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Daring Debutantes #1
The Duke's Guide to Fake Courtship
"Lee begins her 'Daring Debutantes' duet with this steamy Regency romance. The bold heroine and her adventurous spirit make for an erotic and enchanting read." - Library Journal
A match destined to end
Yet impossible to resist…
Since he inherited a dukedom, all Declan seems to do is put out fires. The latest? Deterring his feckless cousin from chasing a reprehensible woman. Except Grace Nayao Richards is far from reprehensible, and the beguiling, feisty young woman draws Declan closer…
As the illegitimate daughter of an earl, Grace needs an advantageous marriage to protect her and her sister’s futures. The handsome duke’s solution? A fake courtship with him to increase her popularity among the ton. But as he teaches her to navigate London society, it’s her dangerously attractive guide she desires!
From Harlequin Historical: Your romantic escape to the past.
Daring Debutantes
Book 1: The Duke's Guide to Fake Courtship
A match destined to end
Yet impossible to resist…
Since he inherited a dukedom, all Declan seems to do is put out fires. The latest? Deterring his feckless cousin from chasing a reprehensible woman. Except Grace Nayao Richards is far from reprehensible, and the beguiling, feisty young woman draws Declan closer…
As the illegitimate daughter of an earl, Grace needs an advantageous marriage to protect her and her sister’s futures. The handsome duke’s solution? A fake courtship with him to increase her popularity among the ton. But as he teaches her to navigate London society, it’s her dangerously attractive guide she desires!
From Harlequin Historical: Your romantic escape to the past.
Daring Debutantes
Book 1: The Duke's Guide to Fake Courtship
283 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 16, 2025
8 people are currently reading
65 people want to read
About the author
Jade Lee
95 books2,938 followersLibrarian Note: Also writes under the pen name Kathy Lyons.
A USA Today Bestseller, JADE LEE has been scripting love stories since she first picked up a set of paper dolls. Ball gowns and rakish lords caught her attention early (thank you Georgette Heyer), and her fascination with the Regency began. An author of more than 40 romance novels and winner of dozens of industry awards, her latest series is RAKES AND ROGUES. The first one, 50 WAYS TO RUIN A RAKE, is an awesome tale of love and laughter.
And don’t forget Kathy Lyons.. She’s Jade’s paranormal half. Check out her new shifter series GRIZZLIES GONE WILD.
To find all the latest news on Jade or Kathy, visit them at www.jadeleeauthor.com or www.kathylyons.com! And find out where you can meet her at: http://jadeleeauthor.com/appearances
A USA Today Bestseller, JADE LEE has been scripting love stories since she first picked up a set of paper dolls. Ball gowns and rakish lords caught her attention early (thank you Georgette Heyer), and her fascination with the Regency began. An author of more than 40 romance novels and winner of dozens of industry awards, her latest series is RAKES AND ROGUES. The first one, 50 WAYS TO RUIN A RAKE, is an awesome tale of love and laughter.
And don’t forget Kathy Lyons.. She’s Jade’s paranormal half. Check out her new shifter series GRIZZLIES GONE WILD.
To find all the latest news on Jade or Kathy, visit them at www.jadeleeauthor.com or www.kathylyons.com! And find out where you can meet her at: http://jadeleeauthor.com/appearances
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
January 21, 2025
Intriguing story about two people from very different backgrounds. Declan recently inherited the dukedom and feels he's done little but solve other people's problems. The latest issue is his mother's and aunt's claim that his cousin Cedric is about to disgrace the family by marrying an unsuitable woman.
Grace is the illegitimate daughter of an earl and a Chinese woman. She and her sister were recently found by the earl and brought to England. Grace knows she needs to make a good marriage to protect herself and her sister.
Grace was a fascinating woman. She disguised herself as a boy in her early life and became a ship's navigator. But when revealed to be a woman, she returned to the temple orphanage where she was raised, where her father found her. She knows Cedric only wants to marry her for her dowry, especially the ship, but she accepts its necessity. Unfortunately, being illegitimate and biracial makes acceptance into Society nearly impossible.
