I love this series. I can’t wait to read the next. The Dukes pact has me wanting more with every novel. Book two had me eagerly turning the pages and then wishing book three was out as soon as I was done. I can’t wait for the next.

I appreciate the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review and honest opinion.

Thanks to the author, Dragonblade Publishing and Netgalley for the Advance Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book was so much fun to read. I read the first in the series so I had already had feeling that Sybil and Richard would find their way to love despite his involvement in the scandal that ruined her friend’s reputation.

Despite his friend’s trying to sabotage their relationship, her father’s rivalry with his father and her outward disdain of him, Richard is not dissuaded in his pursuit. Although he messes up a few times, which is highly entertaining.

The supporting characters, including the rascally manservant Charlie, make this story even more delightful. I’m off to read the next one immediately!

This is the second book in The Duke's Pact series. This book picks up right where the last book left off but you do not need to have read the first book to jump right into this one. I was often amused by the character Charlie in this series. He added so much levity to some repetitive situations. I was disappointed with the amount of time our H and H actually spent together in this book. I think I was about 95% through before they actually started speaking to each other. Oh well, I did enjoy it!

One son of a desperate Duke married in book one. Now another son, Richard Smythe, the Marquess of Lockwood, and heir to the Duke of Gravesley is learning that his future is not looking too bright. He must marry or his life as he knows it will disappear. Lady Sybil Hayworth is holding bitterness with this certain group of men that tried to interfere with her friends’ life. Richard has apologized for his misbehavior but has not been forgiven. Seeing that she will not forgive him, makes Richard try all the harder to get on her good side. Will Richard win, or will Sybil stay strong and hold her grudge? There are house parties, lots of wagers and meddling with the remaining members of the unmarried young men. Just who is going to win?

I really tried to poor my imagination into this book. I found certain parts showed potential of a good book. This book has the possibilities of being a good book. Although, the beginning seems a bit long. The two main characters meet in the beginning, but after that they do not meet up until a number of chapters later in the book. This lost me. I was looking forward to the romance from the two characters. The action was good. They could have moved more of that later in the book when Lockwood has finally began his relationship with Sybil. Sybil character is a smart , take charge woman. This is good for the book. The book has straight line to it. <img src="https://www.netgalley.com/badge/21abbc6d2f62a80d56d9e8ae6c15dff82ebee8dc" width="80" height="80" alt="25 Book Reviews" title="25 Book Reviews"/>

Oh, how I enjoyed this story! The Dukes are still trying to get their sons to marry by threatening to cut them off. The sons are equally determined to stop each other by whatever means are necessary to prevent any of them marrying. That is where the fun begins!
The story was fun and very entertaining. The two main characters, Sybil and Richard are extremely stubborn. You don't want to miss this one! A very enjoyable read!

Sybil and Richard are a great couple whose story is a delightful read. She is convinced he is in love with another and he is set on winning over her father. This story is one that just makes the reader feel good.

A Bet on Love

Six dukes got together and made a pact because they wanted their children to marry and produce heirs. Those children were set against the idea. Now, it was Richard’s turn, and he found himself falling in love. His so-called friends did not want Richard to get together with lady Sybil, so they devised a devious plot to separate the two. Could Richard win the lady of his heart? Not only did Richard have to contend with the machinations of his cohorts, but he had to get Sybil’s father on his side. There was a family feud, and the fathers didn’t see eye-to-eye. I did have some difficulty following the plot at times, but I seem to be in the minority. This story had a 4.5-star rating as of this writing.

There once was a group of Dukes, who decided it was time for their son's to marry, so they concocted a solution to that problem. Their funds would be cut if they did not court and marry. What's a young man to do?

Richard Smythe, Marquess of Lockwood and Heir to the Duke of Graversly is one of the sons of the Duke's Pact and knows he needs to get married. He had enjoyed squiring Lady Sybil Hayworth around but that was coming to an end due to her and her family finding out he had something to do with a former plot against Cassandra Knightbridge.

Now it is a journey of seeing who can get the upper hand and breaking down Lady Sybil's resolve. Full of humor, a feisty street urchin and a determined Lord Lockwood to see if he can prevail!

