I had such a fun time reading this one! It starts as a softer enemies-to-lovers before there is a slow progression to acquaintanceship to friendship to eventually lovers. I’m not a huge fan of heavy enemies-to-lovers where the main characters deeply despise each other on a fundamental level and go to the extreme of showing zero empathy/compassion to the other human being or outwardly trying to harm the other, so this was a perfect fit for me. They definitely start out as enemies, but it’s more of a misguided assumption on Georgiana’s part. Theo has his irks with her, especially at the beginning, but watching them change slowly over the course of the book was beautiful. I especially enjoyed how they interacted with each other throughout; the bickering and bantering were top notch.

What threw me a little were the scandalous parlor games that I highly doubt would have ever taken place at a time as this, but it works for the sake of the story and entertainment, so I’ll forgive it there. With stories like this, I take the “historical accuracy” aspect with a grain of salt. Some of the games felt silly at times, and nearly gave me second-hand embarrassment, but that’s all part of the fun.

The romance: I honestly loved how their relationship transformed throughout the story, and how they change as individuals. Haymore does such a great job of presenting the reality of courtships and how they are affected by their families and social statuses of this era.

I gave this 4 out of 5 stars because, while I was very entertained, it wasn’t perfect and that’s okay. I still had a great time reading this. I could see how this can be someone’s 5 star read, and that’s great.

I also noticed some horrible formatting errors that I’m hoping were just the version that I was sent: I know sometimes pdfs don’t format well with kindles. The chapters were not blocked out correctly, every once in a while sentences would be broken with paragraphs, and there were some paragraph spacing inconsistencies. This is something that is definitely fixable, and doesn’t affect the reading experience too badly if you’re patient.

In conclusion, if you want a gentle, realistic feeling enemies-to-lovers Regency inspired romance, you are going to want to pick this one up.

I loved the story, the world building and meeting the different characters. I felt completely immersed in the story and couldn't stop reading it.

Jennifer Haymore is a new writer for me. This may be my first book by her but it definitely won’t be my last. I loved Theo and Georgiana’s story. I’m not always a fan of enemies to lovers but this one is written just right. Both characters are reasonable and don’t hang on to preconceived ideas so long that you wonder if we’re ever getting to the lovers part. Georgiana is an intelligent young woman who understands her worth and is willing to go it alone if no one sees more to her than an inheritance and Theo is working to right the wrongs of his father. I love that they didn’t give up on each other. There were significant issues to work through and some battles had to be fought alone but there was never any doubt that they would get to their HEA. It’s a beautiful story and Theos growth was so well written you won’t be able to stop reading once you get to the last 100 pages. Well done Ms Haymore!

Georgiana Milford is an heiress whose father made his money in trade and she knows that all the men who are interested in marrying her are only doing it to gain access to her dowry. While walking in the park with her friend, Charlotte, she meets the Duke of Desborough, Theo St. Clair. Georgiana's family and Theo's family are arch enemies due to the antics of his deceased father. Charlotte invites Georgiana to a house party they are attending and assures her that Theo will not be there as he parent's would never approve of her attending if he was a guest. At the house party, after Georgiana finds out that Theo was actually invited, she is determined to treat him as she always does until he tells her not to compare him to his father, to judge him on his own merit. As the time of the house party goes on, and Theo and Georgiana are spending more time with each other, they actually develop and attraction and find they actually get along well together. Eventually word gets back to Georgiana's parents that Theo is at the same house party she is attending and they arrive unexpectedly to bring her home. Georgiana has to decide if she loves her family more than her new relationship with Theo. A very cute story of how opposites attract and how your first opinion of someone is usually not correct.

I Received an ARC from Entangled and NetGalley and I am voluntarily leaving a review

If you take Enemies to Lovers and you mix it with the deliciousness that is Regency Era (in the Ton especially), the result of this combination is purely divine. The whole story was written with such a captivating essence, that one can’t help but come back to the story.

The main characters were done beautifully.
Georgie and Theo’s personalities created such a unique dynamic that had you intently waiting for what would happen next. They had natural chemistry that, in the range of emotions that they experienced, never feeling like it was forcefully done.

