I have enjoyed this series and I really enjoyed this book. I loved how Mercy doesn’t like Nicholas at first and keeps trying to push him away but Nicholas is very persistent. I liked how Mercy is able to get Nicholas to let down his guard and to open up to her. I liked how she got to see the real him instead of the facade he kept wearing. I liked how their romance was a struggle and we weren’t sure how they would end up together and if they would be happy together. I liked how everything resolved. I also liked seeing characters from the previous books making an appearance to help Nicholas win Mercy over.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

Esther Hatch simply NEVER disappoints. I love the humor in her books! I love the romance! I love her way with words. The whole Proper Scandals series has been a delight. I enjoyed watching Mercy first push away Nicholas...then slowly begin to regret her own actions. :)

It took me months to finish this, what should have been a quick fun little read. I just struggled to like either of the characters and to connect or care about their relationship. And it moved very very slowly for at least the first half as well.

What a lovely story! A naive young woman worries about feeling chemistry and a spark with the man who courts her, due to his formality and carefulness. It’s wonderful to see such growth in both the main character and her love interest throughout the story. This was a beautiful story of healing, growth, and also passion!

I had a hard time connecting with this one. I know a lot of people LOVED it, so it's probably just me. DNF at around 25% may come back to it another time and give it another go. Didn't leave a rating since I didn't finish.

In this charming and witty romance, Mercy Rothschild’s journey toward love is a delightful combination of personal growth and unexpected connections. With a family that has allowed her the freedom to wait for the right man, Mercy assumes that when the time is right, she will marry for love. However, as pressure from her parents mounts, she finds herself facing the prospect of an arranged match with the Duke of Harrington.

Nicholas Kendrick, the Duke of Harrington, is everything a proper gentleman should be—meticulous, poised, and bound by the rules of the ton. When he decides Mercy is the ideal match for him, he begins courting her with unwavering determination. But Mercy, intent on avoiding a marriage of convenience, hatches a plan to push Harrington toward another woman, thinking this will rid her of his attentions, and bringing forth a delightful series of twists, misunderstandings, and revelations. As Mercy begins to see past Harrington’s stiff exterior, she discovers a man with much more depth and warmth than she initially thought. Their evolving relationship is a slow burn that blossoms into something truly special—showing that love often arises in the most unexpected ways.

This story offers a perfect balance of humor, heart, and historical charm. Mercy’s cleverness and stubbornness are matched only by the Harrington's earnestness, making their chemistry undeniable. It’s a fun and heartwarming read that left me rooting for the couple, eager to see how it all turns out. A lovely romance that was both enjoyable and captivating!

I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

Such a cute regency romance. I like Nicholas. I can feel that he's actually a good man or trying to be one atleast. I relate to Mercy because I also want to marry for love.

I guess its a little annoying that they have miscommunication. And Nicholas is the one for her but she set him up with another woman which causes more trouble.

Nicholas's character was written well though Mercy's was lacking.

I did not read the first 3 books in this series, but none the less I was able to follow because of the back stories provided by the author. So to me, Mercy Rothschild is a beautiful spoiled brat. She is in her Third season and in no hurry to marry, because her parents have been very indulgent to both her older sister and her. Her parents had a love match, as did her sister and this is what she wants - until her parents suddenly start pushing for her to chose someone. Something is going on, but they are not sharing. So she decides to find out what, by going out in society and eavesdropping. She is surprised by a gentleman who approaches her from behind while she is listening. He is Nicholas Kendrick, Duke of Harrington, who is immediately enchanted with her and happens to remember her when she was younger. He has decided it is time for him to find a wife. But silly girl, thinks she is going to find love at first sight. Lots of twists and turns before they get their HEA. I really like Nicholas and how he has matured, but Mercy, not so much. She really makes poor decisions.

I read a gifted Advanced Readers Copy from NetGalley.com. This is my honest, unbiased and voluntary review.

Esther always writes amazing novels and this one was no exception! I had to go back and read the previous books in the series just to make sure I got the best experience, and I forgot how wonderful her stories are. I always recommend her books for those interested in a sweet romance story said in the regency era. I just wish she wrote more books in a year!

Another incredible story from the incomparable Esther Hatch.

I've been waiting for Nicholas's story since A Proper Charade, and this one did not disappoint.

Esther writes the best love stories that are full of tension and tender moments. Her writing is evocative and memorable and draws you into her world and keeps you there.

I cannot recommend Esther or her stories enough. 10/10.

Nothing short of love will propel Mercy Rothschild to marry, and she knows exactly what it looks like, or more accurately who it doesn’t look like — Nicholas Kendrick. When the Duke of Harrington, the man who puts duty before love and rules before affection, decides that Mercy meets his requirements in a wife, she will stop at nothing to redirect his attentions, even if it means throwing him in the path of other women. As she comes to know the stoic man behind the facade, she discovers he might be the one she’s always dreamed of. If only her schemes to push him away hadn’t worked quite so effectively.

