Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!

I really enjoyed this book. Orchard tends to be a solid author for me but I usually always end with her work some kind of critique that kept it from being a four star book - usually something melodramatic or trite or overwrought. This is not the case for her upcoming release - I thought this was a grounded story of two people who fell in love in complicated circumstances and then found themselves together in a still anything but normal situation. There are external and internal conflicts but they all feel realistic to the story and don’t ever devolve into over the top theatrics to create more barriers or separate the MCs. There are a few times when this could have happened but Orchard managed to execute them in a way that felt true to the characters and didn’t jarringly alter the pace or tone of the book. I dare say this might be her best work to date? It suggests a growing maturity and skill above her usual predictably good work. I have previously been concerned that her writing pace might be affecting the quality of her work but if this is a sign of what’s to come I’m all for it.

This book is an absolute blast. From insults being thrown about, unsuitable clothes being worn and the refusal to kiss, the wedding couple seem rather doomed. The book unpicks their relationship and the events that life has thrown at them, both separately and together and makes for a great read. There is a good dose of romance alongside great conversations, insults and the minutiae of daily life.

Another great book by Emma Orchard. Viola and Richard's relationship is so complex and deep and the unraveling of their story is beautiful. There's hate, there's love, there are family ties, betrayal, but the author sorts each of these in a spectacular way.

#netgalley #ATaleofTwoDukes

OMG, this book is hot!! It was so enjoyable and fun to follow this plot. I wasn't one for period romances, but reading this one made me realize that maybe I'm like that. I loved how it was written. It was very steamy and interesting. The romance scenes had such a sweet chemistry that I can't even comment on. I'm still feeling the heat. Thank you NetGalley and the author for the eARC.

A Tale Of Two Dukes is a delightful historical romance following Viola, a young woman from a lower class family who is matched as the third wife of the Duke of Winterflood. She is his only wife who has been able to give him an heir, and twin boys at that! After she gives birth to her two boys, tales of her fertility are spun around the ton. At the time the book starts, she has been a widow for three years and is sending her boys off to boarding school per their guardian. Shortly after, she receives an offer of marriage from the new Lord Ventris, who happens to be her husband's much younger cousin. She accepts and throughout the book, you go from past to present learning of Viola's and Richard's relationship.

I really enjoyed this book! I thought it was unique that Richard was a spy for the British government.

I loved Viola and Richard and their unending love for each other. I flew through this book and would highly recommend for readers who love historical romance. I only wish I could have seen more between Richard, Viola and their family!

Thank you Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the ARC!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

3.5⭐️

The characters were interesting and the plot had some twists in it, however I did see the twists coming, but still interesting! This book reminded me of some of the old English romances I used to love as a teenager. I liked it, but it did start to drag on a little bit for me. Overall I’m glad I read it. It was an easy, optimistic, quick read! It’s worth taking the time to read!

I’ve read a few Emma Orchard novels, loved them, but this has to be my favourite.
Viola: marvellous. Richard: also marvellous,
The characters themselves really drive the story forward, which added to the wonderful chemistry. It was clever how their backstories were woven in and the pacing was excellent.
Easily one of my best reads this year.

Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this arc in exchange for an honest review.

My only small thing - maybe the quote on the cover needs updating?

Thank you to Boldwood for allowing me to access an advanced reader copy of this wonderful book. I adored this story, and I think it's my favourite Emma Orchard thus far. It's very character-driven rather than plot-driven, which works really well for this story and these characters. Their past is interwoven with their present, and we learn as we go about the intense history between them, while we watch them pick up the threads of their old lives and go forward as a newly married couple. It is as well-written and fixed in the period as her books always are but feels more of an emotional deep-dive into the two main characters, which gives a memorable intensity to their feelings for each other. Viola is 100% my favourite Emma Orchard character; she's highly likeable and all her choices are rooted in her life and ring psychologically very true. As usual, it's intelligent period romance that just carries you along. Brilliant.
My only criticism - come on, Boldwood, time for a new cover quote! The Fern Britton 'hot stuff' quote does not do this author justice on every single book!