3 stars for The Duke and the Dressmaker (Once Upon a Wallflower #2) by Eva Devon

With a dashing Duke rescuing a downtrodden young heroine from an evil moneylender, The Duke and the Dressmaker had promise, but it read like an underdeveloped novella.

James and Lily (Ms. Devon must be a Harry Potter fan!) needed more time together to build a believable connection. If they’d enjoyed personal conversations over the period of weeks while perhaps reading together in the library or renovating the townhouse, the walks in the park and waltzing at elegant balls would have seemed more meaningful. Instead, I wouldn’t be surprised to learn their love scenes were written by AI.

I liked Ms. Devon’s previous novel, Much Ado About Dukes, but this one unfortunately fell a bit flat.

Thanks to NetGalley and Entangled for sharing the review copy.

I really enjoyed this cute historical romance, that saw a destitute dressmaker fall in love with an American duke. When the Duke of Ashbridge intervenes on her behalf in a dicey situation, Lily never imagined he would tell her that he is the legal guardian of her younger sister. After running out of options, Lily agree to move herself and her sister in what was once their family estate. As they get to know each other, they see how well they fit as a pair, but the Duke has always envisioned going back to America to run his businesses. It is all feels as the two of them figure out how they feel about each other, and whether it is worth it to try it out.

This is the second book in the Once Upon a Wallflower series. I have not had a chance to read the first book yet, but I don’t think it is necessary to enjoy this one

The hero is James, an American in England for a short time on business until he runs into our heroine, Lily. Lily and her sister have been abandoned by the previous duke and are now James' responsibility. I thought James and Lily were written very well and they had amazing chemistry.

Overall, I thought this was a cute and simple romance with interesting characters.

I really enjoyed this book. It had everything a good historical romance should. A duke, a cranky butler and a fiesty FL. I liked how the Duke wanted to protect her from the start. Well worth reading, especially if you enjoy a book that offers something a little different. Even though set in London, their backgrounds were French and the Americas...

I was given an advance copy of this book from netgalley.com and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are truthful and my own.

I really enjoyed this book. The pace is good, the characters are fleshed out and well defined. I didn't quite love it as much as the Duke's Secret Cinderella (To be fair that is a very high bar!) but I did really enjoy the story of two outsiders falling in love. I like that Lily had really clear goals but also a really strong motivation to take care of her sister first and foremost. And I liked that James was a Duke who had no real idea how to be a duke.

I would say that if you are looking for a relatively light vibe you would enjoy this story, but if you are looking for something a little more angsty, or tragic (Lily has a pretty heartbreaking story but this book doesn't feel overly dark in tone) this might be a skip.

Eva Devon is quickly becoming one of my favorite Historical Romance Authors.

So enjoyed this foray into the Wallflowers! Lily was so sweet. We knew this from The Beast and the Bookseller, but we got to know Lily so much better and her sister Violet too. Then there was James. I loved that he was aware of how he became the Duke and the cost of that title to others. James and Lily had great chemistry! This was a fun and fast ride I didn't want to get off of. Looking forward to more from this series...say, maybe Derby's story?

I always enjoy Eva Devon’s book but maybe this is my less favorite, though is a great read as usual.
Dressmaker Miss Lily Martin knows too well the sordid dealings of London’s corrupt underbelly. Ship captain James Blakefield may be the new Duke of Ashbridge, but he’s only in London for six weeks to secure his estate before returning to America, and far from the watchful eye of the tonBut when he discovers Miss Lily’s desperate predicament, James realizes he might have the perfect arrangement.
By assuming the legal guardianship of Lily’s sister, he can keep them both safe and ensure someone cares for the estate. But it means having Lily under the same roof for the next six weeks. No chaperones. No betrothal. As their undeniable attraction charges the very air between them, both propriety and restraint are threatened. But scandal is the least of their concerns when James’s secret threatens to pull everything apart at the seams...
I had a bit of a hard time trying to connect with this characters. But after a few chapters, I fell in love with Lily. She loves her sister so much and she sacrifices all her dreams for her welfare. She’s resilient and sweet, smart and generous. James is so American that he can´t understand all the ton rules most of the time. But he wants to give Lily and Violet her birthrights and a future full of life and dreams. I adore him because of that.
The book is a slow burn romance with great kissing and a bit of aghast. All the characters are well developed and Eva’s pen is impeccable as usual.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Oh, Eva Devon has done it again. Lily and Violet’s mother was the daughter of a Duke, but ran away with her French art tutor. Unfortunately for her, the French Revolution happened, and Lily and Violet were left orphaned, getting by on Lily’s dressmaker skills. Luckily for them, a distant relative raised in America, James, inherits the dukedom and seeks them out to support them — and along the way, a great story develops with James and Lily. I really enjoyed this one, and the peeks at some characters from the earlier one in the series. Hoping for more!!