A Proper Facade by Esther Hatch delivered a comical romance infused with depth and growth. Due to circumstances in life, Nicholas has learned to hide his emotions and rely solely on duty when making decisions. Mercy, on the other hand, has a completely misguided and unrealistic concept of love. I enjoyed watching their struggles and development. By the end, Nicholas learned that doing what was right and following his heart didn’t always have to be mutually exclusive. Meanwhile, Mercy came to see that love is deeper than butterflies in one’s stomach and stolen kisses. Hooked by their tale, I couldn’t put it down until I finished and didn’t realize it was book 4 in a series. I am now off to find the others because I have to read them!

I recommend A Proper Facade to readers who enjoy sweet, fun Regency stories.

This is the fourth book in Esther Hatch’s Proper Scandal series. I’ve really enjoyed the books in this series. Hatch is a talented author who is a pro at creating engaging and interesting characters and placing them in entertaining circumstances. A Proper Façade stars Mercy Rothschild who is being pressured by her parents to find a husband. Mercy has always assumed she’d marry for love when she meets the right man. Nicholas Kendrick is obsessed with being proper and following rules while looking for a wife. I enjoyed seeing the relationship between these two changing and evolving. If you like clean and wholesome Regency historical fiction, I think you’d enjoy this book and the whole series.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Covenant Communications through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

This was a quick and fun read, and a bit different than the typical romance of this period. Usually, the man the parents are trying to set up with the girl is all wrong, and she falls for someone else. Don't get me wrong, I thoroughly enjoy those stories, but this was a refreshing twist.
I felt so bad for Nicholas, being the victim of all of Mercy's schemes. I'm glad she eventually came around. :)

Really loved this story, gave really Pride and Prejudice vibes. I loved Nicholas so much and really loved seeing his romance with Mercy grow. I loved how the story showed that loved is expressed in many ways. Favourite book in the series.

Proper romance full of misunderstandings and change. Really cute series but can be read alone. Brief appearance of characters from previous books.

Nicholas is extremely careful with his actions, especially with relationships, in an effort to fix his reputation after a mistake he made as a teenager. He worries it will drive Mercy away if she finds out what happened. He is very proper and tries to do everything right. Because he doesn’t show affection, she thinks he is only interested in her to help his career. Mercy is desperate for an affectionate love match so she tries to pair Nicholas up with another woman to let her off the hook, not realizing the harm her actions could cause.

This is a clean romance but still full of tension. Nothing beyond kissing but their first intense kiss lasts an entire chapter. Thanks to Covenant Communications and NetGalley for a digital ARC to use for my review.

Mercy Rothschild is a spirited, independent young woman, willing to do whatever it takes to avoid a marriage of convenience. She only wants to marry for love and have a marriage like her parents. So, when Nicholas Kendrick, the oh so proper Duke of Harrington, sets his sights on her, Mercy hatches a plan to push him toward another woman—only to find that beneath his stiff and proper exterior lies the very man she could fall in love with. What has she done and can she undo it?

Mercy's clever schemes to derail the Duke of Harrington's courtship make for amusing and heartwarming moments, especially as her plans backfire in unexpected ways. While I enjoyed seeing Mercy's schemes sometimes unravel, it was watching Nicholas' true personality emerge that kept my attention.

I loved the banter between Mercy and Nicholas and their chemistry is undeniable, making their evolving relationship fun to watch. Their slow-burn romance feels authentic, especially as Mercy comes to understand that love may not always look the way she imagined.

I always love seeing characters from previous books (especially Lord Bryant-IYKYK). Don't worry if you haven't read those yet, this book can be read as a standalone. This is a sweet romance with only kisses. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. via NetGalley. All opinions in this review are my own. 4.5 to 5 stars!

Another home run story! I love the romantic tension this author always puts into her stories. This series is one I love, and I wasn’t disappointed by this most recent story, either!

This book has a delicious amount of drama, an emotionally founded third act break up a few delightfully entertaining high jinxes,and Esther’s sizzling chemistry.

But it also holds beautiful underlying messages about real love, perfectionism, guilt and forgiveness.

A very proper duke is looking for the perfect wife. She must be of rank and have good connections to help his career in Parliament. The lady he's attracted to meets his requirements, but she is not interested in his pursuit. Love is what she's looking for. To discourage his interest, she needs to find him another lady. The best laid plans don't always work out, especially with a scandal. Very emotional with some humor and angst.
An author to keep on your TBR.
Kisses only.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.

Absolutely love this one!!!! What a fabulous continuation of the series! Honestly really enjoy the build up and character development of this one. I think it's definitely way better to have read the previous novels before reading this one to get more context/background.
Lady Mercy is likely one of my favourite MC I've read lately and the scenes do not disappoint!!! 5 stars!