What do you think?
Rate this book
Matchmaking for Wallflowers #1
How to Capture a Duke
One reclusive bluestocking…
Fiona Amberly is more intrigued by the Roman ruins near her manor house than she is by balls. When her dying Grandmother worries about Fiona’s future, Fiona stammers that she’s secretly engaged. Soon she finds herself promising that she will introduce her husband-to-be by Christmas.
One dutiful duke…
Percival Carmichael, new Duke of Alfriston, is in a hurry. He’s off to propose to London’s most eligible debutante. After nearly dying at Waterloo, he’s vowed to spend the rest of his life living up to the ton’s expectations.
One fallen tree…
When Fiona tries to warn a passing coach about a tree in the road, the driver mistakes her for a highwaywoman. Evidently he’s not used to seeing women attired in clothes only suitable for archaeology waving knives. After the driver flees, Fiona decides she may as well borrow the handsome passenger…
Fiona Amberly is more intrigued by the Roman ruins near her manor house than she is by balls. When her dying Grandmother worries about Fiona’s future, Fiona stammers that she’s secretly engaged. Soon she finds herself promising that she will introduce her husband-to-be by Christmas.
One dutiful duke…
Percival Carmichael, new Duke of Alfriston, is in a hurry. He’s off to propose to London’s most eligible debutante. After nearly dying at Waterloo, he’s vowed to spend the rest of his life living up to the ton’s expectations.
One fallen tree…
When Fiona tries to warn a passing coach about a tree in the road, the driver mistakes her for a highwaywoman. Evidently he’s not used to seeing women attired in clothes only suitable for archaeology waving knives. After the driver flees, Fiona decides she may as well borrow the handsome passenger…
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 26, 2016
1908 people are currently reading
1249 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 301 reviews
October 13, 2016
It was OK...then it was good...until the rod.
This is a tricky review for me to write. How to Capture a Duke isn’t a bad book and I actually liked it, but there were a few things that made my eye twitch and I couldn't help but cringe, shudder and groan. I normally like stepping back in time, walking around with my hair coifed, dresses pressed and bonnet on, but in this case…I’ll take modern-day any day.
Fiona has a condition called curlyredhairfreckleyitis. Unfortunately, this condition has had her shunned from the ton, treated like a witch and put on the shelf. Fiona has lived with her grandmother since her parents died. Her grandmother is worried about passing and leaving Fiona alone. Besides her grandmother and sister, the rest of Fiona’s family are horrid and treat her like a leper. They want to marry her off, which doesn’t suit Fiona at all. Fiona has a dream. She wants to be an archaeologist and spends most of her spare time digging up the estate she lives on as she’s found some Roman treasures. Her relatives want her to marry her cousin, which means her dreams will not be realised. She comes up with the idea of having a fake fiancé to get them all to leave her alone. She just needs to find a victim/fiancé to play the part for awhile.
Percival, the Duke of Alfriston, has returned home from the war without his cousin and also without part of his leg. He became the duke because of his cousin’s death, so he’s not exactly comfortable in his position. A newly appointed duke and an amputee have not given Percival a very settling homecoming. He’s on a mission to get the family jewels from his estate and return to perform his duties as a duke and marry a lady he’s never met. On the way back to London, his coach is attacked by a red-haired highwaywoman. She doesn’t want his money though…she wants his body.
How to Capture a Duke then goes on to a madcap adventure where Fiona finds her victim, kidnaps him and forces him to meet her grandmother. How on earth the coach driver thought she was attacking them, just because she had a knife in her hand, is beyond me. The driver then runs away, taking Fiona’s horse, leaving the duke to fend for himself. I mean he’s an ex-serviceman with two arms, one leg and heartbeat…and she’s got one piddly little knife. Who should have won, I ask you? Unfortunately, this was the eye twitch stage.
The story then settled down and was alright for a little while, we see the two of them get to know each other a little better and Percival comes to understand why she put him in this position. I was flying along really enjoying it and then he all of a sudden decides he loves her…like bam… crash - her red curly hair fascinates me so much…I LOVE HER!! He’s overcome with lust, she strips for him (WTH!!), he pulls out his ROD (I was shuddering even typing that word) and he gets her off and she gets him off too. Seriously, she’s a virginal bluestocking, how the hell did she know to do that? So, they’re all in LOVE for like 3 hours (or something) and everything goes KAPUT!! Mis-communications, family interference lead them to part ways.
Months later, he admits he can’t live without her and comes back for a bit more rod fondling. If I never see the word rod used in that context again, I will be a happy woman.
Honestly, this story has great potential. The writing and editing were exceptional, the ideas interesting, but the flow and sexy times left me groaning. More good than bad and I will definitely try another of this author's work if she promises to never type the word rod in a sex scene… unless it’s a kinky book and used to describe a piece of equipment…not that type of equipment…the other type of equipment…you know what I mean…
I received a complimentary copy of How to Capture a Duke via the author for an honest review.
To buy How to Capture a Duke from Amazon - http://amzn.to/1WQOG5u
I’m an Aussie chick who loves to read and review romance, drink coffee, be a Style Setter and stalk David Gandy. To see more of my reviews, fashion, food and pervathons -
This is a tricky review for me to write. How to Capture a Duke isn’t a bad book and I actually liked it, but there were a few things that made my eye twitch and I couldn't help but cringe, shudder and groan. I normally like stepping back in time, walking around with my hair coifed, dresses pressed and bonnet on, but in this case…I’ll take modern-day any day.
