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The Duchess Diaries #3
How to Entice an Enchantress
The third sizzling novel in New York Times bestselling author Karen Hawkins’s Duchess Diaries series, featuring three unruly sisters and their headstrong godmother with a penchant for matchmaking.
Reclusive Viscount Kirk, horribly scarred by a tragic accident that stole the life of his beloved first wife, is a man defined by fury. For years he’s eschewed society, growing abrupt and curmudgeonly. But now, when he’d given up on life, he’s fallen madly in love with the refreshingly naive daughter of his neighbor, dainty and charming Dahlia Balfour. Desperate to win her attention, Kirk calls in a favor from the Duchess of Roxburghe and asks that she transform him into a fashionable suitor for Dahlia’s hand. But what’s easy to change on the outside, isn’t as easy to change on the inside…
Dahlia’s always dreamed of a fairytale romance. Although Viscount Kirk is only seven years her senior, because of his cantankerous ways and lack of social graces she thinks of him as her “older neighbor,” and is blissfully unaware that he sees her as anything other than an acquaintance. She is shocked to see him at the duchess’s grand house party, trying to fit with the very societal rules he so frequently mocks. Surprised by his attention, irritated at his bald honesty, and intrigued that he finds her worth the effort, Dahlia regards Kirk as the opposite of Prince Charming. Without the pretty words and grand gestures she yearns for, can true love find its way into her unwilling heart?
Reclusive Viscount Kirk, horribly scarred by a tragic accident that stole the life of his beloved first wife, is a man defined by fury. For years he’s eschewed society, growing abrupt and curmudgeonly. But now, when he’d given up on life, he’s fallen madly in love with the refreshingly naive daughter of his neighbor, dainty and charming Dahlia Balfour. Desperate to win her attention, Kirk calls in a favor from the Duchess of Roxburghe and asks that she transform him into a fashionable suitor for Dahlia’s hand. But what’s easy to change on the outside, isn’t as easy to change on the inside…
Dahlia’s always dreamed of a fairytale romance. Although Viscount Kirk is only seven years her senior, because of his cantankerous ways and lack of social graces she thinks of him as her “older neighbor,” and is blissfully unaware that he sees her as anything other than an acquaintance. She is shocked to see him at the duchess’s grand house party, trying to fit with the very societal rules he so frequently mocks. Surprised by his attention, irritated at his bald honesty, and intrigued that he finds her worth the effort, Dahlia regards Kirk as the opposite of Prince Charming. Without the pretty words and grand gestures she yearns for, can true love find its way into her unwilling heart?
353 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 17, 2013
83 people are currently reading
1459 people want to read
About the author
Karen Hawkins
59 books2,980 followersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Karen Hawkins writes novels that have been praised as touching, witty, charming, and heartwarming. A native Southerner who grew up in the mountains of East Tennessee where storytelling is a way of life, Karen recently moved to frosty New England with her beloved husband and multiple foster dogs. The Dove Pond books are a nod to the thousands of books that opened doors to more adventures, places, and discoveries than she ever imagined possible. To find out more about Karen, follow her at:
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews
November 3, 2025
Read: 11/3/25
Setting: Regency Scotland
Trope: widower, house party, loose fairytale of Beauty and the Beast
I've read too many Regency house party hr books. I find them boring now. So my prejudices might have clouded my view of this book.
plot: Kirk has a problem. He is determined to marry his neighbor but his unrefined manners stand in the way. He's too blunt and is a complete disaster in the romance department. Kirk has already botched one marriage proposal to Dahlia and, thanks to the Duchess, he hurt her when he called in a loan that almost bankrupted her family. So he definitely has a uphill battle on his hands! He enlist the help of the Duchess of Roxburghe (she owes him!!). She's his godmother, actually she seems to be everybody's godmother including Dahlia's. He spends the next two months going through gentleman training and aquiring a new wardrobe. He does all this in the hopes of winning Dahlia at the Duchess's Christmas ball.
After seeing her sisters get their HEA, Dahlia is ready for her turn at love. She arrives with high hopes until she sees her neighbor, Lord Kirk. They were once friends. They shared a love of books and she used to spent hours in his library. That was until he delivered one of the most insulting marriage proposal ever! Then he retaliated by convincing her father to sign a bad loan. That's what she believes anyway. Dahlia decides to ignore him but that's easier said then done. Even with the scars, Dahlia finds him attractive. As the days progress, she slowly starts to see a different side of Kirk and begins to care deeply for him. Too bad that he ruins every romantic moment by speaking. 🙄😂
So can Kirk convince this enchantress to marry him or will his blunt personality ruin his one chance at happiness?
liked:
1. Kirk was not your typical H. He was a grumpy old man at 28. He didn't see the need for dressing up words nor did he believe in love, which was ironic because the guy was head over hills in love with Dahlia. Poor guy just never knew it.
I also liked that Kirk was willing to put in the work to win her 🥰. He didn't care about anybody else's opinion but Dahlia. She was the only one who matter. Dahlia saw the man, not the scars.
2. Dahlia was sweet but had a steel backbone. It takes her a little longer to fall in love and even longer to realize Kirk really did love her back. The poor man was just incapable of expressing it.
3. The romance was sweet. This was definitely a case of "action speak louder than words" kind of romance.
4. Kirk is horrible at proposing marriage. He should really stop! 😂 His 1st proposal made Mr. Darcy's marriage proposal in Pride and Prejudice look romantic.
dislike:
1. Again house parties. 😔. They just bore me now. I'd rather the couple had been married. A marriage between Dahlia and Kirk would have been hilarious. Comedy gold!
2. Where is humor that I've come to expect from KH? There were a few funny moments but that's it! I think her older books are better.
3. The Duchess's diary entries took away from the story. They were unnecessary and distracting.
4. Their sex scene came out of nowhere! It was very rushed
Conclusion: While this story had some good parts, as a whole, this book fell a little flat for me. It wasn't bad but it wasn't great either. I probably wouldn't have read this book if it hadn't been our group Nov. BOTM .
Setting: Regency Scotland
Trope: widower, house party, loose fairytale of Beauty and the Beast
I've read too many Regency house party hr books. I find them boring now. So my prejudices might have clouded my view of this book.
plot: Kirk has a problem. He is determined to marry his neighbor but his unrefined manners stand in the way. He's too blunt and is a complete disaster in the romance department. Kirk has already botched one marriage proposal to Dahlia and, thanks to the Duchess, he hurt her when he called in a loan that almost bankrupted her family. So he definitely has a uphill battle on his hands! He enlist the help of the Duchess of Roxburghe (she owes him!!). She's his godmother, actually she seems to be everybody's godmother including Dahlia's. He spends the next two months going through gentleman training and aquiring a new wardrobe. He does all this in the hopes of winning Dahlia at the Duchess's Christmas ball.
After seeing her sisters get their HEA, Dahlia is ready for her turn at love. She arrives with high hopes until she sees her neighbor, Lord Kirk. They were once friends. They shared a love of books and she used to spent hours in his library. That was until he delivered one of the most insulting marriage proposal ever! Then he retaliated by convincing her father to sign a bad loan. That's what she believes anyway. Dahlia decides to ignore him but that's easier said then done. Even with the scars, Dahlia finds him attractive. As the days progress, she slowly starts to see a different side of Kirk and begins to care deeply for him. Too bad that he ruins every romantic moment by speaking. 🙄😂
So can Kirk convince this enchantress to marry him or will his blunt personality ruin his one chance at happiness?
liked:
1. Kirk was not your typical H. He was a grumpy old man at 28. He didn't see the need for dressing up words nor did he believe in love, which was ironic because the guy was head over hills in love with Dahlia. Poor guy just never knew it.
I also liked that Kirk was willing to put in the work to win her 🥰. He didn't care about anybody else's opinion but Dahlia. She was the only one who matter. Dahlia saw the man, not the scars.
2. Dahlia was sweet but had a steel backbone. It takes her a little longer to fall in love and even longer to realize Kirk really did love her back. The poor man was just incapable of expressing it.
3. The romance was sweet. This was definitely a case of "action speak louder than words" kind of romance.
4. Kirk is horrible at proposing marriage. He should really stop! 😂 His 1st proposal made Mr. Darcy's marriage proposal in Pride and Prejudice look romantic.
dislike:
1. Again house parties. 😔. They just bore me now. I'd rather the couple had been married. A marriage between Dahlia and Kirk would have been hilarious. Comedy gold!
