The Duke's Accidental Bride is a sweet and fairly light hearted, boy-next-door, brother's-best-friend romance. Eva Devon easily crafts this romance with a charming tone, light pace and a bit of a slice of life feel. If you are looking for an easy read with a delightful little romance then this is a great quick read to check out.

When Jaqueline's sister is wed to the love of her life, who happens to be low on the income, Jaqueline finds her life in disarray. Now she must wed well to restore her families fortunes which are in tatters, but she has had her heart set on a life of spinsterhood filled with her music. So she takes it upon herself to confront her neighbor, James who had a hand in the matchmaking. James, a duke, is a childhood friend and her brother's best friend, who she has harbored a crush for years, but James does not ever plan on marrying due to a secret illness of his fathers. So, in order to help out Jack, James has tasked himself with finding her the perfect bridegroom, but he is having a hard time finding anyone he can deem fully worthy.

Jack is such a fun heroine, we are introduced to her climbing a tree to enter James' bedchamber, and this is the perfect way for us to see that she is willing to take matters into her own hands and stand up for herself. James is a sweet hero, he ultimately wants the best for Jack, but out of fear he keeps himself at length from her. I love that James plays the matchmaker in this situation, where often we see the female heroine take on this role, it was definitely a refreshing take on the matchmaker trope. This romance really becomes James journey into learning to life in the moment and not fear what the future might hold. I love that James who is cautious can be balanced and challenged by Jack who is willing to take a risk. This novel has a sweet layer of sensuality, it is not extremely steamy, but it works well with the endearing chemistry that these two have that has been built through their past relationship and growing up around each other. I also really enjoy that even though this is a brother's-best-friend romance, we never see Jack's brother thinking that James is not worthy of his sister. Rather he encourages James to open his heart fully and see the love he holds that everyone else can clearly see.

I would recommend this as a quick and refreshing read. This novel is well written and a nice introduction to Eva Devon if you have never read from her before, and it will hopefully give you the inspiration to seek out more of her work.

I have read much of Eva Devon's library of work and liked much of it. This book is no exception. While not a 5-star read, this story of a wayward wannabe spinster heroine, a closed off and tortured aristocratic hero, and a forced marriage between the two is definitely entertaining and worth the read.

The heroine "Jack" is a talented piano player who wants nothing more than to grow old with her pianoforte. The hero James is a matchmaker who prides himself on comfortable matches, where the couple is content but not overrun with emotions like love. Having suffered abuse at the hands of a once loving father as that father sank into seeming madness, James plans never to marry or have children.

James makes a match for Jack's sister, which while welcome, does not provide the family with the financial charge they need. Thus Jack is supposed to marry. She takes James to task for making the match, then convinces him to agree to make a match for her as well. James wants Jack for himself, but believes they can never be together due to his determination not to marry and because she is his best friend's younger sister. But of course, Jack and James are not able to stay apart once they encounter each other again.

James and Jack's romance is a nice story, albeit with some very unbelievable moments. There are also some questions left unanswered (for example, what was James' father's illness?). James also seemed to overcome his fear of turning out like his father with almost too much ease. It feels a bit abrupt. I like the forced marriage trope, but the marriage here came a little too late in the book to really satisfy that trope for me.

There is some heat to this story, with most occurring post-marriage. I would give it 3.5-4 stars.

(4 stars)
A friends-to-lovers historical romance

Let me start by gushing over James here. His perception of the world was staggeringly phenomenal, considering he didn't belong to this era. He was observant in the best sense, with a flamboyant personality, naturally flirty with a hint of arrogance. He wasn't this perfect character either and had major hubris. And that's the recipe for a devastatingly loveable character.

Jack was a perfect match for him. Brave, open adventurous and just on her way to spinsterhood when tragedy struck her.

The plot was that of a typical historical romance book. Balls, stolen kisses, reputation in society (more like scandals) and a heavy dose of denial. I'm usually not a fan of denial, but I get why it was there. Insert obvious patriarchy here, because it simply can't be helped in a historical romance.

The best part of the book? James's friendship with Alexander. It was perfect. Reading mental health was the last thing I expected from this book and there it was. And I love me a book that mentions mental health and a steady supporting character (Alex our friend in this book) Their friendship was MARVELOUS.

Thank you Netgalley and Entangled Publishing for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The book was a good read for me.

