Reviews

The Duke Meets His Match by Karen Tuft

english_lady03's review

Go to review page

3.0

I had a few reservations about this novel at first, especially when the Americanisms started to get to me, It proved to be one of those stories that improved once you got into it. Susan is unsual as an older heroine, and honestly, I prefer novels in which the hero and heroine are older or not that physically attractive. I absolutely hate this trope of "I can't love him because he's old and ugly".

Aside from that it was a fairly standard frenemies to love story, or misundersood lovers. Two people who got off on the wrong foot and misjudged each other learning that they were wrong and growing into love. Vague shades of Pride and Prejudice.

I've never read anything by this author before, but I would certainly consider her work in future. Perhaps not one of my "go to" Regency authors Julie Klassen, Sarah Ladd and Carolyn Miller but still very good.

Thankyuou to Covenant Communications for approving my request to view this title. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.

kskidmore7's review

Go to review page

medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character

3.75

annagilbert14's review

Go to review page

lighthearted medium-paced

3.5

Fun regency romance with lovable characters. About what you would expect from that kind of romance book. Nothing spectacular but I will read the next book! Nearly zero spice which is fine sometimes!

sarah_moynihan's review

Go to review page

4.0

'At thirty years of age, Susan Jennings has long been considered a spinster. Exceptionally intelligent, she has little tolerance for London and the dreaded Season—if that’s how one is expected to find love, it’s not for her. But when an invitation arrives that cannot be ignored, Susan leaves her comfortable life in the country and enters the fashion and frivolity she most despises. She quickly discovers, however, that there is more to loathe in London—and his name is George Kendall.

George, Duke of Aylesham, has learned to keep his distance from cloying females chasing the title of duchess. Susan Jennings, however, proves an entirely different challenge—a woman who has pushed him to the limit of his patience with their every encounter. But their simmering hostility is disrupted by a thoughtless slip-up: to avoid a marriage of political strategy, George claims he is already betrothed. And when pressed for the name of the lucky woman, only one name comes to mind: Susan’s. Their forced betrothal proves advantageous, but when their verbal sparring must change in order to be convincing, the line between fact and fiction becomes blurred by something neither expected: love.'
____________________________

3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 stars.

The Duke Meets His Match is a standalone book by Karen Tuft and is a clean historical romance.

Stemming from a terrible first meeting, George and Susan loathe each other. When Susan comes to London for the season, they're brought back together, not thinking any kinder of the other. The longer they're forced into one another's company and the more they learn of the other, their hard judgements begin to soften. It's a classic enemies to lovers.

This is the first book that I have read by this author and I quite enjoyed it. The book switches back and forth from Susan to George's perspectives to tell the story, which the author did well. Sometimes things will feel choppy or like there's information missing in books with the switching perspectives, but it flowed nicely between the two of them.

My one complaint was that it seemed to me that they flipped very quickly from seeing the good in each other to decalring love. I know that they were growing to care for one another, but it seemed like there was still a little more work that could have been done to be done before it was time for such declarations; it have only been about 6 days. Overall though I enjoyed the book and would read another by this author in the future.
_____

I would like to thank NetGalley and Covenant Communications for sharing an eARC of The Duke Meets His Match by Karen Tuft with me. This is my honest review.

anniejakes's review

Go to review page

3.0

3.5 stars

I truly enjoyed these characters and their story. The dynamic of the relationship and their witty banter was fantastic.

andrea_author's review

Go to review page

4.0

This book is well-written with fun characters and an interesting premise. The pacing seemed a bit off to me. A lot of time was spent on mundane things (conversations with servants, for instance), while the romance was rushed. I didn't feel an emotional connection between the characters. They grew to respect each other, but I wasn't convinced they'd fallen in love. If you like low-angst romance, this one might be for you.

Thanks, NetGalley for the ARC I received.

asteroula_t's review

Go to review page

3.0

That is a cute regency book with a trully independent, sassy, smart heroine. I loved the characters but I am not so sure that I liked the story itself. It felt a bit overwritten. I believe that it would be more fun if it was a shorter story.
Don't get me wrong, a lot of stuff is happening and actually fast. But after a while you feel that you need to finally reach the epilogue.
Nevertheless, I would recommend it for a lazy reading evening.

I received an Arc from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.

peachy8's review

Go to review page

2.0

This story read so childishly. Lot's of clichés, which I don't mind as long as the writing is good and the characters interesting. Alas they were not. I really thought, with the MC being an older woman the entire story might be more mature, but no. She might as well have been an 18 year old girl, because I hardly read a difference.

undercoverlibrarian13's review

Go to review page

hopeful inspiring lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

One of my favorite books of all time! I love the way these characters come together!

deshie5055's review

Go to review page

5.0

Susan Jennings isn't your typical regency protagonist. For one, she is firmly on the shelf at age 30. It's refreshing to see a well-written character above the age of 20 in a regency novel. Most of the time you read about girls who have seen a season or two and think they will never find love. Susan isn't like that, she is content with her situation knowing that her family will never force her to marry if she cannot respect the gentleman.

Her life completely changes where her "fairy godmother," Lady Walmsley, takes her to London, gives her a makeover (to highlight what was already there), and helps her gain confidence not only in her intelligence but in her inner and outer beauty.

Despite learning his heir is a criminal, George Kendell, Duke of Aylesham feels no need or pressure to marry-until Prinny decides to reward him for his actions for the crown. Unwilling to marry Prinny's choice, George names the first woman that pops into his head as his fiance, Susan Jennings. Too bad that they hate each other.

From enemies to engaged, George and Susan must learn to make the best of their situation by getting to know one another, proving you can't judge a book by its cover. This book is filled with plenty of familiar faces and a few new ones creating a story you won't want to miss.