Title: It Had to Be a Duke
Author: Vivienne Lorret
My fellow readers I absolutely adore this book. It has been a minute since I’ve a good love with a romantic story and I am so happy that I’ve had the opportunity to read this one. Never have I read a story were I believe that the two characters whom are truly meant together in a love story. Verity and Magnus brightens the book with their one liner sarcastic statements that had my laughing uncontrollably. You would think that these comments a person would say under their breath or say them the strictest confidence of friend or family.
Oh no my fellow readers. Verity would throw comments left and right for everyone to hear. Those are the fun parts of the for me. Magnus could give as good as he got as well, but his moments were get a lot. The poor man, I couldn’t help but feel sorry for him, but in the funniest of ways.
Then Verity’s family — woo child. I put them on their own planet. There they can act out all the plays that Thea has created and fight over what ever character that they want to be. Truthfully though, the family is harmless and genuine caring and warm hearted. These characters kept the story moving with so much entertainment either it’s from their humor. Their very interesting family plays.
Their emotional caring hearts. The love for their family and the willingness to always be there for one another. The family was terrific. Magnus’s family I would say is absolutely the same way. The love that he shows for his mother is so sweet and warm.
Then there’s the romance. Oh boy that was the good part. I say that the writer put out the phenomenal moments during these fun, romantic, juicy parts. The passion was so exciting between Magnus and Verity. Magnus was a true gentleman. Verity new what she caught during that fall or many falls.
The poor girl is such a klutz, but was ok. I give this a two gold snaps and a twist. Until next time my fellow readers. Read on!

This was a bit of a rollercoaster story. It had sweet themes and some darker elements. I could see how incidents in the past shaped Verity. These took a sharp look at episodes from the past. It explained a part (but not all) of her insecurities and fears. She also suffered from having sisters that were beautiful. She believed that she failed in comparison. And, of course, she defined herself as being a spinster. But this was only a part of her character. She was also a very free spirit. She was able to get herself into a few scrapes (self inflicted) that were humorous. She was a truly a multifaceted person. I did have a little issue with how many times she was self deprecating herself. It got a little old at times. But overall I really enjoyed her.

I never really warmed up to Magnus. He was quite rigid. His character and his actions never in-sync. He would interact with Verity in a negative fashion. It was a case of doing things but repeatedly told himself that he shouldn’t. He wanted to be engaged with Miss Snow and he really drove down the point. He loosened up as the book went along but he never engaged me in a positive fashion.

I felt the side characters often did not make sense to me. The were really way out there. They just didn’t work for me. And the crisis scene was just a messy jumble of character actions. It was poorly done.

Verity made the book work. Because of that I wanted to give it a 3.5. But she, and she alone made me round it up.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

there's just something about Vivienne Lorret books that speak to me. I find them so, so romantic. this one, in particular, was so amazing. The tension, the angst, the YEARNING, all of it I loved. I adore Vivienne Lorret with all my heart.

4 stars!
This was such a fun enemies to lovers read and it was definitely entertaining. Reading this book gave me a good laugh and it made me feel a emotional rollercoaster hahaha

This is my favorite Vivienne Lorret so far. Just perfect plotting. Perfect banter. Perfect enemies to friends to lovers. I adored every second.

Magnus, Duke of Longhurst, strives to maintain a spotless reputation. He must marry an heiress to restore his failing estate. A past scandal and familial responsibilities rendered Longhurst distant and distrustful of people, especially, those with a Hartley surname. Unfortunately for him, a trivial lie lands him in a temporary betrothal with a member of the very family he loathes.

Verity Hartley sees herself as the ugly duckling of her eccentric family. She also considers herself as the sensible one. However, while trying to gain the upper hand against her archenemy, a little lie slips out of Verity’s mouth, which results in her spending time with an overbearing and irascible Duke. I adored Verity. Although, her clumsiness was overdone for my liking. What began as amusing eventually turned cringy and dispiriting. Nevertheless, she is charming, and I loved seeing her come into her own. Those annoying villagers who belittle her can fall off a cliff!

Vivienne Lorret excels at crafting emotional, but witty romantic tales. Given this is the first book of the series, it isn’t a surprise that there are other storylines happening in the background involving the side characters, thus setting the foundation for future books. It Had to Be a Duke is funny and sexy. I enjoyed the sexual tension, the romance, and the drama. I also liked that family is an important theme of this book. Despite their many differences, Verity and Magnus share a deep love for their family. And I love how Magnus cares for Verity when she’s anxious. “Listen to me, darling. You’re going to be just fine. You’re braver than you think. And you’re not alone. I’m here.”

3.5 rounded up to 4.

CN: bullying, childhood trauma, claustrophobia, slight violence.

Thanks to NetGalley and Avon for providing me with an e-ARC. All opinions are my own.

