readingwithemmett's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this book! I loved that this one was about Emma, Cal's sister, who you get to know in the pervious book. I wasn't sure what this one would entail, but I truly did enjoy it. Of course with most books, there were some ups and downs. I did get slightly bored towards the middle and thought it wouldn't end; however, the ending really picked up and I enjoyed the book. I don't believe I've read any single mother historical romance books, and if I have, I cannot remember them. But I really enjoyed how this one was done. You already know Emma's backstory from the other books, and then enters the "pirate," Mel, who we also met in previous books. I loved how these characters were all connected and their journey towards a happily-ever-after. I do recommend reading this series in order because things will not really make sense unless you do.
iggyebab's review
3.0
Received review copy.
There is a lot to love in this book. A widow whose circumstances are unique. A Captain who must assume the title he never wanted. A mysterious villain that ties the Captain to the widows brother & best friend.
There are several unexpected elements in this book and I enjoyed them immensely.
There is a lot to love in this book. A widow whose circumstances are unique. A Captain who must assume the title he never wanted. A mysterious villain that ties the Captain to the widows brother & best friend.
There are several unexpected elements in this book and I enjoyed them immensely.
hopevollm's review
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
Seriously, Malachi is the sweetest
shankl's review
5.0
Dukes Do It Better is the 3rd in the Misfits of Mayfair series, and the 1st I've read in the series.
Emma has escaped to the countryside with her young son, leaving the stares of the Ton and the rumors about her fatherless child. Every day in the cottage, she captures her loneliness, joys and longing in a journal with entries opening each chapter in the book. Even after all she has overcome, Emma is hopeful that her son will have a Papa and man to love in marriage.
One fateful night brings Emma to the bed of a Naval Captain for a spellbinding tumble in the sheets. The haunts of their love making follow them through the months until a chance meeting on the streets of London. Her yearning for Captain Malachi is matched by his own yearning for her. Unbeknownst to Emma, Malachi found a journal on the beach detailing lust and desires from a unknown writer. This journal provided him comfort on the seas, with him often picturing her as the maiden of these entries.
The interactions between these love interests are incredibly sweet. And, a Duke with a pirate look GULP! I think I'd like to see Fan Art of Malachi's tattoos. Dukes Do It Better is original, endearing and full of lovable characters. LOVED this book.
Thank you ReadForeverPub for the complimentary copy of this novel.
Emma has escaped to the countryside with her young son, leaving the stares of the Ton and the rumors about her fatherless child. Every day in the cottage, she captures her loneliness, joys and longing in a journal with entries opening each chapter in the book. Even after all she has overcome, Emma is hopeful that her son will have a Papa and man to love in marriage.
One fateful night brings Emma to the bed of a Naval Captain for a spellbinding tumble in the sheets. The haunts of their love making follow them through the months until a chance meeting on the streets of London. Her yearning for Captain Malachi is matched by his own yearning for her. Unbeknownst to Emma, Malachi found a journal on the beach detailing lust and desires from a unknown writer. This journal provided him comfort on the seas, with him often picturing her as the maiden of these entries.
The interactions between these love interests are incredibly sweet. And, a Duke with a pirate look GULP! I think I'd like to see Fan Art of Malachi's tattoos. Dukes Do It Better is original, endearing and full of lovable characters. LOVED this book.
Thank you ReadForeverPub for the complimentary copy of this novel.
isabellacreads's review
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
rva_reader's review
4.0
3.5 rounded up
Thank you for Forever Publishing for an advanced copy of this book. I've enjoyed The Misfits of Mayfair series a lot - West End Earl was one of my favorite books!
This third book in the series focuses on Lady Emma Hardwick, who has just returned to London with her young son to make a match. She's a widow so isn't in a hurry to be married off again but is open to the possibility. She crosses paths with Malachi, a former fling, while in London and the sparks fly.
This was a nice second-chance romance and I enjoyed the characters but it almost felt like there were too many plot points going on. There was a random mystery to solve and I just felt like it took away from the romance a little bit. I still really liked it and being back with these characters from the series.
