Darcy Burke has delivered another wonderful romance story. Sadie and Law are easy characters to like and their romance developed at just the right pace. I wished that the people in her village saw her worth without needing a duke give her special attention first. The parts with Sadie's father and brothers add some extra humor and some sweet family moments. The final proposal scene was also really sweet. Law showed Sadie what she meant to him and Sadie overcame some of her own fears in order to go after the man she loved. The story is just the right length, any shorter and it would have felt rushed and any longer and it would have felt like it was being dragged out too much.

I enjoyed this tender love story immensely. She is smart and very capable. He is honorable and kindhearted. If not for a broken wheel, they would have never met in a town that is well named, and fall in love. There is a smooth continuity and progression to the storytelling, which makes for an easy and enjoyable read.

I received an ARC of this book and leaving my review voluntarily.

This was my second book by Darcy Burke and it was a nice easy read, even if not as fun as the Runaway viscount. It was nice enough but I didn't mind pausing it for a few days to read 2 other ARC I received in the same week before finishing this one. There's no real drama (I honestly didn't think there was enough reason for the heroine to refuse him) but it makes for a nice read over the week end I guess.
My biggest issue is that some of the language seems too modern for the time period.

This was really sweet with a nice touch of heat! A coach accident leads to a forced proximity situation in the aptly named town of Marrywell. This is the first book in a series that Darcy Burke and Erica Ridley are both writing separate books in. I'm looking forward to revisiting!

** Received an eARC via NetGalley**

The Duke of Lawford's carriage breaks an axel in a country town during a week-long matchmaking festival. With all the inns full, he takes lodgings at the local squire's home and is smitten by the squire's daughter, Sadie. He admires the industrious and efficient way she manages the household. Despite her humble upbringing, she would make an excellent duchess. But is Sadie willing to risk the snobbery that marriage to a duke would surely bring?

What a delightful novel! I love these kinds of light, fun stories from Darcy Burke. Law is sweet and honorable and a perfect match for kind and clever Sadie. I look forward to the rest of this series!

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

I was instantly drawn to Sadie, the female protagonist in the story. She had such a strong presence, and I knew right away that she and the Duke would make an incredible pair. I admired how she didn't tolerate any nonsense and had a tough exterior, yet she still had a vibrant spirit that Lawford, who seemed pretty clueless and stern, desperately needed. I couldn't help but smile as he got so riled up on her behalf when her family didn't show her the care she deserved, but couldn't stand up to his butler. Their interactions were so entertaining, and I couldn't get enough.

I love how the initial misunderstanding between Sadie and Lawford wasn't dragged out, and they resolved it quickly. Their dynamic was so intriguing, with a playful back-and-forth from the moment they met, which gradually gave way to a deep and genuine love. I particularly enjoyed how it was clear that they had mutual respect for each other. Even though it took Sadie a short time to see past Lawford's arrogance, she recognized his good qualities right from the start.

Throughout the book, I found myself completely absorbed by the wonderful conversations between Sadie and Lawford. The way they connected and came together, forging a friendship based on mutual respect, was nothing short of amazing, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth and joy while reading their interactions.

One aspect that gave me pause was the supposed "fake relationship," which felt like a rather unnecessary addition, especially since the characters openly discussed their arrangement with anyone that cared to listen. It almost seemed like they entertained the idea of keeping up the pretense (or lack thereof) for the sake of drama, and I strongly feel there was a perfect opportunity here for further development. However, this minor flaw didn't detract from my overall enjoyment of the story.

The third-act drama, while somewhat predictable, did not detract from the high quality of the book. The fast pace of the story made it somewhat expected, but the way it was handled was skillful, and it did not disrupt the narrative flow. In fact, it added an additional layer of drama and depth to the story, which I appreciated. Lawford's decision to split his time between the town and Merrywell felt like a conscientious decision, and I was happy that he and Sadie could come to a mutually beneficial agreement.

In conclusion, this was an excellent book that I thoroughly enjoyed. The captivating characters, well-written dialogue, and engaging plot made for a truly delightful reading experience. The relationships between the characters were beautifully developed, and the conflicts they faced were both relatable and interesting. Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a short, satisfying, light-hearted read.

I loved this one! Such a quick, fun, sweet, and overall charming novel (or novella?). Think The Duke and I by Julia Quinn but add in midsummer festival vibes, and you get Beguiling the Duke. It follows Sadie, the daughter of a squire and sister to four brothers, and Law, the somewhat-new Duke of Lawford, who form an unlikely connection during the annual matchmaking festival in the quaint town of Marrywell.

