I wanted to love this Regency romance—brooding duke with a secret mission, headstrong heroine running a free clinic, whispers of treason—but it never quite swept me off my feet. The bones of a great story are here: Rockford and Lady Lora’s childhood-friends-to-lovers tension has its charms, and I’ll always cheer for a heroine more interested in medicine than marriage. But the emotional stakes felt oddly flat, like watching a waltz performed in thick carpet slippers. Rockford’s "impossible choice" between duty and love should’ve crackled with tension, but his secrets came off as vague rather than devastating, and the villain’s plot lacked teeth.

That said, Casie’s writing is effortless, and the seaside setting of Sommer-by-the-Sea glimmers with potential. If you’re already invested in her Barrington’s Brigade series, you’ll likely enjoy this installment (though I’d recommend starting with Book 1—the cast of spies and aristocrats can blur together). For me, it was a pleasant, if forgettable, diversion—the literary equivalent of a perfectly steeped cup of Earl Grey: warm, comforting, but not particularly bold. A solid read for when you want historical romance without emotional whiplash.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for the ARC. Opinions are my own.

The Duke of Rockford works for Barrington's Brigade. A secret organization to uncover a criminal element, the Order of Shadows, thriving on manipulation and power. Lady Lora Preston, Lockford's childhood friend, has a mission to provide health care for those who can't afford it. With Rockford's help, Lora is organizing benefits to raise money to expand the clinic. Unfortunately, someone is spreading rumors that the money isn't going to the medical clinic. Barrington's Brigade must find proof of who is spreading the rumor to those in Society with power. Lockford and Lora must provide a united front and catch a traitor. Not always easy to do with lies, but they must believe in love and trust each other to succeed.
Implied sex.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.

Lady Lora likes her independence and has no need for a husband. Duke Rockford stirs something in her very soul, something she’s never felt before. He’s duty-bound to the Crown and harbors many secrets. A dilemma presents itself to Rockford and he must choose between love and his mission. Which one will he choose?

A Dilemma for the Duke is a sweeping historical romance filled with passion, suspense, betrayal, and the unrelenting power of love. Ruth A. Casie writes historical romance with descriptive narration, emotion-filled romance, intriguing characters, and a bit of spy suspense for good measure. Once I started reading, I couldn’t put it down.

What makes A Dilemma for the Duke unforgettable are the characters. I connected with Lady Lora right away. She’s an independent woman and doesn’t feel the need to secure a favorable match. Her strength and fortitude impressed me the most.

Duke Rockford is a conflicted man. He’s part of Barrington’s Brigade, a spy network sussing out enemies of the Crown. He’s dedicated to his work above all else. But his feelings for Lady Lora turns his life upside down.

A Dilemma for the Duke is another gem from Ruth A. Casie. It’s even better than book one. Take my advice and read it now. I can’t wait for the next book in the series.

My Rating: 5+ stars

Thank you NetGalley. This story takes place in Sommer-by-the-Sea. Lady Lora has been so busy working to expand the clinic that serves the workers in the area. They are trying to raise the money they need. Rockford has come from London to respond to Barrington. They were in the war together and he hopes to be there a short time and return to London. But Barrington needs his help and it works in with helping Lora and her raising the money for the clinic. There is a highway man stealing the information sent to the king. Rockford finds himself falling in love with Lora again. There is a lot happening, they work together to raise the money, try to catch the highway man and keep their feelings under control.

This historical romance has a very interesting plot with lots of intrigue and danger. It is a sweet romance where any action is left to our own imagination. The lead characters are brave and intelligent.
Unfortunately, I personally thought a bit more of the underhanded dealings could have been more exciting.

This was a beautiful and remarkable book, i am such a sucker for historical fiction and i enjoyed reading this book, i was glued from the first chapter to the end . I highly recommend this book

A beautiful series related to men of honor, loyalty and service to the Crown. Rockford has a responsibility to . maintain secrets for his country. Sadly, he must also keep them from Lola, an intelligent woman, who he finds himself attracted to. I would recommend reading the series in order, as some of the characters cross over into this tale. You will find suspense, romance, great banter and a villain woven into a entertaining story. Each book brings forth what we deeply wish for in both men and women related to intelligence, honor, respect and love.

This second book in Barrington's Brigade series was an exciting and well written historical romance about a group of men devoted to their king, country, and one another. It has drama, action, intrigue, mystery, danger, deception, and twists that kept me very engaged. I enjoyed their banter and chemistry. I highly recommend reading!

After enjoying the first book in this series, I looked forward to reading A Dilemma for the Duke. Unfortunately, I found my attention wandering, and much of the Duke of Rockford's motives for keeping secrets from Lady Lora left me puzzled. There is some suspense, with a snake in the grass, resulting in Rockford having to come to Lora's rescue, however, the drama was low-key.. Obviously, there is an attraction between Rockford and Lora, but even that is not terribly exciting. However, they do find their way to future happiness, and the felons are dealt with. I received a copy of this book as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley, and this is my honest and voluntary review.

3.75 Stars
Lady Lora has spent years forging her independence, dedicated to her work and determined to carve her own path. Marriage was never a priority until Duke Rockford returns to Sommer-by-the-Sea. Rockford is a man bound by duty, harbouring secrets that could shatter the fragile trust between them. As whispers of betrayal swirl and an unseen enemy threatens the very fabric of England’s security, he is forced to make an impossible protect the woman who has captured his heart or fulfil his mission before it’s too late.
The second book in the series & it could be read on its own but there are a lot of characters & reading previous books by the author would help. I liked both Rockford & Lora & there was chemistry between them but for me it didn’t sizzle. I did enjoy their banter & the way they worked together whilst falling in love. There was some mystery & intrigue. An enjoyable book which I enjoyed but didn’t love
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

Not much of a dilemma...

Great cover. But Lora and Rockford's relationship is littered with other troubles, mainly a plot to over throw the government. There's a lot of characters in this series.

okay, I love the dude on the cover. handsome. the story itself is meh, why meh, bacuse it was nothing new. it follows the usual script of a woman who is independent, a guy working for his country, they butt heads, work together, a few adventures, and fall in love. nothing special in the characters, writing, or story.

#netgalley #ADilemmafortheDuke

The second in the series of the Barrington Brigade, a group of men devoted to the country and each other.
Rockford is trying to solve a mystery veiled in the Order of Shadows.
He is also falling in love with Lora and does not want her to be in danger.
As he fights to do the right thing, he may have to deceive Lora.
But Lora is resilient and also tries to help as she cares for Rockford.
Action packed with some twists and revelations.
Good storyline.