"Some people will say you can't do amazing things, Priscilla, just because you are a female. Do not ever believe them. You can do whatever you wish to do. You can save the world." Her grandmother had looked in her eye as she said the words. It was to frame Priscilla's life.

I absolutely adored this story! Laugh out loud moments, especially Priscilla's thoughts, a tangled web of deceit, albet for a good cause, and a merry chase between she and Bradenton!

So very glad to have read this first in a series and cannot wait for more!! Simply delightful....
Oh yes, I love that cover!

This novel was absolutely wonderful! Pricilla is a young lady with huge dreams - she wants to save the world and she's not afraid to get her hands dirty to achieve her goals. This season she is supposed to be courting eligible bachelors in hopes of finding a husband, except her aspirations lie elsewhere. Under the pen name Lord P, she has been secretly assisting and advising the Duke of Bradenton, Edmund, on social issues. Edmund spends the majority of this novel trying to unmask the notorious Lord P while also falling madly in love with Pricilla, not realizing they are one in the same.

This book was a glorious blend of mischief, passion, and comedy. I found myself laughing out loud whilst reading many of Pricilla's inner monologues. She was hilarious! The continuous joke regarding vases between our two lovers was one of my favorite parts of the novel. What I really appreciated, above all else, was Pricilla's promise to herself - she would not marry and sacrifice her dreams of making the world a better place. Although she loved Edmund, she didn't want to be selfish in that affection. She was constantly fighting an inner battle with herself regarding her feelings for him and who she would choose for a husband. Edmund never gave up on her, though. He fought for her until the very end, constantly proving himself in every way. He needed her to know what kind of man he was. That he was not the cruel and demanding Duke she believed him to be.

If you're looking for a comedic, sweet love story with low angst - this is the perfect novel for you! This historical romance brings us some of our favorite tropes: forced proximity, enemies to lovers, and many more. There are no explicit sex scenes, and although I do prefer a little more detail, I did not feel that anything was lost from our story. I loved the sweet stolen kisses and longing glances more than I thought I would. The passion between these two was evident. I am so excited for book 2 to release! Melanie Rose Clarke has found a new fan in me. 5 stars!

I received this ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

A witty fun read that can be read in a sitting at the beach or by the pool! The main characters are great and there are also wonderful side characters that I hope have their own stories told! And I love the beautiful cover!

I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher. This in no way impacted on my view.

Ever since she witnessed her grandmother save a child's life, Lady Priscilla Livingston has done everything she could to help those in life who are ignored. But, as a woman, her choices are limited, so she creates the persona of 'Lord P', and acts as informant to Edmund Hawkins, the powerful Duke of Bradenton, who uses the information she discovers to help pass laws and enact change. However, her father has said she needs to marry, and when she thinks her plan to find a boring, and more importantly, busy, husband, here enters Edmund, who sets his sights on Priscilla, and won't be discouraged. Not even when he discovers that she's keeping secrets, and is potentially in danger; in fact, it spurs him on further. Will Priscilla be able to stick to her morals, and continue her good work, or will all be revealed?

I really enjoyed this book, and flew through it once I started it. Both Priscilla and Edmund were interesting characters, who we learnt more about as the book progressed. Both were from lofty and highly privileged backgrounds, as the daughter of a duke, and a duke himself, respectively, but cared about those most in society deem as 'lower' or 'unworthy'. They can see the world is changing, and society needs to be reformed to make it a better place, and even if they have to go to dangerous lengths to manage it, they will do. Their chemistry was unreal, and I loved the banter between them, and especially how conflicted Priscilla was about lying to Edmund about 'Lord P'. Their relationship was fantastic, and I can definitely see how Melanie is setting the scene for the following books in the series - hopefully about our couple's friends. I look forward to continuing the series!

This was a great quick read. I greatly enjoyed the main characters as well as side characters. It centers on Priscilla, the daughter of a duke who uses her position to help others in magnanimous ways. From changing laws to a poor orphan on the street. Her greatest fear was not being able to continue to help others due to marriage. However, this opinion or bold assumption is challenged through Edmund. He demonstrated that Priscilla did not have to change who she is due to their relationship and showed true feministic support of all women.

Overall the writing was witty, comical, and swoon worthy.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Escaping the Duke through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine.

