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Duel of Hearts
In her wittiest romp ever, Diane Farr follows two well-meaning marriage wreckers on a collision course—to the altar...
Lilah Chadwick thinks she's the apple of her father's eye—until he announces his plans to marry. Hoping to counter his decision, she rushes to London.
Adam Harleston, the ninth Earl of Drakesley, is a man possessed. His young cousin has been seduced by an older gentleman, and he's determined to save her honor before it's too late.
But wedding bells are about to ring for Lilah's father and Drake's cousin. Joining forces, Lilah and Drake vow to stop their loved ones from making a drastic mistake—only to discover that falling in love is never a mistake...
Lilah Chadwick thinks she's the apple of her father's eye—until he announces his plans to marry. Hoping to counter his decision, she rushes to London.
Adam Harleston, the ninth Earl of Drakesley, is a man possessed. His young cousin has been seduced by an older gentleman, and he's determined to save her honor before it's too late.
But wedding bells are about to ring for Lilah's father and Drake's cousin. Joining forces, Lilah and Drake vow to stop their loved ones from making a drastic mistake—only to discover that falling in love is never a mistake...
342 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 1, 2002
13 people are currently reading
131 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
December 15, 2017
I just loved this heroine ! She was such a spoilt brat that it was funny. It was refreshing after having read so many historicals with selfless, "Mary Sue" heroines who were always so goody 2 shoes to be true. Delilah was delightful and funny. She was an unapologetic, manipulative little daddy's girl without being an annoying bitch. I totally identified with that ! She hears that her beloved father is thinking of getting married to a much younger woman so she does what any daddy's little girl would do: she hightails it out of their village and rushes to get to her father before he can commit that big mistake of marrying some unworthy woman. This was so funny. Lilah drives everybody crazy with her antics and her chaperone/nurse/companion, whom she calls "Picky" just follows along for the ride. After all, what can the poor old lady do when Lilah is more determined than a 4 star general on a mission ?
Lilah soon finds herself needing to rent a proper coach to take her, Picky and all of her trunks ( and believe me Lilah has packed tons and tons of clothing ) for this journey. I loved that Lilah was a total girly girl type of heroine; it's nice to read about a girl like this after coming across so many that don't care about clothes or fashion or are just tomboys. It just so happens that the hero Adam, who is a wealthy Earl, is also seeking to rent a coach because his own broke down in the middle of his journey. There's only one coach for rent and it's hardly luxurious but beggars can't be choosers. Lilah starts throwing a tantrum and insulting him when she can't get the coach for herself and eventually they compromise and decide to share it since they're going to the same destination. It just happens that Adam also wants to stop Lilah's father from marrying his distant cousin Eugenia. The two MC's have this goal in common: they must stop the engagement from taking place. Adam is fond of his orphaned cousin Eugenia and had always told himself that maybe someday he would marry her, when the time had come for him to bow to the need for matrimony. Lilah doesn't care what he does with Eugenia, as long as her dear precious dad is saved from the woman.
The sexual chemistry between Lilah and Adam is always at a peak. They are constantly arguing and insulting each other but the author gives us an idea of what each one is also thinking about the other: quite often their inner thoughts are of a lustful nature. Adam thinks she is indeed some kind of tempting, luscious but evil little shrewish baggage while she can't help wanting him to keep kissing her. Their interactions are so entertaining. They go from absolutely loathing each other to feeling unwanted lust to the start of gentler and more loving emotions. However they are both as stubborn as mules and neither is willing to give up on his and her plans. Adam believes obstinately that only Eugenia will be the suitable wife for him. Lilah thinks Eugenia is too simple, timid, plain looking and mousy to be appealing to her dad and she definitely cannot see what the handsome Adam would find attractive about Eugenia. However Eugenia is a wonderful character. She is indeed very timid and not attractive but she is smarter than everyone credits her.
Eugenia knows from the time she sees Adam and Lilah that those two are suited for each other. Eugenia also knows that an older, kind and gentlemanly person like Lilah's dad is the ideal husband for her. She knows that Adam is only fond of her and doesn't even find her attractive. In fact Adam has taken Eugenia for granted for far too long and she knows it. She therefore comes up with the perfect plan to get Adam to realize that marriage to her is not what he truly desires. Eugenia tells him that she will indeed marry him and he is shocked and depressed when she says it. He can't understand why he feels that way because he had thought Eugenia would be his perfect bride. Lilah is also flummoxed. She feels her heart breaking at the news of Eugenia's acceptance of Adam's proposal and she tries to make herself feel better by thinking of the guy back home that would be the perfect husband for her. Lilah is so boisterous and controlling that her ideal husband has to be a man she would be able to manipulate. Eugenia is the only one who seems to know that the shrewish Lilah needs a man who can tame her: a man like Adam. In spite of all her plans and hopes she is desperately unhappy because of her feelings for Adam.