Fiona has a condition called curlyredhairfreckleyitis. Unfortunately, this condition has had her shunned from the ton, treated like a witch and put on the shelf. Fiona has lived with her grandmother since her parents died. Her grandmother is worried about passing and leaving Fiona alone. Besides her grandmother and sister, the rest of Fiona’s family are horrid and treat her like a leper. They want to marry her off, which doesn’t suit Fiona at all. Fiona has a dream. She wants to be an archaeologist and spends most of her spare time digging up the estate she lives on as she’s found some Roman treasures. Her relatives want her to marry her cousin, which means her dreams will not be realised. She comes up with the idea of having a fake fiancé to get them all to leave her alone. She just needs to find a victim/fiancé to play the part for awhile.
Percival, the Duke of Alfriston, has returned home from the war without his cousin and also without part of his leg. He became the duke because of his cousin’s death, so he’s not exactly comfortable in his position. A newly appointed duke and an amputee have not given Percival a very settling homecoming. He’s on a mission to get the family jewels from his estate and return to perform his duties as a duke and marry a lady he’s never met. On the way back to London, his coach is attacked by a red-haired highwaywoman. She doesn’t want his money though…she wants his body.
How to Capture a Duke then goes on to a madcap adventure where Fiona finds her victim, kidnaps him and forces him to meet her grandmother. How on earth the coach driver thought she was attacking them, just because she had a knife in her hand, is beyond me. The driver then runs away, taking Fiona’s horse, leaving the duke to fend for himself. I mean he’s an ex-serviceman with two arms, one leg and heartbeat…and she’s got one piddly little knife. Who should have won, I ask you? Unfortunately, this was the eye twitch stage.
The story then settled down and was alright for a little while, we see the two of them get to know each other a little better and Percival comes to understand why she put him in this position. I was flying along really enjoying it and then he all of a sudden decides he loves her…like bam… crash - her red curly hair fascinates me so much…I LOVE HER!! He’s overcome with lust, she strips for him (WTH!!), he pulls out his ROD (I was shuddering even typing that word) and he gets her off and she gets him off too. Seriously, she’s a virginal bluestocking, how the hell did she know to do that? So, they’re all in LOVE for like 3 hours (or something) and everything goes KAPUT!! Mis-communications, family interference lead them to part ways.
Months later, he admits he can’t live without her and comes back for a bit more rod fondling. If I never see the word rod used in that context again, I will be a happy woman.
Honestly, this story has great potential. The writing and editing were exceptional, the ideas interesting, but the flow and sexy times left me groaning. More good than bad and I will definitely try another of this author's work if she promises to never type the word rod in a sex scene… unless it’s a kinky book and used to describe a piece of equipment…not that type of equipment…the other type of equipment…you know what I mean…
I received a complimentary copy of How to Capture a Duke via the author for an honest review.
To buy How to Capture a Duke from Amazon - http://amzn.to/1WQOG5u
I’m an Aussie chick who loves to read and review romance, drink coffee, be a Style Setter and stalk David Gandy. To see more of my reviews, fashion, food and pervathons -
January 31, 2016
Interesting story with a crazy and a bit bad-ass female protagonist. But I loved her, don't get me wrong. And she’s a lady archaeologist! Hell yeah! Why giving it 4 stars then? Well, I was disappointed by how easily two main characters turned against each other when given the chance. It just showed that their love is not as strong as I thought it was. And they seriously waited too damn long to resolve those misunderstandings. But I did love the whole process of Fiona kidnapping Percival and everyone thinking that he's actually talking about her kidnapping his heart. Those scenes were hilarious.
I definitely want to read the next books in the series. Look at these gorgeous covers!
You can read this review on BookishFever.
*E-copy provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review via Netgalley.*
I definitely want to read the next books in the series. Look at these gorgeous covers!
You can read this review on BookishFever.
*E-copy provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review via Netgalley.*
November 27, 2021
Was this supposed to be a spoof??
February 24, 2016
Review copy courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley
**This is a DNF review**
I thought it was strange that I didn't like the book within the first chapter but I couldn't explain why. I'm still not totally sure to be honest.
I didn't like the heroine at all. I don't care for characters that start out the book in the middle of a ridiculous lie. And that's exactly how it started with Fiona. She's digging in the dirt, like some kind of amateur archaeologist, in a dress. Go ahead and buck convention but who digs in a dress and then rides astride? Why wouldn't you just go the whole nine yards and wear pants?!
And then Fiona encounters the hero on the road. She's just discovered a tree that has fallen across the road, has attempted to saw some of the branches off with a knife she keeps with her, and then, when she sees this carriage coming around the corner, she runs at it with the knife in her hand...and then can't comprehend why the driver pulls a gun on her. To make it worse, even after they tell her that they think she's some kind of highway woman, she refuses to put the knife down OR explain why she's running at the carriage with knife in hand!!
I'm sorry. I was done. I hate that comedy of errors kind of story because I find no humor in it. It's not cute either. I couldn't get past 10% in this book because the heroine was an idiot and I couldn't stand her for even one more word.
**This is a DNF review**
I thought it was strange that I didn't like the book within the first chapter but I couldn't explain why. I'm still not totally sure to be honest.
