"A Lady's Duke" by J.M. Diedrich is a compelling Regency romance that transports readers to the elegant world of 19th-century England. Diedrich's vivid descriptions bring the setting to life, immersing readers in the opulence and societal intricacies of the time. The chemistry between the two protagonists, a spirited lady and a charming duke, sizzles off the pages, making their romance both believable and irresistible.

One of the novel's strengths lies in its well-developed characters, each with their own unique personalities and motivations. The dialogue is sharp and engaging, adding depth to the interactions between the characters. Additionally, Diedrich's attention to historical detail lends authenticity to the story, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the time period.

However, some readers may find certain aspects of the plot to be somewhat formulaic or predictable. While the romance is undeniably enjoyable, it follows a familiar trajectory that may not offer many surprises for seasoned readers of the genre. Furthermore, there are moments when the pacing lags, particularly in the middle portion of the novel.

Overall, "A Lady's Duke" is a delightful romance that will appeal to fans of the Regency genre. While it may not break new ground in terms of plot, its charming characters and lush historical setting make it a satisfying read for anyone in search of a romantic escape.

4 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

📚Disclosure: I received a review copy of this #book from Dragonblade Publishing via #Netgalley. All thoughts, opinions, comments, and interpretations of the story are my own and bias free. I did not receive any money in exchange for this review. Thank you to the publisher for allowing me the opportunity to review. 🦄 @dragonbladepub
⭐️When possible reviews are cross-posted on the following:
✔️Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/jaime-loves-romance
✔️Bookbub https://www.bookbub.com/profile/2577266404
✔️IG https://www.instagram.com/alphabookclub/
✔️Twitter @alpha_book_club
#ReviewByJaime #BookReview #MustRead #TBR
🦄

Lady Charlotte sees her brother's friend, Hamish Hurstfield, Duke of Camine, as the only man to help her fulfill everything on her list. Scandalous things that would shock Society. Hamish has a hard time not focusing on Charlotte. Her first kiss leads to fulfillment on many things on her list. Most of all his seduction. When her life is in danger, Hamish can think of only one thing to keep her safe.
Enjoyed reading this interesting, really steamy book by an author I've never read before.
I voluntarily reading and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.

This book kicks off the new series, Dark Dukes, and what a brilliant start! Charlotte isn't your conventional society miss. On the contrary, she has a whole list of scandalous things no lady should even think about doing. But to Charlotte, the list is her ticket to thwarting her brother's efforts to marry her off. Charlotte decides the best way to do that is to get well and ruined. And who better to help her accomplish that than her brother's best friend, Hamish, who is a definite rake, but a rake with a good heart. Hamish can't help but admire the intelligent and unconventional beauty Charlotte has grown into and has to fight his attraction to her. The relationship between these two was highly entertaining and I became fully invested in them. Their were plenty of fun and humorous moments that kept me laughing along the way and the banter between them was also such fun. And when Charlotte's life is in danger, Hamish can think of nothing else but protecting the woman he has undoubtedly fallen in love with.
A captivating story with fun and interesting characters, this was such a delight to read. This is a good solid start to the series by a new-to-me author and I am looking forward to reading the books the follow.
I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley and Dragonblade Publishing and am voluntarily leaving my review.

Ever since the deadly fire that took her parent’s lives, Lady Charlotte Louise has lived a very sheltered life in seclusion. She’s wanted nothing more than to finally live, which is why she’s angry that her first chance at life has been stomped out by her brother. He’s insisted that Charlotte skip her first season as a distinguished lady looking for a spouse and accept an unwanted engagement. Charlotte isn’t going down without a fight, and she’s got a bucket list that could get her in trouble if she tries to complete it!

I was instantly drawn in by the cover, but it was the summary that really sold me on this book. We follow Lady Charlotte Louise and Hamish, the Duke of Camine, through their rotating perspectives as they slowly fall in love. I found that I was far more interested in the supporting characters than I ever was in Hamish, but I did find Charlotte entertaining. Hamish is supposed to be a mysterious character, but he was extremely boring. I also thought his business shenanigans weren’t worth following outside of getting to see Percy and Gregori.