Declan initially agrees with the ladies that Grace is unsuitable as a wife for a man who will eventually be an earl. But his first meeting with Grace leaves him astounded and intrigued. In his attempts to convince Cedric to back off, he offers to introduce Grace to society so she can find a more suitable mate. He uses a pretend courtship to make her more appealing to other men.
But prejudice and pettiness complicate matters, and Declan becomes more and more protective of Grace. There were some terrific scenes during which he stood up for or protected her from harm. Declan is a man who never stops learning, and Grace's life fascinates him. I loved the respect he showed her knowledge and customs.
Grace is drawn to Declan even though she knows there is no way a duke can marry a woman like her. I liked her willingness to stand up for herself and her sister, and loved her self-defense scene. She is equally protective of Declan and is afraid of doing anything that could harm him, including believing they could have a future together.
The ending was fantastic. I loved Declan's "aha" moment and the awesome scene at Almack's. The epilogue was an excellent lead-in for Lucy's story - I can't wait to read it.
Grace is the illegitimate daughter of an earl and a Chinese woman. She and her sister were recently found by the earl and brought to England. Grace knows she needs to make a good marriage to protect herself and her sister.
Grace was a fascinating woman. She disguised herself as a boy in her early life and became a ship's navigator. But when revealed to be a woman, she returned to the temple orphanage where she was raised, where her father found her. She knows Cedric only wants to marry her for her dowry, especially the ship, but she accepts its necessity. Unfortunately, being illegitimate and biracial makes acceptance into Society nearly impossible.
Declan initially agrees with the ladies that Grace is unsuitable as a wife for a man who will eventually be an earl. But his first meeting with Grace leaves him astounded and intrigued. In his attempts to convince Cedric to back off, he offers to introduce Grace to society so she can find a more suitable mate. He uses a pretend courtship to make her more appealing to other men.
But prejudice and pettiness complicate matters, and Declan becomes more and more protective of Grace. There were some terrific scenes during which he stood up for or protected her from harm. Declan is a man who never stops learning, and Grace's life fascinates him. I loved the respect he showed her knowledge and customs.
Grace is drawn to Declan even though she knows there is no way a duke can marry a woman like her. I liked her willingness to stand up for herself and her sister, and loved her self-defense scene. She is equally protective of Declan and is afraid of doing anything that could harm him, including believing they could have a future together.
The ending was fantastic. I loved Declan's "aha" moment and the awesome scene at Almack's. The epilogue was an excellent lead-in for Lucy's story - I can't wait to read it.
Read
March 3, 2025Heat Factor: Imma teach you how to masturbate (plus the obligatory scene at the end after they’re married)
Character Chemistry: You know that passion I’ve been suppressing my whole life? Can’t suppress it around you.
Plot: Declan is meant to break up an engagement between Grace and his cousin because she’s unsuitable and obviously decides that he wants her for himself but obviously he can’t have her for *reasons*
Overall: I enjoyed this, but let’s not pretend it’s a fake dating book
The book opens with some very classic Duke establishing information. Declan has self-control at all times because his mother nags him and he must escape the legacy of rage of his very bad dad. Also, his mother doesn’t just nag him about being in control of his emotions, but also about being in control of the family.
Enter Grace, a very unsuitable young woman. Grace is bi-racial (Chinese-British), was raised in an orphanage in China, and has recently been brought to England by her father (who is a peer but definitely not a duke). She knows her way around a ship and can climb the rigging in a most unfeminine manner. She has a very large dowry, but that doesn’t change the fact that she’s Not Proper.
Declan’s cousin has big plans for marrying Grace (or blackmailing his family into paying him not to marry her—whatever will get the money). Grace knows that he just wants her dowry but all she wants is security, so she doesn’t much care; love is an emotion she can’t afford.
Read our full review at The Smut Report
I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. We disclose this in accordance with 16 CFR §255.
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Character Chemistry: You know that passion I’ve been suppressing my whole life? Can’t suppress it around you.
