Take a photo of a barcode or cover
A review by sarah_moynihan
Beguiling the Duke by Darcy Burke
3.0
'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.