Its always fun to read about an American trying to marry into the aristocracy but money can win out, especially when the Duke has a grand title but no money to match it. To prove herself she must find proof that she is of sufficient breeding to marry a Duke. Things don’t always turn out like planned and love can cone from the least likely person. Enjoyed the story and believe it is definitely worth reading.

It has been quite a while since I have read a Betina Krahn book. In her last reads I especially loved her sense of humor, placing her characters in some unusual situations. A Good Day to Marry a Duke, for me, is not one of her best offerings, but still an enjoyable read. It contains some unique characters who do not fit the "normal" Regency pattern. The American heroine is no way near being a blushing virgin, is quite outspoken, but willing to sacrifice herself for her sisters. Their uncle Red, a character like no other, provides quite a bit of comic relief. Daisy is determined to marry a Duke and has chosen Arthur, the Duke of Meridan. Unfortunately, his brother, Aston proves to be more interesting. Will Daisy be able to give up on love in order to become a duchess? There are three more sisters who need to find husbands.

Daisy Bumgarten isn’t thrilled to be trying to catch a duke’s attention while dressed like a flower pot caught in a swarm of butterflies. But, after all, when in Rome (or in this case London society) . . . . Since her decidedly disastrous debut among New York’s privileged set, the sassy Nevada spitfire’s last chance to “marry well” lies across the pond, here in England. If she must restrain her free spirit, not to mention her rib cage, so be it. She knows she owes it to her three younger sisters to succeed. Now, under a countess’s tutelage, Daisy appears the perfect duchess-in-training . . . Until notorious ladies’ man Lord Ashton Graham, a distraction of the most dangerous kind, glimpses her mischievous smile and feisty nature—and attempts to unmask her motives. Daisy has encountered snakes on the range, but one dressed to the nines in an English drawing room is positively unnerving—and maddeningly seductive. When a veiled plot emerges to show up Daisy as unworthy of the aristocracy, will Ashton be her worst detractor? Or the nobleman she needs most of all?
This was a decent story. It was a pretty standard plot. Both main characters were pretty good. I’ll probably read more from this author.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book

Wit, deceit, intrigue, romance.
Historical romance set in New York, the characters are vivid and so real, has you on the edge of your seat.

Daisy a spitfire from the states meets Ashton the rogues of England. Daisy has to marry well so that her sisters can succeed. Ashton is the younger brother of a nobleman that Daisy should marry. The relationship between Daisy and Ashton blooms under the feisty natures and fun loving detraction. Enjoy the read.....

A Good Day to Marry a Duke by Betina Krahn is a 2017 Kensington publication.

After being shunned by the old money society in the United States, nouveau riche debutante, Daisy Bumgarten is trying her luck in England. She is determined to make her mother proud, by marrying a duke, thus assuring her sisters will also make their way into the upper crust of society. However, Daisy’s motives are a little too obvious, a situation that is fortuitous to unabashed ladies' man, Lord Ashton Graham. Commissioned to ruin Daisy so that she can not marry his brother, Ashton does everything in his power to talk her out of it, but before long, he finds himself helping her prove her lineage is proper enough for London society. He also finds the brash American compelling and very smart, but also confused by her frank desires, which women aren’t supposed to enjoy. Before he knows it, he is in direct competition with his own brother, each hoping for a future with the vivacious American.

Will Daisy marry for duty, for the future of her sisters, or will she marry for love?

This is an enjoyable historical romance, which centers around the real life ‘dollar princesses’ who traveled from America to England, loaded with money, hoping to marry into the aristocracy for the sake of a title. This worked wonderfully for some entitled gentlemen who were in desperate need of funds. While the author notes several true- life examples, none of them turned out to be love matches, but this story has a much happier outcome.

There were a few moments at the beginning of the book that made me cringe a little, -well, actually, it bothered me a lot, since Ashton’s behavior mimics the type of advances and inappropriate touching, women have had enough of, and Daisy’s reaction was confusing to me. But, as I read on, I realized the author was trying to put a strong emphasis on the double standard society imposed on women when it comes to enjoying sexual intimacy. Daisy has a healthy appetite and loves the company of men, but is made to feel as though her desires and needs are sinful… you know- close your eyes and think of England- UGH! Women were made to feel as though it was a duty, nothing more. Daisy really struggles to keep her desires under control, but Lord Ashton is temptation on a stick.

