A review by binaldoshi252
The Devil Is a Marquess by Elisa Braden

5.0

Characters : 5 stars
Chemistry/Suitability : 5 stars
Romance : 5 stars
Plot other than romance : Virtually none.

Recommendation for the Rescued from Ruin series in general- If you like steamy romances in the regency era with well-fleshed out characters, sharp commentary from a character that's a mix between Dowager of Downton Abbey and Lady Olenna Tyrell from GoT, and a couple of diabolical villains thrown in, pick this series and you won't regret.

My absolute favourite of the entire series. Who knew rake#1 and consummate scoundrel Marquess Rutherford would have the most romantic story? Again, like Atherbourne, I was shocked that I loved Chatham. Bad boys are not my type lol. It also has one of my favourite tropes - house refurbishment, and the entire household getting involved is just icing on the cake.

This book differs from all others in many ways -
Spoilerneither party wants to be married, they have no interaction prior to their marriage and the consummation happens a full two months later. By which time, they have built a genuine friendship/companionship. Charlotte goes to sleep holding his hand... Chatham takes one look at Viola and wonders what the fuss is all about... oh my heart...
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Even individually, Charlotte and Chatham are my favourite characters of the series. She is just the right kind of sweet, clumsy, enterprising and stubborn. And Chatham's change feels very organic and even his romantic side feels very much in character. Don't want to spoil too much about his backstory here.

I guess some of my expectations that were unfulfilled in Cads and Dukes were met by this one. The romance is all the more passionate for being slow-building. During their first time, Charlotte is hilarious and Chatham rightfully frustrated.

Also, the entire plot is the contract marriage. There's no action (of any other variety). The ending plays out like a dream.