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Rebels with a Cause #2
How to Deceive a Duke
Fiona McTavish is an engineer, a chemist, a rebel—and no one’s idea of a proper lady. She prefers breeches to ballrooms, but her new invention—matches—will surely turn as many heads. There’s just a little matter of her being arrested for a crime she didn’t commit. And the only person she can turn to for help is the man who broke her heart years ago.
Edward Stirling, Duke of Wildeforde, will do anything to restore his family’s name and put his father’s scandalous death behind them. But when Fiona needs his help getting released from prison, he can’t deny her—even though it means she must live with him as a condition of her freedom. With the desire between them rekindling as fast as the gossip about their arrangement is spreading among the ton, Edward will have to choose what matters most to him—his reputation or his heart.
Edward Stirling, Duke of Wildeforde, will do anything to restore his family’s name and put his father’s scandalous death behind them. But when Fiona needs his help getting released from prison, he can’t deny her—even though it means she must live with him as a condition of her freedom. With the desire between them rekindling as fast as the gossip about their arrangement is spreading among the ton, Edward will have to choose what matters most to him—his reputation or his heart.
364 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 25, 2022
54 people are currently reading
1115 people want to read
About the author
Samara Parish
6 books205 followersSamara Parish is an award-winning author of historical romance. Her debut novel, How To Survive A Scandal, won the Romance Writers of Australia Romantic Book of the Year (RuBY) award in 2022.
How To Deceive A Duke and How To Win A Wallflower both released in 2022. You can download the series epilogue - https://samaraparish.com/rebels-serie...
Her short story, The General's Daughter, is available for free when you sign up to her newsletter - https://samaraparish.com/newsletter
She is always looking for an excuse to procrastinate, so she'd love it if you asked her a question!
As an Australian army brat in the ‘80s, Samara grew up moving from city to city—always with plenty of book boxes (to the movers’ annoyance). She reads anything that lets her escape - in particular romance, YA fantasy, and epic fantasy, although she has been known to read the occasional blockbuster suspense novel, even though she is a total sook who has a tendency to shriek at anything slightly scary.
When she's not writing or reading, she's walking her dogs or trying to tame her out of control harder. She lives in Canberra with her husband (a true romance hero) and her menagerie of pets.
How To Deceive A Duke and How To Win A Wallflower both released in 2022. You can download the series epilogue - https://samaraparish.com/rebels-serie...
Her short story, The General's Daughter, is available for free when you sign up to her newsletter - https://samaraparish.com/newsletter
She is always looking for an excuse to procrastinate, so she'd love it if you asked her a question!
As an Australian army brat in the ‘80s, Samara grew up moving from city to city—always with plenty of book boxes (to the movers’ annoyance). She reads anything that lets her escape - in particular romance, YA fantasy, and epic fantasy, although she has been known to read the occasional blockbuster suspense novel, even though she is a total sook who has a tendency to shriek at anything slightly scary.
When she's not writing or reading, she's walking her dogs or trying to tame her out of control harder. She lives in Canberra with her husband (a true romance hero) and her menagerie of pets.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 154 reviews
March 24, 2022
✨Plot twist: I was the one deceived✨
As soon as I started this book, I just got so scared. I really liked book one and didn’t even read the summary for How to Deceive a Duke. I knew I’d read it no question. So when I started and the tropes were not my tea, I still held hope that I would be surprised. Well… I was surprised alright. Surprised that this book fell into every hole the main tropes leave open, without fail. It even found more to stumble down.
1. I dislike heroes who have to save their family name and are so “honorable.” Family must come first, we must be perfect, yada yada yada. I get familial loyalty to an extent, but Edward took it to an extreme for reasons I’m still not quite sure of. And it wasn’t like he was still saving the name, it was just keeping it at the tippity top of the barrel.
- We never got a concrete answer as to why the father was so depraved. And why Edward was called depraved at school. Was his father just a cheater and a rake? I don’t know. Because being a cheater and a rake was very common at the time and wouldn’t have made any major waves. There’s one other concept I can think of. I don’t know why this book didn’t spell it out. It was a HUGE inciting incident for our hero and it was majorly wishy washy.
2. Since Edward was so “loyal” to his family and self righteous, he majorly hurt Fiona at the beginning of the book and made decisions for her without her knowledge or input. He left her a letter breaking everything off, went back into her life four years later, left without a note that time, and then our story starts at year five. I just hated that he let his mother win, I’m sorry I get he needed to grow but there are so many other tropes and motivations that I enjoy better.
3. What’s worse though, is that his wench of a mother was behind it. She made the comment “fish out of water die gasping” referencing how Fiona, a commoner, would not acclimate to life in the ton. (Because her mother was a bitch with her friends and made a shop girl who married up k*** herself.) Why Edward didn’t send her to America to rot is beyond me. He was a duke but she was pulling all of his puppet strings for far too long. He kept repeating “fish out of water die gasping” to justify his actions. But of course he would never tell Fiona that. He was the one choking on those words. It’s also very unbelievable; Fiona would not have succumbed to the gossip.
- We all knew that since the mother had written in to the papers about a betrothal he hadn’t committed to once before, she’d do it again. He, being so holy and perfect, couldn't just say no my mother is a gargoyle I won’t be treated like a child. So we wait all book for this to happen because he keeps saying “I won’t let her” but never takes action. So when she does do it, you’re almost on her side because at least she’s smart.
- It is historically proven I do not do well with the terrible mother trope. I really don’t. They never get the proper justice. And by justice I mean punched right in the kisser. At best they get cut off and exiled or die off screen. Most of the time they just get told off once and slink away. Which is exactly what happened here. It was a great verbal lashing, but Fiona wasn’t there to witness it and it didn’t feel truly resolved. I don’t think she was ever on the page after that and the crimes didn’t fit the punishment.
4. When we meet Fiona again, she’s dressed as a man at a riot and throws a tomato that accidentally hits a guard. She is too thick to realize what a stupid and useless thing that was to do (a common theme). She’s surprised when it all goes to shit (a common theme). So she’s in jail on the brink of assault when Edward comes to her rescue. She goes on trial as a man. He doesn’t go in the courtroom to laud his ducal privilege because it would be obviously bad for his reputation. To be fair, he didn’t think she would be found guilty, but don’t you think you’d maybe just… not take any chances? He really kept monologuing about family first. So now Fiona is sentenced to house arrest at his home because his name is still needing to be used. People also know that he rescued her from jail so really, he wasn’t that stealthy.
- Fiona could have literally just put on her dress, never surfaced as Finley again, and walked away FREE. I think the implied “solution” to this plot hole is that Fiona wanted to stay as a man to sell the matches. The man who is also on trial and under house arrest but still traipsing about London ah yes. Idk get a different wig. Get a different idea. Get a clue.
5. It is at this point when I realized I just couldn’t believe what I was reading. Fiona McTavish gave the name Finley McTavish when arrested and signed documents F. McTavish. (First of all, give a fake name my GOD.) If she literally would have put her fucking dress back on, she could have walked away squeaky clean and lain low for a while. How many Finley McTavishes do we think existed? Ass loads. But no, she literally brings this character BACK TO LIFE while on house arrest while ALSO being Fiona in public as well. I’m sorry but people were BOUND to notice
- All this book talks about is scandal and gossip so they didn’t think people would talk when he carried Fiona into the house after being hurt or Finley traipsing about trying to sell matches because she was too stubborn to admit it was dangerous and impossible? It sucks that a woman doing business was impossible but I’m sorry. It was. It was foolish and made me not care. There were other ways to tackle the giant rather than poke it in the fucking eyeball and scream “you’re ugly come eat me please.” I had zero sympathy for zero character by 50%.
- They were literally saying both of her “names” around London, in public. They lent credence to this fucking Finley character. Or the fact that Fiona was there at all. Either pretend he’s a twin initially or buckle up because people want scandal. Then they had the audacity to be surprised when it all imploded! Royally! It tacked on even more drama to the tally and I was… a mess.
6. Then at 50% we get another fun and favorite trope: the scheming woman hell bent on becoming a duchess but is also the perfect ruthless candidate. Miss Luella Whatshername makes her grand appearance with as much nuance as the aforementioned giant. She’s bad and obviously going to team up with his mother. Again, I almost rooted for her because she was smart enough to recognize their idiocy. So many things were happening in this book and I simply couldn’t take it. Pick one of the many fucked things we have going on here, not all of them.
7. If that’s not enough, now we throw in Fiona’s terrible father who is just as bad as we know he’ll be. He does shit that Fiona hides because of course she does. She endangers people and makes even more foolish decisions. She keeps talking about how it’s so hard to keep lying when… she didn’t need to start.
- These characters acted for or because of someone else this entire book. They were never doing what they wanted until it was absolutely too late for me to care.
8. The book tried to go in a fun direction with Fiona teaming up with Will and Charlotte (Edwards younger siblings) but it just sullied an already extremely messy situation. Fiona and Will were supremely ridiculous as a giant fuck you to Edward, which in turn severely changes the course of Will’s life. All three of them (Fiona, Will, and Edward) were to blame for the monstrosity that was Edwards reaction. I can’t believe what happened happened on top of everything else already mentioned. I am so tried just remembering it all.
- I also didn’t like how the Scottish accents were written. It reminded me of Bethany Bennet’s first book, where I was so caught up trying to sift through the accent that I fell right out of the story. Maybe it’s a me thing, and I think it would have worked better as an audio, but it just felt so heavy handed. I know she’s Scottish but I also just really struggled reading her dialogue. It also wasn’t very consistent but in a way that didn’t make sense.
9. This really doesn’t function as a stand alone because it continuously references their past relationship, while barely telling let alone showing the chemistry there. I was severely lacking the chemistry beyond the bedroom scenes and a few miscellaneous quotes. I didn’t remember them being cuddly in book one, and a new reader definitely wouldn’t know at all. I needed either more of a refresh or less referring back to the past and relying on that to drive their lust for each other.
10. I will say though, Samara still had the witty humor and touches of what I loved about book one. I enjoyed when it was just Edward and Fiona with no talk of scandal or the past or family or matches or anything besides how they felt about each other. The intimate scenes were very well written and I’m so glad Samara was able to explore a steamier approach to the romance.
- If I could put the bedroom scenes and a few different “sweet nothings that were actually many somethings” into another book with a different plot, characters, motivations, etc. I would eat it up. I liked the romance, when it was able to take center stage in front of all the rest of the convoluted plot (didn’t happen much). The two stars are **only** for the romance developed in the intimate scenes. That being said, he never went down on her which was weird and we still had many teasing allusions to sexual acts that were never done on page.
- I will say that the mood was dampened a little when he was like I’m gonna marry her… at 56%, but didn’t call the vicar and was like I’m gonna court her properly blah blah blah. I was like bet, so the book is gonna end at 57%? Nope. I hated knowing we still had so much to go.
