How to Marry a Marquis (Avon Romantic Treasure)

This is my second Julia Quinn novel and turned out to be both a page turner and a shelf keeper.
The heroine is a woman who will do anything to keep her orphaned siblings together...including being a lady's companion for a picky and tiresome (but spunky) old woman. Reduced to the need to marry someone for his money, she resigns herself to her fate...enter the hero (our marquis) from stage left.
James is yet another one of those retired war spies that populate Regency romances (along with hundreds of dukes and thousands of lesser gentry titles). He has gone undercover to ferret out a blackmailer on his aunt's estate and makes his aunt's lady's companion, yes, the heroine, his primary suspect.
I highly suggest this book for its humor, its warm look at the ties and gags of close family, and of course, for its use of clever animal sidekicks. ENJOY!

After reading "To Catch an Heiress" I couldn't wait to read James story. I was not dissapointed! The dialog between all the characters was snappy and really kept me interested. The book worked so well for me because of the balance of humor and drama. When she discovered his secret and the two had a huge fight I cried for pages!! I sure hope Ms. Quinn plans to write more about the Hotchkiss family, especially Susan. Also, I liked having Blake and Caroline from TCAH appear in this book and hope to hear from them and James and Elizabeth again. Thanks for a great read!

How to Marry A Marquis has a promising title and little else. I was expecting a great story and interesting plot. The characters are mundane and staid. I was very disappointed in the entire story. After reading the first couple of chapters I kept expecting the suspense to build and it never did. The blackmail in the story never amounted to much and the only really interesting character was Lady Danbury. How to Marry A Marquis is a disappointment. This is only the second Julia Quinn story I have read and I have serious doubts about whether I will read another. The Duke and I was a much better book.

She is companion to batty old lady. She had younger siblings depending upon her to keep them from starving. She happens upon a book entitled How To Marry a Marquis, and seizes upon the chance to aid her rusty skills because she knows she must marry to save her brothers and sisters. He is James Sidwell, Marquis of Riverdale, come to the aid of his batty old lady aunt. Maquerading as her new estate manager he is trying to track down a blackmailer. When he discovered her plans to attract a rich husband, he sets about to teach her how to catch a marquis - not realising he is the one stepping into the trap.

If you have never read anything by Julia Quinn before, I recommend you start with this one! It is my personal favorite to date because the story is charming, witty and the ending is just 40 kinds of wonderful. Ms. Quinn really takes her time to tell a good story, so if you love this book, I recommend diving into the Bridgerton series of 8 books beginning with the Duke and I. I still have a few more of her earlier books to read, but I'm enjoying every single one and can't wait for her next new book to come out!

Very light-hearted and good family fun. I had a moment's hesitation when James suspected Elizabeth of blackmailing his aunt (had visions of the uh-oh big misunderstanding boring plot), but Quinn quickly dispelled that and luckily didn't go down that well worn path. Instead, she delivers adorable secondary characters and a companion with spunk. The only problem I had with it, was the lack of tension between james and Elizabeth. Everyone seemed to get along rather nicely. Still, it was very enjoyable and you do get quiate a few laughs out of it.

A young, impoverished gentry woman embarks on a plan to marry well so that she may improve her siblings situation in life. Working as a companion she discovers her employer's book "How To Marry A Marquis." Taking heed of the book's advice, the heroine finds herself being led down a garden path filled with obstacles and finally, into the arms of Mr. Right. The story is standard fare except that it is told in such a highly engaging way. Ms. Quinn keeps the action going in a humorous and light hearted manner. A fun, entertaining read.

I must say that Julia Quinn really topped it with this book, How To Marry A Marquis. It was refreshing to read a love story that did not contain the usual plots and storyline. After reading many romance novels, you begin to see that most of them contain the usual plots and storyline. Even though that some might categorize this book as one of them, it is still by far, the greatest romantic/comedy I've read.
Elizabeth is by far my favourite character in the story. She is a smart, witty young woman who isnt shy to say to James what she thinks, but yet at the same time she is a complete innocent when it comes to men. In this book we learn more about James then the first book, To Catch An Heiress. We learn about his childhood, his wonderful relationship with his aunt and how basically how vulnerable he is at times, even though he tries not to show it.
I can guarantee that anyone who reads this book will LOVE it! Not only is it a wonderful love story but it's also very very funny! You'll laugh at the dialogues between James and Elizabeth and also James' aunt.

