I have read several books from Eva Devon and have enjoyed them. While I wanted to like Will and. Beatrice I felt they lacked depth. The supporting characters were more engaging and interesting. 3 stars.

The second book in the Never a Wallflower series by Eva Devon, titled Much Ado About Dukes, was absolutely delightful! This story has steamy romance, undeniable chemistry, intellectual rivals to friends to lovers, a marriage of convenience, an enjoyable subplot with intriguing side characters, and tension galore. Much Ado About Dukes is exactly what I want from a historical romance!

I wanted to read something funny and compelling, this was the right story.
The characters are entertaining, i liked the banter, and had fun.
It drags a bit at times but I enjoyed it.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

I love the banter and push pull attraction between Will and Beatrice as well as the fact that she is written in a way that sets her apart from the typical romance. She is a bespectacled, outspoken woman seeking to make changes for women and the marginalized working class in Regency England.
Will is a duke who wields his power to bring about change in his own way. He keeps himself in control at all times and isn’t sure how to handle his attraction to Beatrice. Perhaps a marriage of convenience might be the answer?
I will say I prefer closed door love scenes. Though between husband and wife, it was a little more than I wanted. The relationship was clearly enjoyable in all aspects and the way the story was written led the reader to imagine the physical side of things without needing graphics.
This book was well written, had wonderful characters, and was full of fun.
I was given a copy courtesy of Amara through NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I love historical romance, and I feel like this book encompassed all my favorite parts plus more. It was well written, it had a great story line with a twist and left me wanting to read more. I was so bummed when I came to the conclusion of this book. It took the traditional pieces of romance, but had two strong main characters that had such a dream romance and a great family dynamic. To see the main character portrayed as such a realistic and great feminist role and have that not be a downside for her was refreshing. I don't want to give away any spoilers, but I highly recommend this book. I can't wait to read more from this author!

DNF at 36%
I like my historical romance to have some modern sensibilities, but this one took it out of the realm of believable or enjoyable for me. Our duke was far too interested in challenging power structures, except his own, from the first instance we meet him, and all the heroine does is lecture him about the plight of women. The plight is real, but it was just all a bit too heavy handed, and the emotionless duke doesn’t jive with all the good work he was supposedly doing.

I found myself bored and irritated and moved on.

I enjoyed this Second book in the Never a Wallflower series. Much Ado About the Duke was a easy read that flew by for me. I liked Will, the Duke of Blackheath and Lady Beatrice romance. I thought the political tie ins where the to much. Did enjoy Will and Beatrice as characters. Both strong willed and loved their belief systems. The way Will wanted to help her was endearing. Will’s trauma with abandonment was relatable though the not believing in love seemed a little inconsistent. Beatrice wanting and understanding of women’s rights was a plus. Enjoyed the side character a lot and like the Kip and Lady Margaret side story. The twist at the 40% mark kind of came out of nowhere and the evacuation somewhat poor. I know that it was a plot diverse for the marriage of convince and Kip/Margaret futures but still felt like it thru off the pace of the book some what. Even with that I enjoyed the book and will continue reading Eva Devon I and this series.

Giving this 4 stars. Thank you Netgalley and Entangled Publishing for this arc.

Enjoyed reading the author for the first time. The characters are wonderful, well meet and respect one another even if it does take the men a little longer to figure it out. The story flowed well and it was hard to put it down, I stay up way to late wanting to fine out how Beatrice a strong, intelligent women of change was going to get the Duke of Blackheath on the same page as her. But William the Duke of Blackheath had me just as intrigued especially after he blurts out the should get married to protect her from financial ruin. I'll definitely tell my friends about it

Great start but went flat. This story started off great - intriguing characters, good dialogue, grumpy/sunshine…but at about 60% through I was just bored. I’m not sure why. In the beginning I really liked Beatrice’s spirit and independence - maybe because she folds so suddenly to getting married? William was also a pleasant surprise in the beginning of being so self aware. But then suddenly he’s completely unaware? Somewhere things just didn’t click for me. I would read the author again though, I really did enjoy the dialogue.

I liked this book to an extent. I read this twice and had many <spoiler> questions about historic accuracy and several "how was this even possible (even if its late 1800s) without a scandal 😳!" moments...

The exact period of the novel isn't clear. Until about 50% of the book, I kept crosschecking some events mentioned and some of the words used to determine this, so that I can relate better. Then I gave up and decided to take it for what it is - fiction.

The intended storyline was good and the thought process that has gone in is definitely appreciated.

However it felt as if it was lost somewhere in execution. The background and events could have been a bit more detailed.

I liked Will a lot and Beatrice felt ok - would have loved to see a bit more of their chemistry and them falling in love. Say, for example, if their marriage had happened a bit earlier in the book and their chemistry, how they grow to love each other was shown a bit more, it would have been really good.

The drama between Kit and Margaret was good but I definitely expected Beatrice to tell Margaret to talk to Kit (the way she told Kit to express to Margaret). But am glad they got a good HEA.


</spoiler>

Overall - 3.5 stars for a good storyline with interesting characters.

Note: Received an ARC in exchange of honest review.

This is my 3rd book by Ms. Eva and each one has felt better than the previous. I hope the next one is even better.

Love Can Go to The Devil.
That is William's motto for this charming story of discovering what love is all about.
My first time reading anything written by this author and I truly enjoyed the entire book
The characters were described perfectly, and their personality's made the story enjoyable.
Lots of emotional situations throughout this story. Some had me laughing out loud and I
actually, shed a tear a couple of times The story moved at a face pace. Excellent plot
that held my attention without any skimming needed.
Personal note: The honeymoon scene was delightful and well written.
Adult Advisory✔
Heat Level: 3-4
I voluntarily read and reviewed advanced copy of this book.
All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I would be glad to read another of Eva Devon book.

Much Ado About Dukes is a delightful surprise. Lady Beatrice Haven is a bluestocking who is passionate about her causes. She has her own wealth with no plans to marry. But her beloved cousin Maggie is marrying the younger brother of a Duke who has been ignoring her numerous letters. When they meet at ball she expects to find him as dismissive as his replies (written by his secretary). Instead she finds someone willing to listen and unbeknownst to her, he finds Beatrice's fire, arguments and zeal magnificent. William the Duke of Blackheath never wants to fall in love as he was enormously hurt by his mother leaving him when he was a child. Later when Beatrice learns that her uncle has not only lost his fortune but hers as well (he was her guardian) the Duke proposes a marriage partnership of friends.

There are many delightful scenes. I touch of a hand during a theater performance, a first dance. and my favorite is him teaching her to box. These two are great together. But he doesn’t want love. I truly enjoyed the main characters. There are many nods to Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing but this isn’t a retelling. I thought the angst moment and ending were a little weak and had hopes that maybe his mother might make an appearance but overall a good book.

I'm new to the author and I can look forward to her back catalogue of novels when I have the time. I’d say this is on the low side of medium for my spice range. Enough details to know their enjoyment but not overly graphic. This is the second in the Never a Wallflower series but I read as a standalone and don’t know how or if the stories interconnect. Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This felt like it was 10 chapters too long. I did enjoy the first 15 chapters and then it just dragged. Also, the concept of these women being feminist is kind of annoying to me....they have no concept of what it means to be a feminist so they act like 21st-century women....

A wonderful, entertaining read. Lady Beatrice, whose parents died when she was young is living with her uncle and cousin Maggie. Maggie is marrying Kit, the brother of William the Duke of Blackheath. Lady Beatrice is an activist for women's rights and has been writing letters to the Duke. She meets him at a ball given in honor of her cousins' engagement.
Beatrice has vowed never to marry and be owned by a man. William has vowed never to fall in love. This is a beautiful story with a few unexpected plot twists.
I highly recommend this 5-star read by Ms. Devon.

Much Ado About Dukes is the newest release from Eva Devon. I have read a handful of books from this author in the past and the premise of her books always pull me in. While I have had some issues with some of her other books in the past, this one I really enjoyed and is easily my favorite from this author yet!

After throwing herself into the field of pamphlet writing, public speaking, and the joining of a bluestocking league, the truth was Lady Beatrice Haven had grown to hate dukes. All dukes, because they represented the thing she loathed most—the upholding of laws that kept her without rights. Beatrice has plans to take on injustices and fight the battle for those without voices/unable to do so. She has been sending her pamphlets to William Easton, Duke of Blackheath, who is the brother of her cousin’s betrothed. Will never responds to her or agrees to her requests to meet and chat, but they do finally meet when the story starts. While he would never confess it to anyone, Will has actually had a secret admiration for Beatrice and thinks very highly of her.

Will and Beatrice meet again at the theater while both are watching a production of Much Ado About Nothing. They realize they actually have a lot in common with one another, including the presence of Shakespeare all throughout their lives, and they realize they could actually be friends. Shortly after Beatrice’s Uncle informs her that he not only lost his fortune, but he lost hers as well. He had been Beatrice’s guardian and put in charge of her finances and investments. He informs her she should find a husband quickly, before word spreads she no longer has a dowry or fortune and that now her future as a wealthy spinster is no longer a reality. When she laments her woes to Will, he offers her marriage. He never planned to marry for love and she just needs the funds to help causes and the family name to have a say/entrance into politics, so he thinks their alliance will be the perfect arrangement since they will share a cause and not love.

Moments I liked: Will gives Beatrice boxing lessons and agrees to teach her how to throw a punch, Will’s relationships with his brothers who he raised for the past decade after their father died young and their mother left them, all of the Shakespeare. While attempting to keep love out of their relationship, they do give into their lust right away (starting on their wedding night) which was refreshing to see! Will and Beatrice also begin working side by side for ladies’ rights, he even joins her outside of Parliament to hand out pamphlets! And of course I loved the grovel at the end, his speech of all the things he hated before and then the things he actually loves.

Thank you to the publisher (Entangled) for an e-ARC via NetGalley. All thoughts in this review are my own. Much Ado About Dukes has a publish date of August 23, 2022.

A fun and touching marriage of convenience story with a strong and insightful heroine! I enjoyed Lady Beatrice’s stubborn, clever character and her navigation of what it means to support herself and champion women while occupying a life limited by her gender and a noble title limited by public expectations. The additional layer of her sister’s romance with her husband’s brother added a layer of connection between characters and provided fodder for some thoughtful interactions between siblings.

This is a witty, and poignant story based on,Shakespeare's .Much Ado about Nothing.
As far as William Easton—the Duke of Blackheath—is concerned, love can go to the devil. Why would a man need passion when he has wealth, a stately home, and work to occupy his mind? But no one warned him that a fiery and frustratingly strong-willed activist like Lady Beatrice Haven could find a way to get under his skin...and that he might enjoy it.
Lady Beatrice is determined to never marry. Ever. She would much rather fight for the rights of women and provoke the darkly handsome Duke of Blackheath, even if he does claim to be forward-thinking. After all, dukes—even gorgeous ones—are the enemy. So why does she feel such enjoyment from their heated exchanges?
But everything changes when Beatrice finds herself suddenly without fortune, a husband, or even a home. Now her future depends on the very man who sets her blood boiling. Because in order to protect his esteemed rival, the Duke of Blackheath has asked for Beatrice’s hand, inviting his once-enemy into his home...and his bed.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

When I’m in the mood for something light and fun, I enjoy reading a Regency romance. Definitely not something I’d want a steady diet of, but enjoyable once in awhile. This one fit the bill perfectly. Beatrice and William are great characters as are William’s brothers. I didn’t get much of a feel for Maggie, Beatrice’s cousin. I also liked the women’s rights aspect of the story. Beatrice fighting against women being the property of their husband’s and William supporting her was a big plus for me.

3.5 magical little stars.

Lord save me from hard-headed men who believe they can't fall in love *eyeroll* Can we please be done with this trope? I was quite enjoying the second half until William decided to be an insufferable idiot who doesn't understand how emotions work.

This is such a hard book to review because I liked a lot of it but equally a lot was lackluster.

At the start of the book I really was not sure I was going to enjoy it because its very instalove (and to be honest the romance is lacking in substance the whole way through, it's one of the weakest parts of the book. Friends sure, in love? Eh.) William's character was the turning point for me though I really liked him and how he developed as a person. He had flaws but he acknowledges them and wants to grow as a person. He doesn't want to be an arrogant guy who believes himself above everyone else and expects their bowing and scraping all the time. He had a great moment of introspection the day after the wedding, they've both gone to do their work but he sees her and is immediately against what she was doing. He stopped and actually took the time to question his thoughts and decide how to react rather than blindly blundering into her business and causing conflict.

I also really liked his relationship with his brothers. And the Kit and Margaret drama was actually more interesting than William and Beatrice's relationship.

And therin lies the problem. The actual romance was the weakest and least interesting part of the book. The conflict just made me want the book to be over already, I didn't care and it was stupid - I rolled my eyes so much I was so fed up.

I really enjoyed the first book in the series so I will definitely be reading the next book bit this one sadly didn't live up to the expectations book 1 set.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I tried to finish this, I really did. I really thought that this would be the typical principled heroine vs pompous hero, but the Duke was actually pretty nice. In fact, he's my favorite character in this. As a result, Beatrice's tangents about how he's not doing enough when he's doing more than her to help with the issues she cares about, got old really fast.

In fact, I really cannot stand Lady Beatrice and maybe she gets better in the latter half of this novel. However, I've been trying to finish this book for a month or so and I just can't.

Maybe this was a it's-not-you-it's-me thing, but this wasn't the book for me.

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC! I really appreciate it!
Because I did not finish MUCH ADO ABOUT DUKES, I'm only posting my review here. Especially because this definitely could be just be a wrong book at the wrong time thing.