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angelsbookstaloves's review
4.0
Thank you so much Read Forever Pub for sending me a free copy in exchange for an honest review!
Imagine this: you are sitting at the beach, on vacation, drinking lemonade out of a coconut shaped cup- when suddenly this big, buff, shirtless man (that kind of looks like a viking) comes out of the ocean to greet you. He struts over and bows to you, saying "M'lady", handing you a paperback of A Good Duke is Hard to Find. While you read it, he proceeds to fan you with a giant leaf, bringing you various snacks of your choice. THAT is how I felt while reading this.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I think Christina Britton did an amazing time with representing the characters grief and trauma. They went through so much and it really shows well. They were very believable characters and I fell in love with them very quickly. The friendships between Peter & Quincy as well as Lenora & Margery were soooooo good. I love books with great side characters, and this was one of them!
--> Recommended if you like:
• Regency Romance
• Steam
• Great side characters
• Small "town"
• Dealing with grief
• Strong female lead
《Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐》
Imagine this: you are sitting at the beach, on vacation, drinking lemonade out of a coconut shaped cup- when suddenly this big, buff, shirtless man (that kind of looks like a viking) comes out of the ocean to greet you. He struts over and bows to you, saying "M'lady", handing you a paperback of A Good Duke is Hard to Find. While you read it, he proceeds to fan you with a giant leaf, bringing you various snacks of your choice. THAT is how I felt while reading this.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I think Christina Britton did an amazing time with representing the characters grief and trauma. They went through so much and it really shows well. They were very believable characters and I fell in love with them very quickly. The friendships between Peter & Quincy as well as Lenora & Margery were soooooo good. I love books with great side characters, and this was one of them!
--> Recommended if you like:
• Regency Romance
• Steam
• Great side characters
• Small "town"
• Dealing with grief
• Strong female lead
《Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐》
hijinx_abound's review
2.0
**I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.**
This historical sounded so good. I must admit that I loved all the side characters much more than the mains. Lenora has had a real run of bad luck when it comes to men, Her father is terrible and having three broken engagements would put a dent in anyone's pride.
Peter was an issue for me. I love a good grumpy hero but Peter fell over grumpy into irritating and petulant. I was not a fan.
The story was okay and I can see that many people will love this book but it was not quite what I was hoping for.
This historical sounded so good. I must admit that I loved all the side characters much more than the mains. Lenora has had a real run of bad luck when it comes to men, Her father is terrible and having three broken engagements would put a dent in anyone's pride.
Peter was an issue for me. I love a good grumpy hero but Peter fell over grumpy into irritating and petulant. I was not a fan.
The story was okay and I can see that many people will love this book but it was not quite what I was hoping for.
allisonwonderlandreads's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
In A Good Duke is Hard to Find, Mr. Peter Ashford and Miss Lenora Hartley experience an instant attraction and infatuation when they literally run into each other on the Isle of Synne. Each brings their fair share of baggage to the island-- revenge and honor for one and guilt and escape for the other. Peter is the heir to a dukedom, but the current duke denied his mother help when she was dying. His long-term revenge scheme is at odds with his duty to Lady Tesh, who offered his mother care and solace in her last days. Peter feels he owes her, and even worse, he owes his dead mother. He promised her to stay at least a month with Lady Tesh after her passing but ran off instead. The fierce, canny Lady Tesh now offers him a chance to stay and fulfill his promise, however overdue. Lenora is staying in the same household with her godmother as a refuge from London society. She ran from the scandal of her third failed engagement -- the first ended in death and the next two in jiltings. Her father is still determined to use her for a political match, but she's been granted a summer reprieve so that she can avoid stirring up yet more gossip. Lenora hopes that by returning to the Isle where she spent much of her childhood, she can finally come to terms with the death of her first fiancee.
