A perfect opposites attract romance!

I loved this book so much! I laughed out loud when Bronwyn was introducing Ash to her parents, I was near tears when Ash was remembering his dear mother, I was swept away by the emotional intimacy between these two.

Bronwyn is the victim of a pair of grasping, social-climbing parents who will stop at nothing to use their daughter to further their own ambitions. In true romance-heroine style, she escapes from their clutches by pursuing her own ambitions. She's not just academically smart (an entomologist) but she's also very emotionally intuitive, which leads her to befriending the young girls at the nearby estate and through them, she meets their guardian, Ash.

Ash doesn't want anyone to know why his wards are so very important to him, and it was a secret that is held until nearly the end of the book. He needs someone who can relate to them, someone who can take care of them so he can maintain his emotional distance. When he realizes how much they love Bronwyn, his plan seems obvious.

I loved Bronwyn's warrior friends, the Oddments. Lady Tesh is back and as feisty as ever. Ash and Bronwyn's intimate scenes are among the best I've ever read, and I loved her scientific approach to understanding all aspects of married life.

This is a beautiful love story, full of passion and heart, sprinkled with humor and compassion. I highly recommend it for anyone who loves Regency romances. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

This is a heartwarming and steamy romance about the importance of forgiving and valuing yourself while helping others work through their troubled pasts. Bronwyn and Ash enter into a marriage of convenience for vastly different reasons; Bronwyn to have the freedom to pursue her desire as an entomologist and escape her overbearing parents, and Ash to have a permanent female helper for his three wards, girls ranging in age from ten to sixteen. Both MC's struggle with feelings of inferiority. A bluestocking, Bronwyn doesn't fit in with her controlling family and has been unable to find her place in society since she was a child, and Ash--a Duke--has spent most of his adult life working long hours as co-owner of a gambling hell in order to forget his monster of a father. The conflicts in the book have little to do with any clash of personalities between Bronwyn and Ash and really involve fears about how others perceive them and how they can be positive influences on the three girls (Regina, the oldest, is the most interesting and will hopefully get a book of her own at some point).

I loved Bronwyn's group of misfit friends, the Oddments, and the emotional support they provided her. Mouse, the dog, was a scene-stealer, as was Lady Tesh, an older woman who was always aware of what was going on under the surface. The descriptions of natural beauty also stood out; instead of just telling the reader that Bronwyn enjoys nature, the writer allows us to see the natural world through her eyes (and Ash's).

The greatest strength of the book, though, is that both Ash and Bronwyn are very human characters, and you can understand their physical and emotional attraction to each other. This attraction is maybe too immediate (Ash asks Bronwyn to marry him much earlier than I'd expected) and for a man who's not interested in his bloodline continuing or having more than a marriage in name only, he doesn't seem concerned that Bronwyn could have easily become pregnant during their two weeks together. Also, I was a bit frustrated with his continued insistence that his wards not learn the truth about their parentage. Considering the suspicions of Bronwyn's nasty former beau and his grandmother (who play a surprisingly minor role in the main conflict by the end), it seemed that the girls would have learned anyway via Ton gossip, which would have been far worse.

However, I felt a connection to both MC's and was rooting for their HEA all along the way, hoping they could finally learn to accept themselves so they could love each other. The writing was strong and I plan to read more books by this author, who is fairly new to me.

Steam level: 3. Not overly graphic, but just spicy enough.

Thanks to the author, publisher, and Net Galley for this advanced reader copy. Reviews left on Bookbub, Goodreads, and Amazon.

This was a well-written, entertaining book. It was fun, sweet, steamy and held my interest. I wanted to find out what would happen and was rooting for the main characters. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books by this author.

Some Dukes Have All the Luck by Christina Britton is the First book in the Synneful Spinsters Series. This is the story of Ash Hawkins, the Duke of Buckley and Bronwyn Pickering. Ash besides being a Duke, Co-Owner of a Gambling Hall he has three wild wards that he has to be in charge of. Ash comes off and act like a cold hearten person but he had a tough time growing up. So he has come to Synne to track down his Wards and try to do a Marriage of Convenience to have someone else to oversea them.
Bronwyn is a bluestocking who is interested in bugs. Bronwyn's parents are title obsessed and are wanting to use Bronwyn to get ahead and meet that goal. But they have had to come to Synne. Bronwyn is somewhat a recluse due to her parents and along with her being different. But, then the wild children and a Duke enter her world. Enjoyed this book and can't wait to read more from this author.

