I thought this was a very fun read. The story was cute and the characters likable. Joanna and Mathew generated some solid sparks and steam, and I liked them a lot as a couple and as individuals. Clever banter and humor are sprinkled throughout and altogether it all creates a delightful read that I truly enjoyed.

This romance is so sweet and swoony:-)!

Joanna Porter is a spinster at 27 and is supporting her mother, her best friend Lillian Appleby, mrs. Ferguson and her daughter Bess. She sees this little group of women as her family and will do anything for them including giving up her happiness to secure their happiness. She earns money by being a matchmaker and she has a lot of influential friends amongst the ton.
I really loved Joanna who is strong, knows what is important to her and goes for it even though she knows that it will break her heart in the end, she is open to learning new things and she is very aware of her feelings but also her background and her shortcomings.
Matthew Leighton, The Duke of Crestmont is very though to like in the beginning and he is living very much under the ton’s rules and just wants a perfect Duchess no love match. But the more you get to know him and he lets down his walls around Joanna he becomes more and more likable and I ended up loving him. He becomes so gentle and sweet towards Joanna. I just wished he hadn’t been so stubborn towards him having to marry inside the Ton and to not marry for love. He denied himself and her so much happiness. I also loved that he had some different hobbies like meteorology and rowing. He builds boats with his three best friends from Eton and they compete against each other on the Thames. So you get a little history within these two topics too.

I could really feel the difference between people with money and people without inside the Ton and the way many women but also men had to scheme and manipulate to find a marriage that could save their families from ruin. This is also how a lot of women from poor families became mistresses instead of wives. The men often needed the dowries from their wives to maintain their lifestyles. That is definitely a main topic in this book between several couples.

I loved the many side characters except a couple and I hope that we get the romances of Matthew’s three rowing friends that would be amazing.

I can definitely recommend this book.

I got this book from Entangled publishing and Netgalley and this is my honest opinion and my voluntary review.

The Duke's Rules of Engagement by Jennifer Haymore, set in 1817 London, is a lovely historical romance with great messages and a wonderful love story. Jo and Matthew have a wonderful love story filled with great banter and chemistry. Joanna Porter, a matchmaker, believes in love, despite not finding it for herself. She works hard to provide for her family, often placing the needs of others ahead of her own. Matthew Leighton, the Duke of Crestmont, similarly regularly thinks of others and not himself. Reluctant to fall in love again, Matthew is bound by obligation and duty to marry and provide an heir. As he was hurt by love in the past, he doesn’t want to risk having his heart broken again. He isn’t looking for an ever after ending, just a "proper" duchess to wed and tolerate so he can have an heir and keep the title from passing to his uncle. As Jo helps Matthew find a duchess, she discovers she is falling for him. There are many fun and heartwarming moments, and their growing feelings for each other spark and sizzle. With a balance of lightness, humor, romance, and spice that will capture your attention and leave your heart happy, I highly recommend The Duke's Rules of Engagement to other readers.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

Joanna Porter is a matchmaker who has been having great success of late. Yet when she meets Matthew, the Duke of Crestmont, with his list of requirements for his perfect match, Joanna is fascinated with him. Matthew also finds Joanna irresistible with her spitfire nature, kissable mouth and dancing, impertinent grey eyes. Despite his attraction, Matthew is resolute in his desire for a duchess who has a flawless pedigree and Joanna knows that she cannot meet his expectations. However, no matter how they try to convince themselves that Matthew must marry, they can’t keep away from each other, and not just to resolve the finding of the perfect bride.
This book has made me stop and wonder as to what grabs my attention and makes me pick up my book, every time I pass it, just to read one more chapter. I read this at such a rapid pace, desperate to find out what would happen between this great couple. I loved how their attraction is blindingly obvious to the reader but not to them. My heart ached for them both as I could see the dilemma that they were faced with and had to hope that they would resolve it for their HEA. A great read!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I instantly fell in love with the characters, storyline, and writing of The Duke’s Rules Of Engagement. Matthew, the Duke of Crestmont, is searching for the perfect, flawless candidate for his Duchess. Matthew appears cold, entitled, and arrogant. Jonna Porter is London’s most successful matchmaker. Matthew goes to Joanna to find his Duchess; the attraction they feel is unexpected and unwanted.

