He’s looking for a duchess. She’s looking for…well, anyone but him.Georgie Cleveland is well aware that true love exists. She may have even found it in the handsome young gentleman she’s set her sights on. Unfortunately, her rival has the same designs on society’s most sought-after poet. Now Georgie is forced to go to extremes to catch his eye. She could make him jealous, for example, by … example, by feigning interest in her sister’s brother-in-law, the Duke of Roxborough. It is all for show, of course. Roxborough is far too dull for her tastes. So boring, so stodgy…yet, such a surprisingly passionate kisser.
With Roxborough’s new title comes more pressure than ever to marry. His mother has prospective wives lined up for him, all perfectly fitted for the role. Why then does he find himself saddled with the wide-eyed Georgie at every turn? He has no use for someone so frivolous, not with the responsibilities he has on his plate. He should help her find a husband to rid himself of her distractions, but that’s easier said than done when it quickly becomes clear that her taste in husbands is abysmal. To make matters worse, she seems to have the oddest effect on him. The more she tells him how safe and predictable he is, the more he’s tempted to kiss her senseless.
more
4.5 stars
Rhys Galwin, the Duke of Roxborough needs to find a bride, in fact he has a list and Georgette “Georgie” Cleveland is NOT on it!
Georgie has come to stay with her sister and brother-in-law for the season. She has high hopes for finding her own love match this season and may have already found him! Lord Malcolm Reynolds is the man of her dreams, he is handsome, charming and a poet! He hasn’t noticed her yet, but he will.
When Rhys accompanies Georgie and the family to a ball, Georgie spots her rival Mary with Lord Malcolm. She decides that Rhys is the perfect man to make Mary jealous, she commands Rhys to dance with her. Shocked by her forwardness, Rhys complies and is a bit annoyed, this dance will but a kink in his bride hunting! He scoffs when Georgie offers to help him find a bride – she is the LAST person he would ever ask for help, she is frivolous and doesn’t have any clue what is required of a duchess. But despite that, he feels oddly protective of her.
Her dance with Rhys did make Lord Malcolm take notice and he asks her to dance, but instead of feeling elated, she feels unsettled by him and when he asks her to meet him in secret, she is shocked. She wonders what she did to give him the impression that she was that type of girl. Later Rhys overhears Malcolm boasting to his friends that he will seduce Georgie, he intervenes and implies that he is interested in her and is glad that Malcolm isn’t considering her as a wife. He finds Georgie and forbids her to meet Malcolm, she didn’t plan on it and when he goes further and insults her family, she slaps him. They bicker and he kisses her!
Her friend Mary comes to visit and tells her of the gossip – Rhys wants to court her! WHAT?? She needs answers, she finds Rhys and confronts him, he is just about to kiss her again when his mother bursts in, she has heard the rumors and wants to do damage control. Georgie is confused by her feelings and wonders if she should give up on finding a love match.
Rhys tries to apologize about the kiss, but Georgie brushes it off and again offers to help him with his “list”. Georgie makes him laugh and he feels lighter than he has in years. Days later, the duchess tells her that she noticed her connection with Rhys and approves, Georgie pretends to misunderstand and the duchess doesn’t fall for it – she says she won’t tell Rhys of Georgie’s feelings – Georgie is overwhelmed, she isn’t falling in love with him! It was the kiss – yes, she needs to kiss him again! When Rhys happens upon her, she throws herself at him, he kisses her back, but then tells her he can’t marry her – she babbles and runs off.
Later that night, Rhys escapes the bride choosing soirée – he finds Lord Malcolm in his study and sends him away, Nic comes in and offers him some advice. Rhys realizes, that Georgie is the bride he wants and needs, but how can he convince her?? That is when he notices the “list” is missing. But he no longer needs a list – he has made his decision!
This is a delightful story with very likable leads, some heated kisses, wonderful secondary characters, a dash of humor and a very wonderful declaration scene. This is the second book in the series (third if you count the Wicked Earl’s book), but it can easily be read as a stand-alone title.
4.5 Stars
He’s looking for a duchess. She’s looking for…well, anyone but him.
Georgie Cleveland is well aware that true love exists afterall her two sisters have recently married for love. She may have even found it in the handsome young lord she’s set her sights on. Unfortunately, her rival & best friend Mary has the same designs on society’s most sought-after poet. Now Georgie is forced to go to extremes to catch his eye. She could make him jealous, for example, by feigning interest in her sister’s brother-in-law, Rhys Galwin, the Duke of Roxborough. It is all for show, of course. Roxborough is far too dull for her tastes. So boring, so stodgy. With Roxborough’s new title comes more pressure than ever to marry. His mother has prospective wives lined up for him, all perfectly fitted for the role. She’s even made a detailed list.
Quite a short book that I read in two sittings but an entertaining delightful read, I think I smiled all the way through. The pace is very good & I didn’t want to put it down. The characters are well developed & have plenty of depth. Rhys & Georgie are perfect for each other their verbal sparring had me smiling & laughing at times. A feel good novel that I thoroughly enjoyed & I look forward to the Cleveland brothers having their HEAs.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
The list
Rhys, Duke of Roxborough, needs a wife. His mother decides to make a list of eligible ladies with all of their pros and cons. Rhys can’t seem to keep his mind on the list with his sister-in-law’s sister in his house. Her laughter and joy are overwhelming and make him think about the rigidity and duty of his position as a Duke. Georgia was interested in someone else, until he made a misstep and Rhys played his hand as her protector. One slap and a kiss and Georgia and Rhys are set on a path neither one expected. An engaging humorous journey of two unlikely people falling in love. Or…a stuff shirt learns to laugh and the young lady who taught him how.
Great writing, awesome characters, lovely read.
A very weak plot. Waste of time to read
One of the most amusing stories I’ve read in a long time.
A little predictable for me but it was a decent story that kept me entertained.
I’ve read all the books in this series. Each can be stand alone but it’s fun to read about all the main characters. This was a lot of fun. You’ll enjoy this and any others.
A little unrealistic. The Duke falls for the sister of his sister-in law.
This is an amusing and entertaining story. Rhys is the perfect stodgy Duke. At least he was until Georgie is a carefree and bubbly woman with a snarky sense of humor. As far as Rhys is concerned, she’s too loud, talks too much and laughs too much. She inadvertently makes him laugh once and decides to make a goal in life to make him laugh every chance she gets. He finds himself irresistibly attracted to her, but plans to do his duty to his title by marrying someone who is more suitable. This story is so entertaining, Rhys constantly finds himself at a loss for words because of Georgie’s antics. It’s a book that belongs on your TBR list if you like humor with your romance.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.
OH MY HEAVENLY STARS!!!
Ok guys, here we go. This is one fantastic page turning bombshell that hooks you from the start and reels you in for the duration. You have your whirlwind of emotions and adventures that keep your head spinning. I laughed and yes I cried a little. Don’t judge. If you can’t sink into a good book, its not worth reading. And let me be frank, this is definitely an absolutely amazing tale. The characters are intriguing, complex and realistic. Their personalities and individual qualities that carry them forward and progressed them through the roles created for each one. Well developed, balanced and perfectly relatable. The scenes so vividly detailed. They flowed smoothly and each scene described to perfection that made for a remarkable bockdrop. Varying contrasts added a little spice to the mix for full flavored appeal. Maggie definitely knows her stuff. Not a dull moment. I loved the banter, the arguing and the chemistry between the two main characters, but I really wanted to hit the male upside the head with a heavy pot a few times. All the twists, turns and unexpected surprises kept it fresh and exciting. Maggie did a remarkable job bringing this read to life flawlessly. A word of advice my friends, when you grab your copy, pull up a comfy seat, a snack, kick back and relax. You won’t be putting this little jewel down for a while. To top it off if you’re like me you’ll read it again and again. Yes my friends it is that good. Great job Maggie, thanks for sharing this awesome read with us.
What at first glance appeared to a humorous take on Regency lifestyle, was in fact imbued with sadness, past mistakes and the pain of ensuring that no-one would get close enough to cause the characters that kind of pain again. If I hadn’t married a quiet and introverted man, I might have thought that Rhys’s character was an over-kill. However, men like him do exist, and they are so often good, kind men who are overlooked because they don’t strut and bluster their way through life. I also know people like Georgie who deal with life’s heartaches by laughing and joking their way through each embarrassing moment. Underneath it all, they are ordinary people with the same feelings and need for affirmation. In so many ways Rhys and Georgie are good for each other, as she draws out his very dry sense of humour, and Rhys gives her the safety and protection she needs. When the moment of decision comes though, Georgie struggles with her feelings, knowing that she would never be the right choice as Rhys’s duchess. I loved the main characters in this book, the wit and the humorous situations that evolved. The book is also well written, and although it forms part of a series, it is nevertheless a stand-alone and has a happy ending. I received a copy of this book as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.
I was so happy when I started to read this book, knowing that it was about Rhys who we meet in The Rakes Ruin. If you like HEA with a stuffy duke and an intelligent, mischievous miss, you will love this book. It was full of humour, joy and romance. It kept a smile on my face from page one. It was one of those books you read for the pure enjoyment of relaxing. This book reminds me of Maya Rodale so if you like hers, you will love this. I would say it is my favourite so far and for this reviewer, being a clean romance was an added bonus. Although it is part of a series, you can read it alone but I am sure you will be going back to read the others. I am very much enjoying this author and she is fast becoming one of my favourites and I look forward to the next the book. I did receive this as an ARC but it was pure pleasure to read it.
A very sweet and cute story. I loved both Rhys and Georgie. They are a perfect match for each other. Opposites attract, right? The dialog in this story is fantastic and the scenes are wonderfully written. Rhys’ stuffy attitude and inner thoughts were too funny. Loved this story! I could have read more of Rhys and Georgie.
I received a complimentary copy from the author.