I think maybe I would enjoy this if I was new to the romance genre and more of a fan of contemporary romcoms. As is, I hate this. We are introduced to our heroine who is a theater make up artist. Her grandmother has left her everything (we are never given an amount), but she needs to marry someone with a title. She honestly seems fine without the money but money is nice I guess. We our introduced to our new Duke. He is broke. The Duke part of the plot line feels ripped from a regency romance. I know the lives of the very rich are different, but I think even the royal family doesn’t need all their furniture re-embroidered in 2023. I looked up inheritance laws because of this book. I just can’t handle it. Neither of these people feel real at all.

Unfortunately. this didn't work for me. I didn't connect with the characters and found the story to be quite disappointing overall.

wish I had more positive things to say, but as one review already said, this shows us how not to marry a duke, and also why we should not. I'm not sure how I expected this book to play out, but I expected more fun and less annoyance overall.

How (Not) to Marry a Duke is a book following Jemma, a struggling theatrical make-up artist. She learns her extremely wealthy late grandmother left her a large inheritance, but it comes with a catch. If she wants to actually access her inheritance, she must first marry a man with a title. Enter Ashford, the new Duke of Burlingham, who with his title inherited a whole lot of debt after his father passed. Their shared lawyer proposes a solution - a secret marriage that would solve both of their issues. However, the press finds out, the marriage is no longer a secret, and Jemma and Ashford must act like newlyweds even if they hate each other's guts.

Well, then. I'm not sure where to start with this. As I said the premise of this drew me in. I am a big fan of the marriage-of-convenience trope, and this seemed like a fun and light read. And sure, there were scenes I liked (which is why I gave it 2 and not 1 star), but as a whole, this novel was pretty disappointing to me. It was not the fluffy read I wanted, it was the book of annoying stereotypes in place of characters. Everyone seemed more like a caricature than a well-rounded character, and I didn't enjoy that. That is, after all, my biggest issue with this book - the characters. This type of book depends on characters, on characters that are likable, but flawed, or unlikeable but who learn to do better. This book, however, is filled with walking stereotypes of people, who are not only unlikeable in the beginning but somehow become even more ridiculous in some ways by the end.

Our main character Jemma grew up poor with quirky hippie parents, so obviously she has no manners and only eats chicken. She must have her feet up on a chair in a restaurant and be obnoxious for no reason, because that is just how regular people are. Now, obviously, I'm not by any means bashing liking chicken or being relaxed, but everything I mentioned is overused and it's made into a much bigger deal than it is. Jemma's only personality for half of the book is being inappropriate, constantly, and it being because she didn't grow up wealthy. Which I think is extra ridiculous, as her quirky parents seem to have no issue with any of that, and it's said she actually grew up eating a bunch of different cultural foods from around the world, so her asking for chicken exclusively in the first third of the book seemed so annoying and on the nose.

Her character growth is super weird to me (if we can call it growth, anyways). She gets accustomed to being a rich person who does nothing but is a part of high society and grows to like it, while still acknowledging how terrible everyone was to her simply based on her appearance. Now, I do think she should've been more appropriate in some situations (there is a way to have a personality and stick to your style while being fancier), but her makeover and change of heart seemed out of character. Her personality, later on, boils down to her being jealous and insecure, and while it makes sense with her past, it got tired pretty quickly.

On the other hand, we have Ashford, who is absolutely and utterly unlikeable as well, but for completely different reasons. He is what you might imagine when you hear about out-of-touch nobles, and in general rich people who have never talked to a 'regular' person, unless it's someone who works for them. The first time, he meets Jemma, he mistakes her for a waitress and is incredibly rude and belittling. Even if she were the waitress, that wouldn't make his behavior seem better, it would have been that much worse. His internal monologue is rude and often very misogynistic. But, we are supposed to be fine with his comments about women as the book goes on, because they're mostly aimed at high society ladies, who we learn are mostly awful people. So, you know, casual misogyny is okay in that case. He had some positive moments, he actually made more effort with Jemma's parents than I expected.