2. Where is humor that I've come to expect from KH? There were a few funny moments but that's it! I think her older books are better.
3. The Duchess's diary entries took away from the story. They were unnecessary and distracting.
4. Their sex scene came out of nowhere! It was very rushed
Conclusion: While this story had some good parts, as a whole, this book fell a little flat for me. It wasn't bad but it wasn't great either. I probably wouldn't have read this book if it hadn't been our group Nov. BOTM .
March 13, 2024
A derivative Beauty and the Beast tale set in Regency England. *sighs like a slowly leaking balloon* I don’t have the heart or energy to list everything that didn’t work for me. It was another wallpaper historical romance that didn’t tie all the plot threads together or offer a satisfying epilogue.
Not so little quibble: influenza was referred to as the Spanish flu.
Not so little quibble: influenza was referred to as the Spanish flu.
January 2, 2015
I really enjoyed this Beauty and the Beast story. Kirk and Dahlia have been neighbors for a long time, but never had much to do with each other. Kirk had married young, then lost his wife in a tragic accident that left him scarred and limping. Avoiding society and its stares has turned him in a grumpy recluse at the ripe old age of 28. Dahlia is the youngest in her family. She has seen both her sisters marry for love and wants the same kind of passionate love for herself. She becomes good friends with Kirk as they bond over their love of books, and they discover that they have much in common. When Kirk decides that he and Dahlia would suit he makes a terrible mess of his proposal, driving her away. Things are further complicated by a badly handled financial transaction between Kirk and her father.
I liked Kirk. He has a good heart, he just doesn't know what to do with it. He feels that he had his "grand passion" with his wife, and all that love stuff is for the young and foolish. He's far more interested in finding someone he is compatible with, and feels that Dahlia is perfect for him. I loved his thoughts about how much he's missed her since their fallout, that his days have become boring, and so on. He doesn't seem to realize that he's already in love with her, that it's more than just compatibility. So he goes to the duchess to ask for her help. He's not happy about the changes that she insists he make, from learning to dress well to learning how to behave like a proper gentleman instead of a beast, but he's willing to try if it will gain him another chance with Dahlia. Of course, it's just surface polish and Kirk really hasn't changed much at all. He struggles so hard to be what Dahlia wants, but is constantly sticking his foot in his mouth. There are so many times when things look like they are going well and then he says or does something that ruins it. I loved his determination and the efforts that he went to, even if it took him a long time to realize the emotion behind it.
Dahlia is still young enough to have very definite opinions on what love and romance entail. She has enjoyed her growing friendship with Kirk and was just beginning to feel like there might be something more to it when he made that horrible proposal, followed by the misunderstanding over her father's loan. She felt betrayed and hurt by some of the things he said. She accepts her godmother's invitation, determined to spend the house party finding that grand passion she has been dreaming of. She is dismayed by Kirk's presence, but also somewhat intrigued by how changed he appears to be. An early encounter turns steamy, but then ends badly, reinforcing her feeling that they just aren't meant to be together. Though Dahlia is still furious with him, she still has feelings for him, and is angered by the way some other guests treat him. I loved this evidence of her feelings, even though she has yet to admit them. I enjoyed the actions she took, even though she later realizes that he's not going to be happy about it. Their encounters have a tendency to be all over the place emotionally, but eventually Dahlia does realize that she loves Kirk. Unfortunately, she still has the same views on love and romance, and feels that because of his refusal to believe in them, that he will never have the same feelings for him. It isn't until a conversation with another guest shows her that she may be somewhat unrealistic that she realizes maybe he really does care.
The efforts of the duchess and Lady Charlotte were definitely needed in this book. I really liked seeing the way that she had to really work at getting Kirk to accept her guidance. He was not going to make things easy for them. She also had a pretty good grasp on the methods she needed to get the outcome she wanted. The way she kept them apart at one point was hysterical, and you could just feel the waves of frustration coming from Kirk. I also enjoyed the character of Kirk's valet. He didn't have an easy task of providing the surface polish, as Kirk fought it all the way. I especially liked the way his matter of fact treatment of Kirk's injuries and his offer to help him overcome them made such a difference to Kirk's outlook.
I liked Kirk. He has a good heart, he just doesn't know what to do with it. He feels that he had his "grand passion" with his wife, and all that love stuff is for the young and foolish. He's far more interested in finding someone he is compatible with, and feels that Dahlia is perfect for him. I loved his thoughts about how much he's missed her since their fallout, that his days have become boring, and so on. He doesn't seem to realize that he's already in love with her, that it's more than just compatibility. So he goes to the duchess to ask for her help. He's not happy about the changes that she insists he make, from learning to dress well to learning how to behave like a proper gentleman instead of a beast, but he's willing to try if it will gain him another chance with Dahlia. Of course, it's just surface polish and Kirk really hasn't changed much at all. He struggles so hard to be what Dahlia wants, but is constantly sticking his foot in his mouth. There are so many times when things look like they are going well and then he says or does something that ruins it. I loved his determination and the efforts that he went to, even if it took him a long time to realize the emotion behind it.
Dahlia is still young enough to have very definite opinions on what love and romance entail. She has enjoyed her growing friendship with Kirk and was just beginning to feel like there might be something more to it when he made that horrible proposal, followed by the misunderstanding over her father's loan. She felt betrayed and hurt by some of the things he said. She accepts her godmother's invitation, determined to spend the house party finding that grand passion she has been dreaming of. She is dismayed by Kirk's presence, but also somewhat intrigued by how changed he appears to be. An early encounter turns steamy, but then ends badly, reinforcing her feeling that they just aren't meant to be together. Though Dahlia is still furious with him, she still has feelings for him, and is angered by the way some other guests treat him. I loved this evidence of her feelings, even though she has yet to admit them. I enjoyed the actions she took, even though she later realizes that he's not going to be happy about it. Their encounters have a tendency to be all over the place emotionally, but eventually Dahlia does realize that she loves Kirk. Unfortunately, she still has the same views on love and romance, and feels that because of his refusal to believe in them, that he will never have the same feelings for him. It isn't until a conversation with another guest shows her that she may be somewhat unrealistic that she realizes maybe he really does care.
The efforts of the duchess and Lady Charlotte were definitely needed in this book. I really liked seeing the way that she had to really work at getting Kirk to accept her guidance. He was not going to make things easy for them. She also had a pretty good grasp on the methods she needed to get the outcome she wanted. The way she kept them apart at one point was hysterical, and you could just feel the waves of frustration coming from Kirk. I also enjoyed the character of Kirk's valet. He didn't have an easy task of providing the surface polish, as Kirk fought it all the way. I especially liked the way his matter of fact treatment of Kirk's injuries and his offer to help him overcome them made such a difference to Kirk's outlook.
November 13, 2013
3.5 stars I didn't like this as much as the previous books. There is less of a story and more of the hero trying to change for the heroine - because he wants her as a wife and thinks they will both be content. However, not only does he never make a genuine effort to change (the heroine acts like a knight to him), but he fumbles and surprisingly starts to lust after the heroine. This is one of the few books for which I think the love scene is unnecessary and awkward given its location within the characters' developing relationship, and there was never a moment when the hero admitted that he values love more than companionship, that he truly wants to be with the heroine because it's her and no one else.
I think Karen Hawkins took the "crude beast" archetype a bit too far in this novel. In this regard, it may just be a personal feeling, but this lord is way too crass for anyone, not to mention a society gathering. His manners are supremely rude, and worse is that he knows but makes no real effort to change. Frankly, his entire demeanor just exudes reluctance, which is constantly at odds with his scheme. That doesn't bode well for my sanity.
I'm considering going in more depth explaining why this hero set up did not work, but for now, treat this as a disappointment. I've read countless Beauty and the Beast historicals, and this one is, unfortunately, not very good.
I think Karen Hawkins took the "crude beast" archetype a bit too far in this novel. In this regard, it may just be a personal feeling, but this lord is way too crass for anyone, not to mention a society gathering. His manners are supremely rude, and worse is that he knows but makes no real effort to change. Frankly, his entire demeanor just exudes reluctance, which is constantly at odds with his scheme. That doesn't bode well for my sanity.