Thank you for Forever Publishing for an advanced copy of this book. I've enjoyed The Misfits of Mayfair series a lot - West End Earl was one of my favorite books!
This third book in the series focuses on Lady Emma Hardwick, who has just returned to London with her young son to make a match. She's a widow so isn't in a hurry to be married off again but is open to the possibility. She crosses paths with Malachi, a former fling, while in London and the sparks fly.
This was a nice second-chance romance and I enjoyed the characters but it almost felt like there were too many plot points going on. There was a random mystery to solve and I just felt like it took away from the romance a little bit. I still really liked it and being back with these characters from the series.
virgosun's review
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
sarsev's review
4.0
Loved it. The best possible bonkers regency plots, with a bold heroine and a great pirate-y hero, and just fabulous chemistry all around.
Basically, our story revolves around two people who both have tons of secrets trying and failing to have an anonymous affair (after a supposed-to-be-one-night stand), because they keep encountering mutual enemies and also catching feelings.
Our heroine is claiming to be a respectable young widow - she actually got pregnant out of wedlock, fled town, fake-married her best friend’s dead brother, and built an entire false elopement history to keep her title and family assets intact for her kid to inherit. She’s badass in a hundred different quiet ways, and is trying to have a no-strings affair with a visiting sailor to blow off some steam.
Our hero is claiming to be a spotless navy veteran fit to inherit his late-brother’s dukedom - he’s actually basically a pirate, hates his family, resented the hell out of his seemingly-perfect brother, is being blackmailed by his own mother, and was all but disowned before that brother dropped dead. He is also, ironically, the moral center of the whole novel. And is trying to have a no-strings affair with the heroine, to blow off some steam.
They are both failing miserably at the whole no-strings thing, because it turns out they have: several mutual enemies, a shared mystery journal problem, a conflicting property claim, and a whole lot of feelings. (The epilogue is dumb and overly trite, but just skip it. You'll miss nothing!)
Bonus points: Great sex. With contraception! And sex toys! All of which are period-accurate!
(Regency romance needs like 100% more sex toys, as a genre. Historical people were so willing to make dildos of out of just about anything, and it's an oversight every time we don't take advantage of that!)
Basically, our story revolves around two people who both have tons of secrets trying and failing to have an anonymous affair (after a supposed-to-be-one-night stand), because they keep encountering mutual enemies and also catching feelings.
Our heroine is claiming to be a respectable young widow - she actually got pregnant out of wedlock, fled town, fake-married her best friend’s dead brother, and built an entire false elopement history to keep her title and family assets intact for her kid to inherit. She’s badass in a hundred different quiet ways, and is trying to have a no-strings affair with a visiting sailor to blow off some steam.
Our hero is claiming to be a spotless navy veteran fit to inherit his late-brother’s dukedom - he’s actually basically a pirate, hates his family, resented the hell out of his seemingly-perfect brother, is being blackmailed by his own mother, and was all but disowned before that brother dropped dead. He is also, ironically, the moral center of the whole novel. And is trying to have a no-strings affair with the heroine, to blow off some steam.
They are both failing miserably at the whole no-strings thing, because it turns out they have: several mutual enemies, a shared mystery journal problem, a conflicting property claim, and a whole lot of feelings. (The epilogue is dumb and overly trite, but just skip it. You'll miss nothing!)
Bonus points: Great sex. With contraception! And sex toys! All of which are period-accurate!
(Regency romance needs like 100% more sex toys, as a genre. Historical people were so willing to make dildos of out of just about anything, and it's an oversight every time we don't take advantage of that!)
brookeonbooks's review
4.0
Steamy and sweet, Dukes Do It Better is the perfect book for lazy summer days! This is not a typical historical romance with a simpering debutante and a notorious rake, thank goodness. Instead, our main female character, a widow with a young child, has a bit more life experience, and our main male character is more sea dog than duke. All the characters are very engaging, and the conclusion is a tidy happily ever after. I definitely recommend this novel if you are looking for a lighthearted escape.