserved, he delights in Margaret's words and actions. They develop a rapport and friendship quickly after Thomas finally takes notice of Margaret. Yet, for as long as Margaret has taken notice of Thomas, she can not quite understand why he is suddenly noticing her. She also finds it hard to trust his feelings for her when he continually refuses the one thing she wants, a kiss. Thomas must find what is really within himself to love Margaret the way she wants and needs.
Rating:
Summary: One of Regina Scott's better works
Review: The Marquis' Kiss by Regina Scott The synopsis the publisher provides is a bit deceiving. Sure Thomas, the Marquis de Guis, is determined to find a wife, but he certainly does not choose Margaret Munroe because she can not reject him. Quite the contrary, she intrigues him. Margaret Munroe is quite an Original. She speaks her mind, lives for the moment, and refuses to act like anything other than herself. Even though Thomas is certainly move reserved, he delights in Margaret's words and actions. They develop a rapport and friendship quickly after Thomas finally takes notice of Margaret. Yet, for as long as Margaret has taken notice of Thomas, she can not quite understand why he is suddenly noticing her. She also finds it hard to trust his feelings for her when he continually refuses the one thing she wants, a kiss. Thomas must find what is really within himself to love Margaret the way she wants and needs.
Rating:
Summary: The Marquis' Kiss
Review: Thomas, the decorous Marquis DeGuis, is currently the most sought after of bachelors in the ton, and yet he cannot find anyone to marry him. His first fiance, Allison Munroe, cried off in order to marry a man of far less distiction, and the next, Lady Janice Willstencraft, informed him that his kisses left much to be desired. Unfortunately Thomas feels that he must marry and soon: he fears that he has inherited the weak DeGuis heart, and he wishes to leave an heir before he passes on. But who will marry him, especially as he seems to be unable to satisfy any woman with his kisses? Margaret Munroe (cousin to Allison) is considered to be an original. She races with friends and works unstintingly to help former prostitues get off the streets. She is vivacious and energetic and passionate in her beliefs; and while not plain, she isn't exactly the charming and beautiful pattern card of a young society miss. Definitely not the kind of woman Thomas would have courted if all things were normal. Once introduced at a ball however, Thomas finds himself being charmed and intrigued by Margaret's warmth and forthright ways. He proceeds to court her friendship. Could this friendship between the staid Thomas and the vivacious Margaret blossom into something else? And what will Thomas do when it reaches the point when he will have to kiss Margaret? Regina Scott has creatd a wonderful heroine in Margaret Munroe -- a warm and generous woman with strong convictions about love and marriage and what she rightly deserves. On top of everything, Margaret also possesses a strong social conscience and acts on it!! This is not the usual run-of-the-mill regency romance where a beautiful young woman arrives in London for her Season and then proceeds to indulge in a giddy swirl of events. Don't misunderstand, I've enjoyed books possessing those plots! But this book has something extra, a young woman who while she enjoys social activities like dancing and riding also seems to be aware of the miseries that many face in their day-to-day lives, and is prepared to do her bit to help a few. It was also heartwarming to watch Thomas blossom from reserved and decorous into a more relaxed and open young man, instead of stubbornly digging his heels in and demanding that Margaret change her beliefs to suit him! What a relief! I remember reading a couple regencies in the early 1990s where the heroine, like Margaret, did charitable work that was considered dangerous and so "unsuitable". She then allowed herself to be guided to more "suitable" charitable work. Can one tag charities as "suitable" or "unsuitable" depending on the danger quota and the level of personal involvement? What exactly is "suitable" charity work anyway? Getting off my soapbox and back to the review, I enjoyed this book thoroughly, and recommend it heartily.
<< 1 >>
| 