Loved Jack and James and their storyline was good.

The first half of the book could have been a bit shorter and I would have loved to read more of their married life instead. The ending wouldn't have felt rushed if so.

In spite of this, I enjoyed the story.

Overall, 3.5 stars for a very good read.

Beautiful romance with a heartbreaking backstory

James and Jacqueline were childhood friends and neighbors; his best friend still is her brother, Alexander. When a reversal of fortune requires Jack to seek a wealthy husband, she insists that James help her find a worthy suitor since, in her opinion, he's partly responsible for the situation she finds herself in. They both instantly acknowledge that a marriage between them would never work, which of course lays down the perfect foundation for a delightfully complex and intense friends-to-lovers story.

Their slow-burn romance was beautifully written, and I really enjoyed the inclusion of a secondary love story that was nearly the exact opposite of the main romance. I loved seeing the two mothers take such a strong role, and appreciated the egalitarian principles throughout.

The HEA was followed by a heartwarming ten-year-later epilogue that expounded on the imagery and symbolism of the gift that James gave to Jack shortly after their wedding. My heart was invested in these characters right from the start and I truly enjoyed their wonderful story. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

James and Jack are new my new favorites!! Childhood friends turned lovers.
Jacqueline just wanted to play piano.
James wanted peace after a turbulent childhood.
They find each other, through some fun, jealousy they realized they are perfect for each other esp. through some tree climbing! Great story, I actually loved the end the most along with epilogue.
For me stories are about characters, and this had it all!!


I was given this ARC for an honest review.

The title makes it clear that this a caught in a compromise situation and have to marry. They are also friends from childhood so the trope is friends to lover's rather than stranger's. I usually like This author's books but in this one I found myself getting impatient for the book to reach that point where James figure's out he is in love so Jack can get her happy ever after it seemed very slow with perhaps too much angst from James I just wanted someone to hit him upside the head. Overall an OK read but nowhere near this author's best. I voluntarily read a special copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I recieved a free copy from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Jacqueline aka Jack is desperate to marry since her father lost all of their money trying to secure wealth to protect the family. Jack planned on being a spinster and playing her music but every one of the siblings must marry for money.

Jack breaks into the duke of Stone's townhouse. James is the reason Jack has to marry since he is the one that paired Louisa( Jacks's sister) to her love who is not wealthy.

James has decided never marry but he is good at pairing up every one else. Except nobody seems good enough for his childhood friend Jack.

I liked thr relationship between Jack and James even though I was frustrated by James for most of the book.

Definitely recommend this one.

Thanks to Entangled Publishing, Netgalley and the author for an ARC of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily and have not been compensated for it.

I always enjoy books by this author - especially when she depicts heroines who are a little unconventional. Jack (or Jacqueline) is in a bit of a fix. She needs to find a rich husband to save her family. James is a good family friend, and also happens to be an influential duke who happens to make perfect matches between members of the tonne. He has a knack for knowing which couples should end up together.

So, when Jack seeks his help (by climbing through his window and yelling at him) he takes up the challenge to find her the perfect match. The trouble is, no one really gets Jack the way James does.

I really loved Jack's character - she is bold and genuine, but she isn't really beautiful, so she has humility. James was harder for me to warm to. Although I could understand his vulnerability and fear, I couldn't get a handle on his personality. He could be strong and decisive one minute and then insecure the next.

The chemistry between the Jack and James was great, though, and I liked the way it all comes together in the end. James redeems himself (not a spoiler I hope).

I would recommend this book for anyone who enjoys historical romances, and if you haven't read this author's work before, this would be the one to start with.

The Duke's accidental Bride was my first Eva Devon but it certainly won't be my last. It has everything you could wish for -- an unconventional heroine who does not fit the mold of docile young debutantes. A dashing childhood-friend hero. A fun sub plot about her brother. An awful Lord to avoid at all costs. A happily ever after. I thoroughly enjoyed this standalone romance and recommend it for any regency lover!

Friends, it feels like it's been awhile since my last ARC review, no? Well I am happy to be here today sharing my thoughts and feels about Eva Devon’s Historical Romance: The Duke’s Accidental Bride! The last Devon ARC I read (Much Ado About Dukes) I loved, so I had some high hopes. let’s see if they are met!