Daisy is a delightful character, willing to sacrifice her own happiness for the sake of her family. Ashton was taken with Daisy right from the start, and genuinely felt bereaved that such a wonderful woman would have her vitality squashed by the excessive demands placed on her by marrying a duke, and that his rather introverted brother wouldn’t know how to appreciate someone as amorous as Daisy. Still, he has nothing to offer her, and the title is what she is determined to have, which leaves the notorious bad boy with a heartbreaking case of unrequited love.

I enjoyed this nice, light hearted, romantic romp. I have a couple books on my shelf by this author, but I never got around to reading them. So, although, Ms. Krahn has an impressive library of published works, this is my first impression of her.

Not only will I be returning for more ‘Sin and Sensibility’, but I think I’ll pull out those older books that have been languishing on my shelves and become more acquainted with this author.

I am always looking for a good historical romance and a good writer with fresh ideas. I so wanted to like A Good Day to Marry a Duke, but it fell short for me. It begins with an illogical premise, Daisy a wealthy American heiress who was raised in the American west, and always been a bit of a maverick, suddenly decides to clean up her act after damaging her family’s reputation and chance for social acceptance. When the novel begins, she has spent two years reforming in order to marry into the nobility. She is pretty miserable but accepting of her fate; and I just don’t buy her sudden desire to change and sacrifice herself for her and mother’s happiness and her sister’s expectations. What follows is a fairly predictable tale where our heroine falls for the brother of the Duke she is trying to snare and the distress to all parties that ensues. The love triangle isn’t my favorite trope and its resolution stretched credulity.
The author gets points for a strong heroine, some nice humor and some good research into American “dollar princesses”. A little less silliness would have worked better for me. The writing itself was solid and I would probably take a chance on a future novel by this author. B-

Betina Krahn introduces the Bumgarten sisters in Daisy who comes to England determined to marry a lord; soon she has a duke in her sights. However she prefers his brother. What is a girl to do? An English historical romp.

Daisy Bumgarten needs to marry and marry well. She must find someone quick if she wants to be able to support her three younger sisters. That's how Daisy finds herself at a ball looking like something best seen in a butterfly conservatory. Unfortunately, she must suffer through it in order to catch the man she has chosen. Things seem to be going splendidly until Daisy runs into a snag... Lord Ashton Graham.

Ashton has never been more enthralled in his life. There is just something the American, Daisy, has that he cannot resist. In fact, the season is looking up for him. Ashton makes it his mission to foil Daisy's matchmaking attempts, especially when he finds she has her sights set on his older brother Of course, the best solution would be to marry Daisy himself, but will he come to that realization in time or will it be too late?

A GOOD DAY TO MARRY A DUKE... let me start with the title, which I absolutely love. I think it is fun and witty. This is one of the first books I have read by author Betina Krahn and it was very captivating. Daisy is outspoken and untamed, but does her best to stay reserved and tone down her true nature due to past events. With Ashton, she can truly be herself. The honesty and attraction between them is amazing to witness. Their story is simply delightful.

A Good Day to Marry a Duke by Betina Krahn is book One in the "Sin and Sensibility" series. This is the story of Daisy Bumgarten and Lord Ashton Graham.
Daisy is all things but a lady in her actions. But now she is trying to bring out her inter-lady out to land a Duke, which will hopefully help her family. But Ashton sees behind her new found respectable lady face into her mischief one.
I found this story to be fun and a book that I didn't want to put down.

A Duchess-in-training, maybe!