11. The ending was also very abrupt. They all got knocked with so much sense, I’m not sure why they weren’t running naked down the street screaming about his holy lord and the enlightenment they just received via extraterrestrial probing. I liked what Edward did to “redeem himself” but both characters were irredeemable to me in different ways. Also poor Charlotte. I liked her. I hope I’m brave enough to read book three because I still have hope. Omg wait I said the ending was abrupt but we can’t forget the second trial and her charges 💀 when all that went down I simply broke down in tears.
Overall, I like Samara’s writing but this was such a miss for me. I was miserable reading and miserable writing this review because I really wanted to love it. I could have stopped reading, yes, but the publisher kindly gave me a copy to review, and that’s what I was going to do. I also hoped it would somehow pull me back in, but we were always too far apart.
⭐️⭐️/5 🌶🌶🌶/5
CWs: Implied intent to SA main character by person in jail (nothing happened but she was stressed), the taking of one’s life, parental abandonment
As soon as I started this book, I just got so scared. I really liked book one and didn’t even read the summary for How to Deceive a Duke. I knew I’d read it no question. So when I started and the tropes were not my tea, I still held hope that I would be surprised. Well… I was surprised alright. Surprised that this book fell into every hole the main tropes leave open, without fail. It even found more to stumble down.
1. I dislike heroes who have to save their family name and are so “honorable.” Family must come first, we must be perfect, yada yada yada. I get familial loyalty to an extent, but Edward took it to an extreme for reasons I’m still not quite sure of. And it wasn’t like he was still saving the name, it was just keeping it at the tippity top of the barrel.
- We never got a concrete answer as to why the father was so depraved. And why Edward was called depraved at school. Was his father just a cheater and a rake? I don’t know. Because being a cheater and a rake was very common at the time and wouldn’t have made any major waves. There’s one other concept I can think of. I don’t know why this book didn’t spell it out. It was a HUGE inciting incident for our hero and it was majorly wishy washy.
2. Since Edward was so “loyal” to his family and self righteous, he majorly hurt Fiona at the beginning of the book and made decisions for her without her knowledge or input. He left her a letter breaking everything off, went back into her life four years later, left without a note that time, and then our story starts at year five. I just hated that he let his mother win, I’m sorry I get he needed to grow but there are so many other tropes and motivations that I enjoy better.
3. What’s worse though, is that his wench of a mother was behind it. She made the comment “fish out of water die gasping” referencing how Fiona, a commoner, would not acclimate to life in the ton. (Because her mother was a bitch with her friends and made a shop girl who married up k*** herself.) Why Edward didn’t send her to America to rot is beyond me. He was a duke but she was pulling all of his puppet strings for far too long. He kept repeating “fish out of water die gasping” to justify his actions. But of course he would never tell Fiona that. He was the one choking on those words. It’s also very unbelievable; Fiona would not have succumbed to the gossip.
- We all knew that since the mother had written in to the papers about a betrothal he hadn’t committed to once before, she’d do it again. He, being so holy and perfect, couldn't just say no my mother is a gargoyle I won’t be treated like a child. So we wait all book for this to happen because he keeps saying “I won’t let her” but never takes action. So when she does do it, you’re almost on her side because at least she’s smart.
- It is historically proven I do not do well with the terrible mother trope. I really don’t. They never get the proper justice. And by justice I mean punched right in the kisser. At best they get cut off and exiled or die off screen. Most of the time they just get told off once and slink away. Which is exactly what happened here. It was a great verbal lashing, but Fiona wasn’t there to witness it and it didn’t feel truly resolved. I don’t think she was ever on the page after that and the crimes didn’t fit the punishment.
4. When we meet Fiona again, she’s dressed as a man at a riot and throws a tomato that accidentally hits a guard. She is too thick to realize what a stupid and useless thing that was to do (a common theme). She’s surprised when it all goes to shit (a common theme). So she’s in jail on the brink of assault when Edward comes to her rescue. She goes on trial as a man. He doesn’t go in the courtroom to laud his ducal privilege because it would be obviously bad for his reputation. To be fair, he didn’t think she would be found guilty, but don’t you think you’d maybe just… not take any chances? He really kept monologuing about family first. So now Fiona is sentenced to house arrest at his home because his name is still needing to be used. People also know that he rescued her from jail so really, he wasn’t that stealthy.
- Fiona could have literally just put on her dress, never surfaced as Finley again, and walked away FREE. I think the implied “solution” to this plot hole is that Fiona wanted to stay as a man to sell the matches. The man who is also on trial and under house arrest but still traipsing about London ah yes. Idk get a different wig. Get a different idea. Get a clue.
5. It is at this point when I realized I just couldn’t believe what I was reading. Fiona McTavish gave the name Finley McTavish when arrested and signed documents F. McTavish. (First of all, give a fake name my GOD.) If she literally would have put her fucking dress back on, she could have walked away squeaky clean and lain low for a while. How many Finley McTavishes do we think existed? Ass loads. But no, she literally brings this character BACK TO LIFE while on house arrest while ALSO being Fiona in public as well. I’m sorry but people were BOUND to notice
- All this book talks about is scandal and gossip so they didn’t think people would talk when he carried Fiona into the house after being hurt or Finley traipsing about trying to sell matches because she was too stubborn to admit it was dangerous and impossible? It sucks that a woman doing business was impossible but I’m sorry. It was. It was foolish and made me not care. There were other ways to tackle the giant rather than poke it in the fucking eyeball and scream “you’re ugly come eat me please.” I had zero sympathy for zero character by 50%.
- They were literally saying both of her “names” around London, in public. They lent credence to this fucking Finley character. Or the fact that Fiona was there at all. Either pretend he’s a twin initially or buckle up because people want scandal. Then they had the audacity to be surprised when it all imploded! Royally! It tacked on even more drama to the tally and I was… a mess.
6. Then at 50% we get another fun and favorite trope: the scheming woman hell bent on becoming a duchess but is also the perfect ruthless candidate. Miss Luella Whatshername makes her grand appearance with as much nuance as the aforementioned giant. She’s bad and obviously going to team up with his mother. Again, I almost rooted for her because she was smart enough to recognize their idiocy. So many things were happening in this book and I simply couldn’t take it. Pick one of the many fucked things we have going on here, not all of them.
7. If that’s not enough, now we throw in Fiona’s terrible father who is just as bad as we know he’ll be. He does shit that Fiona hides because of course she does. She endangers people and makes even more foolish decisions. She keeps talking about how it’s so hard to keep lying when… she didn’t need to start.
- These characters acted for or because of someone else this entire book. They were never doing what they wanted until it was absolutely too late for me to care.
8. The book tried to go in a fun direction with Fiona teaming up with Will and Charlotte (Edwards younger siblings) but it just sullied an already extremely messy situation. Fiona and Will were supremely ridiculous as a giant fuck you to Edward, which in turn severely changes the course of Will’s life. All three of them (Fiona, Will, and Edward) were to blame for the monstrosity that was Edwards reaction. I can’t believe what happened happened on top of everything else already mentioned. I am so tried just remembering it all.
- I also didn’t like how the Scottish accents were written. It reminded me of Bethany Bennet’s first book, where I was so caught up trying to sift through the accent that I fell right out of the story. Maybe it’s a me thing, and I think it would have worked better as an audio, but it just felt so heavy handed. I know she’s Scottish but I also just really struggled reading her dialogue. It also wasn’t very consistent but in a way that didn’t make sense.
9. This really doesn’t function as a stand alone because it continuously references their past relationship, while barely telling let alone showing the chemistry there. I was severely lacking the chemistry beyond the bedroom scenes and a few miscellaneous quotes. I didn’t remember them being cuddly in book one, and a new reader definitely wouldn’t know at all. I needed either more of a refresh or less referring back to the past and relying on that to drive their lust for each other.
10. I will say though, Samara still had the witty humor and touches of what I loved about book one. I enjoyed when it was just Edward and Fiona with no talk of scandal or the past or family or matches or anything besides how they felt about each other. The intimate scenes were very well written and I’m so glad Samara was able to explore a steamier approach to the romance.
- If I could put the bedroom scenes and a few different “sweet nothings that were actually many somethings” into another book with a different plot, characters, motivations, etc. I would eat it up. I liked the romance, when it was able to take center stage in front of all the rest of the convoluted plot (didn’t happen much). The two stars are **only** for the romance developed in the intimate scenes. That being said, he never went down on her which was weird and we still had many teasing allusions to sexual acts that were never done on page.
- I will say that the mood was dampened a little when he was like I’m gonna marry her… at 56%, but didn’t call the vicar and was like I’m gonna court her properly blah blah blah. I was like bet, so the book is gonna end at 57%? Nope. I hated knowing we still had so much to go.
11. The ending was also very abrupt. They all got knocked with so much sense, I’m not sure why they weren’t running naked down the street screaming about his holy lord and the enlightenment they just received via extraterrestrial probing. I liked what Edward did to “redeem himself” but both characters were irredeemable to me in different ways. Also poor Charlotte. I liked her. I hope I’m brave enough to read book three because I still have hope. Omg wait I said the ending was abrupt but we can’t forget the second trial and her charges 💀 when all that went down I simply broke down in tears.
Overall, I like Samara’s writing but this was such a miss for me. I was miserable reading and miserable writing this review because I really wanted to love it. I could have stopped reading, yes, but the publisher kindly gave me a copy to review, and that’s what I was going to do. I also hoped it would somehow pull me back in, but we were always too far apart.
⭐️⭐️/5 🌶🌶🌶/5
CWs: Implied intent to SA main character by person in jail (nothing happened but she was stressed), the taking of one’s life, parental abandonment
January 17, 2022
We love a lady scientist + aristocrat pairing as much as the next romance reader, especially when they fall for each other for their ~inner selves~, not the outer trappings of wealth. This one is well-written, sexy, and has an additional overlay of girl-dressed-like-a-gentleman/forced proximity (she has to stay at his place because a judge ordered her to in her male persona, not realizing the impropriety of it all). There are also quite a few nods towards social justice. Fiona's contributions to science are often overlooked because of her gender, while the utility of her inventions is also downplayed because they are only useful to "housemaids" and won't turn a profit.
Note that the conflict relies on miscommunication - and A LOT of it. We were absolutely frustrated and furious at certain points in the book when one party or the other would think, "I need to tell my lover this VERY IMPORTANT FACT, but it can wait until later..." NO, IT NEVER CAN, FIONA! That said, the book was charming enough that it didn't ruin the reading experience.
Before starting the book we want to give you a little heads-up about the CW - there is a suicide at the beginning of the novel that influences several characters' choices going forward, in case that has an impact for you.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
Note that the conflict relies on miscommunication - and A LOT of it. We were absolutely frustrated and furious at certain points in the book when one party or the other would think, "I need to tell my lover this VERY IMPORTANT FACT, but it can wait until later..." NO, IT NEVER CAN, FIONA! That said, the book was charming enough that it didn't ruin the reading experience.
Before starting the book we want to give you a little heads-up about the CW - there is a suicide at the beginning of the novel that influences several characters' choices going forward, in case that has an impact for you.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
December 18, 2021
Fiona McTavish is many things, but society lady is not one of them. Edward Stirling, Duke of Wildeforde, will do anything to restore his family’s name, even making personal sacrifices to his heart. But when Fiona needs his help getting released from prison, a condition of her bail is staying at his home until trial. Edward and Fiona need to decide what's worth protecting, their reputations or their hearts.
