If I’m being 100% honest this was not my favorite Darcy Burke novel. I had a difficult time caring about the characters. It didn’t give me feelings the way most of her novels do.

I have many issues with this story. Too much time was focused on Dare and Marina and not enough time was spent getting into the feelings of him and Juno. He was obnoxious, blunt, rigid and to me unlikeable. It felt like instalust and not real love. They “love” each other but it didn’t feel believable. Their story also felt unfinished. She’s going to be a married duchess but also a companion for an unmarried girl? Going so far as to live with her for the season? Although I loved the scene in the folly their intimate scenes felt rushed. They never get into the whys of why Dare is so rigid this makes him a 1 dimensional character. It took place over a very short time at a house party. Her relationship with her previous husband was suggested to be for love but then he dies in an drunken stupor so it doesn’t seem her marriage was all that happy towards the end. It’s not explicitly stated with examples or memories but implied. All of this made it difficult for me to really enjoy this story.

Things I enjoyed, slight class differences between hero and heroine, she’s part of the peerage by family but working since she was basically disowned by her family. She married for love before. I enjoyed that she was a widow and had taken other lovers after his death but before Dare. Dare did slightly appeal to me when at the end he makes his declarations and has to do some groveling but even that wasn’t enough to make me believe their feelings. It still felt superficial to me.

There was some real potential here for a great story but I don’t feel like it was fully fleshed out. I will keep reading and enjoying her work but this one I don’t plan on re reading.

Yay! A new series from Darcy Burke. One of my favorite historical romance writers. The matchmaking series starts with the widow Juno Langton, who earns her keep by guiding and teaching young girls how to secure a husband on the marriage Mart.

Her cheerful disposition sets girls on ease, so she can help them lift their confidence. Her current assignment, Marina, is proving to be quite the challenge. Her mother wants her to marry the Duke of Warrington. During a house party Juno tries to play matchmaker. But there is no spark between Marina and the Duke.

Dare, the Duke of Warrington, hates socializing or getting on the marriage Mart. But his mother is adamant that he should wed. So, a small house party would be the best opportunity to secure himself a wife, without too much of a hassle. To bad, that Dare and Marina are not very compatible. Although her companion, Juno, with her irritatingly cheery disposition tries to push them together at every turn. Never one to back down from a challenge, Juno has a hard time to get marina and the frustratingly rigid Duke to interact. So, now she tries a different tactic: she will try to loosen up the duke first.

But while interacting with Dare, Juno becomes to realize that the Rigid Duke just can’t help himself: as an autist, it is very hard for Dare to deviate from a plan. And spontaneous actions are a nightmare for him.

Who Juno learns Dare how to amend his plans, without getting into stress and bare teams to appreciate Juno’s sunny side, they both realize that they really like each other.

But if Juno doesn’t match Marina to Dare, she will lose her, job. What to do? Find out for yourself in this wonderful read. As a mother of an autistic son, it was very nice to read. It also gave me hope that there will be a Juno out there for my little boy as well. Four out of five stars from me and a special thank you to Netgalley for providing the arc.

This is the first book in a new series The Rigid Duke (Matchmaking Chronicles) by Darcy Burke. Being a novella, it was always going to be quite short, but I felt we were given enough of a background of the characters to make the story plausible. However, there was something missing for me as the story ran a little too perfectly and was a bit too predictable – I know we all expect predictability to some degree from an historical romance, but I like a bit of suspense in the ‘will they, won’t they’ and unfortunately, this novella lacked it for me as it felt a bit flat.

That being said, the humour throughout the book was excellent. The Duke, who obviously suffered from an anxiety disorder when surrounded by people was portrayed very well. Even when he wasn’t talking to our heroine, we heard his thoughts/feelings and some of them were so funny I burst out laughing. His gruff, grumpy, rigid (It is the heroine who gives him the nickname ‘Rigid Duke’) exterior was supplemented with his quick, easy one liner’s and I can see what Juno saw in him that other people didn’t when he let his guard down. I very much like when an historical romance tackles the hard aspect of dealing with mental health, as it just wasn’t talked about in the time setting of the book and for me it’s a really interesting way to take what we know about mental health now and portray it to how they might have felt then.

