Would I Lie to the Duke by Eva Leigh is the second book in the Union of the Rakes series. At the beginning, we have a young woman who is doing everything she can in order to try to save her family's business, but Jessica McGale is simply a woman born into Regency England. The first meeting of Jess and Noel is merely circumstance, but Jess decides that she is in control of her own life and makes the choice to infiltrate a gathering of wealthy aristocrats at a bazaar. There she meets the Duke of Rotherby, also known as Noel, the man from the street.. Jess is torn between the world she lives in and the one she invented.

It was difficult to understand Noel at the beginning of the book because his point of view almost seemed childish- like he was one-dimensional - only there for the fun things. That is until you get to know him through the author's words. Noel is instantly attracted to Jess, but is it Jess, Lady Whitfield, or Jessica McGale? Noel is only himself with his true friends, the Union of the Rakes, but ultimately opens himself to Jess. Will she protect and love Noel, the man?

Add in some sexy scenes in the countryside, laughter, and a lot of heart, this is a story that will make you think of your own dreams and who your true friends are.

I found it hard to put this story down. Jess is selfless in her attempts to get her family business back on its feet. But the Duke complicates matters! Their relationship is so good for him. Jess sees Noel as just a man, and he loves it. No spoiler here, but my heart broke for both our couple a few times. Looking forward to the next story in this series.

After a fire, Jessica's family business needs investors. Hoping to get some sales where the businesses upfront their payment for the goods, she heads to London. She is soon very disappointed as no business is willing to pay for goods they have not received. After hearing about a business related event, she decides to take her chance at attending. While her intentions were never to pretend to be anyone other than herself, circumstances have her posing as "Lady Whitfield".

Noel is intrigued by Jessica upon meeting her and the more time he spends with her, he falls deeper under her spell. She seems to get him like no one else does. Trust is huge to Noel, so what will happen when he learns that Jessica is not the person she has been presenting herself as?

I absolutely adored this story!! I loved Jessica and how smart she was. She was able to shine in the setting with all the other business minded people. Nick and Jessica together were red hot!! I just loved all the bantering between them! I loved Noel in the previous book in the series and this one just made me fall further in love with him. If you are a fan of romance, you need to pick this book up!!

This is the second book in the Union of Rakes series. I enjoyed the first book, My Fake Rake, and gave it five stars on Goodreads a few months ago. This one? Even better.

Jessica McGale is a young woman with a mission: her family farm, which raises bees for soaps, burned down and she feels responsible to take care of her siblings since her parents passed prior to the fire. She took a job as a lady’s companion and, when the lady hurt her ankle, finds herself in London awaiting her employer. Jess decides to take advantage of the situation by shopping McGale and McGale’s soaps on Bond Street. She quickly realizes that she needs an investment, and, after a chance encounter with the Duke of Rotherby, Noel. She overhears him talking about the Bazaar hosted by the Marquess of Trask, which is kind of like a 19th century version of Shark Tank. Jess decides to pose as Lady Whitfield, the widow of a late baronet to gain entry.

Jess impresses everyone at the Bazaar with her knowledge of the market and what would sell and what wouldn’t. She holds the Bazaar in the palm of her hand, being sneaky in dropping hints about her family’s soap business on the sly. The Duke can’t help but be attracted to her. He’s so used to getting his way-- he is a DUKE after all-- but Jess is in control of their relationship. She asks him to go slow, and he does. He respects her, mind and body whole. Instead of demanding things and getting them, as he does all his life, Noel realizes he has to work for Jess, and he does. The chemistry between these two is amazing. Their tryst in Lord Trask’s greenhouse/sun room was absolutely amazing. It is lovely to watch a man like Noel fall fast and hard for Jess.

I won’t lie in that I hate the Cinderella element of stories like this, but I also understand the class system in 19th century England, not to mention the untouchableness of the aristocracy during that time. Jess would have never been able to interact with Noel as herself, and she didn’t go looking for him… she was looking for an investment in her family’s business not for Noel to rescue her. Jess is forward, strong, hella smart, and self-sufficient. In other words, she is no shrinking violet and I love that about this book. I also love Jess dominating Noel in their sexual encounters (obviously Noel does as well) and it’s just… gah. Gorgeous, hot, beautiful… all those things. And the HEA is everything.