I'm considering going in more depth explaining why this hero set up did not work, but for now, treat this as a disappointment. I've read countless Beauty and the Beast historicals, and this one is, unfortunately, not very good.
April 10, 2019
LOVED IT!! I love the story of Beauty and the Beast in pretty much any form and I wasn't disappointed with Kirk as a beast. I fell in love with him even while he was being an overbearing and rude beast. And Dahlia was fantastic as the beauty. I might even read this book again someday (something I rarely do)!
April 20, 2020
3.5 stars. This is Dahlia and Alasdair Kirk's love story. Beauty and Beast (hero has a long scar on his face and is "grumpy" due to knee leg injury). Hero was also happily married seven years ago, but lost his wife in the accident after three years of marriage that also injured him. He readily admits he loved his first wife with a young guys passionate love. (I think he called it a grand passion). However, now for some strange reason, hero does not believe in love. He wants compatibility, quiet and a companion. He feels that Dahlia would fits that role nicely. However, Dahlia wants a grand passion-and so she should. Even in the middle of the story-chapter 10-his internal thoughts was that he was not in love with Dahlia, but she was very compatible to him and his interests. So this heroine had to settle for HER telling him that he love her and had to settle for him to only show that the cares. He would not said to her the words "I Love You". To me, she is second in his life way below his first wife which made me sad for Dahlia because, again, he would easily tell people he loved his first wife. (I liked that the first wife and Kirk had love. That was a nice touch.) However, because this was going to be his second wife I felt he needed to be able to verbally say to Dahila I love you as well as show her with actions. As you can see, I am bummed that she settled on being the companion for this chapter of his life. I was hoping for them to have a grand passion too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 26, 2013
I loved this story.
The beginning was a bit touch and go for me because I thought Dahlia was a bit childish. Especially about the loan to her father. She was totally willing to overlook the fact her father lied about why he needed the money and that he was a grown man who could read and therefore knew the terms of repayment. But NO let's absolve him of all guilt and paint him as a victim. Really?
I was waiting for her to realize that love and romance are not always the same thing. That actions will always speak louder than words. And thankfully she did. But it was a long and sometimes tedious journey to the HEA
I love a story where the hero is determined to get his girl and won't stop until she is his. Kirk was that type of hero and he was wonderful !
My only disappointment with this book is that there is no true epilogue - I would have liked a glimpse into the future with Dahlia and Kirk as well as her sisters
The beginning was a bit touch and go for me because I thought Dahlia was a bit childish. Especially about the loan to her father. She was totally willing to overlook the fact her father lied about why he needed the money and that he was a grown man who could read and therefore knew the terms of repayment. But NO let's absolve him of all guilt and paint him as a victim. Really?
I was waiting for her to realize that love and romance are not always the same thing. That actions will always speak louder than words. And thankfully she did. But it was a long and sometimes tedious journey to the HEA
I love a story where the hero is determined to get his girl and won't stop until she is his. Kirk was that type of hero and he was wonderful !
My only disappointment with this book is that there is no true epilogue - I would have liked a glimpse into the future with Dahlia and Kirk as well as her sisters
May 14, 2014
Would have liked that ending to be a bit more beefed up. I wanted to see the h/h settled in their home and meeting the sister's with thei hubbies. The sisters had the wrong impression of the hero and that was never brought out that he was pressured to call the loan in.
November 20, 2014
3.5 I-didn't-know-what-love-is stars
I actually liked it a lot. It was too slow for my tastes but then again,I know all love affairs should not have an insta love feel to it. I'm spoiled that way. It was a really nice pre-christmas book that left me all mellow inside.
Recommend to all!
I actually liked it a lot. It was too slow for my tastes but then again,I know all love affairs should not have an insta love feel to it. I'm spoiled that way. It was a really nice pre-christmas book that left me all mellow inside.
Recommend to all!
January 8, 2014
Kirk has spent the past seven years mourning his wife and staying far away from society and manners. Now he feels he is ready to marry, and the one woman he wants is Dahlia Balfour. He knows that it won't be easy, considering she refused his proposal a short time previous, but he is determined. He knows that they would be a good match. So he goes to the Duchess of Roxburghe, and gains her help. For two months, they transform him into a gentleman (somewhat). When Dahlia sees Kirk again she is outraged and hurt and furious and lets him know it. Kirk knows he is in for a battle, and he will have to use every weapon available to him. Dahlia is still hurt from Kirk's past actions, especially in his dealings with her father. She finds him despicable and she once cared for him, but then he hurt her. Now when she sees him at the house part the Duchess is hosting, he has transformed into a man she doesn't recognize, until he speaks that is. A turbulent battle begins...but who will win and who will lose, and will the prize be true love?
How To Entice A Enchantress is the third installment in the Duchess Diaries, and even though I quite enjoyed this one, it was probably my least favorite. If I had to choose my favorite it would probably be the second one, which involved Dahlia's sister. However despite that, I really had a fun and jolly time reading this story. The main focus was Kirk trying to convince Dahlia to marry him. This story is all about second chances. From the beginning you see how right these two are for each other, if they just let differences be put aside. Kirk is very stubborn and prideful and a touch arrogant, and doesn't believe in love anymore. Dahlia is determined to find true love, after seeing her sisters find it, she only believes that she is worthy of it too. It was fun seeing these two clash against one another, and once they really kissed, all bets were off. There isn't a very strong plot line here or conflict much. Its the kind of story you can just sit back and enjoy and not stress too much about the events that are taking place. There is quite a bit of witty dialogue and cute scenes that engage the reader.
Overall a sweet yet enticing love story that has a certain magical charm that is perfect for any kind of reading time. A delightful romance that will make the reader go weak in the knees!! A SIMPLE PLEASURE!!!
How To Entice A Enchantress is the third installment in the Duchess Diaries, and even though I quite enjoyed this one, it was probably my least favorite. If I had to choose my favorite it would probably be the second one, which involved Dahlia's sister. However despite that, I really had a fun and jolly time reading this story. The main focus was Kirk trying to convince Dahlia to marry him. This story is all about second chances. From the beginning you see how right these two are for each other, if they just let differences be put aside. Kirk is very stubborn and prideful and a touch arrogant, and doesn't believe in love anymore. Dahlia is determined to find true love, after seeing her sisters find it, she only believes that she is worthy of it too. It was fun seeing these two clash against one another, and once they really kissed, all bets were off. There isn't a very strong plot line here or conflict much. Its the kind of story you can just sit back and enjoy and not stress too much about the events that are taking place. There is quite a bit of witty dialogue and cute scenes that engage the reader.
Overall a sweet yet enticing love story that has a certain magical charm that is perfect for any kind of reading time. A delightful romance that will make the reader go weak in the knees!! A SIMPLE PLEASURE!!!
December 19, 2013
Karen Hawkins never fails to deliver. She’s one of my all time favorite authors and she can write a historical romance like nobody else can these days. I love that the hero in this story never says the right thing. Ever. His scar on his face and his hurt knee make him even more irresistible. I think that’s what makes him so human and believable in this book.
HOW TO ENTICE AN ENCHANTRESS had me hooked on the first couple of pages. The Duchess is up to her old tricks again... matchmaking. It’s what she does best. The hero and heroine (Lord Kirk & Dahlia Balfour) are great characters and the Ms. Hawkins does a splendid job letting you feel all the emotion. The secondary characters shine all on their own. I also adore when authors add in some kind of pet to the story. In this case, it’s six of them. They are known as the Roxburghe pugs and I LOVE them. They had me laughing and smiling throughout this sweet story.
I would definitely recommend this book if you love a good historical romance & the adorable pugs in it are just an added bonus. I would let Kirk hold my umbrella for me anytime.
With that being said, I shall bow out now and continue on to the next book awaiting me on my shelf.
***This book was sent by one of my good Twitter friends, Lindsey Ross! Thanks, girl. I enjoyed this immensely.***
HOW TO ENTICE AN ENCHANTRESS had me hooked on the first couple of pages. The Duchess is up to her old tricks again... matchmaking. It’s what she does best. The hero and heroine (Lord Kirk & Dahlia Balfour) are great characters and the Ms. Hawkins does a splendid job letting you feel all the emotion. The secondary characters shine all on their own. I also adore when authors add in some kind of pet to the story. In this case, it’s six of them. They are known as the Roxburghe pugs and I LOVE them. They had me laughing and smiling throughout this sweet story.
