Some rules were made to be broken! This book has all the feels. I spent the first half of the book laughing until I cried, and the second half longing for that happy ever after. The wit and humour of this story is so carefree and lighthearted that it was splendid. From the beginning you could see the blossoming love between Ari & Silas, even if they couldn’t get out of their own heads to see it. The biggest hurdle was not society’s expectations but their own blindness. For as much as they saw each other, they were still clouded to the truth of overwhelming emotions. A beautiful story of acceptance, growth and self-sacrificing love.

TEN RULES FOR MARRYING A DUKE by Michelle McLean is a frothy, light-hearted, predictable romantic story of what happens when a smart and desperate young woman negotiates marriage, heirs, and social standing with a powerful man who holds the status, power, and rank to save her family from social oblivion. What neither of these shrewd, smart people know is that unexpected feelings can obliterate the best contract for a no-love-required/do-this-for-me-and-I'll-do-that-for you agreement. I received an advance copy of this novel and the opinions expressed here are my own and unbiased.

Arabella Bromley is prepared to marry without love, as long as she can surround herself with books. When her sister run off with a man below her station, she decides to marry a duke, but she just needs to let him know of her plans. Arabella decides that Silas, the Duke of Whittsley will be suitable. However, Silas has no care for rules, but he is captivated by Arabella’s plans and decides that it just might work, as long as there is a list of rules to go with her plan. When the ten rules are decided, Silas and Arabella just need to commit, even when their feelings start to cloud their decisions.
Despite the highly unlikely plot, this was a sweet read. Both Arabella and Silas are two easy going characters who care for each other but are reluctant to share their feelings for each other. I must admit that it felt a bit rushed at the end, and I would have liked to read more about Arabella’s sisters who were quite integral to Arabella’s actions.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is a fun historical romance in Dual POV, wherein Arabella Bromley asks the duke of Whittsley for a favor of marrying her for convenience! Ara badly wants help her younger sister find a good match but due to their family scandal, she just couldn’t do it on her own. That’s why she needed the help of Duke Silas Whittsley to be her husband and help her sister Anne find a respectable and honored man to marry.

I enjoyed this book right from the start, especially when Arabella set her plans into motion. Her first encounter with the Duke was really entertaining and they created Ten Rules that they must obey once they got officially married. From then on, their conversations and banter just keep me smiling, laughing and swooning on how sweet the duke is to her.

As I read chapter to chapter and the parts after they got married, I could already tell that the Duke is smitten with her! Its like the rules are just there to keep reality in check, but they do feel something for each other.
What kind of put me off was that whenever Silas tries to let go of his doubts, secret and forget the rules, he keeps holding back because their agreement was that Arabella would leave his side once she would be expecting his child.

The pent-up irritation I have for Silas was forgotten when he finally talked to Ara and confessed the secret he & his grandfather had been keeping for so long.
I’m also satisfied with the ending and mind you because there is only one rule left, that the Duke and Duchess will endeavor to live happily ever after.

Ten Rules for Marrying a Duke is a wonderfully romantic, whimsical, and engaging book. Who doesn't love a woman who knows what she wants and goes after it? Michelle McLean did an incredible job of creating chemistry between the characters that is so palpable you can almost feel it. When Arabella Bromley literally falls at the feet of the Duke of Whittsley, he never imagined that she would propose to him. She never imagined that he would accept. Hence the need for rules. You quite often find yourself wanting to shake someone and then you remember it is only a book! This is definitely one book that you can not put down.

I received an advanced reader copy from Netgalley but the opinions expressed are solely my own.

I enjoyed this book! This is a new to me author and I found her writing style easy to read and enjoyable. The plot and characters were well developed and executed. I will read more books by this author.

I absolutely loved Ten Rules for Marrying a Duke by Michelle McLean. It had the forward-thinking heroine that bucks tradition to find a happy life. It had the rogue-ish gentleman that’s really kind at heart (and also a rich duke, which doesn’t hurt). There were good and supportive friends and family, as well as a bit of a grumpy grandfather to even it out.

Arabella’s scheme to find a husband and save the family name is to marry a man that doesn’t want a wife. It may sound backward, but her logic is sound, and she does a very good job of explaining it to Silas. Such a good job that he actually agrees to her scheme. But they have to lay some ground rules first. And here is where things get really interesting.

These rules for their marriage are amazing and hilarious, and somehow quite appropriate. And watching them hash out the rules, especially the ones regarding more intimate moments, was very well done. It gave such a great look into their personalities. I really did fall in love with both of them right then and there.

Now rules are made to be broken, bent, and rewritten, and this couple quickly realizes their rules weren’t as perfect as they first thought. And then they just might go and actually fall in love with each other! Their insecurities about how they feel and how the other feels about them were just enough to make you root for them without becoming tedious.