There is another installation of the Union of Rakes coming out in February 2021!!!! With an older woman (Lady Farris, who we get to know in this book) and the Scot of the Rakes, Duncan McCameron. I cannot wait to read this one.

Eva Leigh is quickly becoming one of my go-to authors. She takes a familiar genre, but adds her own twist. Would I Lie to the Duke continues her Union of the Rakes series (which is based on the Breakfast Club!) This book follows a duke who is also a businessman and a young women who needs to secure his investment to save her family business. As usual, Leigh's writing is clever and sometimes laugh out loud funny. The story follows tropes that are familiar to any romance reader, but she puts her own unique spin on it. I loved it, and I can't wait for the next book in the series!

Jess and Noel are alike in many ways but one; he is a duke and she a farmers daughter. They meet while she is impersonating a lady financier to find funds for her family business. In the meantime they fall in love. I found the first half of this book dry enough that I skimmed most of it. The second half held my interest and was enjoyable. 3 stars.

Hot and steamy romance at its finest! Leigh creates compelling characters. Her female protagonist is exceptional. I can't wait to read more in this series. A great talent.

If you're looking for bodices to get ripped without the mores or morals of the Regency era, this might be your book. The hero is charismatic and angsty, the heroine is a plucky go-getter trying to save her family, and they live in a world where women and people of color are not discriminated against and can even belong to an elite investment club. And everybody has lots of sex. I didn't dislike any of that. Mainly what took me out of the moment was the very un-19th-century, un-British vocabulary. But other than that, it's a light, steamy read.

Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for a digital ARC for the purpose of an unbiased review.

This was quite possibly my favorite Eva Leigh book yet! Jess is an amazing character, with ambition and drive to put others to shame. Noel is a commanding and powerful duke, but he doesn't fall into the alpha hero trope I dislike. Seriously, no more alpha heroes please and thank you. More often than not a so-called 'alpha hero' is just an asshole. Anyways, Jess and Noel are great. I also felt the book had some solid subplot substance, with the characters of the Bazaar and Jess working to save her family business.

I'm always a little wary around books where the premise hinges on one character lying to the other, but I think this one worked well! When all was revealed I felt like Jess did an appropriate amount of apologizing and Noel was mad while not being mean. It was clear even when separated that the characters cared deeply about each other, and I think that's part of what made their reunion so believable and worth it.

If you've enjoyed Eva Leigh's previous books definitely pick this one up! It's a fast, fun read with characters to die for!

People will do desperate things to save family. This is a tale of an intelligent, capable oldest sister struggling to save the family business and keep her siblings together. Jessica McGale will do whatever she must to get the McGale soap & honey farm a success after a fire damages 1/3 of it and her parents passing away. She's also taken a job as a paid companion to Countess Catherton.

The Countess has sent Jess to London to prepare for a short stay there before they take off for an extended time on the continent. Jess takes the opportunity to visit the shops on Bond Street to hopefully find someone to sell the family soap in London and find investors to rebuild the farm & factory. While coming out of Daley's Emporium she chances upon Duke Noel Edwards in discussion about whether a certain business is a good investment and interjects her opinion on it. This begins Jess and Noel's acquaintance and him seeing her as having shrewd business acumen.

Noel is an investor. Thanks to his cadre of 5 friends from Eton, The Union of The Rakes, he realizes he's in a position to help people and investing is one of those avenues. His friend Lord Trask has a Bazaar every year bringing select investment opportunities to a group of people willing to invest. When Jess shows up at the doorstep hoping to advance McGale Soap, Noel takes her for a fellow investor and so the tale begins. I loved watching how Jess carefully introduces these people to her family's soap and how she tries to keep her distance from Noel since she recognizes their chemistry. Noel on the other hand has never been so impressed by a woman before and is determined to seek her attention. Reading this story you know there is a train wreck ahead but I couldn't wait to see it sorted out in the end. This was extremely well written story.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Actually, Yes!

