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3.58 AVERAGE
3.58 AVERAGE
For something that is only 195 pages, this book seemed loooong. It was entirely bland and unoriginal and the writing style lacked subtlety and sophistication. At one point the hero was described as ‘tall and white’, I guess there is something to be said for brevity, but is this a romance novel or are we reading a police report?
I’ve never read this author before but I don’t think she brings anything new or interesting to the genre. There is so much better historical romance out there, even in this light fairytale category, I wouldn’t bother with this one. It wasn’t terrible but it was so entirely forgettable. In an ocean full of Duke books this year, this one should be thrown back.
Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book, the opinions expressed are my own.
I’ve never read this author before but I don’t think she brings anything new or interesting to the genre. There is so much better historical romance out there, even in this light fairytale category, I wouldn’t bother with this one. It wasn’t terrible but it was so entirely forgettable. In an ocean full of Duke books this year, this one should be thrown back.
Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book, the opinions expressed are my own.
'Suffering a carriage mishap on the road to meet his future wife, the Duke of Lawford discovers the local town’s lodgings overflowing and must accept the hospitality of a country squire. The coach repair moves incredibly slowly, and it becomes clear that his host is attempting to manipulate a match between his daughter and Lawford.
Each year, Sadie Campion looks forward to the May Day Matchmaking Festival, but this year will be different as she plans to find a husband—and not one chosen by her father and brothers. Especially not a stiff, arrogant peer from London.
To stop Sadie’s meddling family, Law offers to pretend to court her. Grateful for the reprieve and also for the popularity the duke’s faux interest gives her, Sadie becomes the belle of the festival. But when the make-believe becomes all too real, Law wonders if she isn’t the match he was destined to make…'
________________
Beguiling the Duke is the first book in a new series, being co-authored by Darcy Burke and Erica Ridley, with Burke authoring the odds and Ridley the evens. It is a historical romance novella.
This story has a bit of a Cinderella theme, minus the evil step-mother. Sadie has stepped into the role of hostess, mother, sister, maid, and housekeeper. Overworked and underappreciated, her family isn't heartless, more they are just blind to how they've been taking advantage and her for granted. Now she's pinning her hopes on this year's festival to help her marry so she can care for her own home and family. With perfect timing, a traveling duke runs into a mishap on the road and is required to stay in her family's home during the festivities while repairs are made.
The story was short and sweet and I liked the main characters. I wasn't terribly invested in their story though as there was nothing that really stood out to me. It followed the expected route without any surprises or deviations. Not very memorable, but not a bad read. If you're looking for a sweet story that's quick to read, then this is a good choice.
I'm guessing that each book will focus on matches made during the annual May Day Matchmaking Festival, but I will be curious to see if that is the case. I plan to continue with the series.
_____
I would like to thank the author, Darcy Burke, for sharing an eARC of Beguiling the Duke with me. This is my honest review.
Each year, Sadie Campion looks forward to the May Day Matchmaking Festival, but this year will be different as she plans to find a husband—and not one chosen by her father and brothers. Especially not a stiff, arrogant peer from London.
To stop Sadie’s meddling family, Law offers to pretend to court her. Grateful for the reprieve and also for the popularity the duke’s faux interest gives her, Sadie becomes the belle of the festival. But when the make-believe becomes all too real, Law wonders if she isn’t the match he was destined to make…'
________________
Beguiling the Duke is the first book in a new series, being co-authored by Darcy Burke and Erica Ridley, with Burke authoring the odds and Ridley the evens. It is a historical romance novella.
This story has a bit of a Cinderella theme, minus the evil step-mother. Sadie has stepped into the role of hostess, mother, sister, maid, and housekeeper. Overworked and underappreciated, her family isn't heartless, more they are just blind to how they've been taking advantage and her for granted. Now she's pinning her hopes on this year's festival to help her marry so she can care for her own home and family. With perfect timing, a traveling duke runs into a mishap on the road and is required to stay in her family's home during the festivities while repairs are made.
The story was short and sweet and I liked the main characters. I wasn't terribly invested in their story though as there was nothing that really stood out to me. It followed the expected route without any surprises or deviations. Not very memorable, but not a bad read. If you're looking for a sweet story that's quick to read, then this is a good choice.
I'm guessing that each book will focus on matches made during the annual May Day Matchmaking Festival, but I will be curious to see if that is the case. I plan to continue with the series.
_____
I would like to thank the author, Darcy Burke, for sharing an eARC of Beguiling the Duke with me. This is my honest review.
You can find love when you are less expecting it and this happens to our hero, in the plan of making a promise come true, he goes to meet his betrothed but things happen in the way... and for not spoiling i encourage you to read it.
The Duke of Lawford's carriage breaks an axel in a country town during a week-long matchmaking festival. With all the inns full, he takes lodgings at the local squire's home and is smitten by the squire's daughter, Sadie. He admires the industrious and efficient way she manages the household. Despite her humble upbringing, she would make an excellent duchess. But is Sadie willing to risk the snobbery that marriage to a duke would surely bring?
What a delightful novel! I love these kinds of light, fun stories from Darcy Burke. Law is sweet and honorable and a perfect match for kind and clever Sadie. I look forward to the rest of this series!