I didn't like the heroine at all. I don't care for characters that start out the book in the middle of a ridiculous lie. And that's exactly how it started with Fiona. She's digging in the dirt, like some kind of amateur archaeologist, in a dress. Go ahead and buck convention but who digs in a dress and then rides astride? Why wouldn't you just go the whole nine yards and wear pants?!
And then Fiona encounters the hero on the road. She's just discovered a tree that has fallen across the road, has attempted to saw some of the branches off with a knife she keeps with her, and then, when she sees this carriage coming around the corner, she runs at it with the knife in her hand...and then can't comprehend why the driver pulls a gun on her. To make it worse, even after they tell her that they think she's some kind of highway woman, she refuses to put the knife down OR explain why she's running at the carriage with knife in hand!!
I'm sorry. I was done. I hate that comedy of errors kind of story because I find no humor in it. It's not cute either. I couldn't get past 10% in this book because the heroine was an idiot and I couldn't stand her for even one more word.
Want to read
October 17, 2017FREE on Amazon today (10/17/2017)!
January 28, 2016
4.5 Stars for this fun, historical romance adventure. A perfect read for fans of Tessa Dare.
Fiona Amberly is a wallflower, a bluestocking, a woman past her prime and unwed at the ripe age of 22. She fled London two weeks after her debut several years before as she's socially-awkward and graced with horrendous freckled skin and blood red hair. She's unfashionable and unworried about it. Mostly. She lives with her grandmother in a castle in Yorkshire, and professes to have a fiance, "Captain Knightley" who is off fighting for England against Bonaparte. But the war has ended and all of Fiona's family are expecting her fiance to collect his bride to be. Especially her ill Gram--who only wants to see Fiona properly settled. Meanwhile, Fiona's content to dig Roman artifacts from the grounds of the castle and properly document her archaeological finds.
Percival is en route to London with a bag full of jewels, including an engagement ring for a woman he's never met. He is newly settled into his title as Duke of Alfriston, which he landed because his cousin--the Duke--was killed in action at Waterloo while saving Percival. So, the title fits about as well as Percival's wooden leg. Having no desire to be paraded out to the ton in search of a wife who would accept his deformity, Percival allows the dowager duchess, his aunt, to arrange a marriage with his dead cousin's intended. And maybe, one day, they will grow to develop some affection toward each other.
While trying to stop a coach from running into a felled tree, Fiona is mistaken for a highwaywoman. She sees Percival is an attractive man, and well-cultured. And, if she can bring this gentleman to her home to meet her gram, once, perhaps everyone will believe that this stranger is Captain Knightley, and leave her alone in her personal life. Impetuously, she calls herself the Scarlet Demon, kidnaps the Duke, and the game is on.
This is a very cute, and a bit steamy, historical romance that starts out with hi jinks and hijacking and ends in passion. Percival is flummoxed regarding the mad woman who is taking him far from his intended target. In truth, he is uncomfortable around people, now, sensitive to his injury, and his ill-begotten title. He enjoyed being a rake, and now he has to be a nobleman, and live a life that is determined by his aunt, in the shadow of his cousin. Being around Fiona soon turns Percival's beliefs on their ear. He sees her as a shy woman, but well educated and passionate about her desires in archaeology. True, she's not "accomplished" by the usual measures, but Fiona's very attractive to Percival--she's a big gal, with soft features and red hair he'd love to lose himself in.
Fiona has no illusions regarding Percival's interest. He makes it plain that he's betrothed, and she doesn't want to interfere in that. She doesn't fend off any of his advances, however, and that's okay for her. She never expected to marry, so having a bit of carnal pleasure with Percival is an illicit experience, one she will likely never have again. Did I mention Fiona's impetuous?
The end of the book is far different to how I envisioned it, and I liked that! When I picked up the book I expected it would be very like Tessa Dare's When a Scot Ties the Knot and there are some similarities, but the differences are vast. I loved how there was enough separation for lust to settle into something more warm, like affection. The dramatic ending was rather lovely, and I enjoyed getting swept away.
I received a review copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Fiona Amberly is a wallflower, a bluestocking, a woman past her prime and unwed at the ripe age of 22. She fled London two weeks after her debut several years before as she's socially-awkward and graced with horrendous freckled skin and blood red hair. She's unfashionable and unworried about it. Mostly. She lives with her grandmother in a castle in Yorkshire, and professes to have a fiance, "Captain Knightley" who is off fighting for England against Bonaparte. But the war has ended and all of Fiona's family are expecting her fiance to collect his bride to be. Especially her ill Gram--who only wants to see Fiona properly settled. Meanwhile, Fiona's content to dig Roman artifacts from the grounds of the castle and properly document her archaeological finds.
Percival is en route to London with a bag full of jewels, including an engagement ring for a woman he's never met. He is newly settled into his title as Duke of Alfriston, which he landed because his cousin--the Duke--was killed in action at Waterloo while saving Percival. So, the title fits about as well as Percival's wooden leg. Having no desire to be paraded out to the ton in search of a wife who would accept his deformity, Percival allows the dowager duchess, his aunt, to arrange a marriage with his dead cousin's intended. And maybe, one day, they will grow to develop some affection toward each other.
While trying to stop a coach from running into a felled tree, Fiona is mistaken for a highwaywoman. She sees Percival is an attractive man, and well-cultured. And, if she can bring this gentleman to her home to meet her gram, once, perhaps everyone will believe that this stranger is Captain Knightley, and leave her alone in her personal life. Impetuously, she calls herself the Scarlet Demon, kidnaps the Duke, and the game is on.