A young woman Jessica McGale is determined to save the family soap business. The product is of high quality, the only problem is that a fire has destroyed the plant. She and her siblings need investors.
Noel Edwards, the Duke of Rotherby heads a group called the Bazaar who each year hold a week long event looking at businesses to invest in.
Jess is resolved to attend. How she manages this is heart beatingly fascinating. Worthy of Becky Sharpe of Vanity Fair. How Jess manages to keep her ruse going provides delicious tension.
What she didn't understand was how much she'd be attracted to the duke.
Noel is besieged by sycophants and people who want something from him. The only people he trusts are his fellow members of The Union of Rakes, four men he's known since Eton. (How they first come to know each other is nicely drawn.) The Duke trusts very few and Jessica's actions are setup for breaking that trust from the get go. Hmmm!
Of course as Jessica and Noel get to know each other the sparks fly. Endless pages of their saucy interactions provides--well far too much information. There were moments when I wanted to say enough! In fact I found myself skipping their repetitive coupling. Can we get back to the story I'd complain to myself. When the Duke's particular peccadillo of enjoying being mastered, or should that be mistressed, I started to yawn. What do I infer from this? The man who commands wants a change of pace?
Well he gets that along with a woman who certainly lets him down on the 'truth' side of things. Do I blame her, not really she's fighting for farm and family. Still in the end I lost interest. This had the bones of a good story but when the twist was sidelined, so was I.

A HarperCollins ARC via NetGalley
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

Noel Edwards, the Duke of Rotherby, made many good friends at Eton and they remain so today. Noel is generous and has a great sense of humor.

Miss Jessica (Jess) McGale and her two siblings own a large farm that was partially destroyed by fire leaving them in dire need of money to keep things going. They raise bees and using the honey make their own deliciously scented Honey Soap. Jess has always had a smart business mind and reads a lot to keep up with the financial world.

Jess has taken a job as a lady’s companion to the widowed Countess of Catherton. Jess is so efficient and manages everything about the woman’s home and life. Jess was in London awaiting Lady Catherton when word arrives that the woman has injured her ankle requiring her to rest. Thus, she will join Jess in London soon. Jess uses this time to try to find financial backing for making more of the soap and selling it. When she learns of an annual business bazaar, she calls herself Lady Whitfield and attends the bazaar. She is hoping to find someone to back her soap business.

Jess meats Noel and they click instantly. He is intrigued by her and thus begins a snappy conversation between them filled with sexual innuendo. Even though they attend some events as a group with the business bazaar, he wants to be with her alone, but she keeps putting him off…until she no longer can. When they do hook up, readers will need a fire extinguisher to keep the flames down.

I admired Jess’s tenacity in doing all she can to see that her family’s business can be saved. I liked the humor that Noel displays, in addition to his generosity to his friends. What I did not like was the incredibly explicit sex scenes. I have never read anything like that and have to desire to do so again. That’s what you call over the top. However, there are always those readers that will love it, so for those of you, enjoy.

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

3.5 Stars

Leigh’s latest is an enjoyable fish out of water, secret identity, Cinderella-esque romp!

Cue our secret lady, Jessica McGale, a lady’s companion looking to save her family’s farm and soap business. Headed to London to prepare her employer’s trip to the continent, she has two weeks to try and get her family some investors to help repair damage to the farm from a fire. But instead she finds a duke and the Bazaar.

First, the Duke. For anyone who read the first book in this series, My Fake Rake, they have met the Duke of Rotherby. He’s a paragon of looks, fashion, and everyone wants to talk to him, to know him. Except Jessica. Sure, his influence and support could change things around, but she doesn’t expect to care about him. To see him as more than a duke. Then there’s the Bazaar.

Determined not to take advantage of Rotherby, she turns her attentions on the Bazaar, though the Duke is her way inside. It’s a feast of rich toffs looking for investment opportunities and what better way to get her business booming with the help of other rich folks turning their investment sights on her family’s soap making. It’s a curvy, winding tale of potential pitfalls everywhere as Jessica navigates high society and falls deeper in lust with Rotherby, who is inspired by Jessica’s intelligence, confidence, and her willingness to point out his faults.

I loved watching these too fall for each other, though I’ll admit what holds this book back on the star factor for me is that I kept putting it down. It wasn’t a rapid page turned and that might be because Jessica has to pull off a lot of subterfuge and Leigh does an amazing job of making me feel like there was no way for these two to have a relationship. Thankfully, I found the resolution much less stressful than what I made it out to be.

Outside of that personal hiccup, there’s a great depiction of regency England, fabulous descriptive pieces, forward-thinking friendships, and even some play with dominance and submission. The dialogue and continuing relationship between the male members of the Union of Rakes is fabulous too. P.S. There are two members of the Union I’m hoping for a story on, but not sure if we’ll get one.