The Dukes are at it again and their sons want no part of their matchmaking endeavors. Lady Sybil is a Hayworth and a Hayworth never forgives. In fact, the grudges of her ancestors remain with her. Which is the first reason she is not to like Lord Lockwood. The second reason, her dearest friend who is now Lady Hampton. Lord Lockwood loves Lady Sybil and, despite all of his apologies, has not received forgiveness from her. When he finds that Sybil has left London for a visit to Lord and Lady Hugh, he finagles an invitation to the same country party. His friends do not agree with this and a plan in place to stop him. Despite this, Richard manages to arrive and the wagers begin.
In the second book of the series, there is quite a bit of money changing hands, snide remarks and thrown bets. The interaction between Richard and Sybil makes it a very enjoyable read.

The Marquess' Daring Wager by Kate Archer is the second in the series, The Dukes' Pact on which a group of five dukes, older men, fathers of younger, unmarried men, make a pact that will see each of their sons married. As determined as the dukes are, their sons are just as determined not to marry at this time, no matter what the consequence. One of their number has fallen and they vow to make sure the rest do not. Richard, Lord Lockwood, cannot stand it when he runs into an obstacle. He must conquer it, so when Lady Sybil Hayworth tells him she can no longer dance with him by her father's order, he refuses to let that stand. The Hayworths are a proud family and willing to let a feud run its course, over generations if necessary. Lady Sybil's father had been bested in cards by Lord Lockwood's father and has never forgotten. That, and the latest escapade with Lord Hampton, have awoken the longstanding feud. Lord Lockwood just wants that dance and he will let up. He has a plan. Where will it lead him?

The premise of this book is so cute. He can't stand to be told no. She can't stand to be railroaded. The result: love. The harder they struggle, the more firmly the nooses become. When something is meant to be, even your best friends can't stop it. This is a funny book, full of caricatures of people you know, albeit, a different century. Richard is blindly stubborn. Sybil is just as stubborn. A very bright spot in the story is the arrival of Charles, a guttersnipe who has adopted Richard, and turns out to be a better mentor than his friends. Of course there are subplots and plenty of character, all adding to the charm of the story, leading it its inevitable conclusion. A fun read. I recommend it.

I was invited to read a free ARC of The Marquess' Daring Wager by Dragonblade through Netgalley. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #themarquessdaringwager

Well, I just finished this story and I still am wondering how Richard and Sybil feel in love! They never spent any time together. Sybil claimed to be in love with Richard, but never cheered him on...always putting her papa first...I guess I don't understand how you love someone but never put them first.

While this reminded me of a Shakespeare comedy, though I never felt the spark between our H&H. The plot was great, the secondary characters were loathsome, scheming, lovely and sweet people.

Entertaining, witty, and romantic, this novel focuses more on Lord Lockwood's efforts to right the wrongs of the past rather than the building of a romance. However, he hits a stone wall when attempting to overcome Lady Sybil's stubborn contempt for him. He realises that he will first have to win Sybil's father over, but those attempts are even less welcome. Whilst Richard plots his strategy, those are not the plots that Sybil sees and consequently, misinformation abounds. Richard finds an ally in young Charlie, who despite his lack of formal education, has street smarts and an innate ability to read people, causing untold problems for Richard's valet. Perhaps if the elderly Dukes hadn't laid down their ultimatum, their heirs would not have had to make a pact that causes almost as much mayhem and chaos as Boney did in Europe. Fortunately, young Charlie intervenes and Richard finds a way to win Sybil over, but it's still a moot point as to whether her father will give his blessing. I received a copy of this well written, entertaining novel as a gift through NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

This is book two of the Dukes' Pact Series. I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in the series, The Viscount's Sinful Bargain, and I also enjoyed this book. Six Dukes have agreed to cut off their sons, unless they marry within a certain time period; the sons are doing their best to thwart their fathers, and in this installment we have the story of Lady Sybil Hayworth and Lord Lockwood.

Lady Sybil Hayworth hales from a family that holds on to grudges, or as her father says, "once an enemy is worn, they are sworn forevermore." In the first book, Lord Lockwood proved himself disloyal to Lady Sybil's friend Cassandra, and Lady Sybil is not about to forget it. Lord Lockwood is not giving up, and thus begins his relentless pursuit of Lady Sybil Hayworth.

I enjoy Kate Archer's writing a lot, and I love the whole plot of the Dukes 'encouraging" their sons to marry. For me, if there was a flaw in this story, it would be the small amount of time that Lady Sybil and Lord Lockwood spent together -- I wished for more time! Of course, I understand that his friends were doing everything they could to keep him away from Lady Sybil; I still wanted more interaction.

