Nothing Like a Duke by Jane Ashford

I really, really liked Robert and Flora, but was disappointed in how little we got to see of them together. The story moves very slowly, and there's a lot of info dumping about the numerous characters and their backstories. I found myself kind of glazing over as I read and nothing really ever happened. The story jumps around from guest to guest at this lavish house party, most likely to add depth to the story, but the depth I wanted was what the house looked like, the house staff and their stories, and more from our hero and heroine. I didn't care to read about all the stuffy guests and the whole villain plot line seemed unnecessary. This just feel completely flat for me.

I was provided a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review.

I have been wanting to read this book for quite a while and finally got a chance while trying to catch up on my backlog! This was a sweet story and I did enjoy the read. I was a little lost at first - the beginning starts off with Robert and Flora already at odds with each other and I just didn't understand what had caused their discord. It's resolved fairly quickly though and there are enough references that I understood the context so it didn't take away from my enjoyment of the book. I especially enjoyed Flora's character in this novel. So often the hero in these novels is the one being stubborn and who needs to come around so it was refreshing to see Flora's journey to learn how to compromise and meet Robert halfway. I thought the whole situation was handled really well too. Plus I loved how intellectual Flora was. Overall the book had an interesting cast of characters and was a sweet and entertaining read. I enjoyed it and would recommend it!

Old fashioned and not really thrilling in my opinion. I didnt like Ashford's style to play with the characters. It's just not my cup of tea. I read a lot of romance but I could not really finish this one - stopped at 70%.

Robert’s carriage hit a rut and broke the axel. One if his carriage men took one of the horses to go back to the farm they had passed and he knew what the man brought back would probably be very crude but they were only about ten miles from their destination. Robert had never been this far north before but his friends had asked to come to their party and he had said yes so he would go. So he made this long hard journey to them. Robert got out to help his men and when under some shrubbery to avoid the rain he heard a whining when he went to see what it was it was what he thought was a puppy but really was just a small abandoned abused dog that he named Plato and Robert decided he wanted and he went back to the carriage and grabbed a blanket and got the poor helpless leery dog dried him off and went to the carriage gave him a little to eat and some water and the dog went to sleep as Robert was talking about how his friends asked him to the party as he added luster to parties that he attended. Luster was one of Robert’s gifts . Hostesses counted themselves lucky to have Robert there or so he told the dog his new friend. Robert added he liked to helping people enjoy themselves. It was only about ten more mile they had to go in this rough farm cart and Robert made sure to take the dog with him. Several hours later after a bath and a change of clothes Robert sat in his bedroom with the dog and read a letter from his mother- the Duchess of Langsford. Robert told Plato that he was back with his own and he wasn’t thinking of her. Then when Robert was in the drawing room he saw her -Flora Jennings then he went to Flora and asked why had she come to this party. Robert told Flora he was surprised to see her among the people she professed to dispose. Robert went over to Lady Victoria who was the daughter of the house and her friends as it wouldn’t hurt Flora to see how charming how most females found him. Flora had been told by her mother they would always be snubbed by the ton as her mother had chosen to marry a lowly poor scholar instead of someone from the ton that she had been part of. Flora thought she was mistaken about Robert but maybe she wasn’t after all. Flora and Robert had hot chemistry.
I did not really care for this book. I didn’t connect to the book or the characters. I did however like Flora and Robert but they did seem to biker a lot. There were too many characters that just weren’t needed and only tended to confuse me. Where were the hosts and servants anyway? I just didn’t feel this was for me. But I did love Plato the dog way my favorite thing in the book.

Jane Ashford has done it again. I really liked the interactions and was glad it wasn't super easy, I like the challenge and it keeps me pulled in. Definitely an all nighter!!!

A good historical romance that any lover of this genre would enjoy.

A most unusual story with some very interesting scenes. The reader will enjoy this story and how the author introduces some fun games played back in the era this book is written about.

The theme throughout this book gives the reader a clear sense of the era involved and how house parties functioned. I found it entertaining with all the hidden agendas this book had and how they were resolved was priceless.

Flora's courage to go to this party that she clearly wanted to avoid comes across the page in such a manner that it encourages the reader to take heart and give something in their lives a chance.

Robert at times drove me crazy. I wanted him to just go up to Flora kiss her and make everything better. He also had his brilliant parts though where he carefully negotiated how events where turning out and how he fought to protect himself from hurt.

This story also brings in several secondary characters who not only cause upheaval but open other plot components for added interest for the reader.

I give this 3.75 stars because of all the new things I learned while reading it.

4.5 stars

Jane Ashford creates a memorable story, full of conflicts, about a brilliant young woman who wants respect for her accomplishments and wants to fight her own battle, yet longs for love. Woven into the story is a hero who finally comes to recognize the wisdom of his father’s words: “restraint and knowing when to exercise it is a far more arduous discipline than unconsidered action.” While the setting of the story may seem more-of-the-usual, the mystery, suspense, humor, revelations, and LOVE keeps one turning pages.

Flora Jennings, daughter of a scholar and trained to be acute, observant, active, to use her intelligence, does not fit into haut ton society. However, she is at a house party at the country home of the Earl and Countess of Salbridge. Harriet Runyon, a distant relative and her chaperone, tells her a smile is a tool to be used to pry information out of people, to smooth things over, and can be a wonderful substitute when one does not wish to answer a question.

Lord Robert Gresham, the son of a Duke, not the heir or the spare, but the son who is the “Pink of the ton” knows Flora from their intellectual discussions and argues, but was not expecting to see her at a house party at his friend’s country estate—a house party loaded with men who are wellborn, well-heeled, well-behaved; men, one of whom, might be a suitable husband for the Earl’s sister, Lady Victoria.

However, Victoria has her mind made up. She wants Robert and feels she has a right to him because of a childhood promise. She has no idea he is more stimulated by a fine mind than he is by a low cut neckline.

Add to that the arrival of two unwanted guests who remind Flora of one of the most terrifying experiences of her life an Flore becomes unsure of her ability to the world of the ton the way Robert had adapted to her intellectual world on Russell Street.

Probably the most interesting of all the arrivals is the little dog Robert rescued on his way to the party. He is a philosophical, wise little fellow, Robert names him Plato. I was always delighted to see him appear, because he was always in the know before anyone else.

Jane Ashford sweeps the reader into the story at once. She makes the story sparkle with love scenes that send the senses soaring, with lovers that have unfailing respect for each other, and with an altogether satisfactory tying up loose ends—a story that lets the reader sigh with pleasure at the end—delighted about how well everything turned out.

Book four in the Duke's Sons series and I have been waiting for Robert and Flora's story since the first book. Every other book has teased at their attraction and the bickering it's all foreplay. Jane Ashford has lead us on a merry chase with these two, in the last book the only mention was how bad humor Robert has been in since he left Oxford and Flora. The nice thing is that while it would be beneficial to have read the previous books (at least to get a feel for the past history of Flora and Robert and the other books are worth the read) it is not entirely necessary.

I love the writing style of Jane Ashford she's focused on the romance and the character building and does so in a way that is funny, romantic, and heartfelt. Both characters balance each other out and bring out the qualities they never thought they had. Robert is the pink of the ton very popular, fashionable and very sociable. Flora is a bluestocking who spent most of her life living up the the standards of her father who never got the boy he wanted. Flora never learned to socialize, she sees these girls act dumb and it irks her to no end that they do that and that men expect their women to act that way. There is no place in Flora's world for stupidity and no love for the high society that rejected her mother for marrying a poor scholar. But Robert changed her perspective on things he made her think things were possible and that she was willing to try going into society.

Robert could not fathom why Flora's opinion mattered to him, why he tried so hard to prove to her that he wasn't just a pretty face in society but that he was intelligent as well. However Flora just kept pushing him and making cutting remarks that Robert left and he thought to put the whole thing behind him and continue has he always had but he couldn't stop thinking about Flora. Getting into society at one of the better house parties before the season started he thought was the perfect place to forget about Flora, until she shows up and takes his breath away. Flora initially planned to go to the house party to experiment and learn about how to act in society so she can finally have her season. She hurt that Robert left she thought better of him but giving up and going back into society kind of reaffirmed everything bad she thought of him. Throughout the span of the house party through the childish actions of a manipulative young woman who has her sights set on Robert to the desperate actions of a cruel and money hungry gambler both Robert and Flora learn a lot about each other.