I would definitely recommend this book if you love a good historical romance & the adorable pugs in it are just an added bonus. I would let Kirk hold my umbrella for me anytime.
With that being said, I shall bow out now and continue on to the next book awaiting me on my shelf.
***This book was sent by one of my good Twitter friends, Lindsey Ross! Thanks, girl. I enjoyed this immensely.***
December 19, 2013
Apparently this is a series and I haven't read the two preceding books, but the premise of this grabbed me. Had I understood more about its set up I would have stayed away as it's full of unoriginal story tropes.
Our hero is scarred and disdains society. He's blunt and rude and clueless to the point of ridiculousness but has his eye on Dahlia wants the Duchess to help him get her. Not for love of course, but because they are compatible. They make him over but he's still a curmudgeon on the inside.
Dahlia despises him for many reasons that occur in the previous book, but they rehash the reasons her well enough I felt up to speed. But Dahlia begins to defend Kirk, they have a mucked up kiss, and Kirk applies some reverse psychology on her (that actually works) and asks her for kissing lessons (which she agrees to!) and I almost tossed the book aside cringing.
Then you have Lady Mary, a mean spirited gossip who is there mainly to say awful things about our hero so Dahlia will defend him. Mary's later change of heart is so remarkable you know she's there simply as a plot devise.
Then there's the never ending dialogue between Kirk and his valet and Kirk and the Duchess as they hash out everything either because the author couldn't find any other way to let us know what's going on or she wanted to go for humor. It was just poor writing.
I've read many a good book from Karen Hawkins, this one, though, is not one of them.
Our hero is scarred and disdains society. He's blunt and rude and clueless to the point of ridiculousness but has his eye on Dahlia wants the Duchess to help him get her. Not for love of course, but because they are compatible. They make him over but he's still a curmudgeon on the inside.
Dahlia despises him for many reasons that occur in the previous book, but they rehash the reasons her well enough I felt up to speed. But Dahlia begins to defend Kirk, they have a mucked up kiss, and Kirk applies some reverse psychology on her (that actually works) and asks her for kissing lessons (which she agrees to!) and I almost tossed the book aside cringing.
Then you have Lady Mary, a mean spirited gossip who is there mainly to say awful things about our hero so Dahlia will defend him. Mary's later change of heart is so remarkable you know she's there simply as a plot devise.
Then there's the never ending dialogue between Kirk and his valet and Kirk and the Duchess as they hash out everything either because the author couldn't find any other way to let us know what's going on or she wanted to go for humor. It was just poor writing.
I've read many a good book from Karen Hawkins, this one, though, is not one of them.
May 15, 2022
This is the romance between Daliah and Lord Kirk. The two of them are neighbors and immediately connect over their love of literature. The widowed and scarred man decides to propose to Daliah since he believes they would be compatible partners. Buttttt let's just say his proposal goes about the same way Darcy first proposes to Elizabeth in P&P. Daliah is very offended by some of the things he said, and has disdained Lord Kirk ever since. Lord Kirk then takes it upon himself to ask his godmother for assistance in wooing the woman he thinks will make a good wife.
This was so good!! I loved this so much! Kirk has been so hurt after what happened to him and his previous wife, and he swears he will never love again. BUT OF COURSE, he falls for sweet Daliah! I just love all of the meddlesome family members, staff, and even pugs! This series is so underhyped and definitely worth the read!
READ FOR THE HISTORICAL ROMANCE READATHON
TW: ableism
MEMORABLE QUOTES:
"She's everything, damn it!" (23)
"The truth is, I can't leave you. You are a part of me, Daliah. A part of who I am" (351).
TROPES: book lovers, brooding hero, groveling, grumpy-sunshine, historical, romance with disability rep (hero has a limp and walks with a cane), meddlesome family members, neighbors, never been kissed, recluse, reluctant to love, scarred character, widower
This was so good!! I loved this so much! Kirk has been so hurt after what happened to him and his previous wife, and he swears he will never love again. BUT OF COURSE, he falls for sweet Daliah! I just love all of the meddlesome family members, staff, and even pugs! This series is so underhyped and definitely worth the read!
READ FOR THE HISTORICAL ROMANCE READATHON
TW: ableism
MEMORABLE QUOTES:
"She's everything, damn it!" (23)
"The truth is, I can't leave you. You are a part of me, Daliah. A part of who I am" (351).
TROPES: book lovers, brooding hero, groveling, grumpy-sunshine, historical, romance with disability rep (hero has a limp and walks with a cane), meddlesome family members, neighbors, never been kissed, recluse, reluctant to love, scarred character, widower
March 4, 2016
3.5 stars
This one was not quite a 4 star read but a defenite improvement over the previous book in the series. It reminded me a some times of Beauty and the Beast and some times of Jane Austen (Sense and Sensibility). It's a very lighthearted book. I wasn't very taken with Dahlia. I don't think I ever connected with her as I think she expected too much of lord Kirk and didn't have realistic expectations about love and relationships. I liked Kirk a lot. He tried so hard to change for the heroine and no matter what happened he didn't give up. I liked him for his honesty and I did connect to his introvert personality. I got a kick out of him always saying things in exactly the wrong way.
Overall I found this to be a lovely book, and can not wait to read some more books by Ms. Hawkins.
This one was not quite a 4 star read but a defenite improvement over the previous book in the series. It reminded me a some times of Beauty and the Beast and some times of Jane Austen (Sense and Sensibility). It's a very lighthearted book. I wasn't very taken with Dahlia. I don't think I ever connected with her as I think she expected too much of lord Kirk and didn't have realistic expectations about love and relationships. I liked Kirk a lot. He tried so hard to change for the heroine and no matter what happened he didn't give up. I liked him for his honesty and I did connect to his introvert personality. I got a kick out of him always saying things in exactly the wrong way.
Overall I found this to be a lovely book, and can not wait to read some more books by Ms. Hawkins.
June 23, 2025
Books I Own. Mad About Series Challenge HRBC 2025. Tropes: Historical Romance, Regency Romance, RomCom, Enemies to Lovers, Matchmaker, Widower, Disabled MC, Grumpy/Sunshine.
This is the third book in the delightful Duchess Diaries Series. The Duchess is a woman determined to marry off her three goddaughters the Balfour sisters. This plot of matchmaking began with Alisdair Dunbar, Viscount Kirk's (a godson of the Duchess) request of help to procure the hand of Dahlia Balfour the youngest of the three sisters. Rose and Lily were matched in books 1 and 2.
The Duchess told Lord Kirk to call in his loan to Dahlia's father. This was to help him renew his aquaintence to Dahlia. All it did was make her hate him even more. He had already asked her to marry him, stating they were well suited and compatable, nothing about passion or love. She outright refused him.
The Duchess invited Dahlia to her home for her upcoming Christmas Ball. There was a houseparty (actually given to her and Lord Kirk) to find love. Lord Kirk just wanted the opportunity to win Dahlia and Lady Charlotte and the Duchess had helped him by finding the right valet, a man who served the Duke of Wellington in the war. The valet helped to groom him in up to date style and wardrobe which was hopelessly 10 years out of style. Lady Charlotte and the Duchess helped him with learning to converse in a more polite and courteous manner.
Dahlia was disappointed when she learned her nemesis Lord Kirk was at the Duchess's houseparty. She made friends with other young people and avoided Lord Kirk. This vexed Lord Kirk as his only goal was to win Dahlia's hand. He discovered Dahlia wanted romance, liked dancing, she particularily liked Lord Byron's poems. His valet and the Duchess and Lady Charlotte helped him all they could. Each time he thought he was making progress he inadvertantly said something that set Dahlia off.
The last time he recited a Lork Byron poem looking directly into her eyes. She was so taken thinking that was how he truly felt about her, she and Lord Kirk made love and it was so beatiful. He asked her to marry him again BUT he happened to mention he looked into her eyes because he was nervous and she was the only one he knew, and he chose that poem not because of how he felt about her but because it was the shortest poem to memorize. He did change the color of the eyes to her own eye color because Lady Charlotte said it would make it more personal to Dahlia. Here she thought he truly loved her but he didn't really. She refused him a second time.
