This book was reminiscent of Sarah Mclean's old books and I loved it. When Arabella's sister runs off with a groom, she offers herself up as a wife and babymaker to the Duke of Whittsley, Silas, to save her family from scandal.

The premise of this book doesn't make a whole lot of sense and at times doesn't really seem that logical, but Silas is completely aware of this and is in fact, drawn to Arabella because of this. He was such a great hero, I loved his humor and how quickly he saw Arabella's true value. This book was a quick read and part of what made it so was the absolute likeability of the main characters. In order to have a marriage of convenience, they make up these rules and then end up breaking or stretching them early on that leads to them falling for each other.

Another thing I loved was that this story had the usual 75% in will they or won't they conflict and separation. It's pretty formulaic for most romance novels, but I personally love it, especially if it's done well. Overall, it was a fun read. Lots of steam for those who love steam.

4.5 Stars

Charming, fun and fresh!

I adored the fresh concept and approach to taking control of one's future! The courage Arabella showed in her bid for a HEA was inspiring. I also found the hero's readiness to go along charming. I was enchanted within the first five pages and had a difficult time putting the book down.

I enjoyed the banter, the cheekiness of Silas and easy way they got along. This story was filled with laughter and surprises. I liked Charlotte, Arabella's best friend, and her voice of reason...occasionally lined with loving sarcasm. The rules were brilliant and set them up for a lovely jaunt to the alter.

I liked that while discovering his secret, Arabella realized her heart was already firmly set on Silas. That they found a way to make it a positive part of their lives also added to the charm of the story. His grandfather was an interesting character; gruff and blustery. But we find the secret ends up softening his rough edges.

This is the first book by this author for me and I hope she does more English historical romances. I like her cheek and fresh air.

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

Reviewed by Lisa Ringsby for Buried Under Romance

So much fun! Lots of humor and romance. The hero was such a charming and fun cinnamon roll. The heroine, Arabelle, was sweet and a bit feisty too. She definitely is not afraid to take matters into her own hands. After the heroines sister marries below her station, Arabella decides to restore her family name, and she needs a duke to make that happen! They strike a bargain, a marriage for an heir, and a marriage of convenience ensues. It was just so much fun to read about these two falling in love. Cant wait to read more by this author!

Ten Rules for Marrying a Duke was absolutely delightful and I'm so so happy I picked it up. It has so much that I love: a marriage of convenience, it's bursting with snark and banter, excellent character growth, and our characters have wonderful chemistry and it was honestly just so so fun. And two characters who set out to, specifically, not fall in love with one another? Gimmeeeeeeeeee.

Silas and Ari? *chefs kiss*

Their friends and family? Sassy and wonderful.

I laughed so hard through so much of this book that I was just so happy, but that doesn't mean that there also weren't a few moments that had me weeping. There were. And they were welcome but ugh it was unexpected. I adored this story and I cannot wait to dive into more stories from Michelle McLean.


[Thank you to Entangled Publishing and Netgalley for my review copy]

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for sending me a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
What can I say I'm a sucker for the 'marriage of convenience' trope and I really really enjoyed this book! The two main characters were so likeable and entertaining and I really loved their banter and how their relationship progressed over the book. I particularly liked how Arabella was the instigator of their relationship and I loved how gutsy she was. While parts of the story were very predictable, it didn't make me enjoy it any less and there were so many moments that made me smile. This was a really lovely, heartwarming romance that I would definitely recommend.

Excellent book! The characters are funny and personable. A reader can get caught up in this book and not be able to put it down. Ari propositions the Duke to be his wife and provide an heir, and he never has to deal with her again. This is his perfect match. He only has to find her sister a husband. He knows he can fulfill his part of the bargain. There is only one thing standing in the way of this perfect arrangement....Love!

I've realized that one of my favorite things is when two fools in a romance novel think that they can get away with not falling in love. I just laugh an internal mastermind evil laugh and sit back and enjoy what the author has in store for these two suckers, and watch it all unfold. When they happens inside a marriage of convenience, one of my favorite tropes, I'm elated.

I was also excited and expecting some good banter, when the word "mischief" and "bookish" are used in a historical romance, and felt that McLean delivered on that demand. It was fun to watch them together, trying to keep to their rules and ultimately, fail at it.

While historicals will never necessarily be my go-to within the romance genre, I love the chance to sprinkle them in and find myself enjoying them when I put them into my reading rotation; three years ago, I would have never thought I'd be here reading them at all, so I'd call that growth, friends!

