**Review of "The Best Things in Life are Dukes" by Emily EK Murdoch**

This story centers around Lady Rebecca Fairbanks, a spirited and intelligent woman who has always been overshadowed by her beautiful younger sister. Determined to make a name for herself, Rebecca sets her sights on winning the heart of the most eligible bachelor of the season, the dashing Duke of Kielder.

The plot takes off as Rebecca devises a bold plan to capture the Duke’s attention. However, her scheme leads her into a series of humorous and sometimes precarious situations. Along the way, she discovers that the Duke is not the aloof aristocrat she initially thought, but a man of depth and vulnerability. Their interactions are filled with sparkling dialogue and undeniable chemistry, drawing readers into their evolving relationship.

As the Duke grapples with his own secrets and responsibilities, Rebecca’s determination and courage shine through, making her a truly admirable heroine. The novel delves into themes of self-discovery and the importance of looking beyond appearances, adding depth to the romantic narrative.

The Best Things in Life are Dukes is a thoroughly enjoyable read and I enjoyed discovering a new author in Emily EK Murdoch.

Wow, what a series this has been so far! I always finish the last one anxiously waiting for the next and this latest one did not disappoint. Luke and Peggy had been caught in a compromising situation and then he was thrown out by her brother. He then left for France and became a spy. When he returned, he was determined to win Peggy back. But he's going to have to do some major groveling if he even hopes to have a chance. But Peggy is not easily ready to forgive, after he left her on her own to face the gossip of the ton. A charming house party ultimately brings them together in this well-written, light and enjoyable romance.
The chemistry between them was undeniable and their banter was so much fun to read.
A lovely and entertaining read!
Thanks to NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for providing a complimentary copy. This is my voluntary review.

I anticipated loving this book. After all, I adore historical romances with dukes and the girls who bring them to their knees. But what I got...
was not what I was expecting.

The story starts with Luke, Duke of Ashcott (as he is so fond of reminding us) suddenly running into an old flame he never forgot. Lady Margaret- the woman he knew as Peggy. Found hiding behind her curtains by her brother after proposing to Peggy, Luke flees in shame and never returns. Peggy, having her heart broken in such a callous way, promises she will never forgive Luke Beauchamp. In fact, she hates him!
Until he comes back.
And everything gets complicated.

This had the basis for an amazing novel, yet it was executed poorly.
After coming back to London a year after his abandonment, Luke never sought out Peggy, instead valuing his pride over her, yet after randomly encountering her in the streets, he realizes he still loves her and decides to pursue her.
And is confused when she rejects him.
The writing style was also odd, the flashbacks actually taking time in the story, the character staring at a spot behind another person's shoulder in silence reliving a flashback.
That sounds like it would be a bit awkward.
Luke could have been a good character, but whenever he behaved badly or was chastised, he would say, "But I'm a duke!" Being a duke is not an excuse for being an ass. He never bothered to search for her, never bothered to make sure she was safe or happy, instead choosing to hide in France like a coward. Even when he was with Peggy, he was rude, blunt, and then acted like a kicked puppy until Peggy felt so guilty, that she had to forgive him. That's not how a romance should go. He should have been constantly scouring the papers in search of her name, desperate for any news of her. He shouldn't even care if he sees a marriage announcement as long as he has some knowledge of what is going on with the woman he loves. Also, instead of loving all of Peggy, he only loved one part of her. He despised the "cold" part of her that acted as her shield and only "loved" the warm, sweet, docile side of her he knew when he was courting her. As Dorian (from Throne of Glass) once said, "You cannot pick and choose what parts of her to love." He was right. If you truly love a person, you will love every piece of them, from the cruel and cold shields they raise against the world to their kind compassion. He followed Peggy to a house party despite her right-out telling him she hated him now, then insinuated she had no free will. He insulted her at the dinner table, and then put her in an uncomfortable position before she was rescued by another lord, then acted like a toddler when she refused to look at him after that. He seemed to have decided that if he couldn't have her, no one could.
That sounds a lot like a villain, not gonna lie.