I was so happy to learn that Christina Britton is staying on the Isle of Synne for her new historical romance series. In this book Ash and Bronwyn enter a marriage of convenience so she can continue her scientific pursuits and so he can get the help he needs for his three wards. Of course their one night to consummate the marriage results in sparks between the two that do not allow their relationship to remain impersonal.
It was so nice to read a straightforward romance novel where they focus of the book was solely on the main couple. I really liked both Ash and Bronwyn and loved the Ash fully embraced her scientific studies. I also liked that the two were able to rely on each other for support in dealing with their own difficult family matters. I can’t wait to see where the rest of this series takes us.
Thank you to NetGalley and Forever for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you @readforeverpub and @netgalley for the #gifted eARC of SOME DUKES HAVE ALL THE LUCK!

This regency romance was so sweet and I happily binged it yesterday as it was a cold and rainy day in Seattle and we were all recovering from booster shots and Daylight Savings.

SOME DUKES features Ash, Duke of Buckley, who decides that the perfect solution to his troublesome wards is to marry a wife to look after them. And Bronwyn would be much happier studying her beloved insects but her social climbing parents are determined to see her married off to a man of the peerage.

After a chance encounter, Ash and Bronwyn decide to marry for convenience so that they can each get what they want. Part of the deal is that after the wedding they will spend 2 weeks together living as husband and wife to get ahead of any nasty rumors about their marriage.
And as you all know, forced proximity always leads to FEELINGS!

This was less steamy than some of the recent regency romance I’ve read but I still really enjoyed it. There are some content warnings to be aware of (domestic violence, sexual assault) that happen off the page.

SOME DUKES HAVE ALL THE LUCK is out 11/8!

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4804699588
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CkqxD1Lv76d/

I don't know how historically accurate this story is but I have to assume there were women even this long ago who were as driven as Bronwyn. I've no doubt there were parents like hers who were too socially ambitious for their own, and their daughter's, good. As well as, completely unsupportive of Bronwyn. Ash is amazing. Surely, there were a few men like him even then but it's sad that today we still have so many men who would not support their wife's dreams when they buck the societal norms. I think all this is why I liked this story so well. I liked that while she lacks confidence in so many ways, Bronwyn is adept, confident and committed to her science. She's not afraid to venture into a field women are unheard of in. She's a bit intimidated by the The Royal Society of London and justifiably so. Smart as she is, she finds a way to be successful and contribute despite gender discrimination so prominent at this time.

I really enjoyed Bronwyn. I liked that she had a group of supportive friends. That Ash's wards took right to her just showed how sweet she was. Ash is wonderful too. He's so supportive of her. See'ing that she has a way with his wild wards, plants a crazy idea in his mind to marry Bronwyn. That he is willing to allow her her studies and gets her free of her parents, is all Bronwyn needs to go along. Their engagement and marriage are, of course, not without plenty of challenges which just adds so much depth to the story.

I'm not a huge fan of Regency books but this story was relatable despite the time frame. The pushing of limitations just added to it.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the ARC.

Ash's young wards have chased away numerous governesses—but they've taken a liking to awkward entomologist Bronwyn. She and Ash enter into a marriage of convenience. Although they indulge in desire, they agree to live separate lives. Can they avoid falling in love?

This is a fun story with delightful characters. Ash and Bronwyn are a perfect match. I enjoyed the little girls as well.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

Enticing, scandalous, and witty!

Some Dukes Have All the Luck is set on the Isle of Synne during 1820 and features the intelligent, entomology enthusiast Bronwyn and the dashingly handsome gambling den owner Ash as they navigate three unruly wards in need of supervision, a marriage of convenience with unexpected consequences, and an abundance of undeniable attraction, respect and admiration.

The prose is amusing and light. The characters are focused, determined, and passionate. And the plot is a push-pull tale of life, love, trust, expectations, support, determination, familial drama, and class division.

Christina Britton is the author of one of my all-time favourite historical romance series, Isle of Synne, so when I heard she was writing a spinoff series I was over the moon, and Some Dukes Have All the Luck did not disappoint. It’s another engaging, entertaining, alluring read by Britton, and as always, I can guarantee I will be first in line to read whatever book she decides to write next.

This is an adorable story of found family and learning to trust yourself as well as others. I appreciated the way that Ash tried to be supportive of Bronwyn’s ambitions from the very beginning. He never questions her right to be a naturalist or to conduct scientific studies. She has a difficult time trusting him due to her past experiences, which is understandable. I loved her strategy to bridge the gap between Ash and the girls. Ash’s wards are delightfully precocious whirlwinds, especially the younger two. Regina is in that awkward stage between child and adult, which I thought was well-portrayed. I just wanted to give her a hug!


NOTE: This is the first book in the Synneful Spinsters series and can be read as a standalone.

Bronwyn has no interest in getting married, she just wants to study and write research papers on bugs. It is her dream to be an entomologist and she is determined to fulfill it. Her parents have a different plan, they need Bronwyn to find a husband and restore her family's good name. Just when Browyn gets backed into a corner, she meets a pair of young ladies who just may be the answer to her troubles.