This is a very cute, and a bit steamy, historical romance that starts out with hi jinks and hijacking and ends in passion. Percival is flummoxed regarding the mad woman who is taking him far from his intended target. In truth, he is uncomfortable around people, now, sensitive to his injury, and his ill-begotten title. He enjoyed being a rake, and now he has to be a nobleman, and live a life that is determined by his aunt, in the shadow of his cousin. Being around Fiona soon turns Percival's beliefs on their ear. He sees her as a shy woman, but well educated and passionate about her desires in archaeology. True, she's not "accomplished" by the usual measures, but Fiona's very attractive to Percival--she's a big gal, with soft features and red hair he'd love to lose himself in.
Fiona has no illusions regarding Percival's interest. He makes it plain that he's betrothed, and she doesn't want to interfere in that. She doesn't fend off any of his advances, however, and that's okay for her. She never expected to marry, so having a bit of carnal pleasure with Percival is an illicit experience, one she will likely never have again. Did I mention Fiona's impetuous?
The end of the book is far different to how I envisioned it, and I liked that! When I picked up the book I expected it would be very like Tessa Dare's When a Scot Ties the Knot and there are some similarities, but the differences are vast. I loved how there was enough separation for lust to settle into something more warm, like affection. The dramatic ending was rather lovely, and I enjoyed getting swept away.
I received a review copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
March 6, 2016
Normally I enjoy historicals, and after a few more intense reads, I was ready for something a little different to switch things up. The blurb on this book sounded intriguing, so I decided to dive in.
While the story as a whole was OK, I never really found myself pulled into it. Fiona's capture of Percival and her "coercion" to go along with her story required a suspension of belief at best and at times felt downright ludicrous. Percival is a former military man and a new duke, and his injury should not have made him into the complete pushover he allowed himself to be in the first part of the story. Then they fell into a serious case of insta-love and Fiona went against everything a well bred lady would ever do or know, but at that point I was so far along in reading that I just said 'oh what the heck' and kept skimming along to the finish.
I thought the plot had unrealized potential, but the author's writing and the book's editing was strong overall. Perhaps it was just my frame of mind when I read this book that affected my view of it, so if the blurb calls to you, give this one a try.
While the story as a whole was OK, I never really found myself pulled into it. Fiona's capture of Percival and her "coercion" to go along with her story required a suspension of belief at best and at times felt downright ludicrous. Percival is a former military man and a new duke, and his injury should not have made him into the complete pushover he allowed himself to be in the first part of the story. Then they fell into a serious case of insta-love and Fiona went against everything a well bred lady would ever do or know, but at that point I was so far along in reading that I just said 'oh what the heck' and kept skimming along to the finish.
I thought the plot had unrealized potential, but the author's writing and the book's editing was strong overall. Perhaps it was just my frame of mind when I read this book that affected my view of it, so if the blurb calls to you, give this one a try.
November 23, 2020
It starts off so well. Its sweet and really funny. And then it just plummets and it hits a boring plateau. I liked the mcs. Both Fiona and Percival are lovely. But there's no story. Such a thin plot line .
July 10, 2020
I voluntary reviewed this ARC after receiving a free copy. I so loved this book. It was funny. The characters were very witty and very dramatic in their own way. Margaret’s mother was over the top with drama, but I loved it.
Frankly if I had a mother like that, I would have committed her to some insane asylum. Boy how did her husband put up with her?! The writing had fluid to it. Some areas may have slowed for me, but once the humor picked I continued reading. The romance between Margaret and Jarves slowly evolved in the book, but I much rather prefer that it started in the beginning with a strong desire from one another in the beginning of the book.
Then continue on a steamy passionate ride through the book. For example stolen kisses here or there. Maybe, a passionate love making in Jarves’s room. Towards the end the story had to much details that was not related to the issue at at hand. Then for the last page, the coming together of the couple was one line.
? Anyway, the book was good, but give it more steamy, hot passion, with an abundance of bed four play.
Frankly if I had a mother like that, I would have committed her to some insane asylum. Boy how did her husband put up with her?! The writing had fluid to it. Some areas may have slowed for me, but once the humor picked I continued reading. The romance between Margaret and Jarves slowly evolved in the book, but I much rather prefer that it started in the beginning with a strong desire from one another in the beginning of the book.
Then continue on a steamy passionate ride through the book. For example stolen kisses here or there. Maybe, a passionate love making in Jarves’s room. Towards the end the story had to much details that was not related to the issue at at hand. Then for the last page, the coming together of the couple was one line.
? Anyway, the book was good, but give it more steamy, hot passion, with an abundance of bed four play.
March 22, 2017
I Am sorry I had to return How to Capture a Duke. This was a ridiculous and unbelievable story. I don't want to say to much but I never don't finish a story. I did with this one!! The Blurb convinced me to buy it but the story was worth my time to finish it.
April 20, 2017
3.75 that I'm rounding up to 4.
There was a lot I liked, but enough that I got hung up on to give me pause. Like, does he EVER take his wooden leg off? That sucker has to hurt after being out in a snowstorm. Stuff like that.
It had some sweet moments and a great heroine who walked the bluestocking/wallflower line without being annoying.
There was a lot I liked, but enough that I got hung up on to give me pause. Like, does he EVER take his wooden leg off? That sucker has to hurt after being out in a snowstorm. Stuff like that.
It had some sweet moments and a great heroine who walked the bluestocking/wallflower line without being annoying.
September 17, 2020
I was pretty bored throughout much of this. As if someone as intelligent as Fiona would pretend to be a highwayman. And then the back and forth between liking each other but it’s all a scam, but liking. Ugh. Not my cuppa, though I did manage to force myself to finish it.
December 10, 2017
Sorry I really didn’t enjoy this book. It was a DNF for me. I found both main characters so ridiculous, she was horrible in my opinion and he was too much of a marshmallow. I didn’t make it past the inn scene.
December 29, 2018
1. Too boring. I was able not to read it for 3 days and even able to squeeze in another novel.
2. Aplenty of idiocities
3. Very dragging
4. Percival
The only thing that I find amusing in this story was the tavern scene where a bunch of tavern patrons helped Fiona find the escaped Percival. And the one thing that made me do not hate this book was because Fiona was not a spineless doormat; she didn't chase and beg Percival.
2. Aplenty of idiocities
a. Fiona, a gently-bred bluestocking knew how to hold a gun, pretend to be a highwaywoman and snarl.
b. Percival, a big man who fought with the French wasn't able to overpower a woman. It didn't matter if he didn't have any weapons nor he was missing a leg. He can use his strength and wit. Whatever happened to his military common sense? Got hit by a canon ball during the war? Additionally, the coach driver, who was also an ex-soldier (with complete limbs, by the way) cowered from a woman who was holding a knife?? He already had an advantage because he was carrying a gun!
c. Chapter 26: Madeline had never truly harmed Fiona, only contributed to the gossip of the other girls during their season?? This is a rather idiotic logic. Besmirching someone's else reputation and laughing about it is already harmful enough.
d. Chapter 27: Arthur, Percival's younger brother, said, "A pretty woman will ease your troubles, and a marriage will ease your conscience." Sooooo da-a-a-a-aft. If Percival doesn't straighten himself while being a bachelor, he'll be more miserable after getting married. Plus, he'll be ruining another person's life. Moreover, Arthur was also such an asshole for using his brother's pain as an amusement.
e. What even it made more stupid was Percival and Fiona had been together for only 3 to 4 days but still couldn't move on after half a year. Their separation was 60x longer but they can't let go. In human standards since it was only a winter fling, they would have moved on a looong time ago.
3. Very dragging
a. In my point of view, chapter 7 is unnecessary. They could just simply skip the journey, musings and conversations (or shorten them) and head to the tavern and escape scene.
b. It took 8 chapters for Fiona to tell Percival the factuality of his abduction.
c. Chapter 19 to 22: Percival didn't explain immediately nor THO-ROUGH-LY that everything was a misunderstanding. He definitely had a lot of time in speaking about trivial stuffs but didn't efficiently use it to save Fiona.
4. Percival
a. Bloody useless! He didn't even punched Seymour (Fiona's uncle) for being an a-hoe. Furthermore, he was easily swayed. A little talk here, and a bit of dialogue there and voila! He believed it instantly. Sheesh! What kind of a solder he was anyway? Apparently an imbecile one that his cousin needed to save him and he still lost a leg.
b. Quitter. He gave Fiona up without giving a fight. Did really just lose a leg in a war? I think he also lost his balls somewhere during the melee.
b. Weak! Not only physically but emotionally. He couldn't even defend himself from his aunt. No wonder Arthur didn't have any respect for him.
The only thing that I find amusing in this story was the tavern scene where a bunch of tavern patrons helped Fiona find the escaped Percival. And the one thing that made me do not hate this book was because Fiona was not a spineless doormat; she didn't chase and beg Percival.
November 13, 2016
This author is new to me. The story begins with an unconventional heroine who is hiding out in the country, digging up Roman ruins, and avoiding society. And she lied to her ailing grandmother about having a fiance who was fighting in the war against Napoleon, since she bailed on her London season. So, when she finds herself in an unexpected (and bizarre) situation, she grabs at the opportunity to have a man she can pass off as her fiance for a while. Yes, it's poorly conceptualized, and all kinds of things go wrong. But, her plans are assisted by the fact that the man is traveling incognito.
I enjoyed the heroine, and found her uncertainty to be believable. The hero was likeable, but I found his inability to assert himself believably to be unrealistic and at times annoying. Yes, he didn't expect to be in his position, but he was raised a noble and had been an officer in a war. He should have a better ability to show authority.
Overall the story was full of crazy circumstances and if I had been present my mouth would have been hanging open for most of the book. However, nothing was entirely too outlandish and the heroine is not a modern woman in the past. She is unconventional for the past, and that hurts her socially and within her family.
I received a free copy from the author and enjoyed listening to the book. The narrator is a consummate professional and did an excellent job. She had clear voices for different characters, and portrayed emotion very convincingly.
I enjoyed the heroine, and found her uncertainty to be believable. The hero was likeable, but I found his inability to assert himself believably to be unrealistic and at times annoying. Yes, he didn't expect to be in his position, but he was raised a noble and had been an officer in a war. He should have a better ability to show authority.
Overall the story was full of crazy circumstances and if I had been present my mouth would have been hanging open for most of the book. However, nothing was entirely too outlandish and the heroine is not a modern woman in the past. She is unconventional for the past, and that hurts her socially and within her family.