This is the second book in the Rebels with a Cause series. It stands alone fairly well, but the history between Edward and Fiona is hinted at in the first one. There are also references to events and characters from the first book.
Samara Parish follows up a strong debut novel with a story that is even more engaging! It manages to be driven by an inventive plot, without sacrificing the relationship. Fiona is arrested for an accident, but the situation escalates due to political unrest, family history, and Fiona's invention. Edward is walking a tightrope of feelings for Fiona and ducal expectations. I liked that the characters motivations and emotions were clear throughout the story. Edward and Fiona are battling unresolved issues, brewing gossip, mounting charges, and their own personal demons. I also really enjoyed Edward's siblings and look forward to the next book!
Tropes: Class Difference, Working Heroine, Bluestocking, Disguised/Mistaken Identity, Protector
Steam: 2
* I received an ARC and this is my honest review. #HowToDeceiveADuke #NetGalley
This is the second book in the Rebels with a Cause series. It stands alone fairly well, but the history between Edward and Fiona is hinted at in the first one. There are also references to events and characters from the first book.
Samara Parish follows up a strong debut novel with a story that is even more engaging! It manages to be driven by an inventive plot, without sacrificing the relationship. Fiona is arrested for an accident, but the situation escalates due to political unrest, family history, and Fiona's invention. Edward is walking a tightrope of feelings for Fiona and ducal expectations. I liked that the characters motivations and emotions were clear throughout the story. Edward and Fiona are battling unresolved issues, brewing gossip, mounting charges, and their own personal demons. I also really enjoyed Edward's siblings and look forward to the next book!
Tropes: Class Difference, Working Heroine, Bluestocking, Disguised/Mistaken Identity, Protector
Steam: 2
* I received an ARC and this is my honest review. #HowToDeceiveADuke #NetGalley
January 31, 2022
Hard working chemist and engineer Fiona McTavish has struggled against the confines of her sex for her entire life and is certainly no proper lady. She spends most of her time wearing men’s clothes and working in her lab, but she’s hoping to finally establish stability and independence with the sale of her latest invention, matches. The only fly in the ointment is her arrest at a protest for throwing a tomato. When the charge is elevated to something much more serious, the only person she can turn to for help in a hurry is the former love who broke her heart five years ago.
Edward Stirling, the Duke of Wildeforde has spent his adult life rebuilding the family reputation his father ruined with his scandalous death. He even abandoned Fiona five years ago because of it, but when she needs his help to get out of prison, he can’t abandon her a second time. Fiona’s parole means she has to live under Edward’s roof for the month before her official trial and this of course leads to a wildfire of gossip about them, as well as an equally hot flame of desire rekindling between them, forcing Edward to choose between his own happiness and the family reputation he has worked so hard to cultivate.
I have so many mixed feelings about this book! It stressed me out quite a lot with all the angst surrounding Edward and Fiona, especially with her disguise as Finn and the secrets these two kept from each other. I liked that Fiona was so fiercely independent, but also that this trait wound up being her weakness. That seemed very real to me and made her feel more real and relatable as well. One could learn a good lesson from her and I’m glad this book had the female lead acknowledge that her own bullheadedness partially led to her downfall. So often these days, the heroine is just blindly, stubbornly independent, to her own detriment sometimes, but rarely does she ever acknowledge her own mistakes or complicity, so I was happy to see Fiona take ownership of her mistakes and learn from them here. The same can be said for Edward as well. He lived much of his life with blinders on, focused on his family’s image and not much else, always thinking he knew what was best for everyone and driving others away as a result, without ever realizing it. Over the course of this book, Edward also realized his own mistakes and came to the conclusion that all that hard work he’d put in rehabbing the family name had no meaning in the face of their general misery.
I think the main conflict between Fiona and Edward was actually how alike they both were, each wanting to handle everything on their own without admitting any weakness or asking any help from the other. In the end, both grew enough to realize that wouldn’t work and they needed to come together as a team, though it was rather frustrating how long this took. The numerous enumerations of all of Edward’s reasons for not wanting to marry Fiona did take away from the romance aspect of this a bit for me, and I think that played into both he and Fiona making their own problems and getting in their own way much of the time. I'm never a fan of lying in romance, especially when it goes on as long as it did here, so I just kept wanting to see more communication between these two, though that level of angst that existed between them was very believable with the broken trust from their previous relationship.
I both read and listened to this book, and I think the audio is what kept me engaged and wanting to keep reading, even when those two had me frustrated. Christy Woods did a great job of getting into the characters and making me believe their emotions. My main complaint above everything is that I wanted to see the dowager get her just desserts and that never really came in a way that was gratifying for me, but I hold out hope that Charlotte and William will get their own stories at some point and their horrible mother will be put in her place. Otherwise, besides the ending seeming rather abrupt and Fiona and Edward both going a bit off the rails to prove themselves to each other, once again instead of simply communicating, they did eventually get it together and both demonstrated enough growth to make me like their story. I think this was a much stronger story than its predecessor and I look forward to the next installment in the series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book and its audiobook. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
Edward Stirling, the Duke of Wildeforde has spent his adult life rebuilding the family reputation his father ruined with his scandalous death. He even abandoned Fiona five years ago because of it, but when she needs his help to get out of prison, he can’t abandon her a second time. Fiona’s parole means she has to live under Edward’s roof for the month before her official trial and this of course leads to a wildfire of gossip about them, as well as an equally hot flame of desire rekindling between them, forcing Edward to choose between his own happiness and the family reputation he has worked so hard to cultivate.
I have so many mixed feelings about this book! It stressed me out quite a lot with all the angst surrounding Edward and Fiona, especially with her disguise as Finn and the secrets these two kept from each other. I liked that Fiona was so fiercely independent, but also that this trait wound up being her weakness. That seemed very real to me and made her feel more real and relatable as well. One could learn a good lesson from her and I’m glad this book had the female lead acknowledge that her own bullheadedness partially led to her downfall. So often these days, the heroine is just blindly, stubbornly independent, to her own detriment sometimes, but rarely does she ever acknowledge her own mistakes or complicity, so I was happy to see Fiona take ownership of her mistakes and learn from them here. The same can be said for Edward as well. He lived much of his life with blinders on, focused on his family’s image and not much else, always thinking he knew what was best for everyone and driving others away as a result, without ever realizing it. Over the course of this book, Edward also realized his own mistakes and came to the conclusion that all that hard work he’d put in rehabbing the family name had no meaning in the face of their general misery.
I think the main conflict between Fiona and Edward was actually how alike they both were, each wanting to handle everything on their own without admitting any weakness or asking any help from the other. In the end, both grew enough to realize that wouldn’t work and they needed to come together as a team, though it was rather frustrating how long this took. The numerous enumerations of all of Edward’s reasons for not wanting to marry Fiona did take away from the romance aspect of this a bit for me, and I think that played into both he and Fiona making their own problems and getting in their own way much of the time. I'm never a fan of lying in romance, especially when it goes on as long as it did here, so I just kept wanting to see more communication between these two, though that level of angst that existed between them was very believable with the broken trust from their previous relationship.
I both read and listened to this book, and I think the audio is what kept me engaged and wanting to keep reading, even when those two had me frustrated. Christy Woods did a great job of getting into the characters and making me believe their emotions. My main complaint above everything is that I wanted to see the dowager get her just desserts and that never really came in a way that was gratifying for me, but I hold out hope that Charlotte and William will get their own stories at some point and their horrible mother will be put in her place. Otherwise, besides the ending seeming rather abrupt and Fiona and Edward both going a bit off the rails to prove themselves to each other, once again instead of simply communicating, they did eventually get it together and both demonstrated enough growth to make me like their story. I think this was a much stronger story than its predecessor and I look forward to the next installment in the series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book and its audiobook. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
January 26, 2022
A charming romance featuring Fiona, a female chemist who wears trousers, has invented matches, and once again finds her heart engaged by Duke Edward Stirling. He springs her from prison when she, dressed as a man to gain support for her invention, is wrongly accused of a crime. Her freedom requires that she live under his roof and oh boy do sparks fly. Will he choose her or cling to his stellar reputation? That's the crux of this super fun read I couldn't put down. Bridgerton and Regency era fans will love it. I sure did! Out today.
Thanks to the author, Forever (Grand Central Publishing), Forever, and NetGalley for the ARC; opinions are mine.
#HowtoDeceiveaDuke #NetGalley
Thanks to the author, Forever (Grand Central Publishing), Forever, and NetGalley for the ARC; opinions are mine.
#HowtoDeceiveaDuke #NetGalley
January 21, 2022
Edward and Fiona met and fell in love and wanted to get married. Everything seemed like a young person's dream until Edward heard of his cousin's wife's death. His cousin the Viscount who married a shop girl who the ton ate alive and she just couldn't take their insults. Oh yes Edward is a Duke but pretty sure he was pretending to be just a young man and broke it off with Fiona before she could get hurt by his contemporaries. This and a scandal from his father forces his attitude and personality to be very rigid and family first.
Fast forward 5 years and Fiona is attempting to find a manufacturer for her new invention and gets arrested while attending a rally for equality, as you do. Edward is told of it and bails her out then is forced to keep her or him actually since she was dressed as a man paroled at his house until the trial.
What fun can ensue when she is dressing as a man trying to get backers for her project wanting no help from him who she is not happy she is stuck with. His brother and sister are the best as they fall for the ruse, then assist when things get tricky with her father who is getting into all sorts of trouble.
I enjoyed when Edward finally let loose lol. But whatever happened to the Dowager Duchess? Is she off licking her wounds somewhere, she was a nasty bit of fluff. I can't wait to read about Charlotte, Edward's sister's story.
Read If You Like:
🔥 Forbidden romance
🔥 Strong Steminist Women
🔥 Forced proximity
Thank you @readforeverpub for the gifted copy!
Fast forward 5 years and Fiona is attempting to find a manufacturer for her new invention and gets arrested while attending a rally for equality, as you do. Edward is told of it and bails her out then is forced to keep her or him actually since she was dressed as a man paroled at his house until the trial.
What fun can ensue when she is dressing as a man trying to get backers for her project wanting no help from him who she is not happy she is stuck with. His brother and sister are the best as they fall for the ruse, then assist when things get tricky with her father who is getting into all sorts of trouble.
I enjoyed when Edward finally let loose lol. But whatever happened to the Dowager Duchess? Is she off licking her wounds somewhere, she was a nasty bit of fluff. I can't wait to read about Charlotte, Edward's sister's story.
Read If You Like:
🔥 Forbidden romance
🔥 Strong Steminist Women
🔥 Forced proximity
Thank you @readforeverpub for the gifted copy!
January 24, 2022
3.5 stars, rounded up
Once upon a time Edward Stirling, Duke of Wildeforde, and Fiona McTavish were in love and HEA seemed like a sure thing, but then a tragedy in his family and a scandal caused by his father, makes Edward rethink a future with Fiona and he breaks things off.
