YOU CAN'T ALWAYS GET THE MARQUESS YOU WANT is Book 2 in the "Masters of Seduction" series by Alexandra Hawkins. The first book in this series -- A DUKE BUT NO GENTLEMAN - can be taken as a prologue to everything that takes place in YOU CAN'T ALWAYS GET THE THE MARQUESS YOU WANT, so readers might want to check out that previous story before jumping into this book. YOU CAN'T ALWAYS GET THE MARQUESS YOU WANT is about star-crossed lovers, dark family secrets, and personal vendettas. The love story that develops between Mathias Rooke, Marquess of Fairlamb, known to his friends as "Chance", and Lady Tempest Elizabeth Brant is enchanting and had me immediately hooked.

Due to some wickedness by the evil Marquess of Norgrave some twenty-four years ago, the Brant and the Rooke families have been sworn enemies ever since. The feelings of hatred have trickled down and infected the younger generation, even though they are not quite aware of what started the division. It's in this environment that Chance and Tempest stumble upon one another, without being immediately aware that they are facing an enemy. The chemistry between Chance and Tempest is off the charts and their flirtation is fun and incredibly exciting. I'm happy that, once he learns who she is, Chance doesn't pursue Tempest out of any desire for revenge but instead is held captive by Tempest's acerbic wit and charm. Against their better judgment, these two lovers are drawn to each other and their passion is very palpable.

I love Chance and Tempest. However, the supporting characters are also very instrumental in YOU CAN'T ALWAYS GET THE MARQUESS YOU WANT. These secondary characters lighten the mood at times, help Chance and Tempest in realizing the depth of their feelings, and lend to the Shakespearean atmosphere. The Marquess of Norgrave is a rotten-to-the-core villain who readers will love to hate. Tempest and her siblings are easy to empathize with because of their ignorance of just how awful their father is, and the level of deception he is willing to play at. I am curious to read more about Chance's siblings as well as Tempest's. Also, YOU CAN'T ALWAYS GET THE MARQUESS YOU WANT is chock full of extremely hot guys that I would love to get to know a little better and see them get a book of their own.

YOU CAN'T ALWAYS GET THE MARQUESS YOU WANT is full of torrid trysts, sparkling conversation, and Machiavellian machinations. The wonder and eroticism of a forbidden yet unexpected new love is set as a contrast to bitter and long-standing hatreds. This is a story about the benefit of telling the truth versus the detriment of remaining silent. I look to future stories about Marcroft, Thorn, St. Lyon, Rainbault, and Arabella.