In the end Lord Kirk found her in a cave during a bad rain/lighting storm and she had a fever and had come down with the spanish flu. He carried her back to Floors Castle and stayed by her side nursing her back to health. At Christmas the Duchess had cancelled her annual Christmas Ball because of the Spanish Flu when all her guests departed home. The orchestra still came to the castle and the Duke had come home to comfort his wife. Lord Kirk had been working out the gain strength in his injured leg so he could dance with Dahlia. Dahlia was well enough she could get out of bed and dance with L. Kirk.
This time she asked him to marry her. He accepted.
Comment: This was a Grumpy/Sunshine romance with three marriage proposal between the young couple. What is love truly? Is it all starry eyed, romantic settings and with meaningful romantic words, ballgowns and dancing? Or is it the everyday things like taking care of a woman, making sure she is comfortable, taking care of her when she is sick, buying her books he knows she will like?
Characters in the story:
The Duchess a matchmaker and owner of some cute pugs Randolph the oldest, Meenie, Feenie, Teenie and Weenie.
Her companion, Lady Charlotte, always reading a romance book
and her Butler MacDougal along with some other servants,
Freya (Dahlia's lady's maid),
MacCreedy (Lord Kirk's valet) and
Allen the footman (assigned to carry Randolph around)
This series was about a Matchmaker (Margaret, the Duchess of Roxbourghe) and her lady's companion, Lady Charlotte, her adorable 5 pugs, Randolph (older and slower), Feenie,Meenie, Teenie & Weenie, plus her Butler MacDougal who help the Duchess with her houseparties and matchmaking schemes. This series had only 3 books. It could have been a longer series. I really liked the premise.
I gave this book 4 stars.
This is the third book in the delightful Duchess Diaries Series. The Duchess is a woman determined to marry off her three goddaughters the Balfour sisters. This plot of matchmaking began with Alisdair Dunbar, Viscount Kirk's (a godson of the Duchess) request of help to procure the hand of Dahlia Balfour the youngest of the three sisters. Rose and Lily were matched in books 1 and 2.
The Duchess told Lord Kirk to call in his loan to Dahlia's father. This was to help him renew his aquaintence to Dahlia. All it did was make her hate him even more. He had already asked her to marry him, stating they were well suited and compatable, nothing about passion or love. She outright refused him.
The Duchess invited Dahlia to her home for her upcoming Christmas Ball. There was a houseparty (actually given to her and Lord Kirk) to find love. Lord Kirk just wanted the opportunity to win Dahlia and Lady Charlotte and the Duchess had helped him by finding the right valet, a man who served the Duke of Wellington in the war. The valet helped to groom him in up to date style and wardrobe which was hopelessly 10 years out of style. Lady Charlotte and the Duchess helped him with learning to converse in a more polite and courteous manner.
Dahlia was disappointed when she learned her nemesis Lord Kirk was at the Duchess's houseparty. She made friends with other young people and avoided Lord Kirk. This vexed Lord Kirk as his only goal was to win Dahlia's hand. He discovered Dahlia wanted romance, liked dancing, she particularily liked Lord Byron's poems. His valet and the Duchess and Lady Charlotte helped him all they could. Each time he thought he was making progress he inadvertantly said something that set Dahlia off.
The last time he recited a Lork Byron poem looking directly into her eyes. She was so taken thinking that was how he truly felt about her, she and Lord Kirk made love and it was so beatiful. He asked her to marry him again BUT he happened to mention he looked into her eyes because he was nervous and she was the only one he knew, and he chose that poem not because of how he felt about her but because it was the shortest poem to memorize. He did change the color of the eyes to her own eye color because Lady Charlotte said it would make it more personal to Dahlia. Here she thought he truly loved her but he didn't really. She refused him a second time.
In the end Lord Kirk found her in a cave during a bad rain/lighting storm and she had a fever and had come down with the spanish flu. He carried her back to Floors Castle and stayed by her side nursing her back to health. At Christmas the Duchess had cancelled her annual Christmas Ball because of the Spanish Flu when all her guests departed home. The orchestra still came to the castle and the Duke had come home to comfort his wife. Lord Kirk had been working out the gain strength in his injured leg so he could dance with Dahlia. Dahlia was well enough she could get out of bed and dance with L. Kirk.
This time she asked him to marry her. He accepted.
Comment: This was a Grumpy/Sunshine romance with three marriage proposal between the young couple. What is love truly? Is it all starry eyed, romantic settings and with meaningful romantic words, ballgowns and dancing? Or is it the everyday things like taking care of a woman, making sure she is comfortable, taking care of her when she is sick, buying her books he knows she will like?
Characters in the story:
The Duchess a matchmaker and owner of some cute pugs Randolph the oldest, Meenie, Feenie, Teenie and Weenie.
Her companion, Lady Charlotte, always reading a romance book
and her Butler MacDougal along with some other servants,
Freya (Dahlia's lady's maid),
MacCreedy (Lord Kirk's valet) and
Allen the footman (assigned to carry Randolph around)
This series was about a Matchmaker (Margaret, the Duchess of Roxbourghe) and her lady's companion, Lady Charlotte, her adorable 5 pugs, Randolph (older and slower), Feenie,Meenie, Teenie & Weenie, plus her Butler MacDougal who help the Duchess with her houseparties and matchmaking schemes. This series had only 3 books. It could have been a longer series. I really liked the premise.
I gave this book 4 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 5, 2020
First things first, let me just say: I hate the cover. Sorry. It’s awful, though. It looks like all these disparate elements just got pasted on top of each other. Too many colors.
Why did I pick it up, then? The first 5 words of the blurb: “Reclusive Viscount Kirk, horribly scarred…” That’s all I needed to know.
If you want to know more, though, here you go.
The hero is traumatized by the loss of his first wife, whom he loved. Ever since meeting the heroine, he’s decided to marry her. Purely for practical reasons, of course. He wants nothing to do with love—not again.
The heroine is ready to marry, as well, but she will only wed for mad, passionate love. By the time the hero realizes he does love the heroine, and by the time she realizes love can be quiet and constant, too, there’s a lot of history and hurt feelings between them.
Here are a couple problems: the book is poorly edited for content. The characters repeat and contradict themselves, come to realizations that are forgotten by the next scene, etc. This gives a sense of disorder and confusion to the reader (me.)
Also, the conflicts weren’t enough to carry me through the story. You’re telling me both main characters love each other during the whole story, yet it takes them 350+ pages to realize it? Ok, but…boring…
When I say “you’re telling me,” I do mean “telling.” I didn’t quite buy the feelings from either one. We’re told they’re compatible, yet they can’t be in each other’s presence without fighting.
They do have physical attraction, but I didn’t feel that either of their hearts were truly in it. They both wanted each other to change, but in the end, neither had changed enough for me to believe it. The heroine will still want passion, and I wasn’t totally convinced the hero would be able to give it.
The writing is a third person omniscient, and maybe it’s been a while since I’ve read that, but this one didn’t feel well done. We jumped from one character’s thoughts to another’s too abruptly.
Another minor, but recurring, issue I had was the familiarity between the servants and the nobility. I am not a historian, but in no historical I’ve ever read has there been such open, friendly, and bold conversation between servants and employers/guests. In a couple of occasions, the servants actually gave the employers unsolicited advice about relationships, etc. This was not seen as cheeky. In fact, it kind of seemed like the author needed a built-in ally for her main characters, so she chose servants.
I have like 8 more unread Karen Hawkins paperbacks, so I’ll be giving those a try. This one is 3 stars for me.
Why did I pick it up, then? The first 5 words of the blurb: “Reclusive Viscount Kirk, horribly scarred…” That’s all I needed to know.
If you want to know more, though, here you go.
The hero is traumatized by the loss of his first wife, whom he loved. Ever since meeting the heroine, he’s decided to marry her. Purely for practical reasons, of course. He wants nothing to do with love—not again.
The heroine is ready to marry, as well, but she will only wed for mad, passionate love. By the time the hero realizes he does love the heroine, and by the time she realizes love can be quiet and constant, too, there’s a lot of history and hurt feelings between them.
Here are a couple problems: the book is poorly edited for content. The characters repeat and contradict themselves, come to realizations that are forgotten by the next scene, etc. This gives a sense of disorder and confusion to the reader (me.)
