HOW TO MANAGE A MARQUESS: Mistress of the House

How to Manage a Marquess

Book 2 in the Spinster House series
Author Sally MacKenzie
Narrated by Beverley A. Crick
Publication date Apr 26, 2016
Running time 10 hrs

provided by publisher for review. No remuneration was exchanged and all opinions presented herein are my own except as noted.

 

 

 

 

Two possible futures loom before Miss Anne Davenport. The first option: sharing an unhappy home with her father and soon-to-be stepmother. The second: a life of independence at the Spinster House, if only her friend Cat would vacate the premises and marry the Duke of Hart. A well-placed whisper about the pair’s secret tryst might speed the course of true love. But the duke’s stubborn cousin poses an obstacle—a ridiculously handsome, very persuasive obstacle . . .

Nate, Marquess of Haywood, has spent his life looking out for the duke, hoping to stave off a family curse. The only way to keep his cousin alive is to keep him single. That means convincing the intriguing Miss Davenport that her lovely lips could be put to far better use than gossiping. Kissing, for instance. In fact, Nate is beginning to hope that Miss Davenport’s destiny lies not in the Spinster House at all, but with him.

Contains mature themes. https://tantor.com/how-to-manage-a-marquess-ally-mackenzie.html

 

 

The Spinster House series offers a  situation-romantic-comedy in Regency clothing, and with the specter of tragedy floating around the castle. 

I found the language a little modern; especially the use of the word, “Hey” as a way of calling to someone or as an exclamation.  But, according to the first online site that came up when I googled it; it has its origins in Middle English.  It’s all in the spirit of silly romantic fun.  It reminds me of a cozy mystery but without a murder.

But, of course there is the specter of tragedy in the past and potentially in the future.  The potential tragedy causes the obstructions between Anne and Nate.  The revelation of older tragedies also help them learn about each other and, one, in particular, helps Anne to accept her present family situation.  The tragedies of the past facilitate, because they grow with them and those potential in the future prevent their union.  And, you know what they say about worry about future events over which one has no control.

Beverly Crick is not my favorite narrator, her voice is lovely, but her modulation has a sing-song rhythm I dislike.  I also dislike the way she voices sex scenes. But her accent is plummy and authentic.

There was great continuity coming off the first book, as equally silly and fun, including the preternatural cat, Poppy.  Seriously, how could I resist!

TANTOR: https://tantor.com/how-to-manage-a-marquess-ally-mackenzie.html

AUDIBLE: http://www.audible.com/pd/Romance/How-to-Manage-a-Marquess-Audiobook/B01E04ZL6E?source_code=TANP0005WS071408

AUTHOR: http://www.sallymackenzie.net/