Admittedly, it took a bit for me to get into the book. There was just something about the first 15% that I struggled with. but once I got over that hump, what a wild ride the rest of it turned out to be! This is just one of those wacky books. There were moments where the writing seemed well thought out and other moments where it felt a bit juvenile, especially in it's descriptions and dialogue. But otherwise, I really enjoyed it. It did suffer from the 'first in the series' plague that is introducing a whole new cast of characters, but as I said, the premise was just loopy enough that that didn't bother!

After taking a long break from historicals, It had to Be a Duke by Vivienne Lorret was an amazing way for me to get back into the genre. Growly heroes, sweeping romance, and a heroine who stands up for herself? YES PLEASE!

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for this arc. I really enjoyed this story. The characters were entertaining and story moved quickly enough for me.

I have to be in the mood for regency and while I did enjoy this one, I felt to some degree there was too much going on.

I LOVE the trope where the girl just picks a random man to be her “fiancé” and then boom hijinx occurs, but here I didn’t feel it made particular sense.

*SPOILERS*

I didn’t feel that it was believable she would name her family’s enemy even with the happenstance of him being in town. I also felt the secret everyone was upset over ended up being a little unbelievable.

*Spoilers End*

All in all though it was a fun Regency with some enjoyable spice.

Thank you so much to the publisher for the advanced copy!

Every time I picked up "It Had to Be a Duke", I was whisked back in time, and went on such an emotional journey with this romance!

This is the first book in Vivienne Lorret's "The Liars' Club" series! Ms. Lorret's writing is simply spectacular! Her storytelling, world-building, characters, and plot all jump right off of the page, and I simply did not want to put this book down! She writes with so much heart, emotion, and her passion for writing is so clear from the first page to the last.

(Possible Spoilers!)
Oh my goodness! This enemies-to-lovers and fake-engagement romance between Verity and Magnus is full of so much: romance, wit, frustrating moments, secrets, family, history, heartwarming moments, and so, so much more. The more time Verity and Magnus spend together, and the more they get to know one another, what starts as a lie begins to deepen. Though it is sometimes a difficult journey, their love and relationship becomes something deep and beautiful. They truly are one another's happily-ever-after, and I hope to see them again in future books!

If you enjoy Historical Romance, I highly recommend this book! I so look forward to reading what Ms. Lorret writes next, and I hope this series will continue for a long time!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Avon for the e-ARC of this novel, and to Avon for the beautiful finished copy as well! All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This was an interesting and unique historical romance novel.

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Prepare to be swept away on a captivating journey onto the stage of Regency England with "It HadTo Be a Duke.” Author Vivienne Lorret weaves a delightful tapestry of deception, desire, and undeniable chemistry in this enemies-to-lovers fake-dating historical romance.

From the moment Verity Hartley and the dashing Magnus Warring clash, sparks fly, igniting a firestorm of passion. Their witty banter crackles with tension, setting the stage for a romance that is as tumultuous as it is tender.

Amidst the trappings of this storybook time, these two embark on a charade of fake courtship, each harboring their own secrets and ulterior motives. But as their masquerade deepens, so too does the undeniable attraction between them, leading to moments of heart-pounding swoon-worthy romance.

With its richly drawn characters, lush historical detail, and sizzling chemistry, "It Had To Be a Duke" is a feast for the senses. From stolen glances to stolen kisses, every page brims with charm, keeping thirsty readers eagerly turning the pages late into the night.

Fans of enemies-to-lovers romances will find much to enjoy here, while lovers of historical fiction will delight in the vividly depicted world of a bygone era. So, pour yourself a cup of tea, settle into your favorite reading chair, and prepare to be swept away by the irresistible charm of "It Had To Be a Duke.”

Absolutely adore Vivienne’s books! They’re always fun, sweet, sexy, and gives you the feels! I really enjoyed this one! It’s the start of a new series! I loved the enemies to lovers vibes with a fake engagement! These two had the perfect amount of banter with all the tension to build up! I also enjoyed the family dynamic in there too! They sisters are great! I can’t wait to read the next one! I highly recommend this one!

It Had to Be a Duke by Vivienne Lorret

Vivienne Lorret's latest book is a must-read for fans and newcomers alike. With a masterful touch, Lorret brings to life a story brimming with human emotions that transcend time periods. Her ability to delve into themes of endurance and resilience resonates deeply, reminding readers of the universal experiences we all navigate in our lives.

Verity and Magnus are captivating protagonists, their clash of souls tempered by unwavering self-truths. As their bond unfolds amidst a backdrop of revenge, betrayal, and love, readers are treated to a rollercoaster ride of emotions, complete with steamy scenes and humor that feels like witnessing the story unfold firsthand.

With a perfect score of 10/10, this book is a testament to Lorret's storytelling prowess and her unwavering ability to captivate readers with each new series. Prepare to be swept away when you grab your copy—it's a journey you won't soon forget.

Vivienne Lorret is a recognizable name in the genre of historical romance. Her books are well written and well received; It Had to Be a Duke, was no exception.

A blurted lie lands both Verity and Magnus in a bit of a predicament – the former must abide by it to save face, while the later is forced to go along with it to save an impending betrothal.

