Pearl's World of Romance - Reviews with a Passion: The Naked Marquis

July 16, 2007

The Naked Marquis - Sally MacKenzie

5:51 PM |

THE MAN IS PRACTICAL
As marriage proposals go, Charles Draysmith's suit is as romantic as the moors in December. Emma Peterson might be only a vicar's daughter, and he the new Marquis of Knightsdale, and perhaps he would rather marry her than endure the marriage mart. But when he suggests how much he'll enjoy securing an heir, well, a lady can only endure so much.

BUT THE LADY IS PASSIONATE
There's something about a woman throwing pottery at a man that piques his interest. Perhaps his proposal lacks grace, Charles thinks. But it does seem a perfect solution. He acquires a wife; his young charges have the mother they so desperately need, and Emma gains security and position. You see? Simple. Practical. Sensib—oh no, not the ceramic dog… He will have to confess the truth to calm her down. And the truth is, he's madly in love…

Charles’ brother, the Marquis of Knightsdale has died unexpectedly which leaves Charles to assume the position of the Marquis, Lord Knightsdale and the responsibility for his brother’s two daughters Isabelle and Claire. It’s something he is dreading to do since he was not brought up for this task, being the second son and all. And above all this he also has to find a wife to secure an heir to his title.
In comes Emma, the temporary governess of the girls and his old childhood friend. But she’s not a child anymore and Charles falls head over heels for her. Only his proposal isn’t all that romantic so Emma, who’s been in love with him since she was six years old, tells him no in a very eloquent way.

And then the fun starts with a lovely story that involves a houseparty, matchmaking by the two little girls, a jewel thief bound on revenge on the Draysmiths and a lot of hot passion involving some nakedness between Charles and Emma. There are also guest appearances by James, Sarah and Robbie which is logical since James, Robbie and Charles are best friends since their childhood, when Emma used to follow them around.

It was a nice and easy read, fast-paced like the Naked Duke and therefore I finished it in a matter of a day.
Emma and Charles were very compatible and well-written main characters. The secondary characters were just as well-written and added a lot of laughter and fun to the book, especially Aunt Bea, Charles aunt with her hideous gowns and her taste for brandy…But the girls, Isabelle and Claire were also adorable and endearing.

The second book turned out to be as lovely as the first.
It didn’t start with the nakedness right away as in The Naked Duke (book 1) but along the book this was certainly taken care of….and sparks flew between Charles and Emma.

Now I’m looking forward to Robbie and Lizzie’s (James’ little sister) story in the next book in the series. If I go by the excerpt in this book it’s going to be good too…

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