I loved this one! It was a nice twist on the typical historical romance with a unique FMC. I loved these characters, drew me in right away!

This was a sweet historical romance. I liked the fact that the FMC had been engaged three different times and they had all fallen through for various reasons. It definitely added something interesting to the plot as she tried to finally find someone she actually loved and not just a marriage her father was pushing her into. Also this book has a sassy rich old lady which I honestly always love.

Christina Britton has been on my radar since this book was published in 2020, but like most people, I found it very difficult to read during the early days of the pandemic. I'm sorry to say I started this book, but didn't finish it until now. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

Honestly, I liked it. Both Leonora and Peter have been through the wringer and are a little sad and angry at the world. Which, mood. That, combined with the instalust, miscommunication, and revenge from the old "I refuse to marry and have an heir to spite you" trope were the reasons I set this book down way back in 2020. Once I set a book down, I don't usually pick it back up. This one, however, I did, because a friend was raving about another book in the series and FOMO kicked in.

Needless to say, I'm glad I re-read it with a few years to get my head back in the reader space. The tropes and mopey characters were still there, but the worldbuilding was the star of the book. The island felt like a character and I loved getting to know the other inhabitants. The author does a fabulous job of establishing the community and I can already see who will shine in stories of their own.

In general, this book will appeal to historical romance readers who crave a regency setting OUTSIDE of a London ballroom. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.

Nice story, enjoyable characters even though he is a bit childish in his "I'm so stuck on revenge, I can't get my head out of my ... behind to realize I'm taking revenge on myself" and the chemistry is not really there.

Beautiful setting and delightful side characters set this Regency romance apart from the rest, which is a tough feat these days.

I wish the Isle of Synne was a real place-- I want to go there. I love the smart heroine and the hero who is reluctant about his title. I want to continue reading this series as long as possible! A great escape.

DNF. When I requested this book I was reading and enjoying a lot of historical romance but over the past couple years my tastes have changed and I’m more into contemporary at this time. Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review.

This is a solid start to a series, but unfortunately, the revenge subplot became very boring very fast. I'll definitely check out the next book in the series (which apparently is already out!) because I enjoyed Britton's writing.

A wonderful addition to the world of regency romance. Well written, enjoyable characters and the perfect amount of romance.

Peter has returned to the isle from America for a singular mission; he will repay the debts owed to those who helped him with his dying mother and he will tell the current Duke that when he dies, Peter will not marry, nor will he have heirs. That the line dies with him.

But upon Peters first stop to his aunt, Lady Tesh, at Seacliff who refuses the money Peter is trying to repay, she instead insists his debt be paid by honoring his mother's dying request. That request? It was for a 13 year old Peter to remain with his aunt and be taken care of. So, 13 years later, Lady Tesh is only requiring a month’s stay.

But luck or fate would have it that one thrice engaged and thrice un-engaged Lenora is headed to the same Seacliff to stay with her best friend grandmother who also happens to be Lady Tesh and Lenora and Peter run into one another, quite literally.

This was a nice set up of forced proximity that I love. Our couple is set to stay a month in the same residence, attending the same dinners, parties and balls that there is bound to be enough time for romance to bloom and attachment to be made. This does have a slow burn quality to it but it works as we learn the tragically romantic folklore of the island with a bit of Norse mythology weaving into our couples own story as a nice touch. I liked hearing of Synne and Ivar and how their romance was a tale of love, patience, friendship and loss. It lent to us getting Peter and Lenora's romance alongside the folklore and learning more about the magic of the Isle.

I enjoyed the small moments of intimacy with this story. The conversations Peter and Lenora have; how she feels the need to rescue him in social situations where he would appear awkward and how fierce to protect Lenora Peter is; even if he feels he needs to protect him from himself. Their first kiss was perfect and I had one of those lovely hand over heart moments when Peter simply comments on how Lenora looks before a ball with "She's beautiful." Peter is a man who guards his words and emotions and that simple but heartfelt compliment was stunning.

The drama that comes in at the end was evitable if not maddening but it was necessary to move the story and the romance forward. I will always think of someone drinking lemonade over tea fondly because Peter is so fierce that it be an okay thing to do.

I loved the side characters and cannot wait to see more of each of them as they get their own stories. I hope see more of Mr. Tunely as well because that man is a wealth of information about the Isle and about the ways of love or how you need a good head smack to see what’s right in front of you.

During a very stressful time, this story was exactly what I needed. The writing is easy to read and it flows off the page effortlessly. The romance is everything I could have hoped for and the set up for the rest of the series has me anxious to read them all.

I really enjoyed Lenora and Peter's story. I just loved watching these two find their HEA with each other. It was fun watching these two grow as individuals as their love for one another grew along with it. I have to say that Peter reminded me of Roy Kent from the show Ted Lasso, grumpy with a heart of gold. Swoon!!

