✨Duke = stone. Stone = hard. Duke = hard.✨

As a whole, I think this is a fine book but not necessarily one I enjoyed at every turn. I found myself reluctant to pick it back up because I didn’t quite feel the spark. I liked both characters individually, but by the end Stone was really wearing on my last nerve. Then the whole compromise adjacent-scene happened and it wasn’t to my taste.

✨

**spoiler section** I simply didn’t believe that he fundamentally changed his beliefs that quick. She was like oh so you’d have married me without my brother forcing you?” And he was like “yup.” And I was just like… say what now? He was SO against marriage and I really can’t explain that shift using what we received on page.

I also found the way they were compromised to be tiresome. Drexel himself was simply tiresome. I know his character type is commonplace, but a man forcing a woman to get married simply because he could (and because she rejected him) left a bitter taste in my mouth.

I understand that they literally had to get married but I really wish Jack would have made Stone work harder for it. She acquiesced so quickly and then boom sex scene. He was a complete ass multiple times and I don’t think he really groveled to my standards. Blaming her for breaking the rules and presenting her with the marriage the way he did really annoyed me.

✨

People are calling this a novella and that may be true in actual page count (however Goodreads says this book is 323 Kindle pages?), but it felt pretty long. Long enough sort out the issues I had. It also felt long to read. It gave a lot of space to almost philosophical talk or paragraphs of inner back-and-forth battles. I must say I skimmed many sections when the two weren’t together and it was more internally bent. I understand the need for the inner musings but they ultimately dragged me down.

I do love Eva’s writing and the story did have its moments. The epilogue was cute and I did like his grand gesture. I’m always a sucker for brother’s best friend and that moment when the brother loses his shit and fisticuffs ensue. That moment here ~wasn’t~ as dramatic as I’d have liked (and I didn’t particularly like what happened after) but it was still juicy. I also liked his drunk scene, because he’s sir, you were an ass.

There were around one and a half sex scenes and they were fine but nothing noteworthy. I’m sorry but I want to see something besides missionary, which probably means adding an extra scene.

Overall, I’d have preferred this to be shorter and more concise. Get rid of Drexel early on and have the two together on the page more frequently. Use the brothers best friend trope more effectively to replace the angst that Drexel attempted to add. Also, if the man is going to waffle SO much on marriage, make the payoff and moment he realizes he wants to marry her and that he DOES love her even more prevalent.

⭐️⭐️⭐️.25/5 🌶🌶.25/5

The Duke's Accidental Bride is the story of Jacqueline, or Jack and James, the Duke of Stone. They've known each other since childhood and James is Jack's brother, Alexander's best friend. James likes setting up perfect matches in society and Jack demands he do the same for her so she can help restore her family's lost fortune.

I enjoyed this story and I thought that Jack and James had good chemistry. I did find the pace a bit too slow at times and I thought the whole lead up to Jack and James being together was really gradual in comparison to how quickly things went thereafter. On the whole though, this book made for an entertaining read.

I really enjoyed this book! The characters were the best part, and I liked the plot. Overall, I would definitely recommend!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Sweet, sweet slow burn. Jack and James have known each other since childhood but haven't seen each other in quite some time. It was interesting to learn about their pasts and the things that shaped them. These two slowly make their way to lovers. That final conflict was angsty.

Lady Jacqueline is not happy with James the Duke of Stone. He arranged a match between her sister and a perfect gentleman. The only problem is the gentleman doesn't come from wealth forcing Lady Jacqueline to marry well. She had plans to spend the rest of her days as a spinster playing the pianoforte.

Following his father's decline James vows to lead a respectable life yet never marry. But he really enjoys matching couples looking to marry. So when Lady Jack airs her grievances he agrees to help her find a wealthy husband.

Finding her the perfect husband is turning out to be more challenging than he anticipated. It doesn't help matters that he finds her attractive. When out of nowhere her brother/his best friend is approached making claims about James and Jack, so he has no choice but to marry her.

Thank you so much to the author, Entangled and NetGalley for this ARC to review.

4.5
I always enjoy Eva Devon’s book and this was not an exception.
Lady Jaqueline Peabody former childhood friend, the Duke of Stone, has just ruined her life by matching her sister with a perfect gentleman. Except the gentleman in question has little in the way of income. With the family fortune in tatters, it means Jacqueline is tasked with marrying well—and must bid adieu to her dreams of a lovely spinsterhood with her pianoforte.
James Haven has a respectable title and a rogue’s reputation. After all, love and passion can lead only to disaster. While he’s eschewed marriage for himself, he enjoys great success with matching London’s most eligible ladies and gentlemen. So if Jacqueline needs a wealthy husband, he’ll find her one. Only, he is having the devil of time finding the perfect husband for the spirited female. But, when scandal erupts, Jacqueline’s hopes for the perfect husband might be replaced by the perfect rake…
I loved these two. They were forward, honest and true to themselves. I thought at the beginning that I was going to have some issues with Jack because she seemed too contemporary, but once you get to know her, you can see why James falls in love so easily with her. I really liked that they have a past together as childhood friends and that it’s so important for him to find the right husband for Jack, even though in his opinion, there’s no one out there good enough for her.
James could be a bit frustrating sometimes. He´s absolutely sure that love and passion could only lead to disaster that he lives his life detached from emotions. Jaqueline is the exact opposite. She is passionate, intense and strong. They worked amazing together. I liked the side stories a lot and her family dynamics.
The book is well written, with sweet steamy moments and witty dialogs. I highly recommended.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

A captivating and enjoyable romance, I was taken away to a wonderful place with this story. James and Jacqueline are wonderful characters and came alive in a well crafted story. Not an easy journey to love which makes it all the more engaging.

JUST CHARMING!!! The Duke's Accidental Bride by Eva Devon looks to be a single story and not a series. I felt the beginning was a tad slow but keep reading as it does get really good. I found this story to be original, easy to read, vivid descriptions, has the feel of the regency era and just a true delight to read. Eva is a very talented writer and this story was just too charming. This story has a matchmaking Duke who does not want to marry, a lady that needs to marry for money but really wants to stay a spinster, childhood friends, a rogue, scandal, wonderful characters, a women with spirit, fear, against marriage because of his parents, mental illness, not finding anyone good enough, denial, out spoken and falling in love. They were perfect for each other. I am highly recommending you read this book.

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

James had a rough childhood. His parents' volatile marriage made home a terrifying place to be, but he found solace with his neighbors and best friends, Alexander and Jacqueline (or Jack, to those closest to her). James lost touch with Jack as they grew up and he came into his title as the Duke of Stone, but when she boldly hunts him down and confronts him about putting her in the undesirable position of needing to marry well, and quickly, he's chagrined and willing to help. He can find her a husband, but it certainly can't be him...can it?

James and Jack were both nice characters to get to know. They're fundamentally good people, both grappling with the limitations imposed on them. Their motivations are understandable, though their conflicts do drag on even though their chemistry is obvious. This is a fun, light, slightly spicy and mostly low-angst read perfect for a nice little break!

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

Spoiler-free summary: After James Haven, Duke of Stone, and her brother's best friend plays matchmaker for her sister Lady Jaqueline Peabody is super angry. Her sister fell in love with a fortuneless man and now it was up to her to marry wealthy. She never planned on getting married and demands the Duke find her a match.

I am always a sucker for the friends-to-lovers trope. It is also super satisfying when it happens to include a Duke and a brother's best friend. This story is super interesting because unlike the usual female matchmaker we have a matchmaking Duke! Lady Jaqueline Peabody, Jack, is unlike the typical debutant, and he starts to reluctantly become attracted to her which becomes a real problem for the man who did not want a wife and kids because of his father. Fate on the other hand had other ideas. After being caught in a scandalous position the story becomes a marriage of convenience.

I really wanted to love this story but I had to get used to the author's style of writing. I will probably pick up other books in her backlist to try and get a feel for her style.

The Duke of Stone is a matchmaker, yes you're reading this correctly. Why? Well, when you read this story and see his childhood memories unfold you'll understand his deep-seated need to match perfectly respectable, perfectly aligned interests and perfectly not in love couples. Love is to be avoided at all costs.

Jacqueline "Jack" Peabody is very upset with the Duke for meddling in her affairs. He matched her older sister with a penniless vicar and now her plans of spinsterhood playing her pianoforte are ruined. As much as she loved her father, he made a disastrous mistake financially and then died leaving the family in dire straits. Now, the burden falls on Jack and her brother to marry money to save the family and it's all the duke's fault. And she intends to tell him about it. She can't just barge in her childhood friend's home now that they're grown, but she can certainly climb the tree and get in his house that way, too bad it's his bed chamber... After confronting James (duke), he decides to help her find an appropriate match which begins this funny romp of miscalculations. I enjoyed it immensely with believable and interesting characters. Eva Devon is one of my favorite authors of historical romance.

Thank you to Entangled: Amara and NetGalley for providing a copy of this book for an honest review.

I absolutely adored this book. Lady Jacqueline (Jack) needs to marry well to save her family from ruin.
She has been friends with James, the Duke of Stone since childhood. James is somewhat of a matchmaker, so Jack asks him to help her find a husband who will let her continue with her love of music. James had a bad childhood and doesn't plan on marrying for love. The chemistry is wonderful between the two characters. There are also a couple of interesting side stories in the book and interesting twists. It is definitely a 5-star read.

I received a copy of this from NetGalley and this is my unsolicited opinion.

Lady Jaqueline, Jack, is disappointed and upset with the Duke of Stone, James Haven. He has a reputation of playing a successful matchmaker for members of the Ton and had found Jack's sister a future husband that makes her sister very happy.

Except Jack is not happy because her family has had quite a downturn in their circumstances due to very poor financial decisions by her father before his death. They are destitute and they need advantageous matches to repair the family finances. James made a match that makes her sister happy; but the fiance is a vicar and not going to help their coffers in any way. Because of this, Jack has to kiss her hopes of a happy spinsterhood playing piano in a cottage somewhere goodbye and find a rich husband. So far, she has not had a successful debut herself, not being in the mold of socially expected beauty, personality, and accomplishments that her sister is. She decides to confront her former childhood friend and neighbour James, dressing in breeches and climbing into his bedroom one night.

James, not having seen Jack in a while, is surprised by his attraction to Jack's boldness and energy. But because of his experiences witness his parent's fractious relationship, and how his father's erratic behaviour was so devastating (it sounds like he had terrible fits of madness with violent outbursts and paranoia) to his mother and him, that James had determined that he would not ever marry. However he does find great personal satisfaction in finding good matches for his friend - not matches made in love, since he saw how flawed and hurtful love was in his parent's relationship... but rational matches made in consideration of rational concepts such as compatibility, companionship, and respect. He determines that he would do the same for Jack, and her brother, his friend.

As he spends more time with her, they learn more about each other and are attracted to each other, while trying to find a solution to her family situation, which includes sneaking some private time in so Jack can learn how to be less of a wallflower, which is how the rest of the Ton sees her (in that they do not actually see her). James cannot fathom how people cannot see Jack for the wonderful, passionate, intelligent person that she is, but denies his own feelings because of his fear of becoming like his father.

This was a cute book with likeable characters in Jack and James. But I did not feel it had the fire and passion that other books of Eva Devon have had, that I have have enjoyed and have been fully engaged by in the past.

3.25 stars out of 5.

Lady Jacqueline Peabody must find a husband. Her family barely has any money to survive. She needs to marry for money. James, the Duke of Stone, is noted for his successful matchmaking skills. Friends as children, she sneaks into his bedroom climbing a tree. James will never marry because of fear, but he will find the perfect husband for Jack. He makes a list of gentlemen as choices. Eventually he realizes that there is not a gentleman who meets her requirements, except for him. Forced into marriage and even though she loves him, Jack must decide if he wants to live each day or live in fear of the past.
Heat level 3
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

Utterly fantastic! I loved the chemistry btn the 2from minute one. It was so fun watching James figure out that he actually wanted to marry jack, and having that happen because her brother insisted she was compromised was great. There was great chemistry, a secondary romance, and the bedroom scenes were really hot. Definitely enjoyed.

Cute and fun to read about too polar opposites, he was so sweet and she was adventurous - loved both characters since the moment she sneaks into his bed-chamber. Truly another amazing story by Eva Devon!

James is not only a duke—he's also a matchmaker. And Lady Jacqueline needs an eligible match to replenish her family's coffers. He has no intention of marrying, but that doesn't stop him from yearning for his former childhood friend. Can Jacqueline change his mind about matrimony?

I loved this book! It's light and fun with delightful characters.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

This is a good book. Jacqueline and James are meant for each other even though he is trying to find her a husband.
Lady Jaqueline Peabody is extremely vexed. Her nemesis, the Duke of Stone, has just ruined her life by matching her sister with a perfect gentleman. Except the gentleman in question has little in the way of income. With the family fortune in tatters, it means Jacqueline is tasked with marrying well—and must bid adieu to her dreams of a lovely spinsterhood with her pianoforte.
James Haven has a respectable title and a rogue’s reputation. After all, love and passion can lead only to disaster. While he’s eschewed marriage for himself, he enjoys great success with matching London’s most eligible ladies and gentlemen. So if Jacqueline needs a wealthy husband, he’ll find her one. Love need not apply!
Only, James is having the devil of time finding the perfect husband for the spirited female. And certainly not because he’s falling for Lady Jacqueline, who heats his desire and dares to stand slipper-to-boot with him. Ridiculous. But, when scandal erupts, Jacqueline’s hopes for the perfect husband might be replaced by the perfect rake.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

Jack and James...

Were once childhood friends who played together.
All grown up, Jack is independent and vexed that James matched her sister to a pauper.
James is a hot mess of contradictions that simply make zero sense. He's into lists, won't marry as his parents had a bad marriage, is a rake yet matches coup[es. Huh?!? Yeah. For him to be a rake makes zero sense while eschewing marriage for himself (what with him being a duke and all) and yet setting up matches. Okay, aside from that, its a good read, where you know they want to be with each other, but have to dance around their attraction (not for too long).
Recommend.

It is an okay romance novel. I somewhat enjoyed it and some dialogues were fun but it did slow down at some point and I was not sure if I will manage to finish.

The kissing lessons in his bedchamber (by climbing a tree) were a bit silly. I wish a book was less predictable.

Thanks to Netgalley for a free copy in exchange of an honest review.

Who doesn’t love a feisty, free-spirited heroine? Jacqueline (Jack) is just that as she turns the world upside down for James, the Duke of Stone, her neighbor and childhood friend. Her antics are going to land them right in the middle of a ton scandal, but what an enjoyable ride getting there! This is one delightful story with such wonderful characters! Don’t miss it!