The Duke’s Rules of Engagement by Jennifer Haymore follows matchmaker Joanna Porter. She is tasked with finding a wife for Matthew, the Duke of Crestmont, who is seemingly impossible to please. The Duke knows how important it is for him to find an acceptable wife to become his duchess. But he can’t stop himself from being drawn to Joanna. He and Joanna try to fight the attraction for the good of their own causes.

I always enjoy a matchmaker romance. I felt the heat between the couple almost instantly. I enjoyed Joanna’s dedication to her line of work and her friends. Matthew is definitely one of the starchiest heroes I’ve read. I need to read more from Jennifer Haymore!

Joanna Porter is firmly on the shelf at age 27. It is 1817 and there is not much that Johanna can do to support her mother after her father’s death. She turns to somethings she excels at, matchmaking. She loves to make sure that people meet their perfect match and marry for love. When Matthew Leighton, the Duke of Crestmont steps into her office, she has a new challenge. He is dashing, but he is looking for the perfect Duchess. He does not want love, but someone who can perform the duties admirably. As Joanna gets to know Matthew to find his perfect match, she realizes that she may have feelings for him. What is a matchmaker to do?

I loved this book so much. It was a delightful romance and I read through it quickly. I loved both Joanna and Matthew so much. They were unique and independent personalities. I loved that different from most Regency romance novels, Joanna has a job in this book. Matthew is a member of the ton and Joanna having a job makes her an unsuitable match. Matthew seems gruff and standoffish at first, sort of like a Mr. Darcy type character, but as Joanna gets to know him, she learns there is so much more to the man. He had been hurt in the past and is afraid of love in the future. I love that they both loved the weather so much and that Matthew had started to figure out the science of it. Matthew also had a great love for rowing.

The Duke’s Rules of Engagement is a steamy read. The story is shown through both Joanna and Matthew’s third person perspective. The chemistry between the two leads and the romantic tension was great. I’m not sure on the trope for this one – is matchmaker that falls for her client a trope?

The Duke’s Rules of Engagement was enjoyable historical romance.

Review Copy from Entangled and Netgalley as part of the TLC Book Tour. Thank-you! I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Duke's Rules of Engagement was a fairly enjoyable historical romance. I did enjoy watching the couple fall for each other. There were also some humorous parts. Joanna's love of romance and love matches was really sweet. There wasn't too much angst. I would recommend this one.

The Duke's Rules Of Engagement is a fun, heartwarming historical romance with hints of the grump/sunshine trope mixed in with some forbidden love as Miss Joanna Porter and The Duke of Crestmont find themselves falling for the other when they're supposed to be nothing more than temporary work acquaintances.

Phew, I sure have missed reading historical romance over the last couple of months. I was captivated by this book and these characters almost immediately, having a great time watching Jo and Matthew have feelings for each other that were out of character for them. Getting to read from both perspectives (normally) is one of my favorite things about the genre, and I absolutely loved getting inside Matthew's head and seeing his walls break down. His and Jo's chemistry was passionate, and my heart hurt at certain moments of their story. I would definitely recommend checking this book out if you love the historical romance genre!

CW for sexual content, loss of loved ones, grief.

A huge thank you to NetGalley and Entangled for the ARC of The Duke's Rules of Engagement by Jennifer Haymore!

Impoverished vicar’s daughter Joanna Porter has made a name for herself as one of the best matchmakers in London. She truly believes in love and delights in securing that level of happiness for her clients. But her latest client, the stuffy Duke of Crestmont is about to give her a run for her money. He may be handsome, but he’s also arrogant, stubborn, and a bit snobbish. Jo knows that finding a match for him would be exactly what she needs to solidify her standing as the top matchmaker in the city, possibly the whole of England, but the insufferable man finds something wrong with nearly all of her suggestions.

Matthew Leighton, the Duke of Crestmont, is not thrilled to be seeking the assistance of a matchmaker in the first place, especially not when he learns that she’s a beautiful young woman and not the older matron he expected. In fact, his matchmaker is quite the spitfire and he’s thoroughly intrigued by her. But he must secure the perfect duchess and ensure his estate’s succession to keep his tenants safe from his no-good uncle. This means finding a lady of good breeding and flawless reputation, but Matthew still can’t help wanting to be with the vivacious matchmaker instead.

