american heiress daisy bumgarten only knows one thing. she needs to take london society by storm, marry a duke, and go back to new york to rub mrs. vanderbilt's face in it. as a good day to marry a duke begins, she is scandalizing new york society with her brazen, tomboyish ways. the fact that she is comfortable with men branding her a hussy, even if she's done nothing wrong. and this reputation not only ruins her chances, but also the chances of her sisters marrying advantageously.

in order to redeem herself, she takes two years to earn proper society polish and launches herself into the london high society scene. the duke of meridian is the perfect target for daisy's matrimonial machinations, especially as it appears his estate is facing financial trouble. arthur is also socially awkward and oblivious to most things other than bugs. he is an avid lepidopterist and has never noticed people over butterflies.

but this changes with daisy. and when arthur's scapegrace younger brother is recruited by their elder relatives to look into daisy's suitability as a partner, lord ashley graham agrees. partly because they offer him money, partly because he is intrigued by daisy, and partly because he's always been the one to protect arthur from the world, and he isn't about to stop now.

except the more time he spends in daisy's company, the more he realizes that he is the biggest danger to arthur's heart. the heat and sizzle that burns between daisy and ashley is off the charts, and yet she's determined to marry a duke and ashley has nothing to offer her as a second son. sometimes what we want isn't what we need, though.

even though it's not clear until the very end, there is only one possible way to end this love story. but the characters have to do some growing up and face some hard truths before they can earn their happiness. and it's kind of wonderful to see them all evolve. this late victorian era is such a delightful time in history, and there are so many interesting things going on in the world and those details infuse the novel in a way that gives it some real depth.

**a good day to marry a duke will publish on november 28, 2017. i received an advance reader copy courtesy of netgalley/kensington books (zebra) in exchange for my honest review.

New York - 1888

Marguerite (Daisy) Bumgarten is preparing to ride astride at the Bellington Hunt. She is determined to show the men that she is a tough and strong rider. After the hunt, she even indulges in a big gulp of bourbon just like the men do.

Daisy’s mother, Elizabeth, is angry with her for riding astride and for drinking the bourbon as people are now gossiping about her. With new wealth, Daisy’s mother wants Daisy and her sisters to be accepted into society.

London - 1890

Having worked hard for two years to prove herself a lady, Daisy has arrived at the London home of the Earl of Mountjoy accompanied by her wealthy Uncle Red. Lady Evelyn Hargrave, Countess of Kew, is her sponsor and is helping her look for a husband. She has her eyes set on a Duke. Before allowing her to enter the soiree, the Countess berates her for not having her gloves on then leaves her in an empty room while she dons them. Grumbling to herself, a male voice answers her. And, oh, what a male he is. Laughing at her predicament, he proceeds to help her with her gloves. It turns out he is Ashton Graham, second son of the fifth Duke of Meridian and brother to Arthur, the sixth Duke of Meridian.

The Duke of Meridian is a nice man who loves studying butterflies. All he wants is to travel and enjoy nature but he has the responsibility of being the Duke. He is under the thumb of his Uncle Bertram who bosses and belittles him. Bertram does not want Arthur to get close to Daisy because he has another woman in mind for him to marry. Problem is, the woman's husband is not dead yet and is taking his time about it. Bertram looks upon Daisy as an American “dollar princess.” But when the family learns that Daisy may have some very aristocratic ancestors, the hunt is on to find proof of this.

While Daisy and Arthur are good friends, she and Ashton develop an attraction to one another. If she has the chance to choose, whom will it be?

This is a cute story with some great humor thrown in. Uncle Red is a total hoot. I’m sure readers will enjoy it.

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

What happens when an American heiress comes to London to find a husband? All kind of delightful intrigues! Daisy Bumgarten has not fared well in American society due to her being uninhibited and impulsive by nature along with being "new money. Coming to England so that her sisters might have a better chance for good marriages with her out of the picture, has her sponsored by Lady Hargrave. Countess of Kew. Striving to get Daisy married off hopefully to a peer has its own challenges for the Countess. Their sights are on Arthur Graham, the Duke of Meridian. But with Arthur seeming to be only interested in his scientific endeavors, it becomes for difficult for Daisy to catch his attention.. Then Daisy meets Ashton, the Duke's younger brother and feels more of an attraction. Ashton, known as a rake and wastrel, is determined to keep Daisy away from his brother. All of the Duke's relatives want to see her fail but she tries to stay focused on winning her Duke. As Ashton and Daisy interact more the attraction becomes evident but is fought at every chance. This is a sweet, emotional read that will find you turning the pages to see what will happen. I look forward to more books in this series and know you will too!

I couldn't get interested enough to continue with this one. As other reviewers have said, the premise is good but the actual book is lacking DNF

The premise intrigued, but the book quickly became repetitive – the heroine <spoiler> and the brother of the duke she plans to marry are left alone, engage in a heavy make out session, almost get caught, go their separate ways, repeat </spoiler>. There was no tension as to who the heroine would end up with. The end wasn’t too bad (if bogged down by some unbelievable plot twists), but it came after a long slog through the middle.