I loved the humor in the first chapters. The meeting between Matthew and Joanna made me laugh and smile. The journey Matthew and Joanna embark on challenges their assumptions and beliefs. Matthew has been hurt before and has closed off his heart. Joanna is a spinster who has given up on love, even though she still yearns for it. These are two lonely, misunderstood souls that find comfort and passion in their embrace. The connection between Matthew and Joanna is instant, powerful, and sensual.

I am unsure if there will be more books spun off of The Duke’s Rules Of Engagement; I hope there are, this one being so good. I would love to see Matthew’s friends fall in love. This is my first Jennifer Haymore romance, and I was delighted; The Duke’s Rules Of Engagement captured my heart.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book through Netgalley and the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was an entertaining, well-written book. It was fun, sweet, steamy and held my interest. I wanted to find out what would happen. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books by this author.

OMG I enjoyed this story. The Duke's Rules of Engagement had me entertained and captivated from start to finish, as the feisty spinster matchmaker who loves love, fall for her rigid Duke client who refuses to believe in love.
Both Jo and Matthew were likable with undeniable chemistry and great banter and you will be rooting for them as the story progressed. I enjoyed seeing the progression of their relationship from strangers to friends to lovers as they spent more time together.
The supporting characters provided support and balance to the story helping to move it forward and I especially loved the dynamics between Matthew and his friends.
This historical romance was fast paced and well crafted, light hearted and steamy. It was my first book by this author and I loved it and would recommend it to romance lovers.

FANTASTIC!!! The Duke's Rules Of Engagement by Jennifer Haymore is a standalone as far as I know. This is the first book I have read of Jennifer’s but it will not be the last. Though predictable I so loved this story and found it easy to read and so very well written. I found this story to have wonderful characters, had the real feel of the regency era, vivid descriptions and just a true joy to read. Bravo Jennifer, Bravo. Not only does this have one love story but has two love stories. This story has a Matchmaker with a 100% rating for love, a Duke needing to marry & was recommend to this Matchmaker, a loving family, a family that is destitute, finding “The One”, wanting the perfect Duchess not love, meeting all the requirements, a family member that lost her fiancé due to having no dowery, the perfect plan to help the people she loves, interest in the weather & rowing, a thief in Vauxhall Gardens and falling in love with a client. I am highly recommending you read this book. It really is FANTASTIC!!!

***This book was gifted to me and I am voluntarily reviewing.

We stan a lady who believes in love and a starchy nobleman who just wants a perfect wife - no emotions involved! Matthew is a duke. He's decided it's time to get married (because he can't let his dissolute uncle inherit!) and after a few awkward social gatherings he figures that the easiest route to marriage is through a matchmaker. Luckily for him, he's referred to Joanna Porter by one of his friends whose match she arranged. Unluckily for him, Jo believes in finding only love matches for her clients, and if there's one thing Matthew doesn't want to do, it's fall in love.

To no romance reader's surprise, it turns out that Joanna is Matthew's perfect match: they share an interest in the weather that goes beyond small talk, and she's certainly not a deferential miss. As they grow closer together, Jo realizes she can't stay objective when trying to find his perfect bride. For his part, Matthew is fixated on finding the perfect duchess, which includes a perfect bloodline as well.

Although it doesn't include many surprises, the book is well-written and fun. Plus it's on the steamier side for a Regency romance, with two characters who do their best to resist each other but can't help but fail!

This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.

The Matchmaker’s Ruse.
Two unlikely people are drawn to each other but it takes friends to knock some sense into the Duke when he feels betrayed by Jo’s actions. I loved how the Duke had unusual hobbies and a tender heart that he hid to keep from being hurt. Whilst Jo was a confident go-getter of a businesswoman who makes a mistake.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

3.5 Stars
Joanna Porter loves being one of London’s matchmakers but it’s about to turn into a nuptial nightmare thanks to Matthew Leighton, the Duke of Crestmont. He’s as handsome as he is insufferable and obsessed with all things proper. Matching him would cement Joanna’s status as England’s greatest matchmaker. Except, of course, the impossible-to-please duke refuses all of her most eligible ladies. The Duke of Crestmont can’t believe he needs a matchmaker—let alone this spitfire of a woman whose kissable mouth and dancing, impertinent grey eyes tease him ruthlessly.
A well written, entertaining read with strong characters & a well paced story. However I didn’t love Matthew & Joanna in fact I found it hard to relate to them. I disliked Joanna being called Jo it grated with me & seemed too modern. Maybe I’ve had an overload of romances recently & need ‘to clean my palate’ with another genre. Maybe I should reread it at a future date
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

It's a steamy and fun historical fiction with lovable characters. Historical romance novels are always so interesting, but more so when authors break rules. I love unconventional stories set in the past. That's why I enjoyed this book.
Joana Porter is a matchmaker and a very successful one at that. It might be how she earns her living, but the truth is that she is a romantic at heart. She doesn't just find a match for her clients, she actually makes sure that they fall in love. So far, all of her clients are blissfully happy and that makes her happy too. Then, she is presented with a challenge: a client who neither believes in nor wants a love match. He just wants a "perfect duchess." Will Jo be able to please this difficult client or is this a recipe for disaster? Only time will tell.
The Duke of Crestmont must marry, not because he wants to, but simply because it's his duty. So, when someone recommends a matchmaker, he thinks why not? That is until he meets the said matchmaker, now he is even more doubtful. Still, of all the things he envisioned, love definitely wasn't one of them. What will happen to his careful plans of marrying a perfect woman? Or is he about to get betrayed yet again?
Overall, an interesting story. I enjoyed reading it, but if I'm honest, I found some parts dragging and skipped a little. Hence, the four stars rating. My problem is that I like to read books in as few sittings as possible. That's why it's not easy to keep me entertained. Anyhow, I'm glad I picked up this book and would recommend it to romance & historical fiction lovers.

This was an entertaining read. I did like Jo Porter, she was such a caring soul, always looking out for others and putting herself last. I did think her friend Lily, was self centred but she did redeem herself towards the end. Matthew, Duke of Crestmont wanted a bride but didn’t want love. He had his rules for a suitable duchess. Unfortunately, Matthew and Jo had a deep attraction but Jo didn’t fit his criteria. There are a number of events and misunderstandings before a happy ending is achieved. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

“She couldn’t rip true love away from a young couple who believed in it and wanted it with all their hearts, only to bestow it on a man who neither believed in it nor wanted it. Jo believed in love. She wanted to stand by it, but in this case, she couldn’t. She had no choice. She would have to sacrifice one potential love match for another that was already true and real. ‘I’m sorry, Matthew,’ she whispered under her breath. She couldn’t account for the way tears stung her eyes.”

Joanna Porter, an up-and-coming matchmaker in London, is obsessed with love. She believes in happily ever after and spends her days searching for the perfect partner for her clients. When the dastardly Duke of Crestmore shows up on her doorstep seeking her help to find the “perfect” duchess, but one that he will never fall in love with, Joanna is completely aghast. She knows just the thing. She will match him with a candidate who he won’t be able to help fall in love with. The duke will finally get his happily ever after, and her romantic soul will be satisfied. Only plans sometimes go awry.

Do I love stuffy dukes who don’t believe in love? Yes. Do I love watching them be brought down by it? Also, yes. I could read a story like this all day. I know there are so many stories out there that follow this trope, but I never really get tired of it. This story though brought something different to the table, and that kept it fresh and not feeling overdone.

Joanna and Matthew had a lot of vulnerabilities that were expressed throughout the story so their connection to me felt authentic and real in the best of ways. They had wonderful chemistry and banter that made this book an enjoyable escape from my real life. I was pleasantly surprised by my first Jennifer Haymore book, and I can’t wait to dive into some of her other books.

If you’re a fan of light-hearted and humorous historical romances like those of Anna Bennett and Vivienne Lorret then take a chance on this one. I don’t think you will be disappointed!

~ Michelle

There was lots of humour within the story which made me smile and laugh out loud. The sparks flew between the main character's with both of them fighting against their obvious attraction which led to good banter. The secondary characters of his and her best friends were lots of fun and I can’t wait to read about their own romances in future books. I did think this might not go well as the Duke is such a starchy character but he came good when he relaxed. Lovely romance all in all and lots of character's for future stories. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This was so much fun! I loved the premise, so unique and set up the romance perfectly. An on the shelf spinster determined to set up love matches only? GIMMIE. And I loved Matthew!

How have a gone this long without reading a historical romance hero who is this much like Mr. Darcy?

Because Matthew, the Duke of Crestmont, is Mr. Darcy! Proud and reserved, yes. But mostly just so dang awkward, slow to trust others, and difficult to get to open up.

Which was why this setup was so fun! Jo, an impoverished spinster who supported her family and friend with her matchmaking business, suddenly had a Duke for a client.

And this matchmaking setup was excellently done! I’m so critical of the social class difference trope but this one was great! And I’m obsessed with couple compatibility so I can’t resist a heroine who is too. Plus, it was the perfect way to showcase this kind of hero—the kind who’s so reserved that unless the story is childhood friends to lovers or the MCs are trapped somewhere together for months, the relationship ain’t happening. But, professionally, Jo had to get to know him, and he had to let her. And they were so compatible! My heart!

This has ALL the matchmaker-client falling for each other when he’s supposed to be proposing to someone else angst. I loved that they were both super self-aware of their feelings and yet the plot was deliciously messy.

But also this book was super subtle? What I’m most impressed by was how this book had steaming steam—that starting fairly early too—but it also made me turn to goo with every ‘pinky finger touch’ and ‘gloved hand grazing ungloved hand’ until the very end. Like, how? I mean, it was probably the insane amount of longing these two had for each other. There was an absolute forest of pining here!

Not going to lie, there was a lot of historical details here (who knew regency times had pantaloon drama?) and there were moments when the story felt a bit bogged down by them. But it’s still a five star read for me, because the rest was too good!

This was truly a wonderful read by one of my favorite authors. Ms Haymore wins with a romp of romance that will delight anyone who likes historical books from start to finish. The characters were fully developed with thoughts and feelings of their own.
Joanna Porter is a matchmaker of impeccable talents that will test her resolve when one starchy Duke wants a wife to wed. The Duke of Crestmont thinks a matchmaker with the lips that need kissing is really testing his resolve. He needs woman who will be the perfect Duchess with a flawless reputation for his estate to flourish. But finding the right woman is not going the way Jo wants it to go.
The Duke is not liking any of her eligible ladies and being a pain in the a@@!
The ton is watching while the matchmaker tries to keep her cool, before she says something she regrets.
When one hardheaded Duke falls in love with one outspoken woman, all bets are off. The key to getting a wife is right in front of him and love is the key.
I appreciate Net Galley for this ARC title in which I gave an honest review.

Set in 1817 London, The Duke’s Rules of Engagement bings together an unlikely pair in the form of 27 year-old matchmaker Joanna Porter and Matthew Leighton, the Duke of Crestmont, who has decided it’s time to secure a duchess. Jo is a lovely, warm and caring woman, who’s the sole supporter of her mother, her friend Lilly their maid and their housekeeper. I really admired her for her work ethic, her wit and her no nonsense approach. I felt sorry that she saw herself as looking only possibly pretty to the extent that one thing she treasured about Matthew was that he called her beautiful. Matthew is a likeable chap, though he is dripping with all the prejudices of his class and comes across as a pompous ass when he first appears on the page. I thoroughly enjoyed watching Jo put him in his place.The sensuality in this story is a high point and the sex scenes are well written. Other aspects drag a bit at times but overall this is a well written book that kept me entertained.

In The Duke's Rules of Engagement, a grumpy duke who doesn't believe in love hires a matchmaker to find him a suitable wife who will be a perfect duchess.

Matthew Leighton, Duke of Crestmont, needs a wife to produce an heir. He has been betrayed in the past and is not looking for a love match. He is looking for a proper lady of "good breeding with a pedigree" to be a perfect duchess. Joanna Porter is a spinster and a successful matchmaker who finds love matches for her clients. The Duke of Crestmont is her most challenging client because he has a strict list of requirements but is not interested in a love match. Not to mention he stirs feelings in Joanna that are inappropriate for a matchmaker/client relationship. Things get complicated when Matthew starts to fall for Joanna despite her being wholly unsuitable to be a duchess.

I liked the book's premise, and I adored the characters. Matthew and Joanna have great chemistry, and the book is moderately steamy. I enjoyed The Duke's Rules of Engagement from start to finish. I would recommend it to all historical romance fans. Also, I haven't read any other books by Jennifer Haymore, so I am glad I discovered a new romance author.