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Surprise! Dukes #4
The Duke's Daring Bride
What is the price of her innocence?
Miss Olivia Wilson is desperate, and desperate women do daring things. No, not the time she ventured into the East End alone after dark—and had to be rescued by a tall, dark mysterious stranger—but she’s willing to do just about anything to save her family’s newspaper. When her biggest investor pulls his funding, she confronts him, willing to become his mistress if that’s what it will take. He might not speak, but she can’t deny his dark and dangerous appeal, and there would be worse hardships than becoming a fascinating duke’s plaything.
But…marriage?
Alistair Kincaid, the Duke of Effinghell, would rather chew nails than allow Society an opportunity to mock him for his silence. Instead, he uses his days—and nights—protecting others without voices. He might need a wife, but he isn’t going find one at a ball or musicale or other bit of nonsense. Then he realizes the daring beauty currently berating him in his study is exactly what he needs; her desperation will allow him the upper hand in his bargain, and her curves make his inexperienced palms itch to stroke her.
But this marriage of convenience is about to become complicated, as Olivia’s newspaper unravels past mysteries and Alistair's ridiculous family gets involved. To save his inconvenient wife—again—he’ll have to confront his deepest fears and lure a villain into the open. Olivia’s daring might just mean disaster for them all!
Contents are HOT. If you can relate to a curvy, clumsy, well-meaning and audacious heroine, who thinks the right path is always full steam ahead, then Alistair will be your new book boyfriend… Promise!
Miss Olivia Wilson is desperate, and desperate women do daring things. No, not the time she ventured into the East End alone after dark—and had to be rescued by a tall, dark mysterious stranger—but she’s willing to do just about anything to save her family’s newspaper. When her biggest investor pulls his funding, she confronts him, willing to become his mistress if that’s what it will take. He might not speak, but she can’t deny his dark and dangerous appeal, and there would be worse hardships than becoming a fascinating duke’s plaything.
But…marriage?
Alistair Kincaid, the Duke of Effinghell, would rather chew nails than allow Society an opportunity to mock him for his silence. Instead, he uses his days—and nights—protecting others without voices. He might need a wife, but he isn’t going find one at a ball or musicale or other bit of nonsense. Then he realizes the daring beauty currently berating him in his study is exactly what he needs; her desperation will allow him the upper hand in his bargain, and her curves make his inexperienced palms itch to stroke her.
But this marriage of convenience is about to become complicated, as Olivia’s newspaper unravels past mysteries and Alistair's ridiculous family gets involved. To save his inconvenient wife—again—he’ll have to confront his deepest fears and lure a villain into the open. Olivia’s daring might just mean disaster for them all!
Contents are HOT. If you can relate to a curvy, clumsy, well-meaning and audacious heroine, who thinks the right path is always full steam ahead, then Alistair will be your new book boyfriend… Promise!
352 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 31, 2023
266 people are currently reading
241 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
August 31, 2023
Miss Olivia Wilson is desperate, and desperate women do daring things. No, not the time she ventured into the East End alone after dark and had to be rescued by a tall, dark mysterious stranger but she’s willing to do just about anything to save her family’s newspaper. When her biggest investor pulls his funding, she confronts him, willing to become his mistress if that’s what it will take. Alistair Kincaid, the Duke of Effinghell, would rather chew nails than allow Society an opportunity to mock him for his silence. Instead, he uses his days and nights protecting others without voices. But this marriage of convenience is about to become complicated, as Olivia’s newspaper unravels past mysteries and Alistair's ridiculous family gets involved. To save his inconvenient wife—again—he’ll have to confront his deepest fears and lure a villain into the open. Olivia’s daring might just mean disaster for them all!
The fourth book in this hilarious & brilliant series, it’s easily read on its own. I loved everything about it, Alistair & Olivia are made for each other & the chemistry between them is electric, the pace flows effortlessly & the story is captivating. This is my favourite of the series so far & I’d give it ten stars if I could. It’s witty, it's charming it's steamy & it made me laugh out loud & I finished it with a smile on my face. The names are a hoot, the secondary characters are endearing especially Alistair's Mother & sisters. Yes I loved it
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
The fourth book in this hilarious & brilliant series, it’s easily read on its own. I loved everything about it, Alistair & Olivia are made for each other & the chemistry between them is electric, the pace flows effortlessly & the story is captivating. This is my favourite of the series so far & I’d give it ten stars if I could. It’s witty, it's charming it's steamy & it made me laugh out loud & I finished it with a smile on my face. The names are a hoot, the secondary characters are endearing especially Alistair's Mother & sisters. Yes I loved it
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
August 31, 2023
Amazing opposites attract story of Miss Olivia Wilson and Alistair Kincaid, the Duke of Effinghell. Olivia is the owner and reporter for her late father's newspaper. She is bold, intelligent, and willing to do anything. Alistair is quiet (he doesn't even talk), reserved and wants to stay in his little bubble of a life. These two together are incredible and the best thing for each other. The love story, the intrigue, and the side characters are enough to recommend this book, but the humour puts it over the top to 10 stars!