An interesting basis to a new series. American heiresses 'who descended on England in the late Victorian era' engaging in the London season, hoping for a titled husband. The author's note at the end of the book is quite illuminating about the practice of sending dowered daughters 'across the pond' to bring back a blue blood husband. Some 'bemoaned it as 'the tidal wave of “dollar princesses” '. Although it seems many of these men were no prize, rather total disasters. But do read this fascinating footnote.
Daisy Bumgarten has a lot to live down. Her New York debut was a total failure. I felt pained along with Daisy when we overheard the catty, disparaging comments of the New York disdaining elites.
To help her family Daisy agrees to a London season. After all she has three younger sisters lining up behind her. The trouble is Daisy finds it hard to push down the sparkling outspoken woman she really is.
So to London where Daisy's sights, or rather her sponsor's sights, have been firmly set on Arthur Graham, the sixth Duke of Meridian.
Unfortunately, Arthur's brother Lord Ashton Graham is charged with not only discovering Daisy's english antecedents, but with actively dashing her hopes. What he didn't expect was how much he would come to appreciate Daisy. Indeed, the very air sizzles between them, but Daisy must do her duty to her family. Ash as the 'spare' portrays the unenviable lot of many of those in his position. His treatment by his family and his brother's trustees is deplorable.
In all this Arthur, a retiring avid naturalist starts to develop into his own man, thanks largely to Daisy's influence and understanding. So we have the kindly, somewhat preoccupied Duke lifting his head to become aware of his estate and his trustee's actions, the dazzling Daisy and the misunderstood handsome rake Ash. Their stories come together in a highly charged and delightful fashion.

A NetGalley ARC

A Good Day To Marry A Duke is a victorian era romance that involves a sassy American heroine looking to marry a Titled Englishman to secure future for her sisters and a Duke’s brother whose mission is to prevent any relationship forming….war lines are formed of seduction and true love….

A Good Day To Marry A Duke is a sensational read that I just couldn’t get enough of and once I started reading this book I was hooked. Now I will admit I was a bit nervous about this book, because I haven’t read this author in YEARS and wasn’t sure if her writing would change or be the same and would I still like it and I can say that YES it is superb and I love the depth of writing here and the research is so evident in this book and I wish more regency/victorian romances were written like this one was. And an author that can make me love a love triangle…bring it on!!

The key players in this delicious romance are:

Daisy Bumgarten, our heroine, who is an American, grew up around cowboys and horses, but has wealth and needs to marry a man with a title to help her sisters.
Lord Ashton, is the younger brother of the Duke in question, protective and loving of his brother and will do anything for him. He is cunningly smart and loyal.
Duke of Meridian, Arthur Graham, is focused on his studies and research of all species of butterflies, and is secluded from society most of the time. Innocent in many ways of the world.



I will say that I had no idea that this would be such a strong love triangle, and I wouldn’t put it down to equal love affair between the three characters involved. I was pretty certain the main couple would end up together, but unlike other love triangles like this one, I wasn’t sure how this would play out without Arthur being really hurt in the end. So let me tell you the “zist” of the story here.

Daisy is very determined to make sure her sisters have a great future and when trying to get into the New York Society failed, she decided to go across the “pond” to London to exchange her wealth for a title and she and her mentor focus their attention on the Duke of Meridian. But before Daisy even meets the Duke in question, she stumbles across his younger brother Ashton and sparks fly between the two. But Daisy needs to marry into a title and so even though she feels more with Ashton, she wants to make an effort to win the affections of Arthur. Daisy needs to prove that her heritage is worthy of a Dukedom and while on her search, Ashton joins her and they develop a strong attachment even knowing that it could never be possible. And when Daisy and Arthur start to court and become “friends” Daisy has a difficult choice to make. Choose the man who holds her heart or the man she has already agreed to marry.

What I found most intriguing about this book is the way that this story developed. I honestly never imagined that it would turn in the way that it does. Now we have these two sexy brothers. One is the Duke and the other is the Spare. Ashton is very protective of his brother. Arthur has cared more about his research and books than being involved in the world and is always being put down by their relatives. My heart went out to Arthur who is quite innocent in the ways of the world, he hasn’t ever kissed a woman until Daisy. Daisy and Arthur don’t fall in love with each other but we see a strong friendship form between them and this is where it gets even more complication. Daisy doesn’t wish to hurt Arthur by telling him her heart belongs with his brother. I really enjoyed seeing the bond that these three have together and seeing a happy ending happen for Ashton and Daisy. And an ending that was heartwarming, funny and lifted my spirits. A romance that will weave a place into your heart!! SIMPLY DELIGHTFUL!

