The Devil Is a Marquess (Rescued from Ruin) Paperback – April 29, 2016

An American heiress who is a perfect combination of English and Colonial, in the best ways -- who doesn't want a match to secure her future, teams up with a debauched rogue who is destroying himself with alcohol because his estate is in ruin-- thanks to his father-- and has no future.Gangly, clumsy and an unfashionable red head with freckles, Miss Charlotte Lancaster is a social outcast and has been since her debut five years prior. She seems the butt of every whispered joke when she enters a room and has an unfortunate nickname following her everywhere. No matter how large her dowry no nobleman wants her for a wife because she's willful, blunt and trips over her own feet -- often. When her father coerces her into marriage with a business deal she can't refuse, her lonely heart comes face to face with its match in an extremely thin, about to keel over Marquess of Rutherford who needs the coin from this arrangement to survive.The similarities between them are not immediately apparent but due to thoughtful character development and witty exchanges you learn they are both terribly lonely, they are very smart and clever, and they were both raised by idiots. What struck me was how genuine Charlotte is, in her thoughts and deeds, and her genuine compassion for a husband she was saddled with but wants to be partners with for their year-long marriage arrangement. Her smile and go-to attitude is infectious and even her husband can't resist her adorable freckles and lustrous red hair.The Marquess, Benedict Chatham, is surprisingly kind. Though he did sordid things for whiskey and money, you realize he did it to survive. Just like Charlotte, he's bound by societal rules in that he cannot enter trade, he cannot marry well with his reputation, and he is just waiting, unhappily resigned to his fate. Sure he can be an arrogant punk, but he listens to reason and there is some semblance of honor and pride that is innate in his character that will not permit his wife to starve with him, wants to protect her, and wants to catch her every time she trips.These characters are mature and they drive the story, which is what I loved best about it. There are some steamy scenes between them for those who are squeamish about that, but it's tasteful. Unlike with his former paramours and trysts you have the distinct feeling that the way he loves her is sincere and personal -- something entirely foreign to him. They're married so that's part of the deal, but it's never forced and it flows rather well because its through their mental, physical and verbal connection that she retrieves the devil from the depths of Hell, brushes off the ashes, and finds her prince.The Marquess in the end was a bit moronic in how he finally had his epiphany before his HEA, but when you think about how far he's come, and from where he started, you realize he is a better man for it. Charlotte also takes the long way around not realizing until the end that she already had him at "Let's wallow in this pile of horse s*** together, shall we?"[I had forgotten that the Marquess was involved in the unfortunate wager concerning Lady Jane in book 2, I may have liked him less if I had, but I believe these books can be read independently, and out of order]

This is the story of Ben and Charlotte and how they ended up together.. I have to say this is my favorite book in the series. I always suspected there was more to Ben than being a drunk… his story was sad and beautiful at the same time, with charlottes being a bit the same…. All they needed was each other to bring the peace they were looking for. It was a wonderful story that made me both cry and laugh…. Worthy tale for Ben.

I could not put this fourth book in the series down. It was moving, funny, sad,and gripping.The character of Chatham is her best thus far. His journey from cynicism and dissipation to sincerity and love is believable and very touching.

Charlotte Lancaster is overly tall, red-haired, freckled, clumsy, and much too interested in business matters. After 5 unsuccessful seasons, she is sure that her American father will give up his dream of marrying her into the English peerage and let her move to America to start her own business. Then she finds that he has betrothed her to Benedict Chatham, the new Marquess of Rutherford. Chatham has made his living as a gambler and a gigolo to wealthy women. Inheriting his late father's debts he has sold everything unentailed and is left penniless. A bargain is struck that the two will stay wed for a year and a large sum of money will be paid out if they meet the stipulations in the contract. Charlotte Lancaster is one of my favorite heroines EVER. She doesn't just sit back and wail "oh, woe is me." She is an energetic, take charge person with a brain for bargaining and business. The development of the relationship between the two is wonderful and sparks fly as two strong personalities clash and then discover that they make a great team. The plot is great, the writing is fast-paced and clever, the dialogue is first-rate, and the humor is what really makes the book a standout. The secondary characters are also well developed. (Viola's embroidered handkerchief had me dying of laughter!) I loved this book and it will go on my reread list. I have also ordered the next book.Language (f-bombs) and sexual situations (graphic) may offend some readers