I received a free copy from the author and enjoyed listening to the book. The narrator is a consummate professional and did an excellent job. She had clear voices for different characters, and portrayed emotion very convincingly.
August 2, 2021
The Scarlet Demon😈 finds 💘Love
England 1815, Regency Period.
Fiona is a wallflower, she was a debutante at the ton, but she never found a husband, being a young woman who blended in with the wallpaper.
She wants her grandmother, the dowager Duchess, to stop making her go to the balls, so she makes up a suitor. She calls him. Sir Knightley, and he's away a lot because he's a Captain in the King's army. How convenient!
She decided to pursue her love of all things ancient, and has found an ancient Roman dig sure in her uncle's orchard. She doesn't want a husband!
She's there, close to Christmas, digging away before snow falls, when a carriage comes along down the track. She runs out to stop it from hitting a fallen tree, but the driver mistakes her for a road agent!
There is only one passenger, a very handsome, fit, and well dressed man. He's Percival Carmichael, the 7th Duke of Alfriston. Amazingly, his leg was badly injured in the war against Napoleon, he's a war veteran.
Fiona sees only Sir Knightly! Percival will play her betrothed and convince her grandmother, that she doesn't need to return to the ton.
What a fun romance! I guess you might call it a romantic comedy. Recommend.
England 1815, Regency Period.
Fiona is a wallflower, she was a debutante at the ton, but she never found a husband, being a young woman who blended in with the wallpaper.
She wants her grandmother, the dowager Duchess, to stop making her go to the balls, so she makes up a suitor. She calls him. Sir Knightley, and he's away a lot because he's a Captain in the King's army. How convenient!
She decided to pursue her love of all things ancient, and has found an ancient Roman dig sure in her uncle's orchard. She doesn't want a husband!
She's there, close to Christmas, digging away before snow falls, when a carriage comes along down the track. She runs out to stop it from hitting a fallen tree, but the driver mistakes her for a road agent!
There is only one passenger, a very handsome, fit, and well dressed man. He's Percival Carmichael, the 7th Duke of Alfriston. Amazingly, his leg was badly injured in the war against Napoleon, he's a war veteran.
Fiona sees only Sir Knightly! Percival will play her betrothed and convince her grandmother, that she doesn't need to return to the ton.
What a fun romance! I guess you might call it a romantic comedy. Recommend.
November 28, 2016
The narration of the wonderful Rosalyn Landor saved this audio book. Her performance was, as always, 5 stars, but the content barely scraped 3 stars.
A pity really because the story was well written and had great potential. The premise (along with the narrator) intrigued me. The central characters; a duke by default but who is also badly injured and a returning soldier is missing part of a leg (one of my favourite tropes) and an unorthodox, apparently unmarriageable, red head with a passion for archaeology. So far so good - but the story quickly descended into the farcical and I lost interest and concentration.
There was too much going on with some rather implausible misunderstandings. Still I might give this author another go because as I said, the writing is good and I liked her protagonists.
I was sent a free audio book by the author for an honest review.
A pity really because the story was well written and had great potential. The premise (along with the narrator) intrigued me. The central characters; a duke by default but who is also badly injured and a returning soldier is missing part of a leg (one of my favourite tropes) and an unorthodox, apparently unmarriageable, red head with a passion for archaeology. So far so good - but the story quickly descended into the farcical and I lost interest and concentration.
There was too much going on with some rather implausible misunderstandings. Still I might give this author another go because as I said, the writing is good and I liked her protagonists.
I was sent a free audio book by the author for an honest review.
December 14, 2016
I LOVED FIONA.
Fiona Amberly strong, independent, a red-head, fearless and she loves the Roman ruins near her manor house. She was not the girly girl. I liked that too. She was herself. Then she decided to say she was engaged. This turns her world around. That about the time she meets Percival Carmichael.
Percival had just been appointed the new Duke of Alfriston. He was a solider turned duke. This was his time to make the right decisions. But he had a chance run in with Fiona and the fun began.
I had fun with this one. I love seeing the girl least likely get hers.
Fiona Amberly strong, independent, a red-head, fearless and she loves the Roman ruins near her manor house. She was not the girly girl. I liked that too. She was herself. Then she decided to say she was engaged. This turns her world around. That about the time she meets Percival Carmichael.
Percival had just been appointed the new Duke of Alfriston. He was a solider turned duke. This was his time to make the right decisions. But he had a chance run in with Fiona and the fun began.
I had fun with this one. I love seeing the girl least likely get hers.
October 19, 2016
Okay story, okay narration by Roslyn Landor (audible review)
So this story was just okay. The characters were okay not the best not the worst. The romance portion seemed a bit forced to me. The chemistry was meh.
The story line and plot were a bit far fetched and juvenile. There was plenty of dialogue throughout the book so that was good.
As for the narration it was okay. Roslyn Landor uses her reading voice for the men's voices which is somewhat annoying. She does a great job with the female voices. Otherwise her narrations are just meh to me.
So this story was just okay. The characters were okay not the best not the worst. The romance portion seemed a bit forced to me. The chemistry was meh.
The story line and plot were a bit far fetched and juvenile. There was plenty of dialogue throughout the book so that was good.
As for the narration it was okay. Roslyn Landor uses her reading voice for the men's voices which is somewhat annoying. She does a great job with the female voices. Otherwise her narrations are just meh to me.
January 24, 2016
The good: Good grammar, very good editing.
