"Romancing Daphne" is a Regency romance set in 1812 in London. It's the third book in the series, but you don't need to read the previous books to understand this one. This is a touching novel with a heroine with a soul-deep hurt.

When her mother died and her father withdrew from life, Daphne and her siblings had to fend for themselves. Quiet Daphne was often overlooked, and her father refused her the affection she craved. Daphne is now a young woman full of intelligence, caring, and wit, but she doesn't believe anyone will want her. Especially since she's overheard many a person call her plain.

James has a controlling, manipulative father. Under threat, James agrees to befriend Daphne during her Season and perhaps court her. He comes to appreciate how easy it is to talk with her and how she genuinely cares for people. Of course, Daphne soon overhears "proof" that James is only showing her attention because he was forced to. She withdraws from the pain, determined to never let anyone hurt her like this again. Can James prove that his love is genuine (and survive the avenging guardian and brother)?

There is some humor in how Daphne's guardian, the Dangerous Duke, scares people. I like that the novel acknowledges how our upbringing can shape how we view ourselves and others. Daphne and James were better people for knowing each other, and they help each other release their burdens. The historical details about the politics, social manners, and such were woven into the story, though accuracy was often suspended when it came to the Dangerous Duke's behavior. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd highly recommend this novel.

Daphne Lancaster’s is shy & timid nothing like her beautiful sisters so her first season fills her with dread. Even her family’s enviable connections may not be enough to prevent disaster. But Daphne’s misery turns to surprised delight when the first event of her Season, an ‘at home’ brings an unexpected visitor to her door—James Tilburn, whose tender kindness stole her heart over six years ago when he was so kind to her. When the handsome young gentleman expresses his desire to court her, Daphne is elated. Their feelings for each other quickly grow, and it appears that, much to Daphne’s disbelief, her happily ever after is within reach.
Yet nothing is as it seems. The couple finds themselves caught in a tangled web of greed and deceit, leaving Daphne to determine whether she can trust James.
A charming clean story of misunderstandings & second chances. James & Daphne are very well portrayed & both of them have their emotional difficulties to overcome & the author handled these very well & the reasons became apparent as the story progressed. I adored Adam the Duke of Kielder, so hard on the outside but with a soft centre. His cold stares & arsenal had me chuckling. I generally like my novels to have a bit more spice & passion in them but although there weren’t even any heated embraces I enjoyed this book & will certainly read more by the author

As always, Sarah Eden did not disappoint. I have loved her books since first reading "The Kiss of a Stranger". They are clean romance novels with all the chemistry evident to imagine a true love match. This book continues with some of the characters from her earlier books about the Lancaster family.

Daphne was quiet, shy and reclusive, at least that is how society saw her. She had reached the age of 18 and was now to have her debut in society but that was the last thing she wanted. Her heart had been stolen at the ripe old age of 12 when James Tilburn had shown her such tenderness and kindness and she could never see loving any one else. She had never told anyone else about their chance meeting at her sister's debut ball. She had imagined him to be the perfect man for her all these years.

To her surprise, her brother-in-law the Dangerous Duke had set in motion an introduction for her into society with none other than James Tilburn. As their courtship progressed, she was unaware that James' father had such underhanded plans and ways and manipulation of James. She didn't trust easily and when that trust was broken by James, would they ever be able to get past the pain to find something wonderful?

I was given a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

3.75 stars

***ARC received in exchange of an honest opinion***

This is the first book by Sarah M. Eden I've read and although there were so e technical flaws (like it being told in the third person but on someone's POV, but characters addressed like it was being told in 1st person), I enjoyed it!

Romancing Daphne is a sweet story. I enjoy those, even though I like a bit more angst in the books I read. The story kept my attention, but I have to say I liked Daphne's family and their interactions better than Daphne and James' story.
Specially Adam. I loved him (he's my favorite charcater) and all the scenes he interacted with his family.

James and Daphne's love story is not a bad one, but I didn't really connect with it, not as I was hoping for. It was, perhaps, a little too slow and sweet for me. I enjoyed it, though.

This was a good read, specially if you're a reader fond of historical romances like I am (and the historical facts and living were perfectly described)! I definitely wouldn't be opposed to reading all of the Lancasters books!