The book is set at a house party – one of my favourites for this genre! – and it becomes clear quite quickly that it was a set up for the Duke to find a wife, although there is only one eligible female in attendance, it’s almost like a blind date – awkward! The young Lady however is just as socially awkward as he is (which should have made it a perfect match!) and, after some very cringy exchanges with the Lady in question, he turns to her companion, who happens to be our heroine and although he finds her most intriguing, he does mention that her constant sunshine personality is a little annoying to begin with. I love how we see their relationship unfold, through witty banter and open, honest conversation. This is the Grumpy/Sunshine Trope at its best.

This book was well written, with likeable characters and a simple storyline. I shall definitely be reading more from this author, however, if it hadn’t been for the comedy aspect of the book, I would have given it 3 stars, but because it made me laugh so much, I rounded it up to 4 stars. I would recommend this book.

*I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

The Rigid Duke was an excellent read featuring a great opposites attract romance between a refinement tutor and the duke she's trying to match with her charge.

Mrs. Juno Langton works with young ladies to help them develop the skills needed to secure an advantageous match. Her newest charge is quite shy, but Juno knows Marina could make an excellent match if someone would just take the time to get to know her. When a house party provides the opportunity to match her charge with a duke, Juno will do whatever it takes to satisfy her employer. But unfortunately Alexander, the Duke of Warrington, is a grouch who detests social gatherings. As Juno works to break through the duke's gruff exterior, she finds herself falling for a man who can never be hers.

Juno married her husband against her family's wishes and ended up widowed in less than a year. After losing her husband, she took up a position as a companion to an older woman which led to her helping the woman's granddaughter secure a match. From there, Juno's business of helping girls find a match was born. Alexander, or Dare as most call him, likes things to be in order and he doesn't like unexpected plans or situations popping up. Dare has a tendency to speak his mind in any given situation which means others perceive him as rude or abrupt.

Juno and Dare did not get along at first as Juno found Dare to be unnecessarily rude and Dare thought Juno was was a bit pushy. Plus with the reason behind their meeting, for Dare to potentially marry Juno's charge, they both tried to push aside their initial interest in each other. I liked that even in the face of Dare's gruffness, Juno was consistent in her attempts to break through his shell. The banter between these two was great and I loved how quickly Dare fell for Juno. Ultimately Juno believes their relationship can go nowhere due to their different stations in life leading to a disagreement between the couple. I liked how they ended up working out their issues and was happy with the direction their romance went.

Overall The Rigid Duke was an enjoyable read and a great start to the series. I will definitely be continuing on with the series and picking up the next book soon.

Loved this story! Juno is the perfect example of an independent heroine who battling her own desires with the need for autonomy. What struck me in the heart strings was her compassion for and attraction to Dare's at-minimum-antisocial-potentially-on-the-spectrum personality (a mouthful I know, but couldn't think of any other way to describe it).

I would have liked a bit more back story on Juno's marriage, but that's a matter of personal preference in my opinion.

I hope there is more to come from this cast of characters, there is a lot if potential to expand!

I received the ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley, and this is my honest review.

I'm looking forward to more of these characters!

***ARC Provided by the Publisher via NetGalley***

3.5 Stars

I absolutely loved the idea of the Duke, who is attending a house party with the intention of finding a match with the only single female there, falling in love with the paid companion and society tutor of the young woman instead of the young lady in question.

Juno and Dare shouldn't work as a couple. While she is of noble lineage, her family disapproved of her marriage and Juno has not lived a life of nobility, especially after the death of her husband. The Duke, however, would rather avoid society entirely, so he is not all that concerned with the conventions. In fact, the Duke likes pretty much nothing at all, so liking Juno is somewhat of a surprise to him.

The grumpy/happy mix in this title really worked for me. Sometimes I find that the authors who write titles like this overdo the grumpy, but in this case, I enjoyed Dare and I thought he made some pretty valid points regarding some of the expectations placed on a Duke by proper society.

I enjoyed and recommend this title.

I really like this new offering by the author in her new series, Matchmaking Chronicles. Dare, the curmudgeonly Duke of Warrington, meets his match in widowed Mrs. Juno Langton, a successful refinement tutor. The young miss she has been hired to prepare for the marriage mart, has a meddling mother who is intent on seeing her daughter married to a Duke.