The bad: Plot is a mess. Hero is weak and easily manipulated by relatives and society. Heroine is nuts. Secondary characters are uninteresting. It's a farce, a comedy, a tragedy and, at times, mildly romantic.
I received an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Read
July 8, 2019DNF@37%.
Last night, a mosquito must have gotten in our room. At 4 am I woke up scratching, and was struggling to fall back asleep. During this time, I had a revelation as to why this book was bothering me so much.
For a supposed bluestocking, Fiona is dumb. What exactly is she hoping to accomplish by lying about being engaged and then forcing a man to be her fiance? She wants to make her grandmother happy, but isn't grandma going to be upset about being lied to? I get that Fiona has made a mistake in blurting out that she's engaged, but that doesn't make the continued lying any better. I'm not buying that an intelligent girl thinks forcing someone to pretend to be her fiance is the smartest way to go. The fake fiance bit works when both parties are willing.
So far the only good part is the hero (who's very no nonsense and over Fiona's antics). Fiona on the other hand has multiple strikes, including not defending our hero when people said nasty things about his missing limb.
Last night, a mosquito must have gotten in our room. At 4 am I woke up scratching, and was struggling to fall back asleep. During this time, I had a revelation as to why this book was bothering me so much.
For a supposed bluestocking, Fiona is dumb. What exactly is she hoping to accomplish by lying about being engaged and then forcing a man to be her fiance? She wants to make her grandmother happy, but isn't grandma going to be upset about being lied to? I get that Fiona has made a mistake in blurting out that she's engaged, but that doesn't make the continued lying any better. I'm not buying that an intelligent girl thinks forcing someone to pretend to be her fiance is the smartest way to go. The fake fiance bit works when both parties are willing.
So far the only good part is the hero (who's very no nonsense and over Fiona's antics). Fiona on the other hand has multiple strikes, including not defending our hero when people said nasty things about his missing limb.
April 30, 2019
Mostly skimmed this but it was pretty good. There's a lot of romances that start with a man kidnapping a woman, but not many with a woman kidnapping a man. By the way, Fiona can claim all she wants that she only kidnapped Percival by accident, but considering the kidnapping went on for a solid half of the book and she did literally threaten him with a knife, I am not buying it. Only reason she gets off so easily is aristocratic privilege! But lols I'm just as glad she does.
Second half of the book wasn't as interesting bc there was no more kidnapping and faking relationships and such, just a lot of miscommunication and technicalities to deal with. But overall it was still pretty good.
Second half of the book wasn't as interesting bc there was no more kidnapping and faking relationships and such, just a lot of miscommunication and technicalities to deal with. But overall it was still pretty good.
February 10, 2021
I adored this! Laughed out loud several times, and teared up too. Wonderful, unique protagonists and a fun plot driving along the romance. Managed to convince me of their chemistry even just in the course of three days! I am a bit intrigued by .
February 15, 2023
Bianca Blythe writes a cute historical fiction romance story of an unconventional heroin who loves archeology and is sure she will end up a bluestocking wallflower. However, she has told her family and especially her ailing grandmother that she has a fiance and will be married when he returns from war. Things change when she gets mistaken as a highwaywoman and accidentally kidnaps a good looking elligable bachelor. I enjoyed this story and how it all played out.
February 25, 2017
Madcap falling in love in days
I will admit I was taken in by the cover and title. The plot became more and more outlandish and I just rolled my eyes. Them falling in love in just days was the breaking point.
I had just finished a Mary Balogh and couldn't help comparing the two. This fell short in most everything. But a happy ending gives 3 stars.
Mature content
I will admit I was taken in by the cover and title. The plot became more and more outlandish and I just rolled my eyes. Them falling in love in just days was the breaking point.
I had just finished a Mary Balogh and couldn't help comparing the two. This fell short in most everything. But a happy ending gives 3 stars.
Mature content
September 12, 2017
3.5 stars
did-not-finish
February 14, 2019DNF at 38 %, not because it is bad, I just have no motivation to continue this. Maybe at a later date.
April 23, 2020
A warm thank you to Bianca Blythe for this ARC of her first book in the Matchmaking for Wallflowers series, How To Capture A Duke.
Fiona Amberly is in desperate need of a husband to prove to her aging and loving grandmother that she will be taken care of in the future. So, to put her heart at ease, she announces she is betrothed and will introduce her intended by Christmas.
Percival Carmichael, the new Duke of Alfriston has no time to waste. En route to propose to the most eligible debutante in London, he’s delayed by the ever vivacious Fiona attempting to keep him out of harm’s way. Unfortunately, her approach is not the most well thought out or delicate and she is mistaken for a highway woman. And because he already thinks ill of her, why not take him home to meet her grandmother under the guise of being her betrothed.
Fiona is one of those historical romance leads I like to read about for the simple fact that she has other interests. It’s bigger than preferring to read books or just having no interest in the rest of the ton, season, or balls. She’s doesn’t just talk about the things she desires to do and bemoan her given sex. She does them, even with familial disapproval. I wish we could see a little more of her in that element. See her succeed, see her work and dreams succeed. I understood the choice she made in the end, although I have to say it disappointed me. I expected more from her.