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
What a delightful novel! I love these kinds of light, fun stories from Darcy Burke. Law is sweet and honorable and a perfect match for kind and clever Sadie. I look forward to the rest of this series!
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Beguiling the Duke is a pure delight! Lighthearted and whimsical, it blends a delightful wit with the surprise of new love. Proving that first impressions are not always best, the haughty Duke quickly reveals his real persona.. which is the most charming cinnamon-roll hero ever. Law is genuine and caring and few thing you expect from a duke. Sadie is a compelling heroine in her own right. Strong, dependable and generous to a fault. It is easy to see how these two fall so quickly. The premise of the Matchmaking Festival allows for delightful new scenery apart from the standard London Society that we are used to. From labyrinths to community picnics and pudding competitions. This was such a fun read and a promising start to a new series.
3.5 stars
If you’re looking for a quick, easy, historical romance, this novella will hit the spot. The story was entertaining and kept my interest as we follow Sadie through her town’s fair activities. A carriage accident brings a Duke to the doorstep of Sadie on the eve of Marrywell’s May courting event in which eligible young women hope to secure a marriage within a week. Forced to stay for the duration of the fair, the Duke of Lawford finds that it’s not such a burden to escort Sadie to various courting events. There is only one intimate scene, but it felt appropriate given the length of the book. I also enjoyed the humor of Sadie being the only female amongst a family of men oblivious to her contributions. It’s clear that Darcy Burke sympathizes with her heroine! I can’t say that I will remember this story months from now, but it was an enjoyable read at just the right time and I plan to pick up more from Burke in the future. Thank you to NetGalley and Zealous Quill Press for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
If you’re looking for a quick, easy, historical romance, this novella will hit the spot. The story was entertaining and kept my interest as we follow Sadie through her town’s fair activities. A carriage accident brings a Duke to the doorstep of Sadie on the eve of Marrywell’s May courting event in which eligible young women hope to secure a marriage within a week. Forced to stay for the duration of the fair, the Duke of Lawford finds that it’s not such a burden to escort Sadie to various courting events. There is only one intimate scene, but it felt appropriate given the length of the book. I also enjoyed the humor of Sadie being the only female amongst a family of men oblivious to her contributions. It’s clear that Darcy Burke sympathizes with her heroine! I can’t say that I will remember this story months from now, but it was an enjoyable read at just the right time and I plan to pick up more from Burke in the future. Thank you to NetGalley and Zealous Quill Press for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
It was a satisfactory, charming, short romance.
The Duke of Lawford is on his way to meet the woman his father wanted him to marry. He had made no firm commitment, but his late father’s valet seems to believe it is a fait accompli. The Duke, the valet, and the coachman find themselves at the doorstep of the Campion family in Marrywell when the wheel on the coach broke. The village is overflowing for the May Day Matchmaking festival and the three travelers have to make use of the family’s hospitality. Law finds himself fascinated by Sadie, the daughter of the house, and attempts to help her in her efforts to find a husband at the festival. They become closer as they spend more time together.
I liked Sadie and Law. Both were kind and generous, but they were surrounded by people who had a lot of expectations from them, without considering what they (Sadie and Law) truly wanted. Sadie’s father and brothers were so willfully obtuse. They completely abused her love and devotion to them. The villagers were a bunch of nosy busybodies and Law’s valet was equally interfering. I found the cast of characters around Sadie and Law to be most annoying. The romance between Sadie and Law is about the only thing that kept me going until the end.
Beguiling the Duke is the first book in the new Lords in Love series that is a collaboration between Darcy Burke and Erica Ridley. I look forward to reading more.
Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Beguiling the Duke, by Darcy Burke. I will say that I loved everything about this book. The cover is totally awesome. To me it has a rust color to it. I’ve never seen that on other historical book covers. To me that was just interesting.
Poor Law did not suspect all the interesting scenarios that he would find himself wrapping up in the little town called Marrywell. The innocents of this story was truly a great read for me. The writer brought to her readers a story about truth, love, and happiness. All her books are about these, but this was were everyone wanted the main characters to come together with the help of crazy family members and good friends.
Some moments of the story are a little funny, mainly with the brothers and others are sentimental. Law was of course fantastic in this book. He was a true romantic in so many ways. Sadie was his goal and he did anything to get his prize. Sadie was terrific.
Her ability to maintain her crazy family while at the same time run a household and catch the eye of a Duke was stressful work. I loved the romance of the book and the passion that developed between are couple. Until next time my fellow readers… read on! I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Poor Law did not suspect all the interesting scenarios that he would find himself wrapping up in the little town called Marrywell. The innocents of this story was truly a great read for me. The writer brought to her readers a story about truth, love, and happiness. All her books are about these, but this was were everyone wanted the main characters to come together with the help of crazy family members and good friends.
Some moments of the story are a little funny, mainly with the brothers and others are sentimental. Law was of course fantastic in this book. He was a true romantic in so many ways. Sadie was his goal and he did anything to get his prize. Sadie was terrific.
Her ability to maintain her crazy family while at the same time run a household and catch the eye of a Duke was stressful work. I loved the romance of the book and the passion that developed between are couple. Until next time my fellow readers… read on! I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated