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allisonwonderlandreads's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
This regency second chance romance throws together a duke crafted from a pristine reputation and flawless arrogance and an inventor engineered from brash foolhardiness and determined ingenuity. The best part was seeing Fiona dress in men's clothes to navigate spaces where she isn't allowed on behalf of her business interests. The subterfuge paired with the subversiveness was a delicious combination. I also liked Fiona's burgeoning friendships with the duke's siblings but was less enamored with the romance. It's a classic "controlling man meets uncontrollable woman," fueling an obvious antagonism that is also somehow attraction. I was frustrated by unnecessary recklessness and lies that came between them, but at least I give them credit for genuine personal growth at the end.
Beyond the lackluster romance, it's the politics that sink this one for me, as is often the case. The duke is a "moderate," a descriptor that dating profiles have taught me to react to with complete and utter despair for the person in question and for humanity at large. At one point our duke remarks, "Protests and pitchforks cause a lot of harm for limited gain." And then he gets to be "haunted" because he was endangered by a protest once, as if his status doesn't endanger people daily where he doesn't have to see it. I understand the concern about mob behavior. A certain recent insurrection attempt comes to mind. I think where I struggle is that painting in broad strokes about the dangers of protest removes any nuance from the conversation around power, privilege, and collective action. It's also irresponsible to suggest that a historical venue for the plot removes the need for deeper thought. The contemporary lens of both the author and readers can't help but draw up recent corollaries and applications as we read. Finally, the duke ponders that "centuries of tradition shouldn't be overturned because of one unusual female" to suggest that Fiona's example of facing unfair barriers to her business success doesn't indicate a broken system but rather her own exceptionalism to seek what other women don't. Boohiss.
Beyond the lackluster romance, it's the politics that sink this one for me, as is often the case. The duke is a "moderate," a descriptor that dating profiles have taught me to react to with complete and utter despair for the person in question and for humanity at large. At one point our duke remarks, "Protests and pitchforks cause a lot of harm for limited gain." And then he gets to be "haunted" because he was endangered by a protest once, as if his status doesn't endanger people daily where he doesn't have to see it. I understand the concern about mob behavior. A certain recent insurrection attempt comes to mind. I think where I struggle is that painting in broad strokes about the dangers of protest removes any nuance from the conversation around power, privilege, and collective action. It's also irresponsible to suggest that a historical venue for the plot removes the need for deeper thought. The contemporary lens of both the author and readers can't help but draw up recent corollaries and applications as we read. Finally, the duke ponders that "centuries of tradition shouldn't be overturned because of one unusual female" to suggest that Fiona's example of facing unfair barriers to her business success doesn't indicate a broken system but rather her own exceptionalism to seek what other women don't. Boohiss.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Sexism, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Abandonment, and Classism
Minor: Alcoholism, Infidelity, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Pregnancy, and Injury/Injury detail
jlee76's review
4.0
⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
How To Deceive A Duke is a delightful class difference romance. The clever dialogue and complex characters were exceptional. The writing was direct and honest, and the romance enchanting.
Edward Stirling, the Duke of Wildeforde, has spent his entire life repairing his family’s reputation that his father destroyed. Edward falls for Fiona, who is below his station in every way. Fiona is a scientist and is independent and opinionated. After a tragedy and his horrible mother’s threats, Edward leaves Fiona. Years later, the two are thrown back together. Edward is obsessed with his reputation, which is all I saw at first. I had a hard time warming to Edward until I discovered how deep his love and passion were for Fiona. Fiona is almost too strong-willed at times. Her thoughtlessness and selfishness nearly destroy Edward’s entire family. I had more empathy for Edward, he was misdirected, but his heart was right. At times I felt Fiona was unlikable because of her all-encompassing selfishness.
The couple’s journey is rocky and complicated. However, their love and passion were evident. The push and pull between Edward and Fiona kept the story exciting and pushed their boundaries. I would have liked more resolution between Edward and all his family members. Edward allowed atrocities from some family members and made tyrannical decisions concerning others. The story was well written, and the characters were vivid. I did feel the plot was unbelievable at times. The impossible situations the characters found themselves in were resolved too quickly.
How To Deceive A Duke is the second book in the Rebels With A Cause series. Samara Parish creates a promising romantic series with plenty of conflict and passion. I look forward to Charlotte’s story. I struggled a little; however, in the end, this is a beautifully written romance. Edward and Fiona’s romance is worth the time, and I recommend this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book through Netgalley and the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
How To Deceive A Duke is a delightful class difference romance. The clever dialogue and complex characters were exceptional. The writing was direct and honest, and the romance enchanting.
Edward Stirling, the Duke of Wildeforde, has spent his entire life repairing his family’s reputation that his father destroyed. Edward falls for Fiona, who is below his station in every way. Fiona is a scientist and is independent and opinionated. After a tragedy and his horrible mother’s threats, Edward leaves Fiona. Years later, the two are thrown back together. Edward is obsessed with his reputation, which is all I saw at first. I had a hard time warming to Edward until I discovered how deep his love and passion were for Fiona. Fiona is almost too strong-willed at times. Her thoughtlessness and selfishness nearly destroy Edward’s entire family. I had more empathy for Edward, he was misdirected, but his heart was right. At times I felt Fiona was unlikable because of her all-encompassing selfishness.
The couple’s journey is rocky and complicated. However, their love and passion were evident. The push and pull between Edward and Fiona kept the story exciting and pushed their boundaries. I would have liked more resolution between Edward and all his family members. Edward allowed atrocities from some family members and made tyrannical decisions concerning others. The story was well written, and the characters were vivid. I did feel the plot was unbelievable at times. The impossible situations the characters found themselves in were resolved too quickly.
How To Deceive A Duke is the second book in the Rebels With A Cause series. Samara Parish creates a promising romantic series with plenty of conflict and passion. I look forward to Charlotte’s story. I struggled a little; however, in the end, this is a beautifully written romance. Edward and Fiona’s romance is worth the time, and I recommend this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book through Netgalley and the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
archerofpages's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
foxandbooks's review
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was the first book for me by this author. How To Deceive a Duke by Samara Parish is the second book in the Rebels With A Cause Series. I have not read the first book, but I don't believe that you have to read the first book in order to understand what is going on in the second book.
Fiona McTavish is not what most would consider a proper lady. She would rather wear pants than dresses, she works, and would rather do almost anything else than plan parties, and run a house. She has invented what she calls matches and has come to London to sell her invention. However the men who she is trying to sell her invention to, won't do a deal with a woman, so she dresses as a man thinking that the men of London would want to work with her. So Fiona becomes Finn. Fiona also has very definite opinions about politics and how decisions of the upper class affect the lower class While she is in London, she finds herself at a protest. She is arrested for throwing a tomato and finds herself in jail and in real trouble.
Duke Edward Stirling is trying to be responsible. He keeps up with his families affairs, tries to keep his brother and sister out of trouble and their names out of the paper, and he despises his mother. Edward broke things off with Fiona years ago (breaking both of their hearts) all because Edwards mother said she would make sure that she would ruin Fiona and make her life hell. She, along with many of the other ladies of high society made one yound lady's life hell and she took her own life. Edward decided he couldn't do that to Fiona, so he broke it off with her. But when he finds out that Fiona is in trouble, he rushes to help her and finds Finn who he instantly recognizes as Fiona.
Fiona and Edward spend a lot of time trying to keep their feelings hidden from the other and from everyone else. This was a very fun, and fast read. The plot wasn't rushed, and their were some.laugh out loud moments (the ball at the end of the book... hysterical!!) And of course there is redemption, which I loved!
Thank you to Forever Publishing for the gifted copy of How To Deceive A Duke!
Fiona McTavish is not what most would consider a proper lady. She would rather wear pants than dresses, she works, and would rather do almost anything else than plan parties, and run a house. She has invented what she calls matches and has come to London to sell her invention. However the men who she is trying to sell her invention to, won't do a deal with a woman, so she dresses as a man thinking that the men of London would want to work with her. So Fiona becomes Finn. Fiona also has very definite opinions about politics and how decisions of the upper class affect the lower class While she is in London, she finds herself at a protest. She is arrested for throwing a tomato and finds herself in jail and in real trouble.
Duke Edward Stirling is trying to be responsible. He keeps up with his families affairs, tries to keep his brother and sister out of trouble and their names out of the paper, and he despises his mother. Edward broke things off with Fiona years ago (breaking both of their hearts) all because Edwards mother said she would make sure that she would ruin Fiona and make her life hell. She, along with many of the other ladies of high society made one yound lady's life hell and she took her own life. Edward decided he couldn't do that to Fiona, so he broke it off with her. But when he finds out that Fiona is in trouble, he rushes to help her and finds Finn who he instantly recognizes as Fiona.
Fiona and Edward spend a lot of time trying to keep their feelings hidden from the other and from everyone else. This was a very fun, and fast read. The plot wasn't rushed, and their were some.laugh out loud moments (the ball at the end of the book... hysterical!!) And of course there is redemption, which I loved!
Thank you to Forever Publishing for the gifted copy of How To Deceive A Duke!
brittanyreadsbooks's review
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
I loved this. I read it all in less than 24 hours and now I’m annoyed I have to wait so long for the next book in the series.
Edward and Fiona were so wonderful together and the peak we get in the epilogue at how their relationship is handled by society is great. I have never wanted a person to have a work-life balance more than I did for Fiona.
I love the big gesture Edward made at the end and his respect for Fiona’s boundaries as they were overcoming their issue.
Read for
- Second chance romance
- Woman in stem
- Cute and Fuzzy siblings relationship
- Forced Proximity
- Grumpy but not for you hero
There was a bit of inaccuracy I think, in the use of the f word and one other thing I can’t remember but overall really great!
I cannot wait to read Charlotte’s book. The only thing I didn’t really like was the way William’s character was handled towards the end— I’m sure it’s setting something up down the line but I was still sad about it.
Thank you Netgalley and Forever Grand Central Publishing for the opportunity to read and review! All thoughts are my own!
sarahsthoughtsonbooks's review
lighthearted
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
When I read Samira Parish’s debut novel, HOW TO SUVIVE A SCANDAL, I had just finished deep diving one author’s backlist, and an early series by a second author. So as soon as I finished reading HOW TO SURVIVE A SCANDAL, I was okay this was a solid debut, I can see the potential of being a great writer. Now let me read her next book. Only to remember that this was a debut and there’s no backlist to deep dive. Anyways, that’s the backstory to say that Samira Parrish has brought her writing to the next level with HOW TO DECEIVE A DUKE, and she’s added some heat to her writing.
So many things to love about our heroine, Fiona in this second chance romance. She’s a pants wearing chemist. She knows what she wants for her future - to be able to have her own home and not be dependent on the benevolence of anyone. She’s fiercely independent, and very reluctant to seek help. Especially if the help is from our hero, Edward, Duke of Wildeforde.
On the other hand, not the biggest fan of Ned. He’s very self-sacrificing. In the years since his father’s death, he has been holding himself to the highest standards, so that there can be no scandals. Five years ago, he was about to throw caution to the wind, but he broke things off with Fiona (WITHOUT TELLING HER THE REASON), when he thought she might not be able to withstand the ton. His desire to stay scandal free, and sometimes his all knowing ways makes it hard to like him. Yet, we know that this heart is in the right place, so while it’s not easy to forgive him, it’s a possibility.
Fiona’s dad is horrible, horrible person. Working with the instigator. Stealing her matches, and trying to sell them himself. Then using her idea for treason. Edward’s mom is also horrible. Then we have the return of the mean girl character.
Other things not to like: the scandal surrounding Edward’s dad’s death. It’s never outrightly mentioned, but the one scene where it was mentioned that the dad was “depraved” doesn’t really sit well. It seems to be queer coded.
Regarding the heat: Parish added it to the book. I think she received feedback about her first book lacking heat/being closed door and took it to heart. (Seriously we had some great makeout sessions in the first book, and then it was closed door from there). The sex scenes really work into the book and you feel the chemistry between Fiona and Edward.
Content Notes: abandonment, off-page suicide, death of parent, awful parents, imprisonment, fire
Thank you Forever (the publisher) for my gifted copy
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Emotional abuse, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Blood, Abandonment, and Classism
Minor: Body shaming, Suicide, Death of parent, and Fire/Fire injury
emik13's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
tense
fast-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? No
4.5
addieyoder's review
4.0
I was worried that this second installment from Samara Parish was going to be a little slow. But I texted a friend about halfway in and said OMG when this turns, it TURNS. Samara brought the action and the tension and the longing to How to Deceive a Duke. It was a page turning ride that was a sophomore win instead of a slump. The steam was fantastic. The family relationships were spot on. I almost wish that I had skimmed through the first book before picking it up, but it wasn't necessary. This is all the things we love in historical romance.
furrtheloveofbooks's review
4.0
Y’all I LOVE regency romance novels, to the point that I honestly dream of being one of the damsels that a rake decides to fall in love with one day. Well that is what happens in this book with Fiona McTavish. Years prior she met a man, Edward and fell in love with him and then he disappears from her life after calling off their endgame not for almost 5 years. Why?
Well, Edward or actually the Duke of Wildeforde, had to decide between love and maintaining the family name and marrying someone of the ton. Ultimately when he meets Fiona again years later the sparks are reignited and the passion returns. But, will it end with a happy ending or will it end terribly again?
Y’all this book kept me wanting to believe in their love through out the book. The smut wasn’t present until 50% through but there was one serious sexy scene. Once that point happened the book picked up but the first part of the book was needed to make sense. I loved the book and will be looking forward to the next book in the series that comes out next year.
Thank you to Forever Publishing, NetGalley and Samara Parish for giving me the chance to review this book.
Well, Edward or actually the Duke of Wildeforde, had to decide between love and maintaining the family name and marrying someone of the ton. Ultimately when he meets Fiona again years later the sparks are reignited and the passion returns. But, will it end with a happy ending or will it end terribly again?
Y’all this book kept me wanting to believe in their love through out the book. The smut wasn’t present until 50% through but there was one serious sexy scene. Once that point happened the book picked up but the first part of the book was needed to make sense. I loved the book and will be looking forward to the next book in the series that comes out next year.
Thank you to Forever Publishing, NetGalley and Samara Parish for giving me the chance to review this book.
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