I really wanted to like this one. The chemistry between Magnus and Verity (especially when they were arguing with one another) was absolutely undeniable. More than once, I found myself chuckling out loud at some of the moments they had together (the cat in the tree for example).

Sadly, more often then not, I found Magnus to be too cruel to her both in word and action. Which was understandable at first, her being the daughter of the man he believed ruined his father's life and then making the false claim that they were engaged which put an immediate halt to him marrying the heiress that he needed. However, the more time they spent in each other's company (especially after he kissed her), I would have expected him to warm to her at least a little, but that didn't seem to be the case at all.

In fact, eventually even the back and forth between the two of them became tedious. He lusts after her, he kisses her, and then he casts her aside going back to his original plan of marrying Miss Snow, the heiress. When it is suggested that Verity begin chaperoning the pair on their outings, I thought there may have been some internal musings from her corner as she too had feelings for the Duke, but apparently her friendship with Miss Snow kept her from even that.

To be fair, the aforementioned friendship did seem genuine, with the pair having met before they realized who the other was, and that friendship was one of the more enjoyable aspects of the story (in fact I would like to see Miss Snow get her own happily ever after at some point).

But then the ending. Not only was it confusing (the way what happened to Verity's brother was glossed over, and then that newspaper article), but the abrupt way that it ended, I felt like I had missed something. I feel it would have been better had there been even a short epilogue showing the pair in the not-so-distance future (even on a honeymoon) just so we got something that didn't seem so rushed and convoluted.

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

3.5/5

The first chapter didn't hold my attention, so I set this aside for a bit, but once I started the second chapter, I pretty much finished it in one sitting. It's certainly not the best thing I've ever read and there are some cringy lines but it totally scratched the historical romcom itch. Lots of fun, chaos, and a bit of spice!

Magnus Warring, the Duke of Longhurst finds himself embroiled in a fake-engagement very much against his will by Verity, whose eccentric family has made her a bit ineligible. Although at first they dislike each other, as the story unfolds tension builds as all the while the two are drawn closer to each other emotionally.

Verity and Mangus’s story started out very cute, with Verity telling a fib about their engagement. The Duke finds out and has to rush to the country to sort out the rumors so he can marry an heiress. But it’s not so easy and the two of them must navigate the lie so they can both walk away with their dignity. Both are angry with the other because Verity’s father supposedly lost lots of people money on a failed scheme years ago. It’s a great premise and I was so excited and into the first third of the book. But Magnus was a complete ass and I just couldn’t get over it. He played with her emotions, kissing her and drooling over her, but then instantly maintaining that he was marrying her friend Anna, the heiress. That part is nothing new, but It felt different because he never actually admitted to Verity that he loved her. Never lamented out loud that he wished he could be with her, so she was so confused, angry and heartbroken!

Verity has always felt like an outcast in her family and afraid that she will never fit in. She is also traumatized because she was locked in a closet when she was younger while her younger brother drowned and she had to hear the whole thing through the closet door. No one remembered where she was or noticed she was absent for a day! So she has this great fear that she is easily forgettable and abandonable.

Overall it was a cute story, but frustrating in so many ways that i just couldn’t get past. I am curious to read the other upcoming books because I want to know both brothers’ stories!

loved this one! it's my first by this author, but it won't be my last. it was a really good historical romance, loved all the tropes, including of course the fake engagement. it was hilarious and sweet. the chemistry, the tension! swoon. loved.

Verity is a terrible liar but this time she tells her arch-enemy a doozy! When her neighbor brags about her conquests from the Season, Verity tells her she's engaged to the Duke of Longhurst. Magnus is in search of a rich wife to save his family legacy and provide his ne'er-do-well younger brother a job. His best prospect's father confronts him with the rumor that he's already engaged, sending Magnus to the country to confront Verity. Even though they have an attraction to each other, Magnus still needs a dowry, and Verity doesn't have one. Add to their dilemma the fact that their families are enemies since a swindling scandal broke the friendships apart seven years ago. They both have to confront issues of truth, forgiveness, and family expectations. I enjoyed the look into each's backstory to see how they both, from childhood, were the fixers and mediators in the family and how this affected them as adults.

Vivienne Lorret has a real winner with this book! Two characters that you’ll love and be cheering for as they struggle through their own insecurities and strong love of family. Their banter is yummy and will keep you up turning pages long into the night. Verity and Magnus are such a fun introduction in to this family that I’m hoping the next story comes soon! I was a little frustrated with their separation at the end primarily because Verity was being difficult but a HEA is so satisfying!

Verity and Magnus were two characters that I enjoyed getting to know and love. Can’t wait for the next book!

Verity in a fit of anger at her snooty neighbor says she’s engaged to Magnus, the Duke of Longhurst, her family’s enemy. When the Duke arrives at her door step he is shocked when she begs him go along with the lie for one and even more shocked to find himself agreeing to the scheme. The arrangement of course lasts more than a week and of course spending time together brings leads to feelings between the pair. Their family situations as well as Magnus’s real almost fiancee keep their situationn complicated.

