Four Weddings and a Duke by Michelle McLean. I re-read it 3 times, I think because when I finished the first time I was left questioning why did it end so soon. It's such an engaging story with some of the funniest characters that I thought it was written about someone she knows because there's one person (will not spoil for you) that she has written so closely, that I thought it was model after a close friend. But anyways, the best I ever read and I definitely will be reading this over and over again.


I just reviewed Four Weddings and a Duke by Michelle McLean. #FourWeddingsandaDuke #NetGalley
[https://www.netgalley.com/member/book/284824/review]

I loved Lavinia and Alex's story. From their meet cute at a wedding to their evolving relationships with those closest to them as they struggle within their new roles, I found myself riveted to their story. I really appreciated both Lavinia and Alex's flaws as characters and how even through their good intentions they found themselves making mistakes. And especially when it came to the third act breakup, I really appreciated that both characters had contributed nearly equally to the misunderstanding/miscommunication. I am always here for a good grovel/forgiveness scene and I loved, loved, LOVED, the scene in Four Weddings and a Duke. I will also note that I really enjoyed the frenemy relationship between Alex and his academic rival (and Lavinia's childhood friend) Nigel. Particularly the epilogue and when Alex comes to Nigel prior to the end when he actually needs Nigel's help in fixing things with Lavinia. OH and the steam was delicious!

Four Weddings and a Duke by Michelle McLean was a fun regency romance. I loved the main character. Who doesn’t love a book loving wallflower with a mind of her own.

The Duke is no longer the spare so he has to find a wife. She is totally surprised when he chooses her over her sisters. But loves the fact that someone finally chose her and sees her. I enjoyed their banter and their developing relationship. It was different than most regency romances in that they are married soon in the story.

I wasn’t sure at first where the title came from when they were married so quickly. The other characters were interesting and added to the story.

If you enjoy a good regency romance I recommend this one.

This is another great Regency Romance! Lavinia a the shy middle daughter of a prominent family who has an agreement with the Duke’s family for him to pick a girl to marry. But she’s a loner and a bookworm and assumes one of her outgoing sisters will be chosen. Duke Alexander, however, prefers to avoid the social scene and research plants instead. The two are a perfect match and agree to marry easily.

I liked that the characters met, were interested in each other and jumped right into marriage - and a real one, even though they had pressure to do so. The family and supporting characters were also interesting and brought a lot to the story. Definitely recommend this one for Regency fans!!

Alexander Reddington the new Duke of Beaubrooke needs to marry and produce an heir to make sure the title stays in the family. His father had arranged that the new Duchess would be one of the daughters of a neighboring Earl. As a second son Alex’s main focus has been academic and his interest is in plants and grafting. He wants very little to do with society but is a good son and willing to fulfill his obligations. Lavina Wynnburn is the middle daughter. Often over looked and out shined by her two more vivacious sisters. Lavina would rather sit in the corner and read and that is where Alex first meets her. She never expects to be the Duke’s choice but graciously accepts.

I love arranged marriages but this one is nice in that the two do want to marry and get to know each other better. Neither is forced. The trick is to figure out how to work the marriage together. There is miscommunication and miss-expectations. He thought the wall flower would avoid society like he prefers but she is fulfilling his obligations as is expected. I really loved the first third of the book but I grew less interested with so much of the focus on the Duke's quest to be recognized for his plant work. I enjoyed seeing her grow in confidence in her role as Duchess but some of the author’s choices felt off. Usually Duke’s are very wealthy but Alex often seems penny pinching. Her being blamed for donating house hold items for a charity auction he left it to his man servant was odd and not funny like I think it was intended. And her sister falling in love so quickly didn’t fit her character either. Lastly I'm not sure the title fits the story as I only recall two weddings.

I’ve read the author before and especially enjoyed her Ten Rules for Marrying a Duke (Feb 2022). This book was a little more uneven for me but still a good historical romance. Thank you to Entangled Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC and I am leaving a voluntary review. (3.5 Stars)

Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this story and this is my freely given opinion.

This was a rather sweet, love story that had a marriage of convenience, wallflower blooms theme to it, with a touch of mean girls. Alex Reddington, the new Duke of Beaubrooke never expected to have to take up the responsibilities of the dukedom. He was a second son, who was more than happy to spend his time on his particular passion, namely botany and the research into improving plants and their medicinal qualities. His brother was the one who enjoyed all the social niceties that were part and parcel to being a duke. He knows it is his duty to wed and ensure the line, especially seeing how easily his brother and father were brought down.

Luckily his father and a friend of his, had made an agreement whereby his son would marry one of the Earl's three daughters when the time comes. This was originally Alex's brother's duty, but Alex was willing follow this plan so he could avoid the Season, and return to his research.