Honestly, the star characters are Percy, Gregori, Camille, and then Charlotte. I really enjoyed the four characters and found them far more interesting than Hamish or Charlotte’s brother, Renard. Much of the story is centered on Charlotte’s bucket list, the romance between her and Hamish, and Hamish’s business dealings that are somewhat cloaked in mystery. Without any spoilers, the mystery isn’t all that mysterious, but I can live with that because we’ve got some great characters here. It would’ve been far more scandalous for Charlotte to have ended up with Percy rather than Hamish, which I would’ve liked to have seen!

I also wasn’t a fan of Renard, who is also supposed to be Hamish’s best friend. He’s a real stick in the mud who also doesn’t seem to be holding the brain cell at any point during the book. I also found it hard to believe that he and Hamish were best friends because they acted like distant acquaintances at best. I kept wishing that Charlotte got to end up with someone more exciting, and that Renard would either be written out or at least grow a personality. Neither happened, but at least some of his banter was funny.

All in all, it was a fun read, but the supporting characters stole the show. The romance lacked chemistry for much of the book, which is kind of funny because Charlotte had chemistry with nearly everyone but him! I’m debating on whether or not I want to check out the next book because I really like Camille, but I’m dreading following the person she’s being paired off with.

I know I'm posting after the required time, but for personal reasons I didn't post sooner. Which also wouldn't have made much difference because this book was a total DNF! I liked the synopsis, I liked the premise, but right at the beginning the book lost its magic for me. I found Charlotte spoiled and boring. I quickly learned who Hamish's "housekeeper" was. I skipped several parts and finally gave up.
This is an extremely personal opinion! It's not my type of reading, but it could be yours!

Overall this was a fun read. Charlotte is a strong lead and while she “isn’t like other girls” she takes on life in a way that doesn’t always beat you over the head with the fact. I enjoyed her view of the world and how she wouldn’t take no for an answer from anyone. While she was protected from society for years due to a family tragedy, she uses this innocence to her advantage to enjoy life and create adventure. The relationship between Charlotte and Hamish was entertaining. I didn’t particularly enjoy Hamish always referring to himself as “a beast” due to his sexual preferences (light BSMD), but I understand why he would feel that way. There were a few plot holes that I am hoping will be fleshed out in the next book.

Our heroine in this historical romance is absolutely outrageous, and I loved her. The hero also gets lots of bonus points from me for his reactions to her list. There are giggles and a few worries for both. Danger comes from an unexpected source, and not for the reason our hero believes. The secondary characters are fabulous as well, and I can't wait to read their stories.

Great fun.

I Loved It!

An adventurous lady, a wild duke, and a delightful journey of romance and suspense—what's not to love? Lady Charlotte's brother wants her to marry a man of his choosing, but the lady will not do it. She decides to pay a visit to his best friend, a man they call “The Wild Duke.” Hamish resists—at least he tries. However, the lady came into his life like a hurricane. That midnight visit will change his life; he just does not know it yet.

This is a charming, entertaining, and absolutely delightful historical romance. It was my first book by this author, but it will not be my last. This is the author's debut book, and I hope it is the first of many more stories.

Hem-deep in impropriety, fun & touching sentiment. Loved it!!
What a fabulous series opener; from the beginning I was hooked. Simply, blown away by how much I loved these two and the captivating, thrilling, journey they went on together! Not to mention, the whole host of secondary characters, just as full of intrigue, gumption and vulnerability as our, brimming with electric chemistry - searching for adventure to out ride the self-loathing - romantic leads, Hamish and Charlotte.
With perceptive, honest, bold and sassy banter to enjoy, sparked from an unexpected connection and meeting of minds. Only built with acceptance, hyped up their joy and insecurities, and had me both laughing along and shedding a tear or two throughout.
There was this wonderful overriding fun, and laugher, wrapped up in each skirmish and the unyielding determination she had to seek happiness on her own terms, as she fought to cross the next item off her soul-searching list and have the freedom to choose. Exerting her desire for independence and a profound need to truly be seen and heard.
Elevated by the trust evoking steamy intimacy that builds and charges the sexual tension, crackling in the air, allowing a sweetly affecting partnership, on deliciously equal footing, to bloom and connect between them.
I was thoroughly swept up in every encounter and mini adventure that I was eagerly anticipating the next, as feelings of admiration, niggling jealousy and desired acceptance boosted their confidence and bleed out their insecurities as they bewildered and bedazzled each other on such a soul deep level.
Overall, creating a captivating chemistry that dazzles and lures you into reading faster, while willing you to slow down and savour where the story leads and each ebb and flow Diedrich cleverly orchestrates.
An exciting new author for me that holds such great promise. Can't wait for the next book! Especially, after being introduced to a whole host of intriguing, well-defined characters, just riddled with secrets, I can't help but want to know more!

