It was a delight to come back and read a follow-up story about the Duke of Aylesham who's suit was foiled ten years previously in Wager for a Wife, also by Karen Tuft. Finally, we have a more mature and principled character in this book, and now it's his turn to foil a political plot involving himself, but in doing so he digs himself an unexpected hole, and now he finds the need to marry a woman he previously eschewed, (or rather fortunately misjudged,) and has to now reluctantly grovel at her feet. Susan Jennings, who fully expected that she was on the shelf for good is not exactly delighted by HIM being the one offering the unexpected but decides to consider it...leading to a delightful romp with the characters surprising one another again and again until they finally realize how perfectly suited they are. My favorite character was the London widow who has volunteered to host Susan and becomes the much loved aunt-like figure. She was delightful. Such a fun book! I was grateful to receive an ARC copy from NetGalley for this honest review.
#TheDukeMeetsHisMatch #NetGalley

This was my first book from this author. I read a lot of regency romances. In comparison to others I’ve read, this book was only ok. It wasn’t poorly written per week but nor was it well written. It was good enough & interesting enough that I did not struggle to finish it. But it was somewhat shallow overall. None of the characters, relationships, or situations were deeply explored or especially well characterized. There was little to no character growth or development, little to no description of the setting. It was a quick read that was pretty formulaic, predictable, and just ok. Like eating a vanilla ice cream cone. It wasn’t enough to entice me to read more from this author, unfortunately. One good point was that the female character was strong and self sufficient, and the male character was not especially heavy handed or “alpha male” aggressive as is often found in historical romances. I liked the characters, I just don’t feel the author developed them well enough.

The Duke meets his match his an historical novel taking place at the end
of the war with Napoleon Bonaparte.
Georges Kendall, the Duke of Aylesham is involved in differents apects of
the war financially and now they are about to signed the treaties between France
and England. The Prince Regent learnt about the endeavors of Aylesham and
want to reward him, but he implies marrying a german princess he doesn't love...

Susan is the daughter of a viscount and arrives in London for the season, she meets Aylesham for the second time, they can not bear each other... But Susan is the one who is able to help Aylesham in his predicament with the Prince Regent and the germans...

Aylesham seemed to be a proud man especially at the beginning but he is also a man with a sense of duty and honor.
Susan is down to earth and brave she has almost given up hope to marry and Aylesham is not her first choice. But the more these two spent time together, the more they start to appreciate one another and love start to bloom.

This was an interesting story, I enjoy reading it.

I receive a copy of this book and this is an honest review.

Well, it started great. The language is beautiful and the premise of the story intriguing - I actually had to smile when I watched "Bridgerton" and found a few similarities to this book, but oh the execution...unfortunately it gets weaker the further you go.
The reason why the protagonists fall in love seems to be mainly physical attraction and when they are in love it gets really kitschy and cliche. They only know each other for a very short amount of time and spend even less together in any kind of meaningful conversation and yet we are to believe that they are deeply in love and the perfect match?
I find the same applies to the characters. Great concepts, intriguing when getting to know them, but then they lost their dynamic force and were empty shells I couldn't connect with.

I thank Netgalley and Covenant Communications for an arc to read and review.

This book has it all! I love the witty banter between the hero and heroine. It was full of laughs and a perfect way to spend the day!

I already love this author and this book was amazing! What a wonderful addition to this series. I so loved both of these characters. I got teary eyed and laughed out loud throughout which to me is a sign of a very good story. I can't wait to see what this author comes out with next..

Ms. Tuft has clearly found her niche in the regency market. I always look forward to her new books and escaping into a fun story. I love a good enemies-to-lovers trope and it was fun to see George and Susan go from hating each other to loving each other. It was also fun to see spinster Susan getting so much attention from her "fairy godmother" and getting a whole new makeover. Sweet romance, with likable characters.

I received this free ebook from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions and responses here are my own, as always.

An enjoyable read that kept me reading, and sometimes grumbling at some of the character choices or laughing and cheering at others. I appreciated the author’s notes at the end detailing which characters and circumstances were a real part of history and where she took a little license. I always appreciate when the author shares some of the backstory behind the creative process.

