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04 March 2022

The Rigid Duke by Darcy Burke (Book Beginnings & Friday 56)



Title: The Rigid Duke
Author: Darcy Burke
Publication: 8 March 2022
FormatKindle eARC via NetGalley


Amazon Description
As a refinement tutor, Mrs. Juno Langton helps young ladies develop the skills and confidence to secure an advantageous marriage. Her cheerful disposition never wavers no matter how challenging her assignment. When a house party provides an opportunity to match her difficult charge with a duke, Juno will go to any lengths to satisfy her employer and ensure the young lady’s future. Too bad the duke is an unsmiling, rigid grouch, albeit an irritatingly handsome one.

The Duke of Warrington dislikes social gatherings and despises the Marriage Mart which makes it nigh impossible to find a wife. He plans to secure his future duchess at a house party, but she’s being managed by a thoroughly meddlesome—and provocative—Mrs. Langton, who is determined to find his better nature. He’ll do anything to avoid her sunny charm and room-brightening smiles, but she’s breaking through his shell and the only way he can think to keep her quiet is to kiss her. He must marry the young lady, not desire the companion.

But now he’s rethinking his wife choices.

Ramble-y Teaserish Stuff


Another new series from Darcy Burke? Why yes, I do believe I will. There are so many that I haven't read yet, but I'm sure I'll get to them. I became a bit hooked after the Phoenix Club binge and I'm tempted to say that The Rigid Duke -- the first book in the Matchmaking Chronicles -- may be even better.

We've got Alexander Brett, the Duke of Warrington, more commonly referred to as Dare, and Mrs Juno Langton, a young widow who now acts as "refinement tutor"/matchmaker to the so-called helpless cases of the ton. The Duke needs a wife. Juno's latest client wants her daughter, Marina, to be a Duchess. 

Both Dare and Marina have social issues ... in that they would both rather be left alone than be put in to any sort of social situation. They are thrown together at a house party and he openly admits that he loathes such things and she wounds herself dancing in order to go to the library and hole up in her room with a pile of books.

Perfect for each other, right? Everyone seems to think so ...

Except for the Duke, who is far more intrigued with Marina's "companion" in spite of (or because of) her being his polar opposite ... and Marina, who really does not want to be married at all ... and Juno, the woman who is supposed to be bringing them together, because she's good at what she does and knows it would be a disaster if forced. And, of course, because she is also more than a bit intrigued by the Rigid Duke when it comes right down to it. 

It all plays out beautifully and the players end up being quite unexpected and I cannot wait to see what is next to come for the Matchmaking Chronicles.


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As always, Friday 56 (share a blurb from the 56th page or 56% mark) is hosted at Freda's Voice 
& Book Beginnings (share the first few sentences) is at Rose City Reader

4 comments:

Juli Rahel said...

I'm sure I've been described as a social disaster as well by some xD I do hope everyone in this book gets what they want, especially Marina, she sounds like she deserves a room full of books and no more social engagements! Thanks for sharing and I hope you have a lovely weekend :)
Juli @ A Universe in Words

Breana M. said...

I haven't heard of this one before. The quotes are fun. Have a great weekend!

fredamans said...

Sounds like a great read!! Happy weekend!

Lauren Stoolfire said...

Enjoy and happy weekend!

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