Armed with a scandalous list of things a lady mustn’t do, Lady Charlotte Louis has a plan to stay her brother’s misguided match making, permanently. Hamish Hurstfield, Duke of Camine, can’t help his admiration for Charlotte who propositions him into ruining her, even if she is his best friend’s sister Firing a Weston and smuggling her into White’s gentlemen’s club are nothing compared to the brief and restraining intimacies Charlotte has come to crave from the duke. When Charlotte’s adventures lead her to being nearly drowned on the Camine estate, she uncovers a killer’s plot for revenge that leads to more than one secret’s reveal.
A new author to me & a new series. Charlotte is totally unconventional & whilst I really liked her she did grate on me at times, I did like Hamish who certainly had his hands full. I found the book to be well written & I was taken on a gamut of emotions from laughing to shedding a tear & found the pages flew by. An interesting series starter & I look forward to more
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

I really enjoyed "A Lady's Duke" from new to me author J,M, Diedrich. First, the woman on the cover wears spectacles - love it! Second, the heroine is funny, smart, and absolutely unwilling to give in on her wants and needs, and the hero is very quickly there for it. Third, the secondary characters were really entertaining and left me eager to read their stories. (Totally wondering if Percy is somehow going to become a Duke!). Finally, the steam was amazing. Definitely recommend.

4 stars. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a complimentary ARC of this book. The opinions herein are my own.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and JM Diedrich for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for A Lady's Duke coming out January 16, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I was really intrigued by the cover. Girls who wear glasses are relatable to me, haha. I thought the romance was a little instalove and the plot of the book was a little crazy, but I loved it! Charlotte is a strong heroine who knows what she wants. I really enjoyed her banter. There is more spice than I thought there would be. But overall, I thought it was a really fun read.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical dramas!

What a story! Amazing, creative, humours, with drama, very hot steam, a mysterious villain and a list. Charlotte wants to experience life to it's fullest. Hamish is the one she picks to help her with the experience. From the moment they meet as adults, the action is non stop. The bantering is humours as well as the daring antics they encountered. A very long story, which I usually turn away from, this one just flew by as quickly as a short novelle. Once you begin, you won't put it down until the very last page and then you are going to want even more. I can't wait to find out what happened to Charlotte's friend! The secondary characters are enchanting and each have their own story somewhere. This author has great talent and I will be a follower from now on.

A young woman seeking adventure meets with a Duke who is her brother’s best friend.
They clash but remain attracted to each other.
Charlotte has a list of the things she wants to do and each one is more daring than the society will approve.
Will Hamish the Duke help her or will he get caught up in proper behavior?
Story is fast paced and with some steamy intimate scenes between them.

I got to read this as an ARC through Netgalley from the publisher and while I'm thankful, all views and opinions are my own.

4.5 stars rounded up to 5 for GR.

I said on Instagram that one of the things I enjoyed about this book is that it features a heroine who outwits and outsmarts her love interest, and her love interest only adores her more for it.

She also gives as good as she gets and is honest to a fault, which I really like about her. She's also aware that because of her upbringing and circumstances she's not necessarily what society expects her to be and while that does cause her to falter in confidence at times, she's also equally proud of herself and who she is once she finds her footing.