Plot: Declan is meant to break up an engagement between Grace and his cousin because she’s unsuitable and obviously decides that he wants her for himself but obviously he can’t have her for *reasons*
Overall: I enjoyed this, but let’s not pretend it’s a fake dating book
The book opens with some very classic Duke establishing information. Declan has self-control at all times because his mother nags him and he must escape the legacy of rage of his very bad dad. Also, his mother doesn’t just nag him about being in control of his emotions, but also about being in control of the family.
Enter Grace, a very unsuitable young woman. Grace is bi-racial (Chinese-British), was raised in an orphanage in China, and has recently been brought to England by her father (who is a peer but definitely not a duke). She knows her way around a ship and can climb the rigging in a most unfeminine manner. She has a very large dowry, but that doesn’t change the fact that she’s Not Proper.
Declan’s cousin has big plans for marrying Grace (or blackmailing his family into paying him not to marry her—whatever will get the money). Grace knows that he just wants her dowry but all she wants is security, so she doesn’t much care; love is an emotion she can’t afford.
Read our full review at The Smut Report
I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. We disclose this in accordance with 16 CFR §255.
Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
February 3, 2025
ARC via NetGalley, voluntary review is my own.
The Duke’s Guide to Fake Courtship was an enjoyable, quick read with some unique elements, but it wasn’t without its flaws. I liked Grace, the half-Chinese daughter of an earl—she was smart, brave, and had such a strong presence.
Declan, the temperamental and mercurial duke, was interesting but didn’t fully capture my attention, especially with his struggles around emotions and communication. Honestly, he felt emotionally stunted, and I’m not vibing with that anymore. At my age, communication always makes me weak in the knees…then again maybe because my knees make me feel like I’m 80. But I digress.
The fake courtship was fun at times, but the constant tension over Grace’s background and the repetitive societal disapproval started to feel a bit tiresome. Let’s move on. I don’t want to focus the story on racist characters or constantly have it repeated that Grace isn’t fully white. The repetition of that made me feel a certain way because it almost made it sound like she was less than because of that.
That said, I loved the diverse representation—more authors need to include characters like Grace in Regency stories. I did enjoy Lee's writing style for the most part, though I’m not sure I’d reread this one.
While the romance had some fun moments, it was a bit predictable. The chemistry was there at times, though I wanted more depth. Again, I wish the repeated racist behavior wasn’t so centered on Grace’s character, as it felt like it held back her growth in a way. I didn’t want the focus on the characters who viewed her as inferior because of her mixed heritage. Perhaps, that’s not realistic during this era but it’s just so tiresome to have that throughout the book.
Overall, it was a solid 3/5 stars—not bad, but not something I’d rush to revisit.
The Duke’s Guide to Fake Courtship was an enjoyable, quick read with some unique elements, but it wasn’t without its flaws. I liked Grace, the half-Chinese daughter of an earl—she was smart, brave, and had such a strong presence.
Declan, the temperamental and mercurial duke, was interesting but didn’t fully capture my attention, especially with his struggles around emotions and communication. Honestly, he felt emotionally stunted, and I’m not vibing with that anymore. At my age, communication always makes me weak in the knees…then again maybe because my knees make me feel like I’m 80. But I digress.
The fake courtship was fun at times, but the constant tension over Grace’s background and the repetitive societal disapproval started to feel a bit tiresome. Let’s move on. I don’t want to focus the story on racist characters or constantly have it repeated that Grace isn’t fully white. The repetition of that made me feel a certain way because it almost made it sound like she was less than because of that.
That said, I loved the diverse representation—more authors need to include characters like Grace in Regency stories. I did enjoy Lee's writing style for the most part, though I’m not sure I’d reread this one.
While the romance had some fun moments, it was a bit predictable. The chemistry was there at times, though I wanted more depth. Again, I wish the repeated racist behavior wasn’t so centered on Grace’s character, as it felt like it held back her growth in a way. I didn’t want the focus on the characters who viewed her as inferior because of her mixed heritage. Perhaps, that’s not realistic during this era but it’s just so tiresome to have that throughout the book.
Overall, it was a solid 3/5 stars—not bad, but not something I’d rush to revisit.
