The Devil Is a Marquess by Elisa Braden follows the story of Benedict Chatham, a debauched rogue who enters into an arranged marriage with an American heiress, Charlotte Lancaster, to secure his future. The book delves into their evolving relationship from initial dislike to friendship, lust, and eventually love. The plot revolves around their marriage of convenience, where Chatham must reform his rakish ways to collect the dowry from Charlotte's father, leading to a journey of personal growth and redemption for both characters. The writing style is described as soul-enriching, unputdownable, and a masterclass in relationship development, with witty exchanges and genuine character development that drives the story forward.

Characters:

The characters are well-developed, with Charlotte showcasing strength and ambition, while Benedict undergoes a significant transformation from a troubled rake to a loving partner.

Writing/Prose:

The writing is engaging and balances emotional depth with humor, creating a character-driven narrative.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot follows a marriage of convenience between a determined heiress and a troubled marquess, highlighting themes of personal growth and societal expectations.

Setting:

The setting is Regency-era England, highlighting societal norms and enriching the romantic context.

Pacing:

The pacing is mostly gradual, allowing for character development, though some misunderstandings disrupt the flow towards the end.

“Devils do not renounce their wickedness simply because they inherit a title. If that were so, Parliament would be forced to devote every session to such declarations, leaving no time at all for ruini...

Notes:

The main female character (FMC) is Charlotte Lancaster, described as tall, clumsy, and a half-English, half-American heiress.

Charlotte's father demands that she marry a man with a title, leading to an arranged marriage with a broke marquess.

The main male character (MMC), Benedict Chatham, is portrayed as a reformed rake and is deeply mired in debt and alcoholism.

Their marriage is founded on a deal where Chatham must remain sober for a year to inherit money and must also attempt to impregnate Charlotte.

Chatham starts as a cold and grumpy character but shows deep emotional vulnerability throughout the story.

The romance develops from a sweet friendship to a complicated relationship, highlighting themes of addiction and emotional growth.

There are strong messages about personal growth and the importance of support from loved ones in overcoming struggles, particularly for Chatham.

Both characters share a history of loneliness and familial issues, creating a bond that aids their personal transformations.

The story includes moments of humor amidst heavy themes, like skilled character development and witty banter between the leads.

There's a subplot regarding the challenges of societal expectations and personal ambitions, especially for Charlotte who aspires to establish a business in America.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of alcoholism and emotional abuse, adding depth to the characters' transformations.

Has Romance?

The romance is central to the story, characterized by emotional depth and significant character development.

explicit steam level

From The Publisher:

When a rake beyond redemption…

A walking scandal surviving on little more than wits, whisky, and wicked skills in the bedchamber, Benedict Chatham, the new Marquess of Rutherford, is at the end of his rope. Deeply in debt and down to his last farthing, he must marry nothing short of an absolute fortune, or risk utter ruin.

Must marry for money…

Enter Miss Charlotte Lancaster, unfashionably tall heiress to just such a fortune and a clumsy, redheaded disaster in her five London seasons. While she dreams of leaving England for a life of trade in America, her father schemes to trade her dowry for a title-and Marchioness of Rutherford will do nicely. Charlotte wants her independence, not a husband, and certainly not a disreputable devil who renders her weak and wobbly with a single scorching glance. But she's a practical sort, and a year with the devil might buy her freedom … provided she can resist his seductive charms. That shouldn't prove a problem, for he could not possibly want someone like her, and the feeling is mutual. Really. It is.

Love grows in the most unexpected places…

When her father demands a startling price for his daughter's hand-one year of fidelity and sobriety-Chatham must change his libertine ways … at least temporarily. And when he does, Charlotte begins to see him in a new light-not as the scandalous charmer she married, but as the husband she just might adore. more

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The Devil Is a Marquess

Elisa Braden

Book 4 in the series:Rescued from Ruin