This is a first time read for me by Ms McLean and I can tell you it won't be my last. It's a fun and flirty marriage of convenience story with great characters and had me captivated right from the start. Arabella is desperate to restore her family's reputation after the scandal that was caused by her sister's marriage. She proposes a marriage of convenience to Silas, the Duke of Whittsley, an absolute rake who is in need of an heir. Although he really has no desire to marry, Arabella's proposal intrigues him and he figures they both could certainly benefit from this bargain. The bargain becomes even more interesting when they come up with rules they must abide by. I found this to be a thoroughly entertaining and enjoyable read that had me at times laughing out loud at the pair obediently trying to follow their rules. The banter between them was quite amusing and fun and you could easily see them truly falling for each other in the process. They had an amazing connection with spectacular chemistry, and since they are married after all, you can certainly expect quite a bit of steam! This was an absolutely delightful story and I am happy to have had the opportunity to read it!
Great book! I am excited that I now have a new author to follow.

I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

This is an AMAZING story that had me totally under its spell from beginning to end!!

Michelle McLean has created yet another masterpiece. This story will charm you like no other, you won’t want the book to end!! I have to admit I was immediately drawn to this story by its gorgeous cover and intriguing title, then I noted who the author was, I was all in!

This is the story of a girl who wants to help her families reputation and will do anything she has to in order for her younger sister to make a good match. The MCs are Miss Arabella Bromley and Silas Spencer the Duke of Whittsley. The story begins with Arabella planning to convince Silas (a Duke and distant cousin to the Queen) to help her restore the good reputation of her family - although Silas was “a bit rakish and too unserious for Arabella’s tastes, his background was impeccable, and his opinions carried great weight” - exactly the man Arabella needs to wed! Now she just has to convince Silas to marry her, and quickly. Some simple rules is all these two need to avoid any misunderstandings and to achieve each of their goals as quickly and efficiently as possible. You know what they say about best laid plans…

This story will keep you entertained as our two MCs try their best to follow the rules, yet some rules just beg to be broken! I loved the banter between the characters and the chemistry between Arabella and Silas was smoking hot! Even with the lights on 👀 🔥❤️‍🔥

If you are looking for a witty, sexy, and playful story — check this book out!

Overall 5 Stars ⭐️ | 5 Flames 🔥 — I hope the author continues with these characters!


Review Copy of Ten Rules for Marrying a Duke provided by Entangled Publishing for an honest Review.

See More Reviews Alpha Book Club

When her older sister elopes with a servant, Arabella makes a bargain with Silas. She will enter into a marriage of convenience with him so that the Duke can get an heir and the Duke will help her sister find a good match. Once they have met their goals, Arabella will retire to the country so that the Duke can continue his life. That's when the rules came to play, to ensure that they did not catch feelings and for them both to be reminded that their marriage was temporary. What I loved is that Silas was intrigued with Arabella from the start, he was not really a rake and truly cared for Arabella. They both had amazing chemistry and did not know how to tell the other that they wanted more. The novel was engaging, fun and sweet with enough spice to keep me interested. I really enjoyed it and recommend it for anyone looking for a heartwarming historical romance that will leave you smiling.

4.5 Stars

A marriage of convenience, a charming duke, and a bookish heroine. Michelle McLean was able to create a refreshing take on the most common romance trope and characters and make it totally delightful.

Silas and Arabella feel that setting up a contract will ensure both parties keep their promise and a marriage of convenience will forever stay a convenience. We all know how that will end. After all, rules are meant to be broken. Something they both love doing. :)

Silas and Arabella together are just fire, and it was fun seeing them fall in love and break their well-planned contract one rule at a time. Their interactions and witty banter had me grinning throughout. Silas was so charming and genuinely such a nice person I found it hard to believe that he had an irresponsible reputation.

Though some dialogues sound modern, this book was well written and amazingly paced. And in case you are wondering if it is all a bed of roses, the story has the right amount of angst to make it enjoyable till the very end. This book is a must-read for all historical romance lovers.

Comedy over romance.
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Thank you to @tlcbooktours and @entangledteen for the eARC of 10 Rules for Marrying a Duke by Michelle McLean. I was excited to read this new historical romance as I had seen her previous book Hitched to the Gunslinger all over bookstagram last year.
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The style of 10 Rules is a little more madcap comedy for my taste. I prefer comedic scenes to be a little less the focus and have the simmering tension take center stage. McLeans book replaces witty banter with the heroine being flustered most of the time and it got a little old for me. I am sure a lot of people appreciate the heroine endearing herself to the hero because she is so awkward, but it wasn’t for me.
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There are many great ideas in this story, deals between our love interests, rules of conduct for said deal, and close proximity carriage rides to name a few. Although there were many fun aspects, everything felt very surface level. This book would be perfect for someone looking for more of a situational comedy with a very nice hero instead of a passionate romance, but I tend to prefer all that thick tension and the morally gray love interest.
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Overall good read. I liked the banter and chemistry between Arabella and Silas. I find it hard to believe how quickly Silas agreed to Arabella’s plan. They didn’t know eat other before and it is a crazy plan to agree to so quickly. I accepted it and moved on so I was able to enjoy the book.