August 28, 2023
Ali stair and Olivia brought some heat to their story. The story was very entertaining for a reader such as myself. I found the witty remarks and comments by the characters funny and cute in some moments of the story. Sisters Amanda and Amelia as well as Hamish kept Alastair rolling his eyes with annoyance and the constant need to stay out of the town house. Olivia was his anchor which I’m sure that he was thankful for. However Alistair had to contend with the Dark Knight that shadows Olivia memory. As I said the story was fun and very entertaining. Until next time my fellow readers. Read on!
September 2, 2023
Caroline Lee is sort of like a new author to me. I originally read her in the Second Chance Manor series with Scarlett Scott and Merry Farmer. The last book in that series was one that she wrote and it was my favorite and was so damn good. Not a huge fan of Scottish stories which are most of her books but wanted to read more by her. This is my 12th book by her. To be truthfully honest I could not get into her Bad in Plaid series so I haven’t read that and her new series, Tales of the Harlot's Guide, all three books were in 1st person which I hate so after pushing through book 1, I won’t read book 2 and 3. But I have been enjoying this series.
I enjoyed Olivia and Alistair's story. I like that it was different regarding Alistair. Cute couple, cute read.
I enjoyed Olivia and Alistair's story. I like that it was different regarding Alistair. Cute couple, cute read.
August 30, 2023
For the love of cheese. Who can resist a story that focuses on the love of cheese, a colorful talking cockatiel, a god-like footman and oh did I mention – a Caroline Lee book? Not me. The Duke’s Daring Bride by Caroline Lee is the fourth book in her Surprise! Dukes series. Do you need to read the previous three books before this one? Not necessarily. Should you? Absolutely!!!
No one does steamy humorous love stories with a dash of intrigue like Caroline Lee and this book does not disappoint. You have a very handsome duke who doesn’t speak, a heroine who is daring and a cast of surrounding characters that are engaging, funny, heartwarming and did I mention there was a cockatiel and a tortoise? The story opens with Alistair Kincaid, the fifth Duke of Effinghell, hiding out from his mother and the aforementioned cockatiel. Alistair hides himself away because he cannot speak as a result of an accident when he was a child. He is insecure about this, so he keeps away from most of society which impacts his chances of making a match or of squiring his sisters out much to his mother’s dismay and displeasure. He decides his only chance is to find a woman who is desperate and would overlook his inability to speak.
Enter one Miss. Olivia Wilson, the owner of a newspaper that champions the rights of the poor. Her funding is being cut with the loss of key investors, she is living in the office, is unable to afford almost anything and carries around an emergency stash of cheese! She first encounters Alistair while searching for a source for her next news story although she doesn’t know who he is because Alistair dons another persona each night. He is the Dark Knight who makes evening excursions to the East End to protect the poorest residents. He saves Oliva one evening.
Alistar was one of the newspaper’s primary investors and his funding was erroneously ended. Olivia goes to him to see if she can get the funding reinstated and instead ends up as the Duke’s bride. He knows she is desperate and believes she is the answer to his marriage problem. The remainder of the book is Ms. Lee at her best as the characters need to wade through their insecurities and realize they are worthy of loving and being loved. Alistair needs to get out of his own way and recognize that he is negatively impacting those who love him with his protective shell and Oliva needs to recognize that she is worthy of being a Duchess. As a tie in with the previous books in the series, there is intrigue and the hunt for a very bad villain which Alistair and Oliva work to help capture.
With that being said, there is no way to read a Caroline Lee book without her signature use of steam (burning hot!), colorful language by all (yeah!) and well more steam (double yeah!!) I also love the subplots in the stories and cannot wait for those to come into their own in future books as the characters are deliciously delightful. As a reader and a fan of series in general, I love getting to revisit characters especially when one is a foul-mouthed, funny Duke who loves his Duchess to pieces (hint read The Duke’s Bartered Mistress – well read them all really). I love how the story unfolds between Oliva and Alistar, how he recognizes her love language is cheese, how she loves and supports him and how he finds and uses his voice. Take my advice – read this book, heck read this series, you will love it.
I received an ARC of The Duke’s Daring Bride by Caroline Lee from the author and voluntarily read the book.
No one does steamy humorous love stories with a dash of intrigue like Caroline Lee and this book does not disappoint. You have a very handsome duke who doesn’t speak, a heroine who is daring and a cast of surrounding characters that are engaging, funny, heartwarming and did I mention there was a cockatiel and a tortoise? The story opens with Alistair Kincaid, the fifth Duke of Effinghell, hiding out from his mother and the aforementioned cockatiel. Alistair hides himself away because he cannot speak as a result of an accident when he was a child. He is insecure about this, so he keeps away from most of society which impacts his chances of making a match or of squiring his sisters out much to his mother’s dismay and displeasure. He decides his only chance is to find a woman who is desperate and would overlook his inability to speak.
Enter one Miss. Olivia Wilson, the owner of a newspaper that champions the rights of the poor. Her funding is being cut with the loss of key investors, she is living in the office, is unable to afford almost anything and carries around an emergency stash of cheese! She first encounters Alistair while searching for a source for her next news story although she doesn’t know who he is because Alistair dons another persona each night. He is the Dark Knight who makes evening excursions to the East End to protect the poorest residents. He saves Oliva one evening.