The love interest, Camine or Hamish, is a rake, kind of. Don't get me wrong, he is a rake, and he is proud of that fact, but he's a rake with a kind heart at the end of the day. He is working on some business on the side that society might frown on (since nobility shouldn't be working more so than the nature of the work he does) which makes him interact with some interesting characters. His runner, Percy was and is my favourite and I loved every minute he was on the page and really want to see more of him. There's also another character close to him who I also really liked, especially since she put him in his place along with our heroine.

I do wish that we'd perhaps spent a little more time getting to know Hamish as I did feel at times that he felt a little shallower in terms of why he feels certain ways and how he came be the way he is. We do get the gist of it, but I wish we could have seen a little more of him specifically as I do sometimes feel like his character gets a little overshadowed by the history of his family and parents as well as his business adventures. I do feel like we were given a little more time to get to know and develop a relationship with the heroine, Charlotte and to understand her past than we were given with Hamish.

Overall, I enjoyed the chemistry between our leads and the way their relationship developed, and the way Charlotte stood her ground for what she believed in and how our hero not only respected that but loved her even more for it.

I wish the story was a little bit more fleshed out and that the conflict related to Hamish’s business had a little more time to develop, but otherwise I truly enjoyed this and the way the two of them built their trust and respect for each other.

Steamy, witty, and romantic, I laughed out loud at times and wanted to weep at others whilst reading this novel. Left to her own devices at their family's country estate by a brother who was ill-equipped to handle his intelligent and unconventional sister, Lady Charlotte decides that she cannot trust her brother with the plans he has for her. Charlotte therefore embroils the Duke of Camine into fulfilling her own goals from the extensive list she has made. Having last seen Charlotte when she was a young girl, Hamish can hardly believe the beauty she has turned into and it takes all of his moral strength to keep his hands to himself. He also needs to keep his wits about him and Charlotte keeps getting in the way of his plans. As he becomes reacquainted with the feisty young woman, Hamish begins to understand what drives her, but when a villain in the background targets Charlotte, there is only one solution. I enjoyed this fast-paced and romantic novel, a copy of which I received as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley, and this is my honest and voluntary review.

To be honest I did not see it ending the way it did.. Ok yes the guy who shouldn't gets the girl. They live happily ever after. But the plot and the story of how they got their was a great read. It was unexpected and there is more that one surprise that I absolutely loved.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with guidelines.

This was a pretty interesting read. It has two well developed main characters, that have some real sparks between them. What I especially liked were the twists and turns that the story took. It is a stand alone book, but I would love to see what happens to a lot of other friends and family. I recommend this as a very good read for anyone that likes historical fiction. Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

An inspiring story of a young woman fighting for her freedom and what she wants in life entraps the 'wild' duke of London to complete her unending list of goals and dreams. Set in the time period where ladies wore gloves and had chaperones, this smart woman has ideas of her own and the Duke sides with her mysteriousness and banter. A wonderful story of partnership, companionship, growing trust and love.

4 stars

I quite liked this story. The writing is good. I was a bit surprised at some of the historical elements. At the beginning of the story it says it's set in 1890, then at one point talks about high waisted dresses. I think of those as regency. I would think we are looking at post crinoline more flexible skirts that allowed a person to ride a bike and play tennis....which I think our hero/heroine do take part in at one point. Charlotte is the daughter of a duke. On the death of her parents, her brother, being overly protective kept her in the country. Charlotte has a list of things she wants to accomplish. Her brother thinks she should marry and lines up a marquess. He even converts her trust fund into a dowry. We then move onto the well used trope of Charlotte wanting to ruin herself so she doesn't have to marry and wanting to do so with her brother's best friend, Hamish another Duke. After about 50% we get a lot of sex within marriage. Hamish seems to be acting nefariously with a couple of friends, a genius and a private investigator. At one point they have to travel and Hamish uses his phaeton was that a carriage or an early automobile? As a duke he definitely could afford one....if not why not go by train? It's the start of a series so I can understand the introduction of Charlotte's brother and Hamish's illegitimate sister. It was Ok but I'm not convinced I will stick around for Camille's story.

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