Beguiling the Duke is the first in the new 7-story series Lords in Love alternating between authors Darcy Burke and Erica Ridley. If Beguiling the Duke is any indication, every romance in this series is going to be perfect. Both satisfyingly readable in their own books and series, put Burke and Ridley and together and you’ve got a winner!

Sadie Campion is practically an old maid. Yes, she’s only 24 but it’s the Regency Era and if you’re not married by then it’s probably not going to happen. This year’s matchmaking festival in her town of Marrywell is her last chance. Her first and only appearance at the festival was so horrible and humiliating she’s avoided it since, but she desperately wants her own home and family to care for, rather than the ungrateful father and brothers who love her but think her sole purpose in life is catering to their whims. So she’s determined to brave it again in the hopes of a life of her own – and just maybe, maybe, some love. Until . . . .

The Duke of Lawford’s carriage breaks down near Sadie’s father’s estate and he and his servants appear on their doorstop looking for help. There are no rooms available in town because of the festival so the Duke and his men stay with Sadie and her family. There is an instant tickle of attraction between them but she mostly thinks of him as the rude Adonis and because she’s cleaning the door when he meets her, he thinks she’s just the very attractive housekeeper. Soon, though, she’s wondering how many ways he could make her heart skip and he’s wondering if he will ever think of her lips as anything but kissable. He has no intention of ever marrying, however, and she has no intention of marrying a Duke and having to live the life of a Duchess, but he likes her and offers to escort her to the festivities in order to possibly elevate her chances of a good match.

Beguiling the Duke has everything you could want in an historical romance. That unstoppable attraction between two people who have experienced hurts and loss and who think their futures are inevitable, except for this mysterious magnetic pull between them. Add in misunderstandings and interference from townsfolk and people from the Ton and Law’s staff and even Sadie’s father, who thinks having her daughter marry a Duke would be the best thing to happen in a long time and you are in for a terrific read.

The dialogue is rich and sweet, Sadie and Law are charming and lovable and shy at times with each other and confused about what is happening between them. Add to the sweet some heat and spice and intrigue and as I said – perfect!

Thanks to authors Darcy Burke and Erica Ridley for allowing me to be part of their Review Crew and for providing an advance copy of Beguiling the Duke for my swoony pleasure and honest opinion. I honestly loved it and can’t wait for the remaining books in the series; all opinions are my own. ( )

Beguiling the Duke by Darcy Burke
Lords in Love #1

Duke meets country woman and sparks fly – can they find happiness or is the societal divide too large to overcome?

What I liked:
* Sadie: mid-twenties, only daughter with four brothers and widowed father, taken for granted, works hard, ready to settle down, eager to meet her match and start a home and family of her own
* Lawford: duke, brother, father sounded a bit overbearing, on his way to meet his almost betrothed, rather taken with Sadie, begins to realize what he wants and be willing to go for it
* The concept of the Marrywell Mayday Matchmaking Festival
* That Sadie’s family slowly began to realize they were taking advantage of Sadie
* The side romance between Mavis (Sadie’s maid) and Holdon (Lawford’s coachman)
* The introduction to a new series I believe will center around the Festival
* That it was a bit predictable and also a bit like a fairytale – a solid story but not my favorite by this author

What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Yes

Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.

3-4 Stars ( )