Five years pass without contact, and Fiona has tried to move on with her life by pursuing her career, but when Fiona finds herself arrested and in serious trouble, Edward is who she turns to for help. In the years since their parting Edward has become rigidly proper, to protect his family’s reputation and he is still trying to smooth over the scandal his father made. So when Fiona asks for help, he should walk away, especially since Fiona is masquerading as a young man named Finley and will have to stay with Edward as a condition of his release. But despite his reservations, Edward can’t say no.
This was a well-written, nicely paced second chance at love romance. The book is not your typical HR, the heroine is a scientist and a commoner, while the hero is extremely proper and a duke, but in this case, opposites definitely attract. This book has it all, a brilliant, strong heroine, a protective hero, great secondary characters, a meddling mother, scandal, cross-dressing, mild love scenes, a bit too much miscommunication, and finally a HEA that didn’t seem possible. Overall, I enjoyed the book, but not as much as the first book. This is the second book in the series, but it could easily be read as a standalone title.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*
Once upon a time Edward Stirling, Duke of Wildeforde, and Fiona McTavish were in love and HEA seemed like a sure thing, but then a tragedy in his family and a scandal caused by his father, makes Edward rethink a future with Fiona and he breaks things off.
Five years pass without contact, and Fiona has tried to move on with her life by pursuing her career, but when Fiona finds herself arrested and in serious trouble, Edward is who she turns to for help. In the years since their parting Edward has become rigidly proper, to protect his family’s reputation and he is still trying to smooth over the scandal his father made. So when Fiona asks for help, he should walk away, especially since Fiona is masquerading as a young man named Finley and will have to stay with Edward as a condition of his release. But despite his reservations, Edward can’t say no.
This was a well-written, nicely paced second chance at love romance. The book is not your typical HR, the heroine is a scientist and a commoner, while the hero is extremely proper and a duke, but in this case, opposites definitely attract. This book has it all, a brilliant, strong heroine, a protective hero, great secondary characters, a meddling mother, scandal, cross-dressing, mild love scenes, a bit too much miscommunication, and finally a HEA that didn’t seem possible. Overall, I enjoyed the book, but not as much as the first book. This is the second book in the series, but it could easily be read as a standalone title.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*
January 20, 2022
Solid historical romance. I enjoy hr that’s a little unconventional and a stem heroine that dresses up as a man, attends riots, is jailed, and still has time for scientific discoveries is right up my alley!
-Second chance romance
-Stem heroine
-Family dramaaaa omggg
-Heroine in disguise
-Class differences
-Great steam
Thank you, Forever for the ARC of this book!
-Second chance romance
-Stem heroine
-Family dramaaaa omggg
-Heroine in disguise
-Class differences
-Great steam
Thank you, Forever for the ARC of this book!
February 12, 2022
Well this was disappointing for so many reasons.
Firstly, for those who are reading this as a stand-alone book, they would be confused because the hero and heroine started off already in love with each other. And yet the author did not show any detailed scenes of them spending time together and falling in love in the process.
For me, as it’s been a while since I read book 1 of the series, I completely forgot if they have appeared in book 1 or not. Hence, I was baffled by the closeness of their relationship, without the author’s help in showing why they were in love.
Because of them already being in love, there was literally little to none of the romance development or bonding between Edward and Fiona. The chemistry is non existent, and there is also little bantering between them. That made me wonder why they were in love with each other if they didn’t joke around or even talk to one another. Why call it a romance book if there isn’t gonna be any romance development or interaction between the hero and heroine? This book severely lacked that.
Secondly, Edward decided early in the book to just dump Fiona because of something his mother said about commoners not surviving the ton and the society. He did that cruelly to Fiona without even explaining to her why he decided to break off with her. He didn’t even pause to consider that she and him could have talked and came up with some solutions.
Thirdly, Edward was too into having a clean reputation for himself and his family. Aside from the vague explanation of his father not putting their family first and doing whatever he liked, destroying the reputations of Edward, his mother and his siblings, i could never really relate to his reasons of wanting his reputation to be so good. If the author had gone into details about why, I could have understood more and sympathized with him more about it.
Lastly, Fiona was too stubborn and hard headed for her own good. She refused to rely on people for help, despite her really needing it.
Suffice to say, I couldn’t like Fiona or Edward. I found it funny I actually liked Edward’s siblings more than Fiona and Edward.
Firstly, for those who are reading this as a stand-alone book, they would be confused because the hero and heroine started off already in love with each other. And yet the author did not show any detailed scenes of them spending time together and falling in love in the process.
For me, as it’s been a while since I read book 1 of the series, I completely forgot if they have appeared in book 1 or not. Hence, I was baffled by the closeness of their relationship, without the author’s help in showing why they were in love.
Because of them already being in love, there was literally little to none of the romance development or bonding between Edward and Fiona. The chemistry is non existent, and there is also little bantering between them. That made me wonder why they were in love with each other if they didn’t joke around or even talk to one another. Why call it a romance book if there isn’t gonna be any romance development or interaction between the hero and heroine? This book severely lacked that.
Secondly, Edward decided early in the book to just dump Fiona because of something his mother said about commoners not surviving the ton and the society. He did that cruelly to Fiona without even explaining to her why he decided to break off with her. He didn’t even pause to consider that she and him could have talked and came up with some solutions.
Thirdly, Edward was too into having a clean reputation for himself and his family. Aside from the vague explanation of his father not putting their family first and doing whatever he liked, destroying the reputations of Edward, his mother and his siblings, i could never really relate to his reasons of wanting his reputation to be so good. If the author had gone into details about why, I could have understood more and sympathized with him more about it.
Lastly, Fiona was too stubborn and hard headed for her own good. She refused to rely on people for help, despite her really needing it.
Suffice to say, I couldn’t like Fiona or Edward. I found it funny I actually liked Edward’s siblings more than Fiona and Edward.
January 7, 2022
How to Deceive a Duke is the second book in Samara Parish’s Rebel With a Cause historical romance series. I really enjoyed How to Survive a Scandal, the first book in the series, and was so excited to receive an advanced copy of this book. It’s a wonderful, angst-filled second-chance romance with layered and compelling characters and thought-provoking messages.
I love Fiona! She is intelligent and adventurous and so determined. She’s very headstrong, even when it’s to her own detriment or could potentially hurt others or herself. Edward devotes his life to his family’s reputation, and he takes his role as duke very seriously, often putting his responsibilities ahead of his desires. Edward is stubborn, and though his heart is in the right place, he makes decisions without consulting those affected, which comes across as bossy and domineering, especially to his siblings. He thinks he knows best, and he tries to protect those he cares for. Unfortunately, they see this behavior as controlling. I think his well-meaning actions and reserved demeanor are very misunderstood. However, he is also reticent to reveal his true feelings and emotions, which makes it difficult to truly know the whole man. The only one who has is Fiona. She sees the man she once knew and the man Edward now is, and even for her, it takes time to see all of Edward’s layers.
Fiona and Edward are both so staunch in their beliefs and feelings about life and each other. Yet, the more time they spend together, the more they begin to see the other’s points of view. He realizes the world isn’t as black and white as he always thought, and she sees his diplomacy and less assuming ways of obtaining similar goals as her. And their relationship is filled with so much swoon-worthy angst! This is a couple that wants to be together, but they know too much stands in their way. Social expectations, family obligations, her desire to be independent, and her lack of desire to be a duchess, and his fears keep them from committing to each other. They are opposites in many ways, and I love how she shakes up his life and brings some happiness into his world. They have such great chemistry, and I think part of it is because she’s the only person that doesn’t immediately listen to and obey him. She does what she wants regardless of the fact that he’s a duke and she is a commoner and a woman, even going as far as posing as a man to get what she wants. And I love how Edward follows along with some of her ruse. Theirs is an interesting dynamic, and Fiona continually challenges the social norms forced upon her. She calls Edward out on his hypocrisy and the hypocrisy of the social elite. I also like that she makes him more aware of the inequity of these norms and how they affect her, and other women’s, livelihood, chance of independence, and voice.
Charlotte and William, Edward’s siblings, are fantastic additions to the story, and I’m eager to see more of them in future books in the series. I believe the next book focuses on Charlotte, and I can’t wait. Like Fiona and Edward, Charlotte is layered and complex, and I love her dynamic personality, optimism, and effervescence. William is a prankster and a bit immature, but he is also fiercely loyal. As much as Edward shows Fiona what love is, Charlotte and William show her what family is, and this is something that has been lacking in her life. They make her feel like she belongs, and they bring her into their fold both as Finley and as Fiona. Their unequivocal acceptance touches Fiona deeply, and I love the powerful bond they forge.
The plot revolves around Fiona trying to get backing for her invention, which leads to some frustrating, disheartening, and sometimes dangerous situations. Edward, his siblings, and Fiona’s business partners support Fiona’s endeavors. However, when she attempts to gain a patent and get backing, she is constantly refused, discouraged, questioned, or not even considered because of her gender. The messages about sexism are really strong and poignant. Though she is brilliant, she is often discredited because she is a woman. It makes you think about all of their women with vast potential who were silenced before they were even able to show the world their capabilities. I love that Fiona forges her own path, rejects tradition and societal norms, and fights to be treated as an equal regardless of her gender, social expectations, and prejudices.
Messages about the inequitable treatment of people depending on their social status are also explored, as are themes of prejudice, revolution, and being true to yourself regardless of what others think. These themes are especially prevalent as Fiona is arrested, imprisoned, and suspected of a crime she didn’t commit. It’s also quite noticeable when introduced to some of the spiteful and elite antagonists of the story. I found all of the themes really thought-provoking and insightful and felt they added a lot of depth to the story.
I enjoyed this addition to the Rebels With a Cause series. The characters are fantastic, the messages are strong, and the romance is angsty and filled with yearning. Plus, the main character is a female inventor with an affinity for science! Though it’s the first book in the series, it can easily be read as a standalone, and I would definitely recommend it to readers of historical romance. Special thanks to Forever Publishing, NetGalley, and the author for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
I love Fiona! She is intelligent and adventurous and so determined. She’s very headstrong, even when it’s to her own detriment or could potentially hurt others or herself. Edward devotes his life to his family’s reputation, and he takes his role as duke very seriously, often putting his responsibilities ahead of his desires. Edward is stubborn, and though his heart is in the right place, he makes decisions without consulting those affected, which comes across as bossy and domineering, especially to his siblings. He thinks he knows best, and he tries to protect those he cares for. Unfortunately, they see this behavior as controlling. I think his well-meaning actions and reserved demeanor are very misunderstood. However, he is also reticent to reveal his true feelings and emotions, which makes it difficult to truly know the whole man. The only one who has is Fiona. She sees the man she once knew and the man Edward now is, and even for her, it takes time to see all of Edward’s layers.