The central relationship here goes much as you would expect in such a story. They start off hating each other but eventually get closer and develop feelings. However, because I found the characters so unlikable, I just didn't really care all that much. Overall, they did really seem like a poor match, for all I tried, I couldn't see how they would grow to like each other. The only reason they even barely worked together is that Jemma actually started enjoying the high society life. They had a few sweet moments as they get closer, which is the only reason I gave it 2 stars. What I found extra funny and annoying is that while Jemma tries to fill out the holes in her knowledge, she goes over classic literature and we get to see how the characters themselves compare their relationship to some of the stories. The Pride and Prejudice comparison really got me though because there is no similarity there - Mr.Darcy might've been entitled and rude but he learns. Ashford very much doesn't learn anything, it's just that Jemma is an exception (now that she's changed everything about herself). Also, I hated with a burning passion the line from Jemma's internal monologue that said that if she were a car, she would've liked to be driven by Ashford.

The side characters are very much an afterthought, and even more bare stereotypes than the main characters. Jemma's parents are just unconventional, and Ashford's mother is just terrible for the sake of being terrible. There were also a couple of minor situations that were just left unresolved. The ending especially was weird to me. As I mentioned, I liked some of the scenes between Jemma and Ashford, and I was finally enjoying the book at least a bit when that ending happened! I was very disappointed by the miscommunication and then also by how everything was fixed. First, the way (and the reason) they break up was straight-up ridiculous to me, and I couldn't see what it added to the story. Second, the way Jemma hid the pregnancy was also ridiculous. Even if he had cheated on her, I feel like he still should've known about the baby. And third, I generally don't like the baby fix at the end of novels, even in the best of scenarios, and this wasn't even close to being the best.

All in all, this book just simply wasn't for me. I'm not sure I would recommend it at all, I think there are better romances out there. However, I do know this is just my opinion and everyone's tastes are different, so don't let me stop you! I did enjoy the audiobook, so if you decide to give it a go, I would recommend the audio format.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with the audiobook in exchange for an honest review!

An enemies to lovers romance, let down by the personalities of the main characters, who somewhat grated on me after a while. I think it would be really good for anyone who wants a contemporary Bridgerton-esque romance, but it wasn't for me. I just did not connect to either character, and didn't feel the chemistry between them and since the premise was focused on their romance, ultimately I did not enjoy this as much as I wanted to.

Gemma and Ashford are as unlikely a pair as you'll ever see. But they each have a problem that can only be resolved if they get married. So, thinking they can keep things quiet and solve their difficulties, they tie the knot, only to have the registrar's clerk sell the story to a gossip rag. So, now there's no other choice but to live out the farce for a decent enough amount of time before they file for divorce.

As these two enemies are repeatedly thrown together, nonsensical things happen, like Gemma's free-spirited hippie parents getting Ashford's straight-laced mother stoned.

There are lots of humorous moments in the story and, eventually, Gemma and Ashford realize they have to have each other's back for this whole thing to work. Typical enemies-to-lovers stuff.

If you're looking for an easy-to-read RomCom with unbelievable situations, you won't be disappointed by How (Not) to Marry a Duke.

Thank you to Felicia Kingsley, Saga Egmont, and NetGalley for an advance review copy.

An interesting story with mostly enjoyable characters, I found the male and female lead irritating at times but the secondary characters were amazing and I am really hoping to see a book about them!

The narrator was great and really brought the book to life, I would recommend consuming this book as an audiobook!

This was a fun enemies to lovers with forced proximity novel. I liked the narrator, I thought she did a great job and really enjoyed listening to her. I do have to admit that I hated Gemma... she seemed like a very dramatic, whiny child for the majority of the novel so it was hard to really get on board with Ashford falling for her, but I did love Ashford. I thought he had a more noble character arc in the arrangement, so it was nice to see that shift where I typically find the man to be abysmal.

Overall, I thought it was an enjoyable experience. I would have enjoyed a twist that was as predictable, but I still always love the enemies to lovers confusion toward the end of the book/series. As a side note, I LOVED Gemma's parents! What fun characters and I even loved Ashford's mother in her stuffy, old-lady way.

Recommend for readers who enjoy Bridgerton-like books, but with a modern twist.

Sooooo, I didn't really care for either of the main characters, but there were parts and characters of the book that I did enjoy. I think that Gemma with her family were sweet. The hippy parents were the real winners of the book! I also enjoyed their best friends who were both very funny.

Gemma and Ashton though, sheesh. They were both very self absorbed. Gemma did try to better herself some through learning about how to fit into her new role as a duchess but Ashton didn't really do anything. Also, the pacing of the book felt off. It took forever and a day before they decided that they might like each other, then they did like each other a whole lot, there was a squabble and then the book was over.

This book was cute and a quick enjoyable read, but it could have been much better.

An ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Newly unemployed Gemma inherits a fortune. There's just one catch: she has to marry a man with a title. Fortunately, her solicitor offers a solution: a titled client who's in dire need of ready cash. Ashford doesn't know what to make of Gemma and her quirky style. Can they make their marriage of convenience work?

This is absolutely hilarious. An opposites attract, fish-out-of-water romance, it's full of quirky characters and awkward situations. The audiobook was great fun. I can't recommend it highly enough.

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

Jemma is a makeup artist trying to make ends meet when she finds out she has just inherited a fortune. But only if she is married to someone with a Title. Ashford is a Duke drowning in debt. So they decide to get married and get a quick divorce, but the news of their marriage leaked, so now they need to stay married for a while. You can guess what happens next!

I really wanted to like this book, but the main characters are SO unlikeable it was hard not root against them. Ashford was horrible enough, but Jemma was insufferable. At the 70% mark things got better for a while but then *something* happens that made me dislike Jenna all over again, until the very end.

I would’ve left it unfinished, but I loved the narrator and all the secondary characters, specially Jemma’s parents, so that made it all better.
Two stars!

This is a bit predictable, but then it's also not the sort of book you pick up for some big meaning or plot twist.
Overall it's a very cozy and funny read. It took a little bit of time to warm up to the main characters (they were so annoying in the beginning). However, the side character? All of the yes.
Although, I am a little bit annoyed at the whole side-plot with one of the characters being labelled as asexual and then suddenly very much hooking up with the guy she kinda hates? Like, at least make her identify as demi- or greysexual if that's the end goal...

While this book definitely had its charms, too much of it was spent with the main characters fighting purposely. The aristocratic mother was so far out of touch she felt like a caricature and I must say the same of Jemma's parents (the nudist hippies). Most of the characters felt like a walking caricature and not a real person, though in the case of Gemma and Ashford I didn't find them completely unlikeable. I did listen to the audiobook, so the performance of the narrator might have helped. I didn't hate this book, nor did I love it. All in all, I wish they had come together sooner and quit fighting like petulant children and that everyone felt more real.

Anything with Duke in the title grabs my attention. However, this book let me down. The characters were caricatures of who they represent. Ashford was the smug, high in the instep duke and Jemma was the low class, no manners makeup artist. These could have been interesting characters if they were given more depth.

I love it how we now have more and more audiobooks and how I get to listen to them! Yes, it’s all about me and how much I enjoy them, but, if you’re anything like me and enjoy listening to funny love stories, then, this one is for you! I thoroughly enjoyed it and I recommend it to everyone out there! Who would have thought that rom coms are my thing? Well, they kind of are when it comes to audiobooks!

So, Jemma Pears is a theatrical makeup artist in London. She was just fired or better say, not included in the next production, which, to her opinion would not last for long! Anyway, she is now without a job, living at the basement of the building her parents live and she needs to figure out what she’ll do next! This is when she finds out that her grandmother died, and she is to inherit her. But there’s a catch! In order to get her hands on all that money and estates and who knows what else, she must marry a nobleman. Only a man with a title stands between Jemma and her inheritance. Well, it makes sense, since this is what her grandmother wanted for her daughter, Jemma’s mother, but she never got it. Jemma’s parents are a couple of hippies, true hippies, that took part in the sexual revolution, live a free life and have raised their daughter in their own way. However, it doesn’t make sense for Jemma, who is a romantic soul and believes i true life. As life and love have not been treating her well the past years, Jemma decides to indulge in her late grandmother’s wishes. She just has no idea where to find this man with a title that would be willing to marry her!

Ashford Parker, the new Duke of Burlingham has inherited a title, a number of estates and a number of rather risky investments! Now, he is on the brink of bankruptcy because of those risky investments and in order to pay back the banks, he would need to sell a part of said estates. That is not something he would easily do, and he has no intention to let his mother know, or anyone else for that matter. When his solicitor calls him to dinner with a solution to propose, he accepts immediately. He just didn’t expect the solution to look so trashy and pink… The solution the solicitor proposes is for Ashford to marry Jemma! As it turns out, Jemma and Ashton have the same solicitor, one with crazy ideas! If you think about it though, this idea might even work!

The two of them actually get married and sign the papers, secretly, or so they thought. And instead of each one living their own lives separately as they agreed, they now have to share a common roof and play the happily married couple! Someone leaked to the press that the Duke of Burlingham got married to a commoner, including names and signatures and now they have to keep appearances, as Ashford’s title comes with some social obligations.

Jemma is not your regular girl. She is stubborn and sometimes she acts like a child. She also believes she’s better than all those titles people because she comes from the working class. On some occasions, she is right. All these snob people look down on her and she just gets more and more stubborn. But, when she decides to take a bit care of herself, she realizes she no longer feeds them with things to criticize her and she actually feels better and more self-confident.

I really enjoyed this story and the so slow burn romance between these two! I love a good fake relationship trope, and this was also a marriage of convenience that worked so perfectly. None of them was perfect, that’s for sure. Most people aren’t perfect, so it made sense! And the fact that it was on audiobook make it even better. The narrator did a wonderful job bringing Jemma and Ashford to life!

Thank you to NetGalley & Saga Egmont Audio for an advance copy of this book. The views expressed are my personal and honest opinion.

I read How (Not) to Marry a Duke by Felicia Kingsley in just a few days. I came to write a review, but I was so nervous, I just got writer's block. This book was so adorable, I cannot wait to give my review.

I picked this book because I absolutely loved the title, the cover, and the premise. I had not heard about the book prior, so I thought it would be a great chance to read it and put out the word. I loved the POV of the two characters and how it was clear who was speaking. I thought it had great humor, fast-moving plot, and likeable, for the most part, characters. I would love to see a sequel between a certain two characters who despised each other! The fast-moving plot was important to me because I did not want to put it down, and I was disappointed when I had to. I loved the narrator, and I thought they did an excellent job. I could go on and on about how much I loved this book! I loved Jemma and her free-spirited parents. I also envy her dad's record collection. I loved the way Ashford respected her parents and defended them. I know if it was me, I would love a man who would stand up to his mother against picking apart my own parents. I've been there, trust me, I would love that. I did Not like Ashford's mother at all, and I loved it when she would get high. It made her more human. I respected Ashford for allowing Jemma's parents to move into the home with them, and how he even made it sound like they were just visiting. The I have said it once, and I could say it again, the respect he showed her family was amazing.

I love love, and this book had plenty in it. I could not stand the mean girls, and I loved her quirky friend. I cannot stand mean girls, and these specifically I despised.

This book had it all for me. I loved it so much. It had romance, humor, fascinating characters that I wanted to meet and get to know. And the ability to transport me to a life that sounds like a fantasy, the good and the bad included. The author should be very happy with this book, and I hope everyone enjoys it as much as I did.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Sadly I just didn’t like the two protagonists, they were annoying and though they had really funny and flirty scenes in their enemies-to-lovers marriage of convenience set-up, my dislike of them couldn’t fully sell me on their romance either.

I really enjoyed the narrator of this audiobook, they have a very pleasant voice.

I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher, via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

This was a little bit of an impulse request, but How (Not) to Marry a Duke was a really enjoyable listen/read on my commute into work. When theatre makeup artist, Jemma Pears, discovers that her grandmother has died, and left all her estate to Jemma, she is in shock. She can quit her low paid job, and finally move out from her parents basement. But, there was a caveat to the will - in order to inherit the wealth and properties, Jemma needs to marry a titled gentleman. And where is she going to find one of them? Enter Ashford, the new Duke of Burlingham. Following his father's death, he has inherited the title, as well as the numerous debts. He needs to marry, and marry into money, in order to protect the family estate. Both Jemma and Ashford reckon they've found the perfect arrangement - marry and settle the debts, and after a year, they'll divorce, and Ashford will have raised enough to repay Jemma. However, someone leaks the news of their marriage to the press, and now the pair find themselves forced to live together, and act like the perfect couple, head over heels who couldn't wait to marry.

I enjoyed that Ashford and Jemma were completely different people. Their entire personalities, backgrounds, everything, was different, and though there were moments when the drama was a little too obvious, it was lovely to see them fall for their partner, and really become a 'couple'. Ashford's mother was a hoot, and though she did get on my nerves at times, I found the scene in the epilogue hilarious! Ashford and Jemma's story was definitely not an easy one, but the ending more than made up for it.

4.5 stars
"How (Not) to Marry a Duke" is a standalone novel, written by Felicia Kingsley. Jemma Pears is struggling to keep afloat; after being recently fired from her job as a makeup artist for a theatre company, she's a little lost. However, it seems that Jemma's grandmother has made her the sole heir of her vast estate, but only if Jemma marries a noble man. It seems impossible to fulfill her late grandmother's requirements, but her solicitor (Derek) might have an unorthodox plan to help Jemma secure her inheritance. Ashford Parker, the Duke of Burlingham, is unaware of his late father's dicey investments and he owes an outrageous debt to the bank, which must be paid very soon. Lucky for Ashford, his solicitor is also Derek, and so the plan seems obvious, marry Jemma, so she can inherit her grandmother's possessions and, in turn, she will loan him the funds to keep his estate going. There's only one slight hitch to the plan: they HATE each other!I had a lot of fun listening to the audio version of this novel! Granted the trope and the set-up is not all that creative, but it's very rare to find a truly creative plotline these days. Right from the beginning, I was captivated by Ashford; who doesn't like a posh grump?? Jemma was very relatable, and I loved her obsession with Arsenal; I thought it added a lot of funny moments to the book. I also loved the build-up towards their respective fall, it made everything that much sweeter! The only slight fault with this book was that the ending dragged out a bit, and I would have appreciated a quicker finish to be honest. Regarding the narrator, it took some getting used to the thick British accent, but after that initial period it was very entertaining to listen to the audiobook. Can't wait to read more of Felicia Kinsgley's books!

I adored this audiobook! The narrators are perfectly cast for the characters and I adored this enemies-to-lovers, fake marriage, grumpy/sunshine romance! Ashford is the classic grumpy Duke, and Jemma is the “common” sunshine girl. However the twist is that she has just come in to a lot of money, if she can marry someone noble. He has lots of money worries and it seems a marriage between them would solve all their problems. I loved their journey!

I will definitely look out for more from this author in the future! Thank you to the publishers @sagaegmont for a copy of this audiobook via NetGalley!

Narrated by Madeleine Leslay ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Author Felicia Kingsley ⭐⭐⭐⭐

I thoroughly enjoyed this!!
I love that it was slow, steady and wasn't over the top so when the two main characters fell inlove a actually believed it. Love it!!