The Duke Meets His Match

Author: Karen Tuft
Genre: Regency Romance
Release Date: Dec. 1, 2020

At thirty years of age, Susan Jennings has long been considered a spinster. Exceptionally intelligent, she has little tolerance for London and the dreaded Season—if that’s how one is expected to find love, it’s not for her. But when an invitation arrives that cannot be ignored, Susan leaves her comfortable life in the country and enters the fashion and frivolity she most despises. She quickly discovers, however, that there is more to loathe in London—and his name is George Kendall.

George, Duke of Aylesham, has learned to keep his distance from cloying females chasing the title of duchess. Susan Jennings, however, proves an entirely different challenge—a woman who has pushed him to the limit of his patience with their every encounter. But their simmering hostility is disrupted by a thoughtless slip-up: to avoid a marriage of political strategy, George claims he is already betrothed. And when pressed for the name of the lucky woman, only one name comes to mind: Susan’s. Their forced betrothal proves advantageous, but when their verbal sparring must change in order to be convincing, the line between fact and fiction becomes blurred by something neither expected: love.

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Reviewer: Winnie Thomas

“Susan had never been described as a rose—or any flower at all, for that matter. She had been referred to as a thorn in one’s side, which was about as botanical as any description of her had ever been.”

I loved this description of Susan Jennings, as it tells much about her personality and her manner. She’s intelligent, outspoken, a bit sarcastic, and doesn’t like much about London society. She is thought of as “the harpy” by George, the Duke of Aylesham. In return, Susan thinks of him as “His Loftiness,” which fits him quite well. He didn’t seem very likeable at first, as he seemed a little standoffish, imperious, and quick to judge other people. They both grew on me, though, as they got to know each other after a forced betrothal. I enjoyed their banter and the way their first impressions changed as they got to know each other.

It was interesting to read the Author’s Notes in the back of the book which listed the real people that were included in the story. One of the reasons I enjoy historical fiction so much is that I learn a lot about the history of different eras while I’m enjoying a great story. I’m looking forward to more wonderful books from this excellent author.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Covenant Communications. All opinions are my own.

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Reviewer: Laura J. Davis

I always enjoy discovering "new-to-me" authors, and once again, I have found a new favourite in Karen Tuft. If a book keeps me up to the wee hours of the morning, it's a good one!

George Kendall, the Duke of Aylesham, has indeed met his match in Susan Jennings. While he is used to people falling all over themselves to appease him, she is not willing to do so. She secretly calls him "Your Loftiness." He secretly calls her a harpy, so when her name is the name he blurts out as his betrothed (to avoid a political marriage), he somehow has to convince her to marry him.

I loved the sparring between the two and the growing attraction that developed. A fun book all around. If you do not mind the lack of Christian content, you will enjoy it!

I received this book courtesy of Covenant Communications through NetGalley.

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