Overall, if you love Regency romance, this book continues to add to Eva Leigh’s tendency toward heroines who are empowered and brave with heroes that don’t seek to stifle them, but support and uplift. For readers who enjoy Sarah MacLean.

~ Landra

3.5 stars rounded up.

Jessica McGale's family makes the best soap to be found in England, but just as she was hoping to expand their production, a fire put paid to those plans. Now working as a lady's companion, Jess knows she must find investors to keep the business afloat and keep herself and her two siblings together. When she winds up with two weeks in London without her employer, Jess sees her chance. Pretending to be the fictional widow Lady Whitfield, Jess finds her way into the circle of London's wealthy and business-minded, including the entirely too attractive Duke of Rotherby. His support and influence could fix everything if Jess can just rein in her reaction to him.

Noel, the Duke of Rotherby, is well used to sycophants and flatterers who know him as a wild rake with a casual interest in investments. Only his closest friends know the real man beneath the societal facade. When he meets Lady Whitfield, he's delighted by her sharp wit and obvious intelligence. He's unprepared for his reaction to her and struggles with trust, but Jess makes him feel comfortable just being himself.

As Jess' bold plan comes to fruition, she struggles to keep up the ruse and it is soon obvious that attaining her goal will mean losing Noel. He's not interested in temporary; for once Noel wants a woman by his side always, but Jess' secret is a big one and it might be too much for Noel to overcome given his difficulty with trusting others.

I enjoyed this book overall, just not as much as I wanted to. I liked the Cinderella-esque stance, but Jess' lie went on way too long. It would've been much more satisfying for me if she'd confided in Noel as he did in her. Jess didn't open up to Noel much and this made the relationship feel a bit one-sided to me, especially given the fact that, in my opinion, Jess didn't do nearly enough groveling or apologizing in the end. It also annoyed me that Jess, knowing the precariousness of her lie, had the gall to call Noel presumptuous. He was nothing but good to her and didn't deserve the disdain she showed him for the first half or so of the book, even if she was trying to keep her distance to protect her scheme. For his part, Noel was a fantastic hero, one of my new favorites in fact. I loved that he could be vulnerable and a bit submissive, but there was never any doubt that he was a strong and powerful man. He was fabulous and I just thought he deserved more from Jess. I enjoyed this book, despite my annoyance with Jess and the length of her lies, and I very much look forward to Duncan's book.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was an entertaining, well-written historical romance. Jessica McGale needs support for her family business and pretends to be a lady of means to be able to come in contact with London's elite. Noel, Duke of Rotherby, dabbles in investments, and when he meets Jess, he is impressed with her business knowledge. They discover a shared attraction, and everything becomes complicated. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books by this author.

Overall: 4.5/5 Stars
Characters: 5/5
Setting: 5/5
Writing: 5/5
Plot and Themes: 4/5
Awesomeness Factor: 4/5
Review in a Nutshell: Would I Lie to the Duke is a fun, sexy read that you will want to reread the second you finish.

Would I Lie to the Duke follows Jessica McGale, who, in a desperate attempt to save her family business, poses as “Lady Whitfield” to try and get investors. There, she meets Noel, the Duke of Rotherby, and as they grow closer, Jess must decide if her family business is worth breaking Noel’s heart, and her own.

I love how Eva Leigh writes historical romance. Her books are easy to jump into, with fun banter and and a fast pace. I couldn’t put the book down, it was so addictive. The only part I wasn’t a fan of was all of the lies, but, that’s kinda what you sign up for when you decide to read it.

I loved the two main characters and their dynamic. Our heroine, Jess, is strong and determined, wanting desperately to help her family. Our hero is charming and privileged, but aware of it. Noel is just an amazing character, I cannot stress that enough. He deserves the world, and I love him.

There were also a lot of fun side characters, and I can't wait to see more of them in the next book! I especially loved some of the hints at future romance. I can’t wait to find out more about it!!

Pros- Great characters, addictive, fun
Cons- If you can’t stand relationships built on lies… this might not be for you
Overall- 4.5/5 stars.
Would I Lie to the Duke was exactly what I wanted it to be. It was absolutely addictive and I can’t wait to read more in this series.

The answer to the title question is yes, yes she would. This is a total me problem, but I just don't like lying and I could not get past Jessica's lies, especially once Noel explained why honesty is so important to him. He was also presented as someone who was kind at heart and understanding, so I felt through the whole book that if Jessica had been honest from the start, he would've helped her with her business and they still would've fallen in love - no lies necessary. I did enjoy the first book in the series and I'm intrigued about the setup for the next book, so although this one wasn't for me, I'll still be picking up the next one.