Alistar was one of the newspaper’s primary investors and his funding was erroneously ended. Olivia goes to him to see if she can get the funding reinstated and instead ends up as the Duke’s bride. He knows she is desperate and believes she is the answer to his marriage problem. The remainder of the book is Ms. Lee at her best as the characters need to wade through their insecurities and realize they are worthy of loving and being loved. Alistair needs to get out of his own way and recognize that he is negatively impacting those who love him with his protective shell and Oliva needs to recognize that she is worthy of being a Duchess. As a tie in with the previous books in the series, there is intrigue and the hunt for a very bad villain which Alistair and Oliva work to help capture.
With that being said, there is no way to read a Caroline Lee book without her signature use of steam (burning hot!), colorful language by all (yeah!) and well more steam (double yeah!!) I also love the subplots in the stories and cannot wait for those to come into their own in future books as the characters are deliciously delightful. As a reader and a fan of series in general, I love getting to revisit characters especially when one is a foul-mouthed, funny Duke who loves his Duchess to pieces (hint read The Duke’s Bartered Mistress – well read them all really). I love how the story unfolds between Oliva and Alistar, how he recognizes her love language is cheese, how she loves and supports him and how he finds and uses his voice. Take my advice – read this book, heck read this series, you will love it.
I received an ARC of The Duke’s Daring Bride by Caroline Lee from the author and voluntarily read the book.
August 30, 2023
OMG! I LOVE THIS BOOK! It has everything you need, a virgin Duke, who doesn't speak,Alastair is a swoon worthy hero, if there ever was one! A Duke by day, and the avenging "Dark Knight" at night, that is where he feels most accepted, Olivia, is the perfect heroine, she's smart, beautiful, and will do whatever she needs to, to save her newspaper, maybe even give herself to the quite, sexy Duke of Effinghell😉 there is a wonderful cast of characters in this book, including one "fOo*ing brilliant" bird! As always you get an epic journey, to a happily everafter.🥰🥰 so go on grab this one and enjoy!!
November 11, 2024
Review to come …x 2 - audiobook finished 11/11/2024; ebook 9/23/2023
SFCP (safe for childless people) - no on page pregnancy or childbirth, no pregnancy in Epilogue.
SFCP (safe for childless people) - no on page pregnancy or childbirth, no pregnancy in Epilogue.
September 8, 2023
3.5 stars
September 4, 2023
4.8 is really the score but I rounded up!
These two are quite the pair Alistair Aka Duke of Effinghell and Olivia Aka Liv Wilson.
Liv owns a newspaper so it stands to reason she would know how much status a wife had then a mistress and Alastair never offered her anything but respect!
These two have an agreement Liv to keep Alistair from making public appearances due to his lack of speech! He has married down considering he is a Duke and she a Newspaper owner but Alistair needs an heir! He lost his father and almost his life in a tragic carriage accident!
There is instant chemistry and they both have dangerous occupations!
Liv will go almost anywhere for a story to save her beloved Newspaper! Well Alistair is a story!
Alistair has 2 very eccentric sisters that definitely need their own story!
One who has several strange animals and the other who keeps changing religions in order not to marry.
Liv does bring several changes into the household and she is stubborn and almost brings danger to herself by not trusting her husband!
If you like the strong silent type and a heroine who talks a lot then you will laugh out loud!
Of course there is danger, love and laughter but that’s definitely this authors style! Bravo!
These two are quite the pair Alistair Aka Duke of Effinghell and Olivia Aka Liv Wilson.
Liv owns a newspaper so it stands to reason she would know how much status a wife had then a mistress and Alastair never offered her anything but respect!
These two have an agreement Liv to keep Alistair from making public appearances due to his lack of speech! He has married down considering he is a Duke and she a Newspaper owner but Alistair needs an heir! He lost his father and almost his life in a tragic carriage accident!
There is instant chemistry and they both have dangerous occupations!
Liv will go almost anywhere for a story to save her beloved Newspaper! Well Alistair is a story!
Alistair has 2 very eccentric sisters that definitely need their own story!
One who has several strange animals and the other who keeps changing religions in order not to marry.
Liv does bring several changes into the household and she is stubborn and almost brings danger to herself by not trusting her husband!
If you like the strong silent type and a heroine who talks a lot then you will laugh out loud!
Of course there is danger, love and laughter but that’s definitely this authors style! Bravo!
August 28, 2023
“Good Lord, you’re huge.” “Apologies, that was terribly rude. It’s just…you must be at least—what? Six-foot-four? And in all those torrid novels, the hero is always six-foot-four, but I doubt the readers ever realize exactly how tall that really is. The same as when they say the hero’s member is the size of the heroine’s forearm.” She lifted her arm to gesture, her wide-eyed gaze still flitting across Alistair’s chest. “Do you know how large my forearm...GOOD LORD…
Y'all….where in the effinghell does Caroline come up with this stuff? I mean really…The Duke of Effinghell? The Earl of Badonkadonk? I would tell you to quit with your foolishness Caroline, but I enjoy your writing entirely too much.