In the late Victorian era, a new breed of debutante entered the London Marriage Mart. They were the 'dollar princesses', young women whose families had made incredible amounts of money in America from mining, railroads and the like, and whose ambitious mamas wanted them to marry exceedingly well.

A Good Day To Marry A Duke tells the fictional tale of one such 'dollar princess', Daisy Bumgarten, whose family found a fortune in silver in Nevada. Strong-willed, spirited, and seeing absolutely no reason why she can't do whatever she wishes, Daisy commits a social faux pas of such epic proportions in New York that her family have no choice but to launch her in London and hope she can snag a title high enough to smooth over such past indiscretions.

Did I say epic proportions? When Mrs John Jacob Astor herself condemns you as a brazen hussy without breeding, manners, or taste... only a duke will do to make amends. Realizing the magnitude of her mistake and the fate her actions may have condemned her three younger sisters to, Daisy is determined to make herself into the perfectly marriageable debutante.

The only problem is that the selected duke, while young, reasonably handsome and really quite sweet, is frankly as dull as ditchwater. His younger brother, on the other hand, is everything Daisy knows she should stay well away from. Unfortunately, Ashton doesn't seem inclined to stay well away from her.

Can I just say how much I absolutely adored Daisy? Her unquenchable spirit was so refreshing to read, and I really didn't know until the end exactly how things were going to turn out. This is the first in a series called Sin and Sensibility, the next book to feature Daisy's younger sister Frances, and I cannot give A Good Day To Marry A Duke higher praise than to say I am absolutely itching to read the next in the series. Bravo, Betina Krahn. This was amazing, well-researched, beautifully written and with characters I utterly adored. Five stars.

I was really excited to see that Betina Krahn had a new historical romance, having loved some of her backlist titles. Unfortunately, I couldn't get into this one and didn't end up finishing it. I'm not a fan of the whole love-triangle aspect in a romance and with Daisy pursuing another man throughout the bulk of the novel, I just couldn't get immersed in the story.

Betina Krahn is one of those authors I’ve been meaning to read for ages and haven’t got around to. Most of her books were published before I got into reading romance in a big way, and she’s one of several authors whose backlists I mean to explore … when I get the time. Happily for me, however, Ms. Krahn has embarked upon a new historical romance series entitled Sin and Sensibility, affording me the chance to sample something new from her. In the first book, A Good Day to Marry a Duke, we find an American heiress crossing the Atlantic – as did many so-called ‘dollar princesses’ in the late nineteenth century – in order to marry a titled gentleman. She sets her sights upon the young and somewhat gauche Arthur Graham, Duke of Meridian, but she reckons without the havoc wreaked upon her emotions (and her libido) by his younger brother, Ashton, widely known as a rake of the highest order.

Daisy Bumgarten – and honestly, that name? Are we supposed to think the heroine is a joke before the story even starts? – comes from a family whose money is so new that even the nouveau riche of New York society look down on them. When Daisy scandalises all the other ladies present at the Bellington Hunt by wearing trousers under her skirts, riding astride, taking all the fences alongside the men and swigging spirits from her uncle’s flask, her mother is horrified and furiously points out that not only has Daisy ruined her own reputation by her reckless behaviour, but she has also scuppered her sisters’ reputations as well. Daisy – at last – realises the enormity of what she’s done and decides she must make amends, so two years after the disastrous hunt, she travels to England with her uncle Redmond (Red) Strait and, having secured the sponsorship of the Countess of Kew, prepares to enter society and snare herself a duke. What better way to make it up to her mother and restore her sisters’ chances of marrying well?

The duke in question is Arthur, the Duke of Meridian, a somewhat retiring young man whose interests lie in botany and the natural sciences to the exclusion of almost all else. He’s not bad looking, he’s sweet, intelligent and good hearted, but although it seems that the Graham family isn’t exactly flush, Arthur’s elderly uncles and aunt (who live with him) are completely opposed to the idea of his marrying American money. They summon Daisy to their presence and make no attempt to hide their disdain, insisting that if she is to be allowed anywhere near their nephew, she must prove she has noble blood in her veins. Never one to baulk at a challenge, Daisy determines to find that proof – and agrees that whatever she finds must be authenticated by the duke’s younger brother, Ashton, who may be a libertine but who is also an historian of some skill and renown.