As the two get to know each other, Lenora's warm compassion breaks through Peter's cold, prideful exterior to lure out some sweet uncertainty and vulnerability. Peter's rough around the edges, but don't expect a debonair alpha male type. His pride masks emotional awkwardness, and he is hesitant and blushing when it comes to his feelings for Lenora. I was surprisingly ok with the fast speed at which love develops because it's earnest and lacking artifice. Well-timed vulnerability and empathy cement their bond, and the whole thing is very heart-warming. Two of my favorite scenes were secret, nighttime dance lessons by lantern light and a search for Lenora when she goes missing in the rain (it gives big Jane Austen vibes, so I approve). It was the back half I found less charming, replete with pining, stubbornness, and a lack of communication.
Beyond the romance, the story has a lot to recommend it. The Isle has glorious seaside vibes, and the party visits its most treasured locales to follow the path of a folk star-crossed love story between a Viking and a Saxon. Each step of the tour and the story draws Peter in further and mirrors the central romance. I also enjoyed the meddling Lady Tesh for her unconditional support of the floundering young people under her roof, using both subtle nudges and gargantuan pushes to put them on a path she hopes will bring them happiness. I also appreciate that the story is about grief and allowing yourself to experience it as well as letting go of revenge to be driven by hope instead. This is my second visit to the Isle of Synne and certainly not my last.
As the two get to know each other, Lenora's warm compassion breaks through Peter's cold, prideful exterior to lure out some sweet uncertainty and vulnerability. Peter's rough around the edges, but don't expect a debonair alpha male type. His pride masks emotional awkwardness, and he is hesitant and blushing when it comes to his feelings for Lenora. I was surprisingly ok with the fast speed at which love develops because it's earnest and lacking artifice. Well-timed vulnerability and empathy cement their bond, and the whole thing is very heart-warming. Two of my favorite scenes were secret, nighttime dance lessons by lantern light and a search for Lenora when she goes missing in the rain (it gives big Jane Austen vibes, so I approve). It was the back half I found less charming, replete with pining, stubbornness, and a lack of communication.
Beyond the romance, the story has a lot to recommend it. The Isle has glorious seaside vibes, and the party visits its most treasured locales to follow the path of a folk star-crossed love story between a Viking and a Saxon. Each step of the tour and the story draws Peter in further and mirrors the central romance. I also enjoyed the meddling Lady Tesh for her unconditional support of the floundering young people under her roof, using both subtle nudges and gargantuan pushes to put them on a path she hopes will bring them happiness. I also appreciate that the story is about grief and allowing yourself to experience it as well as letting go of revenge to be driven by hope instead. This is my second visit to the Isle of Synne and certainly not my last.
saltycaroline's review against another edition
4.0
Peter's a fun lil American twist on the classic "THE LINE ENDS WITH ME" histrom hero, and I love that for me
CW: Death, terminal illness, grief, toxic relationships, sexual content
I work for the publisher; opinions my own
CW: Death, terminal illness, grief, toxic relationships, sexual content
I work for the publisher; opinions my own
isaborjam's review
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
scottishpixie26's review against another edition
4.0
A great story. It was slightly predictable but good. I laughed, cried and wanted to tell the characters to stop being stupid.
aliciasplendeur's review
5.0
What a great opening to this book. It immediately sucked me in. And if slow-burn is something you enjoy this is definitely it. Oh and the hero is a Grump!
Miss Lenora Hartley finds herself left at the altar. Her fiance isn't coming, he was duelling for another woman. This is her third failed attempt at getting married And her father tells her he'll give her the summer to get over the loss before trying to find another husband for her. But if she doesn't make it down the aisle he'll cut her off and abandon her. She heads to the Island of Synne, where she be far from the gossip. But it also holds a lot of memories from the past, specifically of her first fiance, who died.
Peter Ashford is next in line to inherit a dukedom he doesn't want. He plans to destroy it all after he was turned away as a child when he came looking for help for his dying mother. His Grand-Aunt reminds him that he made his Mother a promise on her death bed. Will also be staying with the lady to fulfil the request his dying mother made, years ago? One look at Lenora and he's instantly drawn to her.