This time she's outdone herself and that's saying a lot. The Duke's Daring Bride is spectacular. There are all sorts of quirky characters in this book, along with ridiculously hilarious animals all behaving outlandishly. And quite frankly…I live for it all.
This has got to be by far my most favoritest book in this entire series.
Alistair Kincaid, the Duke of Effinghell, needs a wife. But in order to get one, he's gotta move amongst the ton..and there's no way in effinghell that he'll do this. He's had quite enough of polite society tyvm, and has absolutely no desire to subject himself to humiliation…especially since he's mute. Soooo, when Miss Olivia Wilson shows up on his doorstep, desperate and willing to do just about anything to save her newspaper, the silent but incredibly delicious Duke proposes the perfect solution. A marriage of convenience…one where he has the upper hand. Little does he know his new bride is anything but docile and likely to find herself in trouble. This becomes more evident as Alister and his new bride find themselves embroiled in one scrape after the other while scheming to flush a traitorous villain out of hiding.
Fast-paced…fun…unputdownable. That's what The Duke's Daring Bride is...a rollercoaster ride of pure joy, and I can't wait to see what Caroline has up her sleeve next.
Tropes: Class Difference, Virgin Hero, Working Woman, Marriage of Convenience
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/🔥🔥🔥🔥
Y'all….where in the effinghell does Caroline come up with this stuff? I mean really…The Duke of Effinghell? The Earl of Badonkadonk? I would tell you to quit with your foolishness Caroline, but I enjoy your writing entirely too much.
This time she's outdone herself and that's saying a lot. The Duke's Daring Bride is spectacular. There are all sorts of quirky characters in this book, along with ridiculously hilarious animals all behaving outlandishly. And quite frankly…I live for it all.
This has got to be by far my most favoritest book in this entire series.
Alistair Kincaid, the Duke of Effinghell, needs a wife. But in order to get one, he's gotta move amongst the ton..and there's no way in effinghell that he'll do this. He's had quite enough of polite society tyvm, and has absolutely no desire to subject himself to humiliation…especially since he's mute. Soooo, when Miss Olivia Wilson shows up on his doorstep, desperate and willing to do just about anything to save her newspaper, the silent but incredibly delicious Duke proposes the perfect solution. A marriage of convenience…one where he has the upper hand. Little does he know his new bride is anything but docile and likely to find herself in trouble. This becomes more evident as Alister and his new bride find themselves embroiled in one scrape after the other while scheming to flush a traitorous villain out of hiding.
Fast-paced…fun…unputdownable. That's what The Duke's Daring Bride is...a rollercoaster ride of pure joy, and I can't wait to see what Caroline has up her sleeve next.
Tropes: Class Difference, Virgin Hero, Working Woman, Marriage of Convenience
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/🔥🔥🔥🔥
August 31, 2023
Starring Miss Olivia Wilson and Alistair Kincaid, Duke of Effinghell
Tropes: Virgin Hero/Heroine, Different Social Class, Working Class Heroine, Hero Overcoming a Physical Limitation, Scarred Hero,
Hidden Identity, Marriage of Convenience Y’all, this is the fourth book I read by Caroline Lee and OMG!!! What a feaken delight!! Every time I finish one of her stories I say that it’s my favorite… but I think this one is going on the top of my list of All Time Fave CL books. Every emotion was a wonderful extreme… I laughed so hard (Hamish the parrot was hilarious)… I fanned myself so hard (the smexy time singed my kindle)… and I ugly cried af so hard. There’s a part in the book that left me a puffy-eyed mess… and I was happy for it.
I absolutely loved Olivia and Alistair. You’d think that being from different social classes would set them miles apart without anything in common. But these two just got each other. Strangers that clicked in every way. Alistair gave Olivia the security that she needed… and she drew him out of his shell. Their physical connection and growth as a couple… absolutely beautiful to watch. And there’s a smexy time in the book that I’ve only read in contemporaries … and imma like, oooooooh heck to the yeah!!!
There were so many twists and turns in this book that kept things interesting and me glued to the pages. I cheered so hard for Alistair and Olivia…. and also for Caroline Lee for writing such a brilliant story that I loved getting lost in.
I don’t know why it took me so long to read Caroline Lee’s books, but now that she’s on my radar I am going to read everything she writes!! This was a total winner and I can’t wait to see what else she writes in the Surprise! Dukes Series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily review it and the comments are 100% my own.
Tropes: Virgin Hero/Heroine, Different Social Class, Working Class Heroine, Hero Overcoming a Physical Limitation, Scarred Hero,
Hidden Identity, Marriage of Convenience Y’all, this is the fourth book I read by Caroline Lee and OMG!!! What a feaken delight!! Every time I finish one of her stories I say that it’s my favorite… but I think this one is going on the top of my list of All Time Fave CL books. Every emotion was a wonderful extreme… I laughed so hard (Hamish the parrot was hilarious)… I fanned myself so hard (the smexy time singed my kindle)… and I ugly cried af so hard. There’s a part in the book that left me a puffy-eyed mess… and I was happy for it.
