That was a fantastic story.

It had everything what I adore in historical romances. Grumpy hero, strong and independent heroine and absolutely captivating story!

It is a must read if you consider yourself addicted to historical romances! I mean... you can not miss it, seriously.

Very well writen.

The Duke's Rules of Engagement is an intriguing story of Joanna, a spinster who is a matchmaker to the nobility who receives most of her clients from word of mouth from the successful matches she has made in the past. She meets Matthew, the duke of Crestmont when he comes seeking her assistance to find a bride who meets his specific criteria. The author weaves an exciting tale where the cast of characters, most whom are looking for spouses, have circumstances they must overcome to reach their goals. I thought the author combined the right amount of romance, controversy and steamy sex when building the plot to keep a reader turning the pages until the end. I would recommend this book to all who love the historical romance setting or anyone who is looking to experience another genre.
I received an ARC from Netgalley and Entangled Publishing and I am voluntarily leaving this review. All opinions of the book are my own.

Well. This was not your average regency romance. But I loved it anyway and wish there was a whole series so that I could stay in this world with these characters (Jennifer Haymore -- perhaps Cole and Jameson and Winthrop need Jo to fix them up as well?)

Our heroine is Jo, a commoner who works as a matchmaker. Suspend your disbelief a bit about the idea that a Duke would use one -- most of her clients appear middle class. Our hero, Matthew, a Duke who is interested in meteorology and rowing. I really enjoyed how their story developed, and recommend!

I have enjoyed the writing style and I think this book had a lot of potential because I was hooked from the beginning but unfortunately towards mid half it started losing my interest and by the end I was skipping paragraphs just to get it through. So many things seemed over the top or superficial. I still want to try this author again though.

I personally do like is the character development, witty conversations, the tension growing between the two until the end when they get together. But here it was all about the lust, the duke's admiration of Jo was over the top from the beginning (and by admiration I am talking about her looks because he barely knew her), it was all so superficial, constantly referring to the physical beauty that it was hard to believe when the author tried to convince her readers that lust equals to love.

Imagine how many times a man is lusting after a woman in his life, and in this case, a woman is a virgin with no experience so of course she would grow the tender for him, while he would satisfy his curiosity, discard her and move on. Even an honorable Duke Crest could have done the same because he could never marry her, or could he?

That was my other problem with having two common girls participating in the ton's events and ending up marrying into the ton that is supposed to be full of propriety rules, etiquette and complete snobbery. How could they afford the dresses? Arriving without a carriage? Who would invite them to their parties?? Also, the cover seems to have no relation to the book because Jo had no money.

Lastly, I didn't enjoy the sex scenes. Similar to the Duke's attraction, it was again over the top so I wish at least some reality check, something more believable. Otherwise these types of stories just fill young girls with completely unrealistic expectations about life.

Thanks Netgalley for a free copy in exchange of an honest review.

I don’t read a lot of historical romance. It’s not my favourite trope, but something about the synopsis caught my eye, and I’m so glad it did because I loved this novel. The story was sweet, reminding me of many a Jane Austen novels. A wonderful heroine going against the grain, that was exactly what Joanna Porter was. Strong willed, ambitious, generous, kind, and a true friend. I loved her. I loved her faults and her passion, she was a real treat to behold. She handled the pompous and obsessive Duke of Crestmont admirably, and I loved their banter. The question is though, will anyone be a suitable match for the Duke? Wonderfully written, Jennifer Haymore is a new author to me, and I would gladly recommend her to any fans of historical romance. I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is my honest review.

cute story. i liked the characters and watching Matthew blossom from the stuffy duke to a regular man. Jo was sweet and i felt bad for what she thought she would have to give up in the name of love because she didn't feel she was worthy. I will say though every time Matthew says Jo all i can think of is little women. Jennifer is a talented writer and always pushing the boundary of society and what is accepted for different classes.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this book! I felt like the characters were fully fleshed out, even the side characters with believable motivations, desires, and emotions. I liked the side plots and how they fit into and drove the main plot, which is the romance between Matthew and Joanna. Even the weather plot was cute!

The steam was well done and not overbearing but just enough to keep me satisfied (joke intended?) and it didn't feel cringy. So, loved that.

Such a fun read! Loved the Bridgerton vibe - felt very Anthony/Kate-ish. Jo is such a fantastic lead and Matthew is a broody soft boy. The importance of friendship and family in the story was a great part of the story, and the portrayal of jealously was so accurate. It wasn’t woman hating woman at all. Spice was well done and not over the top.

Disliked the miscommunication but it was a great read overall.

I haven’t read a historical Romance in awhile. This one got me back to enjoying them. I loved the premise of the book about a matchmaker and watching her find her perfect match.

I really enjoyed this book from Jennifer Haymore. This was the first book I had read by her, and I was very pleasantly surprised. Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for giving me an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Matthew is a duke who doesn’t believe in love, but needs a wife to procure an heir. Joanna—Jo to her friends—is a romantic matchmaker in disbelief that he doesn’t even want love.
Overall this was very enjoyable, well written, from the romance to the side characters and all the shenanigans. I will definitely be checking out other books from the author!

This is a solid four star read for me and for someone who is getting back into reading some more historical fiction, I think this was a good-going book to get started.

- I really liked our characters and alternating points of view. I liked how our heroine had a job and a career and didn’t and wasn’t going to let anyone make her feel she shouldn’t be working. I liked the matchmaking aspect and the process of it and I think the story was richer with both perspectives.
- the romance! I really enjoyed it more than I thought I would, perhaps because I didn’t like the ugly (but not ugly), old (but not old) spinster type you get in HR books but this author played on it well. the duke really made a point of <i>all I want is her</i> and I was kind of living for it.
- the writing and pacing was good and I honestly flew through this book. I liked the side characters, the elements of it being set in the past but it not reading like it twenty-four-seven.

A solid recommendation for anyone looking for a new historical romance this summer!

<i>I received this book via NetGalley but all opinions and views are my own.<i>

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.".
The Duke's Rules Of Engagement was a delightful read I fell in live with the characters one this book comes out I'm doing a 1 click 5 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟





Thanks Netgalley for a arc copy of this book for a honest review

Happy Reading Lisa 📚

I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This review is completely my own opinion after reading this book.
Joanna Porter (Jo) the spinster matchmaker is tasked with helping Mathew, the Duke of Crestmont find a wife. Of course Mathew is ridgid and uptight in the beginning, and doesn't believe in love. He's just marrying for duty and wants a perfect host. He doesn't care to put effort into anything but what's expected. I loved the way Jo handled Mathew. Although she doesn't know he's a Duke in the beginning, that never stops her from speaking her mind, and never let's his rigidity stop her from doing her job properly. Jo is a strong female character with a sweet heart, but struggles with putting the happiness of everyone else before her own happiness. I felt that connection to Jo, and enjoyed reading how she tried to navigate her feelings, her duty to her job, and her love of her family. I really enjoyed the book, and loved to see the Duke's heart soften through the book. He may have been rigid and stubborn in his beliefs, but I loved that he didn't look down on Jo for working and speaking her mind. This book is a happily ever after book, and I enjoyed how even the side stories were wrapped up. The writing style, flow of the book, and interactions were well done and I was able to immerse myself into the story easily. I'd give this book 4.5 stars, and I'll be looking for other books by this author.

TW/CW: Talk of family death, sex

REVIEW: I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

The Duke’s Rules of Engagement is the story of Jo, a young woman who earns her living as a matchmaker. When Matthew, the Duke of Crestmont solicits her services, she finds herself drawn to the match – and to the man himself.

This was a truly charming book! Well written and fast moving, Haymore wrote the characters in a way that you really came to care about them, and what happened to them. Unlike in many romance novels, their relationship was not all about sex – but about truly getting to know each other, and I liked this very much.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Regency romances!

Plot: 4.5/5
Heat/Romance: 4/5
Character development: 5/5
Story Pacing: 5/5
Overall rating: 4.625

This is one of those books that sneaks up on you. The author masterfully weaves a well paced story were you form a fondness for both main character leads in the story. The main love interest of this story, the Duke, has a distinct Mr. Darcy feel. I do give great praise for the nostalgic Pride and Prejudice feel.

It has scenes of an R rated nature, but is not overly descriptive to the point of erotica. The relationship that blooms over time borders an enemies to lovers type of scheme.

"She was THE ONE. With every single letter capitalized."

This was absolutely DELIGHTFUL. From the romance, to the plot, to the characterizations, everything was exactly as it needed to be.

I love that Jennifer Haymore showed Jo's happiness in both her career and eventually when she falls in love, the one thing she truly believes in. I love historical romances that show the duality of love and how you can still find fulfilment in life with or without it. Jo is (as the Duke appropriately calls her) an absolute spitfire, and I love it so much. She reminds me a lot of Jo from Little Women in a way, which makes her all the more incredible and endearing. Also the fact that she's not only a matchmaker, but a successful business woman is absolutely amazing.