When Dare, with his mother’s encouragement, decides to attend a house party, he meets Juno and her new charge, Marina. Juno and Dare are complete opposites. He can’t understand why he is attracted to her. She isn’t afraid to “chew him out” on several occasions. In one instance, the Duke replied, “I don’t recall the last time someone provoked me to laughter.” Despite Juno’s endeavors to secure a match between Marina and the Duke, it was not to be.

Sometimes oil and water do mix and that is what occurred in this novella. Juno was full of cheer, charm and grit and was able to get the grumpy Duke to smile and even laugh. She made him feel whole. He knew he was rigid but he wanted to change for her and make her his Duchess.

I recommend this read. It had good writing style, was very character-driven, and the story was quite engaging. Heat level: intimate episodes, moderately hot. My thanks to NetGalley for the ARC I received of this work.

This was such a sweet little novella – it has just enough space to tell a really heartwarming story, without all the bells and whistles of too much drama or too many obstacles for the main couple. Instead, the plot revolves mostly around Juno and Dare slowly warming up to one another, and realising that they’ve finally found someone they can be themselves with; I enjoyed their banter very much! I sometimes find Darcy Burke’s plots a little bit too action-packed for my taste, so it’s really nice to see something so stripped-back from her that really lets her characterisation and dialogue shine and has such cosy vibes.

This book was read thanks to NetGalley.


Darcy is one of my favorite authors of romance during regency era, she always captures the era so well, with character that are so likable and this wasn't the exception, we follow our heroine who clearly loves her life and how independent she is, then we met our hero who is only looking for someone fitting of the title that he holds.

It has steamy romance, passion and lovable characters and who wouldn't want that.

Juno is a fashion-conscious, enthusiastic "finisher" for young ladies entering or not having as much success on the marriage mart. Dare is a reserved, gruff duke that likes order and does not like change or surprises. They are at the same house party, which has been put together so Dare can meet her latest charge, a young and shy daughter of an earl who'd rather be spending time reading than finding a husband. Juno tries to act as a matchmaker and encourage both of them towards each other, but is facing challenges since Dare is drawn to the wrong person...

This is my first Darcy Burke book and it did not disappoint! Juno is a delight and it is really sweet how Dare tries subconsciously for Juno to connect with Lady Marina, but really is drawn to Juno. I like how there was not too much suspense or angst-- it was just the right amount for my tastes. I loved the descriptions of Juno's clothes, and what Dare was thinking about her. I really enjoyed the humor with the other house party guests and the sassy, gossipy ladies.

I recommend reading this fun, sweet novel! Now I have to ready Darcy Burke's other series (which I have on my kindle, but so many books not enough time!). I was hooked from the first chapter and I can't wait for the next in this series!

Darcy Burke is one of my favorite regency romance writers. You can always count on her to deliver a really good story that is well written. This story is Juno and Dare's love story. I only had a few hours and really wanted something that I could finish in that time frame and this delivered. Both the H & h are strong characters and I really liked them both. I did like the way Juno brought out the best in Dare. She did make him a much better man. I really enjoyed the epilogue too. Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy!

This book was fun, sweet, light and gave me major Roy and Keeley (from Ted Lasso) vibes and it's a great example of the Grumpy-sunshine trope in a historical setting.
Wonderful characters, great banter and as I said before, THE ROY-KEELEY VIBES in a historical ufffff loved that
This was my first book by Darcy Burke and I really enjoyed it and I look forward to read more by this author.

This book was so much more than I thought.
The heroine is a widow who has to support herself. She decided to tutor young debutantes who didn't 'take' in their first season and she teaches them, helps them develop confidence and supports them during the season. She is not cheap, so she is able to afford a home in Bath. She is an enlightened woman, who had male partners, but no steady relationship. She liked being independent and answering only to herself. She is to help a shy young lady who gives off an aloof persona, when in reality, she just lacks confidence. Most likely because of her overbearing mother, the heroine's employer, has set up a house party where she and a rigid duke are the only unmarried people attending. The heroine is surprised at how implacable the hero is. She appeals to his better side to show her charge how to act. Over the period of the house party, the duke slowly comes out of his shell, to the heroine only.
I expected this to be a usual story about the duke falling for the tutor, but it was much more than that. This author excels at showing the character changes without being boring or systematic. This was a lovely, light hearted read when the reader understands what is going on and feels like a member of the house party. I enjoyed this as if I had taken a weekend trip into the English countryside. I recommend reading with 5 stars. I am putting on my keeper shelf.