I really liked how we jumped right into the story (or maybe I should stay fell, because Sadie literally falls into the dukes’ arms!) at the beginning of the book. I didn’t know it was such a short read when I started, but I was pleasantly surprised at how much was fit into the story and how well everyone was characterized.

I absolutely loved Sadie, she is just an all around awesome heroine. She is an absolute boss who takes care of her family and pretty much the entire household, but throughout the book she decides and learns to come into her independence and choose her own happiness over others. I related to her so much! She is dealing with the bad experience of her last May Day Festival, and the way Law helps her through that and encourages her to stand up for herself is just so sweet. He is such a simp and I’m here for it!

The only reason it’s not 5 stars for me is I wish we went a little deeper - it felt a little superficial and somewhat predictable. But overall, I would definitely recommend this one, especially as an introduction to the historical romance genre. The writing was very face-paced and had a modern feel, which made it very easy and quick to read. If you’re looking for a feel-good, fake dating, friends to lovers, small town historical romance novel, check it out!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Zealous Quill Press for the uncorrected proof in exchange for an honest review.

Can we tame the obsession with long pointy noses?

The novel had a clever idea. I enjoyed the incorporation of the match making festival and the humor that developed with this plot device. I liked prospect of the duke helping Sadie acquire a husband, only to fall for her himself. I felt their banter was okay and Sadie was given some semblance of cleverness. Though, she wasn't as witty as the synopsis insinuated.

However, I did find the novel repetitive. The reader is intelligent enough to remember the last paragraph. The speech pattern didn't seem to flow with the time period and there are a few unanswered questions.

How does Sadie, an unmarried woman in the 1816, know so much about sex? She has four brothers but are we to believe she's overheard such details? Not to mention, the duke's lack of decorum. A gentleman would never expose himself like that to a woman he intends to marry. Openly discussing maturation with her is deadly improper. That would possibly only happen with a prostitute he intended to make a mistress.

The entire labyrinth and teaching Sadie about sex scenario read like Bridgeton fanfiction. I have read 'The Duke and I', and it is my least favorite of the series.

Overall the book was okay but messy. I wouldn't consider it a favorite.

On his way to meet his future bride, the Duke of Lawford loses a carriage wheel in the town of of Marrywell. It is the first day of their matchmaking festival and there is no one to fix the wheel. He accepts the hospitality of Sadie Campion's father a country squire. Law offers to help Sadie find a husband and along the way realizes that he needs to do what is best for himself and not what his father wanted him to do.
It was a cute short read. I gave it 5-stars.

Beguiling the Duke is a light, charming, sweet novella with a Cinderella-type feel. Sadie fears she is doomed for the shelf and Law is a duke whose carriage loses a wheel and leaves him stranded at Sadie’s home in the midst of a huge matchmaking festival. The story is rather instalove-ish feel but the fast progression is not outlandish within the confines of the festival. I liked the secondary characters. I recommend Beguiling the Duke when you want an easy read that makes you smile.

Thank you to NetGalley and Zealous Quill Press for the ARC. All opinions are totally my own.

3.5 stars If you’re looking for a quick, easy, historical romance, this novella will hit the spot. The story was entertaining and kept my interest as we follow Sadie through her town’s fair activities. A carriage accident brings a Duke to the doorstep of Sadie on the eve of Marrywell’s May courting event in which eligible young women hope to secure a marriage within a week. Forced to stay for the duration of the fair, the Duke of Lawford finds that it’s not such a burden to escort Sadie to various courting events. There is only one intimate scene, but it felt appropriate given the length of the book. I also enjoyed the humor of Sadie being the only female amongst a family of men oblivious to her contributions. It’s clear that Darcy Burke sympathizes with her heroine! I can’t say that I will remember this story months from now, but it was an enjoyable read at just the right time and I plan to pick up more from Burke in the future. Thank you to NetGalley and Zealous Quill Press for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Beguiling the Duke, reminds me of a Fairy Tale. At times I was thinking Cinderella. So much happened to try to keep Law and Sadie apart. Other times it felt like they were being thrown together. I enjoyed reading this book just like I always enjoy Burke's books.

Darcy Burke is my go-to for historical romance. This was a plus for me and I will read more from her any day of the week. Read it.