I absolutely loved Olivia and Alistair. You’d think that being from different social classes would set them miles apart without anything in common. But these two just got each other. Strangers that clicked in every way. Alistair gave Olivia the security that she needed… and she drew him out of his shell. Their physical connection and growth as a couple… absolutely beautiful to watch. And there’s a smexy time in the book that I’ve only read in contemporaries … and imma like, oooooooh heck to the yeah!!!
There were so many twists and turns in this book that kept things interesting and me glued to the pages. I cheered so hard for Alistair and Olivia…. and also for Caroline Lee for writing such a brilliant story that I loved getting lost in.
I don’t know why it took me so long to read Caroline Lee’s books, but now that she’s on my radar I am going to read everything she writes!! This was a total winner and I can’t wait to see what else she writes in the Surprise! Dukes Series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily review it and the comments are 100% my own.
August 31, 2023
Alistair is a reclusive duke who does not speak but makes his case in the House of Lords through letters and support documents; at night, he stalks the streets fighting crime as the Dark Knight. One night, he saves Olivia from ruin while she’s out there looking for a story that might save her newspaper. One of her investors just happens to be Alistair and she shows up at his house the next day to ask for him to reinstate his financial support, not knowing he was the one who saved her. He decides to propose to her in exchange for the newspaper support, mostly because he needs a wife, but doesn’t want to go out into society to acquire one. These two enter into a marriage of convenience, but have an instant attraction for each other. It’s fun to read about Olivia integrating into Alistair’s boisterous family: a meddling mother and two quirky younger sisters. Of course we also get a slow progression of Alistair and Olivia learning to trust each other and fall in love. This one was another great book in the series and I love how everything ties back to the overarching villain of the series.
August 27, 2023
I’m following this series from the start and each book is better than the last! This may be my favorite so far… I picked it up and I couldn’t put it down! It was so much fun, but, as always in Caroline Lee’s books, there’s an undercurrent of something more, a depth of feelings, a tiny bit of angst that is the icing on the cake. Jokes and funny moments without a keen analysis of the character’s feelings would make for a silly book and Caroline’s books are never silly. I really loved the main characters of this book, both Olivia, who’s really daring like the title suggests, but also kind and smart, and Alistair, who’s my favorite type of hero, grumpy and apparently cold, hurt by life, but melted by love. And I adored the side characters and I really hope they will all have their own books, especially the “mad” sisters!
And the author’s notes are the best. I can’t wait to finish a book to read them! Never, ever miss Caroline Lee’s author’s notes!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
And the author’s notes are the best. I can’t wait to finish a book to read them! Never, ever miss Caroline Lee’s author’s notes!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 28, 2023
Effinghell, what did I just read. Okay, had to play with the names just a little. Now, seriously, I absolutely loved Olivia and Alistair. The interactions were so meaningful and lovely. We are still on the hunt for Blackrose and bringing about his demise and the plot keeps getting thicker and thicker. What I love about Caroline’s books is the humor along with a really good story along with real issues of the times. I feel her humor is out there but also subtle. I did laugh out loud at several of the interactions. I also cried a bit seeing how Alistair was able to at least partially overcome his fears with Olivia's help and love. Caroline also brought back one of my favorite characters of hers. Demon. What a wild man. I crack up at everything he says. Now Alistair and Demon are on the same level of adorableness and lovability. Fantastic!!!
Who would have thought that …. OMGOSH, I cannot even say it. I was flabbergasted. Yep, wait until the next novel to find out. Holy cow!
I received a complimentary copy.
Who would have thought that …. OMGOSH, I cannot even say it. I was flabbergasted. Yep, wait until the next novel to find out. Holy cow!
I received a complimentary copy.
August 27, 2023
Traitors, Desperation, Imperfect World, Finding Love:
A few important notes for the reader. This story is quite humorous, a mystery that is yet to be solved, I suggest several lady's fans, a tissue box close by and some scenes might have you reaching for a snack?
This sizeable fun cast of characters turns this fast-paced story into a deeply fascinating love story.
Allistair and Olivia are both in desperate situations and they take us into their imperfect world that is filled with doubt, sadness, fears, compassion, laugh out loud humor, and finding love.
A shout out for Hamish the cockateel or parrot and the two silly sisters that added so much fun to the story.
This is a delightful story that brings two imperfect people together that pulled at my heartstrings from beginning to end.
✔Actually, I was totally captured with this story from the first page of the preface.
✔Mature Advisory🌶🌶🌶🌶
✔ I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy for my honest thoughts and opinion.
A few important notes for the reader. This story is quite humorous, a mystery that is yet to be solved, I suggest several lady's fans, a tissue box close by and some scenes might have you reaching for a snack?
This sizeable fun cast of characters turns this fast-paced story into a deeply fascinating love story.
Allistair and Olivia are both in desperate situations and they take us into their imperfect world that is filled with doubt, sadness, fears, compassion, laugh out loud humor, and finding love.
A shout out for Hamish the cockateel or parrot and the two silly sisters that added so much fun to the story.
This is a delightful story that brings two imperfect people together that pulled at my heartstrings from beginning to end.
✔Actually, I was totally captured with this story from the first page of the preface.
✔Mature Advisory🌶🌶🌶🌶
✔ I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy for my honest thoughts and opinion.
August 31, 2023
This book is packed cover-to-cover with serotonin hits. Caroline Lee never takes herself too seriously, but she sacrifices none of the quality of writing and character development in creating a fun, entertaining story. Both of our leads have experienced significant trauma in their lives, and a marriage of convenience will solve both of their problems. I appreciate how Lee represented Alistair's disability and how Olivia had no desire to change Alistair, but wanted him to see how he was deserving of love. The steam between them is top notch, and shows how their characters evolve and learn to trust each other through their intimacy. The supporting cast (including a dirty-talking parrot) is spectacular, and I enjoyed seeing characters from other books in the series make an appearance. My final note -- don't read this book hungry. Olivia loves cheese, and the descriptions are mouth watering! I highly recommend!
I received an advanced copy of this book, and these are my honest opinions.
I received an advanced copy of this book, and these are my honest opinions.
September 3, 2023
NOT MY FAVORITE
I didn’t enjoy this book as much as any of the previous three. I almost stopped reading several times. The female characters were just so frustrating and hard to relate to. The sisters, Amelia and Amanda, came across as really spoiled and rude at times. I think the point was to make them blunt and courageous, but it missed the mark for me. Olivia was actually really disappointing too. To me her character flipped back and forth between being strong & daring to insecure and scared to speak her mind. Just like the last book, there was too much time spent with internal dialogue that sometimes made the characters seem stupid instead of humorous.
I did enjoy the few times Demon was present. His unusual phrases kept be laughing. Thorne, Demon, the cockatoo, Hamish, and Hiro made the book enjoyable because I often found myself laughing out loud at their dialogue.
I didn’t enjoy this book as much as any of the previous three. I almost stopped reading several times. The female characters were just so frustrating and hard to relate to. The sisters, Amelia and Amanda, came across as really spoiled and rude at times. I think the point was to make them blunt and courageous, but it missed the mark for me. Olivia was actually really disappointing too. To me her character flipped back and forth between being strong & daring to insecure and scared to speak her mind. Just like the last book, there was too much time spent with internal dialogue that sometimes made the characters seem stupid instead of humorous.
I did enjoy the few times Demon was present. His unusual phrases kept be laughing. Thorne, Demon, the cockatoo, Hamish, and Hiro made the book enjoyable because I often found myself laughing out loud at their dialogue.
January 26, 2024
A Scrumptious Marriage of Convenience
Caroline Lee gives us another funny, almost satirical parody of a recency romance. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
This is book 4 of the surprise dukes series. This time hero Alistair is the silent, reclusive Duke of Effinghell who roams the city as a masket vigilante. Heroine Olivia comes to the duke to seek help for her newspaper. He proposes. Literally. And they get caught up in the overarching search to bring down the traitor called the Blackrose.
This is a fun, sexy romance with fun, inventive intimate scenes. Alistair lost most of his voice in an accident as a youth but Olivia gives him the courage to speak again, albeit in raspy whispers. Olivia is a delightful, cheese - loving heroine who finds herself having to learn how to be a duchess. A great cameo from Georgia and Demon from book one.
I can't wait for Fawkes's story and for Thorne's.
Caroline Lee gives us another funny, almost satirical parody of a recency romance. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
This is book 4 of the surprise dukes series. This time hero Alistair is the silent, reclusive Duke of Effinghell who roams the city as a masket vigilante. Heroine Olivia comes to the duke to seek help for her newspaper. He proposes. Literally. And they get caught up in the overarching search to bring down the traitor called the Blackrose.
This is a fun, sexy romance with fun, inventive intimate scenes. Alistair lost most of his voice in an accident as a youth but Olivia gives him the courage to speak again, albeit in raspy whispers. Olivia is a delightful, cheese - loving heroine who finds herself having to learn how to be a duchess. A great cameo from Georgia and Demon from book one.
I can't wait for Fawkes's story and for Thorne's.
June 23, 2024
This is the first time I’ve read a book by this author.
I’ll admit that the characters were intriguing if not absurd. This is the fourth book in a series, I read it as a standalone, I think that my problems with the book had nothing to do with feeling like I was missing part of the story because I came in to the middle . There’s a mystery that is kind of left hanging at the end of the book.I don’t think I can stomach anymore Lord and Lady Tuckinroll (and other ridiculous names for nobility) so the mystery will remain unsolved for me .
I had pretty low expectations, the storyline, and the overall character arc was compelling enough, it was just the over-the-top madcap inner dialogue of the main character and frankly the names were just so silly . That’s this authors style. I knew that going in so I have nothing to really complain about since I was duly warned. It was just too ridiculous for me.