This is the first in a series, and I felt like much of the text was devoted to introducing us to characters who will star in their own books later in the series. I won’t be reading book 2.

I read an advance reader copy of A Good Day to Marry a Duke from netgalley.

I tried really hard to love this novel. The synopsis sounded good, the story started off strong, and I thought for sure this would be a four or five star read. Initially I loved Daisy. She was the kind of head strong, I-do-what-I-want kind of girls that I can't help but adore. Sure, she made some mistakes, but what young person doesn't?

And then Ashton appeared. And time and again, it was all about the carnal pleasures with these two. No, they didn't have sex, but they were constantly kissing, and touching, and just generally being inappropriate with each other. And yes, ok, I get it they are attracted to one another on a primal level. They have chemistry. But every time they get together? It was too much. I think the story would have been more enjoyable if these two did exactly what they did in terms of getting to know each other, without trying to paw each other EVERY TIME they came in contact. Once or twice? Sure!

Finally, there is poor Arthur. He deserved so much more than what he got; yes with Daisy, but more so with his own family. I loved seeing him finally stand up to his uncles and really come into himself as a character. I think out of all the characters he had the biggest story ARC, and I hope to see him get his happily ever after in a future story. I would also like to see more of Daisy's sisters, and Ashton's friend -appropriately nicknamed the fox. We got a glimpse of these characters (some more than others), and I would love to see what happens with them.

Overall, I do believe this story will still appeal to those who enjoy slightly unconventional romance novels. I would read more from this author!

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

I absolutely LOVED A Good Day. Regencies tend to follow a formula, and if you've read very many, eventually there's a certain sameness to them. This story offers something new. The main protagonist, Daisy, has flaws and plenty of them. Not flaws-that-really-aren't, like offering her own opinions and therefore being "too forward" or "progressive" but the real kind. She acts rashly and selfishly without thought for the consequences. Yet she can be selfless and lovable. Plus there are two very real potential suitors. I was still guessing until the final pages which one she would end up with, and honestly, they were both so likeable I didn't think either one would be a bad choice!

A definite recommend.

*ARC via netgalley*

American Dollars Needed
Daisy having been shunned by New York society for her less than ladylike demeanor and ‘new’ money, reinvents herself and travels to London to snag herself a Duke and give her sisters the opportunity to marry well. Unfortunately she falls in love with the Duke’s brother! Personally I found it difficult to care about the characters, Daisy is a highly sexual woman but is prepared to settle for a loveless, boring marriage whilst Ash is too selfless for his own good.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.

Daisy Bumgarten had a decidedly disastrous debut among New York's privileged set. Two years after her New York disaster she knows this is the last chance for the sassy Nevada spitfire's to "marry well" lies across the pond in England. She needs to marry a title so her three younger sisters have a chance to succeed. Daisy goes to London with her Uncle Red to be sponsored by Lady Hargrave, Countess of Kew. Daisy and Lady Hargrave have their sights on the Duke of Meridian, Arthur Graham who has shown has no interest in women. Daisy isn't thrilled to be trying to catch a duke's attention while dressed like a flower pot caught in a swarm of butterflies. Daisy is unfairly labeled by London society as being a hussy, brazen, and unfit to join their polite society. Daisy’s family new wealth is not sufficient enough to make up for their lack of breeding.
Daisy encounters notorious ladies' man Lord Ashton Graham, the duke’s brother and they’re immediately attraction to each other. But Daisy immediately knows a snake in the grass the moment she see Ashton at the ball. She learns Ashton is Duke of Meridian’s brother, he’s is a Lord but no title and Daisy needs to keep her eye on the prized duke. In the meantime Lord Ashton’s family convinces him to distract Daisy and steer her away from Author until the Countess they’ve picked out can marry Author. The story takes a turn when Ash is helping Daisy when he discovers there is more to Daisy than what his family believes.
This is a fun story of the scandalous Daisy who’s the quite the uninhibited firecracker who goes to London to find a titled husband and encounters more than she bargained for in this funny and entertaining story. This is my honest opinions after I voluntarily read a copy of this book that was provided to me with no requirements for a review.

I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Since her disastrous debut in New York, Daisy Bumgarten travels to London hoping to marry well. Unwilling to settle for less than a Duke she sets her sights on the Duke of Meridian, Arthur Graham. However,she must prove to his meddlesome family that she is deserving of the role of Duchess.

Lord Ashton Graham is instructed by his family to keep Daisy from his older brother, Arthur. Tasked to use any means necessary by the unscrupulous elders to ruin Daisy, Ash follows Daisy in her quest to authenticate her family.

This book was difficult for me to review. I started it several months ago and it couldn't hold my interest. As I agreed to review it I felt I had to come back to it. The book did become more interesting as the story developed but I am left with a few issues. Arthur and Ashton are both adults and have long since gained their majority. Arthur is obtuse and unaware of his responsibilities until Daisy makes him realise how blind he's been. Ashton is described as being his brother's champion while at school, yet he allows him to be bullied by the elders who only have control because Arthur allowed them to be.

Putting those concerns aside I did enjoy the sweet romance between Daisy and Ashton. I loved Uncle Red, while he was a stereotypical cowboy he brought humour and laughter to the book. I liked the hints of romance between him and the Countess of Kew.

A Good Day to Marry a Duke (Sin and Sensibility, #1)
by Betina Krahn
18963290
Anna Swedenmom's review Nov 14, 2017 · edit
it was amazing

Definitely a buy buy buy book!
Normally I would downgrade a book one star if it had a few slow spots or other areas were not complete. However, this author cannot be downgraded! From first to last you are engaged in the story and her characters. It does not matter that it is a plot line that is familiar, it is the writing that keeps you turning the page and immersed in her characters and story line. In my case, it has been so long since I had read anything by this author, I was unsure what to expect. I was not disappointed in any way! So if you want a historical that keeps you turning the pages even with familiar plot lines, this is one to buy! You will not be sorry. I was given this book in return for an honest review. Anna Swedenmom

I am giving a fair and honest review in return for this ARC. What a delightfully cheeky read. I couldn't put this book down so ended up reading it in one day. Cheeky, funny wonderful characters all tied up in a well written story. Just an all around fun read.

I liked the idea of the story line, but the actual story was lacking. Ashton was a proper hero for the most part. I did love Daisy's personality as far as being straightforward and such, what I didn't like about her at all, every time you turned around Daisy and Ash were about to have sex. She couldn't control herself even a little bit when he was around which made her seem like she was ready to jump into bed with anyone! About every single time she was with Ash, alone or not, he was able to "tempt" her into almost sex. Uncle Red was too over the top hick. Even with this being fictional, several of the situations and the way Daisy was accepted and such was just too unbelievable. The 3 stars is for the possibilities of the story and Arthur and Fox.
I received the ARC from NetGalley, thank you!

DNF~Characters and Storyline that just didn't engage me at all, even though I tried on several occasions.

Will not allow me to send without a rating.

Sorry.

Over the top romance trying to make Wild West blend with English nobility.

This is the first book I've read by Ms. Krahn. She is a talented author who has a knack for keeping the reader engaged to the last page. There are so many twists and turns in this book. After her disastrous debut in New York, Daisy Bumgarten bungled her New York debut badly and has been labeled a hoyden by the mistresses of the Four Hundred. Now she's trying to make amends to help her sisters be accepted by society. She's in England to find a titled husband, but like New York Society, she is not accepted in England either. A countess friend is helping her catch the eye of a duke, but who she catches is the duke's brother, Ashton Graham. Daisy is determined not to make any mistakes this time, but can she tame her traitorous heart and fall for the shy duke instead of his handsome brother?

I enjoyed this book and even the secondary characters took on a life of their own. I can't wait to read another Bumgarten sister's journey to married bliss.

After her disastrous debut in New York, Daisy Bumgarten has arrived in England to find a titled husband. Under the tutelage of a friend and countess, Daisy is learning the ways and responsibilities of becoming a duchess. Lord Ashton Graham has been sent to spy on Daisy, and to find out if she’s worthy of marriage to a duke. When they set eyes on each other, they realize that her chances of happily ever after with the duke may not be in the cards.
This was a great historical romance with wonderful characters that you either love, or love to hate. I admired Daisy’s free spirit, and dedication to her family. I liked how the author showed that a wealthy upbringing doesn’t mean you know how to be respectful toward others. The story was slow to begin with, but the ending was satisfying and made me want to read more from this author. I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Daisy Bumgarten (love the name!) comes from new money & New York society thinks of her as an upstart so she travels to England determined to marry a Duke. Then she’ll be able to show New York society exactly what she thinks of them.
Now, under the Countess of Kew’s tutelage, Daisy appears the perfect duchess-in-training. Until notorious ladies’ man Lord Ashton Graham brother of the Duke of Meridian, a distraction of the most dangerous kind, glimpses her mischievous smile and feisty nature—and attempts to unmask her motives.
This was a fun read & had me smiling nearly all the way through. Daisy is feisty, Ashton seems to be just a rake but during the book he’s revealed as far more. Arthur is charming & very put upon by his Aunts & Uncles but gradually his eyes are opened. The pace is well paced, the characters are well portrayed I especially liked Uncle Red & hope he has his HEA, he was definitely working on it!
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

I am a fan of this author and enjoy her books very much. Daisy is determined to marry a duke but the relatives put his brother Ashton into the mix to seduce her and ruin the match. She wants to elevate her social status for her sisters since she ruined her reputation in the US and went to England to make amends. Ashton and Daisy have an intense attraction to each other and kiss a few times. Ashton does not ruin her and proves his integrity many times although he is considered a libertine and rake. My issue with the book is that Daisy is easily led into passion and does not feel remorse for kissing Ashton when pursuing Arthur. She does not seem to care much for the ramifications although she is supposed to be big hearted. It was just something missing in her character. Thanks for the fun read.

Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for a copy of this book which was a most enjoyable read. It made me laugh out loud at times and had all the elements of a feel good Regency romance: humour, a feisty heroine, a hunky hero with lots of fun, mystery and of course the romance going on. Highly recommend this story to lovers of this genre