This enemies to lovers themed historical is a bit silly in parts, but its well-plotted gradual romance is a bit more believable than others of its kind. Though the initial pairing is built upon a lie, by the end of the book one is wholeheartedly rooting for a happy ending for Verity and her Duke.

It Had to Be a Duke is a solid read that any lover of historical romance should enjoy!

This was a delightful story with interesting characters and a fun storyline. The heroine’s anxiety was believable and the grumpy hero was perfect for her. 4 stars.

CW: Child abuse, child death, parental death, panic attacks.

This is my first Vivienne Lorret historical romance. I picked it up because I feel like I’m forever chasing the Good Book Noise™ or rather Good Book Experience I had with Tessa Dare’s When a Scot Ties the Knot. I want a leading character who plays along with the lie of being betrothed, or dating, etc. It’s a slightly different flavor of fake dating with a little more oomph and tension. Rather than two people entering into a mutually beneficial fake relationship, having a single character’s lie lead to a fake relationship scoots this trope toward enemies to lovers. Additional tension is built into the conflict because one person can expose the other and could potentially ruin the plan. Understandably, that opposite party is peeved, but sees some benefit in going along with it and that’s more my jam.

Ultimately, though, this book did not get close to recreating that experience. It was slightly above “fine,” but two of the three portions of the book were dull or unnecessary.

Verity Hartley is the eldest daughter of a family of thespians who live in a quaint hamlet. She very much feels like the odd one out. She’s too shy to perform and often gets great anxiety at being the center of attention. She’s also nearly twenty-six and unmarried, mostly due to a family scandal in which her father and their neighbor made a poor investment decision and lost a substantial amount of money.

The hero, Magnus (yes, Magnus) Warring, the Duke of Longhurst, is the eldest son of the neighboring family. He holds a grudge against the Hartleys for getting his father embroiled in a bad business decision, leaving their coffers pretty empty, and forcing Magnus to rebuild everything. Magnus has plans to marry an heiress in London, though his proposal is put on hold when gossip begins to travel that Verity Hartley claims they’re betrothed.

Long story short, he’s convinced by his grandmother that “breaking it off” with Verity to immediately court another woman would look poorly. It would be best for both parties to pretend for a week or so and end things when he returns to London. Verity fesses up to Magnus pretty quickly, stating she regrets it, but was desperate to get a longstanding childhood bully off her back. Of course, Magnus assumes that like all of the Hartleys, she’s a liar.

Both Verity and Magnus are…fine. That’s really the most fitting adjective and feels a little damning to use it. Nothing stuck out too much for me. Everyone talks about Verity like she isn’t in the room or says the mostly casually cruel things about her circumstances. It’s quite sad and frustrating. There’s a lot of “eldest child managing the emotions of relatives or handling the family baggage” with both main characters. Also as the eldest child, I’m kind of full up on that sort of dynamic.

There is plenty of sequel bait in the side characters and I’m curious enough to keep an eye on future books to see when they’ll get their own romances.

As I mentioned earlier, the book is set up into three sections: Fake dating in a quirky hamlet, forced proximity in London, and third act bleak moment. Part one was a slog (as I found the theater-loving family and nosey townspeople rather annoying) and part three was not really needed.

The impetus for the break up felt a little forced. It occurred too late in the timeline of Verity and Magnus’ relationship to feel plausible and only served as a dramatic detour for the last 50ish pages of the book.
The portion of the book set in London was by far the most interesting. It had some action, it was funny, and I was disappointed that I whipped through it so quickly. I legit laughed out loud during this scene where the main characters found themselves being threatened.

“Hartley, did you bring your daughter to the docks? For shame. So many awful things can happen to a young woman when she’s in the wrong place and the wrong time.”

“You think I look young?” Verity asked at the same time Magnus growled, “Touch her and you’ll die,” and the baron interjected. “I’ve never seen her before in my life.”

It felt very much like two books or ideas trying to fuse together, but I only felt like one was successful or at the very least appealed to my own reading tastes.

I did mention some trigger warnings up at the top that I’d like to briefly explain.

TW/CW explanation and some spoilers

Regarding child abuse, as a child Verity was often locked in a cupboard by her governess and now frequently experiences panic attacks. There is also a very brief scene in which Verity tells Magnus that she had a younger brother who drowned and they don’t speak of it. It’s roughly three or so lines and that’s it.

Reviews for middling books are always the hardest to write. As Sarah says, “These are some words on a page.” I’m curious enough to look for upcoming books in the series, but may temper my expectations a bit more or only pick them up if it’s starring a secondary character I really enjoyed, like the cheeky town reverend Tobias or Miss Snow, a London heiress who loves inventions. This book didn’t make me bang my head against the wall, but it’s certainly not going on my keeper shelf either. It’s simply…fine.

I wasn't sure about the premise of this book but as usual Lorret did a great job of bringing us along for the ride.

I liked this book. I love a good enemies to lovers story and this one was very satisfying. If the characters had spent more time together I would have given four stars.