| Title | : | The Marquess Makes His Move (Clandestine Affairs, #3) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 0062986848 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9780062986849 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Mass Market Paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 370 |
| Publication | : | First published March 29, 2022 |
The new footman doesn't seem to know his place...
London's most renowned mapmaker is a woman...but nobody knows it. If anyone discovers that Rose Fleming is the power and talent behind the family business, the scandal could ruin them. Rose's secret is tested by the arrival of a handsome new footman who shows far too much interest in his new mistress. Rose battles an intense attraction to the enigmatic servant, but maintaining a proper distance isn't easy when you and temptation live under the same roof.
She makes him forget he has a score to settle...
Few have met the reclusive half-Arab Marquess of Brandon, who is rumored to live with a harem of beauties among his mother's people near Jerusalem. Brandon couldn't care less what society thinks of him, or that his fellow peers are disdainful of his common blood, but he won't stand for being robbed. That's why he's disguised himself as a footman in the home of a respected mapmaker who cheated Brandon out of his land. But the nobleman's plans for retribution are complicated by his growing attraction for the secretive lady of the house.
When Brandon uncovers the shocking truth about Rose's role in his stolen birthright, can a love born of deception really conquer all?
The Marquess Makes His Move (Clandestine Affairs, #3) Reviews
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HELLO NEW FAVORITE HISTORICAL ROMANCE OF THE YEAR. Seriously, this book was amazing. AMAZING. From the start, I was really into this story. Brandon knows that a mapmaker falsely created lines of his land on a map, cheating him out of his own land. To get down to the bottom of it, he disguises as a footman at the mapmaker's household. Brandon is put in charge of waiting on Rose, the mapmaker's wife. Little does he know, she's actually the talented mapmaker and her husband takes the credit because no one would take a women seriously in that profession at the time. The more time he spends as her footman, the more he starts to like her and fall for her. I really loved how Rose was trying to hold onto her life, but she uncovered secrets that made her really go against society and do what she wanted for a change. I loved how she slowly fell for Brandon and how really and authentic their love was. Of course, he was hiding a really big secret, which added to the tension and angst of the romance. I really loved the journey they went on and the plot of this book. I also loved how Brandon had to interact with the servants and learned what it was like to be of the working class, and how they really changed his view of them. He became much more conscious of how he treated his own servants and actually became friends with servants he was working with. And I really enjoyed Rose's own journey coming into her own and taking control of her own life. This was just so so good and you need to read it!!
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✨Attend to my needs 😩✨
This book! I was not prepared for this book! It’s my absolute favorite of the series. It combined everything I loved from the first two books SO well and added such a fun, dramatic flare. The set-up is splendid and one I hadn’t read before (although now I’m desperate for more), and the romance was everything. Diana chose violence with this one.
The turn my life took around 40% was absolutely unhinged and so unexpected. I was seeing red and tasting the rainbow. Hunky, forbidden footmen are my new kink. Especially if those footmen are in disguise and completely out of their element. Lord does tight livery and shoddy workmanship make me feel ALIVE.
The plot of this book really undid me. I’ve never rooted for cheating more (don’t worry it’s not quite what you think). Morals be DAMNED. I had zero qualms and a marvelous time. I won’t spoil anything because I’d hate myself if I did, but y’all I’m changed.
Things I couldn’t get enough of:
✨ How Brandon was absolutely gone for Rose
✨ The way he was with his niece 😭
✨ The household staff teaching him the ropes
✨ Good girl kink in a BATHTUB
✨ The angst, the groveling, the DRAMA
✨ Rose being righteously, rightfully unhinged with fine China
Idk this one drove me absolutely wild. Everything about it was so sincere. And so HOT like please the idea of a hunky footman there to *attend* to your every whim is just so goddamn erotic. I loved the relationship so much. I absolutely adored the Arab culture and the influences it had in their day-to-day interactions, and just how much Brandon valued his family. Everything about the book and writing was so sincere. I went for a RIDE and haven’t recovered my wits yet. “Do you ride, Alex?” Ahahah ifykyk.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶🌶🌶.25/5
I received an eArc via NetGalley and a free finished copy from @avonbooks! All opinions are honest and my own.
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Initial reaction:
My favorite of the series 😭 the drama 😭 the romance 😭 he was so gone for her 😭 the way he was with kids 😭 the staff at her house 😭 him being a footman and completely out of his element 😭 good girl kink in a bathtub 😭 superb writing 😭 the Arab culture 😭 the angst 😭 the mapmaking 😭 the groveling 😭 my new kink is heroes posing as sexy footmen my god attend to my needs please in very tight uniforms 😭 the household staff 😭 her being righteously, rightfully unhinged 😭
I was a MESS in the middle nono was NOT prepared. -
They say if the book you want to read isn't out there, write it yourself. Well, if you wait long enough, someone will write that story. And for me, this one comes very close to being that story. Can I objectively say I loved everything about it? Probably not, but there are many things I do love about it.
First off, I will just note that it took me a while to get through. It wasn't that it was tough to read. There have just been too many things going on in real life that have consumed my thoughts while trying to read this. It was nice to know that it was there containing a story that I have very much wanted for years. Finally, when I got to about half-way, I gave myself permission to focus on the reading and then it went very fast to the end.
Why was this a story I've been wanting? Because it features a map maker, not only that, but a female map maker. So much historical context possible with this aspect, and Diana Quincy did a great job at bringing that to life. Another claim out there is that maps are responsible for the greatest "takings" in history. This also was an important plot point.
What about the romance? I really liked both the hero and heroine. They both had strength of character that I appreciated, and I thought worked well together. The attraction was obvious, and the pacing was good (at least it seemed so to me who was barely reading, probably am not a great judge on that aspect).
Any criticisms? I did think the first villain a bit stiff in his expectations on what could happen. I thought he might think a little quicker on his feet. I also wasn't sold on the reason the marquess takes a position of a footman in a map maker's household. It worked in bringing them together, but it also seems like he had other options.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story. It is the first HR that I have read to feature an hero or heroine as a cartographer, and each book in this series has had fascinating historical context with compelling leads. Diana Quincy has quickly become a must-read author for me. I'm really glad I decided to check this series out, even though I have basically sworn-off reading more regency-set titled HRs from new-to-me authors.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a chance to read and review this book. Views are my own. -
Rose is a merchant's wife who secretly draws maps under the guise of it being her husband's work. Brandon is a half Arab Marquess who gets hired on dusguised as a footman in Rose's house to get the answer about the land he actually owns.
I loooved the story here, so many twists and complications and I am a sucker for a class difference romance. The first 75% of this was so completely engrossing I could not put it down.
But after that when the main plot point was resolved and they were married a lot of tension and interest dissolved. Other than that lagging tension I thoroughly enjoyed this.
Quincy continues to be a powerful storyteller who knows how to write swoony, historical romances with diverse characters!
I was provided an ARC for my honest review -
*Thank you to Avon & Harper Voyager for an e-ARC copy, in exchange for an honest review!*
3.75⭐️
Wow, this was a ride. This had plot twist after plot twist and had me on the edge of my seat.
Main premise: Alexander, the Marquess of Brandon had been cheated out of some area of his land due to an inaccurate commissioned map. So, he goes to the mapmaker's house, Mr Roger Fleming, and pretends to be his footman in order to find out who was behind the offense. Unbeknownst to him, the real mapmaker was Mrs Rose Fleming, the wife, and they begin to fall in love once truths start unraveling.
This has a great and engaging plot, and I couldn't believe some things that happened in here. Rest assured, I got a bit scared of the romance when we see that Rose is already a married woman, but don't worry. No cheating was involved.
The main representation was of course Alex/Brandon the hero himself, who is half-Arab from his mother's side, hailing from a family of Arab cotton merchants in Manchester. He and his family (his sister was the heroine of book 1, his cousin the heroine of book 2) faced a lot of prejudice and racism, him even more by members of the ton as he inherited the marquess title from his white British father, and I thought those subjects were explored well.
This was my first book by this author, and I found that the writing style was quite plain and had little nuance so that took a bit of getting used to.
Tropes: titled hero in disguise as a footman, heroine with an occupation as mapmaker/cartographer, marriage of convenience, -
Overall: 3.5 rounded to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot/Storyline: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥
Humor: Yes, a decent amount, especially with the side characters
(These are all personal preference on a scale of 1-5 (yours ratings may vary depending what gives you feels and how you prefer you sex scenes written, etc) except the Steam Scale which follows our chart from
The Ton and Tartans Book Club )
Should I read in order?