Fiona and Edward are both so staunch in their beliefs and feelings about life and each other. Yet, the more time they spend together, the more they begin to see the other’s points of view. He realizes the world isn’t as black and white as he always thought, and she sees his diplomacy and less assuming ways of obtaining similar goals as her. And their relationship is filled with so much swoon-worthy angst! This is a couple that wants to be together, but they know too much stands in their way. Social expectations, family obligations, her desire to be independent, and her lack of desire to be a duchess, and his fears keep them from committing to each other. They are opposites in many ways, and I love how she shakes up his life and brings some happiness into his world. They have such great chemistry, and I think part of it is because she’s the only person that doesn’t immediately listen to and obey him. She does what she wants regardless of the fact that he’s a duke and she is a commoner and a woman, even going as far as posing as a man to get what she wants. And I love how Edward follows along with some of her ruse. Theirs is an interesting dynamic, and Fiona continually challenges the social norms forced upon her. She calls Edward out on his hypocrisy and the hypocrisy of the social elite. I also like that she makes him more aware of the inequity of these norms and how they affect her, and other women’s, livelihood, chance of independence, and voice.
Charlotte and William, Edward’s siblings, are fantastic additions to the story, and I’m eager to see more of them in future books in the series. I believe the next book focuses on Charlotte, and I can’t wait. Like Fiona and Edward, Charlotte is layered and complex, and I love her dynamic personality, optimism, and effervescence. William is a prankster and a bit immature, but he is also fiercely loyal. As much as Edward shows Fiona what love is, Charlotte and William show her what family is, and this is something that has been lacking in her life. They make her feel like she belongs, and they bring her into their fold both as Finley and as Fiona. Their unequivocal acceptance touches Fiona deeply, and I love the powerful bond they forge.
The plot revolves around Fiona trying to get backing for her invention, which leads to some frustrating, disheartening, and sometimes dangerous situations. Edward, his siblings, and Fiona’s business partners support Fiona’s endeavors. However, when she attempts to gain a patent and get backing, she is constantly refused, discouraged, questioned, or not even considered because of her gender. The messages about sexism are really strong and poignant. Though she is brilliant, she is often discredited because she is a woman. It makes you think about all of their women with vast potential who were silenced before they were even able to show the world their capabilities. I love that Fiona forges her own path, rejects tradition and societal norms, and fights to be treated as an equal regardless of her gender, social expectations, and prejudices.
Messages about the inequitable treatment of people depending on their social status are also explored, as are themes of prejudice, revolution, and being true to yourself regardless of what others think. These themes are especially prevalent as Fiona is arrested, imprisoned, and suspected of a crime she didn’t commit. It’s also quite noticeable when introduced to some of the spiteful and elite antagonists of the story. I found all of the themes really thought-provoking and insightful and felt they added a lot of depth to the story.
I enjoyed this addition to the Rebels With a Cause series. The characters are fantastic, the messages are strong, and the romance is angsty and filled with yearning. Plus, the main character is a female inventor with an affinity for science! Though it’s the first book in the series, it can easily be read as a standalone, and I would definitely recommend it to readers of historical romance. Special thanks to Forever Publishing, NetGalley, and the author for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
December 20, 2021
I was worried that this second installment from Samara Parish was going to be a little slow. But I texted a friend about halfway in and said OMG when this turns, it TURNS. Samara brought the action and the tension and the longing to How to Deceive a Duke. It was a page turning ride that was a sophomore win instead of a slump. The steam was fantastic. The family relationships were spot on. I almost wish that I had skimmed through the first book before picking it up, but it wasn't necessary. This is all the things we love in historical romance.
February 6, 2022
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.
Edward Stirling, Duke of Wildeford, has always been a stickler for the rules, especially following the death of his father and the scandal that ensued. He has to do everything to help his siblings, and the only time he ever felt 'normal' was with Fiona McTavish, who thought he was a normal gentleman she could grow old with. But when he broke her heart, and she had to recover, and managed quite well by working with Benedict Asterly, she decided she never wanted anything to do with the duke. However, Fiona is soon arrested, and will only be released by relying on the word of a peer, and having to stay with him. Living in the same home as Edward is bringing back old feelings, and when they both start falling, and falling hard, will they be able to overcome class differences and the machinations of a dowager duchess, to be together?
I was really looking forward to this book, as when we met both Edward and Fiona in book 1, it was clear that there was a history there, and they were bound to have a romance at some point. And there story was so much more than I expected it to be. I loved them both, and though they were different sorts of people, they had strong morals and beliefs, and were tested regularly by their family members. Because of their characters, it wasn't easy for them to forgive each other, and cope with their feelings in a sensible manner - at least at first. Soon, though, they started to communicate with each other (which was a big issue for them), and interacted with each other more and more, it was clear to see they were falling hard, and soon it would be too late to stop themselves from becoming broken-hearted again. I loved the ways in which they tried to get around propriety, and the glare of the ton, and am so glad they were able to overcome it all. This series is getting better and better with every instalment, and I'm really looking forward to more books from Samara!
Edward Stirling, Duke of Wildeford, has always been a stickler for the rules, especially following the death of his father and the scandal that ensued. He has to do everything to help his siblings, and the only time he ever felt 'normal' was with Fiona McTavish, who thought he was a normal gentleman she could grow old with. But when he broke her heart, and she had to recover, and managed quite well by working with Benedict Asterly, she decided she never wanted anything to do with the duke. However, Fiona is soon arrested, and will only be released by relying on the word of a peer, and having to stay with him. Living in the same home as Edward is bringing back old feelings, and when they both start falling, and falling hard, will they be able to overcome class differences and the machinations of a dowager duchess, to be together?
I was really looking forward to this book, as when we met both Edward and Fiona in book 1, it was clear that there was a history there, and they were bound to have a romance at some point. And there story was so much more than I expected it to be. I loved them both, and though they were different sorts of people, they had strong morals and beliefs, and were tested regularly by their family members. Because of their characters, it wasn't easy for them to forgive each other, and cope with their feelings in a sensible manner - at least at first. Soon, though, they started to communicate with each other (which was a big issue for them), and interacted with each other more and more, it was clear to see they were falling hard, and soon it would be too late to stop themselves from becoming broken-hearted again. I loved the ways in which they tried to get around propriety, and the glare of the ton, and am so glad they were able to overcome it all. This series is getting better and better with every instalment, and I'm really looking forward to more books from Samara!
February 15, 2022
How many times, and in how many different ways, can a heart be broken?
The Duke who crushed her girlhood dreams posts her bail when she is thrown in prison for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Years later they still hold each other’s hearts, and even though every obstacle on earth seems to launch into their path, he is determined to spend his life with her. Even though his arms are the safest place she has ever known, Fiona is determined to resist him because she knows that her ignominy and notorious family will ruin his reputation.
He broke her heart once. Her family has broken her heart countless times. The world breaks her heart and her spirit every single day. She can depend on no one but herself because her journey is full of peril and hardship no one has been willing to share or look beyond.
Until him.
Just some of the reasons I loved this book:
- A second chance romance.
- A full partnership where all the hero wants to do is ensure the woman he loves and believes in gets all of the success she deserves. Even if that means he is only in a supporting role.
- A fierce STEM heroine.
Plot & Setting: 5 Stars
Characters: 5 Stars
Steam: 4 Flames
The Duke who crushed her girlhood dreams posts her bail when she is thrown in prison for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Years later they still hold each other’s hearts, and even though every obstacle on earth seems to launch into their path, he is determined to spend his life with her. Even though his arms are the safest place she has ever known, Fiona is determined to resist him because she knows that her ignominy and notorious family will ruin his reputation.
He broke her heart once. Her family has broken her heart countless times. The world breaks her heart and her spirit every single day. She can depend on no one but herself because her journey is full of peril and hardship no one has been willing to share or look beyond.
Until him.
Just some of the reasons I loved this book:
- A second chance romance.
- A full partnership where all the hero wants to do is ensure the woman he loves and believes in gets all of the success she deserves. Even if that means he is only in a supporting role.
- A fierce STEM heroine.
Plot & Setting: 5 Stars
Characters: 5 Stars
Steam: 4 Flames
January 27, 2022
I absolutely adored Samara Parish's debut novel (which is the first book in this series), and I am absolutely blown away by her second! This book was fantastic and everything I could hope and dream. Parish's writing is so engaging, so well paced and her characters are perfectly imperfect and real. I am so delighted and impressed by this second novel and I can tell Samara Parish is now definitely a favorite historical romance author for me!
This novel is a second chance romance between Edward, a duke, and Fiona, a chemist and engineer. Five years ago Edward and Fiona where on the verge of marriage but Edward's plans are thrown asunder after the suicide of his cousin's wife and his mother's evil intentions. Fiona has spent the last handful of years in her lab and working on her invention, a match. Now Fiona finds herself missed up in some trouble around protests against the monarchy, her disguise as "Finn", and her ambition to secure a patent and investor for her invention. Edward comes to her rescue by getting her released from jail and finds himself in a situation in which he is "forced" to keep an eye on her before her trial.
Fiona is such a strong and complex character, she is smart, she has strong ideas and ambitions, and she does not back down from what she wants. Fiona is very independent and has learned that she can only trust herself and she does not want to rely on Edward to use his societal power to make her situation easier. Fiona swiftly learns that women hold no power and the only way to get what she desires is through disguising herself as a man. Edward is still so in love with Fiona, he puts other before himself and he comes across as quietly strict in the ways he tries to keep himself and his family in line. These two are an absolute perfect match for each other, and I think that Samara Parish does a wonderful job keeping their chemistry constantly boiling as well as making me believe these two where (and still are) in love without bogging down the narrative with flashback scenes. The novel focuses on how Edward and Fiona learn to understand each other now where they are in their lives, and it is absolutely wonderful. Fiona sees that Edward is very smart and working hard to make London a better place by subtly using his power in a very smart way. Edward sees that Fiona is so strong and that their love for each other is worth fighting for no matter the cost. This novel is wonderfully sensual and steamy, Parish has really stepped up her game and this is no closed door romance! Edward and Fiona are fire together and I love the way they both take care of each other.
The strength of this romance is only better enhanced by Edward's siblings (William and Charlotte), as well as the other minor characters through out the novel. Parish really takes the time and care in creating all her characters. I love the way both William and Charlotte embrace Fiona. Fiona is able to learn a family love through them as well as see Edward in a different light through them. I think that William and Charlotte beautifully help to move the story and relationship between Edward and Fiona along. Parish also delightfully teases the next book in this series through Charlotte and I absolutely can not wait to get that novel later this year!
I so highly recommend you pick this novel up! Samara Parish is only getting better and she is such a wonderful and exciting addition to the historical romance writers of today! And this is already a favorite read of the year!
Thank you so much to Forever Publishing and NetGalley for an eARC, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
This novel is a second chance romance between Edward, a duke, and Fiona, a chemist and engineer. Five years ago Edward and Fiona where on the verge of marriage but Edward's plans are thrown asunder after the suicide of his cousin's wife and his mother's evil intentions. Fiona has spent the last handful of years in her lab and working on her invention, a match. Now Fiona finds herself missed up in some trouble around protests against the monarchy, her disguise as "Finn", and her ambition to secure a patent and investor for her invention. Edward comes to her rescue by getting her released from jail and finds himself in a situation in which he is "forced" to keep an eye on her before her trial.
