A classic fake dating turned lovers! Daniel, the duke, and Adeline, the lady, first met in a country setting, not knowing each others titles or connection to status in London. The fake dating begins as mutually beneficial, but their connection deepens throughout the book. I would have liked to see more of Daniel’s backstory with his parents on his upbringing and taking a non-traditional route as an inventor, although the godmother assisted with some perspective. I was greatly impressed with the inclusion of multiple cultures and women in scientific and professional disciplines even though this was not typical in this era.

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

I was able to get a copy of the first book prior to reading this one and was extremely happy to hear that Warwick was the main character in this one. I enjoyed again that the genial character is half Arabic as I am half Egyptian and it nice to be represented in my favorite genre of romance. Like the first book I wish the intimate scenes were a little more detailed. But in this one, I didn’t feel the attraction as much and Warwick did seem a little more pompous than when he was just playing a supporting role. His god mother is the best though!! I enjoyed this book but it fell slightly short compared to the second one to me.

This story centered around Adeline, a bi racial heroine whose half brother deeply resents her because he hated that his father married a middle eastern woman in a love match after his own mother died. After their father died Adeline moves away from her brother to a family cottage. She and the Warwick, the hero, do not have a good first meeting. However when Adeline's half brother shows up intent on forcing her to marry a man to settle his own debts, Warwick, who has his own unpleasant history with her brother, comes to her rescue in a pretend courtship.

This is a very sweet story of two misfits finding happiness together.

Recommended Read

I loved the slow burn into love in this beautifully well written historical romance. Daniel, the Duke of Warwick is different from most of the elite of the ton, he loves improving and tinkering with his inventions and doesn’t have any time for women until one day he meets Adeline after being run over by her pig Henry!

Adeline had moved to the cottage her father had left her, her passion was herbs and healing people. When she met the Duke, she thought he was arrogant and overbearing. Adeline’s mother was from the Arab community so she had to put up with prejudice from her half brother and some of the women in the ton but Daniel being the hero he was, soon put them in their place.

With the help of his godmother and friends with a little fun along the way, Daniel and Adeline find their HEA in the most wonderful way.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own

"How Not to Marry a Duke" was a delightful surprise to read. I was unfamiliar with the author since this was the first of her novels I have read. I am a huge fan of Eloisa James, Tessa Dare and Lisa Kleypas' historical romance novels and I have to say Tina Gabrielle is just as talented. It was exciting to find a new author in this genre that I enjoyed so much. I am a total sucker for a Duke who casts aside the social restrictions that come with the title. Warwick was the perfect reclusive Duke to Adelines educated and independent lady. Both characters were well developed and easy to root for. I loved that it was set in both the country and London Season. Nothing about it felt forced, the passion was just as good as the plot! I would reccomend this to lovers of historical romance. This is not a closed door romance.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for allowing me to read an ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.

Solid 4 stars.

This is the story of the duke of Warwick and Adeline. Warwick comes across as a bit dusty. He likes to hide in the countryside to work on his inventions in complete anonymity and study books. He’s actually a loner, preferring books over spending time with friends. And he’s not particularly sensitive; at the first evening gathering they attended together he made an offending remark about the hostess’ headpiece. I prefer a stronger hero who is clever, confident but obviously caring, and sensitive is his demeanor and actions. Adeline is a very brave, fierce woman, skilled as a healer so of course a man like Warwick is awestruck by her. I can understand, but I didn’t feel he was her equal. What would she possibly see in him, what does he have to offer, besides him being a duke? It was a nice story but the combination of the two characters just didn’t appeal to me.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.