It would be pleasant to read in order, as characters from the 2 previous books do make appearances. There are a few short scenes with this hero in the prior books too. Still, you would probably be fine picking this one up on its own.
Basic plot:
Brandon is determined to find out what’s going on with the plot to take some of his land by moving land borders. He goes undercover to the map makers house and applies for a footman position to collect information.
Give this a try if you want:
- I’m assuming this is Regency around 1816-1818? I didn’t see a date but I have book 2 marked as 1816
- Medium steam – there’s 3 full scenes and plenty of kisses, but it didn’t quite hold the heat of some of her other novels I’ve read
- Diversity lifted up – an Arab hero that shares his culture, family and food customs throughout the story – I also loved that the heroine had Arab heritage with her grandparents
- Class difference/forbidden love feel – the hero is the heroine’s footman at first, but really the heroine is a tradeswoman and the hero a marquess
- Secret identity trope
- Working women – heroine is a cartographer
My thoughts:
Sadly, this book had a few plot devices that really aren’t my thing, and they ended up bothering me a bit. But I liked this book more than book 2 (Book 1 is still my favorite of the series). I am loving the general world building here and the family members interacting together.
In this story, there are quite a few secrets going on. And the heroine is with her husband (who is NOT the hero) for a good 30% of the book before things start to unravel (and it wasn’t how I was expecting it to go! So that was refreshing, in a way).
Brandon is being tricked out of some important land when a map is commissioned on the property lines – there’s been some strategic changes that remove a water sources important for his tenants and property. Instead of causing a scene, he goes undercover and applies to be a footman in the house of the mapmaker. It leads to some funny scenarios, like the heroine having to brush out her own skirts after he does it because as a Marquess, he has no idea how to do footman duties.
Rose has such a unique talent and career – she’s a cartographer and draws and creates maps. Of course in this world run by men, she cannot even claim her talents as her own and has even turned control of her shop over to her husband for the most part.
I loved Rose in the beginning. She was strong and I so was rooting for her to gain independence from her husband and be able to fully embrace her talents and not have to hide them.
As the story went on though, I was weighed down. Waiting a very long time for the drama with her husband to be resolved diminished the romance between Brandon and Rose for me. There are a lot of secrets. And hurt, and hiding, and accusing. And I thought it was unfair, really both of them made bad decisions but it just drug on a bit too long for me. Rose’s character kind of took a turn I wasn’t expecting. She spent a lot of time feeling sorry for herself and angry at Brandon and it got frustrating after awhile (I’m all for the needed breakdown after an event like that – she just seemed like such a go-getter though I wasn’t expecting this from her character I guess)
I was also really disappointed in the intimate scenes here. I’m not sure what happened for me, but there was something about them that just didn’t have that passion and emotional grab that I found in the first book.
I adore the cover and think it’s lovely.
Here’s a few random parts that I wanted to note from the book
Content Warnings:
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes: -
The Marquess Makes His Move is certainly an interestig novel. This is my first read by Miss Quincy. The plot of a Marquess disguising himself as footman is certainly interesting twist.
Miss Quincy have a tender writing style. She is telling her story with perfect pace so I do not get bored. Brandon certainly a sweet, tender dan yet alpha hero. He is super patience.
Overall, a wonderful read.
4 stars -
3.5 stars rounded up.
Rose Fleming is the most well-respected mapmaker in London. Only, no one knows this since she’s a woman and would not be able to command such high prices for her maps if this were known. She’s the brains behind her family business but they’d be ruined if the truth got out, so she has to conform to her husband’s desires more often than she’d like to. Her secret-keeping abilities are sorely tested by the arrival of a new footman who is entirely too forward for a servant. Rose battles her attraction to a man who works for her, but keeping her distance is challenging when the temptation is in such close proximity.