Quick little fun read. Short version, a Duke throws a wheel on his carriage and is stranded in the small village of . . . Marrywell . . . during the (well, basically) courtship festival. And happens to catch a beautiful young lady named Sadie before she falls from a ladder. Did his perfect match fall into this arms? Possibly. But she's the daughter of a simple farmer, and he's a Duke. So there will be drama.

As always, Darcy Burke's writing is lovely and this is really a fun read, You will like the Duke (Law) and you're going to pull for Sadie.

Ms. Burke is writing this series with her friend, author Erica Ridley, who will be penning the next book. This should be fun!

Darcy Burke has done it again! I’m a big fan of her Phoenix Club series and this addition to the Merrywell May Day books is a definite recommendation!
The Plot with the Duke and a farmers daughter was nice and adorable. I loved the chemistry and her overall writing style! She really has a hand in when to write what!
I am really looking forward to more books by this author!

3.5 stars

It was just Ok. It's the start of a new series between this author and Erica Ridley. I picked up book 2 before I relaised this was the first one, The trope has been done before, a venue or town that people go to to make matches. The Duke's carriage breaks down so he ends up at Sadie's house. There's a bit of a Cinderella vibe to Sadie, she's put on by her family but then she doesn't seem to bite back. Sadie seems a bit of a modern name but wiki tells me that it was popular in the US in the late 1800s. Jerome is also a name popular in 1903-1985 in the US. At one point they are playing Badminton. Badminton is apparently named for the Earl of Beaufort's estate where the game started in 1873. This tale is supposed to be set in 1810.
The Duke is on his way to see if a young lady chosen by his late father is acceptable for his wife. He's not really that keen which may be why he chooses to stay at Sadie's place for the week, rather than borrow a horse and travel on. Most aristocrats would have been experienced equestrians' I was a bit surprised that he was just travelling with his coachman and his father's old valet, I'd have thought a Duke would have had more of an entourage. I'd stopped reading Darcy as she often mentions skin colour, the duke is white....what a surprise. The fiesty new housekeeper is black. If your going to mention skin colour at least give the characters something more interesting than just sterotypes or why bother?

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

Beguiling the Duke by Darcy Burke is the 1st book in the Lords in Love series co-written with Erica Ridley. It introduces the town of Marrywell and its matchmaking festival and quite a number of characters waiting to have their story told. First is Sadie, a truly remarkable young woman, very deserving of her slice of happiness. The romance between her and Law is fast-growing but sweet with a few obstacles to overcome and a heart-warming HEA.

For something that is only 195 pages, this book seemed loooong. It was entirely bland and unoriginal and the writing style was unsubtle and lacked sophistication. At one point the hero was described as ‘tall and white’, I guess there is something to be said for brevity, but is this a romance novel or are we reading a police report?
I’ve never read this author before but I don’t think she brings anything new or interesting to the genre. There is so much better historical romance out there, even in this light fairytale category, I wouldn’t bother with this one. It wasn’t terrible but it was so entirely forgettable. In an ocean full of Duke books this year, this one should be thrown back.

When the Duke of Lawford has a problem with his carriage he ends up having to stay in Sadie's family home as all the inns are full due to the May Day Matchmaking Festival. The repairs on his coach appear to be moving slowly as it appears that Sadie's father is trying to make a match between the two. Sadie wants to attend the festival in the hopes of finding a husband and the Duke offers to help by pretending to court her.

This one was a lot of fun and the first in a new series which I am really excited for. This was another hit from Darcy Burke who is quickly becoming one of my favourite historical romance authors. This was a fun read and I enjoyed seeing these characters come together. I also really liked all the side characters who were trying to 'help' the hero and heroine come together. '

Overall I loved this book and the romance between these two characters. I can't wait to read the rest of the books in this series.

Historical romance. Regency-era England. Book 1 of the Lords in Love series. A duke’s carriage loses a wheel in a small village and he takes shelter in the small village of Marrywell. The village is completely pre-occupied with its annual matchmaking festival, so there’s no room at the inn and no workers to help fix the duke’s carriage. The local squire provides shelter for the week the the duke grows closer to the squire’s daughter. Sadie has been maintaining her father’s home and taking care of her four brothers for years and hopes that this year’s festival will prove fruitful for her marriage prospects. And this time, with the duke at her side, she’s actually getting the attention she deserves. But of course, Sadie and the duke are finding themselves drawn to each other instead. Relatively low on the angst and heartache scale here and a delightful read.