As always huge thank you to NetGalley for the ARC, thoughts below are my own, enjoy.

I’ll start with the tropes because they are abundant and delicious. First we have I’ve loved you since childhood. Next we have older brothers best friend, who is VERY MUCH OFF LIMITS. Oh and a man who has sworn off love? Okay yes, but wait there’s more. We have low-key seduction tutoring, I’ll find you a husband, but oh wait no one is good enough for you.

Eva gave herself a lot to work with and you know what I think mostly it all worked for me.

I loved Jack (Jacquline) and her deep commitment to honouring her authentic self, and following her passion for pianoforte. But her family is in financial ruin and she needs to marry well, and quickly. But refusing to compromise her wants, needs and goals she needs someone that will give her the freedom she requires.

Enter James, Duke of Stone. Jack’s one time childhood friend (and secret love) is now a man who refuses to let himself love anyone, or be open to the idea of marriage. But when Jack flys through his window one night demanding he fix her ruined life with his legendary matchmaking talents the two are forced together.

It’s pretty immediate that you know how deeply smitten Stone is, and hilarious to watch him grapple with his non-feeling-feelings for Jack. And Jack, so brave, open and vulnerable with James at every moment really speaks to how much she loves and respects James’ heart and the friendship they share.

Some parts did feel a little repetitive, and I did wish for more matchmaking hijinx, and the odious villain Drexel to get what’s coming to him but overall this was is light, fun and a solid historical romance fans of Devon will enjoy.

Grab your copy of Eva Devon’s The Duke’s Accidental Bride wherever you get your books when it lands in stores and online August 1 2022.

An Enjoyable Read
Family circumstances mean that Lady Jacqueline no longer has the option of dedicating her life to music but instead must marry for money. Unfortunately no one in the Ton seems to notice her, with the exception of a man whose inner darkness repels her, and so she forces her way into the notice of the Duke of Stone, a renowned matchmaker, and insists he find her a match. James accepts the challenge willingly but finds the task harder than expected. No-one is good enough for ‘Jack’ and he has feelings for her himself that shake his rigid control but fear that he has inherited his father’s malady means he is determined to stay unmarried. Scandal spread by a malicious tongue may mean he doesn’t have a choice!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I do not particularly enjoy books in which the main characters refuse to listen to the people who care about them. It seems that many authors think that means a young lady is independent rather than immature. But this author did it for both the heroine and the hero. The first two chapters of this book were unique and entertaining. Unfortunately, the next twenty four dragged on while no one caught on to the obvious solution, but the last two chapters were enjoyable. Jack finally said some things that were worth hearing, and James finally did something interesting instead of just talking. In the middle, there were a few funny bits and a cute subplot. That makes this an overall three stars for me.

Bold and feisty Jacqueline climbs into James' window to berate him for matching her sister to someone without money. Now, she has to marry rich to save her poor family. James agrees to help find Jack a husband, even if it cannot be him. James is avoiding marriage (especially to someone he likes and admires) due to his father's descent into madness and all the misery it has caused. We have a best friend's sister romance here with a splash of childhood friendship and some kissing lessons.

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

Rating: 4/5 Stars
Publishing: August 1, 2022
Pages: 323

“The Duke’s Accidental Bride” is a first time read by Eva Devon, new author to this reader. This story centers on Lady Jaqueline Peabody, who by all accounts is very upset with her brother’s childhood friend, now the Duke of Stone, who had taken it upon himself to become matchmaker to her sister and in the process ruining her life and thus leaves her as the sole source of income for her family’s monetary woes. Jacqueline “Jack” has to marry well and give up her aspirations of spinsterhood with her pianoforte.

James Haven, Duke of Stone has enough on his hands to go along with his roguish reputation. Although he doesn’t want to be shackled down, he fancies himself very successful in the matchmaking business and enjoys matching London’s most eligible ladies and gentlemen. So, when his friend’s little sister climbs into his bedroom seeking to give him a piece of mind for his interfering ways, Jack finds herself left in the hands of Stone to obtain a wealthy husband…problem? Stone is having a hard time finding her a husband and, in the process falling for this vixen that sparks his desires. Unfortunately, scandal rears its ugly head that leaves a rake entangled with a spirited lady.