Alexander Worthington, the Marquess of Brandon, is perhaps best known for being enigmatic and unknown to many. Half-Arab, Alex contends with much prejudice from those who insist on maintaining supposedly pure bloodlines among the nobility. It doesn’t help that his mother also came from a merchant class family and so he is viewed as being soiled by common blood. Alex has no issue ignoring the outrageous rumors that abound about him, but he draws the line when his neighbor attempts to cheat Brandon out of his land. Furious, Alex disguises himself as a footman and infiltrates the home of London’s most prominent mapmaker to find proof of the plans to draw faulty property lines. Alex is determined to retain what is his, but his attraction for the secretive lady of the house is an unwelcome distraction. With both Alex and Rose keeping a multitude of secrets, they’re about to test the bounds of the bond that has developed between them.
I have so many mixed feelings about this one. Overall, I enjoyed the story and its originality, but the lying was a bit of an issue for me, mostly because of how long it carries on, how many lies there are, and how many missed opportunities there were for the truth to come out. With new lies being added after some truths were revealed, I just got a bit frustrated with this story, most especially with the heroine. At least Alex’s reasons for his lies were in the name of protecting his tenants, and later, Rose herself, while her lies were basically just self-serving, so I didn’t exactly find this endearing. I don’t want to say much more on the subject and risk spoilers, but I definitely wanted Rose’s erstwhile husband to face more consequences for his actions. Beyond that I think a big annoyance for me was Rose’s tendency to take to her bed for days on end after receiving disturbing news. I completely understand her upset, but as much as she had fought for her family business, her just lying down and being so defeated seemed rather out of character. I was equally frustrated by her hypocritical refusal to forgive Alex for lying to her about his title, when she had lied to him way more frequently and about way more important things, and she continued to do so after he had been honest. I just couldn’t get behind her on that one and that made it hard for me to root for her, especially after everything Alex did for her, even when she wasn’t treating him very well. I think the attraction between Rose and Alex was told more than shown so that made it a bit hard to root for them as a couple as well, especially when Rose was just being willfully obtuse. I actually found her to be incredibly snobby and that didn’t quite jive with her merchant class station. I also found it odd that Rose withheld her forgiveness from Alex for so long and then gave it so abruptly; it was just a bit jarring for me.
Other than these issues I had, there were aspects of this story that I loved, most especially the closeness and loyalty displayed among Alex’s extended family. I definitely appreciated the originality of this plot too. I don’t think I’ve ever read anything like it, and I look forward to seeing what Quincy pulls out next, hopefully for one of Alex’s extended family.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link:
https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo... -
Few have met reclusive half-Arab Alexander Worthington, Marquess of Brandon. He's disguised himself as footman "Alex Worth" in the home of a respected mapmaker who he intends to prove cheated him out of his land. Rose Fleming is a first-rate mapmaker...but no one knows SHE is the one behind the renowned creations. Alex's masquerade uncovers more than just secrets about his stolen property! He and Rose have to decide if their growing attraction can overcome so many revelations.
This is the third book in the Clandestine Affairs series. The hero is brother to book one's heroine, and cousin to book two's heroine. This story can stand alone, but his relative do make appearance.
This was an engrossing tale with some unexpected turns! Rose comes from a prominent map-making family and inherits the business from her uncle. Believing that maps commissioned by a woman would not be as successful, she is convinced to marry and hide behind her husband as the face of the company. Alex believes that her husband is responsible for the map with improperly drawn property lines that cuts his estate off from an important water source. He aims to prove it, by hiding in the household as a servant and searching it. Of course, things don't quite go as planned and he starts to discover some unusual things...including a magnetic interest towards the lady of the house.
The plot played out incredibly well but having one of the main characters already attached has its challenges. The chemistry was there, but the romance wasn't quite as strong as I would have liked. Without giving away spoilers, I was very happy that the author did not make the couple suffer apart through the whole story.
I love that Diana Quincy brings her culture into the historical romance bubble, and I hope she continues world-building. I would love to see cousin Rafi get his own book!
Tropes: Class Difference, Disguised, Revenge, Working Heroine (map maker)
Steam: 3.5
* I received an ARC and this is my honest review. #TheMarquessMakesHisMove #NetGalley -
Book 3 in the Clandestine Affairs series. Pub. March 29, 2022.
Our hero, the reclusive Alexander Worthington, Marchess of Brandon, is the half-Arab heir of society’s inappropriately nicknamed “Mad Marquess.” Alex is the brother of the heroine in book 1, and cousin of the heroine in book 2, a bonesetter. Our feisty heroine and merchant’s wife, Rose Fleming, is a cartographer (which is kept TOP SECRET), in her family’s mapmaking business that she inherits from her Uncle.