An added bonus was Charlie; he was endearing and charming, and his interaction with Kingston was amusing to read. I also loved how resilient Lord Lockwood was; he toadied up to Sybil's father ignoring all the slights, which made for delightful reading. This book was full of adventure and interesting action and a sweetly satisfying ending. It was also a clean read, which I always appreciate.

Richard Smythe, Marquess of Lockwood and heir to the Duke of Gravesley was involved in the plot against Lady Sybil Hayworth’s friend and now she’s sworn he’s her enemy for life. Richard keeps apologizing until he realizes it’s not just the lady but her father he must win over from the family feud. A good continuation to the next son in the series about how the old Dukes make a pact where they are trying to get each of their sons to marry, against their will or is it when the right one comes along. I have voluntarily read and reviewed the excellent book.

Love is a strange thing and makes people do strange things. This book is an example. This is part of a series and while it says it is a stand alone story, it would help to read the first book so that the reader knows why there is a problem between the hero and heroine. The heroine comes from a family that holds onto bad feelings for centuries. Never forget, never surrender seems to be their motto, lol. The heroine's best friend is married to her beloved after horrible things happened to her reputation. So this heroine is mad at all of the hero's friends. But to be honest, there are six dukes who have told their sons 'Marry in 6 months, or you are on your own!!'. So, these 6 sons are running around, scared of being cut off and refusing to marry. That is why there was a problem in the first book, but isn't fully explained in this one. So our hero wants to marry our heroine and tried to stay out of trouble in the first book. He wanted the heroine, but the heroine's father and the hero's father had a card game before the kids were born and now can't stand each other! Did you catch all those convolusions? Well, the author did, and spelled it out quite well. This book made sense through all the twists and turns and 'he said-he did' moments with the fathers.
This was a book that I enjoyed and even laughed at in some spots. The spelling and grammar were acceptable. It was continuous, but with 6 dukes and their sons, that is already 12 people to keep track of. Spoiler: I love how they are all planning to move into one house and pool their money and come up with ways of getting money to survive because they don't want to marry!! I recommend this book with 4.5 stars and a recommend to read. But try to read the first one. It will make more sense.

OOOOOOOKAY here we are again. Thank you Dragonblade Publishing & NetGalley for the ARC of this title.

After having STRONGLY mixed feelings about book #1 in the Duke's Pact series, here I am for book #2. I remember liking Sybil in the first book; she was a staunch, feisty friend to Cassandra. Lord Lockwood's attraction to her was evident in book #1 and seemed to be mutual. It's a good thing that the attraction was so evident in book #1 as there is VERY LITTLE interaction between the H and h in this story and hardly more evidence of feelings on Sybil's part. Sybil's family and Lockwood's father are apparently the mid 1800s British version of the Hatfields and McCoys, and it's clear that Sybil has bought into the feud 150%. Even as everyone around her (save for her parents) tells her she should forgive and/or move on, she refuses, because Cornish people don't quit (apparently). Sybil's obstinacy and pride go beyond dunderheaded straight into Ridiculoustown. Her father is even worse: he can talk himself out of any fault, justify any action, if it means defeat of his "enemies." It was entertaining at first, but got old reeeeeeeally fast. Frankly, it was difficult to see what Lockwood found so appealing about Sybil and her crazy parents.

Which segues into... it's difficult to see what Lockwood finds so appealing about a LOT of things. Sybil notwithstanding, Lockwood's so-called "friends" are seemingly absolutely horrible. It's clear the author will "redeem" them - otherwise, how would the Duke's Pact be concluded as a series? But Dalton is a liar and an actual criminal; Grayson is a smarmy sweet-talking swindler, and Cabot appears to be a cheat. I'm guessing Ms. Archer intends Cabot for Penny Darlington, as they are early in the novel mentioned to have a madness for horses in common, and to be fair Cabot seems the least of three evils. But riddle me this, Batman: why can't Ashworth (moderately helpful, if unwilling to be the voice of reason to his "friends") and Burke (an actually decent man) be the beneficiaries of love matches, instead of unctuous Grayson or repellent Dalton? I also would have liked to see some consequences for ANY of Lockwood's "friends" for their behavior, and for Lady Montague too for that matter. Perhaps in the next book? This one ended pretty abruptly on the HEA.

