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amberreadsalot's review
4.0
This is an enjoyable if a bit convoluted read. I did read the previous book in the series and I definitely think having that background helped while reading this book. This book begins with one of the main events of the previous book - the sister of Dare, the Duke of Dareford, and the brother of Laurel, Dare's housekeeper are kidnapped. Dare sets off to London to find them, bringing Laurel with him as he understands her to have some contacts that might prove helpful.
Laurel of course has her own reasons for accompanying Dare to London, none of which relate to finding her brother whom Laurel is convinced is in Scotland, not London. Shenanigans ensue, during the course of which Laurel and Dare recognize an attraction and then love.
I liked this book, but there is a lot going on. We have the kidnapping, missing parents, a hidden (the book never describes how Laurel kept them hidden) ward, a secret past alter ego, a king of the underground, a masquerading earl....like I said, a lot. Ms. Edgewood does do a decent job of tying all of these threads together, even if it is somewhat obvious to the reader how things will play out fairly early on. I like the unconventional Blakeley family and would love to see Cassie get her own book someday.
The epilogue, however, contains a rather jarring continuity issue. Dare's sister shows up for Dare and Laurel's wedding having just had a baby. Having read the prior book, I know the sister was not pregnant until after she was kidnapped. Yet neither book implies or states that the search lasted more than a few weeks, maybe two months at most. The timeline is completely off, and it left me with a less favorable impression of this book than I would have otherwise had. I will still look for the next book in the series, however.
4 stars. Would have been 5 but for the completely messed up timeline.
Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for an ARC of this book. The opinions herein are my own.
Laurel of course has her own reasons for accompanying Dare to London, none of which relate to finding her brother whom Laurel is convinced is in Scotland, not London. Shenanigans ensue, during the course of which Laurel and Dare recognize an attraction and then love.
I liked this book, but there is a lot going on. We have the kidnapping, missing parents, a hidden (the book never describes how Laurel kept them hidden) ward, a secret past alter ego, a king of the underground, a masquerading earl....like I said, a lot. Ms. Edgewood does do a decent job of tying all of these threads together, even if it is somewhat obvious to the reader how things will play out fairly early on. I like the unconventional Blakeley family and would love to see Cassie get her own book someday.
The epilogue, however, contains a rather jarring continuity issue. Dare's sister shows up for Dare and Laurel's wedding having just had a baby. Having read the prior book, I know the sister was not pregnant until after she was kidnapped. Yet neither book implies or states that the search lasted more than a few weeks, maybe two months at most. The timeline is completely off, and it left me with a less favorable impression of this book than I would have otherwise had. I will still look for the next book in the series, however.
4 stars. Would have been 5 but for the completely messed up timeline.
Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for an ARC of this book. The opinions herein are my own.
bookishmya's review
5.0
I absolutely love a good class divide romance. With his sister missing, alongside her
Brother, the Duke of Dareford enlists the help of his housekeeper Laurel to go in search of clues. Heading to London, the search gains the assistance of 8 yr old Cassie, a mischievous little imp. This search takes on many weird encounters as we learn just how capable this unique 8 year old is. But the more clues stack up the more they seem to create more questions. Meanwhile, the affection between Dare & Laurel continues to heat up.
There is so much to love in this story. Adventure, mystery, intrigue, romance and family. The ever-changing mystery had me glued to the pages, I could not help but speculate and hold my breath for conclusions. The characters in this book almost steal the scene from the romance. Young Cassie, precocious and intelligent beyond her years is an absolute treasure. And I adored the late addition of Lady Fulford to the story. This older widow is exactly what you expect from a fierce matron of the ton. True to herself and all others be damned, he answers to know one and commands a scene in a riotous way. Fenna Edgewood has a true style in creating characters both main and side, that carve a place in your heart.
Brother, the Duke of Dareford enlists the help of his housekeeper Laurel to go in search of clues. Heading to London, the search gains the assistance of 8 yr old Cassie, a mischievous little imp. This search takes on many weird encounters as we learn just how capable this unique 8 year old is. But the more clues stack up the more they seem to create more questions. Meanwhile, the affection between Dare & Laurel continues to heat up.