This is the first book in Vivenne’s new Liar’s Club series. I am usually someone who does not enjoy lying in romances so I was a bit skeptical going in, but found myself enjoying the book. Also I must mention how much I absolutely love this cover. I did have some issues with the pacing as the book as the beginning was very slow, but once I was into the story, it went quickly. The book was a bit of a slow burn but the tension and heat between Verity and Magnus was always felt. I am very excited to see what happens in the next book, which I assume will be about Anna.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

It Had to Be a Duke by Vivienne Lorret is the First book in The Liar's Club Series. I am a big fan of Romance books and I found this one to be a very enjoyable read. I will be looking for more books from this author.

I like to read historical romances for the easy, sweet reads. This one was a fun one with enemies-to enemies-to enemies-to finally lovers. Though I did like that their attraction to each other didn't automatically overcome their enemy status, I wish we would have had a bit more learning about each other before the love stage.

Overall, I enjoyed the story and I am curious who's story we will get next. We had a new suitor for one of Verity's sisters, we have Anna, Verity's brother, and weirdly enough...I want a story for the Reverend - he made me laugh.

I adored Magnus and Verity's story! I just loved watching these two together! The bantering between them had me laughing out loud!

It Had to Be a Duke is quite possibly my favorite historical romance of the year!! Vivienne Lorret's writing is so captivating that I couldn't put this one down while simultaneously wanting to make it last as long as possible. Verity's been left behind and forgotten more than once... When we were in her pov I just wanted to hug her and let her know how deeply loved she is. Magnus is the kind of hero that you want to hate so badly but keep finding yourself falling for over and over. This book was swoony and steamy. This is my first Vivienne Lorret but it certainly won't be my last.

It Had to be a Duke is the first book in The Liar's club series.

Verity Hartley has mostly told the truth until one day her neighbor and thorn in her side returns from London to brag about her season, beautiful ballgown, and the many suitors that were so abundant she couldn't choose just one. Verity can hardly keep quiet, when she blurts out that is engaged to the Duke of Longhurst. This lie, while she thought was harmless, stirs up all kinds of trouble for her and the Duke who had plans of his own to ask Miss Snow to marry him.

The Hartley family is the Duke's sworn enemy. He believes the very worst about each and every member of the family. While trying to unravel himself from the betrothal lie, he and Verity find themselves more entwined than ever as they try to extricate themselves. But try as they might to be rid of the other, they each see something in the other that draws them closer. But will the feud between their families keep them apart or will the truth be finally revealed.

What a fun and entertaining story. I loved the character of Verity. She was so much fun watching her get into one mishap after another. I laughed frequently while reading their story. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

Top Pick!

I didn’t know how much I needed this book until I started reading.

If anything, Lorret’s historical romances get better as the next one releases. The author has a distinctive brilliance in weaving both love and humor together. Her characters are constantly facing the hilarity of reality and awkward circumstances while sometimes ridiculous, bring a certain element of inanity to her tales. A reminder that the small things do make the person and sometimes unique circumstances can truly bring folks together. It Had To Be Duke is no exception.

The first book in The Liar’s Club is everything perfection. A true enemies-to-lovers romp with so much fun. Verity is not a liar, typically. She’s the only normal, non-dramatic person in her family. When she’s confronted by a female neighbor/rival she despises, she makes the mistake of pretending to be engaged to a duke… who also happens to be a sworn enemy of her family. Oops. Magnus Warring is the epitome of a duke in desperate need to marry an heiress, not be saddled with a fake fiancé. He’s got no choice but to engage in Verity’s farce for the sake of his future plans, even if being with her begins to unravel what he thought was true.

This book has everything. Comedy, check. Suspense, check. Family secrets, check. Two people falling for each other against their best interests, double check. I couldn’t put this book down. When I was forced to, I impatiently couldn’t wait to pick it back up again. This is probably the best book of 2023 for me. It doesn’t get better than a heroine ogling a hot vicar from a tree and being caught in the act and that’s the tip of the iceberg.

If you’re looking for a book that will literally sweep you away, It Had To Be Duke is the right choice. For readers who adore Tessa Dare.

~ Landra

Overall: 4.5 rounded ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑 (The first scene is a bit shorter)
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥
Humor: Yes!
Perspective: Third person from both hero and heroine
When mains are first on page together: Pretty soon in – about 8%
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever after
Epilogue: No
Format: voluntarily read an advanced reader copy through NetGalley

Should I read in order?
This is the first book of Lorret’s The Liar’s Club.

Basic plot:
When the needling of Verity’s nemesis, who she has named The Tick, becomes too much, she tells a whopper of a lie. That she’s engaged. To a Duke. That is her family’s enemy...

Give this a try if you want:
- Regency (my assumption)
- country and London setting (about half and half)
- ‘plain’ heroine
- anxiety rep (heroine)
- fake engagement – heroine tells a wallop of a lie and announces her betrothal to the Duke of Longhurst to a nemesis
- rival families vibes – the hero’s family severed ties with the heroine’s after a swindle that ended with the loss of the hero’s father’s fortune
- I would say it’s enemies to lovers? But definitely has that vibe – frenemies?
- elements of close proximity – the hero’s grandmother asks him to spend a week paying court to the heroine to help drive the scandal down of a broken betrothal (make it more believable) and then in the latter half brings the heroine to London as her companion so they are in the house together again.
- other woman aspects – the hero is * almost * engaged to someone else – he is courting her and there is an implied understanding
- low to mid steam - 2 full scenes and some kisses

Ages:
- Heroine is 25 – I’m not sure about the hero but would guess around 30?