I think the part I enjoyed the most was the authors note, her tone is very conversational
I’ll admit that the characters were intriguing if not absurd. This is the fourth book in a series, I read it as a standalone, I think that my problems with the book had nothing to do with feeling like I was missing part of the story because I came in to the middle . There’s a mystery that is kind of left hanging at the end of the book.I don’t think I can stomach anymore Lord and Lady Tuckinroll (and other ridiculous names for nobility) so the mystery will remain unsolved for me .
I had pretty low expectations, the storyline, and the overall character arc was compelling enough, it was just the over-the-top madcap inner dialogue of the main character and frankly the names were just so silly . That’s this authors style. I knew that going in so I have nothing to really complain about since I was duly warned. It was just too ridiculous for me.
I think the part I enjoyed the most was the authors note, her tone is very conversational
August 26, 2023
Miss Olivia Wilson is desperate! Desperate enough to accept a proposal from a complete stranger in order to save her newspaper, The Daily Movement. Olivia is puzzled as the Duke feels familiar to her but she can’t put her finger on why?
Alistair Kincaid is the 5th Duke of Effinghell. When a voluptuous beauty bursts into his study, ready to bare all, an idea that can help them both springs to mind. But Alistair has a hidden secret he must hide from everyone except his trusty servant.
Lots of laughs, puns, cheese, heat, cheese, spice, cheese, tears and animals with the best comic timing. Did I mention cheese?
An amazing 4th addition to the “Surprise! Dukes” series. Be warned, you will have your heart strings tugged and your fires lit! You might also find the need for snacks while reading… and in true Caroline Lee style, three lines in and the “appendage” jokes begin 😂
Alistair Kincaid is the 5th Duke of Effinghell. When a voluptuous beauty bursts into his study, ready to bare all, an idea that can help them both springs to mind. But Alistair has a hidden secret he must hide from everyone except his trusty servant.
Lots of laughs, puns, cheese, heat, cheese, spice, cheese, tears and animals with the best comic timing. Did I mention cheese?
An amazing 4th addition to the “Surprise! Dukes” series. Be warned, you will have your heart strings tugged and your fires lit! You might also find the need for snacks while reading… and in true Caroline Lee style, three lines in and the “appendage” jokes begin 😂
February 4, 2024
I love this series, but this book was ROUGH. The duck was a mute virgin and the heroine was obsessed with cheese, which is not cute. You wouldn’t think a cheese obsession could be a reoccurring theme, but it is.
What really got me in this book though was the ridiculous names the author gave the lords! The author is very upfront about how her books are not supposed to be historically accurate and that they’re supposed to be fun, but the names she picks for the lords are so ridiculous it’s just absurd, distracting and frankly, a little lazy.
A few examples from this book: the Duke of Effinghell; the Earl of Tuckinroll; Viscount Eatfude; Lady Hattrick and Viscount Cumnock. Also, let’s not forget the Duke of Lickwick from the prior book. It’s just not okay. Come up with better names! I’m actually scared to see what she does in the next book.
What really got me in this book though was the ridiculous names the author gave the lords! The author is very upfront about how her books are not supposed to be historically accurate and that they’re supposed to be fun, but the names she picks for the lords are so ridiculous it’s just absurd, distracting and frankly, a little lazy.
A few examples from this book: the Duke of Effinghell; the Earl of Tuckinroll; Viscount Eatfude; Lady Hattrick and Viscount Cumnock. Also, let’s not forget the Duke of Lickwick from the prior book. It’s just not okay. Come up with better names! I’m actually scared to see what she does in the next book.
August 25, 2023
I love the Surprise! Dukes series. This book had me giggling and laughing out loud almost all the way through. I should have learned by now not to take a Caroline Lee book with me out in public. From character names to animals to cheese and to footmen, this book is just so much fun. Alistair and Olivia and the conversations they have in their heads are wonderful. I was happy there was not a mean mother-in-law to deal with. I look forward to finding out what happens to Amelia and Amanda. My boy, Bull, gets a mention which I am always happy to see. I can’t wait for the short story and the next novel.
November 18, 2023
Fabulous story
This is the 4th book in the series and one that did not have a member of Black rose agents. They were present in and around this wonderful couple. Olivia was to the point of desperation with the paper she inherited and was about to lose and sought out Ailister. He was a Duke who was an investor of the paper and an employees pulled that investment unbeknownst to him and left him confronted. A listed is known as the silent Duke and was being pressured to search for a wife when low and behold one practically dropped into his lap. I will let you read how the story proceeds, but you will not be disappointed, I am really enjoying this author and series. Enjoy!
This is the 4th book in the series and one that did not have a member of Black rose agents. They were present in and around this wonderful couple. Olivia was to the point of desperation with the paper she inherited and was about to lose and sought out Ailister. He was a Duke who was an investor of the paper and an employees pulled that investment unbeknownst to him and left him confronted. A listed is known as the silent Duke and was being pressured to search for a wife when low and behold one practically dropped into his lap. I will let you read how the story proceeds, but you will not be disappointed, I am really enjoying this author and series. Enjoy!