I just can't deal with the force of the compelling, amazing, heartsoaring awesomeness that is this book. Just YES.What we're dealing with here, folks, is historical romance *PERFECTION*Benedict and Charlotte: A marriage of convenience reformed rake masterpiece with...More.More humour, more heart, more heat, more grit, more passion, more authenticity, more redemption, more LOVE.Addiction, pain, an unquiet mind.Dedication, boldness, tenderness...purpose.Our H's path from apathy to meaning is glorious....our h's optimistic and determined spirit is an inspiration...together this story is soul enriching and completely un-put-downable.What is IT about Elisa Braden's writing?My HR book group friend said it best when she described it like "coming home"...I totally agree. Everything just fits and just feels right.Onwards I go through the gem that is the Rescued From Ruin Series...Loving every minute.

This book is a masterclass in character and H/h relationship development. The hero, Benedict Chatham was a recurring character in previous books and is a rake and wastrel of the first order. Although there were glimpses of hope and vulnerability in him in previous books, I still had doubts of how he would be redeemed in this book. Well, I need not have worried myself after this because Ms. Braden has surely redeemed him and more- she made us fall for him! He married the heroine, Charlotte, basically for money. He was a broken man, both by circumstances of his birth and by his own doing. I said a masterclass of character development because Benedict transformed into a much better man throughout the entire book deserving of a HEA. He had earned it with Charlotte so very well. I need not stress here how I love and enjoy reading about Charlotte. She is a prime example of a strong, no nonsense heroine, although it broke my heart how she thought of herself as undeserving of love and she fought loneliness since childhood.It is a masterclass in the relationship development as well as Ben and Charlotte's relationship grew organically, from initial dislike, to friendship, to lust then to love. I love how they have grown to respect and liked each other first before falling into love. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. This one will go in my keeper shelf.

Ein Marquess der völlig pleite ist, Alkoholiker und seine Liebesdienste für Geld verkauft und eine (für ihre Zeit) übergroße, amerikanische Händlerstochter die von ihrem Vater an eben diesen Marquess Titel verkauft wird.Nun ist die Ehe für in Jahr auszuhalten, damit der Ehemann seine Schulden los wird und sie ihre Freiheit in Amerika ausleben kann. Da dies mal eine lange Geschichte ist, erhält man eine genauere Beschreibung, wie die beiden sich von völlig fremden Personen in einander verlieben und sich ihre eigentlichen Ziele völlig verändern. Es ist einfach glaubwürdig wie die beiden von Ablehnung zu Freunden und dann zu Liebenden werden. Dabei ist es ausgewogen aus beiden Perspektiven gezeichnet und einfach nachvollziehbar.Es beginnt eher trostlos, wird dann amüsant und man kann nicht mehr aufhören zu erfahren, wie es sich weiterentwickelt.Die Dialoge der beiden sind von Beginn an wirklich schön, er der völlig gleichgültige, sie, die Aufrichtige, nicht zurückhaltende und dabei dennoch herzliche, die aus allem versucht das Beste zu machen und ihn dabei unwissentlich zum umdenken, bzw. überhaupt zum nachdenken bringt.Ich hatte schon ein Buch der Autorin gelesen, dass mir weniger gefiel, deshalb war ich hier sehr überrascht, wie gut die Autorin schreiben kann und vor allem ein Geschichte entwickelt.

There's a certain predictable theme in terms of plot underlining most good historicàl romance novels. What makes the great ones stand out is character development, convincing chemistry, good interweaving of historical detail and of course, wit! Elisa Braden develops characters who are interesting rather than stereotyped. She makes great use of the English language, providing the reader with an experience that is both entertaining and intellectually stimulating. She makes you care about her characters. As an added bonus, Elisa Braden knows how to write a great love scene. A very enjoyable read!

I personally struggle with what I find unnecessary angst that is caused by silly misunderstandings. Particularly when everyone acts totally out of character in order to fuel these misunderstandings. That summarises the last 1/3 of the book. I can understand and expect Benedict being so emotionally inept but not Charlotte. She might not be experienced but she was logical. But when it came to analysing the behaviour of her husband, even the obvious wasn't visible. But the worst was the lawyer. No lawyer would behave like that. No. Lawyer. He might spill secrets sure but openly like that to the daughter of a client? Silly really. Particularly as the plot didnt need his involvement to cause the intrigue. I was going to try Viola's story but it is clear that the next book will be even more full of needless misery before a swift happy ending. I understand that is a style, just not my cup of tea.