Percival was great for comic relief. In the beginning, his inability to escape Fiona and the attempts and failures to alert surrounding persons of the true nature of their relationship was a source for small laughs. I find him an admirable man for his capability to take a stand for Fiona’s honor, even when he didn’t want to be a part of her plan, and knowing his own heart. Often, it takes a male lead far too long to realize their feelings and by the end of the story, it’s astounding that they win their lady. My only disappointment with Percival was that he didn’t encourage Fiona in the end. I feel she could have accomplished so much more.
It would have been wonderful to read more about Madeline. I won’t say anything, but it’s clear there’s more to her than meets the eye.
Overall, I liked this book for Fiona’s interests and potential. I find although some themes were not original, the storyline and backgrounds for the two characters were not cliche.
Praise for Bianca Blythe, I hope to read more of her work in the future!
Fiona Amberly is in desperate need of a husband to prove to her aging and loving grandmother that she will be taken care of in the future. So, to put her heart at ease, she announces she is betrothed and will introduce her intended by Christmas.
Percival Carmichael, the new Duke of Alfriston has no time to waste. En route to propose to the most eligible debutante in London, he’s delayed by the ever vivacious Fiona attempting to keep him out of harm’s way. Unfortunately, her approach is not the most well thought out or delicate and she is mistaken for a highway woman. And because he already thinks ill of her, why not take him home to meet her grandmother under the guise of being her betrothed.
Fiona is one of those historical romance leads I like to read about for the simple fact that she has other interests. It’s bigger than preferring to read books or just having no interest in the rest of the ton, season, or balls. She’s doesn’t just talk about the things she desires to do and bemoan her given sex. She does them, even with familial disapproval. I wish we could see a little more of her in that element. See her succeed, see her work and dreams succeed. I understood the choice she made in the end, although I have to say it disappointed me. I expected more from her.
Percival was great for comic relief. In the beginning, his inability to escape Fiona and the attempts and failures to alert surrounding persons of the true nature of their relationship was a source for small laughs. I find him an admirable man for his capability to take a stand for Fiona’s honor, even when he didn’t want to be a part of her plan, and knowing his own heart. Often, it takes a male lead far too long to realize their feelings and by the end of the story, it’s astounding that they win their lady. My only disappointment with Percival was that he didn’t encourage Fiona in the end. I feel she could have accomplished so much more.
It would have been wonderful to read more about Madeline. I won’t say anything, but it’s clear there’s more to her than meets the eye.
Overall, I liked this book for Fiona’s interests and potential. I find although some themes were not original, the storyline and backgrounds for the two characters were not cliche.
Praise for Bianca Blythe, I hope to read more of her work in the future!
April 6, 2016
4.5 stars. I really enjoyed the story, thought it was well done.
Fiona is a fiery redhead who is somewhat unorthodox. Surrounded by family who doesn't understand her, she clings to her ailing grandmother for the support she needs. But she's told a big fib. To avoid going into society, she's told her grandmother she is engaged to a Captain fighting the Napoleanic wars. But now the war is over.
Percival has returned from the war minus one leg, lost when his cousin, the duke took a blade intended for Percival. As heir to the dukedom, he is determined to live his cousin's life for him, until he happens across a woman wielding a knife that his driver mistakes for a highwayman - or highwaywoman.
The conflict holds through most of the book until the duke decides he's gonna do what he's gonna do (very un-dukelike after presenting himself as duty bound), but if he didn't we wouldn't have much of a story! I picked up this book because she compared herself to Tessa Dare, and Ms. Dare did a similar book that I very much enjoyed. The similarities are there, and I would agree that fans of Ms. Dare would enjoy this. I think the one thing that didn't work for me was the "intimate" scenes. They were distracting and unnecessary, and the terms used jarred a little.
All in all, a fun read.
Fiona is a fiery redhead who is somewhat unorthodox. Surrounded by family who doesn't understand her, she clings to her ailing grandmother for the support she needs. But she's told a big fib. To avoid going into society, she's told her grandmother she is engaged to a Captain fighting the Napoleanic wars. But now the war is over.
Percival has returned from the war minus one leg, lost when his cousin, the duke took a blade intended for Percival. As heir to the dukedom, he is determined to live his cousin's life for him, until he happens across a woman wielding a knife that his driver mistakes for a highwayman - or highwaywoman.
The conflict holds through most of the book until the duke decides he's gonna do what he's gonna do (very un-dukelike after presenting himself as duty bound), but if he didn't we wouldn't have much of a story! I picked up this book because she compared herself to Tessa Dare, and Ms. Dare did a similar book that I very much enjoyed. The similarities are there, and I would agree that fans of Ms. Dare would enjoy this. I think the one thing that didn't work for me was the "intimate" scenes. They were distracting and unnecessary, and the terms used jarred a little.
All in all, a fun read.
January 3, 2017
This book had an entertaining premise but the execution fell short. My main problem was that the writing felt choppy, hurried and sometimes unfinished. I found my self re reading parts and thinking that I some how skipped text. Usually i noticed this in the characters conversations because a reply would feel like it didn't answer the text from the characters conversation before it. Unfortunately I paid for this book so the feeling of unfinished discussions bothered me a lot. I don't know if the problem is that this author is a newbie who hasn't hit her stride or that maybe the kindle version i bought had some typos or bugs and text really was missing. Unfortunately i wanted to like this book because I was amused by the main idea and the personalities of the characters but I couldn't get past the choppy unfinished writing. However i did already purchase the novella and got the second book as a free trial from amazon so i have not yet given up on this author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 301 reviews