August 23, 2023
Circumstances, Characters and Cheese
Allister and Olivia are an unlikely pair but his need to marry someone and her need to continue her business provide a choice. The Duke has not socialized for decades and doesn't want it. Olivia is a different class, a reporter, and in need of financial help. This story weaves their mutual needs, relationship and friends into a compelling story that draws from plots and characters you will remember.
And then there is cheese! Like all Caroline Lee books you will be hungry for more . Grab and enjoy!
Allister and Olivia are an unlikely pair but his need to marry someone and her need to continue her business provide a choice. The Duke has not socialized for decades and doesn't want it. Olivia is a different class, a reporter, and in need of financial help. This story weaves their mutual needs, relationship and friends into a compelling story that draws from plots and characters you will remember.
And then there is cheese! Like all Caroline Lee books you will be hungry for more . Grab and enjoy!
September 2, 2023
Olivia & Alistair
As the fourth book in the Surprise! Dukes book series, I am in awe of how much I love this couple and their story. Olivia and Alistair's story furthers the Blackrose plot line in the series, but I really enjoyed getting to know them as they fell for each other. I read this in KU first, but this is the first book that I HAD to purchase as a paperback before I was even done reading it. This one is my favorite of the whole series so far, so I can't reccomend it more.
As the fourth book in the Surprise! Dukes book series, I am in awe of how much I love this couple and their story. Olivia and Alistair's story furthers the Blackrose plot line in the series, but I really enjoyed getting to know them as they fell for each other. I read this in KU first, but this is the first book that I HAD to purchase as a paperback before I was even done reading it. This one is my favorite of the whole series so far, so I can't reccomend it more.
September 9, 2023
I feel like based on my reading list you can tell I have a type. I ate up Alistair and didn’t want to give him up. Some of the humour made me cringe and references to modern things isn’t my favourite but I can put that aside for the steam and the grumpy hero’s. Also Olivia’s love affair with cheese was divine. I started giggling and my partner was curious and I said “she almost forgot about her cheese and that was the real distress” and they go “accurate” so who knew you could endear me to a character with their love of cheese?
September 9, 2023
A great read full of steam and fun
I enjoyed book 4 taking another step into resolving the Blackrose plot. First three books seemed to include the same group of agents so it was interesting to approach this plot from a different perspective. Even though, Alistair was mentioned in earlier book. I always enjoy Caroline’s books and this one was no different. Full of spiciness and comedic relief to keep from being too serious. I found myself laughing out loud at several parts. Also enjoyed, the development of both characters and journey to overcoming their obstacles.
I enjoyed book 4 taking another step into resolving the Blackrose plot. First three books seemed to include the same group of agents so it was interesting to approach this plot from a different perspective. Even though, Alistair was mentioned in earlier book. I always enjoy Caroline’s books and this one was no different. Full of spiciness and comedic relief to keep from being too serious. I found myself laughing out loud at several parts. Also enjoyed, the development of both characters and journey to overcoming their obstacles.
September 10, 2023
Clever, funny, great characters.
Alastair is a Duke with no voice because of an accident year ago. Olivia is the owner of a failing newspaper that Alastair invests in. When his solicited pulls that funding, Olivia confronts Alastair and offers anything to get the funding back. To her surprise, he offers her marriage. Their story is complicated, clever, very funny, steamy and definitely worth reading. Familiar characters from earlier books in the series are included and add to the enjoyment.
Alastair is a Duke with no voice because of an accident year ago. Olivia is the owner of a failing newspaper that Alastair invests in. When his solicited pulls that funding, Olivia confronts Alastair and offers anything to get the funding back. To her surprise, he offers her marriage. Their story is complicated, clever, very funny, steamy and definitely worth reading. Familiar characters from earlier books in the series are included and add to the enjoyment.
September 19, 2023
Boy oh Boy!
The Duke’s Daring Bride, book 4 of Caroline Lee’s Surprise! Dukes series was a titillating twister of a tale! A marriage of convenience between newspaper owner/reporter Olivia Wilson and the secret keeping Duke of Effinghell, Alistair Kincaid is not the typical society match. But Alistair’s friends and family couldn’t be more happy! Lee delivers another delightful romp with characters that make you laugh out loud, even as the once thought agents of the crown come one step closer to catching the villain Blackrose! I’m dying to know what will happen next!
The Duke’s Daring Bride, book 4 of Caroline Lee’s Surprise! Dukes series was a titillating twister of a tale! A marriage of convenience between newspaper owner/reporter Olivia Wilson and the secret keeping Duke of Effinghell, Alistair Kincaid is not the typical society match. But Alistair’s friends and family couldn’t be more happy! Lee delivers another delightful romp with characters that make you laugh out loud, even as the once thought agents of the crown come one step closer to catching the villain Blackrose! I’m dying to know what will happen next!
November 24, 2023
1.5 stars. Look I know she even says she likes to have fun with her stories and books, but it was just too much for me! It was so abundantly silly that the story just became meh. Also there was too much circular writing and repetition. It just went on and on and on. It took me forever to finish. I had to force it which automatically gets you below a 3. Just not my style. I'm curious about the other stories, but if all her books are like this, I don't think I can suffer and drag myself through it.
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