But I think I've picked on Luke enough. Now, Peggy. Peggy had the potential to be amazing. She was a lady with an attitude, a woman scorned, and a gorgeous queen bee. Except...she fell flat. She led men on, was horrible to so many people, and was ridiculously judgy towards almost everyone about how they were "boring" or "droning" when she had no personality to speak of anyway. When Miss Yates, a fellow guest at the house party she attended, tried to make a joke with her, saying she should poke a guy's eye out with a pin instead of a needle because it would work better, Peggy acted horrified, like she was some sort of old maid clutching her pearls. Everyone talked about how smart she was, but she really wasn't. All she had was common sense, and only a modicum of that to begin with. I ended up despising her by the end and begging for this book to just end.

Henry and his wife -who had the weirdest name, believe me- weren't main characters, but I need to make a small note of them. Henry, despite being categorized as the sweet, protective older brother came off as a buffoon with a wife who leads him about by the ear. Not only that, but I hated his wife. Instead of being compassionate towards her sister-in-law, she's more concerned about what gossip she can pry from Peggy, and to make herself seem sweet, she gives Peggy an ice pack, which is then justified by saying she was a blacksmith's daughter and it's all good.
It's really not.

I also need to note, one last time, that Luke's continuous exclamation of, "But I'm a duke!" is grating and got on my nerves to a ridiculous degree.

The plot of the book was not well done, and the first half of the book dragged out till the second half of the book became a mere idiocy. The pacing had the same consistency as an 8th grader's final creative writing project and the way it was written bogged the whole thing. The scene that was supposed to be climactic, when a lord tried to force himself on Peggy did not make sense. This lord was LOWER ranked than her and did not have nearly as much prestige. She is the sister of a duke, her brother could DESTROY this lord and he still tried to force her to have sex with him? That's not how it works. Not only that, but he only managed to shove her to a wall when Luke BURSTS in and saves her. She then proceeds to act like she is traumatized for the rest of the book, and like she'd survived a terrible ordeal. She was then babied for the rest of the book.
I honestly wanted to go in the book and offer her baby food, because if she's gonna act like a baby, she's gonna eat the same shitty food they eat!

While this book might be a good quick read, it also felt like something an author threw together in the middle of the night, fueled by creativity and Gatorade. I didn't enjoy it much, but I do believe it would suit fans of Virginia Heath or Manda Collins.

The tenth story in the Dukes in Danger, Luke Beauchamp, Duke of Ashcott and Lady Margaret Everleigh have thinks caused by her brother that they will have to overcome after all their years apart. I enjoyed seeing their story come together and them get a happy ending.

Will the Duke Get a Second Chance?

He abandoned her, creating a scandal. Could she ever forgive him? Margaret was about to attend a house party. She did not expect Luke to be there. Could the house party be the chance Luke needed to redeem himself? It would not be an easy task. I enjoyed this entertaining story and would recommend it to those who like second-chance historical romance.

This book, and more specifically it's male protagonist, is spectacularly daft. Apparently some sort of Pain In Youth has left him unable to act like a sensible or kind human being, leading to all manner of mishap with his intended happy-ever-after as she rightfully things him ... not a great bet.

I reached the end of the book still very unconvinced he was much to write home about.

Not a terrible read, just a tedious character.

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

Luke Beauchamp, Duke of Ashcroft, messed up and lost the lady he loves. With little choice, he leaves England for France. One year later he returns and tries to get her back. Lady Margaret (Peggy) Everleigh has no intention of giving Luke a second chance. Until the confines of a house party draws them together. It's a small quiet house party in August with very little interaction with the guests. I guess that's why this reads at a slow pace. Poor Luke! He has a hard time expressing himself and tends to put his foot in his mouth. Mild descriptive sex.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.

This is a book about second chances. Luke and Peggy meet and fall in love but when Peggy’s brother caught them, Luke ran away. Peggy was very upset with him. When Luke returned Peggy did not want anything to do with him, but he would not let her ignore him. He knew he had made a mistake and wanted her back. This was a well written book and I enjoyed it very much.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and I am leaving my honest opinion.

Another good book in this series! This time we get the pleasure of some characters with a bit of angst and rekindling of a past romance.

Luke and Peggy were caught in a compromising position by Peggy's brother just after Luke had proposed. Let's just say, that didn't go well and Luke left and was gone to France for quite awhile. When they eventually run into eachother again, it wasn't exactly sunshine and rainbows. But hey, what's a long house party to try to rekindle that romance.

While I liked the characters, I though that Peggy's was not overly unique other than being kind and smart. I have like past books in the series that really showcase a unique occupation or really strong female ideals. This book seemed more about Luke's pining than anything.

Hopefully the next book in the series hits a home run and we once again see characters from previous books.

Thank you to Dragonblade and Netgalley for providing me a copy of this ARC for my honest review.

Margaret never want to see the man again. But after a year unfortunately he returns. And will not leave! Insufferable man! Luke only wants to make the one lady who turned his head to fall back in love with him but how since she wont even talk to him or see him. But he has a plan.
And yet he leaves again.
As this romance evolves only time will tell it they can weather what lie throws at them. I was so enthralled by this book. This book and this series has been a wonderful break from the ordinary world. Love can see a way through anything, if you give it a chance.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with guidelines

This could be a really cute romance, providing the reader is a big fan of the miscommunication trope, as that trope dominates the first 60-70% of this book. As someone who doesn't love this trope, this book was a bit of a struggle for me. Separately, both Peggy and Luke are enjoyable enough characters. I didn't feel like either of them were remarkably intelligent or remarkably unintelligent and even the angst caused by their CONSTANT miscommunication (or I guess more failure to communicate) was not super angsty. There was chemistry between them, certainly, and I still do not understand why Peggy's brother would demand Luke leave when the brother caught Luke and Peggy together versus asking if they were planning to be married. That, along with the highly unchaperoned house party, made the story a bit unbelievable. Once the focus (mostly) switches off the miscommunication, the story vastly improves.

3 stars. Thank you to NetGalley and Dragonblade for the complimentary ARC. These opinions are my own.

This historical romance gives us a hero who made a bad mistake a while ago. Now he has returned to England and dares to hope he can put things right. Our heroine is an independent young lady who has an overprotective brother. She has been heartbroken and believes she will be the proverbial maiden aunt.

Misunderstandings and tortured hearts are the background to a house party. Lots of entertaining people, some good others not keep us interested all the way through.

This is part of a series of stand-alone reads. You will meet some of the characters from the other books ,but not enough to spoil them.

Great fun.

I enjoyed the book very much! It has a nice plot with enemies to lovers, second chance, forced proximity and house party tropes, very likable characters, some steam and quite a few laugh-out moments. I loved Luke‘s awkwardness, the chemistry between him and Peggy, their banter and bickering and the misunderstandings and misinterpretations. I really thought to myself that these two are in dire need of lessons in communication! LOL!

Lady Margaret (Peggy) Everleigh is beautiful, intelligent and as the sister of a duke, she is also well connected.

Luke Beauchamp, Duke of Ashcott, was brought up to be the witty and arrogant rake his father wanted him to be, and was taught that showing his feelings is a weakness. As a result, he is neither used to nor able to talk about them.

More than a year ago, Luke and Peggy instantly fell in love with each other and he proposed to her. However, after they were caught in a compromising situation by Peggy's brother Henry, Luke chose to leave her and he left for France as he was too shy to object. Peggy remained heartbroken and resentful that he had not fought for her love.
When Luke returns to England after a year as a spy in France, he wants to win Peggy back, but she can't forgive him and certainly doesn't want to make it easy for him, especially when she’s forced to endure his presence at a house party she attends…

If you like historical romance novels with some steam and humor, you will love this book!

Luke walked out on Peggy and now he's back to make things right. Peggy is very understandably still upset. He attempts to speak to her over many days and times but she won't let him finish a single sentence. His groveling is constantly interrupted by her. Let the man at least get a complete sentence out! This went on way too long and was frustrating. It made me feel less kindly towards Peggy. If I was Luke I would have moved on long ago.
Thank you to netgalley for the ARC.

I received this as an ARC copy in exchange for an unbiased review. This book was very much a historical romance type book which gave us a hero who had made a terrible mistake many years ago and has returned to England with the desire to make things change for the better. It was extremely refreshing to see the FMC as a strong independent woman (although she did have an overprotective brother). This was a great standalone read for this series. Will definitely see what the author has to offer.

What do you do if you are caught with your betrothed (nobody knows this) and toss from the house by her brother and told not to come back. Luke Beauchamp, Duke of Ashcott, left without a word and took off to France to be a spy. This should go down in his book as the thing not to do if you love the lady. He’s back and plans to surprise Lady Margaret Everleigh at a house party. Of course, she didn’t expect him to be there, and is not amused by his antics. He is determined to win her back. Is it too late? Will she forgive him? Luke made a big mistake, but he tries very hard to show he has learned his lesson. Peggy makes him squirm a while. After all, he went to France, and she faced the ton. This is an enjoyable addition to the series. Luke and Peggy are likable, if a bit difficult at times. Several characters from the previous books make an appearance. A fun romance.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.

When Luke Beauchamp, Duke of Ashcott, was thrown from his beloved Peggy’s home by her brother just after he proposed, there was only one thing to do: become a spy and run away to France. He’s learned from his mistake, and is determined to win Lady Margaret Everleigh, his one true love, back. He’ll do anything, even orchestrating a “surprise” meeting at a fortnight-long house party, to win her back.
The tenth book in the series & it’s easily read on its own but characters from other books in the series do make appearances – well they live in the same world don’t they! I liked Luke & Peggy but I didn’t love them, Luke was a reformed man but should he have run – no. Peggy had had to face the ton but I think she held out too long. A well written light, fun enjoyable romance, ideal deck chair reading
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

Ooh! Exciting Enemies to Lovers Romance

I love a good cat and mouse chase romance and this one if a great one.

Luke had made a big mistake the day he walked away from Peg the love of his life. Now he’s back and wanting to talk to her to try to win her back into his arms but things are a lot more complicated than he ever expected.

Peg had loved Luke with all her heart and was devastated the day he left, was she willing to forgive him or would she forsake him forever?

A light-hearted enjoyable read!

I voluntarily read and reviewed this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I was not captured by this book. It did not have your flare and flow to it. The first half of the book was a struggle for me to read all the repeating you did. With my reading disability of having to read each word, getting through without falling asleep, and putting the corrects words where they belong, I wondered if I would actually finish.

If you manage to get through to chapter 11, this is where the story grab you and keeps your attention, to bring you involved in the plot, the characters, and come alive. Once I got there I found the story engaging and fun full off witty banter.

Luke Beauchamp, Duke of Ashcott, his father would not show or voice of any "feminine" emotion. Strict, cold, and ruthless, that was his focus and cultures the lie so he could avoid his father's cruel punishment. However, some of it stayed in the end as he had no idea how to express himself or show affection of any kind.

Lady Margaret Everleigh, her brother, Henry Everleigh, Duke of Dulverton. Lady Margaret, or Peg/Peggy, has a calm, orderly life. She loves to read and is given all the time to find a match to her liking. She did think she found such a match but he walked out without a backward glance and no word from him or a year.

Duke and Success of Sedley, are throwing a house party. The perfect way to escape pain, but is it. Not knowing the other would be there. So join the lazy, relaxed house party to see just how unraveled these two can get.

Regaining a scorned lady’s affections isn’t easy… not even when you’re a duke.

Seasoned rake, stubborn and proud, Luke made the absolute worst decision when Peggy’s brother threw him out of the house mere moments after he proposed. But even the horrors of war couldn’t erase her from his memory, let alone mend his broken heart.
Only one thing left to do: gather all his courage, grovel for dear life and hope she’ll give him a second chance.

One moment she was to be his wife, the next he vanished leaving her behind to face the ton and all their gossip on her own. And now, over a year later, her heart barely stitched together again, he was back, begging for forgiveness, for a moment to explain.
No way! She wouldn’t fall for his tricks again! She was done with him! Once and for all!
But living under the same roof as her recently happily married brother, made her frail heart ache all the more. Maybe a country house party might do her some good?
But of course he’s right there, waiting for her…

📚 A battle of wits, wills and whiles, I wouldn’t know how to trope-ify this book… a second-chance romance? Enemies-to-lovers? Yes, and no, not really… They’re in love, caught in a compromising situation, and he runs away. Honourable? No, but her brother, a duke, did demand it. Then again, he’s a duke himself.
A bit confusing, but he was truly miserable and remorseful, his grovel was nice and entertaining - the man really tries, but she makes it so very hard for him. He’s got a short temper and she just loves to provoke him. She’s also quite tenacious in her resentment, and I wish I got to see a bit more of them happily together instead of only an ‘all’s well that ends well’ epilogue.
A fast read and not terribly original, this story was rather predictable which made it light and fun - an enjoyable palate cleanser, ideal for a relaxing afternoon!