Fiona is such a strong and complex character, she is smart, she has strong ideas and ambitions, and she does not back down from what she wants. Fiona is very independent and has learned that she can only trust herself and she does not want to rely on Edward to use his societal power to make her situation easier. Fiona swiftly learns that women hold no power and the only way to get what she desires is through disguising herself as a man. Edward is still so in love with Fiona, he puts other before himself and he comes across as quietly strict in the ways he tries to keep himself and his family in line. These two are an absolute perfect match for each other, and I think that Samara Parish does a wonderful job keeping their chemistry constantly boiling as well as making me believe these two where (and still are) in love without bogging down the narrative with flashback scenes. The novel focuses on how Edward and Fiona learn to understand each other now where they are in their lives, and it is absolutely wonderful. Fiona sees that Edward is very smart and working hard to make London a better place by subtly using his power in a very smart way. Edward sees that Fiona is so strong and that their love for each other is worth fighting for no matter the cost. This novel is wonderfully sensual and steamy, Parish has really stepped up her game and this is no closed door romance! Edward and Fiona are fire together and I love the way they both take care of each other.
The strength of this romance is only better enhanced by Edward's siblings (William and Charlotte), as well as the other minor characters through out the novel. Parish really takes the time and care in creating all her characters. I love the way both William and Charlotte embrace Fiona. Fiona is able to learn a family love through them as well as see Edward in a different light through them. I think that William and Charlotte beautifully help to move the story and relationship between Edward and Fiona along. Parish also delightfully teases the next book in this series through Charlotte and I absolutely can not wait to get that novel later this year!
I so highly recommend you pick this novel up! Samara Parish is only getting better and she is such a wonderful and exciting addition to the historical romance writers of today! And this is already a favorite read of the year!
Thank you so much to Forever Publishing and NetGalley for an eARC, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 24, 2022
I had read and enjoyed the first book in this series, so I was pretty excited to get to Fiona’s story.
I’ve loved Fiona since she first walked onto the page. She’s smart, self sufficient, and goes after what she wants. Edward is stoic, well meaning, and so very straight laced. Together they have history and a load of chemistry.
Plot wise, it was good. I loved Edward’s siblings and could have read a million more pages of the four of them together. At times, the story did lag a bit, but the characters more than made up for it. And while I wanted just a bit more from the epilogue, it was a good enough future take.
Overall, this was a fun and quick read and I can’t wait for Charlotte’s story.
**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge**
I’ve loved Fiona since she first walked onto the page. She’s smart, self sufficient, and goes after what she wants. Edward is stoic, well meaning, and so very straight laced. Together they have history and a load of chemistry.
Plot wise, it was good. I loved Edward’s siblings and could have read a million more pages of the four of them together. At times, the story did lag a bit, but the characters more than made up for it. And while I wanted just a bit more from the epilogue, it was a good enough future take.
Overall, this was a fun and quick read and I can’t wait for Charlotte’s story.
**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge**
January 22, 2022
How to Deceive a Duke by Samara Parish is book Two in the Rebels with a Cause Series. This is the story of Edward Stirling, Duke of Wildeforde and Fiona McTavish. Edward and Fiona at one time where in love with they where younger but Edward broke it off. Edward had become worried about Fiona fitting into his world and also the scandal that his father came into. Now about 5 years later in their present day, Edward is still working to clear the scandal that had happened. Fiona has progressing in being a scientist but happens to be arrest at a women's rally. Fiona only option to turn to was Edward with this put them toward their second chance at love? Enjoyed their story.
December 9, 2021
Fiona McTavish is an engineer, a chemist, a rebel—and no one’s idea of a proper lady. She prefers breeches to ballrooms, but her new invention—matches—will surely turn as many heads. There’s just a little matter of her being arrested for a crime she didn’t commit. And the only person she can turn to for help is the man who broke her heart years ago.
Edward Stirling, Duke of Wildeforde, will do anything to restore his family’s name and put his father’s scandalous death behind them. But when Fiona needs his help getting released from prison, he can’t deny her—even though it means she must live with him as a condition of her freedom. With the desire between them rekindling as fast as the gossip about their arrangement is spreading among the ton, Edward will have to choose what matters most to him—his reputation or his heart
This is an amazing story. Filled with falsely accused accounts of assault official to treason this tale covers it all.
The author has a vivid imagination.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
Edward Stirling, Duke of Wildeforde, will do anything to restore his family’s name and put his father’s scandalous death behind them. But when Fiona needs his help getting released from prison, he can’t deny her—even though it means she must live with him as a condition of her freedom. With the desire between them rekindling as fast as the gossip about their arrangement is spreading among the ton, Edward will have to choose what matters most to him—his reputation or his heart
This is an amazing story. Filled with falsely accused accounts of assault official to treason this tale covers it all.
The author has a vivid imagination.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
February 26, 2022
Skip this one. Read Meredith Duran’s Fool Me Twice. Like this book, it has an over-the-top mystery plot, a jailhouse rescue, a deliberately orchestrated scandal, a hero who is obsessed with preserving his reputation, and a couple separated by the class divide. But it’s exponentially better.
The premise of How To Deceive A Duke is absurd—in the worst sense of the word. The mystery is unsatisfying. (How could there be no serious consequences to being publicly charged with treason?) The author ought to have cut the bulk of the crime subplot and focused on the characters and their relationship instead.
The characters had potential, but they were poorly drawn. The author should have fleshed out the hero and heroine’s history together. And she should’ve worked harder to sort through their motives: much of their behavior seems silly, petty, or irrational—and I don’t think the author intended it to be read that way. (Fiona’s disguise, for example.) Also, Fiona’s father’s accent bordered on caricature; it made me laugh during serious scenes.
The prose was boring and awkward. But then, I doubt even brilliant linguistic flourishes could save this lackluster story.
The premise of How To Deceive A Duke is absurd—in the worst sense of the word. The mystery is unsatisfying. (How could there be no serious consequences to being publicly charged with treason?) The author ought to have cut the bulk of the crime subplot and focused on the characters and their relationship instead.
The characters had potential, but they were poorly drawn. The author should have fleshed out the hero and heroine’s history together. And she should’ve worked harder to sort through their motives: much of their behavior seems silly, petty, or irrational—and I don’t think the author intended it to be read that way. (Fiona’s disguise, for example.) Also, Fiona’s father’s accent bordered on caricature; it made me laugh during serious scenes.
The prose was boring and awkward. But then, I doubt even brilliant linguistic flourishes could save this lackluster story.
April 17, 2022
This is the second historical romance I've read where the woman has to disguise herself as a man throughout the story for plot reasons, and I'm thinking it's just not a trope for me (or at least, I have yet to see it done in a way I like). On top of that, I didn't feel Fiona and Edward's chemistry outside of the bedroom scenes, and I was disappointed with the resolutions (or lack thereof) of various subplots, namely Edward's relationship with his mother, his relationships with his siblings, and Fiona's relationship with her father. While the Stirling family dynamics will likely be continued into book #3, I would have liked them to be tied up a bit better from Edward's POV, as his struggles with his mother and brother were main points throughout the story. Lastly, it was implied more than once that Fiona is not like other girls and that she is better than the ladies of the ton because she's into science and wears trousers and doesn't spend her time doing "frivolous" activities like embroidery and planning parties. While she eventually (and begrudgingly) embraces these activities at the end of the book, it was mentioned enough times (especially from Edward's POV) to leave a bad taste in my mouth.
On a positive note, I absolutely love the way Parish writes steamy scenes and was SO happy this was not a closed-door romance like book #1. In those scenes Fiona and Edward's chemistry shined, and I could really feel the love and connection between them. I adored the side characters and am very excited for Charlotte and John's book because who doesn't love a good brother's-best-friend romance?
All in all, Samara Parish is a talented writer, and while this book was a miss for me, I will happily read whatever else she writes. I have a feeling there will only be three books in this series, however I'm still holding out hope for William and Oliver to get stories of their own!
On a positive note, I absolutely love the way Parish writes steamy scenes and was SO happy this was not a closed-door romance like book #1. In those scenes Fiona and Edward's chemistry shined, and I could really feel the love and connection between them. I adored the side characters and am very excited for Charlotte and John's book because who doesn't love a good brother's-best-friend romance?
All in all, Samara Parish is a talented writer, and while this book was a miss for me, I will happily read whatever else she writes. I have a feeling there will only be three books in this series, however I'm still holding out hope for William and Oliver to get stories of their own!
February 12, 2022
3.5 stars
Second Chance romance between Edward, the Duke and Fiona. Five years ago they planned their future but life had other plans. After seeing how the people of the ton treated his cousin’s commoner wife and the dire consequences of same combined with his mother’s intent to ruin the life of any woman not suitable to be Duchess, Edward leaves Fiona without a word breaking both of their hearts.
Fiona spends all her time working on her invention and trying to obtain a patent. We love a brainy, strong willed woman. She faces many challenges in this man’s world but is determined to find success and be able to support herself.
She gets into trouble while dressed and acting as a man and continues the ruse throughout the book. This is the part of the book that fell flat for me. The back and forth between Finley and Fiona was exhausting and a bit unbelievable. This and the things she did to “protect” her father detracted a bit from the book for me.
The steam and open door romance was so well done. You really felt their connection.
I also enjoyed seeing Amelia from How to Survive a Scandal!
I cannot wait to read Charlotte’s book and hope we get to see more development from William as well.
Regency romance fans pick this one up!!
Second Chance romance between Edward, the Duke and Fiona. Five years ago they planned their future but life had other plans. After seeing how the people of the ton treated his cousin’s commoner wife and the dire consequences of same combined with his mother’s intent to ruin the life of any woman not suitable to be Duchess, Edward leaves Fiona without a word breaking both of their hearts.
Fiona spends all her time working on her invention and trying to obtain a patent. We love a brainy, strong willed woman. She faces many challenges in this man’s world but is determined to find success and be able to support herself.
She gets into trouble while dressed and acting as a man and continues the ruse throughout the book. This is the part of the book that fell flat for me. The back and forth between Finley and Fiona was exhausting and a bit unbelievable. This and the things she did to “protect” her father detracted a bit from the book for me.
The steam and open door romance was so well done. You really felt their connection.
I also enjoyed seeing Amelia from How to Survive a Scandal!
I cannot wait to read Charlotte’s book and hope we get to see more development from William as well.
Regency romance fans pick this one up!!
January 23, 2024
3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
I liked this one a tad better than the first book. I do wish we had seen more of Amelia and I don’t remember seeing Ben at all in this one. I wish there had been less of the Finley storyline. It was a little over the top. While I didn’t care for Edward in the first book I absolutely adored him in this one. He made the book. I wish the next book was William’s instead of Charlotte’s. I listened to the audio and the narrator did a great job.
One of the things that has aggravated me while the whole series is that of ALL the MCs, there’s not a single decent parent. Additionally, we never did find out exactly what the scandal was with Edward’s dad exactly. I also wanted to see him ship his mother off to some shack like he threatened. She certainly deserved it.
I liked this one a tad better than the first book. I do wish we had seen more of Amelia and I don’t remember seeing Ben at all in this one. I wish there had been less of the Finley storyline. It was a little over the top. While I didn’t care for Edward in the first book I absolutely adored him in this one. He made the book. I wish the next book was William’s instead of Charlotte’s. I listened to the audio and the narrator did a great job.
One of the things that has aggravated me while the whole series is that of ALL the MCs, there’s not a single decent parent. Additionally, we never did find out exactly what the scandal was with Edward’s dad exactly. I also wanted to see him ship his mother off to some shack like he threatened. She certainly deserved it.
January 25, 2022
Enticing, passionate, and amusing!
How to Deceive a Duke is set in London during the early eighteenth century and features the feisty, intelligent Fiona McTavish who, after being arrested and conditionally released, must live for a month under the same roof as the one man she hoped to never see again after he professed his love and then broke her heart five years ago, the devilishly handsome Edward Stirling, Duke of Wildforde.
The prose is passionate and alluring. The characters are fiery, stubborn, and loyal. And the plot is a delightfully scandalous blend of familial drama, societal expectations, regency traditions, friendship, desire, yearning, gossip, tricky situations, duty, and palpable attraction.
Overall, How to Deceive a Duke is a steamy, engaging, highly entertaining tale that I absolutely adored. It is the second title in the Rebel with a Cause series by Parish that, in my opinion, keeps getting better and better and is one I definitely wouldn’t want to miss.
Thank you to Forever & Grand Central Publishing for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
How to Deceive a Duke is set in London during the early eighteenth century and features the feisty, intelligent Fiona McTavish who, after being arrested and conditionally released, must live for a month under the same roof as the one man she hoped to never see again after he professed his love and then broke her heart five years ago, the devilishly handsome Edward Stirling, Duke of Wildforde.
The prose is passionate and alluring. The characters are fiery, stubborn, and loyal. And the plot is a delightfully scandalous blend of familial drama, societal expectations, regency traditions, friendship, desire, yearning, gossip, tricky situations, duty, and palpable attraction.
Overall, How to Deceive a Duke is a steamy, engaging, highly entertaining tale that I absolutely adored. It is the second title in the Rebel with a Cause series by Parish that, in my opinion, keeps getting better and better and is one I definitely wouldn’t want to miss.
Thank you to Forever & Grand Central Publishing for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 18, 2021
This book was so wonderfully surprising. The plot exceeded my expectations. I love how political it got and how invested I was by the very end. Fi was the best. To avoid spoilers I'm not going to say too much but the steps she takes to realize her dreams...loved it. So much. Especially her interactions with William. (aside: I have some gripes about how things played out in the end with William and desperately hope he gets his own book)
Ed was fantastic. On the surface he was just...the worst. Insufferable and arrogant and stereotypical. And then underneath you got to see all the ways his circumstance shaped him and it truly humanized his actions and reactions--even if I did want to shake him on more than several occasions.
Again, I find that I'm adding another name to my "read everything by this author forever" list.
Ed was fantastic. On the surface he was just...the worst. Insufferable and arrogant and stereotypical. And then underneath you got to see all the ways his circumstance shaped him and it truly humanized his actions and reactions--even if I did want to shake him on more than several occasions.
Again, I find that I'm adding another name to my "read everything by this author forever" list.
August 14, 2023
Романът е колкото свеж и разпускащ, толкова суров и реалистичен на моменти.
Още от първата страница, веднага става ясно на читателя, че няма да чете точно типичният регентски романс.
Изпреварила времето си, Фиона Мактавиш е жена, която иска единствено свобода и независим живот. Силно адмирирам героини, които искат да постигнат нещо в живота без чужда помощ.
Тя е инженер, химик, изобретател и... бунтарка. Именно едно участие в бунт я вкарва в поредица от злощастни събития. Един хвърлен домат уцелил грешната мишена и тя е задържана в ареста. И тук се появява нашият херцог на бял кон Едуард.
Харесва ми, че главните герои имат история, че нещата не тръгват перфектно от самото начало и не са тотално захаросани и неправдоподобни. В повечето исторически любовни романи класовите различия и скандалите могат да бъдат пренебрегнати с едно щракване в името на любовта. Тук не е така, дори този сблъсък е основен мотив.
И така, един хвърлен домат, едно категорично решение на съдията и тези двамата се оказват под един покрив и започва интересното. Всеки откраднат момент помежду им събужда неканени спомени, истинско изтезание и изпитание за всяка капчица морал у Едуард. Скоро плановете му да си потърси съпруга и същевременно да опази семейната чест са поставени през изпитание.
Едно изобретение с добра умисъл скоро се превръща в политическа заплаха, в центъра на която се оказва Фиона. И точно тогава Едуард започва да разбира, че може би има и по-важни неща от волята на висшето обществото и дълга към семейната титла и репутация.
Още от първата страница, веднага става ясно на читателя, че няма да чете точно типичният регентски романс.
Изпреварила времето си, Фиона Мактавиш е жена, която иска единствено свобода и независим живот. Силно адмирирам героини, които искат да постигнат нещо в живота без чужда помощ.
Тя е инженер, химик, изобретател и... бунтарка. Именно едно участие в бунт я вкарва в поредица от злощастни събития. Един хвърлен домат уцелил грешната мишена и тя е задържана в ареста. И тук се появява нашият херцог на бял кон Едуард.
Харесва ми, че главните герои имат история, че нещата не тръгват перфектно от самото начало и не са тотално захаросани и неправдоподобни. В повечето исторически любовни романи класовите различия и скандалите могат да бъдат пренебрегнати с едно щракване в името на любовта. Тук не е така, дори този сблъсък е основен мотив.
И така, един хвърлен домат, едно категорично решение на съдията и тези двамата се оказват под един покрив и започва интересното. Всеки откраднат момент помежду им събужда неканени спомени, истинско изтезание и изпитание за всяка капчица морал у Едуард. Скоро плановете му да си потърси съпруга и същевременно да опази семейната чест са поставени през изпитание.
Едно изобретение с добра умисъл скоро се превръща в политическа заплаха, в центъра на която се оказва Фиона. И точно тогава Едуард започва да разбира, че може би има и по-важни неща от волята на висшето обществото и дълга към семейната титла и репутация.
January 20, 2022
An amazing story! This is the second book of “Rebels with a Cause” series and Samara Parish has created a breathtaking second chances romance. The MCs are Fiona McTavish and Edward Stirling, Duke of Wildeforde, we were introduced to these characters in How to Survive a Scandal, and now this book allows us to really get to know them. I loved both MCs which is unusual 😉 —
Fiona McTavish is an engineer, a chemist, a rebel—and no one’s idea of a proper lady. She prefers breeches to ballrooms, but her new invention—matches—will surely turn as many heads. There’s just a little matter of her being arrested for a crime she didn’t commit. And the only person she can turn to for help is the man who broke her heart years ago.
Edward Stirling, Duke of Wildeforde, will do anything to restore his family’s name and put his father’s scandalous death behind them. But when Fiona needs his help getting released from prison, he can’t deny her—even though it means she must live with him as a condition of her freedom. With the desire between them rekindling as fast as the gossip about their arrangement is spreading among the ton, Edward will have to choose what matters most to him—his reputation or his heart.
***
With a ruthless mother, the pressure of the dukedom, managing his younger brothers (William) frequent shenanigans, and trying to help his sister find a suitable match, Edward Stirling is pretty miserable as the book begins. He has only loved one woman in his life and yet he gave her up to protect her from the haute ton and to find a bride society would accept as his Duchess. He has given up the thought of happiness and explains his expectations as:
If onlyFinley … I mean Fiona hadn’t come back into his life, he may have succeeded in living miserably ever after!
This story is just a perfect feel good romance! I read this book straight through instead of sleeping for work the next day and I didn’t want the book to end!!
I can’t wait for the next books in the series and I really hope we get William’s story — I have a feeling there is much more to him than meets the eye!
Overall rating 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 5 Flames 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 a high recommendation and definitely a top contender for 2022 ❤️
Fiona McTavish is an engineer, a chemist, a rebel—and no one’s idea of a proper lady. She prefers breeches to ballrooms, but her new invention—matches—will surely turn as many heads. There’s just a little matter of her being arrested for a crime she didn’t commit. And the only person she can turn to for help is the man who broke her heart years ago.
Edward Stirling, Duke of Wildeforde, will do anything to restore his family’s name and put his father’s scandalous death behind them. But when Fiona needs his help getting released from prison, he can’t deny her—even though it means she must live with him as a condition of her freedom. With the desire between them rekindling as fast as the gossip about their arrangement is spreading among the ton, Edward will have to choose what matters most to him—his reputation or his heart.
***
With a ruthless mother, the pressure of the dukedom, managing his younger brothers (William) frequent shenanigans, and trying to help his sister find a suitable match, Edward Stirling is pretty miserable as the book begins. He has only loved one woman in his life and yet he gave her up to protect her from the haute ton and to find a bride society would accept as his Duchess. He has given up the thought of happiness and explains his expectations as:
“I’m looking for a wife who is content with managing my house and bearing my children, and won’t desire any more from me.” Someone with no further expectations.
If only
This story is just a perfect feel good romance! I read this book straight through instead of sleeping for work the next day and I didn’t want the book to end!!
I can’t wait for the next books in the series and I really hope we get William’s story — I have a feeling there is much more to him than meets the eye!
Overall rating 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 5 Flames 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 a high recommendation and definitely a top contender for 2022 ❤️
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January 24, 20224.5 stars
In Samara Parish’s follow up novel she brings back two characters we have already met and dives into their history and corresponding animosity towards each other. Hint: it revolves around unrequited love and broken promises!
Fiona McTavish is a scientist with a breakthrough idea - friction matches! She is in London to find investors… the only problem is that she’s a woman, whom men do not want to work with and she has also been mistaken as a treasonous activist!
That’s ok- because she goes way back with the Duke of Wildeford. A duke can solve any problem! But… she has a history with him and doesn’t actually want anything to do with him… she’ll accept his help with her legal issues, but Fiona insists on letting her invention and work speak for itself.
Oh boy! This book was a wild ride! I loved the intelligent and motivated Fiona, but the strong willed, idealistic and naive Fiona drove me crazy! I was literally yelling at my book! But a character that captures that much emotion from a reader is a good one! As for Edward, the Duke of Wildforde extreme devotion to his family honour and perception rankled me, but his care and attention he gave to Fiona and her wishes and ideas made me root for him! Needless to saw there were many highs and low, with plenty of angst as these two interacted!
I loved the class difference reversal in this book compared to the last and appreciated the increase in steamy interactions- these two were definitely an explosive pairing!
🎧I was fortunate to receive an audiobook arc and was transfixed by narrator, Christy Woods use of accents and her variation between characters, even the side characters were provided with unique and appropriate voices. This excellent voice work really transplanted me into the story and had me very invested in the outcome. This was a pleasurable book to listen to and the audio definitely enhanced the storytelling.