Loved it 🥰🥰. Everything I ever needed in a book. Read it now!!!. Stop what ever you doing and try reading it

This is the first installment of Ms. Burke's delightful new series, Matchmaking Chronicles, and what a brilliant start it is! The story is filled with drama, intrigue, and romance, and an interesting storyline with great characters. It's sort of a grumpy meets sunshine sort of trope. Ms. Burke is an awesome writer and I always enjoy her stories and this one definitely did not disappoint! Dare and Juno meet at a house party. Dare is a duke, rigid and grumpy and set in his ways. Juno is the complete opposite, cheerful and perky and simply a breath of fresh air. She is a widow and has made a successful life for herself as a tutor. Juno and her student, Lady Marina, have been invited to the house party and Juno is excited for Marina to be matched to a duke. But it is not Marina who excites Dare or sparks any feelings of passion in him, it it Juno who does that. But Juno has no desire to remarry and Dare needs a suitable duchess. He couldn't possibly marry Juno, could he? This was a steamy and sensual, entertaining story with strong and intriguing characters. It was a captivating and enjoyable and definitely held my interest the whole time. I'm looking forward to reading the next book!

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

Juno and Dare took awhile to grow on me, but after I got about halfway into the book I was hooked. Once Dare realized how he felt about his goddess, he seemed like a man on a mission. I admired how he stayed true to himself even when multiple ladies at the house party were trying to push him into offering for Marina. And is there anything more romantic than a gentleman who is willing to put it all on the line in public?

Marina also intrigued me. She didn’t seem very confident in herself in the beginning, but she seemed to be finding her strength toward the end. I hope we get to see her story play out later in the series.

This was a fast paced really light novella. 3.5 stars

Juno is a companion tasked with getting her charge, Marina, to marry a Duke. They attend a house party where a few of the women have conspired to persuade the Duke to propose. Unfortunately, both the Duke and Marina have no interest in each other.

I was not a huge fan of this book because there wasn’t much of anything going on. The climax also wasn’t as grasping as I was hoping for and was easily resolved i.e not too fun. I was excited for a tension filled story with yearning and angst but this book didn’t really deliver. I was also put off by Juno blaming only the Duke for his and Marina’s incompatibility when Marina seemed like she would much rather be anywhere else. If the book was a little longer it might have been better for me.

On the bright side, I did enjoy the romance between Juno and Dare, especially after Marina was no longer in the picture. I did like the thawing of the Duke’s character and I feel he had a believable change of heart. He also has dark hair so he gets bonus points! I will be giving another book in the series a try.

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review and all the opinions are my own honest feelings. Thanks to the publisher as well!

This book was one that I was looking forward to reading. Unfortunately, it did not live up to the excitement. The premise was one that I was excited to read more of. However, I think the thing that let me down were the characters. There was very little substance and the chemistry between Dare and Juno was scarcely there and the development of their relationship made very little sense. I really struggled to get through this.

The publisher kindly provided ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I enjoyed this book a great deal. Though the Duke of Warrington hated being around others, and at first found Mrs. Langton annoying, somehow he and she discovered some mutual chemistry almost at the moment they met. She fascinates him, and he begins to come out of his shell around her, until they can't fight their mutual attraction anymore. But there are roadblocks to this romance, of the social kind - a duke fancying a family's employee?!? *gasp* I also like the spin taken on Juno herself, as a slightly older woman who has quietly managed to find her own pleasure between contracts. Reading about simpering virgins gets old now and again, so I found this refreshing. I recommend this book and am definitely looking forward to reading more in the series! Of note, I received an ARC of this book so that I could provide my honest feedback, which you've just read.

I often enjoy the stuffy duke-lively governess/companion troupe so the blurb had me picking this book up. While the beginning had me initially questioning the setup and characters, I'm happy I continued past the 1st couple chapters as I found the MCs to be well matched and enjoyable. Their interactions held both wit and charm as well as some depth for a nicely balanced read. This is the first book I've read by this author, but will consider reading more by her in future.