My thoughts:
Oh Vivienne Lorret just checks sooo many of my romance boxes every time! I enjoyed so much about this novel, but it had a few minors things I would have maybe preferred went a bit different.

The humor in this one I thought was perfection. It was just fun. Verity’s family of actors was such a joy. The closeness of the family (though Verity feels on the outside, you can still see the bond between her and parents, and her siblings – it is a special family dynamic) was appreciated by me – and yes there are some issues and some past trauma – her family is very...chaotic but overall so lovable.

Magnus’ grandmother is another character that I have a soft spot for. The feisty matriarch that tries pulling some strings behind the scenes, I love it.

Verity herself is one of those heroine’s that I just fell in love with. So full of life – the hero calls her feral and I felt I could just related to her and wanted to be her friend so badly. So, so caring and vulnerable.

Magnus took me a bit longer to come around to. He’s more closed off and starchy and definitely an opposite feel from Verity. And she just breaks down all his walls until he’s doing things that surprise himself, thinking things he’s coached himself not to, and wanting a love that is not at all a part of his well planned out life.

There’s something so swoony to me about Lorret’s writing. So many parts I pause over and savor and want to highlight. Their relationship was so much fun for me to read.

I am not a big fan of when one character is kind of ‘promised’ to another, or there’s other woman drama, but in this book all of that worked in a way that didn’t bother me. There wasn’t a ton of drama from it and it provided a bit of angst and uncertainty to their relationship.

I did think there was a part in the middle that drug a bit for me (it felt a bit slow in some parts), I do wish the steam was just a touch higher (2 scenes just felt kind of low here?? Maybe because the tension was so good) and the end where Verity made her feelings known I was pretty frustrated along with her lack of action – BUT the actual ending I thought was adorable and it brought a smile to my face.

I cannot wait for more in this series. Lorret has become one of my favorite HR authors. I’m going to have to read all her books I’ve missed while waiting for the next release.

It Had to be a Duke, by Vivienne Lorret is a slow-burn, enemies to lovers’ story that admittedly took me a few chapters to get into as they felt somewhat erratic. In hindsight, this probably has more to do with the antics of Verity’s eclectic family members, because Ms. Lorret always writes with such romantic elegance.

Mangus Warring, 5th Duke of Longhurst is ever the proper gentleman conscious of his reputation. When he discovers Verity Hartley has jeopardized his good name by lying about him, he sets out to correct the situation. After all, his future depends on it! The road to Mangus and Verity’s HEA is filled with funny, sweet, surprising and eye-opening moments. A surprise appearance at the end of the story teases the reader for the next book in the series.

I received an E-ARC from Avon via NetGalley, and this is my voluntary honest review.

4.5 stars!

It's been a while since I've read a Viv Lorret novel, but this book reminded me why I love her writing so much. She has such an effortless way of pulling you into the story and making you care for these characters that she weaves together. Magnus was such a great brooding and upstanding duke; he is simply trying to do his duty and provide for his family but is frustrated when his plans for advancement and self-control are repeatedly thwarted by Verity's wild spirit.

Verity is used to being overlooked and left behind in favor of her sisters but can't help her vexation and fascination with the stoic yet surprising Duke of Longhurst. I absolutely LOVED their witty banter and quietly sexy interactions that were smothered in sexual tension. However, my biggest complaint is the ending in which their separation felt drawn out and their reconciliation passed too quickly. Nevertheless, I really enjoyed this first book and look forward to the rest of the series🖤

Tropes: frenemies-to-lovers, hate-to-love-you, brooding hero, misunderstood heroine, 'who did this to you' vibes, hurt/comfort, forbidden love, fake relationship, mild OW drama (no cheating), will they/won't they, slow burn, steamy🔥

If a girl lies about being engaged to the local duke, what harm can that cause, really? As it turns out, quite a lot. And it can set off a chain of events that involves some fake dating, some antagonists to lovers action, and hearts getting just a little too involved for anyone's liking.

Verity doesn't mean to tell her nemesis - and her family and everyone else who's around to hear - that she's engaged to the Duke of Longhurst. But she does, and then it's big news that makes it all the way to London where said duke is trying to secure a financially advantageous marriage. He heads home to sort everything out, only to find that Verity is a more difficult woman to walk away from than he anticipated.

There's a lot going on in this book, from Verity and Magnus's love story to the undercurrent of questionable investments and financial crimes, but it all comes together pretty well, making for a fun read with plenty of charm. Verity and Magnus have A+ chemistry the whole way through, especially when they're snipping at each other in the early chapters. If anything, the end drags a little, but all in all, a great time!

4/5

Gah I have to DNF this because I’ve tried so many times to read it and I just can’t. I can’t even explain why I just do not care and cannot get into it.