Overall, this was a good read. The side characters are a hoot, they made the story much more enjoyable.

I have chosen to DNF this title. I thought both of the characters acted like they were in 2017 and not in a historical novel. I understand that some creative liberty has to be taken in order for the characters to be appealing to a reader, but the characters felt like they were contemporary and not historical. I was not able to relate to them.

I appreciate the opportunity to read the title.

Thanks,
Laura

This was a great book in a family legacy. The heroine was great! I absolutely loved that she was bookish and a bluestocking and attempting to see if she could fit into her beau's world. Lord Robert was fabulous! I loved his humor and his ability to move in society not to mention his ability to talk and think like an intellectual. I am glad that they were able to reconcile and find their happy ending. I loved the supporting cast of characters and now must read the rest of the series! This is a great series for fans of Johanna Lindsey and Grace Burroughs!

Flora Jennings is a scholarly type of lady who has no use for society. Her mother was ostracized when she married Flora's father, and retreated to live a quiet life. She made a point of drumming into Flora how much being snubbed hurt, and Flora learned the lesson well. Despite all her misgivings, she has been persuaded to attend a houseparty with her friend, Harriet, and is dismayed to find Robert Gresham in attendance as well. Flora and Robert have somewhat of a recent history, as they spent time together while Robert was pursuing scholarly interests. Though he's the son of a duke, Robert happily spent time in Flora's world and became quite fond of her. He eventually gave up on the relationship due to Flora's seeming reluctance, and decided to forget her. He's only attending the houseparty to please his friend, and is very surprised to see Flora. Despite his resolution, he decides to further their acquaintance to see where it may lead.

I haven't read the previous books in this series, so I did feel a little at sea for not having seen Flora's and Robert's interactions firsthand. Flora comes off as very wary, a little petulant, and often stubborn, as she keeps insisting that she can take care of herself. As the book progresses, she does manage to loosen up and take part in some of the activities, even enduring the efforts of the host's daughter to paint her in an unfavorable light with good humor. Robert is an endearing man, charming, good natured, and kind. He even rescues and adopts a sadly abused mutt, whom he dubs "Plato." This is no ordinary dog, and he's as much a main character as Robert and Flora, and sometimes manages to steal the show.

NOTHING LIKE A DUKE is about two people from different walks of life who have to learn to live in each other's world if they want a future together. Robert seemed much more open from the get go, but Flora had a lot of growing to do. I did not like Flora at first, and while I did warm up to her somewhat, I never really grew to love her. The pacing of the story seemed a bit uneven, as some parts dragged, while others were interesting and amusing. The romance was sweet, but not scorching. For those following the Duke's Sons series, NOTHING LIKE A DUKE will be a must read.

How do you solve a problem like Flora?

Like Maria in The Sound Of Music, Flora is ill-suited to the life she has to lead. She's an educated, intelligent, independent-minded woman living in an era when women were often considered to be nothing more than property, and at best young unmarried women were supposed to be prettily ornamental and do as they were told.

Flora, however, gets lucky. She has managed to find a man who appreciates her for everything she is, and doesn't want her to change into something she is not. Now all Lord Robert has to do is convince her that not all members of the ton are worthless fribbles.

Watching Flora and Robert interact was a delight, especially their dealing with the jealous machinations of a young woman with a schoolgirl crush on Robert. Flora's grace and ability to see the comedy inherent in the situation was absolutely wonderful; the scene where they were both stifling their laughter was one of my favourites in the book.

Nothing Like A Duke is well-written; even though it is the fourth in the series (and I haven't read any of the others) and there were some plot points that had obviously been carried forward from previous books, I had no trouble at all following events and figuring out what was going on. To me that is the mark of a good book in a series; being able to pick up a book in the middle at random - because after all, we've all picked up a book in the bookshop, only to realize later that it's in the middle of a series - and NOT having to go out to buy the rest to figure out the plot.