Gee. It sure would seem that I did not like this book, after all this complaining. It's a fair statement but untrue. Despite all the childish behavior (SYBIL!) and the male idiocy (LOCKWOOD!) the tone of the book was absolutely that of a madcap Shakespearean comedy. Someone, I believe it was Sybil, even quoted "the course of love never did run smooth." It sent me into a tailspin diving into Shakespeare's comedies to see which play's plot most resembled this book. Regardless, it was great fun. I suppose if you don't have to actually LIVE with any of these idiots, their exploits are much more entertaining. And Charlie, the smart-talking young rascal literally pulled off a street corner, was a hoot. Unrealistic, I'm sure, but an absolute hoot. Between Charlie and Betty (Sybil's maid) this book was tugged firmly into the humor camp which I enjoyed.

So, in summary:
Romance? Ehhhhhhhhh idk about that. Sybil and Lockwood didn't really convince me in this book. If anything, they were more convincing in book #1.
but...
Comedy of Errors? CHECK CHECK.
If that's what you're in the mood for, definitely give this book a try.

I may return to see if Cabot and Ms. Darlington continue to bond over horses; but let's be honest: I just really want certain characters to receive their comeuppance on the page.

3.5 stars

3.5 Stars
Lady Sybil Hayworth might be petite, but her looks are deceiving—she comes from iron-willed Cornish stock. Her family claims a winding descent from Margaret Beaufort and they are unwavering in defence of their honour. Richard Smythe, Marquis of Lockwood and heir to the Duke of Gravesley, has the misfortune of becoming one of those enemies. He knew of the plot against Cassandra Knightsbridge, and that is quite enough for Sybil. Throughout the season, Sybil had enjoyed finding herself led into dinner by the lord, but all that must now come to an end. She will travel to a house party in Yorkshire and she is determined to forget about the gentlemen of the dukes’ pact, especially Lord Lockwood until he arrives at the party.
This is the second book in the series & whilst it could be read on its own I’d recommend reading the first book as both Sybil & Richard feature. Whilst I thoroughly enjoyed the book for the almost slapstick element of the bets & it read like an old fashioned English farce so I was often chuckling. I didn’t feel that there was any chemistry between Richard & Sybil & found it hard to believe they were in love. The characters were well portrayed & I absolutely loved Charlie who was my favourite character. I do look forward to the rest of the Dukes' sons meeting their matches especially Dalton
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

Lady Sybil Hayworth comes from a long line of Cornish Folk who are well known for their stubbornness and holding a grudge. Our heroine has been very cross with a certain group of men who tried to interfere in her friend's life. There is no way she will forgive them.

Richard Smythe, Marquess Lockwood is one of the group of young men whose fathers have laid down a very strict and unfair rule that they marry quickly or have their funds cut. Our hero has apologized several times for his transgressions but has not been forgiven. When he is forbidden to do something, he naturally wants to do it all the more. Nobody can get in his way.

This is a fun filled historical romance with very contrary characters. Lots of people are up to all sorts of mischief. Most of them have good intentions, but who will win in the end??

Really good fun.

All is fair in war and love ...

After this second read by Mrs Archer and also second book in this new series, I must say the author leads everyone in a merry chase. This one was not a romance in the classical sense of the word, as all the wooing had already been done, prior to the opening of this book. It is a comedy of errors and misunderstandings.

And while there is no wager, the hero out of spike dares himself that to win the war, his first battle is to conquer his ladylove father’s approval and he is for an long run. So it is how Lockwood finds himself courting the sire of the lady of his heart.

Sybil finds herself caught between her Family motto and her own desires, yet she prefers to mute her feelings and blind herself to everyone’s councils, orienting her thoughts to where she wants them and refusing to acknowledge what is right in front of her.
I confess I was not much fond of her, yet it was her fiery and sometime petty character that has won Lockwood’s heart.
While I just loved Lockwood, such a good spirited fellow, he is impulsive but so kind hearted. He was the only one apologizing over their turned sour prank, and when kidnapped by his friends, once free he just goes on and hold no grudge.
His interactions with his valet, his friends or Sybil’s father are all humorous and spirited. The length he goes to catch the lord’s good side, and also not anger Lady Sybil...

After many thinkings, and even if it is more a comedy than a romance, one thing is very certain, you must read this book just to feast on this treat set in an Austenien world, if not only for Charlie, the street urchin who shoveled his way in Lockwood’s life and heart, he is a breath of fresh air and is the origine of the funniest moments in this book.
4.5 stars

I was granted an advance copy by the publisher Dragonblade Publishing, here is my true and unbiased opinion.