I really hope Michelle McLean decides to write about a younger sister or friend or someone else in this family so I can check back in with Arabella and Silas, or else I will miss them very much.

**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**

Ten Rules for Marrying a Duke. Good premises for the story as being a Marriage of convenience. I was surprised for the Hero to accept the scheme so easily at the beginning of the book.
Otherwise it was a fun read, good pace, with some sex scenes that tied the story together.
ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley. This is my honest opinion.

Arabella Bromley older sister married beneath her standing which caused her family to be shunned. Her and her younger sister are still unmarried. she is desperate to make sure her sister makes a great marriage. She comes up with a plan for her to marry Silas, Duke of Whittsley, The plan is marry her and she'll give him a heir and then live in his country home if she helps get her family standing up again so her sister is received to find a good suiter with his help. This book is really good which there was a series to it i liked it that much

Thank You to NetGalley for providing me an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

Marriage of convenience is a favorite trope of mine! Silas was very sweet and admirable. Fun to see an easy going, fun loving Duke instead of a straight-laced stuffy one. I enjoyed Arabella as a character as well.
I am left with residual questions about Eliza though. Such as…what proof exists regarding her parentage. I don’t personally feel that was explained well, secrecy, etc.

Overall, it was an enjoyable fun book.

Ten Rules for Marrying a Duke is another funny, feel good historical romance by Michelle McLean. After her sister ran off with their groom, Arabella Bromley hatches a plan to marry the Duke of Whittsley. He needs an heir but doesn’t want a wife. She doesn’t want to marry but the bookworm in her likes the ideal of his library. A written agreement so that they both get want they want and her younger sister gets a favorable match plus her family’s name will be restored. The problem is they didn’t plan on falling in love. Sweet and humorous, the chemistry between the main characters is off the charts. This book is firmly on my reread shelf for those cloudy days you just need a laugh and a warm hug with words. My voluntary, unbiased review is based upon a review copy from NetGalley.

I wanted to like this book a lot more than I did. It starts off with some of my favourite tropes, and the main characters are cute, but the miscommunication in the third act was just too much for me.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Oh, How I always look forward to Michelle McLean’s books! I know that I will get a romantic, passionate, read that makes me smile. I love the humor in her books the most. Ten Rules For Marrying A Duke delivers a quality, well-written romance with enough passion and fun.

Arabella Bromley is desperate to save the reputation of her family. Silas, the Duke of Whittsley, is a rake of the first order. The couple strikes a bargain. If Silas saves Arabella’s family, she’ll give him an heir and leave him alone. To secure success, they devise ten rules to help them accomplish these goals.

Arabella is a spitfire! She is outrageous and brave. I loved Arabella’s complete dedication to her family. Silas is a disrespectful libertine, but he is lovable! Beneath the playboy exterior, there is a sensitive, caring individual. Silas and Arabella’s connection is instantaneously passionate. The couple’s romance was fiery and intense, yet there were cute funny moments.

I adore Michelle McLean’s writing style. She balances the humor and the romantic ideally. The plot moved evenly and quickly; it kept me turning the page. The characters are instantly lovable, and there is always a connection to them. I read a Western by this author, and it was fantastic. When I had the opportunity to read this Regency romance, I jumped at the chance. This romance exceeded all my expectations. Michelle McLean is one author I always take the time to read! Ten Rules For Marrying A Duke is an outstanding, humorous romance that, like all her books, leaves me happy and smiling.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book through Netgalley and the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I received an advances reader's copy of Ten Rules for Marrying a Duke by Michelle McLean from the publisher through NetGalley.

The situation that brings Silas and Arabella together was a bit implausible yet hooked me into the story. I enjoyed the banter between them. A few situations were a bit frustrating because a conversation would've resolved them. However, I did understand the reasons behind them not wanting to talk about what was happening. The lives of the characters around them improved as a result of Silas and Arabella coming together and it was touching to see the mending of some of the rifts between family members.

This story is a fun, light read.

Ten Rules for Marrying a Duke is another delightful book by Michelle McLean. This author has a way of developing characters that are believable and she puts them in humorous settings.
Arabella Bromley has a dilemma. Her sister has married beneath her station and that is going to make it difficult for her younger sister to find a suitable match. Arabella has concocted a scheme to lure the Duke of Whittsley into a marriage because he needs an heir. If she marries a duke, then it makes it easier for her family to be in better standing in society and to restore the family reputation.
The Duke of Whittsley is stunned that Miss Bromley has approached him with such a proposal. Yes, Silas does need to produce a male heir to secure his family’s title, but he has not felt that he needed to act on it. After listening to her proposal, he accepts. They create a list of rules to follow. Arabella’s best friend records the rules for them to follow. Arabella’s goal is once she produces the heir, then she can retire to the country and his immense library because she loves to read.
This author has once again delivered with believable circumstances and witty humor in telling the tale. I highly recommend this historical romance about Arabella and Silas.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. #TenRulesForMarryingADuke #MichelleMcLean

Wonderful characters and a fun filled dialogue. The author has created a scenario that pits the witty bluestocking Arabella against the debonair Duke of Whittsley. Their love of family leads to their agreement and their competitive nature makes it very interesting. It is a page turning story that will give you great joy in the things the couple gets up to. Their romance is hot and heavy as they push the limits of their rules on the way to their happy ending.