A great read on its own, no doubt the rest of the series will be just as good. Maybe I'll get to them one day when the TBR pile is reduced from its current mountainous proportions. Five stars!

{My Rating 3.5}

"Nothing Like a Duke," is an effortless romance novel that was full of sweet charm and a highly pleasurable duke. I do want to state that although I did like this story, the actual plot was somewhat tedious in nature with very little happenings taking place among the characters. I did find that idea rather boorish but the romance did work out well for me.

To continue with the romance I thought that both Robert and Flora had an appealing chemistry that was worthy of maintaining my attention. However, I do think that Robert was far more endearing in his pursuit of Flora and that only added to my overall likeness of his character. Robert's character was certainly a nice retreat from the more beastly-toned dukes that I have been finding wearisome in the modern market. As for Flora, I liked how independent she was as a heroine and yet I would have liked to see her show at least some amount of affection towards Robert earlier in the novel rather than insisting on giving the duke a cold shoulder.

Basically, I liked the romantic aspects of this novel as the love between Robert and Flora did breath life into the actual story. The plot, however, is in desperate need of more detailed thoughts because that is where the story suffers the most. If you are looking for a thrilling adventure in an era long since passed, this is not the book for you. Yet, if you are looking for a simple read that can still deliver light butterflies of passion than I would suggest "Nothing Like a Duke."

Lord Robert Gresham is enamored with a bluestocking Flora Jennings, but she doesn’t seem to take him seriously. It seems the root of their attraction between the two is that they constantly disagree causing sparks to fly and the attraction grows stronger.
Robert decide to go to a house party to forget Flora, but he cannot forget her since she shows up at the house party too. Flora a bluestocking is out of realm of comfort, but Robert tries to help her especially when it seems she is being threatened. Flora being a headstrong independent she does not want his help. This is quite the entertaining story of two people who are wildly attracted to each other, argue constantly as the plot enfolds as mystery and danger lurks.
I received an ARC copy from Net Galley and this is my honest opinion and review.

'Nothing Like a Duke' by Jane Ashford is book four in "The Duke's Sons" series. This is the story of Robert and Flora.
Robert has agreed to attend a house party and is headed there when his carriage has an accident. Then he arrives to find that Flora is there who he thought to avoid. Robert tries to not take notice of Flora but it his hard for him to ignore the bluestocking. But Flora and Robert can't be discouraged for long. This was another good story by Ms. Ashford.
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Northumberland

Lord Robert Gresham has just been in a coach accident where the axle broke when the wheel hit a large hole in the road. A cold rain has left the road muddy. Now, Robert and his men need to seek shelter. When he sees a bedraggled dog shivering in the rain, he rescues him.

Robert is heading to a month long house party at Salbridge Great Hall. His brother, Randolph, a vicar, has urged him to attend. When Robert and the dog he has named Plato finally arrive, he is a muddy mess but happy to be there.

Lady Victoria Salbridge is the daughter of the house Robert is visiting. Victoria’s parents have invited some eligible men to the party along with some of Victoria’s girl friends in hopes of finding a match for her.

When Robert discovers that Flora Jennings and her companion, Harriet Runyon, are among the invited, he is rather taken aback. Flora, age 25, is not part of the haut ton so she is often snubbed. Flora is surprised that Robert is treating her with such coolness because he has always been so nice to her. Flora is a well-educated scholar and has been an assistant to her father, another scholar. Thus, she is not used to mingling in these society events.

When Robert visits with his brother, Randolph, at his church nearby, he learns that the vicar will be moving to another parish in Derbyshire. Randolph also confides that he is looking for a wife.

As the party progresses, Victoria lets Flora know that she wants Robert and does not want Flora to get in her way. Robert keeps Flora from tripping in the garden and kisses her which is seen by Victoria who becomes quite angry.

One evening, an older couple arrive and as they are heading in for dinner, Flora is obviously upset. The woman is the same one who hurt her mother some time ago.