I loved that Georgie was presented as an independent woman, while still being wholeheartedly proud of her femininity, and embraced everything that made her who she was. Theo was the perfect complimentary love interest, with so many characteristics that balanced Georgie’s natural tendencies.

Ultimately this book was a treat to read and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a good enemies to lovers, in a regency era setting. Thank you Jennifer Haymore for creating such a wonderful experience.

I was pleasantly surprised by the unique blend of Regency romance with a touch of Greek mythology. The story revolves around Persephone Honeyfield and Aidon Barrington, whose unexpected alliance transforms from a marriage of convenience into a deeper, more meaningful connection. The character development is a standout, with each protagonist evolving beautifully throughout the story. Although Aidon's secret felt somewhat predictable, it didn't detract from my overall enjoyment. The mix of historical and mythological elements, engaging romance, and intriguing character dynamics made this a delightful read. Kamal's debut has certainly set a promising tone for her future works, and I'm eager to see what she writes next.

Jennifer Haymore is one of the few historical romance authors that I can trust with a true enemies to lovers plot. It takes some serious skill to successfully navigate the complexities in a romance where the two start off absolutely loathing one another, and Jennifer manages to capture and create their perfect romance every single time.

Each and every one of her characters feels authentic and real - from progressive and confident Georgiana, to the truly swoon-worthy gentleman that is Theo. Their growth, vulnerability, and love for one another really manages to shine through the pages of this novel, and pull me into their story.

I love historical romances and this one just jumped into a top-notch spot for me.

How (Not) to Hate a Duke was published on February 19, 2024. Thank you to Entangled Publishing LLC, NetGalley and the author for the digital advanced copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Their families are neighbors who have been at odds for as long as Georgiana Milford can remember. She doesn’t know exactly why, but she knows they hate each other. Theo St. Clair, Seventh Duke of Desborough, is paying in spades for the way his cruel father treated, well, everybody. Theo wants nothing more than to make amends for the mess his father made, but everyone believes he is just like his father, including the Milfords. Attending the same house party forces the two of them to interact. As time passes, Georgiana sees a different side to Theo, or rather she sees the real Theo. They fall in love, but things don’t go well. When Georgiana’s father stops their wedding, she is devastated and Theo finds that what he must do to make things right is prove himself. This is a delightful enemies-to-lovers story. Georgiana and Theo are stubbornly distrusting of each other at first, but as time goes by it is obvious they are perfect for one another. The story has some angst, even a bit of drama, and secrets from the past. There is also fun, witty banter, romance, a chance for reconciliation, and at last a happy ending.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.

This was an entertaining, well-written book. It was fun, steamy and sweet. It kept me reading and I wanted to find out how things would get worked out. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books by this author.

I always enjoy Jennifer Haymore’s books so began this one expecting to be right royally entertained. I was not disappointed! Taking a page from The Taming Of The Shrew, this is very definitely an enemies to lovers story in which poor Theo St Clair, Duke of Desborough, is pitted against the daughter of his next door neighbour, who passionately loathes his family. Son of a cruel, debauched profligate, Theo has vowed to repair the damage done by his father and return his estate to a profitable venture for both his family and his tenants. He’s stunningly good looking—of course—and witty and generally just the sort of duke any girl would fall for at once. Sadly for Theo, who is attracted to Georgiana Milford from the start, she is not just any girl. Georgiana is an heiress, who has spent season after season fighting off fortune hunters while working in her father’s office when not attending balls and the like. She has also formed a strong dislike for Theo. To be honest, I wasn’t taken with her at first. She came across as a rude, spoiled and a somewhat childish brat in both her early conversations with her best friend Charlotte and her exchanges with Theo. Thankfully, she mellowed and as the story unfolded I found myself cheering for her and Theo, who face a pretty bumpy ride to true love. Overall, I thought the characters were well drawn, the setting was charming and the story entertaining. This has been a perfect piece of regency escapism and I enjoyed reading it.