Lavinia Wynnburn is the middle daughter of the Earl, and used to being overlooked. She is a spectacle wearing wallflower more comfortable hiding amongst the palms in the sidelines, and reading, than holding court amongst Society, unlike her popular, beautiful sisters. She never expected that Alex would choose her as his Duchess. But Alex, after coming upon her hiding and reading at a ball, thinks that she would be the perfect Duchess for him, because she would not want to spend time in London and be taking his time with useless society events.

Lavinia is determined to become a Duchess Alex can be proud of, and starts to come out of her shell when she finds people start seeking her out, as the new Duchess of Beaubrooke. But she does not have the social savvy of her sisters, and initially cannot recognize that there are sharks swimming in the waters of Society. Alex and Lavinia don't share what either of them expect of each other and their marriage and things break down when he appears to abandon her socially, so he can focus on his research, and then he starts to suspect Lavinia of undermining his research, especially as her best friend is his chief rival.

A cute, lighthearted romance where the newlyweds miss the mark with each other through miscommunication, and when the marriage grows into something more than a mere convenience, Alex almost flubs things by taking things for granted and being suspicious of things that are not there.

3.5 stars out of 5

I loved, loved, loved this story and found both the beginning and the epilogue very amusing. An unsocial, scientific Duke marries overlooked middle sister Lady Lavinia in order to fulfil his duty to his title but navigating the social whirl that the marriage brings, plus his research, ducal responsibilities and attention his wife needs is not so straightforward. Great and amusing characters. Not sure where four weddings come into the story though!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Alexander, Duke of Beaubrooke, has promised to marry one of the Wynnburn sisters. When he sees bookworm Lavinia hiding behind a potted palm at a ball, he knows she's the one for him. He hates social obligations and wants a quiet life.

But after the wedding, Lavinia accepts the multitude of invitations that naturally follow. After all, isn't that why he married her—to manage his social calendar? Their differences threaten to destroy the growing affection between them.

This is a heartwarming romance with fun and relatable characters.

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

Right from the start, they were meant for each other. But like most newlyweds, there are challenges to meet and adjustments to make. Enjoyable read about miscommunication, misunderstanding, manipulation, sibling rivalry, etc. Likeable protagonists as well as secondary characters who will make for excellent sequels! Very funny ending too!

I received an ARC from Netgalley and leaving my review voluntarily.

4.5 stars

I liked this story. Alex has to marry one of the daughters. Harriet is the one most likely to make a duchess able to cope with the social mores. Kitty is too young and bouncy and then he finds Lavinia hiding behind a plant. She's reading a book and trying to avoid the social whirl. Alex is a duke who loves his Botany and is competing with Livy's friend Nigel for a grant and prestige.

Alex decides that Livy will fit into his life best and so he asks for her hand., This is Ok but then Livy starts to realise that she needs to come out of the shadows and this transformation (which she believes is what Alex wants) starts to cause trouble.

I think you'll like this story.

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

First romance from this author for me but won't be the last. Really enjoyed the H&h for this story.. A marriage of convenience for the Duke and a chance to thrive for the h. Both surprised by each other. The romance was a slow burn but wow it lit of fire once the comfort set it. h turned out to really enjoy the marriage "bed". Side characters were ok, really liked the youngest sister, her story would be a fun one to read.
**** 4.5 STARS
Thank you allowing me to read this book to give an honest review.

I enjoyed this book. I felt its premise was really interesting and I couldn't put this book down as I waited for Alex to make his choice between the three sisters.

Alex is our male lead and his brother was betrothed to a family friends daughter. He could pick any sister but unfortunately he dies and Alex takes over and now he has the choice ahead of him. He has a choice between Harriet. Lavinia and Kitty.

Harriet is the top choice but she is self centered and loves attnetion
Kitty is the sweet one
Livvy is the shy one and wallflower and more into books

I am telling you who he picks because thats the fun of the storyline. I wish he had given his bride more time for him to sweep her off her feet. But I really enjoyed the whole bachelor picking his sister bride scenario. This the first quarter of the story and the rest of the story is about married life because his bride changes a lot like all brides do with marriage.

I really enjoyed this story and I LOVED the choice he made in a bride. Though I do wish the courtship had been longer.

Historical romance. Regency-era England. Standalone novel. Socially awkward duke turns a socially awkward wallflower into a duchess. Alex, second son of a duke, never expected to inherit and would rather be working on his experiments in botany. However, he knows that he will have to pick between three sisters to fulfill the agreement that his father made with their father. Lavinia is the often-overlooked and shy middle sister who would rather read and hide behind potted plants than dance. When Alex comes to call on the sisters, he chooses Lavinia as his bride instead of the other more socially outgoing sisters. From there, Lavinia is doing her best to arrange their social calendar to the duke’s benefit, while Alex is wondering why he is being dragged to all of his events when he should be working. Add in a possibly nefarious rival and work partner who disparages Alex spending time with his new wife, and we have our befuddled duke doing and saying all the wrong things. I was definitely feeling most of Lavinia’s heartbreak throughout this book as she is trying so very hard to be a good wife and duchess to Alex. I really enjoyed this book!