Flora shows her patience as the spoiled Victoria continues to show her immaturity. Victoria insists on a big play and assigns roles to each of the attendees. But danger also lurks for Flora as someone seeks to harm her.

I did not care this this story as I feel that the author’s attempt at adding somewhat confusing verbiage about the play that the party attendees undertake is unnecessary. Quite frankly, I found that to be boring.

Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley/the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Nothing Like a Duke is a historical romance written by Jane Ashford. It is the fourth book in The Duke’s Sons series.

Robert Gresham is one of the younger sons of the Duke of Langford. He has much to offer Society- he is young, handsome, and personable. It is no surprise that he is invited to a house party thrown by his friend’s family. On the way to the house party, the carriage breaks, and Robert finds a stray dog. Because Robert is kind-hearted, he can’t just leave the wretched creature on the side of the road in the pouring rain. So naturally, he arrives at the house party soaking wet, disheveled, and clutching a disreputable dog. This arrival only adds to his charm.

Flora is the daughter of an academic, and she specializes in cuneiform. She seems rather surprised by being included in the house party, and she is even more surprised to see Lord Robert, who she knows from her academic world.

There is a lot going on at this house party including (but not limited to) scheming debutantes, surprise guests from the past, shady gentlemen, earnest suitors, theatrics, and general shenanigans. Conflicts seem to be resolved a little too quickly, but the focus shifts to another interesting plot line, so this is forgivable.

I haven’t read any of the other books in this series, and I’m not sure if that puts me at a disadvantage. There were allusions to previous events, and it wasn’t clear if these were things that happened in Robert and Flora’ past or if they were plot points in previous books. The house party also seems to be never-ending, but this is understandable because there are a lot of things that happen.

I would recommend Nothing Like a Duke. I like Ashford’s style and characterization.
The dog definitely stole the show. I would read an entire book based on Plato’s Regency shenanigans. I am looking forward to catching up on the previous books in the series as well as the next book in the series which features Robert’s brother Randolph.

House party games!

An amusing romance with all the right ingredients. Lord Robert Gresham is an acknowledged leader of the ton. Handsome, laconic and intrigued rather too much by the attractive Flora Jennings.
The opening scenes of the Lord Robert acquiring a small, seemingly thoughtful dog is amusing. In fact Plato the dog is a magnificent foil and comic, all knowing, little sage--a delightful muse who becomes a center piece in the story.
Robert did not expect Flora to be a guest at the house party! After all as he had discloses to Plato earlier, he was 'not thinking about her!' And now here she is. He'd accepted an invitation to a house party to be out of her orbit.
As the novel progresses the Duke comes a long way from the man about town to the man mad about Flora. Flora is very different from the normal run of debutants, intelligent and articulate without too many clues about the rules governing society. Flora has no inclination to be taken for granted, but then neither does she want to be ignored. In fact the relationship between Robert and Flora becomes almost a quest to see who will blink first. Thank goodness for Plato!
A worthwhile regency romp with some very pleasing characters, including of course the regency Yoda dog, Plato!

A NetGalley ARC
(May 2017)

I'm sure we know more of Laura and Roberts backstory from earlier books in the series, but I've only read the first one. I didn't especially feel like I was missing out because of that mostly because of the superlong expository scene where Robert picks up a small dog and then talks to him. And, while I realize the dog isn't child, it is a plot moppet extraordinaire. He always seems to know what's going on, he always wants people to follow him into places they should go, and he always seems to be the wisest of all the characters.
This was a nice little story, even with the dog, it was slow and gentle but there seem to be a lot of extraneous subplots. Robert is attending a house party, trying to get Flora, but then he's delighted that she's there. There is literally no angst about the fact that the woman that he's trying to get away from her suddenly showed up where he is. And we get the daughter of the house trying to wrangle her self into position as Roberts wife, but she is easily shaken off as well.
One of my biggest peeves with this book is not the fault of the author but with the back cover blurb which was nothing at all like what the story was, and less the blurb author was reading some different version of the story. They played up the villain who ended up not being in the book very much at all except for a scene that was sort of thoughtlessly tacked onto the end.
A nice enough read but with a lot of problems.

2 1/2 stars
This book comes out May 2