Alex is investigating a crime concerning his country estate’s property line, putting himself into the home of the Flemings disguised as their footman. He thinks Mr. Fleming, a renowned cartographer, along with Alex’s next-door neighbor are behind the fabricated ruse/theft.
Alex and Rose both feel a strong connection from the very start, and pine incessantly for one another. Under extreme anguish due to her husband, and to Rose’s dismay, Alex being an upstanding man won’t cross boundaries with a married woman. They soon discover a treacherous secret that leaves Rose to devise a scheme to come out on top, and to save her reputation.
Y’all this is steamy and tense, along with a lot of funny moments surrounding the hero that had me laughing out loud! And I loved the surprise at the end! I’m enjoying this new series more & more after every book, rating all three—5 stars each. This can be read as a standalone, but I promise this is a series you’ll definitely want to check out!
*Thanks to Avon and NetGalley for the arc! -
Ughhhhhh!!!!!! This was SO CLOSE to a perfect read for me... more thoughts to come at my book club review but man.. the amount of frustration that this brought me right at the end.
Grrrr. So annoying.
However. Great plot, great characters, very unique story. Good chemistry and fast paced.
4 stars
3 on the spice scale. -
4 stars
Solid all around, The highlight of The Marquess Makes His Move is its integration of Arab culture within a Regency setting, which is already infused to the series since Her Night with the Duke; the inclusion of a marginalized culture and its associated issues (discrimination, misconception, etc.) has really set Diana Quincy's series apart from others currently on the market.
Characters from previous entries do make substantial appearances (more than I expected), but as someone who have skipped Book 2, as long as you know the names of the couple and their general background (read the book's synopsis, at least), I didn't find the lack of knowledge of earlier books impacting my overall enjoyment.
For me, The Marquess Makes His Move land squarely in the awkward 'great but not remarkable' position — I had a good time overall, but other than the cultural diversity, I can't quite pinpoint any outstanding quality: I like both Rose and Brandon, but they are not the most memorable, I like the intrigues around map-making (and I'm someone who always want MORE plot in HR), but some turns of event are a little peculiar (Brandon disguising as a footman... I still don't understand why that was his strategy—other than it sounds like an enticing premise for a meet-cute), Diana Quincy's writing flows great, but the plot drags in parts.
The Marquess Makes His Move is a well-oiled machine, but it's almost too perfected and appealing to the masses, to the point it kind of flows through my system without leaving much impression. An easy, harmless recommendation (especially if you are already fan of the series), but just like how I still can't recall its mouthful title in first go, it's not going to be remembered as a fave.
***The Rake Appreciation Society Book Club | May 2022 Selection*** -
I loved this book so much that I couldn't put it down! The Marquess Makes His Move is the third book in the Clandestine Affairs series and my favorite of the three. I was so happy to finally get to find out more about the mysterious Marquess of Brandon.
You should read this book if you like the hidden identity trope. I personally love it! Alex, The Marquess of Brandon disguises himself as a footman and gets a job in the Fleming home. He believes that Roger Fleming is conspiring with his neighbor to cheat him out of a piece of his land. Soon he's more interested in Rose Fleming than anything else.
Thank you, Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. -
I recieved an ARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Alex Worthington, Marquess of Brandon, has been duped by London's most prestigious mapmaker, Roger Fleming, so he poses as a footman in the Fleming household to find out the truth. There he meets Mrs. Rose Fleming who has her fair share of secrets too.
I enjoyed this one, BUT there were lots of secrets that I thought should have been addressed much earlier in the story. The reveal kept getting delayed on both their parts, and it was a little frustrating. Alex and Rose had great chemistry together, but the story started to drag at the end because of how the secrets and the misunderstandings kept being prolonged. Their situation could have been solved a little earlier with a little talking.
Overall, this was good read albeit a little predictable. I still enjoyed it as I have other books by Diana Quincy. I'll be interested to see who she writes about next.
3.5 rounded up. -
Land disputes and female map maker who publishes under her husband’s name and secret identities woowoowoo
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I didn't like this quite as much as the other two books in the series, but I think that comes down to the central conceit not being a favorite. I do still love the diversity of Quincy us romances, though.
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average read!!
I don't know what it is about this series but I am utterly bored with it... -
I was interested in this book because of the secret identity trope. The hero pretends to be a footman in the heroine's household to find evidence that the heroine's husband drew an incorrect map of his (the hero's) country home, which caused him to lose his land to his neighbor. Something along those lines.
When the heroine discovers his true identity,
Overall, the book is just okay. -
I absolutely adored this novel! Since the first book in the series I have been so excited to get Alex's book and this did not disappoint. Diana Quincy starts this book of with intrigue and I was like how are we going to get an HEA out of this book! The plot is reminiscent of a well mapped out Lorraine Heath novel and I was along for the ride! Quincy's writing is extremely engaging, I was immediately draw into the story. The novel is very well paced and I was constantly interest in how things were going to work out for our couple. The characters are so beautifully realized and rooted in truths that make them so compelling and interesting. The situations that they find themselves in are charming, heart breaking and ultimately so rewarding. I would so highly recommend that you pick up this novel, it is fantastic. I also believe that even though this can be read as a standalone you will get so much more out of it if you read this series in order.
Alex-the marquess of Brandon, who is half Arab, keeps himself pretty separate from society, so many people are unaware of what he looks like. When he is being cheated out of some of him property after a famous mapmaker has created a map of his property and the boarding property that is inaccurate. Alex decides to go undercover in the mapmaker's household as a footman, hoping to unearth evidence. Alex was not expecting to be placed as the footman for the lady of the house, Rose Flemming, whose family started the mapmaking business as well as she harbors a secret about her involvement in the map making. These two find themselves drawn to the other but there are many obstacles and secrets that bar the way.
Alex starts out this novel with revenge on his mind, he wants his land back and he wants to prove to society that his heritage means nothing when it comes to the value of his title. Watching Alex open up and gain an understanding of the working class is truly wonderful. Alex becomes more open about what a caring employer he is as well as he begins to learn and better understand what he finds important when it comes to society and who he is at the heart of himself. Rose is a hardworking woman, she might seem complicit at time but as she learns the truth around her she stands on her own feet with a great strength and understanding of what her life might become. Alex and Rose spark a friendship that is built on trust and understanding and companionship. They both have Arab heritage which helps them to open up to each other and find a companion. They also learn that they work really well together. Of course, there are misunderstandings and secrets that arise, but watching how these two work through them is heartening that they are going to create a strong foundation for their love to continue to grow. This novel has a delightful level of steam that is on the medium side, but works perfectly within the confines of this novel. I think that Alex and Rose have a really lovely chemistry that is built through their friendship and in the end I was absolutely heart warmed by their romance that is finally allowed to fully bloom. Another wonderful strength of this novel is the gentle way that Diana weaves in Arab words and traditions. It is done with a lovely level of care that gives the reader a really wonderful experience and beginnings of an understanding of a different culture.
I found this novel to be absolutely endearing, I love the ups and downs that I had to traverse in order to get to the very rewarding outcome. This was a wonderful installment in this series, I have absolutely adored every novel and I think that this one is my absolute favorite. So, I very highly recommend reading this novel, I would also recommend reading in order, this novel has so wonderful appearance from past characters and knowing there stories and how they intertwine with this novel is very rewarding.
Thank you to Avon Books and NetGalley for an eARC, all thoughts and opinions are my own. -
3.5 stars, rounded up.