I received a free e-copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

Normally, I struggle with historical romances, but this one had me from the beginning! Lenora has had 3 failed engagements. 3! That alone had my attention for a historical romance. I enjoyed the book, there were some slow parts, but worth the read!

Lenora Hartley is unlucky in love. After her fiancé runs off just before their wedding, she decides to escape London, her horrible father, and the scandal caused by her third failed engagement. She travels with her best friend Margery to the Isle of Synne where they will stay with Margery’s grandmother, Lady Tesh.

Peter Ashford has returned to the Isle of Synne one last time to repay the last of his perceived debts. Thirteen years earlier, after asking for help for his dying mother and being turned away by the Duke of Dane, Lady Tesh did what little she could to help ease his mother’s pain as she passed. Lady Tesh convinces Peter that his mother’s dying wish was for her to take care of him and convinces him and his friend Quincy to stay on the Isle of Synne with her for one month.

This was a great opposites attract romance! Peter is very angry, gruff, and graceless. He refuses to marry in order to exact his revenge on the Duke of Dane. Lenora is sweet, but also feels as though she is perhaps unloveable after her many failed attempts at marriage. Add in a dash of meddling and match making by Lady Tesh and you have a wonderful introduction to the Isle of Synne series.

Thanks to Netgalley for the chance to review this book. All opinions are my own.

I am so grateful that this series was a "Read Now" on NetGalley, as I would've never stumbled across it on my own. Give me Duke, a romance and historical fiction, and you've got the making of something I would grab to read right away.

A Good Duke is Hard to Find is a slow-burn between two people who are overly attracted and drawn to each other - a complete connection. Societal norms and long suppressed feelings of guilt threaten their fledgling love. Can they navigate the Isle of Synne, and its tragic Viking tale of long lost love to be together?

Great start to a series I will continue to read. Onward to book 2 in the series!!

Thank you NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the complimentary copy.

#AGoodDukeIsHardtoFind #NetGalley

This historical romance started out very promising, but lost me about the halfway point. While the authors writing is beautiful, it felt hard to connect to these characters and there seemed to be too many conflicts going on simultaneously.

I am looking forward to the sequel however since I think I know which characters it will be about.

I was provided a free copy of this novel, and voluntarily leave this review.

A Good Duke Is Hard To Find is the first installment in the Isle of Synne series by Christina Britton. After three failed engagements, Lenora Hartley decides to get away from the ton and spend some time with her friend Margery‘s aunt on the Isle of Synne. Peter Ashford also finds himself on the aisle to fulfill his mother’s dying wish. A true grumpy hero, Peter wants nothing to do with Lenora despite his instant attraction to her.

I really enjoyed A Good Duke Is Hard To Find. The scenic surroundings are beautifully depicted and I loved the cast of characters, especially Lady Tesh and her dog Freya. There is a dash of Norse mythology in this story, which was so fun and different from typical historical romances.

This is a historical romance, so there’s a lot of pining and a secret rendezvous or two, but it was less steamy than your average historical romance. It was a great story with a solid plot and fun characters. I can’t wait to read more about Quincy in book 2!

This was a struggle to read, and I think I just wasn't in the mood for it at the time. I will be pursuing this title in audio format and see how that works. Because I had high expectations and just couldn't get into the writing for some reason. I definitely think it was more me than the book itself. I hope that the audio will work better for me and that I can get on board with this author. Highly respect her.

Lenora Hartley has experienced 3 broken engagements including the most recent one where she was left at the alter, so she decides to escape the gossip in London with her best friend by going to Synne island. with her best friend. It doesn't turn out to be the peaceful visit she imagined, as it holds too many memories of her first fiancé who died, as well as a very handsome distraction.

Having spent the past thirteen years in America, Peter Ashford is next in line to inherit the dukedom which includes Synne, but he has no desire for it. He's hell bent on getting revenge on the duke that wronged him and his mother so many years ago. He keeps letting his plans for vengeance slip because of his growing attraction to Lenora.

I love a good angsty story with a HEA and Christina Britton never disappoints!!

A honest review is given in exchange for receiving an ARC from Netgalley.

Lenora is demure and gentle, and an expected heroine that deserves something good coming her way. Despite the preponderance to growl at every turn, Peter, is a fine hero.
I enjoyed Lady Tesh's matchmaking and Peter's journey from impetuous angry young man to one contemplative and caring. The characters are relatable and kind and the main characters have decent chemistry. The storyline is a bit generic, but a pleasant read.

Revenge, rique encounters and sizzling kisses can turn even the most determined and hardened heart into a lovestruck and caring hero/heroine. I recommend A Good Duke Is Hard to Find!