This author’s stories continue to grow on me and I look forward to reading her next work.

This book was so enjoyable and entertaining! Susan and George have horrible first impressions of each other, even though I found them to be quite similar. They don't care for society or marrying just because it is expected. When the Prince Regent gets involved however, George is stuck between a rock and a hard place, and he thoughtlessly gets Susan stuck with him. I appreciated the conversations they had that showed how much consideration Susan gave the situation and the repercussions of her choices and his, as well as the advantages to her future. The political intrigue, though light, provided another aspect to the plot and drove Susan and George closer together as they worked as a team to thwart the Prince without losing their heads. I loved the cast of characters, including Susan's protective brother and her delightful "fairy godmother" Lady Wamsley. I enjoyed the details of the era that were woven naturally in the story without being overly descriptive. Susan and George developed a strong romantic chemistry with a foundation of respect for the intelligence and capabilities of one another, and it was especially fun to see Susan solve the hidden motivations behind the Prince's "gift." Highly recommend!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Susan Jennings is no debutante, having had her London Season over a decade ago. After rejecting her various suitors and enduring a heartbreak, she is content to live a life of a spinster in the countryside. But when Lady Walmsley invites her younger sister for her first Season, Susan agrees to accompany her as her chaperone. At one of the many Season’s balls, Susan is formally introduced to George Kendall, the Duke of Aylesham. George has avoided marriage for years, seeing none of the ladies present as his potential Duchess. Especially not Susan, who he had previously encountered after discovering her eavesdropping on his private conversation. She had stood up to him and they both had come away with bad first impressions of each other. So then why, when George finds himself trapped in a political scheme by the Regent to marry a German princess, does he claim to be already betrothed...to Susan Jennings of all people?
For some reason the blurb led me to believe this was a marriage of convenience romance. But that’s isn’t the case. In actuality, this is was more of a betrothal of convenience, so be forewarned before going into this with different expectations.
I don’t like rating books low, especially when I know the efforts authors put into their work, but this book didn’t work for me.
I found the pacing to be incredibly slow despite knowing novel takes place over two weeks. The writing style felt very monotonous. Not even the dialogues offered any respite. In fact, I felt like the dialogues did so much telling, it felt unnatural and exhausting to get through.
The way the romance is written, it’s intended to be a slowburn enemies to lovers, but I couldn’t see any spark or chemistry between the hero and heroine. They despise each other and then reluctantly agree to help each other, which is fine, but I expected to see some emotional connection occur between them 60% into the novel at least. A moment, an understanding, anything! But they were so indifferent to each other that they barely knew each other. Which is why when they suddenly professed their love for each other, I was confused. I suppose to an extent I could see why George came to admire Susan, but what did Susan see in George to make her fall hopelessly in love with him? Enough to defy the Regent himself on George’s behalf?!
I went into this novel expecting more. There was a lot of potential, but the novel never really choose explored the emotional conflicts it had set up, choosing to focus on the conflict with the Regent and the foreign royals instead. I’d say did you’re in the mood for a romance that isn’t romance heavy, this is a book for you.

Please note: I received an advance digital copy of this book through NetGalley from Covenant Communications in exchange for a honest review. This does not influence my opinions in any way.

Susan and George got off on the wrong foot and so did I. They had an accidental meeting that left them hating each other, which felt like an extreme overreaction. And Susan finds herself attracted to him despite her loathing, which made my own initial opinion of her rather low.

Some things seemed too unconventional for the time (flashing ankles, abruptly ending a dance and walking off, etc), so I'm not sure how historically accurate it was, but the complicated problem with the Prince Regent was interesting. I appreciated that there was a foundation of honesty between the two main characters and was pleasantly surprised at how the situation was resolved with some unexpected talents.

Enemies to lovers and marriage of convenience tropes are a couple of my favorites, so Karen Tuft's new release was right up my alley. At almost 30 years of age, Susan considers herself being "on the shelf for so long as to be completely covered in dust." She's resigned herself to never marrying as she's considered a bluestocking, and dislikes London and its social scene. George, Duke of Aylesham, needs to marry but has yet to find a woman he could tolerate. They all seem to be after his title, but he needs to find a wife and produce an heir or his inheritance will go to the only other relative, a criminal sent to Australia!

George and Susan's first couple of meetings didn't go well at all. Things didn't get much better when George had to tell her that he told "Prinny" they were engaged. What a mess, but it made them work together and they had to learn to communicate. I thought they were perfect for each other.

I loved seeing the characters from previous books, especially Lady Walmsley. She's a sly one, and I simply loved how she was referred to several times as a "fairy godmother". I adored how Susan's attitude about herself changed when she got all the beautiful clothes, and had her cut so that it worked with her curls--she began to see herself in a different light and not as "the dusty spinster on a shelf". I loved that Susan wasn't timid, that she spoke up and said what was on her mind. This is another wonderful book by Karen Tuft that I didn't want to put down.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

UGH!

Okay, this book has SO MUCH POTENTIAL Y'ALL! Just ... so much. But it's wasted. I'm not usually the overly critical sort (except when you get me riled), but this book wasted its potential. Simply put, it's bad.

I downloaded this book (from NetGalley) because of the premise. Even before that, I read the blurb and decided I would read this book when I came out. Imagine my dissatisfaction when little of what we were promised in the blurb actually shows up!

Imagine my shock when the "exceptionally intelligent" Susan Jennings turns up to be just another whiny Regency woman who doesn't want to give up her bluestocking ways and is everlastingly surprised at men for behaving like what they were raised to behave as.

I can't countenance stupid heroines, y'all. Even if they are exceptionally intelligent.

Then there's this quote from the book: "As an unmarried woman, she was still her own person, not some man's property to do with as he pleased."

Look, y'all. Books like this try to be all feminist and woke and then do history a disfavor. WOMEN IN THE REGENCY ERA HAD NO LEGAL IDENTITY. None. Not when married, not when unmarried. Maybe, MAYBE they had a bit of an identity when widowed in certain very rare, very specific circumstances, but more often than not, that was only a social identity, not a legal one.

If you're going to be offended, get your facts straight, please. Suffice to say, the heroine annoyed me.

At first, I thought I was going to like the duke, George. But sadly, he couldn't last long. Though he did buckle down and attempt to do the right thing in the end, this bugged me:

"But not only had he been resistant [of marrying to provide the dukedom with an heir]; he'd outright refused. And he *still* refused. He would *not* lower his expectations when it came to marriage ..."

This is all very well and good in the 21st century, Georgie, but in the Regency era, this is basically saying responsibility and all mean nothing to you, especially since YOU KNOW YOUR HEIR IS LITERALLY A CRIMINAL. Do you want a criminal to wield huge amounts of power in this land you so adore, Georgie?

I don't know why Regency people simply refuse to believe they live in the Regency era, but they do, and it's quite frustrating. If you're going to address societal injustices (like women not having a legal entity and so on), please do so in a way that makes sense to the era. And don't ignore the actual facts of the case.

It was not simply marriage (the big bad guy of all romances is marriage, in case you didn't know - despite how little sense that makes!) that made women struggle in the Regency era. Even before they were married, they were reliant on men.

SO, my little historical rant aside (despite the fact that I am not a voice of outrage in this movement), let's talk about the other things that made the book bad.

First, the writing. It was okay, I suppose. But a lot of sections droned on and on in this monotone, and it was very frustrating and slow to read.

Second, the unnecessary scenes and characters. About 60% of the book was devoted to things that I didn't care about, that didn't relate to the main plot, and that caused me to skim ... and even when I skimmed, I still could understand everything that was happening.

Third, this unique premise took every predictable path it could, ending in an overblown climax, and didn't even deliver on what it originally promised me - which was a hilarious, awkward marriage of convenience story.

Fourth, the characters MIGHT have had okay chemistry ... except for the fact that their sparring made no sense. Like, if perhaps there had been a bit more, well, SOMETHING ... it would've made sense. But as it was, they just disliked each other for no reason and then liked each other for no reason and then it just faded into nothingness. Uhhh ... good job writing a boring, effortless relationship, I guess?

Also, I'm assuming this book is secular fiction despite the few mentions of God, so I won't make mention of anything that I would generally when critiquing Christian fiction. If this book was attempting to be Christian fiction, shame on you.

I gave this book two stars because the setup could work - except the plot I was promised in the blurb didn't happen, and what did happened happened after such a long introduction with so many unrelated things. It's not good when, 25% through the novel, you still have no idea where the book is going. It's just not good storytelling.

Overall, this book was a disappointment. I would be reluctant to try something by this author again.

Sensitive Readers/Content Warning: this book wasn't too heavy on the negative content side of things. The two main leads were definitely attracted to each other, but it wasn't too bad - in fact, if they had had any sort of a relationship other than the physical attraction, it'd have been a nice amount. The kisses were a bit much, but who am I to judge? Still, given their lack of other relationship, it did feel like Susan basically just wanted George for the kisses/etc. (even though she swore she didn't & that was a big plot point) while George continued to take advantage of her.

Thanks for reading my review!

~Kell

The Duke Meets His Match intrigued me with it's title. I like sassy heroines. It didn't disappoint me. Miss Susan Jennings was nicknamed "harpy" by the George, the Duke of Aylesham upon their first meeting. She thinks of him as His Loftiness. I like it when they are together and their banters. I wanted more though. It was a sweet moment when they went to church together for the first time. One of my favorite part is at the Carlton House. The clever Susan showed off her knowledge of the German language that helped freed George.

I like Susan's family. I hope there will be a story about her brother, James. The characters are likeable and it's fun to read. It's another regency romance you don't want to miss. 4 stars

Thank you #netgalley and the publisher for the complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

This book is well-written with fun characters and an interesting premise. The pacing seemed a bit off to me. A lot of time was spent on mundane things (conversations with servants, for instance), while the romance was rushed. I didn't really feel an emotional connection between the characters. They grew to respect each other, but I wasn't convinced they'd fallen in love. If you like low-angst, sweet romance, this one might be for you.

Thanks, NetGalley for the ARC I received.

I always enjoy discovering "new-to-me" authors, and once again, I have found a new favourite in Karen Tuft. If a book keeps me up to the wee hours of the morning, it's a good one!

George Kendall, the Duke of Aylesham, has indeed met his match in Susan Jennings. While he is used to people falling all over themselves to appease him, she is not willing to do so. She secretly calls him "Your Loftiness." He secretly calls her a harpy, so when her name is the name he blurts out as his betrothed (to avoid a political marriage), he somehow has to convince her to marry him.

I loved the sparring between the two and the growing attraction that developed. A fun book all around. If you do not mind the lack of Christian content, you will enjoy it!

I received this book courtesy of Covenant Communications through NetGalley.

Absolutely love it! I've reviewing early as I got this only a few days before archive and I'm nervous I won't be able to put my thoughts up here before long. I'm 15% and I am totally loving the story and characters! I will update my review when I am finished if I can.

There's definitely a whole taming of the shrew vibe going on with this story, I enjoyed the main characters individually, but together they were a bit much. There's a lot of hating each other and then it kinda fast forwards into we'll work together and oh by the way I think I love you. I didn't dislike the story, but it all felt rushed and the main characters were annoying and obtuse a lot of the time.

Such a fun book! I love the 'fairy godmother' and her butler!! I like how Susan knows her mind and is not willing to short change herself for a marriage. She needs to respect her husband and admire him, where she knows not every man is not that man. Great novel!!

Thank you to NetGalley and Covenant Communications for an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review. The opinions are my own.

The Duke Meets His Match by Karen Tuft

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
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Story Notes

Karen Tuft brings readers a story of enemies to lovers that will leave you entertained and laughing at the snappy wit and situations that occur.

I really enjoyed this lovely story that was well written. The characters had good depth and seemed smart enough to spar well. The plot of enemies to lovers was done in a believable way that I really liked. Both George and Susan lob the perfect snarky remarks and keep the story fresh and fun. I loved that they found a way to love and care for the other without giving up their personality. And the genuine affection that developed was so beautiful to read after all they went through. I will certainly recommend this book to others who are looking for a witty read.

I received this temporary complimentary E-Book from Covenant Communications via NetGalley in order to provide a fair and honest review. I will receive no fiscal compensation for this review and the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.