Ash Hawkins, the Duke of Buckley needs a wife. He is trying to raise his three wards; three young ladies and it is getting to be more than he can handle. But who would marry the owner of a gaming hall and a man with secrets to hide? When he is at his wits end, the perfect solution is right in front of him.

Bronwyn and Ash both have things in their past that they want to keep hidden. While entering into a marriage of convenience, they find out that they are better suited to each other than they thought. For once they both have someone who is their champion, who will support and encourage them. Can this lead to love?

I adored this novel by Christina Britton. The characters are witty, loveable and complex. The storyline is fresh and fun, and I loved that Bronwyn has a unique passion in life. The banter between the characters was humorous and the supporting characters brought a new dimension to the story. Thanks so much to Forever Publishing for my advanced copy which I voluntarily read and reviewed. This new series is off to a great start.

Ash, Duke of Buckley reluctantly returns to his mother’s home on the Isle of Synne to chase after his young wards who’ve run off. He’s avoided this place due to painful memories of his beloved mother. In catching up with his wards, he meets Bronywn, a highly intelligent and affable young woman who’s a naturalist, and whose greatest ambition is to have her research paper on a certain insect published. Unfortunately, her overbearing parents have other ideas. Ash is so taken by Bronwyn that he impulsively proposes to her. She agrees if only to get away from her parents. Ash benefits, too, as she’ll keep an eye on his wards so he can return to London. It’s an ideal marriage of convenience, but Ash hasn’t planned on Bronwyn’s blunt request that they should consummate their marriage, for “research purposes”. He obliges her as long as his heart doesn’t get involved.

I was happily surprised by this story and absolutely admired Bronwyn. With her straightforwardness and knowledge - yes, even of human biology of which she was unashamed to discuss - she was a nice change from the usual polite society ladies. She’s my new favorite Regency heroine. I also loved how Ash adored her mind and spirit, helping her to achieve her dream. The spice level was perfect!! I enjoyed reading this, though the trauma that Ash carried was sad and disturbing. With Bronwyn’s compassion, he begins to make peace with the past.

Christina Britton is a new-to-me author and I liked her style. I’m already looking forward to the next book in the series.

Many thanks to @netgalley & @readforeverpub for my ARC. This is my honest review.

*CW: domestic violence (memories)

4.5 Stars
Ash Hawkins, Duke of Buckley, no more wants to marry than he wants a stick in his eye. But raising his three rebellious wards alone is proving more than he can handle. He needs to find someone who stands to benefit from a marriage of convenience as much as he does. Someone logical, clinical, and rational. And in a stroke of luck, he quite literally stumbles over just such a woman. After years of ridicule for being more interested in bugs than boys, Bronwyn Pickering has accepted that she’ll never marry for love. Her parents, however, are threatening to find her a husband & to send her to live with her strict brother. Ash's proposal would give her the freedom to continue her entomology research and perhaps finally get published.
The first in a new series, which is a spin off from the previous in which we met Bronwyn. A well written captivating read with strong characters, I loved both Ash & Bronwyn both of whom hadn’t had the best of childhoods especially Ash. There were secrets & lack of communication, which needed to be aired before the pair could finally have their HEA. The Oddments are a diverse but interesting group of friends & I look forward to getting to know them even better. Ash’s wards were delightful & I loved how he gradually let down his guard with them & the lovely Lady Tesh is still living on Synne & is still all knowing. The chemistry between Ash & Bronwyn started as a simmer but gradually increased. I would have liked for a certain lord to have had his comeuppance
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

Naturally Synneful!

Ash Hawkins, Duke of Buckley and owner of the premier gaming hell of London has a problem. Three tearaway wards who need taming. A marriage of convenience is not off the cards! Preferably someone who can interest the girls and later steer them through the traps of society.
Miss Bronwyn Pickering, resident of the Isle of Synne is being pushed into a titled marriage she doesn’t want by her parents upwardly mobile dreams. All Bronwyn wants to do is study her beloved insects. Maybe even have a paper accepted on her research by the Royal Society. Her only joy is a weekly gathering for tea with like minded young wome who call themselves the Oddments.
What she didn’t expect was an invitation to marriage—of convenience!
A truly delightful story spun into being from the magical pen of Christina Britton. All the ingredients are present; over reaching parents disapproving of their daughter’s pursuits, a Duke with secrets, a young woman naturalist who wants the freedom to follow her calling, and three unruly wards who always come up fighting. Put them together and we have? Well a story that surely zings!

A Forever (Grand Central) ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.