Alexander Worthington, the Marquess of Brandon is furious, part of his country estate, Highfield has been stolen from him by way of a fraudulent map. He needs proof that his neighbor, Charles Canning conspired with Roger Fleming, the mapmaker, and decides to take a position as a footman in Fleming’s home to find evidence. But what he found was Fleming’s wife Rose, who captivated him from the start which makes his plans for revenge on Fleming much harder, since he doesn’t want Rose to suffer. And as much as he desires Rose, nothing can come of it and he has a title to consider. A title that the ton believes was tarnished by his Arab mother, so Alex is also seeking revenge from the ton by courting the diamond of the season. If all goes as planned, Alex will recover his stolen land and marry the Duke of Kingsley’s daughter. But there are things Alex doesn’t know and secrets that will change everything…
Rose Fleming is London’s premier mapmaker, but no one knows it, everyone believes that her husband Roger is the creator of the wonderfully detailed maps, something that grates at her. Rose learned the art from her uncle and inherited the business from him when he passed. Roger was an engraver and surveyor working for them and someone her uncle wanted her to marry. So within weeks of his demise, Roger convinced Rose that no one would buy maps from a woman and formed a plan, they would marry and he would assume the title of the mapmaker. Knowing he was right about society’s views of women, she agreed and at first, all was well, but soon Roger stopped coming to her bed and made it clear that he didn’t want children, leaving Rose alone and hurt. But things began to look up when Alex joined their household, clearly he is not an experienced footman, but she likes him and they soon form a friendship, and though she feels something for him she has never felt before, she is a married woman and nothing can come of it. But when the first of many secrets are revealed, hope springs to life in her heart before the reality of the revelation sets in and more secrets come to light, making HEA seem like an unobtainable dream.
This book was much more than I was expecting, it is just as well-written and well-researched as the previous books, but there is a lot more going on and a lot more angst than the other books. The chemistry between Rose and Alex is undeniable and fairly sizzles on the page, the secrets are shocking and some a bit unsettling. I liked the idea of the story, but I was a bit disappointed when Rose had a complete personality change when she learned of Alex’s deception, it seemed hypocritical considering she had been keeping secrets too. But in the end, I liked how everything works out and that readers are treated to an epilogue that shows not only their HEA but those of the previous characters. This is the third book in the series, but it can be read as a standalone title with no problems.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.* -
The Marquess Makes His Move is the third book in the Clandestine Affairs series from Diana Quincy. Rose Fleming is caught in a difficult situation. She married her husband hurriedly during a difficult time. He is the face of their mapmaking business, but she is the one that creates the intricate and beautiful maps. Her husband has become emotionally distant, but demanding in regard to the business. Alexander Worthington, Marquess of Brandon, is a man set on revenge. Reclusive, but dedicated to his land, the half-Arab marquess is furious about a misdrawn map that cuts off a needed water source. To discover the culprit Alex gets hired as a footman in the Fleming household. Things become more interesting when he is assigned to serve Rose exclusively.
There were many things to love about The Marquess Makes His Move. Rose is a talented woman forced to hide behind a man instead of being recognized for her own worth. Alex is a very decent man, somewhat caught between two cultures, but proud of his Arab family. Diana Quincy created some creative situations in this story – a heroine that is married, a titled gentleman becoming a servant, a business that is not what it appears. There are many questions to be resolved: What will Rose and Alex do about their growing attraction since she is married? How will Rose react when she learns of Alex’s deception? Why was the incorrect map created? Can a marquess marry a tradeswoman without serious repercussions? I thoroughly enjoyed discovering the answers to these questions. And, once again, Quincy blends some lovely Arab culture into a steamy story. With a terrific combination of intrigue, diversity, and romance, The Marquess Makes His Move is a winner. -
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Alex, the Marquess of Brandon, is on a revenge mission. Rose, the foremost mapmaker that hides her identity, is caught in the crosshairs. The two develop an undeniable attraction, but there are many lies and secrets between the couple that they must overcome.
I am very conflicted regarding this book. My most significant issue is in the first third of the book, one of the main characters is attached to someone else. I found this uncomfortable and problematic. However, I felt the resolution to the issue, when it came, was very satisfying. I would have liked less subterfuge and resentment in the book's last third. I felt the couple’s issues were tedious at times, and they could have been resolved much sooner. The dialogue was stilted and seemed forced between the two main characters in certain scenes.
That being said, both Alex and Rose were intricately developed, intriguing characters. The plot had many moving parts that did keep my interest. The connection between Alex and Rose was undeniable. I enjoyed sections of this book immensely, hence the conflict.
The Marquess Makes His Move is the third book in the Clandestine Affairs series. I enjoyed aspects of this book. However, the issues I have addressed hindered me from loving the book. Ultimately this is a book many readers will enjoy; it wasn’t for me.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book through Netgalley and the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own. -
Normally the new breed of "woke" historical romance makes me cringe, (looking at you, Sarah McLean and Tessa Dare) but I really enjoyed this book. There was a lot of Downton Abbey fun in the early chapters, where the Marquess disguises himself as a footman and has to learn the business from the bottom up. I loved the heroine and her map making and the way the new footman attends to her every need. More, please! And best of all, there are two hateful villains in this story, but both of them are completely believable as human beings. And they are punished in ways that actually make sense and strengthen the reader's love for the hero and heroine!