Lady Priscilla Livingston works for social reform and helping those in need. She wants to change the world. That includes freedom to investigate men in power to turn them to vote in Parliament for reform. Sewing Guild Meetings that are not for sewing, but social action. Marriage is not for her, but one man does not understand the word "NO."
Edmund, Duke of Bradenton is ready for a wife. There is only one woman who holds his interest. Priscilla. The more he pursues, the more she tries to hold off his interest. Priscilla fears once he discovers she wrote him letters under a fake name, Edmund would surely break off his pursuit. If only they can say three words to each other, it would resolve most of their problem.
Couldn't stop laughing over thoughts of throwing vases.
The first book I've read by Melanie Rose Clark is a winner!!!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

At a very young age, Priscilla became aware that life was not fair to all and learned that woman could take actions to correct the wrongs. The Duke of Bradenton needs a wife. One that will not question him and will just be happy to bear the next heir to the Dukedom. But, he has just found his mate and she is not a meek female. As he woos Lady Priscilla Livingston, he is also attempting to uncover the identity of his spy.
Lady Priscilla is at a crossroads. She wants to continue her deeds of charity, but is falling hopelessly in love. To her, marriage will be an end to what makes her happy-which is service to others.
As she and Bradenton become close, they must each come to the realization that marriage is much more than a life sentence, or at least one that is not to be dreaded.
This was a quick paced, fun read.

Escaping the Duke by Melanie Rose Clarke is the courtship of Edmund, Duke of Bradenton and Lady Priscilla Sherring, who was on his short-list for a Duchess only for a short time before she became the only one on his list. Sadly, it took a while to convince her. She had agreed when he father insisted she marry by the end of the season, but she was going to choose carefully: a man who was so busy with his own pursuits that he would not notice her, and therefore, not try to stop her. What were her pursuits, exactly? First and foremost was the correspondence she maintained with Lord Bradenton, full of facts she had discovered, primarily from eavesdropping and spying. He did not know it was her, however, as she signed each missive, Lord P. He used the information to further his causes in the House of Lords: primarily trying to lift those in poverty, out. She knew if her, or anyone, discovered his and her other pursuits, she would be stopped.

Bradenton was for the most part, a good man. He was powerful and as such expected his word to be law. He was protective of what was his: several sisters, and a couple of cousins included. He wanted to protect Priscilla, which was among the mistakes he made with her. She wanted independence. She wanted people to recognize that woman should have the same rights as men. She wanted to continue doing as she pleased, despite the fact she had to sneak around to do most of it, as her father was the same way. It was an entertaining and endearing plot, watching Priscilla fall in love, despite making every effort no to; trying to live her life as a man would; trying desperately to be independent. It made you want to slap her sometimes; and slap Bradenton at other times. It was a powerful novel in its simplicity and an excellent start to the new Secret Crusaders' series.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Escaping the Duke by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley #escapingtheduke

❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋

Witty and fun, I was addicted to reading this book.
It had such fun in every conceivable area, from the dialogue to the characters it was so enjoyable.

Not only were the main characters good, but it had some wonderful side characters that I really hope get their own stories told.

In all, written well and very satisfying.

I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review

This is my first Melanie Rose Clarke book and I loved it! There is so much that is enjoyable and endearing. Where to start …. Priscilla’s machinations to outwit the Duke are hilarious. Her vase defense seems to take on a life of its own. Or, I should say vases. That Edmund catches on and sends her a vase is adorable.

Edmund is hilarious in his desire to out maneuver Priscilla. He keeps the charm traveling on and appears to want to give her time to make the ‘right’ decision. Even when Edmund becomes a bit overbearing with his sister, he apologizes!

Priscilla was so sure of herself, and for good reason, that she took a bit of time to see what a loving marriage could be and is for those who care about each other. I love that she was able to listen to new information and not mess up before it was too late.

Priscilla has a good heart, learned from her grandmother, she chooses to make a difference. Edmund, too, wants to make a difference. She through her sleuthing; Edmund through votes in Parliament. The difficulty is the time period in which they live. Both Priscilla’s father and Edmund are forward thinking and want what is best for their families.

It is interesting Edmund was adamant about finding Lord P, yet, Priscilla just accepted the letters she received with information. She seemed too busy trying to hide her identity to think about who was writing her. Priscilla and Edmund became friends through their letters allowing their relationship to develop on multiple levels. I believe Edmund knew that but did not quite grasp what was occurring. Allow me to say again, I loved this romance and look forward to more of Ms. Clarke’s books!

I will read everything Melanie Rose Clark writes from now on. The banter in the book was PERFECT! I laughed so hard I fell over multiple times. Not only were the characters so realistic and deep, but their growth was too. I didn't feel like they were making emotional jumps out of nowhere which I feel happens too much in this genre. The only complaint I had was that it wasn't as spicy as I like. Being the first book from this author I didn't know how much to expect. I enjoyed it as it was but I definitely wouldn't have minded more spice ;)

Bridgerton meets Harper St. George meets She's the Man-- say no more. Lady Priscilla wants to help the poor and thus begins a written correspondence with the Duke of Bradenton-- as a man. While he's smart, admirable, and has a prestigious spot in Parliament, there's no way Priscilla could ever marry him, even as the Duke becomes intent upon discovering her identity. This was a very fun, engaging read; my first from Melanie Rose Clark, but certainly not my last.

This is a brand new author and a promising new series. Lady Priscilla has devoted her life to changing the lives of the poor. In her quest to bring about social change, she discovers in the Duke of Bradenton a man who also is passionate about making lives better for those not so lucky in life. Priscilla begins to write him as "lord P" with information he can use to bring about the changes in the world that she, as a woman, cannot. The result is a friendship born out of mutual respect and common goals. When Bradenton begins to show interest in her, she does everything she can to dissuade him.

This was a great debut book for this new series. There is a wonderful cast of Characters and I am already curious as to what is going on with the Scottish Lord Foxworth and Bradenton's sister. Hopefully this will be the second book in the series! There are a lot of twists and turns and hidden gems in this book. The bantering alone had me on the edge of my seat and in some places giggling to myself.

For those wondering, I will say I would consider this to be a low steam novel. There was one almost closed door scene towards the end of the book but I didn't mind because there was so much emotion and action happening.

This is the first book I have read by this author and I am looking forward to reading more of her work. I received a copy of this delightful romance through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review. .

4.5 Stars
Priscilla Livingston has dedicated her life to social causes ever since her Grandmother rescued a baby, Priscilla fights to right the cruel injustices the world ignores, under the guise of Lord P, she sends messages to Edmund Hawkins, the powerful Duke of Bradenton. He doesn’t know his informant is a lady, even as he investigates to uncover her identity. When her father demands she find a husband, she cannot choose Edmund, who would demand total surrender. Edmund is intrigued by the beautiful lady caught snooping through a dangerous lord’s home. Lady Priscilla may act the perfect duke’s daughter, but fiery mystery burns beneath the flawless façade. He sees the passion she cannot hide, the spirited woman who would make the perfect duchess. He will discover her every secret.
A new author & I thoroughly enjoyed what I believe is her debut novel. A well written book with strong characters. I loved both Edmund & Priscilla, he’s the powerful duke who is fiercely in favour of social reform but who is also very protective of those he cares for. Priscilla is also determined to continue to help those in need so when her father says she must marry she decides to choose a lord who has his own interests whether rocks, flowers or horses. I loved the banter between Edmund & Priscilla & also their attraction, which simmered & then sizzled. I also loved Priscilla’s two friends & Edmund's two friends & his sister so I hope they feature in future books. An engrossing read which I found very hard to put down
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

A delightfully witty romance, I found this novel entertaining and it had my undivided attention once I started reading. Driven by the memory of her grandmother reaching out to save a newborn baby, Lady Priscilla has devoted her life to changing the lives of the poor. In her quest to bring about social change, she discovers in the Duke of Bradenton a man who stands in Parliament as a beacon of hope. The letters she writes to him disguised as a man, result in a friendship born out of mutual respect. However, Priscilla is under no illusion that should she succumb to a marriage with him, her activities will be severely curtailed. The more Priscilla avoids Edmund, the more intrigued he becomes by the lady who is intent on hiding behind the facade of a vacuous society lady. His investigations into his anonymous correspondent and Lady Priscilla lead him on a merry chase and down some dark alleys tool, and as the truth emerges, Edmund realizes that if he wants to capture Priscilla as his bride, he will have to adjust his own way of thinking. When I came to the end of this enchanting novel, I found I was unable to pick up another book in my TBR pile, as it would have surely broken the spell I was under. This is the first book I have read by this author and I am looking forward to reading more of her work. I received a copy of this delightful romance through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

This was a fun story pitting two very stubborn personalities against each other. Both cared about the same things, causes, etc but disagree about how to go about getting there. Though the Duke doesn't realize why he's so at odds with her, he's determined to find out, just as she is determined to keep her secrets. It is interesting watching how they slowly fall in love as they realize how much they admire one another, and the ending is very cute. #netgalley #escapingtheduke

Escaping the Duke is the kind of you first novel you dream of discovering. It was perfect in every way - lots of laugh-out-loud moments, plenty of steam in every scene, and lots of tension to this cat and mouse romance.