ARC provided by Forever via NetGalley
Miss Lenora Hartley finds herself left at the altar. Her fiance isn't coming, he was duelling for another woman. This is her third failed attempt at getting married And her father tells her he'll give her the summer to get over the loss before trying to find another husband for her. But if she doesn't make it down the aisle he'll cut her off and abandon her. She heads to the Island of Synne, where she be far from the gossip. But it also holds a lot of memories from the past, specifically of her first fiance, who died.
Peter Ashford is next in line to inherit a dukedom he doesn't want. He plans to destroy it all after he was turned away as a child when he came looking for help for his dying mother. His Grand-Aunt reminds him that he made his Mother a promise on her death bed. Will also be staying with the lady to fulfil the request his dying mother made, years ago? One look at Lenora and he's instantly drawn to her.
ARC provided by Forever via NetGalley
aboutthatstory's review
4.0
A Good Duke is Hard to Find was a wonderful story! This was entertaining and sweet with a delicious slow burn happening. I had such a great time reading it and getting to know Lenora and Peter. I loved the push and pull they had going on and I was excited for them to get to their HEA.
I instantly liked Lenora and felt for her. I had so many questions about her past and was excited to learn all the details. I liked Peter a lot, he was so gruff and sexy but could be frustratingly stubborn. I loved his vulnerable moments and adored when he showed his true self. I liked them battling their feelings and the growing attraction between them. Individually they had a lot to work through and I enjoyed the build of them getting there as their relationship evolved and how they help each other heal and move on from the past.
This was my first time reading this author and it won't be my last. There was a nice cast of characters and I thought this was a good introduction to the series. I liked the storyline and was excited where it all could go. I thought it was a bit fast-paced in the beginning but then it evened out. I enjoyed the dual POVs and thought the descriptions were good and enjoyed the build. I thought Lenora and Peter had great chemistry and I enjoyed the underlying heat and the slow burn that was happening. There were a lot of entertaining moments and great character interactions.
It's one of those stories that I got wrapped up in because it was light and fun with great scenes, likable characters, and easy drama. It was a feel-good read for sure!
Complimentary copy received for honest review.
I instantly liked Lenora and felt for her. I had so many questions about her past and was excited to learn all the details. I liked Peter a lot, he was so gruff and sexy but could be frustratingly stubborn. I loved his vulnerable moments and adored when he showed his true self. I liked them battling their feelings and the growing attraction between them. Individually they had a lot to work through and I enjoyed the build of them getting there as their relationship evolved and how they help each other heal and move on from the past.
This was my first time reading this author and it won't be my last. There was a nice cast of characters and I thought this was a good introduction to the series. I liked the storyline and was excited where it all could go. I thought it was a bit fast-paced in the beginning but then it evened out. I enjoyed the dual POVs and thought the descriptions were good and enjoyed the build. I thought Lenora and Peter had great chemistry and I enjoyed the underlying heat and the slow burn that was happening. There were a lot of entertaining moments and great character interactions.
It's one of those stories that I got wrapped up in because it was light and fun with great scenes, likable characters, and easy drama. It was a feel-good read for sure!
Complimentary copy received for honest review.
romantically_swept_away's review
5.0
*all of my reviews have possible spoilers*
**NOTE: This review is written using my old process. Which is just me chatting about the book. All new reviews starting in 2022 will be written with my easy to read, easy to understand, review layout!
This book has one of the grumpiest grumpy heroes I've ever read. Peter is in one moody mood after another. (Yes, those words are the perfect way to describe this man. Do not question my grammar.
**NOTE: This review is written using my old process. Which is just me chatting about the book. All new reviews starting in 2022 will be written with my easy to read, easy to understand, review layout!
This book has one of the grumpiest grumpy heroes I've ever read. Peter is in one moody mood after another. (Yes, those words are the perfect way to describe this man. Do not question my grammar.