There was some miscommunication issues but understandable since they haven’t known each other for long. The plot was pretty expected. I liked the rules and how both were trying and amiable with each other. I really liked Charlotte. Nice ending and I’m happy for the two of them.

*Received via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

This is my first read by Michelle McLean and I was not disappointed!!! Very good book, a fast read. Arabella and Silas meet on the second page of this book and they are the sole focus throughout the book- it really shows how the characters grow, and you will fall in love with them!! This is a must read for any romance fan!!!

I received a complimentary copy from Entangled Publishing. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

In my opinion this is the book for bookworms because the hero in this book is a bookworm that has never been a rule follower . Her moment of 'rebellion' occurs when her sister decides to run off with a man perceived to be below her. That leads to her family's reputation being ruined and thus she has to marry quickly. I love a good marriage of convenience with an attractive duke. Loved it! The plot is well executed and the characters lovable.

I liked the premise of the book and the whole thing about rules.

However, the middle of the book was rather dull. Nothing really was happening and I felt kind of robbed of their intimacy when I found out this is more a closed-door romance. There are kisses and the mention of sex but not much more. So if you’re into that this book would be for you, unfortunately for me, it wasn’t.

The last couple of chapters were a little better in terms of action (again, not the kind I’d prefer) and a little bit of drama. I did contemplate DNF-ing it but somehow it was compelling enough to read further.

⭐⭐

If you are easily seduced by witty banter you will surely fall in love with Ten Rules for Marrying a Duke just as thoroughly as Arabella Bromley and Silas, Duke of Whittsley fall in love with each other.

Not that that’s what either of them expects when the story begins. In fact, they outright plan against such a thing. That’s what those rules are for, after all. Creating a partnership rather than a relationship so that they can help each other out of the pickles they have both landed in – and then go their separate ways.

Silas needs an heir, but he doesn’t really want a wife. A wife who will become a permanent part of his life and might very well make demands on him. He’s been turning both a deaf ear and a blind eye to his grandfather’s nearly constant harangues about taking his responsibilities seriously, ceasing his frivolous pursuits, doing his duty by his title, and especially marrying and siring an heir.

Silas does take his responsibilities to his estate seriously. Well, more like semi-seriously, which is how he treats pretty much everything. He recognizes that he will have to marry and have an heir someday but he’s only 30 and not ready to settle down in any form or fashion whatsoever.

Arabella Bromley, on the other hand, thought she was settled. Her father was content for her to settle into the happily bookish spinsterhood she intended to revel in. He’s an introvert just as she is, so he understands her as no one else in the family does. She can’t inherit his title, and neither can her sisters, he has plenty of money to ensure that she will be comfortable even if she never so her bluestocking nature is not a problem.

At least not until her older sister Alice marries their groom, bringing scandal down on all their heads. The invitations to events dry up in the hot wind of gossip blowing through the ton. It’s find for her father, it’s fine for Arabella, and Alice certainly doesn’t care. But their younger sister Anna cares very much. Her Season was cut short due to illness and she expected to have another Season to find a husband and get herself settled.

The entire family is now social poison and Anna won’t be able to make a good match. It’s up to Arabella to concoct a scheme that will allow their family to weather the storm of scandal. All she has to do is convince the Duke of Whittsley to marry her and sponsor her sister back into society.

And that’s where those pesky rules come in. The ten rules they write together in a bit of hilariously embarrassing but utterly necessary one-up-person-ship, in order to hammer out just how they will convince the ton that they are madly in love, rescue her sister AND detail how to handle their lives once they part company after all the deeds are done.

They should have put in a rule about what to do when they both broke the unstated rule of the whole affair – that neither of them was supposed to fall in love with the other.

Escape Rating B: The first half of this book is an absolute delight. The second half was a bit overshadowed by the giant misunderstandammit that takes over the story, but still had plenty of verve left from that first half to carry this reader through to the end.

Arabella’s scheme to marry Silas is a bit contrived. Both in the sense that she has contrived it on a wing and a prayer, and that the entire situation tries so hard to be a meet cute – although it mostly manages to get there.

What carries that day – and the entire first half of the book – is the way that they both approach the possibility of turning this half-baked scheme into a fully-baked reality. On the one hand, they are opposites. Arabella takes pretty much everything seriously, while Silas takes almost nothing seriously.

He enters into the entire scheme because he’s having fun tweaking Arabella into a reluctant smile at every opportunity. It’s the most “real” fun he’s had in a long time.

It all works because in spite of coming at the situation from opposite directions they are both witty and intelligent people and determined to give as good as they get in every encounter. Arabella wants to stick to the rules they create while Silas pushes the boundaries of all the rules all the time.

And both of them are having a great time doing it – just as the reader does watching them talk and tease each other into friendship and ultimately marriage. Which is where that misunderstandammit rears its ugly little head.

Because they do the one thing neither ever expected. They fall in love with each other. But all their rules were predicated on that NEVER happening. They want to stay together but each is quite reasonably afraid that if they change the rules and the other isn’t on the same page then they’ll lose the happiness they’ve found. It IS a conundrum.

One that they wallow in just a bit too long. It makes sense that the conversation they need to have is hard to have but…the wallowing turned both of them into just the kind of angst-ridden lovesick fools – emphasis on fool – that they so successfully and entertainingly avoided in the first half.

Howsomever, that second half also brings to light some things that I really liked but don’t see nearly often enough in Regencies in the treatment of that scandalous older sister. Because she hasn’t disappeared from her family’s lives and she isn’t treated like a dirty secret. She’s happy in her marriage, her husband is wonderful, and they’re living in a family house out in the country. Because they’re both happier there not because her family has disowned them.

And when Arabella is having the inevitable crisis, it’s her big sister she turns to for solace, for advice, and for safe harbor from her self-created storm. One gets the definite impression that if it hadn’t been for the youngest sister still wanting to find a husband the entire family would have told the ton to go fly a kite – or whatever the appropriate Regency phrase would have been. And wouldn’t that have made for a delicious story?

I very much liked that the family didn’t do any of the terrible things that happen so often to scandal-prone daughters in Regency romance.

So I adored the first half, had mixed but mostly positive feelings about the second half, and ended the book remembering their witty banter very fondly. If you like romances where the protagonists talk each other into love, watching Arabella and Silas make – and break – those ten rules is a lot of fun.

Ten Rules for Marrying a Duke was just what I needed to get me out of the reading slump I have been having this week. It involves Arabella, who proposes to the most eligible bachelor in London, Silas. She knows his status will help quiet the scandal of her older sister marrying below her station and will secure a good match for her younger sister. In exchange, he will get an heir and a wife he can ignore.

I thought this was such an adorable love story. Right fri\om the beginning, I was sucked into their love story. They had great banter and chemistry. It was just so much fun watching them fall for each other. There were times that I was yelling for them to just admit their feelings. The list of rules was a neat idea. That scene where they came up with the list was really cute. I highly recommend this one if you are looking for a sweet and romantic romance.

This book is so good I really didn't want it to end when I got to the last page with characters you want to know more about and root for and a great story that kept me totally immersed in all that was happening from start to finish. I loved the attraction and chemistry between Arabella Bromley and The Duke of Whittsley. If you enjoy delightful Regency romance that you can't put down, don't miss Ten Rules for Marrying a Duke by gifted author Michelle McLean. I received an advance reader copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

This is my first read from Michelle McLean and I'm shocked I haven't read this author before. This was an excellent read with smart, funny writing that hooked me from the beginning It's a true art when someone can write a humorous story without trying too hard to be humorous. I need to finish writing this so I can go pick up another Michelle McLean book!

What does an introverted girl do when one sister elopes with a servant and the other sister is just entering society? She hatches a plan to save them all from ruin of course! The plight of a middle daughter... Arabella is more at home in the corner with a book even in a full ballroom. But once she has her younger sister to consider, her plans change drastically.

This is where Silas comes in, the life of the party, a true extrovert filled with wit and charm, a rake of the first order, fully content to carry on his carefree life forever, if not for society's need to match every unmarried man with a debutante. Arabella offers him a proposal, well... two proposals. They get married, he help find her sister a quality match, she gives him an heir and retires to the country. Easy, right?

What follows is just how poorly a plan goes with neither party can stick to the most important parts! These two opposites truly do attract. The teasing and flirting is just... *chef's kiss*. While there was a lack of strife in this book, it wasn't missed. This was a cute light hearted read that hit the spot perfectly. I can't wait to pick up another. I believe this was a standalone and definitely worth your time!

My opinions are my own and freely given.