April 14, 2025
1.5 stars rounded to 2. Alas, I have to give up on this one and DNF at 59%. I was so intrigued by the premise and I love that the FMC is mixed and actually from China, but the British society inaccuracies are hitting too hard for me to trust that her backstory isn't potentially inaccurate also. She giving a bit manic pixie dream sailor- literally is doing flips off the ship's rigging - and he has a lot of explanation as to why he's Not Like Other Lords. I don’t understand what’s going on with her sister, her dad gets called Mr in one sentence and Lord in the next, and there’s no way that our MMC could be a duke and his paternal cousin is heir to the earldom. It doesn’t work like that. Also if he so thoroughly compromised her as he did, not marrying her is only going to ruin her prospects, full stop. This courting plan is shenanigans. For that reason, I’m out.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin for the ARC to review.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin for the ARC to review.
January 27, 2025
Declan is a stuffy duke with a history of angry outbursts and he’s just trying to keep his emotions in check. Somehow his meddling mother is trying to get him to stop his cousin from marrying an unsuitable illegitimate daughter of an Englishman, so he goes to meet the girl. Grace is half-English and half-Chinese about the launch into English society after living as an outcast in China. She immediately intrigues Declan and he’s protective of her, especially in light of his own cousin’s scheming for her dowry. Circumstances push them into a fake courtship to preserve her reputation, but there’s definitely a deeper connection simmering. Quick read and nice to see some diversity in our stuffy English settings.
January 31, 2025
She is entirely unsuitable.
I really liked both Declan and Grace. Declan is a duke, 31, who keeps his temper reigned in, least he turn out like his father and uncle. He measures his feelings with care. Grace is a young, half Chinese lady who was claimed by her father. She is worth a pretty penny and Declan's cousin is bent on wedding her and taking her ship. Declan and Grace come to a fake courtship, her to be more accepted, Declan to thwart his cousin and mother.
Declan is fascinated by the entirely unsuitable Grace (who if Grace marries Declan, she'd be Your Grace as well as Grace). Grace is brave, agile and smart.
Recommend for breath of fresh air.
I really liked both Declan and Grace. Declan is a duke, 31, who keeps his temper reigned in, least he turn out like his father and uncle. He measures his feelings with care. Grace is a young, half Chinese lady who was claimed by her father. She is worth a pretty penny and Declan's cousin is bent on wedding her and taking her ship. Declan and Grace come to a fake courtship, her to be more accepted, Declan to thwart his cousin and mother.
Declan is fascinated by the entirely unsuitable Grace (who if Grace marries Declan, she'd be Your Grace as well as Grace). Grace is brave, agile and smart.
Recommend for breath of fresh air.
November 5, 2024
Thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin for the ARC!
The Duke's Guide to Fake Courtship is a story of a temperamental duke and the daughter of an earl (who tries to navigate society). Definitely a fun and quick read, but Grace's half Chinese birthright made it a little difficult to enjoy at times. Obviously, the ton and the Duke's family would not approve of someone of mixed race to marry, but this does get repetitive after a while. A first read for Jade Lee for me but definitely willing to read more of her backlist in the future!
The Duke's Guide to Fake Courtship is a story of a temperamental duke and the daughter of an earl (who tries to navigate society). Definitely a fun and quick read, but Grace's half Chinese birthright made it a little difficult to enjoy at times. Obviously, the ton and the Duke's family would not approve of someone of mixed race to marry, but this does get repetitive after a while. A first read for Jade Lee for me but definitely willing to read more of her backlist in the future!
January 31, 2025
I enjoyed this book but it felt very repetitive at points. The same idea or thought was repeated several times. I loved her father the Earl, like a lot. What a wonderful man. And I liked that their was representation of non-white leading role written by non-white person. Give me more. I didn’t really care about either of them not being able to maintain their tempers, but like you are both adults use your words a little. But, his cousin deserved everything soooo also don’t use your words. To me the MMC was a little blah but really it was all about our MFC and I’m good with that. 3.5 overall.
January 22, 2025
The Duke's Guide to Fake Courtship by Jade Lee, book one in the Daring Debutantes series, is a story of a temperamental duke and the illegitimate daughter of an earl as she tries to navigate society by entering into a fake courtship. Their attraction threatens to turn their arrangement into something much more real. However, the ton with its racist attitude and the Duke's family does not approve of someone of mixed race to marry their nobility. Despite coming from very different backgrounds, Grace and Declan are able to respect and value each other, as their feelings for one another grow.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book prior to purchase.