Lord Ashton Graham is the black sheep of the family. He loves his brother dearly, and has ever been his champion, whether against the bullies at school or their exacting relatives at home, but his refusal to kowtow to them means they barely tolerate him and that he is practically penniless. Like them, however, he isn’t happy about the idea of Arthur marrying an American title-hunter, and when his uncles and aunt offer to pay him to sabotage Daisy’s hopes of becoming a duchess, he isn’t in a position to refuse. When they even go so far as so suggest that Ashton use his “natural proclivities to the family’s advantage ” and seduce her, Ashton reflects that it won’t be a hardship; Daisy is pretty and curvaceous and, he’s already deduced from his few encounters with her so far, sexually curious, so it shouldn’t be too difficult either.

Daisy falls in lust with Ashton the first time she meets him (without knowing, at that point, who he is) but is determined that she will not be diverted from her purpose, especially as she soon realises that Arthur needs rescuing from his horrible family, who constantly belittle him and treat him like a child. But Ashton won’t simply go away; he accompanies her, the countess and Red on a journey to Oxford and thence to Bristol in order to uncover the evidence of Daisy’s noble lineage. During the course of their association, each gains a new appreciation for the other; Daisy discovers that Ashton is a highly intelligent man whose life hasn’t been as easy as she had assumed, while Ashton realises that Daisy’s pursuit of his brother is motivated by reasons that are not purely selfish. He also comes to see that she is just what Arthur needs to pull him out of his blinkered and sheltered existence; her spirit and zest for life will balance his reserve and help to open his eyes to the wider world around him and the possibilities it offers. How can Ashton possibly deprive the brother he loves of the woman Arthur so clearly needs at his side?

The storyline is a familiar one and the love-triangle plot device isn’t particularly successful (Arthur is likeable, but there’s never any question as to which brother is going to win Daisy’s hand and heart), but the biggest issue I had with the book as a whole is that the execution is uneven. The first half drags and is hampered by the rather stereotypical characters and lots of mental lusting. Daisy is your classic American ‘breath-of-fresh-air’ miss who rides, shoots and drinks like a man and hates the rigours of the conventions within which she must live. Her references to her ‘Chuck Worth’ dresses make her seem ignorant and she finds it nigh on impossible not to think about sex whenever she so much as glimpses Ashton, and then berates herself for being wanton: It was her regrettable nature to be susceptible to the temptations of the flesh. Ashton is your typical gorgeous, dark, sex-on-a-stick rakish hero with a heart of gold; Arthur is childlike in his naïveté and the aunt and uncles are cartoonish villains, at best.

The second half of the novel is much more engaging and is where most of the conflict and emotional meat of the story is housed; we get to know more about Arthur and are privy to his gradual awakening to his responsibilities and to the realisation that he has been cheated by his relatives, and the author – via Ashton – makes some good points about the degree to which responsibility and duty will inform Daisy’s life should she become a duchess. In spite of Daisy’s frequent lustful thoughts about Ashton, the chemistry between the two is fairly mild, and while I’ve given the book a sensuality rating of ‘warm’, the sex scenes are very tame by modern standards and I almost went with ‘subtle’.

A Good Day to Marry a Duke seemed like a book of two halves. The first gets a C and the second a B, so I’m plumping for a B- overall, and a qualified recommendation because the increased momentum, insight and emotional nuance contained within the second half deserves it. You may enjoy the book more than I did if you happen to like the type of heroine Daisy represents (not my favourite) and can manage not to roll your eyes too hard at the way the supposed love-triangle is resolved.
3.5 stars/B-

american heiress daisy bumgarten only knows one thing. she needs to take london society by storm, marry a duke, and go back to new york to rub mrs. vanderbilt's face in it. as a good day to marry a duke begins, she is scandalizing new york society with her brazen, tomboyish ways. the fact that she is comfortable with men branding her a hussy, even if she's done nothing wrong. and this reputation not only ruins her chances, but also the chances of her sisters marrying advantageously.