I really liked the tone and writing of this story and the matchmaker premise was such fun, but there were some aspects I wasn’t crazy about. It felt like Matthew’s denial of his feelings for Jo and the possibility of a future between them went on too long, especially since there really was no good reason why they couldn’t be together, though an unconventional choice. This made it seem like Matthew was creating problems where they didn’t exist and that made the angst of this relationship seem like too much. Matthew was also an incredibly starched, stuffy hero, but that seriousness made it that much better when he shocked us with some dirty talk. I loved that he was that free and open with Jo. What I didn’t love was how Matthew was still trying to picture himself with the other girl even after being with Jo. I was also very much over Lilly as a character very quickly. Her friendship with Jo seemed very one-sided, with Jo putting in tons of effort and self-sacrifice and Lilly unable to see beyond her own desires. She just seemed a little pointless to me after a while and was very hard to root for. Her plot line also made it very hard not to be mad at Jo for being such a martyr and it just seemed like Lilly didn’t really deserve all the sacrifices Jo was making for her. Although, to be fair, Jo chose not to confide her true feelings in anyone and made herself a martyr in that respect, so no one really realized the true sacrifice she was making.

I really liked that Jo and Matthew had real discussions about unique topics that interested them both. They discussed rowing and meteorology, and he didn’t doubt her intelligence or ability to understand scientific principles, which I loved. I also really liked that these two did spend so much time together, I only wish the third act drama had been handled a bit differently, otherwise I loved the way things worked out for these two and I think they made an excellent couple.

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

Joanna is everyone's matchmaker but her own. She's accepted she'll be a spinster and aid others in finding what has alluded her until the day Duke of Crestmont walks through her door. He needs an heir, and her reputation as the best tells him she's perfect person to be find him a wife. He doesn't believe in love, and just needs someone handle the duties of the duchess.

Their insta-love catches them both by surprise, but his duty as Duke compliments matters as she doesn't have the lineage necessary for the courtship. The Duke of Crestmont, Matthew, is simply perfect. He loves fiercely once he realizes he can overcome his embarrassment of many years ago to love and be loved.

The Duke's Rules of Engagement is a wonderful edition to regency romances. It's humorous, spicy and incredibly romantic. This love story is a page-turner, and I can't wait to read more from this author.

Thank you Entangled Publishing for the paperback copy of this novel.

This is a Regency Historical Romance, dual POV and quite entertaining. Matthew and Jo's story is fun and sweet, I loved the characters. It's a matchmaking kind of relationship, a twist there that you will find amusing though. The world-building is good, the character development is as expected, sometimes I found a bit redundant some scenes with J0's family situations but overall I liked her. Matthew is a duke you will be adding to your book boyfriend list. This is the first in an interconnected series it seems, you can totally read this as a standalone.

This is a new author for me, one I really enjoyed.
Joanna Porter loves being one of London’s hottest up-and-coming matchmakers. Until the Duke of Crestmont crosses her door. He’s as handsome as he is insufferable and obsessed with all things proper. Matching him would cement Jo’s status as England’s greatest matchmaker.
The Duke of Crestmont can’t believe he needs a matchmaker—let alone this spitfire of a woman whose kissable mouth and dancing, impertinent gray eyes tease him ruthlessly. He is looking for a proper lady with a flawless pedigree and immaculate deportment. So why can’t he stop himself from wanting his pert, lively matchmaker…instead of the perfect duchess?
I loved these two. She is indeed a spitfire. Lively, sweet, smart Jo. It´s impossible not to fall in love with her. Matthew is rigid and all too proper. He is looking for the perfect duchess and he doesn’t believe in love matches. Joanna is a hopeless romantic and she is set in finding the ONE for him. And when she meets this ideal candidate —and finds a way to save her best friend in the process— she would do anything to make it work, even resigning the man she is now in love with.
The book is well written, with sweet steamy moments and witty dialogs. There are perfect together and I adored how they find their happy ending. I highly recommended it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Jennifer Haymore has not released a book since 2017 and she has truly outdone herself with this fantastic and compulsively readable historical romance. I have enjoyed past works by Haymore, and found them very delightful, but this novel is by far my favorite from her. Her writing has continued to grow and deepen and this novel is an absolute joy and worth the wait! Haymore's prose flows fluidly throughout this novel, her characters are beautifully crafted and fully realized and her plot is interest and perfectly paced. Definitely do yourself a favor and pick up this wonderful novel as soon as you can!

Joanna Porter is an up and coming matchmaker in London, but her confidence might be thrown for a loop when the Duke of Crestmont tasks her with finding him the perfect duchess, believing he has no need for a matchmaker. Jo and Matthew both find themselves in the precarious situation of falling into respect and attraction with each other as they work to find him perfect match.

This novel quickly charms with the interactions between Jo and Matthew. Matthew sweeps into Jo's world, with demanding requirements and a seemingly uneasy to please manner, but it because quickly obvious that these two might just have a deeper affection for each other. I really loved the banter between these two as they are learning to understand the other and build a relationship. Matthew is cautious and has been burned by love in the past, so he believes that he should wed the "perfect" woman to do his duty by his title while protecting his heart. Jo is a dreamer who believes whole heartedly in love, and truly wants that for all her clients, and secretly she wishes for true love herself. As these two grow to understand each other they build a foundation of friendship that is deepened by the attraction that steadily builds from their first meeting with each other. I love that Matthew, for all his rejections of believing in love, can not see that he is swiftly falling for Jo. Watching these two come to the realization of their feelings is so delightful and Haymore does a truly lovely job of building up their feelings through the constant growth of chemistry between them. This novel is sexy and steamy in all the right ways, and Haymore uses their physical relationship to show the trust these two have build with each other.

I so highly recommend this novel, it will absolutely leave you with a smile on your face and warmth in your heart. I am so excited for what Jennifer Haymore will hopefully continue to gift us with in the years to come!

Thank you to Entangled Publishing for gifting me a free e-ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

This book follows Jo, a spinster matchmaker who meets her match in more ways than one when Matthew, the Duke of Crestmont, asks for her assistance with finding the perfect duchess for him. Of course, as the two get to know each other, each finds themselves slowly falling in love with the other, which makes things complicated.

I don’t read much historical romance, but I do read a lot of romance in general, and I find it can get a bit repetitive. However, the premise for this one was unlike anything else I’ve ever read. The idea of a matchmaker falling in love with a client is unique and sets itself up for a fun book, and the historical setting made it even more so. Because of Jo and Matthew’s dynamic, the book is filled with angst, tension, and longing.

I enjoyed both of the main characters, as well as the side characters. Jo and Matthew had a lot of depth to them, and I liked the way that the author portrayed Matthew’s character – he could be a bit closed off at times, but once the reader gets to know his backstory, they understand why.

The writing was good and easy to read, and I especially enjoyed the way that the author wrote the dialogue and relationship between the characters. There were also enough sub-plots included to keep the story from getting boring, but not so many as to take away from the main romance. Overall, I think the author has a great writing style that manages to keep the reader from getting bored.

The historical setting was a lot of fun and added to the interesting dynamic between the characters – despite the fact that they want to be together, the rigid rules of society make it very difficult for them to make this a reality.

The relationship between Jo and the Duke moved a bit too quickly for my liking, so it felt almost like insta-love. That being said, their relationship did develop more as the book progressed, and I enjoyed that they had shared interests like the weather.

Overall, I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I went into it not expecting much, but it ended up being a very fun reading experience and I’d love to read more from this author!

Jo is content with her lot in life. She may not be a great beauty, she may live in genteel poverty, and she may be firmly on the shelf at 27, but she loves her family and friends and she's made something of a career for herself as an exceptionally successful matchmaker. Love might not be for her, but it's enough to bring love to others.

Matthew needs a bride. He's a duke, and a duke requires a duchess to tend to societal obligations, manage his households, and provide the requisite heir and spare. He has no interest in her beyond that, but hopes to find someone pleasant enough who will do the job well. At a friend's recommendation, he seeks out Jo's services, certain the whole business can be concluded quickly with minimal bother for him.

Along with an enjoyable, pleasantly spicy romance, this is a beautiful ode to love. Especially the way love can uplift us, make us feel seen, and give us deep, meaningful connections. Both Jo and Matthew are surrounded by caring family and friends who add to the story nicely. It did feel like some of the central conflict was resolved rather anti-climactically--sort of, "I can't, I can't, I can't, oh, I guess I can?" But that didn't take away from the fact that this was an engaging and fun read.

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!

Spring 1817

Joanna (Jo) Porter, 27, has resigned herself to be a spinster who helps people find their love mate. Her clients are delighted with their mates and she comes highly recommended.

One day, Matthew Leighton, the Duke of Crestmont, comes to her office needing a wife. He expects her to produce a prospective bride for him in two days. Jo tells him that’s impossible as she needs more information on the qualities he desires in a wife. They spend a lot of time together as she prods him for the traits he seeks, but he refuses to say anything about love. He tells her he doesn’t believe in love and simply needs a Duchess to smoothly run his many homes, and eventually produce an heir, while he goes on with his life.

Lilly hopes to soon marry Charles Cherrington if only he will propose. When she learns he loves someone else, she is heart broken. Jo is determined to steer Matthew to Lilly hoping to create a couple. She tries not listen to her heart as it tells her to step back, but she has fallen in love with Matthew. Now, she must put her feelings aside and create another happy couple. Can she do it?

This was a very nice romance that tugs with your heart strings. I enjoyed the characters the author created and the plot that was very well written. A good book.

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

This story is told in third person by both Jo and Matthew. This seems to be the year of the matchmaker novel. Upon a friend’s recommendation, Matthew seeks out the services of a matchmaker to find a wife and provide an heir for his estate only because he doesn’t want his abysmal relatives to inherit. I really enjoyed the characters, especially Matthew’s fascination with meteorology and the lively discussions that ensued with their varied interests. Jo’s strongly held belief in finding love matches for her clients contrasted beautifully with Matthew’s willful avoidance of relationships based on feelings because of his romantic history and abusive uncle. Given the time period, I understand that it was unusual to look for a partner outside of your class; however, since they both flouted custom in other regards and the book in general didn’t really abide by other time period rules, it seemed odd that they didn’t consider it earlier. Recommended to fans who like a steamy, modern take on historical romance.

Thank you to Netgalley and Entangled:Amara for a copy provided for an honest review.

I adored watching this stuffy duke gradually let down his guard to the matchmaker who believed wholeheartedly in true love. Them falling in love was inevitable as they got to know one another and let down those walls, not to mention allowing physical intimacy in. Sometimes stubborn humans just need a little extra time to change their long held beliefs in order to see new possibilities. Thank goodness for this couple they had that chance. Beautiful! #netgally #TheDukesRulesofEngagement

Overall: 4.5 rounded to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot/Storyline: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥 (might feel hotter to some – I counted 2 scenes close together as 1)
Humor: Yes, a bit
Perspective: Third person from both the hero and heroine

Should I read in order?
I actually think this is a stand alone novel?? How rare in these times!

Basic plot:
Matthew is a duke that’s looking for a duchess so his inheritance doesn’t go to his unscrupulous heir. He has been deeply hurt by love before so he is going in with a cold heart and wants someone that can host and function in society but definitely doesn’t want to relate to her on a personal level. He enlists our matchmaker Jo for help but they soon find they can’t keep their hands off each other.

Give this a try if you want:
- Regency time period (1817)
- London setting
- Matchmaker trope! Hero comes to heroine’s matchmaking business for her to find him a duchess
- Heroine is described as ‘thick-bones rather than petite, curvy rather than slight’ and is mentioned as being at least 6 inches taller than her female relatives. The hero is tall, at least 6 inches taller than her.
- Hero enjoys meteorology! And also building and racing boats
- Just a touch of instalust – it’s not right off the bat, but soon into their interactions
- Medium steam – 3 full scenes (2 were very close together so I counted as 1)
- Class difference – duke hero and matchmaker/working heroine
- No villain or mystery – most of the focus is on the relationship of the couple and their friends/family

Ages:
- Heroine is 27, hero is 33

My thoughts:
This was my first Jennifer Haymore and there was so much I loved about it!

I generally enjoy the matchmaker trope because it gets our hero and heroine together most of the book (hopefully!) and there’s the possibility for some great angst as they set them up with someone else…

I had a couple minor complaints about some happenings in this book, nothing major. (view spoiler)

And I usually struggle with any kind of instalust feel and I thought they had that a bit here...but, wow when they were together I just found it so powerful. It was emotional, it was gripping, and I went from making assumptions about how this book was going to go for me to sending quotes to my book friend soul mate with open mouth faces...I LOVED IT. It didn’t have the strongest sexual tension for me in the beginning but once they started touching each other I really was sold. I enjoyed both characters and liked the writing. When I went back through my highlights for this review I got sucked into some parts again, reading pages and pages of it basking in the emotional aspect of it.

I’ll definitely be trying more Haymore!

I couldn’t put it down! I absolutely loved the back & forth between Jo & Matthew. You could tell from the start that she would keep him on her toes. The dichotomy of impossibility, having a matchmaker fall for a client she was trying to match, provided an endless supply of angst and anguish. The heart broke a little each time one or the other denied themself. They were so clearly perfect for each other. The side characters are equally as lovable. The women of Jo’s house, supporting each other through all the bumps of life despite levels of status. There were moments that brought a shine to my eyes, made me cheer or made me want to reach into the book and smack them. And then there were the utterly heartbreaking/heartwarming moments the made me weep. A truly delightful story you really must read.

Alright, alright, alright.
So I've got A LOT of love for this release too, and if you're a Historical Romance fan, may I suggest you indulge in it post haste! From our wonderfully uncommon Mrs. Porter to our curiously direct Duke of Cresmont, and everyone in-between, you've got a cast worth remembering from start to finish. I loved their initial meet cute, even if it wasn't intended to be an actual "cute" in any fashion. They were both so taken by the other, yet desperately trying to deny it...well, in his case anyway, as she was still trying to sort what her feelings actually were. Despite their noble intentions, feelings flare, connections are made, liaisons are had...and hearts are dangerously close to being broken. I mean, what's a girl to do when a duke came to her for her matchmaking services, and the right match, deep down in her heart...is actually HER?

I won't say any more right now, as I have this one on an upcoming tour, but trust me, this is a duo you won't want to miss!

Joanna Porter is known as a successful matchmaker. Using the moniker Mrs. Porter, she is determined to always make a love match for her clients. Matthew Leighton, Duke of Crestmont, needs a wife and an heir. He visits Mrs. Porter to make a match with his rules for the perfect duchess. Joanna is determined to find him a wife and love. Everything goes awry when Joanna falls in love with him herself. Unfortunately she doesn't fit any of his rules. She plays her part in his match too well and it comes back to break her heart. A cold hearted Duke must decide the most important thing in his life.
A very emotional rollercoaster with steam.
Heat level 4
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

When does a matchmaker become matched herself?

A delightful story of a matchmaker extraordinaire who always tries to match her clients as love matches. But her latest client, a Duke, wants his bride to be proper, reserved and take her status seriously. Yes, sounds boring and trying to please him becomes impossible.

But as the two work together, it seems a spark begins to happen between the two. Could it be they will match themselves? A delightful story.

Loved the banter and romance. Jo, our heroine, is strong and smart and able to make a living as a matchmaker at a time when it was hard for women to be successful without a man. The Duke is a true romantic in total denial of what love is. Jo will do anything for her little family, including giving up the man she loves for the happiness of others. Will Jo ever get her chance at love, or is her true match gone forever?