Four Weddings and a Duke is an arranged marriage with a wallflower themed romance. The Duke of Beaubrooke is under arrangement to pick one of Wynnburn daughters as his duchess. Lavinia Wynnburn is the middle sister as apt to be in the corner talking to plants than mixing among the crowds of the town. Alex never expected to be Duke all he cares for are his botany experience so Lavinia looks heaven sent with her aversion to the ton. But becoming Duchess brings responsibility to entertain that neither one of them expected. Misunderstandings and hurt feelings leave the couple on the rocks until their sweet HEA wins over the toughest of critics. Steamy and sweet, the book will have you sympathizing with Livie and swooning for Alex for another winning romance from Michelle McLean. My voluntary, unbiased review is based upon a review copy from NetGalley.

Michelle is a favorite. I always 'pre-order' her books because they seldom disappoint. I keep hoping, she'll work her way back to the Gunslinger series; but will pretty much take whatever she writes. Four Weddings wasn't a disappointment. The dialogue was realistic AND truly witty. Alex had similarities to my own husband, so I felt a warm fuzzy right at the start. Lavinia was also a sympathetic lead. Everything was exactly what I look for in a regency romance... until the end. Lost a star because the ending felt 'contrived'. That is the one weakness McLean has. Her endings seem to either 'fizzle', like she's lost interest since they're getting their HEA; or, she reaches for the absurd, which happened in this case. Everything was so realistic until the end. Sigh. I have still pre-ordered and could easily find myself re-reading this. But I have come to expect a touch 'more' from McLean. She writes REALLY well. But just can't seem to bring the book to a satisfying closure.for me. Otherwise, I would have easily given this a 5 star. She really is a phenomenal writer. Her understanding of characters & interactions is worth the read every time. I look forward to more along this series from her, as she's set up some really good characters who need HEA's. Nigel? Oh, Yeah. He'd be a fun one to read about!

Even though theirs is an arranged marriage Alexander and Livinia care for each other. But because of miscommunication they end up threatening their happiness Can they fix it before it's to late? I really enjoyed this book. Alexander and Lavinia are a sweet couple.

With the death of his father and eldest brother, Alex is now a Duke, tasked with carrying on the family name. He must marry one of the three Wynnburn sisters. Imagine his surprise when Lavinia, the quiet, beautiful woman who was lost reading a book at a wedding and intrigued him endlessly, is one of those sisters. Relatably, they would rather be reading or experimenting than out in society.

I loved these introverted, bookish characters who come into their own throughout this book. Alex and Lavinia’s relationship is passionate and undeniable from the first moment they see each other. There are trials and tribulations these two face, but the book ends with a very happily ever after.

This book is Bridgerton-esque and I loved every minute of it. 💕

I had high hopes for "Four Weddings and a Duke." I liked the premise and have enjoyed other books by Michelle McLean. Unfortunately, this story did not work for me. The book is well-written but I could not connect with either of the main characters. Lavinia is a wallflower who prefers books to parties and has faded into the background behind her two more exuberant sisters. Alex is a second son who never expected to become duke, who is obsessed with plants, specifically grafting them and doing other in-depth research. He marries Lavinia essentially because he thinks she will leave him alone while also managing his household so that he can do whatever he wants to do. Lavinia for her part tries to accommodate her husband, but she realizes she rather enjoys the attention being a duchess brings, and she actually wants her husband to spend time with her as well as establish his place in society (something he once told her wanted).

Alex is a terrible husband for pretty much the entirety of the book. He takes advantage of Lavinia's goodness again and again, failing her in so many ways. He also says things to her that are downright cruel. The scene in her bedroom in front of the fireplace was heart wrenching and I didn't even care for the characters all that much.
And he doesn't do nearly the amount of begging I would like to have seen to win her forgiveness. Lavinia does not communicate clearly what she needs and expects and even at the end seems content with the scraps doled out by Alex. She lets him off the hook much too easily (IMHO) and somehow the reader is supposed to believe everything is different in the course of a day. Not so much.

2.5 stars rounded to 3, because the book was well written and because I really liked Nigel. Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for a complimentary ARC of this book. The opinions herein are my own.

I love historical romances and enjoyed this book. The plot was a little guess able but the book was easy to read and made me want to finish it.

Regency Love Story - This book has a sweet quality which pulls at your heart. Lady Lavinia is left in the background and overshadowed by her family. She meets Duke of Beaubrooke a scientist botanist, quiet man who must choose between her sisters for a wife. They meet at a wedding then again at her house. Fast forward, he chooses her but family relationships, miscommunications, and expectations impact their relationship. This book was touching as 2 lonely people connect. It is about trust and taking the leap to be vulnerable to someone. It was a sweet romance. I have read this author before and it did not disappoint. I would recommend this book to put a smile on your face.

**I received this book from NetGalley and publisher for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.