Ah, it is so inconvenient to fall in love with your family's sworn enemy, such is the plight of Theo and Gerogianna. A delightful enemy to lovers with a HEA…after some pretty egregious family interfering.

3.5

I can still remember the first Historical Romance book I read, it was Kathleen Woodiwiss's Shanna. Anyone remember her? Back in the day of the ripped notice covers? Showing my age I am sure! I worked in Washington DC at the time and rode the train, the line ( orange ) that I rode seemed to have readers on it and many times when they finished a book they would leave it on the seat for the next reader to pick up ...that is where I found Shanna. I thought what a great way to pass the time while I set there. I found that I enjoyed a bit of romance mixed in with my thrillers and I began sprinkling it into my reading...when I needed a break from what I was reading or I just needed something different. They were, and still are fun, and entertaining, and for the most part light.

How ( Not ) To Hate A Duke, the newest book by Jennifer Haymore was my recovering from surgery book. I wanted something that would keep me entertained, but also something that would not tax my steroid and pain meds brain. I didn't want to have to think about what was going on, or try to figure out a puzzle, and this book was absolutely perfection for that.

The Milford's and The St. Clairs live on adjoining estates, Daughter Georgina ( Milford ) and the new Duke Desborough have grown up hating each other due to a feud between the family. They are thrown together at a country house get away, where they get a chance to know each other.

I loved the characters in How ( Not ) To Hate A Duke, Georgina was sweet but she was also a strong woman. I loved the way that Haymore made her progressive, not a weak whiny lady of the time. Theo was of course a swoon worthy Duke, he was moody and had a quiet demeanor that could come off as aloof or even at times, sad. Haymore knew how to make the sparks fly between the two, you often felt the tension between them, but you could also feel the thaw as it unfolded.

The story was well written and entertaining. It was easy to read and quick paced. It also had everything I needed and want in a Historical Romance ...enemies to lovers, probably one of my favorite romance tropes. The men in waistcoats, tight britches, and tall riding boots, women in fanciful gowns, parlor games...oh could they get steamy, and of course family secrets and drama.

Was How ( Not ) To Hate A Duke predictable? Yep, most, if not all romance books are. I think it is why I love them, they give me some sense of comfort, 90 percent of them give me a happy ending and the rest will rip the soul and heart out of my chest. Even at that, I love them.

So for my romance readers out there..pick up How ( Not ) To Hate A Duke, it is a fun, heartfelt, lightly steamy read, and if you are not a romance reader, it would make a great palette cleanser between your regular reads if needed. I can't wait to go on a search for more Jennifer Haymore books!

Fun, quick read.

Georgina had been told to dislike the Duke of Desborough but feelings and thoughts change after a meeting at a party. This is a slow burn enemies to lovers romance. I liked the characters but at times it seem juvenile.

How Not to Hate a Duke was a first read for me by the author Jennifer Haymore. I found it a great and easy read. I found myself rooting for the hero and heroine even knowing it would be a happily ever after. Looking forward to reading more by Ms. Haymore.

How Not to Hate a Duke by Jennifer Haymore is the story of Theophilus “Theo” St. Clair and Georgiana Milford. Georgiana does not like Theo due to how awful his father was. Theo who has taken over the title of Duke of Desborough is nothing like his father which is what Georgiana is slowly learning.

The house party is an underutilized setting in regency romance, I think, because it shines here. It creates the best kind of forced proximity for leads Theo and Georgiana, forcing the to confront their issues with each other head on. She thinks he’s exactly like his despicable father, and he hates her for judging him without getting to know him. Watching them slowly realize they might be wrong about each other, and realize how good they can be for each other, is so much fun.

While I loved most of this story and loved Theo and Georgiana, both together and individually, the third act drama just felt too unnecessary. The heartache seemed so avoidable with just a brief conversation, and it really made the fun of the novel, the quick pace and charm grind to a halt. But I would still recommend this book without a doubt!

An addictive blend of enemies to lovers banter, misplaced attraction & a bit of Taming of the Shrew. These two were giving me perfect Benedict & Kate vibes. The level of contempt and competition while barely masking their traitorous attraction was delightful. These are exactly the elements that draw me into an enemies to lovers story. The angst of indecision, the inappropriate longing and the inevitable fireworks that ensue. Obviously the answer to the question, How Not to Hate the Duke was simply get to know him. One cannot hate Theo, he is kind, attentive and caring. Jennifer Haymore is firmly cementing herself in my top author list as her stories have not failed to draw me in. So many tropes to enjoy, delicious heat and angsty love. A perfect blend for a wonderful, memorable story. And I truly hope we can look forward to the second chance love match for Sebastian, as their story has lots of potential with much to overcome.

A superb enemies to lovers filled to the brim with feelings, witty banter and gorgeous lovemaking and featuring two perfectly fleshed out and very intriguing characters. Haymore is definitely a solid author who never, ever disappoints. I felt for Theo and I really admired him for his decision toward the end of the book. The character’s “angsty moment” was handled really well by the author, in my opinion. I read this captivating book almost in one sitting and can’t wait for more books like this by Haymore!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Georgiana Milford is glad that the Season nearly over because she is bored and exhausted. Men only seem to be interested in her inheritance.

Theophilus (Theo) St. Clair, the seventh Duke of Desborough, is working hard to live down his father’s terrible reputation. He owns Clairwood Park and is a neighbor to the Milfords who despise him for his father’s past actions. Theo is very ashamed of his father and is working hard to change and correct the things the man did wrong. So, Georgiana has ben taught that Theo is the same as his father.

When, unbeknownst to one another, they are both invited to a house party by the Merricks at Elder Abbey, they are surprised when they meet up. Both consider leaving but decide to stay yet avoid one another. Of course, that doesn’t happen as they are thrown together in some of the entertainment planned. When they begin to talk, they open up to one another about the past between their families.

This is a good story of how previous impressions aren’t always correct. Theo shows the hard work he is willing to do to try and make up for his father’s sins. Getting to know him, Georgiana realizes how her father has fabricated the truth about Theo himself and allows herself to open up to the possibility of love with someone who cares for her and not her fortune. The house party was certainly different from others I have read about. I found some of the silly games to be rather juvenile. But the book is an intriguing read and I’m sure readers will enjoy it.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This was the first time I have read a book by this author and I found it to be a great read. The writing style, plot and depth of detail are things I love about this story.
The main characters, Georgiana Milford and Theo, the Duke of Desborough are both lovely to read about.
Georgiana and Theo’s families have been at war with each other for decades, well their fathers have been but Theo is the new Duke and desperately want to show that he is nothing like his evil father was but the reputation of his father is ingrained in everyone who knew him so no one trusts Theo to be any different from his father. He has been away from his family estate for years due to his relationship with his father and he’s found coming home to take over the duties of a duke harder than expected. Trying to right the wrongs of his father is proving difficult.
Georgiana has grown up being told how awful their neighbours (the Duke of Desborough) were and to avoid them at all costs. She is independent and has her own interests and income working with her father.
Theo and Georgiana do meet briefly in a park where Theo gallantly comes to her assistance when she rips her dress but she is horrible to him and it’s only due to her friend Charlotte (who is friends with both of them) that she accepts his help. They meet again at a house party where Georgiana is the guest of Charlotte and her husband but neither knew the other was going to be there and from their first meeting, there is angry, hot chemistry between them. Theo is attracted to Georgiana from afar but although she thinks he’s a handsome man, his family reputation means she feels nothing but contempt for him. Throughout the following days fate seems to want to intervene and the two are brought together in events at the party and even though there are some barbed jibes between them Georgiana starts to realise that Theo might not the vile man her father makes out he is. There are many revelations made to each other and the couple become closer. A surprise visit from her parents means the couple have to quickly assess their relationship and decide where their future lies. Shockingly revelations come out from the past, leaving Theo to try to find a way to prove that he is not the man his father was.
It was a very entertaining read including open door steamy scenes of the couple and I’m looking forward to reading more from her in the future.
I received a special copy of this book. I’m voluntarily leaving this review. All views and opinions are my own.