Often I find that historical romance leans far too heavily on the miscommunication trope, and more often than not, I find that it isn't done well. However, in The Duke's Rules of Engagement, the trope works to the advantage of the story and plot, and fits securely into the tale instead of being rushed and jammed in to provide a harried sense of conflict.

And the DUKE? Heavens. In the slightly adjusted words of Grandma Fa "Sign me up for the next [season]." I love the Duke. Again, with historical romances I think often authors fall into the trap of giving the male leads trauma, but then making them absolutely unlikable, and unable to move past those past traumas. However, I think our dearly beloved Matthew the Duke of Crestmont had very reasonable reactions to events in this story, and his characterization and story arc fit perfectly with the happenings of the plot.

Immediately after finishing this, I am putting in a preorder for a physical copy, because I need this tale to have a permanent spot on my shelves.

I really liked this book, the characters are understandable and likable, the story line is great: the duke falls for his matchmaker! It’s was also very sweet. A definite read for anyone who likes historical romance!

4.5 Stars! Loved it!! This author got me so invested in the outcome of not only the main characters, Jo and Mathew, but now I want to read about the secondary characters too. I especially loved the HEA ending & epilogue! Maybe it’s because I’ve read a lot of romance books and have pretty much read it all in terms of ‘sexy time’ scenes but now I tend to skim through those parts, not really interested. Other than that, this book had me wanting to sit around and read it all day & to H, E, double hockey sticks(LL) with family time or food. I really enjoyed the witty banter between Jo & Mathew and was rooting for them to get it together. I’m definitely recommending this to anyone that enjoys historical romance. This is the first time I’ve read this author but it won’t be the last!
*I received this at no charge & I voluntarily left this review.*

I received an ARC of this for an honest review. This isn’t my typical read, but wanted to give it a shot. Our female main character Jo is a 27 year old spinster (aka a woman who is past the “good marriage” age and still single). She works for her money (shame on her), as a matchmaker in London in the… 1800’s? Matthew, The Duke of Crestmont, is getting on in age (a ripe old 33) and has decided it is time to procure a wife so he can sire an heir. For this, he enlists our Jo.

The Duke is difficult to work with, has no interest in love, and is picking traits for his future wife the way one would choose a race horse. While Jo is also secretly trying to help a friend in need find her happily ever after, she begins to enjoy the Dukes company. Matthew has turned down several options already, will Jo ever find him the perfect duchess?

I don’t read Historical Romance, and now I know why. This was not my cup of tea, though it may be for many others. Jo is funny, sarcastic, and since she isn’t a young maiden looking for a come up in life, she isn’t afraid to speak her mind.

“He wasn’t wearing breeches as daytime attire, Lilly. That is so 1799”

I did enjoy their banter throughout. I actually was hoping the subplot romance would fall through because I thought Cole was interesting and seemed interested in Lilly.

I also liked that the author delved into classism with Jameson, one of Matthews best friends being raised poor, having received scholarships to attend school, and now doing well off, STILL being considered an outcast. I thought his character was very tactfully utilized, and was one of the more interesting characters. I also really loved how Jo brought up to Matthew that aristocrats only marry other aristocrats to keep their circles small, so those they deem “lesser” will forever be unable to rise in status.

My heart broke a little everytime poor Jo spoke of her loneliness. She didn’t do it in a whiny way, just an honest admission. A woman who makes love matches and watches everyone else’s happily ever after unfurl, but goes home alone every night considered to be a poor, unwanted, old spinster.

Lastly, the sex… awful. I did not like the descriptions at all. The Duke says “sweetheart” which I found awkward. Her lady parts are called a “channel” at one point. It was just a no for me.


2.5 ⭐️
1.5 weird 🌶

Matthew, the Duke of Crestmont came to Joanna Porter for her to be his matchmaker. She had much success in making love matches. Matthew wants the perfect duchess not a love match. He is drawn to Joanna. She is a commoner, not appropriate for a Duke. She has to find him a wife. She finds him the perfect wife but she has fallen in love with him. They have many encounters. Can they be together?

The book was wonderful. The heroine is very independent. She doesn’t think she deserves love. He is afraid of love. The book kept me wanting more until the great ending. I highly recommend it.