#NetGalley #Harlequin
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book prior to purchase.
#NetGalley #Harlequin
January 11, 2025
A duke and an earl’s illegitimate daughter enter into a fake courtship, but their undeniable attraction threatens to turn their arrangement into something real.
I love Grace and Declan! These are fascinating characters from very different backgrounds, yet they respect and value each other’s differences.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
I love Grace and Declan! These are fascinating characters from very different backgrounds, yet they respect and value each other’s differences.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
January 18, 2025
I read a lot of historical romances and very rarely do they feel as fresh as this one did. I loved reading a different perspective on the genre, that being the introduction of a mixed race lady in the haut ton. Much of this was very raw emotion and discussed serious issues like racism, whilst also fulfilling the Harlequin trope of a steamy romance.
March 3, 2025
This first book in the Daring Debutantes series was very engaging, unique, and well written. The characters were strong-willed, determined, and complex. It had a lot of plot twists and emotional issues that kept me very engaged. I really enjoyed this intriguing and steamy historical romance. I highly recommend reading!
July 29, 2025
This is an excellent regency romance! It features not only unique, appealing main characters but also a refreshingly different plot. jade Lee's writing is so smooth I found myself quickly and thoroughly immersed in the story. I rapidly turned pages to find out what was happening next. If you like ghistorical romance, you will love this one!
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January 30, 2025I liked this book, but the premise is a bit hard to absorb. as I doubt The English Haute Ton would allow a duke to marry anyone they didn't approve of right out of the gate. But it was a fun book to read, and I enjoyed it.
March 7, 2025
Thirty-one year Declan Byrning is pressured by his mother to intervene between his Cousin Cedric’s current love affair.
Grace Nayao Richards and her sister Lucy arrive in London from Canton seeking a better life.
A historical romance featuring a biracial character.
Grace Nayao Richards and her sister Lucy arrive in London from Canton seeking a better life.
A historical romance featuring a biracial character.
Read
January 1, 2025Historical Fiction, Sagas, Victorian Historical Fiction, Regency Romance
Miniseries
Daring Debutantes (Book #1)
Miniseries
Daring Debutantes (Book #1)
February 22, 2025
Meh. DNF. Someone else said the heroine is trying too hard to not be like other girls and I agree. His issues with his temper were already getting repetitive and annoying by 11% in.
February 26, 2025
I really enjoyed Declan and Grace's story. It was fun watching these two navigate their fake courtship and actually finding their HEA with each other.
January 20, 2025
Although I knew Jade Lee from her previous books, I didn't like this book all that much, I found it really unbelievable, which is saying a lot considering I survived the TV version of the Bridgertons. The prose is slow and the plot not particularly compelling. It will be better next time....
Nonostante conoscessi Jade Lee da suoi libri precedenti, questo libro non mi é piaciuto poi tanto, l'ho trovato veramente poco credibile, il che é dire tanto considerato che sono sopravvissuta alla versione televisiva dei Bridgerton. La prosa é lenta e la trama non particolarmente avvincente. Andrá meglio la prossima volta...
I received from the Publisher a digital advanced review copy in exchange for a honest review.
Nonostante conoscessi Jade Lee da suoi libri precedenti, questo libro non mi é piaciuto poi tanto, l'ho trovato veramente poco credibile, il che é dire tanto considerato che sono sopravvissuta alla versione televisiva dei Bridgerton. La prosa é lenta e la trama non particolarmente avvincente. Andrá meglio la prossima volta...
I received from the Publisher a digital advanced review copy in exchange for a honest review.
dnf
May 22, 2025DNF at 34%
Honestly I just had a really hard time getting into this book and couldn’t focus on it. It felt like the author was trying too hard to make the FMC “I’m not like the other girls”.
Honestly I just had a really hard time getting into this book and couldn’t focus on it. It felt like the author was trying too hard to make the FMC “I’m not like the other girls”.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews