"fun historical romance"
More comfortable with horses than with men, Lady Julia
Westfall wants to inherit the stable when her ailing
beloved father dies. She detests the types of things her
female peers love while being very competitive with men
when it comes to steeds. Widower Lord Henry Pelham wants the horses also and needs a
mother for his cherished daughter Isbeau. He offers Julia
a business arrangement. They marry, share the horses, but
not the bedroom as Henry fears insanity flows through his
bloodlines with his uncle and aunt as proof. Julia
figures he cannot bed a "horseface" like her, but agrees
to his terms. They marry and she moves into the loony bin
that is the Pelham extended household. She quickly
becomes a favorite, beloved by all, but the one she needs
the most remains beyond her reach as she believes her love
for him is unrequited. In reality Henry loves her and
wants to consummate his marriage, but fumbles each time he
tries to talk with Julia. This reviewer realizes that a zillion historical romance
novels center on the marriage of convenience theme. THE
MAD MARQUIS is the zillion and one tale to employ that
overkilled motif. Yet in the capable hands of Fiona Carr,
readers receive a terrific tale starring a strong cast
that leads to a delightful novel. The story line hooks
the audience from the moment Julia enters the asylum as
the audience meets the inmates who are only eccentric and
lovable. The relationship between the lead couple evolves
so that fans find themselves immersed in a fabulous
nineteenth century romance. Harriet Klausner
Reviewed by PNR Group Member
Posted February 29, 2004
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