What a delightful book! I loved that this book wasn't all about the glitz and the glamour of the ballrooms in usual Regency romances, but more about a lonely little girl growing up to a timid and reserved young woman. Daphne Lancaster was used to being ignored in her life from her father who retreated into himself when he lost his wife to her beautiful sisters who took the ton by storm at their comeouts. Daphne had one earth shattering experience when she was 12 and met then 19 year old James Tilburn. His kind treatment of her had Daphne wishing to marry the young lord when she grew up. James Tilburn had never forgotten the "Little Sparrow" of a girl he met years earlier. Could he ever find such a sweet young woman like her to share his life with?

Ms. Eden does a great job of letting the reader into the minds of each character. Even though I hadn't read any of the previous books in the series, there was enough little snippets throughout to give me a good idea what had gone on before to the Lancaster sisters. Daphne was such a wonderful character--timid and reserved, yet intelligent, witty and so very kind. The story moved along at a good pace and I eagerly turned the pages to find out what would befall Daphne next. The writing is top-notch and I plan to seek out the other books in the series.

This is the third book in the Lancaster family series. I had read Seeking Persephone but have not read the 2nd book, Courting Miss Lancaster. I really like the very loose retellings of these greek myths that each of these ladies is named after. This one was lovely. I could relate to Daphne's feelings of being forgotten and passed over in a household with older and younger siblings. Middle children do seem to feel relegated to the background. I loved that James didn't begin the relationship already twitterpated because of Daphne's beauty. He grew to see her loveliness as he got to know her better.

I really enjoy the Duke of Kielder's personality. He seems to intimidate everyone but is so perceptive and able to just cut through the games and get to the point. It is kinda fun that he got to play cupid's arrow in this book and really set the relationship on its course (bumpy though it may be).

Totally enjoyed it and now really need to get the 2nd book so I can see how Athena's romance was undertaken. Looking forward to Artimis' story and even Linus if Sarah Eden get to them!

Wow!! Sarah M Eden does it again!
What a awesome sweet love story.
I definitely recommend this book for those looking for a swoony sweet love story. I'm

I LOVE the Lancaster family. Adam is one of my favorite characters to read about. He and Persephone are written so well. Daphne has always been a side character with few lines, so I was excited to read this story. Her and Adam's relationship has always been one I wanted to know more about.
I loved getting to read more about Daphne's history. She is still quiet and shy in this book, but she is able to shine as talented and intelligent individual.
I liked James immediately. The way he wasn't comfortable with deceiving Daphne made him very likable. The more I read about him, the more I like him.
I also really enjoyed getting to read about Linus in this book. He has been talked about, but rarely seen in the series. I love his dry wit and humor.
I will DEFINITELY tell my friends and family about this book!

London - 1806

Daphne Lancaster, age 12, is quietly observing her beautiful sister, Athena’s introduction to society and wishing she herself wasn’t so plain. As she is growing up, she has overheard people say that she has no beauty and, thus, she has resigned herself to be a spinster. Daphne lives with her sister and brother-in-law, Adam, the Duke of Kielder, at Falstone House. His reputation has him named the Dangerous Duke. When a young gentleman sees her watching her sister, he actually calls her a pretty young lady which makes her heart sing. The gentleman is James Tilburn, age 18, and son of the Earl of Techney who totally controls his son’s life.

London - 1812

James Tilburn’s father informs him that the Duke of Kielder has taken an interest in him and now the Earl wants him to pursue Daphne and her 20,000 pound dowry. He tells James that her family is concerned that with her plainness, marrying her off may prove to be difficult and the Duke wants James to court her.

When James calls upon Daphne, she is quite surprised as it is a first for her. The Duke is very protective of Daphne and does not want to see her hurt so he lets James know this in no uncertain terms.

As James and Daphne get to know one another, he finds she is very shy. But she is also very well read and an expert in apothecary knowledge. She grows her own herbs and knows how to combine and brew them to treat various illnesses.

Soon, a lie is discovered and Daphne thinks that James has been just playing her along. But James is a true gentleman and someone else is guilty.

Come enjoy the delightfully sweet and clean romance. You will love all of the characters that have been perfectly crafted by the author. The Duke and Daphne’s sister, Artemis, will have you laughing too. Don’t miss this one. I loved it.

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