I don't know where Diana Quincy came from, but the ailing romance industry needs a lot more authors like her! -
I enjoyed this one more than the 2nd book in the series. We do get to see the couples and characters from the first 2 books in this story, but I don’t think you’d be lost if you haven’t read their books. Of course having read the rest of the series, it was fun to see how they connected in this book.
Rose is London’s most renowned mapmaker, but no one knows it because her husband gets all the credit. Brandon is a half Arab marquess who ends up posing as the new footman in her household (for his own reasons)! I really liked this setup of his hidden identity/hidden agenda. Brandon and Rose form a connection/friendship while he’s essentially working for her and I liked seeing it. His identity does stay hidden until the 70% mark of the story. There are also some twists and things that happen in this book that had me surprised! I was so engrossed in the story and loving this for the first 75%-ish mark, but then some choices and what felt like changes to the characters kind of had me 🤷🏼♀️. That said I think the good definitely outweighed the parts I didn’t enjoy and I do find this author’s writing very easy to consume and get into, it’s a pretty straight-forward writing style. -
3.5 stars. It was a very fun unique read but the second half of the book I didn't agree with our heroine when she easily accepted our hero despite him lying to her for the entire relationship. However, plot-wise this is one of the more interesting ones for historical romances I've read.
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my favorite book of this series!!
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Loved that Rose was a cartographer.
Loved the depiction of Palestinian culture.
Loved Alex's family.
Loved how doting Alex was.
There are, of course, a multitude of tropes that are a bit over the top, but I didn't care. I think this was refreshing for the genre. -
I received an advance ebook copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for review.
The Marquess Makes His Move by Diana Quincy is the third book in the Clandestine Affairs series. This book follows Brandon and Rose.
A Marquess of half-Arab descent, Brandon has disguised himself as a footman in the home of a respected mapmaker, who he plans on taking revenge on because he cheated him out of land.
Rose is a talented mapmaker, but this must be kept a secret because society would frown upon it. She struggles to keep this secret from the new footman who shows lots of interest in her. And who she finds very attractive.
The two soon find themselves unable to resist each other. But when Brandon discovers the truth about Rose, things become complicated.
This book was really fun. I enjoyed seeing Rose and Brandon grow closer and closer together. -
I have been in need of a romance that I could get lost in and this did exactly that. I adore maps. I have a degree in Geography and have always found cartography fascinating, so I was thrilled to find that Rose, our heroine, is a map maker. Rose has been designing maps for her husband’s powerful patrons while he acts as the face of the business. Alex, our hero and a Marquess, learns that his neighbor used a commissioned map to steal a portion of Alex’s property so he enters Rose’s household masquerading as a footman to get to the bottom of things.
I loved both Rose and Alex. I’m usually not a big fan of secrets in romances, but this one worked because they both had secrets and the secrets were not kept from the reader, just each other until things had to be revealed. I enjoyed the wide range of secondary characters from Alex’s Arab family members to the downstairs servants. I think Diana handled the sticky situation of Rose’s marriage well and did not have any actual cheating involving our hero and heroine. I have read the first book in this series and own the second but have not read it. The couples from the first two books briefly appear in this one but their books do not have to be read to enjoy this one. I can’t wait to see what Diana writes next.
Thank you to Avon and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. -
Quincy never disappoints!
I thought I loved that previous two books in this series but The Marquess Makes His Move knocked it out of the park.
There's a revenge mission, a heroine in disguise, mapmaking, secrets, lies and undeniable attraction. What more could I want the Clandestine Affairs series? The heroine was a baddie. She's the brains behind her family's mapmaking business which makes it so unfortunate that she has to hide her true identity in order to be successful. This romance is also interesting since the heroine is already married at the beginning of the novel. That's certainly a first for me in a historical romance. Usually the previous spouse is deceased before anything romantic happens with the love interest. It certainly intrigued me.
The misunderstandings were prolonged but they made sense. Besides that, the ending is very satisfying.