Who would have thought that stitching could be so sensual?! ❤️

The Duke and the Dressmaker by Eva Devon is the second book of her Once Upon a Wallflower Series, my very first book of this author and definitely not my last one.

James Blakefield is a sea captain, also the new Duke of Ashbridge. Searching for his ward leads him to the very tempting Lily. She's the big sister of his ward, Violet, and a talented dressmaker with some problems only money can solve.
Will James be able to help and will Lily accept it?

I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS BOOK! Right from the beginning I was HOOKED!
I loved that Lily is a talented dressmaker and a strong woman, who has to take care of her life and her sister's too. She does everything to protect Violet.
And there's James - now the Duke of Ashbridge. Awwww! A sea captain looking like a pirate with long dark hair?! HELLO!? What's there not to love about?!
He definitely has a heart of gold and it was easy to fall in love with him too!
I enjoyed their storyline so much because of their special chemistry and all the things they've to deal with.
OMG. My kindle melted a few times because of Lily and James! WOW! 🔥❤️🔥❤️
Talking about palpable attraction!
I really loved that in The Duke and the Dressmaker you've got two main characters who are at eye level. Well, he's a Duke and she's a Dressmaker... but based on their personalities both are strong, independent and sometimes a bit blind when it comes to their feelings. 🤭😅

This story was so full of chemistry, some suspense, drama and so much love! Love for one another, love for family, love for friends.

Thank you so much to Eva Devon and Entangled Publishing for this ARC via NetGalley.
This is my honest review in my own words. Sorry for the delay.

Marriage of Convinience
Virgin FMC
Slowburn
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️

This is a story based in old London about James an American who suddenly becomes a duke in England after the death of the previous duke and Lily a seamstress/dressmaker who in the end becomes his duchess.

The two meet accidentally one night as Lily is being harassed by horrible moneylenders from who she had borrowed money and they both end the night in knowing that somehow they are connected by fate.

James had inherited his Dukedom from Lily’s estranged grandfather who had disowned them for being children from her mothers forbidden love with a french and had also inherited her younger sisters (VIOLET) custody as her guardian.

Lily runs into trouble with her mean boss Madam Josephine and is kicked out from both her workplace and home which had been provided for them. And although the living conditions were terrible; they are left stranded with nowhere to go. But luckily on their accidental meet James had offered his home to them as his duty as Violets guardian.

Lily and Violet move in with him at his mansion. Lily begins managing house affairs in the mansion as well as Violets education. He then provides everything they’ve ever wanted including Lily’s dream of owning a dressmaking shop; security, power, ability and money to help others, vast lands and independence.

But its England and a single woman living with a single man becomes a huge touch in town. To rid themselves of the rumors they get married. Lily then becomes his duchess both help each other in their line of work and in no time they start to fall in-love.

But its a marriage of convenience; a marriage out of duty…so who will give in first??

James Blakefield is an American sea captain. A self-made man, he is suddenly the heir to a dukedom. The new Duke of Ashbridge is learning his way through London society, but he could use all the help he can get. Lily and her sister Violet are the granddaughters of the old Duke of Ashbridge and the daughters of parents killed in France. James is Violet's guardian, but nothing in the old Earl's will provides for Lily's security. Only James is in the position to give Lily the freedom to make the choices she's never had before. The wall around her heart makes her more of a prisoner when she refuses to admit she loves James. These two make their own rules and dare society to follow. How funny to see a sea captain change his course!
Open bedroom door.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

