It Had to Be a Duke by Vivienne Lorret -> Restarting April 27th, 2024

[Alaina]

USA Today bestselling author Vivienne Lorret launches a new series with a sparkling romance about a spinster, a duke, and a fake engagement that blurs the lines between enemies and lovers…

Verity Hartley always tells the truth. Well, mostly. However, when her snooty neighbor returns to their small hamlet to brag about having a grand Season, a plethora of ballgowns, and so many suitors that she cannot possibly decide which one to marry, Verity tells a lie. She claims to be betrothed. To a duke. Who happens to be her family’s sworn enemy. But what are the odds that he would ever learn of this one, little, harmless falsehood?

Magnus Warring, the Duke of Longhurst, is on the precipice of marrying an heiress to save his estate from financial ruin. At least, he was. Until he hears an unbelievable rumor that he is already betrothed. To the daughter of a liar, cheat, and swindler! Needing to protect his reputation, he hunts down the culprit. And when he finds the untamed beguiler, she has the audacity to ask him to lie for her. To pretend to be her fiancé!

One week, that’s all Verity needs. Then Magnus could return to his life. But nothing is ever that simple. Sometimes it doesn’t take that long to fall in love, even with the enemy.

[Ashlyn]

Chapters 1-6 (view spoiler)[I’m liking this so far. I love Verity’s character and I like how they are going to have a seven day betrothal. (hide spoiler)]

[Ashlyn]

Chapters 7-13 (view spoiler)[Both of those kisses were perfection! I’m enjoying this one so much so far and looking forward to where it goes. (hide spoiler)]

[Ashlyn]

Chapters 14-21 (view spoiler)[Her in the closet was terrible. And how did she not realize the real reason for him not wanting her to turn around is beyond me. (hide spoiler)]


Finished (view spoiler)[Well that was a lot of drama. I’m a little upset that we don’t get to see what happens between Anna and Mr. Dashings, but it seems like the next book will be about her sister. (hide spoiler)]

[Melanie]

My preorder of this will be here probably Wednesday or Thursday (B&N never gets it to me on release day) and I will start it then. Sounds like it will be a good one.

[Ashlyn]

It was! I hope you enjoy it!

[Kira]

Chapter 1-6: (view spoiler)[Lol I am loving Verity ngl, she is a bit impulsive, a bit kiddish but definitely has a lot of spark to her character. Her and Magnus bickering is already so entertaining that I am quite excited to witness what more unfolds between them during the seven day betrothal that they have agreed upon. I can sense the passion between the two so it would be amazing to see how it grows once they develop strong feelings for one another (hide spoiler)]

[Alaina]

***************************************************************
***************************************************************

RESTARTING APRIL 27TH, 2024


*******************************************************************
*******************************************************************

[Ashlyn]

Going to read this in the next few weeks

[Ashlyn]

I’ll read sometime

[Ashlyn]

Chapters 1-7 (view spoiler)[Okay, I am loving how these two are constantly getting under the other’s skins. Oh and her wanting to murder him constantly is perfection! Interested to see where this goes with all these tension between them! (hide spoiler)]

[Ashlyn]

Chapters 8-18 (view spoiler)[I liked their first kiss more than this last one because it seemed way less passionate. But I like how he’s affected by her and is going to keep her secret. I actually think he is the true son and it’s something his mother was trying to tell him, but I could be wrong. The ring seems significant too. Either way, I’m enjoying all their banter and games. (hide spoiler)]

[Ashlyn]

Chapters 19-28 (view spoiler)[I love how she cares about him and tried to protect him from being murdered. Hopefully they catch this person. And that he realizes that he is good enough for her. But I also think she has to choose to be with him and know it’s her choice. (hide spoiler)]

[Ashlyn]

Finished (view spoiler)[So he was related after all! And the other guy was an actor. I knew he wasn’t the real person. Glad everything worked out with that other guy though and he’s in prison. I’m excited to read the sisters story now. (hide spoiler)]

[Melanie]

I'll pick this one up this week.

[Melanie]

Still planning to read this before the end of the month.

[Melanie]

Will pick this up soon.

[Melanie]

Hope to start this in the next few days.

[Melanie]

Still planning to pick this up soon.

[Melanie]

Finally started this one.

Chapters 1-9
(view spoiler)[
This is good so far. I love the fake dating trope so I'm liking that aspect and that they've agreed to stay engaged for a week before she dumps him. I don't like how he keeps calling her whole family (and her) liars. I have a feeling the whole her father swindled his isn't actually going to be true.
(hide spoiler)]

[Melanie]

Read some more of this tonight.

Chapters 10-18
(view spoiler)[
Magnus and Verity are so good together, their chemistry is amazing. I'm interested to see how things go now that she's in London and Miss Snow has become friends with her. I have a feeling that will drive Magnus crazy. Also, I'm curious what Mr. Snow learned about Verity's father. I'm guessing he's not the whole behind the whole investment thing that ruined Magnus's father.
(hide spoiler)]

[Melanie]

Finished this one tonight.

Chapters 19-27
(view spoiler)[
Ok I knew that Hartley wasn't actually the one behind everything. I wonder how Magnus will react now that he knows. This whole confrontation with the real culprits at the warehouse is so dramatic, I love it. But who was shot right at the end there?
(hide spoiler)]

Chapters 28-35
(view spoiler)[
Well I'm glad they all ended up being alright. That whole fight about Magnus getting her brother fired back in the day was just ridiculous. I do like that he announced that they eloped before even coming to see her, it was a nice spin on how she announced their betrothal. Overall I really enjoyed this one. I can't wait to read Honoria's book with that Vandermere thing at the end.
(hide spoiler)]