The book really gets you right from the first chapter when Lady Priscilla is at a ball and realizes that the eligible and handsome Duke of Bradenton has put her on his list of marriage prospects. She is genuinely appalled and, from their first meeting, tries to outsmart him.

Edmund is only drawn to Lady Priscilla more and determined to discover all her secrets. And this lasts the entire book with a lot of funny conversations and entertaining encounters.

There's also a lot more at stake, Lady Priscilla leads a lady's social justice club, and they actively seek to help change votes on important causes. She fears marriage to a powerful man as Edmund will curb her activities, and she's also aware of the realities of the lack of rights women have as a whole. And Edmund, with his "dukely" presence and need for control, terrifies her. Despite all that, they are drawn together in every scene. There are no lengthy absences or separations - which I loved!

There's some other stuff, but I don't want to spoil it. The book is thoughtful and realistic in portraying Lady Priscilla's apprehension in falling in love and marrying Bradenton. It doesn't help that he's a total catch who shares all of her values and goals for social justice.

I loved every minute of this book. There were also many substantial side characters, and I am sure we will see more of them in this excellent series. I am really excited to see more of Clarke's work and can't recommend this book enough. I couldn't put it down and read it over the course of a day.

~My Thoughts
Escaping the Duke was certainly an interesting book. I was hooked throughout, and couldn't put down the book. The book was not only well-written, but also had a put that I personally enjoy very much.

Edmund and Priscilla had all the qualities that I like in the main leads. I loved the fact that Priscilla was adamant to support her dreams/goal, even if she had to give up her love. And the fact that she was not ready to surrender to Duke.

Edmund may have come off as high-handed, but in reality he is definitely a man that females would fall in love with. The ine thing that I really enjoyed about his character was the fact that he had a heart and was compassionate to all, rather than being a regular character that needs fixing.

The side charcaters were interesting in their own rights. I love Priscilla's friends alot.

The mention of the letters exchanged between Priscilla and Edmund was also a nice touch. However, I did find the ending a little abrupt.

All in all the book was very interesting, and I would recommend it to anybody who wants to read about soft hearted lords and stubborn ladies who will stop at nothing.

A new author to discover. I believe this is the debut book for Melanie and I thought it was very good. The premise is fantastic, the writing is really good, the banter was witty and clever and the characters are so nice it is kind of too sweet. For the first half of the book I loved it, the mysterious Lord P sends Brandenton notes on how to sway votes his way (all honorable). But who is Lord P? Brandenton cannot figure it out but is trying very hard. That is also the negative of this story, the deception went on way too long. Also, just as a side note, there is no steam in this story. Nothing egregious if that is what you are looking for. All in all, this was a really good story and I would read more of this author. I really liked Bradenton’s two friends and the burly Scottish duke.

Here is another author who has arrived in the scene of Historical Romance and it must be said, she has arrived with a bang. I have been reading many new authors lately and many new books, but very few immediately captured my interest and managed to sustain it as well.

From the get-go, we are introduced to both the male and female leads, Lady Pricilla and Lord Edmund, in a ball and from them on we get to follow their courtship together. Lady Pricilla harbors many secrets and Lord Edmund is bound and determined to uncover them and also to know the real person behind her many facades. To be honest, their courtship seems more like a duel or a game of chess, where each strategize and counter-strategize towards the other. And both the lead characters are really likable and extremely memorable characters. In face, Edmund has become one of most favorite book characters just behind Roarke of In Death series. It is just forgettable that these kind of characters could scarcely have been found in those times, in that community, and I just loved the way they both have been written. This book turned out to be a surprisingly wonderful read for me- one I didn't expect to be so much lovable.

One small drawback of the book for me was the way the female lead kept on dithering to tell the secret to Edmund. That dragged on for a long time for my taste. But I guess that was one important part of the character of Lady Pricilla and so, I can't really complaint about it. All in all, it's a wonderful book which all fans of historical romance should definitely read. You will not be disappointed. This book is part of a three book series and I think I already know who the other 2 books are going to be about. Can't wait to read their stories too. I am surely glad I found Melanie Rose Clarke.