I have been provided with a review copy of this title from NetGalley for an impartial review. I was just drawn into this wonderful story and I just couldn’t get enough of it. It was just so easy to get lost in this great story. I just didn’t want it to end. I just lost myself in and I just couldn’t get enough of these interesting characters. I can’t wait to see what’s next from this author.

It was good, but not my favorite of her books. I think it dragged a little in the middle. Plot was good, and I loved the pining.

For lovers of a cozy dose of Romance for a relaxing trip into a world far, far away from the modern world, Jennifer Haymore provides the perfect Historic romance in How Not To Hate A Duke as Georgina Milford and the sworn enemy of her family, Theo St Clair, the Duke of Desborough come face to face at a Country House party and sparks fly.
Georgina is thoroughly fed up with being made to attend Ton events in London by her mother who is search of a husband for her daughter, a daughter who is not getting any younger. The issue is the men who are interested are after her fortune; they are boring, frustrating and sycophants!
Feeling daring she accepts an invitation to Country House party hosted by her dear friends Charlotte and Finn, for once escaping her mother and societies stricture, but when she meets up with a man she and her family truly despise, the dreaded ‘Duke of Despot’s’, she begins to wonder if she should leave immediately.
Over the course of the following days they are forced together, a handsome man, struggling to restore his families fortune and Georgina, who is slowly beginning to wonder if perhaps there is more to this man than she has previously understood.
Conflict, passion and family challenges have been seamlessly woven together to entice one into a world of strict society standards, where to break the rules was to be excluded from polite society and to think for oneself as woman, was almost forbidden. Georgina and Theo are out to break all the rules as they struggle to come to terms with a powerful love and family conflict decades old.
Jennifer Hayward has provided a nice mix of family and society conflict, a strong female character, a devilishly handsome Duke, a very good dose of forbidden passion and a finale which is at the very least unexpected, to create a very entertaining and believable romance.

Jennifer Haymore is one my favorite Regency Romance authors. I absolutely love the enemies to lovers trope, and this book is simply done to perfection. This is a fun and steamy romance. The ending was fantastic, and this couple truly loves each other.

Thank you, Entangled Publishing, LLC, Entangled: Scandalous

Cute little story. Is it part of a series? Unclear but keen to find out Charlotte and her husband’s story - seems there’s a lot more to find out about them.

As for the FMC and MMC in this book - what were their names again? - I didn’t think there was as much tension as I would expect in an enemies-to-lovers. #nospoilers but the reason for the family feud was also predictable. Over all a cute story but I was more interested in the side characters …

Georgiana Milford may be a wealthy heiress without title, but even she has her limits. It’s vexing enough to be courted by every fortune-hunting noble during the Season—goodness, you’d think she was hiding a gold mine beneath her skirts!
This is a good story. It is the story of a wealthy young woman who doesn't want to appear wealthy.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book.

I really loved this book! The main female character seemed stuck up and not very likable. But, as the story goes on and you learn more about the male and female leads you end up loving them both. This becomes unable to be put down!

Georgiana Milford, an heiress without title, finds herself besieged by fortune-seeking suitors during the Season. However, her tolerance reaches its limit when she's forced to endure the presence of her father's greatest enemy and the notorious Duke of Despots during a country party. Theo St. Clair, newly minted as the Seventh Duke of Desborough, faces the disdain of society, including the Milford family who associate him with his scandalous father. Despite their initial animosity, sparks fly between Georgiana and Theo, leading to tension-filled interactions. As they navigate their forced proximity, they must contend with family secrets that threaten to unravel Georgiana's world.

I absolutely adored how Jennifer Haymore flawlessly crafted the enemies-to-lovers dynamic in this book. The way Georgiana Milford and Theo St. Clair, aka the Duke of Desborough, danced around each other was utterly captivating. You could practically feel the tension crackling between them on every page, and I was hooked, eagerly awaiting the moment they'd finally give in to their undeniable chemistry.

Georgiana's character really struck a chord with me. Fed up with shallow suitors, she finds herself thrown into the lion's den at a country house party, face to face with none other than Theo, her family's sworn enemy. It's the perfect recipe for drama, and boy, does it deliver.

But it's not just Georgiana who shines here. Theo's struggles with his father's tainted legacy and the ton's prejudice against him add layers of complexity to the story. Watching him fight to prove himself worthy, despite the odds stacked against him, was both heartwarming and inspiring. It's a reminder that love has the power to conquer even the harshest of judgments.

loved this book. Jennifer is such a great story teller. loved these characters the enemies to lovers and misguided notions. who doesn't love a house party where anything can happen

Enthralling levels of tension, passion, and intrigue.

“You’re so warm,” she observed. “Burning,” he said quietly. “For you.”