After a series of amusing incidents, plots and plenty of stolen seductive encounters Adam and his delightful shrew realize finally that they are totally in love with each other. This all would never happened so quickly had it not been for the shrewd manipulations of Eugenia.
This was a very pleasant, comical and cute romantic novel with very engaging minor characters who added a lot of entertainment to the main story line. I loved Lilah but she is not my favorite heroine ever yet I totally identified with her - especially her crazy, spoilt brat ways and her daddy's little girl behaviour.
Lilah soon finds herself needing to rent a proper coach to take her, Picky and all of her trunks ( and believe me Lilah has packed tons and tons of clothing ) for this journey. I loved that Lilah was a total girly girl type of heroine; it's nice to read about a girl like this after coming across so many that don't care about clothes or fashion or are just tomboys. It just so happens that the hero Adam, who is a wealthy Earl, is also seeking to rent a coach because his own broke down in the middle of his journey. There's only one coach for rent and it's hardly luxurious but beggars can't be choosers. Lilah starts throwing a tantrum and insulting him when she can't get the coach for herself and eventually they compromise and decide to share it since they're going to the same destination. It just happens that Adam also wants to stop Lilah's father from marrying his distant cousin Eugenia. The two MC's have this goal in common: they must stop the engagement from taking place. Adam is fond of his orphaned cousin Eugenia and had always told himself that maybe someday he would marry her, when the time had come for him to bow to the need for matrimony. Lilah doesn't care what he does with Eugenia, as long as her dear precious dad is saved from the woman.
The sexual chemistry between Lilah and Adam is always at a peak. They are constantly arguing and insulting each other but the author gives us an idea of what each one is also thinking about the other: quite often their inner thoughts are of a lustful nature. Adam thinks she is indeed some kind of tempting, luscious but evil little shrewish baggage while she can't help wanting him to keep kissing her. Their interactions are so entertaining. They go from absolutely loathing each other to feeling unwanted lust to the start of gentler and more loving emotions. However they are both as stubborn as mules and neither is willing to give up on his and her plans. Adam believes obstinately that only Eugenia will be the suitable wife for him. Lilah thinks Eugenia is too simple, timid, plain looking and mousy to be appealing to her dad and she definitely cannot see what the handsome Adam would find attractive about Eugenia. However Eugenia is a wonderful character. She is indeed very timid and not attractive but she is smarter than everyone credits her.
Eugenia knows from the time she sees Adam and Lilah that those two are suited for each other. Eugenia also knows that an older, kind and gentlemanly person like Lilah's dad is the ideal husband for her. She knows that Adam is only fond of her and doesn't even find her attractive. In fact Adam has taken Eugenia for granted for far too long and she knows it. She therefore comes up with the perfect plan to get Adam to realize that marriage to her is not what he truly desires. Eugenia tells him that she will indeed marry him and he is shocked and depressed when she says it. He can't understand why he feels that way because he had thought Eugenia would be his perfect bride. Lilah is also flummoxed. She feels her heart breaking at the news of Eugenia's acceptance of Adam's proposal and she tries to make herself feel better by thinking of the guy back home that would be the perfect husband for her. Lilah is so boisterous and controlling that her ideal husband has to be a man she would be able to manipulate. Eugenia is the only one who seems to know that the shrewish Lilah needs a man who can tame her: a man like Adam. In spite of all her plans and hopes she is desperately unhappy because of her feelings for Adam.
After a series of amusing incidents, plots and plenty of stolen seductive encounters Adam and his delightful shrew realize finally that they are totally in love with each other. This all would never happened so quickly had it not been for the shrewd manipulations of Eugenia.
This was a very pleasant, comical and cute romantic novel with very engaging minor characters who added a lot of entertainment to the main story line. I loved Lilah but she is not my favorite heroine ever yet I totally identified with her - especially her crazy, spoilt brat ways and her daddy's little girl behaviour.
September 13, 2020
3.5
Sometimes I get in the mood for an old Traditional Regency, since I had enjoyed a few of Ms. Farr's previous books I decided to give this one a try.
Miss Delilah Chadwick is completely spoiled, always gets what she wants and is used to having people do as she wishes. No one stands up to her. When she learns her father has gotten engaged behind her back, she is outraged and rushes to London to try and stop the match.
Lord Drakesley has learned that his childhood friend, and the woman he intended to marry has gotten engaged! As he also rushes to London, his path crosses with Miss Delilah and to say sparks fly is an understatement. Drake and Lilah are two of a kind, both are used to people doing as they wish, not questioning them at all. So to say they butt-heads would be putting it mildly.
This was a pretty entertaining story, I think it could have been a bit shorter, but overall it kept me engaged and wondering what these two crazies would get up to next. Lilah is not your typical regency heroine, she is spoiled and clueless. Drake can be domineering and rude. But they're pretty fun to see together. I also think once the dust settles they'll probably get along fine. They can't decide between arguing or kissing, so they do a lot of both. It was a fun, lighthearted read.
Content: PG13
Romance: Pretty clean, mild innuendo, passionate kisses, once scene with wondering hands
Language: Mild
Violence: None
Sometimes I get in the mood for an old Traditional Regency, since I had enjoyed a few of Ms. Farr's previous books I decided to give this one a try.
Miss Delilah Chadwick is completely spoiled, always gets what she wants and is used to having people do as she wishes. No one stands up to her. When she learns her father has gotten engaged behind her back, she is outraged and rushes to London to try and stop the match.
Lord Drakesley has learned that his childhood friend, and the woman he intended to marry has gotten engaged! As he also rushes to London, his path crosses with Miss Delilah and to say sparks fly is an understatement. Drake and Lilah are two of a kind, both are used to people doing as they wish, not questioning them at all. So to say they butt-heads would be putting it mildly.
This was a pretty entertaining story, I think it could have been a bit shorter, but overall it kept me engaged and wondering what these two crazies would get up to next. Lilah is not your typical regency heroine, she is spoiled and clueless. Drake can be domineering and rude. But they're pretty fun to see together. I also think once the dust settles they'll probably get along fine. They can't decide between arguing or kissing, so they do a lot of both. It was a fun, lighthearted read.
Content: PG13
Romance: Pretty clean, mild innuendo, passionate kisses, once scene with wondering hands
Language: Mild
Violence: None
June 29, 2015
Delilah Chadwick, spoiled only child of a baronet, is shocked and horrified to receive a letter from her father announcing his attentions of marrying. She's determined to stop the marriage at once, certain that her father's intended is some grasping harpy taking advantage of Papa's good nature. Lilah and her companion "Picky," take off for London at once but run into obstacles. There's only one traveling carriage available at the posting inn and it's spoken for. Adam Harleston, ninth Earl of Drakesley is making haste for London where his biddable cousin has engaged herself to some old lecher. He's determined to stop the marriage and marry his cousin himself as he has always intended to do. Lilah and Drake clash at every opportunity but they can't stop kissing.
Snooze. This story was soooo tedious. It took me days to read and I skimmed most of the kissing (making out) parts. I hated Drake. He's an arrogant bully for no good reason and he doesn't have a backstory. Why is he such a jerk? No idea. I wanted to hate Lilah too but I sympathized with her and probably would have acted the same way in her situation. I couldn't stand all the fighting and making out. That to me is not romantic. I found Papa and Eugenia's relationship much more appealing. Eugenia is the most likable character in the whole story. She knows her own mind and knows how to get what she wants. Sure she has to manipulate people to do it, but it's the only means available to her. She's practical and level headed - just the opposite of Lilah. I'd rather read a book about her.
Snooze. This story was soooo tedious. It took me days to read and I skimmed most of the kissing (making out) parts. I hated Drake. He's an arrogant bully for no good reason and he doesn't have a backstory. Why is he such a jerk? No idea. I wanted to hate Lilah too but I sympathized with her and probably would have acted the same way in her situation. I couldn't stand all the fighting and making out. That to me is not romantic. I found Papa and Eugenia's relationship much more appealing. Eugenia is the most likable character in the whole story. She knows her own mind and knows how to get what she wants. Sure she has to manipulate people to do it, but it's the only means available to her. She's practical and level headed - just the opposite of Lilah. I'd rather read a book about her.
November 9, 2017
Charming!
Busybodies Delilah Chadwick and Lord Drakesley, known as Drake, attempt to ruin the engagement of her father to his friend, a woman Drake had always planned to marry. Their plans go dreadfully awry in this light-hearted Regency romance, but both get their unexpected happily ever after.
Busybodies Delilah Chadwick and Lord Drakesley, known as Drake, attempt to ruin the engagement of her father to his friend, a woman Drake had always planned to marry. Their plans go dreadfully awry in this light-hearted Regency romance, but both get their unexpected happily ever after.
