This is an author I really like, so I was really excited to have been given this book early! I love a good historical romance and this is just that! I loved the diversity of the characters, the culture, and food! I’ve really enjoyed this series so far! Adeline is an Earl’s daughter but her mother was Arab. She’s a healer with compassion. Her half brother(the new Earl) isn’t someone she gets along with, so she goes to the country cottage her father left her to help the people in that town as the healer. Daniel, Duke of Warwick, is a science man. He doesn’t want love or a wife. His parents are both dead, they didn’t show him love at all. When Warwick is in the country working on his project, he goes to his neighbors house to tell them to get the dogs to stop barking. This leads to an interesting meet cute with a pet pig! When Adeline’s half brother visits demanding she marry for his debt, she says no….but Warwick interrupts claiming their are courting! So they come up with a fake engagement plan, in London. I really enjoyed these two! I loved that Warwick didn’t care about Adeline’s background but embraced it! They were a great match and great chemistry as well. Such a great read!

How Not to Marry a Duke by Tina Gabrielle is book Two in the Darling Ladies Series. This is the story of Daniel Millstone, Duke of Warwick and Adeline Foster. I really enjoyed this book and loved how Daniel stepped up to help Adeline which lead me to a wonderful story.

First off I'm a fan of all of Tina Gabrielle's books. Every book she's written has so much diversity in it. I'm either laughing so hard or crying myself to tears. This is one of my favorite books from her series, especially The Duke. I can't spoil much about the book, but please read her first book of the series and I promise you, you will never let this down.


I just reviewed How Not to Marry a Duke by Tina Gabrielle. #HowNottoMarryaDuke #NetGalley
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I received an advanced reader’s copy of How Not to Marry a Duke by Tina Gabrielle.

This was a fake relationship historical romance. Both Warwick, the Duke, and Adeline although from the aristocracy were passionate about their interests; Warwick with his inventions and Adeline with her healing. Overall, an enjoyable story.

How Not to Marry a Duke starts off with a funny and entertaining "meet-cute." I'm a sucker for animals in HR books, and this one has an "attacking" pet pig! Adeline Foster is a healer of Arabic descent, and the daughter of a nobleman. Daniel Millstone is the Duke of Warwick and a bit unconventional because he'd rather spend all his time tinkering with his inventions. After a strong beginning, the book slowed down quite a bit, somewhat due to all the details of Daniel's inventions and even Adeline's medicines. Though interesting, I think it sidetracked from building the chemistry and relationship of the leads.

This was a good book, well written, but the pace hindered my complete enjoyment. I don't feel that the characters were dynamic enough and Adeline, especially, was very judgmental and critical of Daniel a lot of the time, for someone who the reader is constantly told was judged by society.

Tropes: fake betrothal, marriage of convenience, enemy's sister

3.5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book, the thoughts and opinions are my own and freely given.

I recieved a free copy from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Adeline is the daughter of an earl and an Arab woman. As such her older half brother has always hated her and her mother. When he lands himself in trouble with a moneylender he promises him Adeline's hand in marriage.
Warwick happens to hear the plan and has hated the earl since they were in school as boys.
Warwick proposes that Adeline they pretend to court to avoid her marriage and Warwick's godmother's attempt at marrying his off as well.
I like Adeline and her desire to help as a doctor. Warwick with his determination to be an inventor nicely matched. But there relationship was the best part.
The conflict quickly disappears only acting as a plot device to bring the two together but the development of their characters and relationship was enjoyable.

How Not to Marry a Duke had so much potential as a fresh take on the genre yet it failed to meet my expectations. I love a good marriage of convenience story but the relationship between Adeline Foster, the daughter of an earl, and Daniel Millstone, the Duke of Warwick, felt completely unnatural and I didn't feel invested in their characters. They shared a desire for the freedom to marry as they wished but nothing between them seemed to be convincing as a match.

I found the initial crash meeting between Adeline and the duke to be a solid start and I thought Henry, Adeline's pet pig, was a great addition. Adeline spoke her mind and I liked the way she challenged the duke. I also liked that she was proud of her heritage despite the prejudice she faced from her half brother, Edwin, an insufferable bully, and from others in high society. I applaud the author for including diversity and representation in this book but it was sometimes too much of a focus and felt somewhat forced into the story.

Although intelligent and possessing ingenuity as he worked on his inventions, the duke didn't come across as strong or confident even with his arrogance. Society viewed him as reclusive but there was no sense of mystery to him either. I actually enjoy math and science but the descriptions of his work felt exhausting. Meanwhile, Adeline was a healer, experienced with the use of herbs to treat illnesses, and I thought there was too much detail about that as well even though I find herbal medicine fascinating.

Parts of the story, especially conversations between Adeline and the duke were very simplistic and stilted, more so than typically seen in this genre. Their attraction never felt right from the beginning and there wasn't enough buildup or tension. I wasn't even sure I wanted them to be together. By the time I reached 28%, boredom and disinterest in their slow moving story finally won out and I decided I had reached my end.

The one significant point I took from this book was an Arabic proverb I think is worth sharing.

"The greatest future is for those who are courageous enough to seize it."

** Special thanks to Entangled Publishing / Amara and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. Available April 25, 2023. **

This is the first I have read from this author, but it definitely will not be the last, I will be looking for more of her stories. I enjoyed the way the characters interacted with each other. I also enjoyed the fact that they were different than what the Ton would have expected from them. I now need to go back and read the first story in this series and find more of Ms. Gabrielle’s stories to enjoy.


I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.

Barking dogs, an overly friendly pig and a beautiful young lady, throw a duke off track from his inventions. Adeline is a healer, the daughter of a duke and an Arabic mother. Theirs was a love match and Adeline will not settle for less. The Duke of Warwick is her neighbor in the country, a brilliant inventor who has a bad habit of losing track of time. The half-sister of one of his worst enemies, he comes to Adeline's rescue when her half-brother is forcing her to marry his money lender. Warwick states his claim, he's courting Adeline. They both agree it is all pretend, or is it? A duke with an analytical mind doesn't always comprehend his own emotions.
With a touch of humor and heated kisses that lead to more, a very entertaining book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

Overall, this was a really enjoyable and entertaining story, though there were a few things that really got under my skin. First up was the author’s frequent references to the duke’s need to marry and produce “an heir and a spare”. It’s commonly understood if you read historical romances that the aristocracy are supposed to focus on this for the continuation of their line. One reference would have been more than enough but, honestly, that phrase is pretty cliché. I’d love to have seen a bit of imagination used instead. This brings me to my second bone if cintention. More clichés, this time in the sex department. The most glaring was when the duke wanted to “sink balls deep” into Adeline. I’ve read “balls deep” ad infinitum and these days it just makes me cringe.
On to the things I liked about this book. First up are the characters. Adeline and Warwick are fabulous and I have a special place in my heart for Henry, Adeline’s pet pig. The dialogue is another thing that sparkles. Hthese two ae great together. I also liked the country town setting for the early part of this book. Then there was Adeline’s healing oriwess, her part Arab heritage and the smoothe way that the Arab parts of her culture including food was integrated into the story. Warwick’s fascination with machines was entertaining too. The story flowed well and concluded nicely.

Thank you Entangled Publishing and Net Galley for the advanced copy of this delightful read. All thoughts and opinions are my own. This novel was a very different angle from most other Victorian reads. It was very interesting learning about being a "healer". The fake relationship keep your interest going. The leading characters had a very steamy attraction to each other. A predictable ending but it was enjoyable how they got there.

This is a story about a couple who made a deal to have a fake courtship throughout the season so everyone would leave them alone and partly as a snub to a young beauty’s half brother.
Adeline had just moved into her dilapidated country cottage as her her only inheritance from her late father after being kicked out by her hateful half brother. Her former nursemaid, now currently her companion or second mother, Hasmik is staying with her to help her out with the cottage, herbs, newly adopted animals, nursing and more.
Duke of Warwick has chosen to stay in his country home so he can have some quiet and peace while he tinkers and makes some improvements on inventions. He has no use for idle talks, balls, courtships and etc. He’s even avoiding his godmother, Lady Haywood whom he adores like a plague because of her demands of finding a wife and providing an heir. He’s managed to avoid the Seasons so far in the past because he’s been in hiding away from everyone.
They meet for the first time due to the dogs making a lot of ruckus. The Duke storms over to investigate the noise at his neighbor, only to be bowled over by Adeline’s pet pig. They start to argue from there. They did not get along. He’s left more injured (arm) They both were not happy with each other. The following morning, Adeline’s half brother, Lord Foster barges into her home making demands that she is to marry a low scum money lender to cover his debts. She refuses. All the noises from her screaming at him to get out and him yelling his threats caused the Duke to come rushing over. He overhears their arguments. As no love lost over his childhood nemesis, he steps in stating that he’s been courting Adeline secretly. Lord Foster doesn’t really believe him and was finally kicked out her cottage.
They both agreed on a deal after stating their intentions of not marrying and etc. Their journey and unexpected relationship start at that incident.
There are plenty of interesting secondary characters in this plot you’d enjoy and/hate. There are Middle is Eastern heritage, strong women faced with discriminations while pursuing their interests/careers, racisms, secrets with family members and close friends, couple of spicy scenes, amusing and hilarious banters and many more.
Oh! One more thing, who can forget one adorable and delightful character in this book? Henry the pet pig!! Gotta love him!!
Another thing, I did not realize this was a second book in this series, The Daring Ladies Series. I’d say you can read this standalone. I will be reading the first book due to the fact how much I really enjoyed this novel.
4 1/2 stars from me.
Thank you so much Entangled Publishing/ Amara and Netgalley for this physical ARC and eBook. As usual all my reviews are purely my own opinions without any influence from any publishers.

4.5 Stars ⭐️

I read this book while travelling internationally and completely lost myself in its pages. I honestly don’t remember most of my flight from Toronto to Rome ad have absolutely zero regrets!

Adeline and Daniel were on fire! Their chemistry was off the charts and I enjoyed watching them try and fail at a fake relationship. Normally I am not a fan of this trope but when it’s down well, like it is here, I become a big fan!

𝗛𝗢𝗪 𝗡𝗢𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗥𝗬 𝗔 𝗗𝗨𝗞𝗘 was an unputdownable, read in one (airplane) sitting romance. I’m gift the judy.ann.loves.books stamp of approval, TBR and Enjoy!

Lady Adeline Cameron moves to a country cottage left to her after her father dies and her half brother, Edwin, now Earl of Foster throws her and her companion out of her family home. She meets her neighbor, Mr. Millstone when he comes to her home to complain about the noise her barking dogs are making. While visiting, Mr. Millstone, who is really the Duke of Warwick, is run over by her pet pig, Henry. They meet again when Henry visits the Duke at his home and when he brings him back home, Edwin is there, with the news that he has arranged for her to marry a moneylender who is holding on to his debt. Since the duke's godmother is pressuring him into finding a wife and Adeline is now needing a spouse to prevent her marriage to the moneylender, they agree to pretend to be courting. What could go wrong. When they return to London to attend balls and other parties to make the ton believe they are truly courting, they find that they have an attraction to each other. Will they give in to the attraction or can they keep up the ruse for the time they have set until they can go their separate ways after the season? A very intriguing romance story with lots of steam and a HEA. I am recommending this book to anyone who loves historical romance with lots of heat and action between the H/h.

I received an ARC from Netgalley and I am voluntarily leaving a review,

Fake relationship with humor, revenge and a satisfying HEA
If you like Regency romance, you will want to read this book. It is steamy in a subtle way but has lots of passion. It seems that Daniel Millstone, Duke of Warwick who would rather tinker with his inventions than toy with the affections of the young ladies of the ton, has met his match, quite literally. Adeline: she is intelligent, inquisitive and caring just as he is. Their meet cute was not really so cute, but it got them where the author needed them. When Warwick “meets” Adeline’s brother, Edwin, his school-boy nemesis, he steps in to assist Adeline. Of course, what starts out as a fake becomes rather real.
I loved the banter among all the characters. I appreciated that he fought so hard to not fall for Adeline while unknowingly doing it splendidly. Very well-written and clever plotting. I only had one thought: Since Adeline was characterized as so bright, would she have not known that Mary would do what she did? Other than that, this was a very appealing historical romance. I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through NetGalley/Entangled.

I liked this book. Daniel and Adeline's romance had some solid cuteness in it, and I really liked them together. The story itself was engaging and fun and I thought the uniqueness of the characters was simply wonderful.

Regency Romance - This book started off exciting and kept it going throughout the whole story. It was fun. I was entertained all throughout the book. This book was a page turner and fast paced. Basically, Duke Daniel is taking a break to work on his inventions/hobbies. Lady Adeline is an Earls daughter but a healer as well. They meet sparks fly then her half-brother is forcing her to marry a villain as part of a debt. The duke thinking he is helping states they are courting forcing them into a fake relationship which gets him out of the marriage mart schemes. This book is lighthearted and makes you laugh. It was heartfelt the interaction between Daniel and Adeline combined with family responsibility, prejudices, and stereotypes of male and female roles. I love the supportive family and friends which makes this book even better. They make a good couple and have a great connection. This book was a good romance. It is an easy flowing read. I would recommend this book because this author is keeps you entertained with this enjoyable book. I look forward to her other books.

**I received this book from NetGalley for an honest review.

Soon after the death of her father, Lady Adeline Foster is starting a new life in a little cottage. Our heroine is of mixed heritage and happy to use her talents as healer for anyone.

Daniel Milstone is avoiding his responsibilities to enjoy his inventions. Peace and quiet seems hard to come by. Our hero is under pressure from his godmother. Perhaps there is a way to solve his and his neighbour's problems.

This historical romance has unusual characters that are intelligent and lots of fun. This is the second book in ther series but easily read as a stand alone. I loved the very differences between these characters and most others we meet in similar stories.

Great fun.

Daniel Millstone, the Duke of Warwick has retired to his country getaway cottage to work on his current invention and escape his godmother’s matchmaking, but thanks to a painful burn and his neighbor’s dogs non-stop barking, his getaway is turning into a nightmare. Annoyed and in pain, he decides to confront his neighbor and is attacked by her pet pig, reinjuring his arm while trying to protect her. Needless to say, their first meeting was not love at first sight, even if he can’t help but be attracted to her beauty and intelligence. It isn’t until the next day when her pig Henry, makes his way to Warwick’s home and Warwick returns him to her house that he learns who she really is and learns of her family troubles. And just like that a plan for a fake courtship is born!

Lady Adeline Cameron is the youngest child of the late Earl of Foster, her mother was his second wife, a commoner of Middle Eastern descent, whom he married just weeks after the death of his first wife. Her parents were very much in love, but not everyone was happy with their union, especially his son Edwin. When her father died and despite the support of her half-sister Mary, Adeline didn’t wait for Edwin to kick her out, she left and moved into the cottage left to her by her father. She plans to live full-time in the village of Chillham and practice the healing arts she learned from her mother. But no sooner has she moved in than she meets her arrogant neighbor who she is happy to treat and never see again, that is until Edwin shows up demanding she marry a moneylender to whom he is indebted, she refuses and tries to get him to leave, but when Edwin gets physical, she is saved by Warwick, who claims that Adeline cannot marry anyone, as she is being courted by him! Now they have to convince everyone that they are a couple without actually becoming a couple. Because no matter how well they are suited, or how attracted they are, or how sweet the kisses – this is courtship is not real – right?

This well-written, nicely paced second installment of The Daring Ladies series introduces readers to Lady Adeline and the Duke of Warwick, as well as catching readers up with the Earl of Drake and Anahit “Ana”, now Lady Drake from the first book. As with the first book, the author treats readers to a story that is not your typical historical romance, by creating strong, intelligent women who despite the prejudices they have faced for their foreign bloodlines, are successful in the ton and love and gives them heroes worthy of the title “hero” (even if it takes Warwick a bit longer than it should to realize he loves Adeline). The book is filled with delightful banter, interesting inventions, fascinating healing techniques, wonderful secondary characters, prejudices, skanky moneylenders, a pig named Henry, steamyish love scenes, secrets, meddling family/friends, and finally a HEA complete with an epilogue. This is the second book in the series, but each book could be read as a standalone title. I greatly enjoyed this story and would happily recommend it.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*

This was an entertaining, well-written book. it was sweet, steamy, fun and kept me reading. I wanted to find out what was going to happen. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books by this author.