This would have rated higher if not many holes left unanswered in the story. Lady Jack studied abroad for four years without family...hmm could have been the cause to her high spiritedness and wanting to remain a spinster. This was not clearly addressed. In the case of Stone’s reluctance to marrying…did it have to do with his father’s illness (precept of Alzheimer) and believing it hereditary, thus his avoidance to marriage. In any case, the getting to the marriage took quite a bit of time in the story that I found myself saying “hurry it up already”. These are the “what I didn’t like” about this story.

In the end, the trope of friends-to-lovers is evident. There were some steamy moments between the main characters who are very likeable individuals and both figuring it all out to get to that HEA. It didn’t hurt to have Olivia and Alexander’s characters build towards the story. A well-written, entertaining and enjoyable read.

I really enjoyed this book. It's the story of James and Jacqueline (Jack). They were childhood friends who drifted apart as they got older.
Until one day, Jack climbs a tree outside his window and enters his bed chamber to give him a set down.
James doesn't recognize the beautiful sprite who has entered his bed chamber but knows he's instantly attracted to her. When he realizes it is Jack, he is shocked.
This begins the renewal of an old friendship and the beginning of a beautiful, budding, romance.
But not all is smooth sailing. James has secrets in his past, that prevents him( in his mind), from marrying.
Will Jack help him see that they can deal with try his secret together?
On a side note: I thought Jack's brother,was the perfect brother and friend to James. I loved his character.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I want to thank Netgalley for the opportunity to review this book.

A lovely touching friends to lovers steamy romance. Lady Jacqueline wanted to be a spinster and live her life with the freedom to travel around Europe taking piano lessons from masters and James the Duke of Stone was adamant he would never commit himself to love due to his traumatic childhood but who found he was great at matching couples together.

James and Jacqueline (Jack) had spent some of their childhood together, James was her oldest brother’s best friend and Jack and her family had saved his soul when he was growing up. Now that Jack needed to find a rich husband it was his turn to save her only it was causing him a problem. No-one seemed to realise what a special person she was only him and although they were madly attracted to each other, he was never going to commit himself to someone he had feelings for.

When she was seen leaving the Duke’s bedroom one night and scandal hit, James had to do the right thing and reluctantly marry her which had its advantages, he could now bed her without feeling guilty. Jack had fallen in love with him and when he explained to her that he could never love her, she put her foot down and left saying she would not live half a life. James still living in his past was in denial but knew once he admitted to himself he loved her had to make a grand gesture.

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

A duke who is a matchmaker but says he will never marry. He doesn’t think love enters the equation of marriage, just similar likes and ability to get along. He fears love because of the volatile relationship he saw between his parents. They were so in love then it changed. His father became violent to his mother. The young duke was going to deny any love connection as an adult. Love equals pain.

So Lady Jacqueline (Jack) and the Duke of Stone, who played together during their youth, try to combine forces to help Jack’s brother find a wife and Jack a husband. All does not go smoothly.

It was hilarious for Stone to think Jack needed an elderly man for a husband! He kept denying his attraction to Jack himself. Jack had an unusual personality. She wore breeches when not trying to hide herself at balls. She was too outspoken and did not attract suitors. She wanted to be more like the duke—easily captivating those around him. She needed lessons from the duke.

I didn’t understand how Stone could say he’d never marry, but later on said he’d marry someone and leave her in the country after she’s given him an heir. I thought he was avoiding having children because he thought his father’s madness would be passed down. I’m glad he changed his way of thinking and opened up. He was selfish though and gave Jack mixed signals all the time.

WARNING…SPOILER


It was so ridiculous of the duke to have a wonderful and meaningful wedding night and then turn around at their wedding party not defending his wife in front of everyone! If he didn’t want a scandal he surely didn’t think that through.

I received an advance copy of this book for my opinion.

I didn't love the set up, but I have to say it's different. I liked that the matchmaker was a duke, which I've never seen before. The pacing was off for me,

“The Duke's Accidental Bride” by Eva Devon
OOPs ! (or maybe not?)
Yes, a fun filled story with a couple of spicy scenes that I skipped; and, then thoroughly enjoyed the story. I had some chuckles and shed a few involuntary tears. I do love a story that grabs my attention and tangles with my emotions. Hope you enjoy the read as much as I did. Happy Reading ! !
NOTE: This review expresses my honest opinion.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley.