Lady Margaret “Meg” Pinwell learns about the advantageous match her parents made for her. She knows nothing about her ducal betrothed except for what she has read in the papers. With her aunt’s help, Meg masquerades as a lady’s companion and visits his country estate. However, an accident forces both women to continue their disguises. Meg finds she prefers the duke’s rapscallion butler than him. Which man will Meg ultimately choose? The aristocrat? Or the butler?

James Clay, the Duke of Earnhurst, has no interest in restoring his ancestral home. He enjoys annoying his man of business - that he inherited from his late father. When two women show up, unannounced, James introduces his employee as the duke. However, an unfortunate accident forces James and Elliott to continue the ruse. He never expected to fall in love with a lady’s companion. She becomes James’ reason in fixing up his home. Will his guests learn of his and Elliott’s true identities? But at what price?

I could not connect with either Meg or Clara. There were moments when both women annoyed me. I understand Meg’s concern about the validity behind the rumors surrounding James. Any sheltered young woman would be. What I disliked the most about Meg is the opinion she formed about Elliott. She had already made up her mind about him. Meg did not want to see his good points, just the bad.

I did not care much for James’ attitude. However, he slowly endeared himself to me. I understand some of James’ anger towards his late father and jealousy of Elliott. It is just a shame that he and his father could not have made amends.

A DUKE NEVER TELLS is a standalone historical romance by Suzanne Enoch. This book contains two romances. It did feel like it centered more on Clara and Elliott’s romance than Meg and James. For some reason, this book did not grab me like the author’s past works.

This delightful Regency rom-com follows Meg, an heiress betrothed to a Duke, and her plucky young aunt Clara, as they attempt to learn more about her mysterious match.

What begins as an innocent “fake sightseeing excursion” snowballs into a delightful comedy of mistaken identity and intrigue as nobody in the castle is who they seem to be. Sparks fly, letters are sent, and kisses are stolen in A Duke Never Tells.

Thanks to Tor/Bramble for the eARC in exchange for my honest review!

What a fun romp! A tale of mistaken identities, falling in love with the wrong person, and living in a ramshackle manor. Chaos ensues when Lady Margaret wants to visit her betrothed’s manor to see what kind of person he is. When she arrives with her aunt, who have taken assumed identities, she is greeted by a drunk Duke. However, that drunk Duke doesn’t want to be bothered, so he introduces his man of business as the Duke. The actual Duke becomes the butler!! This was a fun HR, clean, with great characters and charm.

Enoch’s writing is as charming as ever, mixing humor and heart with ease. The characters are both endearing and frustrating in the best way, keeping me hooked. It is a perfect blend of lighthearted fun, a dash of intrigue, and a happily-ever-after that’s as heartwarming as it is inevitable.

This was a really cute story of two couples finding love even though there was confusion in their roles. I liked this a lot, but not quite as much as the previous book I read by Enoch, Every Duke Has His Day.

This is a kind of book that fills your heart and makes you smile in the best way possible. What I adore about this book is how Enoch captures the moments of vulnerability amid the laughter and mistaken identities. There’s a beautiful balance of wit and depth in the writing that keeps you hooked. You’re not just turning the pages for the drama (though there’s plenty of that); you’re craving the emotional moments where Meg and James start to see each other for who they truly are.
The writing is sharp and light, but there’s also this wonderful undercurrent of tenderness. You can feel the connection growing between them, even as they navigate their identities and the charades they’ve created. If you love historical romances that blend laughs, swoon-worthy moments, and characters who make you feel like you’ve found old friends, this is a must-read.