in order to redeem herself, she takes two years to earn proper society polish and launches herself into the london high society scene. the duke of meridian is the perfect target for daisy's matrimonial machinations, especially as it appears his estate is facing financial trouble. arthur is also socially awkward and oblivious to most things other than bugs. he is an avid lepidopterist and has never noticed people over butterflies.

but this changes with daisy. and when arthur's scapegrace younger brother is recruited by their elder relatives to look into daisy's suitability as a partner, lord ashley graham agrees. partly because they offer him money, partly because he is intrigued by daisy, and partly because he's always been the one to protect arthur from the world, and he isn't about to stop now.

except the more time he spends in daisy's company, the more he realizes that he is the biggest danger to arthur's heart. the heat and sizzle that burns between daisy and ashley is off the charts, and yet she's determined to marry a duke and ashley has nothing to offer her as a second son. sometimes what we want isn't what we need, though.

even though it's not clear until the very end, there is only one possible way to end this love story. but the characters have to do some growing up and face some hard truths before they can earn their happiness. and it's kind of wonderful to see them all evolve. this late victorian era is such a delightful time in history, and there are so many interesting things going on in the world and those details infuse the novel in a way that gives it some real depth.

**a good day to marry a duke will publish on november 28, 2017. i received an advance reader copy courtesy of netgalley/kensington books (zebra) in exchange for my honest review.

New York - 1888

Marguerite (Daisy) Bumgarten is preparing to ride astride at the Bellington Hunt. She is determined to show the men that she is a tough and strong rider. After the hunt, she even indulges in a big gulp of bourbon just like the men do.

Daisy’s mother, Elizabeth, is angry with her for riding astride and for drinking the bourbon as people are now gossiping about her. With new wealth, Daisy’s mother wants Daisy and her sisters to be accepted into society.

London - 1890

Having worked hard for two years to prove herself a lady, Daisy has arrived at the London home of the Earl of Mountjoy accompanied by her wealthy Uncle Red. Lady Evelyn Hargrave, Countess of Kew, is her sponsor and is helping her look for a husband. She has her eyes set on a Duke. Before allowing her to enter the soiree, the Countess berates her for not having her gloves on then leaves her in an empty room while she dons them. Grumbling to herself, a male voice answers her. And, oh, what a male he is. Laughing at her predicament, he proceeds to help her with her gloves. It turns out he is Ashton Graham, second son of the fifth Duke of Meridian and brother to Arthur, the sixth Duke of Meridian.

The Duke of Meridian is a nice man who loves studying butterflies. All he wants is to travel and enjoy nature but he has the responsibility of being the Duke. He is under the thumb of his Uncle Bertram who bosses and belittles him. Bertram does not want Arthur to get close to Daisy because he has another woman in mind for him to marry. Problem is, the woman's husband is not dead yet and is taking his time about it. Bertram looks upon Daisy as an American “dollar princess.” But when the family learns that Daisy may have some very aristocratic ancestors, the hunt is on to find proof of this.

While Daisy and Arthur are good friends, she and Ashton develop an attraction to one another. If she has the chance to choose, whom will it be?

This is a cute story with some great humor thrown in. Uncle Red is a total hoot. I’m sure readers will enjoy it.

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

What happens when an American heiress comes to London to find a husband? All kind of delightful intrigues! Daisy Bumgarten has not fared well in American society due to her being uninhibited and impulsive by nature along with being "new money. Coming to England so that her sisters might have a better chance for good marriages with her out of the picture, has her sponsored by Lady Hargrave. Countess of Kew. Striving to get Daisy married off hopefully to a peer has its own challenges for the Countess. Their sights are on Arthur Graham, the Duke of Meridian. But with Arthur seeming to be only interested in his scientific endeavors, it becomes for difficult for Daisy to catch his attention.. Then Daisy meets Ashton, the Duke's younger brother and feels more of an attraction. Ashton, known as a rake and wastrel, is determined to keep Daisy away from his brother. All of the Duke's relatives want to see her fail but she tries to stay focused on winning her Duke. As Ashton and Daisy interact more the attraction becomes evident but is fought at every chance. This is a sweet, emotional read that will find you turning the pages to see what will happen. I look forward to more books in this series and know you will too!