This was my first time reading this author and I enjoyed this story. This was an interesting marriage of convenience with the bride cajoling the groom into consummation the union. I do love a girl who stands up for what she wants.

Bronwyn is a smart girl who wants to study bugs, and her parents are not down with that. I loved how Ash stood up to them on her behalf and also gave her the confidence to stand up to them herself, eventually.

Ash has his own parental issues and chooses to run rather than confront his demons. His relationship with his “wards” was confusing to me. This was one book where the kids didn’t quite work for me.

This was an easy to read romance with not a lot of angst and definite characters to root for and against.

Also, some ladies! I just love Bronwyn, her insect loving nerdy self - wandering in nature. Ash is that Duke we don’t get often that is still trying to make up for his fathers mistakes. These two together are perfect- it's that let's get married for these reasons and no feelings but boy oh boy do they come later after all that chemistry! We also get his wards which are a great addition into it all.
I really enjoyed that we are back to the Isle of Synne so we get some cameos from previous series. The setting is perfect and makes me want to hop on a boat and skip around the English countryside.

I loved this! It's a super fun marriage of convenience with a "we won't fall in love" pact (lol). It's sweet and lightly steamy with just a little bit of angst. I really appreciated the themes of independence and not fitting into society's expectations. Love to see that in a historical romance!

Bronwyn was an absolute delight - I loved her spark, her curiosity, her strength. She and Ash were so good together, giving each other support and safety while also being a perfectly frustrating couple for the reader. I love it when the MCs are so wonderfully dumb about the other's feelings for them.

There was also a great cast of secondary characters (except for Bronwyn's parents, who made my blood boil), which makes me really excited for the rest of the series. I'm also very much looking forward to going back and reading Christina Britton's previous Isle of Synne trilogy!

Thank you to Forever and NetGalley for the ARC!

Beetles, Brimstone and a marriage of convenience.

Ash Hawkins, Duke of Buckley, has a tragic past with long lasting and very deep emotional scars. He has three wards he is not able to openly shar his affection with (his past trauma). So, in an effort to keep himself away from Regina, Eliza and Nelly, his wards, he decides to marry so he can focus on Brimstone, his gaming hell.

Miss Bronwyn Pickering, 24, is of a scientific mind, interesetd in becoming an entomologist, as she studies her tansy beetles on the Isle of Synne. Her parents are awful and are determined to see her wed, not write a paper on beetles. Honestly? Ash has the worst father and Bronwyn has the worst parents.

Will their marriage of convenience be more?
I highly recommend this book. Ash is a great toruted hero who supports Bronwyn and Bronwyn is curious and thrives with her found friends the Oddments. Very emotional and satisfying.
Recommend.
Purchased

Ash is a Duke who owns a gambling hall with a painful past due to his Father. He has three stubborn wards who are a bit of a handful. Bronwyn is a naturalist who is extremely interested in her bugs. Her parents do not approve of her interests and are trying to force her to find a husband with a title. The first time Ash and Brownyn bump into each other she is a bit captivated and he is a little bewitched. Ash is in need of a constant caregiver for his wards, someone who can guide them and give them the love that he feels he cannot give. And who better to be his wife than Brownyn, since two of his wards already like her, so he proposes a marriage of convenience. Brownyn decides to think about it, but when her parents threaten to send her to live with her very serious brother, she agrees and their journey to finding a love neither one was looking for begins. I really enjoyed this story! It was well written and evenly paced and the author did a great job developing Ash and Bronwyn's relationship. I loved the passion between them and all of the supporting characters, especially Brownyn's friends and the three wards. This is the perfect book to cuddle up with on a rainy day. It will have you laughing, swooning, crying and cheering for Ash and Bronwyn's happily ever after.

I really enjoyed reading this book by one of my favorite authors. Ms Britton writes with a flair whose talent is shown in this engaging story. It had me at first chapter and never let go. The characters were fully developed with thoughts and feeling of their own. This is the first in a series and looks to be a winner.
Ash Hawkins is a Duke and has troubles times 3. He has three wards that he knows nothing about raising and getting them to mind is not going well. He has a gambling establishment that takes most of his time, and at wits end on how to deal with the children. They have run off several governesses and now he has to search for another. Gee wiz, what next!
Enter one woman who wants to study bugs and befriends the Duke's wards who live nearby.
The Duke sees that the children mind Bronwyn and asks for her hand in marriage. It would be the type of convenience without all that lovey stuff. She says yes to get away from her parents wanting her to marry someone else.
The Duke finds her attractive but has trouble speaking of his feelings towards Bronwyn. She's afraid of loving because once her heart was broken by another.
It will take a bit of magic and hard determination for these two come together and find a love worth seeking for a lifetime.
I appreciate Net Galley for this ARC title in which I gave an honest review.