How To Deceive a Duke by Samara Parish is scheduled to release January 25th, 2022.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Forever Grand Central Publishing through NetGalley and the audiobook from Hachette Audio. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Blog link: https://pinkcowlandreads.blogspot.com...
#HowtoDeceiveaDuke #SamaraParish #Netgalley #pinkcowlandreads
In Samara Parish’s follow up novel she brings back two characters we have already met and dives into their history and corresponding animosity towards each other. Hint: it revolves around unrequited love and broken promises!
Fiona McTavish is a scientist with a breakthrough idea - friction matches! She is in London to find investors… the only problem is that she’s a woman, whom men do not want to work with and she has also been mistaken as a treasonous activist!
That’s ok- because she goes way back with the Duke of Wildeford. A duke can solve any problem! But… she has a history with him and doesn’t actually want anything to do with him… she’ll accept his help with her legal issues, but Fiona insists on letting her invention and work speak for itself.
Oh boy! This book was a wild ride! I loved the intelligent and motivated Fiona, but the strong willed, idealistic and naive Fiona drove me crazy! I was literally yelling at my book! But a character that captures that much emotion from a reader is a good one! As for Edward, the Duke of Wildforde extreme devotion to his family honour and perception rankled me, but his care and attention he gave to Fiona and her wishes and ideas made me root for him! Needless to saw there were many highs and low, with plenty of angst as these two interacted!
I loved the class difference reversal in this book compared to the last and appreciated the increase in steamy interactions- these two were definitely an explosive pairing!
🎧I was fortunate to receive an audiobook arc and was transfixed by narrator, Christy Woods use of accents and her variation between characters, even the side characters were provided with unique and appropriate voices. This excellent voice work really transplanted me into the story and had me very invested in the outcome. This was a pleasurable book to listen to and the audio definitely enhanced the storytelling.
How To Deceive a Duke by Samara Parish is scheduled to release January 25th, 2022.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Forever Grand Central Publishing through NetGalley and the audiobook from Hachette Audio. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Blog link: https://pinkcowlandreads.blogspot.com...
#HowtoDeceiveaDuke #SamaraParish #Netgalley #pinkcowlandreads
February 11, 2022
This regency second chance romance throws together a duke crafted from a pristine reputation and flawless arrogance and an inventor engineered from brash foolhardiness and determined ingenuity. The best part was seeing Fiona dress in men's clothes to navigate spaces where she isn't allowed on behalf of her business interests. The subterfuge paired with the subversiveness was a delicious combination. I also liked Fiona's burgeoning friendships with the duke's siblings but was less enamored with the romance. It's a classic "controlling man meets uncontrollable woman," fueling an obvious antagonism that is also somehow attraction. I was frustrated by unnecessary recklessness and lies that came between them, but at least I give them credit for genuine personal growth at the end.
Beyond the lackluster romance, it's the politics that sink this one for me, as is often the case. The duke is a "moderate," a descriptor that dating profiles have taught me to react to with complete and utter despair for the person in question and for humanity at large. At one point our duke remarks, "Protests and pitchforks cause a lot of harm for limited gain." And then he gets to be "haunted" because he was endangered by a protest once, as if his status doesn't endanger people daily where he doesn't have to see it. I understand the concern about mob behavior. A certain recent insurrection attempt comes to mind. I think where I struggle is that painting in broad strokes about the dangers of protest removes any nuance from the conversation around power, privilege, and collective action. It's also irresponsible to suggest that a historical venue for the plot removes the need for deeper thought. The contemporary lens of both the author and readers can't help but draw up recent corollaries and applications as we read. Finally, the duke ponders that "centuries of tradition shouldn't be overturned because of one unusual female" to suggest that Fiona's example of facing unfair barriers to her business success doesn't indicate a broken system but rather her own exceptionalism to seek what other women don't. Boohiss.
Beyond the lackluster romance, it's the politics that sink this one for me, as is often the case. The duke is a "moderate," a descriptor that dating profiles have taught me to react to with complete and utter despair for the person in question and for humanity at large. At one point our duke remarks, "Protests and pitchforks cause a lot of harm for limited gain." And then he gets to be "haunted" because he was endangered by a protest once, as if his status doesn't endanger people daily where he doesn't have to see it. I understand the concern about mob behavior. A certain recent insurrection attempt comes to mind. I think where I struggle is that painting in broad strokes about the dangers of protest removes any nuance from the conversation around power, privilege, and collective action. It's also irresponsible to suggest that a historical venue for the plot removes the need for deeper thought. The contemporary lens of both the author and readers can't help but draw up recent corollaries and applications as we read. Finally, the duke ponders that "centuries of tradition shouldn't be overturned because of one unusual female" to suggest that Fiona's example of facing unfair barriers to her business success doesn't indicate a broken system but rather her own exceptionalism to seek what other women don't. Boohiss.
January 14, 2022
This is the second in the Rebels with a Cause series. I read as a stand alone but characters and relationships were alluded to that must have been in from "How To Survive a Scandal". I would have benefitted from some recapping or reading them in order. Five years earlier Edward Stirling, Duke of Wildeforde wanted to marry Fiona McTavish a common Scottish girl but family duty makes him break off with her. Fiona is a chemist and has created sulphur match sticks. She's come to London to try and finalize her patent and get distributors for her product. Of course her way is blocked because she is a woman. She manages to get arrested at a protest while dressed as a man (it sort of makes sense) and her footman makes his way to the Duke who gets her placed in hopes arrest at his home.
The situation is complicated as she decides to continue to go out as a man to try and market her matches. She meets the Duke's sister Charlotte who insists Finley (Fiona) must accompany them dancing and attending parties. This all should have felt a lot more fun that it was. Edward's fear of scandal because of the unexplained actions of his father is perplexing. As is his fear of his overbearing mother. The romance when it was the focus of the plot is nice but there is too much miscommunication and I didn't get their chemistry other than being told the sparks flew five years ago (they were not intimate then).
Overall I felt the plot was too complex with the duel identities and so many other issues the book. And I really didn't love either of the main characters or their connection. Fiona would have been able to sell her matches if she allowed the Duke to accompany her as a woman but her pride wouldn't have it. The story could have benefitted from some humor. Thank you to NetGalley and Forever Publishing for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
The situation is complicated as she decides to continue to go out as a man to try and market her matches. She meets the Duke's sister Charlotte who insists Finley (Fiona) must accompany them dancing and attending parties. This all should have felt a lot more fun that it was. Edward's fear of scandal because of the unexplained actions of his father is perplexing. As is his fear of his overbearing mother. The romance when it was the focus of the plot is nice but there is too much miscommunication and I didn't get their chemistry other than being told the sparks flew five years ago (they were not intimate then).
Overall I felt the plot was too complex with the duel identities and so many other issues the book. And I really didn't love either of the main characters or their connection. Fiona would have been able to sell her matches if she allowed the Duke to accompany her as a woman but her pride wouldn't have it. The story could have benefitted from some humor. Thank you to NetGalley and Forever Publishing for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 11, 2021
I went back and forth on my feelings about this book. Overall, I really enjoyed it. Second in the series--and I didn't read the first one--there may be a few things that would be better understood if you read this book after reading the first one. That said, it works just fine as a standalone.
Five years ago, Fiona (a commoner) and Edward (a duke, though Fi didn't know it) met by happenstance and fell in love. However, when Edward approached his mother to let her know that he would not be marrying someone that met her expectations for a perfect duchess, his mother issued not-so-vague threats to Fiona's safety. Terrified for Fiona's life, and broke things off with her via letter.
Fiona, a commoner with a knack for invention, was devastated, but went on to throw herself into her business. Determined to make it on her own, she goes to London to secure a patent on her newest invention, flint matches. As a female, she can't get anyone to give her the time of day, so she dons men's attire and begins to go around as Finley. One thing leads to another, and she soon finds herself in prison with the charge of disorderly conduct. Edward comes to her rescue, and she's required to live in his house--as Finley--as part of her parole. Chaos ensues. Edward and Fiona grow close again and fall more in love than ever before, but some truths remain: She is still a headstrong commoner, and he is still a duke. Which one, if either, will change in order for them to have a future together?
I was at turns in love with both characters and annoyed by them. Fiona is frequently too headstrong for her own good, and Edward is too stubborn. Fiona lies to Ed a fair amount, and while I understand her reasons, I never like it when there are untruths between the main characters. For his part, Edward has a penchant for making stupid comments. He's saved, however, by the fact that he realizes his stupidity soon after he makes it. Overall, I found myself rooting for them.
The story is improved significantly by a strong cast of supporting characters. Edward's siblings, Charlotte and William, are fun and feisty, and I was glad to learn that Charlotte story comes next. I'm also rooting for William to do a little growing up so that we can enjoy his story in the future.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion. Thanks!
Five years ago, Fiona (a commoner) and Edward (a duke, though Fi didn't know it) met by happenstance and fell in love. However, when Edward approached his mother to let her know that he would not be marrying someone that met her expectations for a perfect duchess, his mother issued not-so-vague threats to Fiona's safety. Terrified for Fiona's life, and broke things off with her via letter.
Fiona, a commoner with a knack for invention, was devastated, but went on to throw herself into her business. Determined to make it on her own, she goes to London to secure a patent on her newest invention, flint matches. As a female, she can't get anyone to give her the time of day, so she dons men's attire and begins to go around as Finley. One thing leads to another, and she soon finds herself in prison with the charge of disorderly conduct. Edward comes to her rescue, and she's required to live in his house--as Finley--as part of her parole. Chaos ensues. Edward and Fiona grow close again and fall more in love than ever before, but some truths remain: She is still a headstrong commoner, and he is still a duke. Which one, if either, will change in order for them to have a future together?
I was at turns in love with both characters and annoyed by them. Fiona is frequently too headstrong for her own good, and Edward is too stubborn. Fiona lies to Ed a fair amount, and while I understand her reasons, I never like it when there are untruths between the main characters. For his part, Edward has a penchant for making stupid comments. He's saved, however, by the fact that he realizes his stupidity soon after he makes it. Overall, I found myself rooting for them.
The story is improved significantly by a strong cast of supporting characters. Edward's siblings, Charlotte and William, are fun and feisty, and I was glad to learn that Charlotte story comes next. I'm also rooting for William to do a little growing up so that we can enjoy his story in the future.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion. Thanks!
April 9, 2023
This is a new to me author and I really enjoyed this book. It is apparently the second in the series and I did feel like I was missing the first and the second part of Fiona and Edward’s romance. They met 5 years ago in Abingdale and fell in love but Edward broke it off when he realized he was being selfish and his mother and Society would never accept Fiona as a Duchess. Then there was another incident/meeting a year ago that was only told in snippets and I suspect is in the first book. So this book is really the third part of their romance. I really like Edward, the Duke of Wildeforde throughout even though he could be high-handed. I initially liked Fiona but she was many times too stubborn for her own good and refused to accept help. I also didn’t like that I never found out all the details of the big scandal of Edward’s father that caused him to be so cautious. I’m hoping that is in the first book as well? And I also didn’t like how things ended up with Will. Otherwise a very enjoyable story and I’ll read the first book next to catch up.
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