Out of all the Julia Quinn books I have read (excluding Brighter Than the Sun) this has to be the most charming and funny books she has written. I adore the scene after the costume ball when Elizabeth finds out who James is,and he gets very angry at Caroline Ravenscroft from To Catch An Heiress and her husband Blake Ravenscroft. James is trying to be serious and pissed off but Caroline and Blake keep making inane comments on every threat he makes. But, the best scene in the whole book is the day after the ball and absolutely comes to Elizabeth's cottage to talk some sense into her about her relationship with James. So many mishaps and accidents happen in that one short period of time it's very amazing that Elizabeth didn't go insane. Also, Lady Danbury, Elizabeth's employer, is a very witty and eccentric character, not to mention hiliariously sarcastic. And to add to closing, I love the fact that Ms. Quinn sees fit to add Lady Danbury in The Viscount Who Loved Me. Even though she is barely in the novel, she is in there and is her regular funny self. All in all, I loved this novel and will gladly recommend it to anyone who has and appreciates a sense of humor.

Characters sound like modern people. They do and say things, and worry about issues, that modern people do. Why does the book take place in 1815? No reason for it to take place then.

When the reveal about James' identity takes place, the heroine becomes really unlikeable. From there it's downhill. More and more unrealistic and the attempts to be cute and funny fall flat.

It had a good start, but the second half just falls apart. Waste of a good premise.

This is the kind of historical romance that I like. The story was totally dedicated to the romance of these two characters. They spent a lot of time together and their conversations were not only witty but endearing. I felt the love they had for each other and so I really got involved in this book. The only thing I wished for was an epilogue. I do love a good epilogue. Oh well, it did not detract from the good time I had reading this book.

Elizabeth Hotchkiss needs a husband and pretty soon; but she needs to marry a man with money. She has been sole provider for herself and her three younger siblings since her parent's deaths but she can barely make ends meet anymore. Elizabeth finds a book, "How to Marry a Marquis", in her employer's library; upon impulse, she takes the book home to read. Elizabeth's employer, Lady Danbury, is a crusty old woman who even men fear but she and Elizabeth do well together. Lady Danbury sends for her nephew, James Sidwell, Marquis of Riverdale, to come help find out who is blackmailing her. James comes in disguise as an estate manager, under last the name of Siddons. He and Elizabeth grow close, close enough for him to know about her financial problems, and her need for a husband, and to Elizabeth's chagrin, about the book she has been reading. James reads the book and informs Elizabeth that the advice given is not the way to find a husband, but that he will help her find a husband. Elizabeth believes she could love James but believes he doesn't have the money she needs, so she agrees to let him give her lessons on how to land a man. But it seems that James finds problems with all the men that become available.

How to Marry a Marquis by Julia Quinn has characters from Bridgerton series (Lady Danbury) and weaves another layer of the time. Elizabeth finds interesting novel 'How to Marry a Marquis' while working at Lady Danbury's. She decides to start practicing the rules of the book on Lady Danbury's new estate manager (aka James Sidwell the Marquis of Riverdale and Lady Danbury's nephew). I read this novel in a day and was great escape.

While I enjoyed Ms. Quinn's light-hearted approach to her theme, and I found much of her humor witty and engaging, I did not like the book. I thought her fiesty heroine a complete cliche. I made my way through most of the book with no extreme quibbles, but I fairly itched with irritation when Elizabeth discovered James's true identity. Her indignation was irrational and went on and on ad insufferabiliam. Also, I wish someone would explain to Ms. Quinn and her copy editor the difference in usage between "lie" and "lay."

This is a wonderful romance for laughs. The main characters are charming and entertaining along with some hilarious supporting characters. Like all of Ms. Quinn's books, the end conflict seems a little staged, but, I guess you must follow the romance novel formula. I'm not complaining. I walked around with a smile on myself, planning my schedule according to when I could get back to the Marquis.

Like some other reviewers, I think this book has very little substance. The blackmail plotline is very thin and takes a definite backseat most of the time for the hero who's supposed to be investigating it. (And by the way, I guessed the truth about that in the first 50 pages.)
This book would have been okay if it had been half the length that it is. I think the author relied on scenes of sexual tension to draw out the book. All it did was DRAG it out. The premise is too unbelievable to sustain 360+ pages. What proper young lady would allow a gentleman (ANY gentleman) "teach" her to kiss? Really strained my credibility.
I didn't care much for this book, and I didn't care much for the Ravenscrofts, who I understand were in the book about catching an heiress. I don't think I'll be readiing their story, as they seem too silly to waste my time on. Sorry, folks, my advice is, unless you're already a Quinn fan and think you'll like anything she writes, don't bother with this book.

I started reading Julia Quinns books just a few weeks ago and I am totally hooked on them. She is a marvelous author who knows how to keep her readers inthralled with her witt and enchanting story lines. I love the storys that entail the bridgerton family and am looking forward to tales about the rest of the family especially Colin Bridgerton. Which this reader has a feeling is going to be quite humerous by the nature of his character in the storys that I have read so far. I hope that you will all take my advice and read her books. You won't be disappointed.

Though it was a pleasant read, I was a little disappointed with How to Marry a Marquis. I first fell in love with Quinn's work when I read The Secret Diaries of Miranda Cheever, and I am glad that I read that one before this. The characters in this book were not quite as deep and endearing as some of Quinn's other characters and I got a little bored halfway through the book. For those who have just begun reading Julia Quinn with this book and were disappointed, I suggest some of her later books like The Duke and I and The Viscount Who Loved Me.

I did enjoy this book immensely and I read it in one sitting. Elizabeth and James were likeable and charming and they fell in love very naturally. I also liked that for most of the book, there is no silly misunderstanding that threatens the whole relationship. James is actually the most reasonable hero I've ever had the joy to encounter in a romance novel.

WARNING*****SPOILER: I knew there had to be some silly misunderstanding though, or this wouldn't be a romance. But in my opinion, Elizabeth carries it too far. So what if James is a marquis? Isn't that a good thing? I can understand some anger at his deception, but she really carries it too far. To begin with, he did admit that he had a secret to tell her, but he wanted to wait a day to tell her the truth. So she had to know something big was coming. She basically throws a huge tantrum and ruins her chances at happiness with a man she loves. She's lucky he still wants her after all that nonsense. One other thing I didn't like about this book: Susan, the younger sister who acts like a grown up.

Though it was a pleasant read, I was a little disappointed with How to Marry a Marquis. I first fell in love with Quinn's work when I read The Secret Diaries of Miranda Cheever, and I am glad that I read that one before this. The characters in this book were not quite as deep and endearing as some of Quinn's other characters and I got a little bored halfway through the book. For those who have just begun reading Julia Quinn with this book and were disappointed, I suggest some of her later books like The Duke and I and The Viscount Who Loved Me.

I did enjoy this book immensely and I read it in one sitting. Elizabeth and James were likeable and charming and they fell in love very naturally. I also liked that for most of the book, there is no silly misunderstanding that threatens the whole relationship. James is actually the most reasonable hero I've ever had the joy to encounter in a romance novel.

WARNING*****SPOILER: I knew there had to be some silly misunderstanding though, or this wouldn't be a romance. But in my opinion, Elizabeth carries it too far. So what if James is a marquis? Isn't that a good thing? I can understand some anger at his deception, but she really carries it too far. To begin with, he did admit that he had a secret to tell her, but he wanted to wait a day to tell her the truth. So she had to know something big was coming. She basically throws a huge tantrum and ruins her chances at happiness with a man she loves. She's lucky he still wants her after all that nonsense. One other thing I didn't like about this book: Susan, the younger sister who acts like a grown up.

This book was much better than TO CATCH AN HEIRESS. It was a simple story about an elderly woman who secretly plays matchmaker between two of her favorite people; her companion, Elizabeth, and her nephew, James.

We have met James in TO CATCH AN HEIRESS, but if I didn't know any better I'd have thought it was a completely different character. I remembered James as rakish & mysterious, but in HOW TO MARRY A MARQUIS, his character lacked luster. Don't get me wrong, James was a great hero but I was expecting a more exciting story for him; thus the 3 star rating.

It's a simple read you can breeze through in an afternoon. If you're a fan of Quinn's you'll enjoy it, however I recommend The Bridgerton Series above all.

I have read basically all of Julia Quinn's novels and this one is definitely my favorite! "How to Marry a Marquis" is a little more light-hearted and fun than the Bridgerton novels. I found myself laughing out loud in a lot of instances and absolutely fell in love with both Elizabeth and James. This novel adds a little frivolity to the usual romances that Quinn writes about. Make sure you set aside enough to time because you'll want to finish this one in one sitting! Another good one to try is its "sister" book "To catch an heiress" which is almost as much fun too and also features James.

This was the first Julia Quinn book I had ever read. I'd heard the buzz about her books, and really liked the premise of the story (having the heroine following "The Rules" to catch a rich titled man). That's why I was so dissapointed when it didn't work for me. I liked her fresh, breezy style of writing, but the characters never became real to me. Worse, they annoyed me. The hero and heroine lacked any sort of depth and the book came too close to farce, something I'm not wild about. And all too often I thought, "no sane person would react this way."
Still, there was enough light hearted warmth in her style that I gave her another chance and tried The Duke and I. And I'm so glad I did! I loved the book and now consider Julia Quinn's books one of my few automatic buys. I even tried a few of her back list, and can see just how far she's come. Now, her books not only have the sense of fun and light-hearted comedy of her earlier novels, but they have rich, believable characters and poignant romance as well.

Julia Quinn dazzles us yet again with her wonderfully witty dialogue, and fast paced story. There heroine is spunky and funny, not your everyday miss in the regency period, and the hero just jaded enough to make him interesting!! Another wonderful read, and probably her best yet--leaves me waiting with baited breath for Romancing Mr. Bridgerton!!

I was fortunate to get an advance read of HOW TO MARRY A MARQUIS and all I can say is, *WOW!* This is Julia Quinn at her best. In HTMAM, we meet Elizabeth Hotchkiss, an impovershied gentrywoman whose life turns upside down after she discovers, in her irascible employer's library, a seemingly-innocuous little book entitled HOW TO MARRY A MARQUIS. With two sympathetic and lovable lead characters as well a quirky, totally engaging supporting cast that includes an autocratic but delightful schemer of an old lady, a precocious family, a hilarious cat, and two all too nosy and hopelessly interfering best friends whom readers will know instantly from Julia's acclaimed TO CATCH AN HEIRESS, this is a book of blazing 5-star magnitude. I can't recommend it highly enough. Well done, Julia Quinn!!!

This book was great. The characters were likable and deep. When John desribes his feelings, I sighed. There was actual dialog that evolved into love. It wasn't a "first look" then love, it evolved from 2 mutual personalities. There wasn't any violence, (Like Rosmary Rogers and her slap happy hero's) In this book you actually believe that they are falling in love. The only thing i didn't really like about this book were the countless visits by the crew of TCAH. It got kinda annoying after awhile. All in all this was a great book, i really recomend that you purchase it, it's worth the money.

This book was so funny. I laughed so much it was a joy to read.
What happens when a young girl needs to marry well since she has younger sisters to take care of and finds a book titled "How To Marry A Marquis"? The end result is hilarious and done only as JQ can do it. You will find old friends from other stories here as well as make some new ones. This is a don't miss book by a great author.

I have never read a Julia Quinn novel, but the title was intriguing, so I took the plunge. So far, I am only a third through the book and am already gagging. I love romance novels, but this one is written horribly with too much description on mundane behavior. The main characters are always coughing to hide some comment or thought. How real is that or is there a flu virus we are not aware about? The heroine is a clutz which normally would be endearing but, in this case, is annoying since she has no depth. Now, while Elizabeth is earning a living for her orphaned family, what are her siblings doing all day while she's gone? They are all under age, unsupervised. I find it odd that their activity, though not central to the plot, is not discussed to at least assure the reader that they are just not comic relief. The hero is weak, acting as a spy on his aunt's behalf, but even that is clumsy for someone who is supposed to be an experienced man of disguise. I believe the story would have been better if the heroine had to marry a marquis to save herself or her family from a life threatening crisis not for a means to obtain education for her little brother at an elite school, dowries for her sisters, etc. There's country gentry that have been impoverished for generations. Life does go on. In this book, it stops, making what could have been a bittersweet story into a senseless novel.

I love all JQ's novels but this one was really really good. Now I must go and get all of her books I have not had the chance to read yet. I love the plots,the characters,the loyalty and possesiveness of the characters, but most of all I love the humor!!! Even when my 2 sons look at me wierdly when I laugh out loud! I look for authors who put plenty of humor in the story. It only takes me 1 to 2 days to read JQ's books because I can't put them down. I started to love the historical romances after I read a Julia Garwood book, and then I found Jill Barnett. I almost gave up on finding any other author I liked so much until I came across a Julia Quinn novel. Now I've found a new favorite!! Bravo Julia Quinn, you've found yourself another fan!!

I usually like Julia Quinn's work, but How to Marry a Marquis was a huge disappointment. To tell the truth, I couldn't even finish it. The basic problem was that the conflict between the romantic leads was unbelievable. One reviewer called her reaction to the revelation of his true identity "psychotic", and I think that's pretty close to the mark. Why she makes the assumptions she does and takes offense to the degree she does is beyond me. I just couldn't care about her hurt feelings; it seemed like junior high hysteria. I wanted to shake her and shout, "Get over it!" The only highpoint was his giving her boxing lessons and then discovering personally how well his pupil had learned to throw a punch.

The book is great and all and you are expecting a great ending. The heroine has the fault with the bad ending. She is really stupid acting in the end. The whole book portrays her as this all knowing and self-sacraficing woman until the end. The scene at Lady Danbury's ball is really all but overdoing it. None of that would happen even in most romance books. I have to say, I do not give many romance books a 3 star but this one gets it, because of the heroine. You will find yourself reading it and saying "Am I really reading this nonsense?" "Can she really be that stupid?". Quinn has better books-Try Minx, I read it before this one, and it was way better! or Brighter than the Sun, the best.

For those readers who have grown tired of the heavy-handed, overly-dramatic romances, this is the book for you. I don't want to read another book where the unyielding, yet sympathetic, hero finds himself bleeding on the battlefield only to realize that he loves the beautiful heroine. Will he live long enough to express his true feelings? Of course! How to Marry a Marquis is the antithesis to the heavy-handed romance. Julia Quinn has crafted a charming story about a beautiful (of course), uncoordinated, soft-hearted girl who falls in love with a man who is not what he pretends to be. I laughed out loud while reading the book! I am looking forward to reading Quinn's next endeavor.

It's a common story line, done better before. A little disappointing when I considered the reviews that encouraged me to read this. Tried to hard to be meaningful. Don't buy - pick up at the library, if you must!!!

This book is so great. After having read a million or so romance novels, it is hard to make me read the whole book without skipping uninteresting bits. Well, this book had no uninteresting bits. The dialogue between the main heroine and her employer is absolutely priceless. I was laughing out loud!!! And that cat!!!
Made me feel warm and fuzzy inside.

What a lovely story!
It's one of the best historic romances I've read! Just to give you a clue, this is not a suspense novel but a true romance. The plot is credible and the charcters are well developped.
The dialogue is also amazing! Sometimes I laughed and other times I felt frustrated. (I didn't cry because no occasion called for it.)
The love scenes are well written and well-timed.
A wonderful novel by Julia Quinn.
A Great little jewel!

I enjoyed this book. The characters were entertaining and the plot wasn't the same old tired one. But, I couldn't really see where he had fallen in love with her. At times, it felt more like he felt sorry for her (other than the physical attraction).

I WAITED FOR THIS BOOK TO COME OUT. JAMES WAS GREAT IN TO CATCH AN HEIRESS. BUT HE JUST DIDNT DO THE TRICK IN TO MARRY A MARQUIS. IN FACT THE WHOLE TIME I READ THIS BOOK ALL I THOUGHT ABOUT WAS JOHANNA LINDSEY'S MAN OF MY DREAMS,SO MUCH SO THAT I HAD TO PUT THIS BOOK DOWN AND RE READ THAT ONE. JULIA QUINN IS ONE OF MY FAVIROTES BUT SOMETHING IS LOST IN THIS BOOK. I DONT KNOW IF IT IS THE STORY LINES SIMILARITY TO A MAN OF MY DREAMS. IN BOTH BOOKS THEY WANTED TO CATCH WEALTH TO PROVE SOMETHING. I JUST HOPE SUSAN GETS HER OWN STORY

I only flipped through this book after the first 100 pages or so (I didn't have anything else to read for about a week and kept hoping it would improve). I've like Quinn in the past, but I thought this book was an embarrassment. The characters were unbelievable and the internal dialogue ridiculous and redundant. The humor was unfunny and clunky; the characters vapid. I read a lot of historical romance, and though she was never a favorite, I did like her work, but this may put me off forever.

I am a new reader of Julia Quinn's book, but so far I am very happy with her books. This one "How to Marry a Marquis" has hook me into reading more of her books. I truly loved this book and will hate to part with it. To me it is one of those story you would want to read again.

This book had everything I like in a book except maybe more steam but every book can't be a steamer. Don't get me wrong, this book had heat but not enough for steeeammm. But it's a very good read. I love James and Elizabeth to pieces.

This is wonderful comedy with warmth and love in the mix. My favorite lines were the ones Elizabeth muttered under her breath, and she could be such a klutz. Lady Danbury is the model for all crusty grande dames with hearts of gold.

I love Julia Quinn and have read almost all her books, however, this is truly my favorite of all. James and Elizabeth are definitely a perfect match of humor, relentless pride, and wit. I laughed so hard i had tears and still enjoyed the romantic parts as well.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Julia Quinn uses just the right amount of humor in her writing. Her character descriptions are always delightfully detailed, even down to the supporting characters such as the obnoxious cat, Malcolm. My only gripe is Elizabeth's overly melodramatic response to discovering James' real identity. But I suppose the author decided she must include some element of tension in an otherwise lighthearted story.

This was not the first of Julia Quinn's books that I have read but it is one of my favorites. The story is light and full of laughter and romance. It does not mire itself in waist-deep problems and heavy emotions; but is sweet, has more than a touch of passion, and a joy to read.
When your finished, give "The Duke and I" a try.

I loved, loved ,loved this book!!! Anything by Julia Quinn is an automatic buy for me--especially in the Bridgerton series! I stayed up all night just to finish this one. It made for a wonderful night-- but an awful morning with my two year old!!! ...

While this is not a serious book, it's humor and wit is excellent. If you are looking for something realistic it's not your best bet, but for an escape to a place where others have problems and over come them and find love, this book is perfect. Julia Quinn is an excellent talent and her stories are always enjoyable entertaining reads that go quick.

Loved it, just loved it. I have never found an author to equal Julie Garwood until now. The humor in this book just left me quaking with laughter. It was a book I couldn't put down. I would back up and re-read, just for the utter joy of the experience.

Classic love story with so much heart, laughter, and fun. Couldn't put it down. I was also glad to see the reappearance of Blake and Caroline from book one of agents of the crown series. It was only right that they be there for the conclusion of James' love story.