There is so much to love in this story. Adventure, mystery, intrigue, romance and family. The ever-changing mystery had me glued to the pages, I could not help but speculate and hold my breath for conclusions. The characters in this book almost steal the scene from the romance. Young Cassie, precocious and intelligent beyond her years is an absolute treasure. And I adored the late addition of Lady Fulford to the story. This older widow is exactly what you expect from a fierce matron of the ton. True to herself and all others be damned, he answers to know one and commands a scene in a riotous way. Fenna Edgewood has a true style in creating characters both main and side, that carve a place in your heart.
mssarahbni's review
5.0
This was a fantastic historical romance. It was a really well written story and the storyline was so interesting. I loved the many twists of the story. Dare and Laurel had great chemistry and I loved how she matched him step for step. Simply wonderful story and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
emma_caputi's review
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
A nice easy-read book. My only problem is Cass, she’s a nice and funny character but she doesn’t make sense. Grown up in the country with a few escapes to London and she knows the whole underbelly of the city? She’s too knowledgeable about life and also finding the sources she needs on the spot, and why one a day? Also how was Lady Whatshername following the leads? that also makes no sense
smuttymcbookface's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
This was a fun read, where you really grew to love all the characters involved. Watching the aristocratic duke make a fool of himself for Laurel was very enjoyable, and it was easy to see how he was falling for the woman capable of putting him in his place when required.
My biggest gripes were all to do with Cass:
My biggest gripes were all to do with Cass:
- Cass's "one answer a day" didn't make sense in the context of trying to find a kidnapped sister. If anything, it cheapened the budding romance
- Cass did not come across as an 8 year old at all
- It feels so strange that Cass is basically pushed out by the end? This is supposedly a child Laurel has mothered, even if only in spirit. I can understand acquiescing, but it felt too readily done. This is only punctuated by Cass not showing at all in book 3 when Marigold is in London for the entire book.
glo68's review
5.0
Ah, these series, so perfect, so swoon-worthy! Gorgeous, impeccably drawn characters that come alive on the page, intriguing plots, steamy scenes… Everything I need in a romance! And Dare and Laurel’s story is so good! Two very different people brought together by circumstance who fall desperately in love: that’s my ideal read. And the side characters are amazing as well, especially Cassie, but even the villainous Bryce (an attractive silver fox that I’d like to personally redeem! Insert evil grin here). And of course now I simply NEED to see the last (is it really the last?) Blakeley coupled with yet another Spencer, but also to learn more about a mystery left unsolved at the end of the book… (not a cliffhanger for the couple, of course, but intriguing as well!)
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
melireadsromance's review
4.0
This romance was a bit slow to start, but once it did get started, I was hooked. It was nice to revisit the characters from this series as well.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
jlee76's review
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
5.0
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Kiss Me, My Duke is the second book in The Blakeley Manor series by Fenna Edgewood. There is also a prequel in this series. The Blakeley Manor series has been excellent, and Kiss Me, My Duke exceeded all my expectations! Dare and Laurel’s unique romantic journey captured my heart! Captivating and unpredictable, this story kept me guessing and turning the page.
Dare is desperate to find his kidnapped sister. Laurel, Dare’s housekeeper is just as invested as her brother was kidnapped. Dare, being a duke, is frustrated that he can’t find any leads. Upsetting him further is Laurel finding connections with possible information where Dare couldn’t. The two are thrown together to find their kidnapped siblings. They never expect to find passion and love.
Dare was a fun character. He is stuffy and entitled, as most dukes are, but he also has a kind, sensitive side, as shown in his interactions with young Cassie. Dare has a big heart and a subtly charming nobility. Laurel is so much more than she seems. Beautiful, intelligent, and talented, Laurel lit up the page whenever she was in a scene. Dare and Laurel fight their attraction, but it is inevitable that the two fall hard for each other. I love the hidden depths both Dare and Laurel have. The fiery connection between Dare and Laurel is built throughout the novel and culminates into an explosive passion.
The plot was entertaining; it had a lot of surprising twists and turns. The character development felt intimate and personal. The story had a good, medium pace, and the writing style caught my attention and didn’t let go. The secondary characters and storylines added an extra dimension to the story. Kiss Me, My Duke was an extraordinary addition to this magnificent series. I love the Blakeley siblings and their unconventional thinking. Each of these romances pulled at my heartstrings, and I finished the books wanting more! These are characters I’d like to meet! They are kind, giving, open-minded characters, and I could relate to them. Fenna Edgewood has created a favorite series of mine, and Kiss Me, My Duke grabbed my attention and enchanted me on page one – I didn’t want this effervescent romance to end!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book through Wolf publishing. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
rachelstopreads's review
I absolutely adored the first book in this series (and every other thing that Fenna Edgewood writes)
Here’s what I liked about this one:
Here’s what I liked about this one:
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