A short and swoony romance with plenty of angst, a bit of steam, and a touch of spice. I like that the FMC was progressive for her time period and knew her own mind the redemption arc of the MMCs character was perfect. He was a good character to start but he was determined to make the world better for his people and his lady which is why I fell madly in love with him. There wasn’t a lot of spice but the chemistry was hot and clandestine affairs hotter so I have no complaints.

🌶️🌶️
Characters: 💙💙💙💙💙
Historical Romance: enemies to lovers, forced proximity, secret affair, family secrets
Third Person, Past Tense, Dual POV

This was my first Jennifer Haymore book. I love a house party setting. It gives the characters more opportunity to flirt and get to know each other. I also liked Georgiana and adored Theo, the misunderstood hero paying for the sins of his father. The pacing of the book was a bit slow. It wasn’t until the last quarter of the book until there were any real obstacles or tension, which was then solved relatively quickly. So the book was a bit slow, then rushed. Overall, enjoyable and would recommend for some light fun reading.

ARC received from NetGalley

Georgina Milford has a large dowry but no title. After avoiding fortune hunters for the season she gladly accepts her friend Charlotte’s invitation to a friend’s house party. Her parents want her to marry well but they have one mortal enemy the Duke of Desborough who would not be welcomed on the list. Of course at the house party the Duke is in attendance at the invitation of Charlotte’s husband Finn. But it is the new Duke, Theo St. Clair, who is trying to improve his family's name after his father spent a lifetime causing ruin. The house party is fun with picnics, hunts, games and flirting. And Theo St. Clair and Georgiana seem to be running into each other everywhere.

This is delightfully fun. Theo comes off haughty but he is very frustrated that he can’t be seen for himself and not his father’s reputation. Georgiana’s father is quick to complain and proclaim every slight of his family as they live on neighboring properties. I love when Georgiana realizes she has judged him unfairly. And giving him a chance means stolen kisses and getting a bit steamy. The setting at a house party relaxes some of the rules of chaperones giving them more time together. They are playful and fun and I like that though she is inexperienced she is bold and independent. I didn’t love the predictable breakup moment but of course love is going to win.

This is not listed as a sequel but Charlotte and Finn were the main characters of Earl’s Rush In (May 2023). I enjoyed that book as well and liked them being part of this story.

Where to start? This review contains small, but relevant spoilers.

The moment I picked this book up, I knew I would fall in love with it. From the introduction of the Duke with his gorgeous appearance and his attitude unlike his father's that our main character, was going to fall for him despite her hardest efforts not too! This was a delight to read, so much that I read the book within a day, I was hooked! There's so much in this book that I can give credit to Jennifer Haymore, the attention to detail of the scenery and timeline, along with the relationships and events that happen within this two week stay. I thoroughly enjoyed how easily and smoothly the words flowed and chapters too, it wasn't jumped about, it was just perfect and the ending! We cannot forget that the ending was so pleasant, and I would love to read a continuation. I'm not familiar with Jennifer's work, but now I am and I will happily read her other books.

We start off learning that Georgiana has been struggling to find a spouse, they all want her for her fortune which her father made and was not born into. However, in the first chapter we find that Georgiana was talking with an old friend when she found herself in a slight predicament where her dress became caught in a bush. To save the day, our Duke finds himself lending his own carriage which Georgiana does not like.

After the terrible ordeal, Georgiana is invited to a two week party at a Lord's country home only to find herself there, with the wretched Duke himself, nicknamed the Duke of Despots. However, after numerous situations that Georgiana finds herself in, she soon warms up to the Duke and finds herself quite attracted to him.

It was a perfect fluffy and cozy romance. I had a great time. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I will definitely be reading more from this author.

Enemies to lovers done well.

Georgiana and Theo are neighbors and their families are enemies. She is from a rich, cit family. He is the son of a ruthless, terrible duke. His father's halo seems to follow him.

Over a house party Georgianas impression of Theo changes slowly and steadily and she realizes that the son cannot be painted with the same brush as the father. Theo is trying to change all the damage his father has done, but is facing a very uphill battle.

They declare their love, but Theo gives up their future (temporarily), to give Georgiana everything she deserves, him, his love, and her family.

This was a well written book. The characters were developed and the walls came down slowly and realistically.

I am over the moon about this book. The characters were fantastic. Hands down to Theo and Georgiana for carrying this book to the highest form of respect under the historical romance category. The plot was truly brilliant. The creative ideas and characters are simply marvelous.
When the father rushed into the house and Shook Georgina by the shoulders. I literally could feel his rage through the dialogue and the characters actions. Ladies Theo was flawless. The man carried is personality with the highest regard of grace. After reading the story I think that Theo is the one who has grown the most.
I loved that Georgianna carried herself like a lady should during her time. Her willingness to not give up on the thing that is true to her was the highlight of the book. The stolen moments of romance and that blossoms is so beautiful. I can only say the writing is outstanding and very talented. I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

I adored Georgiana and Theo's story! I just loved watching these two together! I just loved all the bantering between these two.

Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Tension: ⚡⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Intimate Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥
Humor: Yes
Perspective: Third person from both hero and heroine
More character focused or plot focused? character
How did the speed of the story feel? medium
When mains are first on page together: Almost immediately (chapter 1, or 1% of the story)
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever after
Epilogue: Yes, ten months later

Should I read in order?
You can read this alone! I believe it’s a stand alone...

Basic plot:
Georgiana is used to fighting off fortune hunters, but when her family’s worst enemy shows up at the 2 week house party she’s attending, she’s not sure she can make it through...

Give this a try if you want:
- Regency
- country estate setting
- house party!
- enemies to lovers (on the heroine’s side)
- rival families
- forbidden love vibes
- class difference – duke hero and merchant’s daughter heroine
- fashion loving/creating heroine
- interesting facts woven in – like lawn bowling licenses!
- a bit of a possessive hero – he gets a bit jealous for the heroine
- some euphemism banter in the bedroom
- very light epistolary (some letters written)
- medium steam – 3-ish full scenes

My thoughts:
Oh my gawd. I adored this book so SO much. This is my second by Haymore, and I very much liked the other book I read by her. So I will officially be stalking all her other releases!

This book is so dang sweet. And just all the things I adore in romance. The entire middle of this story is like Haymore poured romance catnip all over me. I was smiling and swooning and kicking my feet in the air.

I did find Georgiana’s blind following of her parents a bit annoying in the beginning of this book. But she’s been respected and loved by them (maybe a bit oppressively) and it’s understandable. It took me about half the book to REALLY warm up to her and then I loved her. I loved how she was able to vocalize her boundaries (even to her parents eventually) and maneuver society situations with fortune hunters. I loved her fall for Theo.

But Theo. Theo! Theo stole my heart. I adore heroes like him. Heroes that have deep feelings they keep hidden inside. Heroes who harbor a romantic heart. Heroes that when they fall, they fall with EVERYTHING in them. I loved him so, so much.

There were so many adorable scenes in this story. I highlighted like half the book (you can see in my quotes section hahaha). The scenes where he starts to fall for her, and gets playful and a bit flirty at the house party. (And my gosh I have been loving house party games lately in HR! So, so fun!) And the way he starts to fall, and gets all obsessed, a bit jealous and basically loses his mind for her.

The way he hears her moaning in her room and busts in to remove the threat.

The way he whispers that he’s filled with lust in her ears in a crowd of people.

Just melting this whole book….

I ended up really loving the ending too. Theo is just such a GOOD person. I enjoyed the way it worked out. The way he was wanting to give her everything and worked so hard to do that. He really is the best. Love love love.

This isn’t like a “oh, good book” four stars—it’s more like a “through what sorcery this book getting four stars from me??” four stars.

Because it had some potent (but probably idiosyncratic) pet peeves of mine. It had:
✨ low stakes “enemies” between feuding families
✨ some ‘I love them too much to be with them’ non-drama, and
✨ that couple that is always my least favourite in the series, the grumpy/grumpy Anthony Bridgerton and Kate couple. Just on a personal level, you couldn’t pay me to go on a double date with a couple this emotionally unintelligent—borderline belligerent—so why am I reading their book, you know? 😂

So where’s my one-two star rant review? Even one of these pet peeves would be a DNFable offense.

One part of it is just this author and how she puts together a romance plot. Because no one writes on-page falling in love like this. The sheer number of scenes where these two interact was almost gratuitous. Flirty-flirty heart eyes, hand touches, and conversations galore. And I loved every minute of it.

And the other part of it was how the story took all my pet peeves and… problematized them? Lame-o “enemies” because your families are feuding is dumb—and that was the point. “I love you too much to be with you" is such a cop-out—again, the point. And grumpy grump couples need their hearts to grow a few sizes before they can really be together—thank you, lovely character arcs in here.

So yeah, somehow I ended up really enjoying this? And it makes me even more excited to continue exploring this author's backlist.

I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

How (Not) to Hate a Duke by Jennifer Haymore is a newly published book. I have read books by Jennifer Haymore before and I enjoyed them. I was looking forward to this book when I was given a copy from Netgalley. The book was not a simple love story, they were twists and turns.

Georgiana Milford and Theo St Clair knew each other but their families were mortal enemies. It was at a house party where they were thrown together for several days. They came to spend time together and found out, they didn't really hate each other. The house party lasted long enough for them to fall in love and they decided to marry, but nothing ever goes simply and Georgiana's family becomes involved.

Theo as the seventh Duke of Desborough realizes throughout this process that he needs to become a better man and take care of his land and his tenants. It is through that growth that he realizes that he does need Georgiana and is willing to fight for her. However it might be too late.

How (Not) to Hate a Duke by Jennifer Haymore is a good read. The characters, while impetuous, really did care about their family and making life better for other people. And Georgiana and Theo were in love.