Also, the conflicts weren’t enough to carry me through the story. You’re telling me both main characters love each other during the whole story, yet it takes them 350+ pages to realize it? Ok, but…boring…
When I say “you’re telling me,” I do mean “telling.” I didn’t quite buy the feelings from either one. We’re told they’re compatible, yet they can’t be in each other’s presence without fighting.
They do have physical attraction, but I didn’t feel that either of their hearts were truly in it. They both wanted each other to change, but in the end, neither had changed enough for me to believe it. The heroine will still want passion, and I wasn’t totally convinced the hero would be able to give it.
The writing is a third person omniscient, and maybe it’s been a while since I’ve read that, but this one didn’t feel well done. We jumped from one character’s thoughts to another’s too abruptly.
Another minor, but recurring, issue I had was the familiarity between the servants and the nobility. I am not a historian, but in no historical I’ve ever read has there been such open, friendly, and bold conversation between servants and employers/guests. In a couple of occasions, the servants actually gave the employers unsolicited advice about relationships, etc. This was not seen as cheeky. In fact, it kind of seemed like the author needed a built-in ally for her main characters, so she chose servants.
I have like 8 more unread Karen Hawkins paperbacks, so I’ll be giving those a try. This one is 3 stars for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 18, 2013
Posted on What I'm Reading
Well, I just finished Karen Hawkins latest release How to Entice an Enchantress. By the way, I loved. I might love this book more than the Rose's story. I'm going to stress, you might want to read How to Pursue a Princess before starting How to Entice an Enchantress, because there's some paramount information. You could probably get by, but I think it would enrich your experience.
Well, we are now focusing on the last Balfour girl, Dahlia. Now Dahlia believes in fairytales and happy endings, and she will not settle for anything less than true love. So, when she shoots down her neighbor, Alasdair Dunbar, Viscount Kirk, marriage proposal, Kirk decides to go the Duchess of Roxburghe. After all she kind of created his mess, but not all the blame can be place on her. Kirk has this inept ability to woo a young woman. The simplest way to describe his words of love would be in a practical sense. Which isn't going to win Dahlia's heart, after all she's looking for true love.
First off, poor guy. Seriously, it would be easier for him to dig himself a grave and cover himself before he can express himself to Dahlia. The girl doesn't make it easy either. Yes, Dahlia has high expectations when it comes to love. When Kirk doesn't express them the way she wants it, she's willing to forfeit true love. You got love Kirk on trying approach Dahlia by being logical. What a mess these two make? However, they sure make it entertaining as you watch them fumble along.
I really love How to Entice an Enchantress, because the couple. Yes, the story does remind me of Beauty and the Beast, since Kirk is scarred and gruff and Dahlia is caring and beautiful. I love how she sees pass what Kirk puts up front. I love how Dahlia learns that love is more than pretty words, even though they are nice to have here and there. Overall, I think the story is my favorite of the Balfour girls. So, if you tend to love Beauty and the Beast stories, I think you might enjoy How to Entice an Enchantress.
Copy provided by the publisher
Well, I just finished Karen Hawkins latest release How to Entice an Enchantress. By the way, I loved. I might love this book more than the Rose's story. I'm going to stress, you might want to read How to Pursue a Princess before starting How to Entice an Enchantress, because there's some paramount information. You could probably get by, but I think it would enrich your experience.
Well, we are now focusing on the last Balfour girl, Dahlia. Now Dahlia believes in fairytales and happy endings, and she will not settle for anything less than true love. So, when she shoots down her neighbor, Alasdair Dunbar, Viscount Kirk, marriage proposal, Kirk decides to go the Duchess of Roxburghe. After all she kind of created his mess, but not all the blame can be place on her. Kirk has this inept ability to woo a young woman. The simplest way to describe his words of love would be in a practical sense. Which isn't going to win Dahlia's heart, after all she's looking for true love.
First off, poor guy. Seriously, it would be easier for him to dig himself a grave and cover himself before he can express himself to Dahlia. The girl doesn't make it easy either. Yes, Dahlia has high expectations when it comes to love. When Kirk doesn't express them the way she wants it, she's willing to forfeit true love. You got love Kirk on trying approach Dahlia by being logical. What a mess these two make? However, they sure make it entertaining as you watch them fumble along.
I really love How to Entice an Enchantress, because the couple. Yes, the story does remind me of Beauty and the Beast, since Kirk is scarred and gruff and Dahlia is caring and beautiful. I love how she sees pass what Kirk puts up front. I love how Dahlia learns that love is more than pretty words, even though they are nice to have here and there. Overall, I think the story is my favorite of the Balfour girls. So, if you tend to love Beauty and the Beast stories, I think you might enjoy How to Entice an Enchantress.
Copy provided by the publisher
June 19, 2015
Bliss
Having just completed all three Duchess books I can quite honestly say I am in a state of bliss. These stories are, as always, tender, funny, delightful, a little steamy, emotionally charged and deeply fulfilling. I smile a lot during and after each reading. This one is classic Beauty and the Beast. Lord Kirk is brash, difficult, damaged and only opens his mouth to change feet. But he is also well-read, strong, caring and completely enamoured with Dahlia Balfour. Dahlia is intelligent, natural, loyal and resourceful. She can take care of herself and she won't accept anything less than love. It just takes her a while to understand the many different forms true love takes.
Having just completed all three Duchess books I can quite honestly say I am in a state of bliss. These stories are, as always, tender, funny, delightful, a little steamy, emotionally charged and deeply fulfilling. I smile a lot during and after each reading. This one is classic Beauty and the Beast. Lord Kirk is brash, difficult, damaged and only opens his mouth to change feet. But he is also well-read, strong, caring and completely enamoured with Dahlia Balfour. Dahlia is intelligent, natural, loyal and resourceful. She can take care of herself and she won't accept anything less than love. It just takes her a while to understand the many different forms true love takes.
September 19, 2013
This was so much fun! I thoroughly enjoyed the strong character of Dahlia, how she didn't whine or mope about. She was full of fun, life and never let others dictate how she felt about herself or others. It was fun to watch the changes and the struggles Kirk went through. The plot was great, moved along, good secondary characters to get to know, and you felt engaged through the whole book. I have to say again that I love a non-whining, say the same thing over and over female character. Thanks Karen for showing a strong gel!
July 3, 2015
Ce dernier tome est le meilleur de la série, à mon avis.
Dahlia met un peu de temps à se décider mais j'ai trouvé sa relation avec Lord Kirk très touchante. Certains de leurs dialogues sont aussi très amusants :) ! Je regrette tout de même que la fin soit expédiée en un chapitre. J'aurais aimé que les choses soient moins précipitées ou que les trois sœurs soient réunies (elles ne sont jamais ensemble ou presque).
Mais bon, je me satisfait du mini-épilogue qui laisse présager - qui sait ? - un roman/une nouvelle avec Lady Charlotte pour héroïne.
Dahlia met un peu de temps à se décider mais j'ai trouvé sa relation avec Lord Kirk très touchante. Certains de leurs dialogues sont aussi très amusants :) ! Je regrette tout de même que la fin soit expédiée en un chapitre. J'aurais aimé que les choses soient moins précipitées ou que les trois sœurs soient réunies (elles ne sont jamais ensemble ou presque).
Mais bon, je me satisfait du mini-épilogue qui laisse présager - qui sait ? - un roman/une nouvelle avec Lady Charlotte pour héroïne.
August 11, 2025
DNF
1 star for superb writing and Beauty and the Beast is my favorite Trope.
Pacing is too slow where each chapter focuses on a single scene, which feels like it’s dragging the story rather than developing it.
The central conflict seems to stem from a misunderstanding that escalates unnecessarily—something you don’t enjoy.
Well-written prose, but not enough plot movement: I appreciate the writing style and maybe even the characters, but the lack of progress or variety is dulling my enjoyment.
1 star for superb writing and Beauty and the Beast is my favorite Trope.
Pacing is too slow where each chapter focuses on a single scene, which feels like it’s dragging the story rather than developing it.
The central conflict seems to stem from a misunderstanding that escalates unnecessarily—something you don’t enjoy.
Well-written prose, but not enough plot movement: I appreciate the writing style and maybe even the characters, but the lack of progress or variety is dulling my enjoyment.
September 19, 2013
You know that feeling you get when you open your ibooks and you have a brand new pre-ordered book ready for you. Well, I love it and this one just came to me yesterday. First of all, so much better than Lily's story. I actually really liked book of the lead characters. It was a good read. There are some funny moments, some "aww" moments and just an all around good time. Looking forward to more from this author!
April 24, 2016
4.5 Enchanting stars
Where Pride and Prejudice meets Truce (A book from R.L. Mathewson 's 'Nighbours from hell' series.
Hilarious,fun and a great weekend read !
Where Pride and Prejudice meets Truce (A book from R.L. Mathewson 's 'Nighbours from hell' series.
Hilarious,fun and a great weekend read !
June 29, 2016
A lovely Beauty and the Beast retelling. Lord Kirk was your typical tortured hero - moody, reclusive, brusk, etc. Understandable with this disfigured face and Societies love for perfection. Dahlia Balfour was the perfect heroine for him. They have so much in common and have fallen in love though neither actually realize this for quite a while. A rather romantic tale from beginning to end.
Read
January 1, 2017The Aunt character adds something special to each story in the series (which includes one of my favorite books, How to Capture a Countess) and I liked Lord Kirk.
February 11, 2025
First off: WTF is up with those cover models? It's mentioned many times over that Dahlia's got curly brown hair with a slight tan and while I'm aware that Kirk looks a bit younger once his makeover takes place, I'd have appreciated a grey streak at his temple. Give me my Mr. Fantastic, damn it 😡!
I like that we got a glimpse of these two in the previous book (The RRH one), but they neglected to mention one major aspect of his wanting Dahlia was pointed out by Lily: she's younger and he wanted children. That's never even stated internally in this book. Would've offered another facet in his change.
Pros/Interesting Aspects
-You could say this is part two of BATB
*That Kirk's godmother, her confidante Charlotte, and Kirk's valet are the servants who convince/teach him that to win his Beauty over, the Beast must become more human (i.e. rather than learning to eat properly, Kirk must learn manners among genteel society).
-Dahlia's Reasoning
*Not only does she distrust Kirk for his behavior towards her father (that's the second list), but she feels she's at the best advantage of her sisters: being able to marry for love without saving someone. Whether she admits it or not, Dahlia might look at Kirk's earlier injury and tragic marriage as something she'd have to fix/keeps her from getting a fresh start. She implies the latter when she asks Kirk "do you miss her?" meaning Elsbeth.
-Kirk's Past
*He acknowledges that while his marriage was a fine one, he was newly minted eighteen and while she was sweet, Elsbeth didn't share any intellectual passion. Seems to mean Kirk grew up in their marriage/beyond and she perhaps didn't.
*Kirk's also been quite spoiled due to unfortunate circumstances: when his mother died and he was left in the care of an emotionally neglectful relative, the servants' over-indulged him, making Kirk even more stubborn because no one was there to challenge him.
-Dahlia's intro
*She fell asleep while reading and the footman struggles to wake her from her slumber inside the carriage. We've all been there "just one more page".
-Byron
*Yeah, he's the overdramatic problematic fuck boi of his era, but damn can he write a sultry sonnet.
*Also, Kirk changes the words to suit Dahlia "her gray blue eyes" from "deep blue". And when this is pointed out, Kirk's like "did I? Must remember to remember better next time 😜."
-Kirk does physical therapy to regain strength in his leg... and finally asks Dahlia to dance a waltz with him ❤️😭.
-In Kirk's eyes, giving Dahlia's father a high interest loan without question was the gentlemanly thing to do; to assume he couldn't pay it back would perhaps insult Mr. Balfour.
-Their first meeting
*They literally run smack dab into each other in town because Kirk didn't see her over the pile of books he ordered.
*Side note, did anyone else find it sweet that they'd been neighbors all Dahlia's life but Kirk never paid her any attention? An invisible string of sorts.
-It ends with her proposing to him!
BATB Refs.
-Kirk, much like the Beast, was spoiled from childhood
-Dahlia's anger stems from Kirk's treatment of her father-his asking him to pay back a high loan-similar to Beauty taking her father's place in his castle after she deems the Beast took his punishment of stealing a rose too far.
-Kirk's limp/scar=Beast's beastly appearance.
-Kirk wanting them to meet each morning in the library for romance lessons=Beast requiring Beauty to dine with him each night.
-Both men cannot stop proposing marriage.
-Viewed the duchess/her staff as more servants to help OG Beast improve.
-Kirk's limited time to find a bride or live in isolation=Beast giving Beauty limited time to visit her family and "dying" when she takes too long.
-Kirk nursing Dahlia through her flu=Beauty begging by his "death bed" for the Beast to return.
I wonder if the first book is a Cinderella retelling... someone let me, 'cause the cover's got me thinking so 🤔.
I like that we got a glimpse of these two in the previous book (The RRH one), but they neglected to mention one major aspect of his wanting Dahlia was pointed out by Lily: she's younger and he wanted children. That's never even stated internally in this book. Would've offered another facet in his change.
Pros/Interesting Aspects
-You could say this is part two of BATB
*That Kirk's godmother, her confidante Charlotte, and Kirk's valet are the servants who convince/teach him that to win his Beauty over, the Beast must become more human (i.e. rather than learning to eat properly, Kirk must learn manners among genteel society).
-Dahlia's Reasoning
*Not only does she distrust Kirk for his behavior towards her father (that's the second list), but she feels she's at the best advantage of her sisters: being able to marry for love without saving someone. Whether she admits it or not, Dahlia might look at Kirk's earlier injury and tragic marriage as something she'd have to fix/keeps her from getting a fresh start. She implies the latter when she asks Kirk "do you miss her?" meaning Elsbeth.
-Kirk's Past
*He acknowledges that while his marriage was a fine one, he was newly minted eighteen and while she was sweet, Elsbeth didn't share any intellectual passion. Seems to mean Kirk grew up in their marriage/beyond and she perhaps didn't.
*Kirk's also been quite spoiled due to unfortunate circumstances: when his mother died and he was left in the care of an emotionally neglectful relative, the servants' over-indulged him, making Kirk even more stubborn because no one was there to challenge him.
-Dahlia's intro
*She fell asleep while reading and the footman struggles to wake her from her slumber inside the carriage. We've all been there "just one more page".
-Byron
*Yeah, he's the overdramatic problematic fuck boi of his era, but damn can he write a sultry sonnet.
*Also, Kirk changes the words to suit Dahlia "her gray blue eyes" from "deep blue". And when this is pointed out, Kirk's like "did I? Must remember to remember better next time 😜."
-Kirk does physical therapy to regain strength in his leg... and finally asks Dahlia to dance a waltz with him ❤️😭.
-In Kirk's eyes, giving Dahlia's father a high interest loan without question was the gentlemanly thing to do; to assume he couldn't pay it back would perhaps insult Mr. Balfour.
-Their first meeting
*They literally run smack dab into each other in town because Kirk didn't see her over the pile of books he ordered.
*Side note, did anyone else find it sweet that they'd been neighbors all Dahlia's life but Kirk never paid her any attention? An invisible string of sorts.
-It ends with her proposing to him!
BATB Refs.
-Kirk, much like the Beast, was spoiled from childhood
-Dahlia's anger stems from Kirk's treatment of her father-his asking him to pay back a high loan-similar to Beauty taking her father's place in his castle after she deems the Beast took his punishment of stealing a rose too far.
-Kirk's limp/scar=Beast's beastly appearance.
-Kirk wanting them to meet each morning in the library for romance lessons=Beast requiring Beauty to dine with him each night.
-Both men cannot stop proposing marriage.
-Viewed the duchess/her staff as more servants to help OG Beast improve.
-Kirk's limited time to find a bride or live in isolation=Beast giving Beauty limited time to visit her family and "dying" when she takes too long.
-Kirk nursing Dahlia through her flu=Beauty begging by his "death bed" for the Beast to return.
I wonder if the first book is a Cinderella retelling... someone let me, 'cause the cover's got me thinking so 🤔.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 30, 2022
I stumbled upon this one and for some reason the cover looks so modern and tongue in cheek that I was charmed. Disability and chronic illness rep in romance is always awesome!
I didn't read the previous books either and found that it is fine to read as a standalone.
The Duchess of Roxburghe helping couples get together felt fun and her diary entries remind me of Lady Whistledown though she isn't gossiping about others. She is getting a reputation as a successful matchmaker and in this book, she helps her godson, Lord Kirkpatrick win the woman he is interested in. I kept picturing the Queen Charlotte from the Bridgeton adaption as the Duchess.
But the task is great because we have a grump. The back cover called this a "Beauty and the Beast" inspired romance so if you like that trope then that is another plus. Alasdair Dunbar is Scottish. Ohh! another great trope. An accident years ago gave him a facial scar he is insecure about and he uses a cane as he has a limp from a knee injury. The guy has no social graces and doesn't smile. Oof.
Duchess sure has her work cut out for her. I was getting Princess Diaries makeover vibes from this. But the makeover is skipped with a time jump to when Dahlia arrives for the house party. I was disappointed that they didn’t use a plus sized cover model since she is described as “rounded and pleasingly plump” and she calls herself “freckled, tanned and curly mopped”. It certainly doesn’t look like the blond, slim cover model.
Alasdair says all the wrong things, offends Dahlia and is as unromantic as you can expect. At times, I wanted to laugh at how he couldn't see that his words were rude and offensive. He messes up many times and is always on the verge of quitting. They have their first kiss and his bad knee acts up because she throws her weight on him and also splits his lip in her enthusiasm. I was cringing for them. But appreciated that the author was trying to portray his injury in a real way.
There was witty moments that I enjoyed but some parts dragged like the characters kept going on and on about something. It was irritating how Alasdair keeps avoiding love and romance and says that he is too old for that. It felt very arrogant.
I liked how Dahlia is so protective of him that she challenges two mean girls to a Battledore (early form of badminton) to protect his honour. It was so cute and typically it is the other way around. Dahlia though frustrated with Lord Kirk's rudeness is soft on him and tries to shield him. But it felt too little too late as he repeats the same mistakes almost up to the end but perhaps that was realistic?
It's tough to expect someone to change their behaviour just because they learnt social graces and changed their appearance. But he does try to be better for her by exercising his leg with the injured muscle and eventually can ride, box and dance. The way they made up felt rushed too but in a way, I like that Dahlia understood how love can be expressed in different ways.
There are some steamy kiss scenes but the sex scene (one only!) felt rushed.
It annoyed me how scenes were skipped over, I would have loved to see the battledore scene and alot of inner dialogue felt repeated over and over again. Without his valet (that guy was a cheerleader and therapist all in one), Alasdair would probably have given up and went home. Oddly, the setting didn't have a Christmas feel even though it was a winter house party.
Tropes: Grump sunshine, age gap, meddling side characters
I didn't read the previous books either and found that it is fine to read as a standalone.
The Duchess of Roxburghe helping couples get together felt fun and her diary entries remind me of Lady Whistledown though she isn't gossiping about others. She is getting a reputation as a successful matchmaker and in this book, she helps her godson, Lord Kirkpatrick win the woman he is interested in. I kept picturing the Queen Charlotte from the Bridgeton adaption as the Duchess.
But the task is great because we have a grump. The back cover called this a "Beauty and the Beast" inspired romance so if you like that trope then that is another plus. Alasdair Dunbar is Scottish. Ohh! another great trope. An accident years ago gave him a facial scar he is insecure about and he uses a cane as he has a limp from a knee injury. The guy has no social graces and doesn't smile. Oof.
Duchess sure has her work cut out for her. I was getting Princess Diaries makeover vibes from this. But the makeover is skipped with a time jump to when Dahlia arrives for the house party. I was disappointed that they didn’t use a plus sized cover model since she is described as “rounded and pleasingly plump” and she calls herself “freckled, tanned and curly mopped”. It certainly doesn’t look like the blond, slim cover model.
Alasdair says all the wrong things, offends Dahlia and is as unromantic as you can expect. At times, I wanted to laugh at how he couldn't see that his words were rude and offensive. He messes up many times and is always on the verge of quitting. They have their first kiss and his bad knee acts up because she throws her weight on him and also splits his lip in her enthusiasm. I was cringing for them. But appreciated that the author was trying to portray his injury in a real way.
There was witty moments that I enjoyed but some parts dragged like the characters kept going on and on about something. It was irritating how Alasdair keeps avoiding love and romance and says that he is too old for that. It felt very arrogant.
I liked how Dahlia is so protective of him that she challenges two mean girls to a Battledore (early form of badminton) to protect his honour. It was so cute and typically it is the other way around. Dahlia though frustrated with Lord Kirk's rudeness is soft on him and tries to shield him. But it felt too little too late as he repeats the same mistakes almost up to the end but perhaps that was realistic?
It's tough to expect someone to change their behaviour just because they learnt social graces and changed their appearance. But he does try to be better for her by exercising his leg with the injured muscle and eventually can ride, box and dance. The way they made up felt rushed too but in a way, I like that Dahlia understood how love can be expressed in different ways.
There are some steamy kiss scenes but the sex scene (one only!) felt rushed.
It annoyed me how scenes were skipped over, I would have loved to see the battledore scene and alot of inner dialogue felt repeated over and over again. Without his valet (that guy was a cheerleader and therapist all in one), Alasdair would probably have given up and went home. Oddly, the setting didn't have a Christmas feel even though it was a winter house party.
Tropes: Grump sunshine, age gap, meddling side characters
January 26, 2020
Out of all the novels, this was my favourite. I've actually read it a few times now since the first time. I really enjoy the characters and I love Kirk. In fact, the author took everything I liked about the first two and then put them together in this novel. As much as I like Sin, Kirk wins out. He isn't the beauty that Sin is and also just doesn't have the skills either. This means every attempt to gain Dahlia was usually sweet and thoughtful.
I liked that he didn't simply come in and sweep her off her feet. There's nothing wrong with the dependable man who remembers to bring an umbrella.
He wasn't the normal beau, but she was definitely the usual heroine. She was a bit childish though Dahlia did progress which was nice. I also liked the protagonist, kind of hope she ends up getting her own novel. Though she started out horrific by the end she was redeemed and it made me want to know more about her story.
The interaction between Kirk and Dahlia was also very sweet. They were both naive in a lot of ways, but in different ways which worked well. Overall a cute story and my favourite of all in the series.
I liked that he didn't simply come in and sweep her off her feet. There's nothing wrong with the dependable man who remembers to bring an umbrella.
He wasn't the normal beau, but she was definitely the usual heroine. She was a bit childish though Dahlia did progress which was nice. I also liked the protagonist, kind of hope she ends up getting her own novel. Though she started out horrific by the end she was redeemed and it made me want to know more about her story.
The interaction between Kirk and Dahlia was also very sweet. They were both naive in a lot of ways, but in different ways which worked well. Overall a cute story and my favourite of all in the series.
January 31, 2020
Cute matchmaker story, with a duchess and her friend as the rather inept matchmakers. The hero and heroine have met before, in their home village, by literally bumping into each other. She noticed the books he'd just bought and after discussing books a while, he invited her to visit his library. They grew to like each other, so he proposed, badly, insulting her, and she hasn't spoken to him since. He compounded the insult by things that went on in earlier books in the series, but he still thinks they're a good, compatible match. So he's asked his godmother for help. So has the heroine, who has the same duchess as her godmother. The godmother complies by inviting them both to the same Christmas house party, and working with the hero on his manners and fashion sense. The story begins with the hero's request for help, then jumps to the beginning of the party with the guests arriving. All the action is during the gathering at the duchess's castle, with misunderstandings and bickering galore. It's adorable. I thoroughly enjoyed it, though I didn't think I was really in the mood for it when I began. The story tickled me into it. Good read.
February 28, 2020
I was dissapointed in this third book in the series I found the characters very flat and monotone. I had high hopes since I liked the first two in the series. I found myself feeling like dahlia was in her own la la land and he was too stubborn to admit that she’s a immature girl who needs some more growing up to do. I understand that during these time periods it must’ve been hard to find partners who enjoy reading as much as you do, especially women. But she clearly needed some more time to grow up. I think the author put her in the sick bed so in the end to make up for her immaturity and to make her sudden realization that love is not always romantic but the moments where people are there for you are what matters not their ability to flatter you or give you poems. It just fell flat for me. I loved the pugs I will miss them dreadfully! I also will miss the duchess of roxenburge and lady Charlotte and that Scottish butler. I wish dahlia and Kirk were replaced by a hero and heroine more deserving of the duchess’s efforts and these adorable pugs! Tragic and I’m sad there will not be any more books in this series. Who know maybe I’ll give this book another try again.
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