When fire destroys part of her family’s farm and prevents them from manufacturing their honey soap, Jessica “Jess” McGale takes a position as a companion to Lady Catherton to help her brother and sister financially. But as luck would have it, Lady Catherton wants to travel abroad and has Jessica go ahead to London to make sure everything is ready for her. Jessica decides to visit some shops on Bond Street and convince them to sell her family’s soap and she is returning to the townhouse, defeated, no one is willing to sell her soaps without an endorsement from someone notable in society, when she sees Noel Edwards, the Duke of Rotherby surrounded by men asking his opinion on investments. She catches his attention when she joins the conversation and adds her opinion. He is impressed with her, but before she can talk to him again, he is swept away with his admirers. She continues on her way and again fate seems to favor Jess. There is a letter waiting for her, it seems her employer hurts her ankle and is unable to travel for a fortnight, but tells Jess to stay in London. Jess immediately forms a new plan – she will attend the “Bazaar”, which is an annual gathering to pair investors with companies in need of capital. The next day, dressed in one of Lady Catherton’s gowns, Jess sets out and is unsuccessfully trying to talk her way into the Bazaar, when Noel appears and invites her in as his guest.

Noel hasn’t stopped thinking of the bold woman who he met on Bond Street and vows to find her as soon as the Bazaar is over. He is overjoyed when he hears her voice and immediately intervenes. She is introduced to him as Lady Whitfield, widow of Sir Brantley Whitfield. He takes her under his wing and introduces her to the others. She fits right in to the group and soon the others are asking her opinion on investing. Noel is attracted to her and loves that she doesn’t seem to be impressed with his title and treats him like he is nothing special. He is determined to get her into bed and sets out to win her.

Jess knows that she is walking a fine line and that her lies could be exposed at any minute, so she tries to keep Noel at arm’s length and as much as she wants him, she can’t risk getting attached. But he is charming and kind and oh so handsome – she finds herself unable to resist, especially when it seems he is not only willing to let her be dominant in sexual matters, but actually desires it. And so, begins a very heated affair, but all too soon her lies will come crashing down and whatever feelings Noel might have had for her will be crushed. Has she lost everything or will love find a way?

This was a well written book, where a Breakfast Club hero meets a Working Girl heroine (with a nod to The Secret of My Success) at regency era Shark Tank. I didn’t dislike the premise and I even chuckled at man seeking investors for his Sparrow messaging system, but overall, I was disappointed – this book was supposed to be a regency – but it was a contemporary romance complete with “woke” characters that had no prejudices, 21st century morals and standards, dressed in period clothing. The story itself is fun, Noel is likable, but I never really felt like I got to know him and I had a hard time liking Jessica, who was lying to everyone, but didn’t have a problem telling Noel he was too arrogant and presumptuous. There are cameos with his “Union” brothers, steaming HOT love scenes, interesting secondary characters and a touching ending complete with an epilogue. This is the second book in the series, but it can be read as a standalone with no problems. Personally, I didn’t really care for this book and I don’t think that I will be continuing with the series, but that is based on my own preferences for Historical Romance and not the author’s ability to write an engaging story.

Although I haven't finished the book, what I have read so far I really like it! I love Eva Leigh and simply enjoy her writing! A heroine who is trying to help save her family/family business/family house etc. is one of my favorite characters, add in that she is a math wiz and a Duke who thinks that people should like him simply because he is a Duke is perfect!

I loved Would I Lie to the Duke. I knew that there was a thread of 80's movie throw back happening from the first book (My Fake Rake - it's adorable) but didn't realize that it was an overall theme of the series until I got into this book. I am 100% here for a Working Girl -esque historical romance. It added more fun to my reading experience to watch for those references as I read and catch Eva's little hints at current culture and 80's movies. My favorite thing about historical romance is how almost all of the heroines are doing hard and amazing things in a time when they just aren't supposed to. Jess is that personified. She is strong for her family. She fights for their success in an unconventional way. She is proud of her work ethic and ambition and willing to do the hard work to accomplish her goals. And the hero is submissive. It's so well done. Eva Leigh, you have gained a fan out of me. I can't wait to read the next book and am so excited to have read and reviewed this one for you.