December 12, 2019
This is an oddball one, completely wacky and wild, but very, very funny. Lilah Chadwick and Lord Drakesley (Drake) meet in inauspicious circumstances - at a country coaching inn, squabbling over the only available carriage for hire. Both are determined to have it and not prepared to yield, so when they discover that they are bound for the same place, they do the only sensible thing and share the carriage.
They soon find that they have even more in common, for Lilah’s father is planning to marry Drake’s cousin, a wedding that they will both do anything to stop. Naturally, they set aside their differences and join forces to separate the two, so that Lilah can have her beloved father all to herself again, and Drake can marry his childhood sweetheart.
And so the stage is set for these two to fight and squabble and battle their way to the realisation that what they thought they wanted and what they actually want may be two very different things. Now, none of this should work at all. Lilah and Drake have to be utterly oblivious and (quite frankly) stupid not to see what is right under their noses, which everyone else can see perfectly well. Much of what happens is so over-the-top that it ought to be unbelievable and ridiculous. And yet, somehow, the author pulls it off magnificently. I rolled my eyes and wanted to bang their heads together several times per chapter, but I still loved this book. Realistic it isn’t, but it’s very, very funny. Five stars.
They soon find that they have even more in common, for Lilah’s father is planning to marry Drake’s cousin, a wedding that they will both do anything to stop. Naturally, they set aside their differences and join forces to separate the two, so that Lilah can have her beloved father all to herself again, and Drake can marry his childhood sweetheart.
And so the stage is set for these two to fight and squabble and battle their way to the realisation that what they thought they wanted and what they actually want may be two very different things. Now, none of this should work at all. Lilah and Drake have to be utterly oblivious and (quite frankly) stupid not to see what is right under their noses, which everyone else can see perfectly well. Much of what happens is so over-the-top that it ought to be unbelievable and ridiculous. And yet, somehow, the author pulls it off magnificently. I rolled my eyes and wanted to bang their heads together several times per chapter, but I still loved this book. Realistic it isn’t, but it’s very, very funny. Five stars.
November 11, 2018
That was a rather entertaining read! Both Lilah and Drake are incredibly stubborn, and all too accustomed to having things done their way. So when they both get the unwelcome news that their nearest and dearest (Lilah's father, and Drake's long-time friend, Eugenia) were soon to be married, they hastened to prevent the marriage as soon as they were able.
What follows was a compelling attraction between two very similar creatures, which was rather amusing, but wasn't necessarily enough to completely set my heart aflutter.
What follows was a compelling attraction between two very similar creatures, which was rather amusing, but wasn't necessarily enough to completely set my heart aflutter.
May 29, 2023
Clean Regency Romance; some heavy breathing
A witty wonderful book. What was different is that both h&h were willing to do that which is 'not done if you're a gentleman/lady' and take action that would put them beyond the pale in polite society. They recover their sense of propriety and courage to face those they've wronged. And we get an hea.
A witty wonderful book. What was different is that both h&h were willing to do that which is 'not done if you're a gentleman/lady' and take action that would put them beyond the pale in polite society. They recover their sense of propriety and courage to face those they've wronged. And we get an hea.
February 3, 2013
What a delightful story with wonderful characters! I loved it!
It was lovely to see two characters of a similar, fiery nature come together. Their frequent arguments were highly amusing and the whole story of how their passionate relationship developed was great, if a little frustrating at times when they just wouldn't see what was right before their eyes; that they were perfect for each other - it's not only opposites that attract! There were some sweet secondary characters and putting it all together it was delightful, very romantic, wonderfully witty and highly engaging!
I cannot wait to read more of her work.
It was lovely to see two characters of a similar, fiery nature come together. Their frequent arguments were highly amusing and the whole story of how their passionate relationship developed was great, if a little frustrating at times when they just wouldn't see what was right before their eyes; that they were perfect for each other - it's not only opposites that attract! There were some sweet secondary characters and putting it all together it was delightful, very romantic, wonderfully witty and highly engaging!
I cannot wait to read more of her work.
January 19, 2013
at the beginning of this book I thought it was a real disappointment because the heroine seemed to be a spoiled brat ... and not just a little spoiled ....
the heroe was one of a kind and I really liked him but sadly we got no real insights on him.
during the book the main characters grew on you and the story was nice to read
on the whole 3,5 stars from me for this book
sidenote: there is also a small appearance of Lord Rival ... he did not appear to be more charming than in Falling for Chloe, on the contrary...
the heroe was one of a kind and I really liked him but sadly we got no real insights on him.
during the book the main characters grew on you and the story was nice to read
on the whole 3,5 stars from me for this book
sidenote: there is also a small appearance of Lord Rival ... he did not appear to be more charming than in Falling for Chloe, on the contrary...
July 23, 2015
I really loved this book. The constant bickering between the hero and heroine is highly entertaining. The chemistry between the 2 is palpable, and I really enjoy that the author was able to portray their romance with no graphic details. In fact, it was quite innocent (although for the time period, I'm sure it was scandalous!) However tame it may have seemed though, I still got butterflies in my stomach whenever their clashing personalities resulted in tumultuous and passionate embraces.
March 25, 2023
This book was so fun! I honestly didn't think I was going to like it because it sounded like there would be a lot of arguing and drama. There is a lot of arguing, but for some reason it is so funny! These two people can't get along even when they have the same mission. The characters were so interesting, and it was fun to watch their personalities interact with each other. Overall, a fun whimsical read.
October 4, 2018
A spoiled rotten, used to always getting her way and attention daughter of a baron, A man who became an earl at 10 months old (and used to having his way) and a widowed lonely father who sneeks off to woo and remarry (A sweet kind woman totally unlike his his first wife and daughter) without said daughter knowing because he's spoiled her rotten and doesn't like confrontation. I liked it!
June 30, 2008
genre: Regency Romance
Fun, "love-at-first-hate" romance of two regency fire-brands bumping up against eachother. Laugh-out-loud funny in multiple places. The "bedroom scenes" are all suggestive but not explicit. I found it a fun read ;-)
Fun, "love-at-first-hate" romance of two regency fire-brands bumping up against eachother. Laugh-out-loud funny in multiple places. The "bedroom scenes" are all suggestive but not explicit. I found it a fun read ;-)
December 29, 2017
Reminiscent corvette genres regency
Love the style author users with these two combatant characters.
Passion that isn't a gratuitous skin fest are adorable.
Recommend for fans of sweet recency in style of georgette heyers.
Love the style author users with these two combatant characters.
Passion that isn't a gratuitous skin fest are adorable.
Recommend for fans of sweet recency in style of georgette heyers.
June 25, 2019
"They fight so much that they must be meant for each other" is not a theme that would normally capture my interest, but this one was well done. Even though you know that they will end up together, the journey was still interesting, and the secondary characters were particularly well handled.
November 5, 2008
Just another reread :)... I loved the "love at first hate" as well. I am really loving that type of book and those are being saved in my reread pile right now!
Very quick and entertaining read!
Very quick and entertaining read!
February 12, 2013
Very nicely written, enjoyable traditional-style Regency - a comedy of manners and character.
July 19, 2012
Really fun read. A regency romance with a fun twist. Just read it , you'll enjoy the farce and humor of the hero and heroine.
February 11, 2023
Defined a duel of the H&H! Like a classic 40’s rom com film/ banter with a regency sensibility really lovely
August 3, 2016
A Regency ear romance that has some influence from: "Taming of the Shrew."
When Delilah Chadwick learns her father, Sir Horace plans on remarrying, she makes the rash dicision to travel to London to stop it.
Along the way, Lilah's mode of transportation breaks down.
This leads to a chance encounter with Lord Drakesley. The two immediately spark.
Funny and light in tone.
When Delilah Chadwick learns her father, Sir Horace plans on remarrying, she makes the rash dicision to travel to London to stop it.
Along the way, Lilah's mode of transportation breaks down.
This leads to a chance encounter with Lord Drakesley. The two immediately spark.
Funny and light in tone.
December 18, 2025
The clueless main couple argues and lusts after each other throughout the story. The father was rather a dolt for not introducing his fiancee to his daughter. It is an amusing story but I wish the characters didn't use Hottentot as an example of an undesirable person.
November 12, 2017
Regency
August 31, 2010
Everyone needs a ridiculously cheesy and not-so-well written romance novel every once in awhile!
January 12, 2011
Did not like the heroine at all. I thought she was a spoiled brat. Diane Farr has written better.
September 14, 2011
An OK read, but nothing compelling. Two very strong-willed people find love amongst constant bickering. Very light-hearted and silly.
February 15, 2023
It took a bit to get into. The lead characters are pretty annoying especially Lilah, and I put the book down several times, but it's a decent read in the end.
March 15, 2017
A regency-era book. Not a bad story, kind of funny the way the main characters were arguing. The outcome was predictable but then that is what the summary of the book said it would be.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews