How to Best A Marquess by Janna MacGregor: Review

I’ve been reading this author for a while now, and have read each of the books within the series. Each book focuses on a different friend and the subplot that ties them together is unusual.

I was excited to get the final book which is coming out this spring so we can finally hear about Beth and her lost dowry. Read on for my complete review.

How to Best A Marquess by Janna MacGregor

Series: The Widow Rules
Publisher ‏ : ‎ St. Martin’s Paperbacks (April 25, 2023)
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1250761637

OVERVIEW:

Beth Howell needs to find her dowry, post haste. After her good-for-nothing first husband married her―and two other women, unbeknownst to them all―she’s left financially ruined and relegated to living with her brother, who cares more for his horses than he does his blood relatives. If Beth fails to acquire her funds, her brother will force her to marry someone fifty years her senior and missing half his teeth. She’d prefer to avoid that dreadful fate. But her now-deceased husband, Meri, absconded with her money mere days after their illegitimate marriage. To find it, Beth will have to leave town and retrace Meri’s steps if she’s to take her future into her own hands.

Julian Raleah, Marquess of Grayson, cares not a whit for social norms and generally growls at anyone in his path. Grayson has had a heart of stone ever since his engagement to Beth Howell went down in flames―long before she married that cad, Meri, and sealed her own fate for good. But now she’s on his doorstep, asking for use of his carriage and accompaniment on the hunt to find her lost dowry. Surely Grayson cannot go on the road with the woman who has occupied his thoughts for the past decade. Yet, knowing she needs him, how can he resist helping her this one last time? And maybe that’s just enough time to change the ending to their over-too-soon love story.

How to Best A Marquess by Janna MacGregor Review

One thing to note is even is the fact that these are in a series, but I feel you could read them as a standalone without too much difficulty. Of course, enjoying all of them is goal.

This story was different because of the prior relationship between the two main characters. I love the fact that the author did not shy away from the heat and steam. Their simmering attraction enhanced the overall story and the scandal hanging over their heads

The characters are bold and definitely not the norm that we see in historical romance. This made for an intense and steamy read. I enjoyed their connection, friendship, and developing love.

One thing that did annoy me was the main character, Beth. She was extremely overpowering in some instances. I don’t know if that’s the right word, but she was definitely driving the bus. But then in other scenes, she came across as meek. There were areas where she kind of bugged me.

Overall, How to Best A Marquess is very engaging, different, and interesting. The ending is a trip! Plus, I love the spice of life and the overall attraction and desire MacGregor built into the story.

4 STARS!

Disclaimer: Chris has personally reviewed the product listed above. She has not received any monetary compensation for her review but did receive a free ebook so she could evaluate and use it for this post. Her thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your opinions may differ.