2.5 stars

Premise? Great. Execution? Eh.

Michelle McLean's Ten Rules for Marrying a Duke starts out well enough with our headstrong, bookish heroine Arabella convincing a rowdy duke that it is in both of their best interests to enter into a marriage of convenience. This first encounter and its aftermath, which take up about 20% of the book, is probably the best scene in the book with some really delightful banter and relationship development.

From there, however, we get a story where there is a lot of telling instead of showing and a relationship that feels like it is only advanced through sex. The conflict, which is introduced fairly early on, is abandoned for the majority of the novel and conveniently returns in the third act, resulting in a somewhat dragged out final 20%. The great banter is sprinkled throughout, but it simply was not enough to completely redeem this read. It is, however, enough to keep me interested in keeping up another book from McLean to see if I enjoy it more.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for an ARC of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review!

I enjoyed this pleasant historical romance. The characters are witty and entertaining, and the angst level was low. I was a little worried about that since the text keeps mentioning what a libertine Silas is, but he does not do anything to warrant that reputation that I can see. Actually, Silas is just a cheerful man who does not want to be married. Because Arabella also does not wish to be married, they make a good pair. Their rules are used playfully through the story and add to their chemistry as a couple.

I had read another book from Michelle and really enjoyed it, so I was thrilled to try this one.

I really liked Arabella and Silas. She needs to right her family name and he needs an heir, of course they come up with a plan that gives them both what they want, but surprising no one, not what they need. I truly enjoyed reading them get under each other’s skin and push buttons.

Plot wise, it was good. The story is short, but still feels fleshed out and the few reveals didn’t take away from the main romance. I could have easily read 100 more pages of these two getting to know each other, but I’m probably just being greedy. Especially when the epilogue was so good.

Overall, this was a quick and fun read and I look forward to other titles from this author.

**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge**

When I think of a cozy read for a vacation, I usually go to contemporary as that's where I can often find angst-free romance with a light and fluffy feel. Historical romance is harder to find in this category, but I'm happy to say that this book fit the bill perfectly! There was light drama towards the end, but for most of the book the focus is seeing the couple fall in love without even realizing it. While their courtship was unconventional, since the marriage came quickly and love came afterwards, I didn't feel the lack of chemistry between them at all. In fact, I knew from the start that this would be a couple one could easily be friends with and see the love between them.

Miss Arabella Bromley is determined to marry. Ever since her older sister eloped with their groom, her family's social standing has been a disaster, and while she has never aspired to wed, her younger sister should have the opportunity to find happiness. So Arabella concots a scheme - find a title gentleman who is high-ranking enough to stare down their detractors and regain the support of the ton once again...and get him to marry her. She's found the perfect man, Silas Spencer, Duke of Whittsley, as he is in need of an heir while also preferring to never marry. Obtaining a meeting with him, she proposes her plan that they marry for one year, try to produce an heir during that time, and afterwards go their separate ways. In the meantime, he would help her sister find a husband. Surprisingly, Silas is agreeable to the plan, and they marry, finding their compatibility in the bedroom much better than anticipated. But as they grow closer, feelings will inevitably follow. When an heir arrives, will they decide to stay together...or be forever apart as planned?

Arabella was a brazen young woman, which I loved about her. She took her future, and that of her sister, in hand and dealt with the problem in the only way she knew how. While the storyline was almost too perfect at times, with Silas being almost unbelievably amenable to the outrageous idea proposed to him, there was something comforting in reading a romance without a lot of strife. I did feel wanting of some angst, and thankfully there is a secret Silas hints at early on that is revealed later in the story, causing some miscommunication and drama. While normally third act conflicts drive me mad, in this case it only added to the story in a positive way. I loved seeing Silas be uncertain, showing vulnerability, and it was so cute how he chose to show Arabella he cared. Arabella's older sister made an appearance, and that sisterly bond was a lovely thing to see. I would actually love to read a novella about her, she seems like a fascinating side character.

Overall a lovely, low-angst read that was quick and perfect for a day when you just want to snuggle down with a good book.