The Duke & the Dressmaker by Eva Devon, book two in the Once Upon a Wallflower series, is an enjoyable, and emotional story; an enchanting historical that shows how love can conquer a multitude of doubts and outside influences if a heart is opened without fear holding it back. Dressmaker Miss Lily Martin knows only too well the disreputable dealings of London’s corrupt underbelly. She should have known borrowing from one of the city’s most reviled moneylenders was risky; horribly so. The loan has now come due, and there’s nothing standing between Miss Lily and her darling sister’s ruin. Ship captain James Blakefield, the new Duke of Ashbridge, is definitely not like most Dukes. He obtained the title from a distant relative, and is American. James plans to only be in London for six weeks to secure his estate before returning to America, and far from the watchful eye of the ton. James meets Lily when he learns about his ward, her sister, and learns of Lily’s desperate situation. James has the perfect arrangement, marry Lily; they can live on his estate, Lily can take care of it and her sister, while James can return to America, where he is expected in six weeks.

Lily and James are both such wonderful characters, and their romance is just as lovely. They’re both so selfless and strong. James is such an honorable man, and his intentions are always good, but he struggles when it comes to his feelings for Lily. These two have an instant connection, but several obstacles stand in their way. It’s interesting to see how they handle societal judgment and expectations, their feelings for each other, their individual goals, and their fears. I highly recommend The Duke & the Dressmaker to other readers.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

I would like to thank netgalley and Entangled Publishing for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Enjoyable, like the rest of the authors work.

My first time reading historical book. I loved it. I’ve become a new fan.
The story, flows great, and simply loved the plot

A well written story with an unuusal duke and a woman from the wrong side of the track. There's a well plotted story, a sizzling romance that made me root for the characters, and a background a bit unusual.
A well plotted and well written story
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Very nice story about Miss Lily Martin and the American, Duke of Ashbridge, James Blakefield. These two had sparks flying off the page from the first time they met. When James found out that Lily’s sister was his ward, circumstances changed for all of them. But the more Lily and James were together, the less control they were having over their emotions for each other but love for both of them wasn’t something they were willing to admit. I really enjoyed the flow of the story and the romance. Very well written and the story kept my interest. I would recommend to others.

I received this Book as an ARC and let me tell you it came at the perfect time! I was in the mood to read a regency romance but I wanted some spice. This book is exactly what I wanted. It was the perfect amount of spice while still keeping the storyline. Lily and james are absolute goals. I also loved their first interaction together (no worries, I won't put spoilers). This book kept to the regency writing style while still making it easy for the read to follow the story. All in all it was a very nice and cute story with a strong heroine and swoon worthy MMC and steamy regency romance.

This was a good historical romance. I love the 1700/1800s in England. This book gives you just that! Lily is doing her best to take care of her younger sister after the death of her parents and an escape from France. The time period just isn’t friendly to women. Enter James who has no problem with Lily pursuing her own dreams and doing the things she wants do even if it’s not typical of a lady in society. I love how they come together and be who they are individually bit together as well. A very nice read!

Thank you to Entangled Press and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to review this beautiful historical romance novel before publication.

The new Duke inherited his title from a distant relation because he was born a male. He was born in the American colonies and became a Ship Captain. In the beginning of the novel, the Duke is trying to find his Ward when he runs into Lily, a dressmaker. In fact, the Duke comes to Lily's rescue.

When Lily and her younger sister Violet are thrown out of their "home" by this horrid landlady, Lily decides to take the risk of going to the Duke's London house. Luckily, the Duke overhears the argument between Lily and the butler who worked for the Grandfather and comes to her rescue again.

Something happens to change the story (no spoilers). The Duke and the Dressmaker marry. Unfortunately, Lily is being blackmailed and the Duke wants to come to her rescue. Lily wants to take care of it herself and she comes up with a clever way to handle the blackmail. Meanwhile, Lily starts her own dress shop and hires seamstresses. She makes sure that all of her workers are well treated with enough food, time to rest and a roof over their heads.

This is a Historical Romance. This is also a novel about Female Empowerment and women supporting women.

Loved this novel. It is the second in the series. The first novel in this series was about her best friend, Elizabeth Sharpe who is a bookseller.

A new duke, his charge, and her sister, the dressmaker both need a champion. The duke, an American ship captain only plans on staying in England until he gets things in order. He marries the dressmaker who he believes can take care of his estates while he returns to America. But he does not count on falling in love and neither does she.