Jane Ashford: How to Cross a Marquess

This book is scheduled to be released August 27th.

The Marquess of Chatton and his neighbor Fenella Fairclough have known each other all their lives. They refused to marry each other years ago when their parents demanded it, and they won’t concede now―even if circumstances have brought these former enemies much closer than they ever could have anticipated…

This is second-chance romance adjacent, in that the H/H were once matched up by their fathers, only to reject the match, but later come to appreciate the changes life has made to each other. Circumstances throw them together and both are surprised to find a growing appreciation…and attraction. Perhaps one that has always been there? For readers looking for second chance, I think its a nice spin on how time can heal wounds and get people to the place where they are finally right for each other. Its a very romantic sentiment that I think is well executed and will give readers the gooey kind of feels they look for with second chance romances.

I have never read Jane Ashford, so didn’t know what to expect, but found her a great storyteller with a good sensibility on the era. Details were subtle and added to the plot. However, the historical romance was not so overweening that it might alienate a reader new to the genre.

The pace was engaging, the action if sometimes a little over the top (I think maybe I wasn’t in the mood for sort of predictable villains) entertaining, and the romance sweet. This is set in the country, for the most part, so not a glittering party/marriage mart type of Regency. However, the provincial setting is used to great advantage. There are some fun theatricals, moody horseback rides, lots of characters, and a frustrating family members a plenty.

Intimate scenes were on the page…sort of. They were really limited, mostly a tease of kissing or undressing then one sentence to describe the interaction. And that was it. So while not strictly kisses only, close enough for most readers looking to avoid sex scenes. I am never quite sure how to categorize this type of book because the intimacy is so light. If we went with a movie rating, maybe PG-13? Regardless, I found the scenes to be innocuous.

Because of said villain, there was some violence. It wasn’t graphic but featured arrows, choking, and the sea. The multiple scenes served to advance the plot and help the characters realize their true feelings, but also were predictable. I think it was meant to add a mystery element, but I didn’t feel it enhanced the romance which was really center stage in this book.

Part of a series, it functioned great as a standalone. The running theme also peaked my interest for other books, as its well played and focused on a unifying experience of grief which I thought was a unique foundation for a romantic series. The grief element is not belabored in this book, particularly as Chatton is not really in mourning for his wife, but it does tie him to some interesting characters that come to play fairy godfather.

That’s probably my biggest criticism. While I liked the idea of a support group or godfather helping grieving men, the chief grief support/counselor role in this book seemed pointless. I am not sure if its more pronounced in the other series novels, but his presence in this book was unnecessary.

The title was also clever but not a perfect fit, but that’s a quibble.

I would recommend Regency Readers looking for a second chance give this one a try. Its not likely one I will re-read, but I definitely will be checking out more from Ashford and the series.

5 Stars 4.25 out of 6 Second chance for childhood neighbors who have matured