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The Matchmaking Games #1
Five Dates with the Duke
“I’ve never been in love before. It’s an insipid emotion that only leads to pain in any case.”
Emma has lost all hope for finding a husband, so she enters the Matchmaker’s shop. And she leaves with a date with a Duke…
Charming and dangerous, Duke Nicholas has been a perpetual bachelor, until he is tricked into finding a bride.
But when Emma flees from him, Nicholas is determined to win the only woman who turned him down. And he has five dates to achieve his goal…and claim her as his own.
*If you like a realistic yet steamy depiction of the Regency and Victorian era, then Five Dates with the Duke is the novel for you.
An enchanting regency romance of 80,000 words (around 400 pages), written by Daphne Byrne and published by Cobalt Fairy.
No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a strong happily ever after.
Get "Five Dates with the Duke" today to discover Daphne's splendid new story!
Emma has lost all hope for finding a husband, so she enters the Matchmaker’s shop. And she leaves with a date with a Duke…
Charming and dangerous, Duke Nicholas has been a perpetual bachelor, until he is tricked into finding a bride.
But when Emma flees from him, Nicholas is determined to win the only woman who turned him down. And he has five dates to achieve his goal…and claim her as his own.
*If you like a realistic yet steamy depiction of the Regency and Victorian era, then Five Dates with the Duke is the novel for you.
An enchanting regency romance of 80,000 words (around 400 pages), written by Daphne Byrne and published by Cobalt Fairy.
No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a strong happily ever after.
Get "Five Dates with the Duke" today to discover Daphne's splendid new story!
389 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 3, 2023
247 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
August 11, 2023
3 💘👓📚⭐️s
A light and cute historical romance read, yet didn’t thrill me.
A light and cute historical romance read, yet didn’t thrill me.
August 15, 2023
I love the banter and interaction between Nicholas and Emma. I loved seeing the growth in Emma as she gets more comfortable around the Duke and lets more of her personality show to him. These two really were a perfect match. I also have to give a shout out to the two amazing best friends Emma and Nicholas have, Abigail defiantly reminded me of my best friend in all the best ways! I love the idea of this new series having a matchmaker and I cant wait to see what couples Marie Webster puts together next.
November 30, 2023
I finally finished this book that I started in August. Overall, it was OK. The characters were OK. The ending was OK. The plot was OK. There were some "steamy" scenes that could have been left out. It added no value to the story. If you like a little spice in your stories, you might like this one. Personally, I could have skipped it and went straight for something a little sweeter and interesting like a piece of cake.
June 26, 2024
The description of the book stated:
This is what tricked me into trying this book. I liked the sample, but after I got the book to continue, it went downhill. The story is marketed as a Regency romance, but I found it lacking in historical accuracy. The FMC and MMC go on "dates" unsupervised, and without prior introduction, which would have been highly improbable in the Regency Era. For instance, the mother simply drops the FMC off at a tea shop to meet the MMC something that would only have been possible post-engagement during that period.
Additionally, the dialogue felt too modern for the setting, which further detracted from the authenticity of the story. Inconsistencies with the heroine's eyesight are also jarring: initially, she struggles to pick up a teapot on the first try and spills a bit when attempting to pour tea, but later in the story, she effortlessly pours tea without any hesitation or difficulty.
With a little more effort and research, the book could have been much better. Given its 500+ 5-star ratings on Amazon, I expected more. Unfortunately, the lack of historical realism and modernised interactions made it difficult for me to enjoy the book as a Regency romance.
...If you like a realistic yet steamy depiction of the Regency and Victorian era, then Five Dates with the Duke is the novel for you.
This is what tricked me into trying this book. I liked the sample, but after I got the book to continue, it went downhill. The story is marketed as a Regency romance, but I found it lacking in historical accuracy. The FMC and MMC go on "dates" unsupervised, and without prior introduction, which would have been highly improbable in the Regency Era. For instance, the mother simply drops the FMC off at a tea shop to meet the MMC something that would only have been possible post-engagement during that period.
Additionally, the dialogue felt too modern for the setting, which further detracted from the authenticity of the story. Inconsistencies with the heroine's eyesight are also jarring: initially, she struggles to pick up a teapot on the first try and spills a bit when attempting to pour tea, but later in the story, she effortlessly pours tea without any hesitation or difficulty.
With a little more effort and research, the book could have been much better. Given its 500+ 5-star ratings on Amazon, I expected more. Unfortunately, the lack of historical realism and modernised interactions made it difficult for me to enjoy the book as a Regency romance.
August 18, 2023
TWO DIFFERENT PERSONALITIES WILL IT WORK ?
NICHOLAS - His Grandmother has bought m m up after the death of his parents. She loves him very much, he has tragic memories of the night his mother died , this affected his attitude to love, she wants him to marry Nicholas believes (if he does not fall in love he will not be hurt) His reputation is that of a Rake women never refuse a date with him. He has no intention of ever marrying or having children, his best friend Evan are always together.I
EMMA - only child she does not interact very much with others she's been told she is plump and a little shy she reads a lot she and her best friend are going to be spinster together they have their lives planned out.
Emma's mother and Nicholas grandmother (they do not know each other) make arrangements separately with a (NEW MATCH MAKER) .
WELL I WILL STOP - EVERYTHING STARTS NOW ?
Absolutely loved this could not put this down BRILLIANT CHARACTERS .
CAN'T WAIT FOR SECOND BOOK HOPE IT'S ABOUT WHO I THINK.
I received an ARC copy
NICHOLAS - His Grandmother has bought m m up after the death of his parents. She loves him very much, he has tragic memories of the night his mother died , this affected his attitude to love, she wants him to marry Nicholas believes (if he does not fall in love he will not be hurt) His reputation is that of a Rake women never refuse a date with him. He has no intention of ever marrying or having children, his best friend Evan are always together.I
EMMA - only child she does not interact very much with others she's been told she is plump and a little shy she reads a lot she and her best friend are going to be spinster together they have their lives planned out.
Emma's mother and Nicholas grandmother (they do not know each other) make arrangements separately with a (NEW MATCH MAKER) .
WELL I WILL STOP - EVERYTHING STARTS NOW ?
Absolutely loved this could not put this down BRILLIANT CHARACTERS .
CAN'T WAIT FOR SECOND BOOK HOPE IT'S ABOUT WHO I THINK.
I received an ARC copy
February 3, 2024
ALMOST LOST ME TOWARD THE END
This book had a lot of good things going for it. The characters were well developed. I enjoyed the side characters except the best friends. Although Evan did redeem himself and he always seemed to be looking out for Nicholas. Abigail, on the other hand, seemed selfish and self serving. Her intentions came off as one sided like she just wanted someone to be alone with her. The connection between Nicholas was sweet and the way their attraction and affection built for one another was totally believable. The only thing that was disappointing was how quickly Emma allowed Lady Portsworth and her lies, as well as all the negative comments from Abigail, cause her to doubt Nicholas and his feelings for her. That was really annoying and it seemed unfair that Nicholas had to do so much to make things right when she was at fault for their communication breakdown as well. I’m glad they got their happily ever after, but I do think she got off easy after not even giving him the benefit if the doubt. That is why I could only give 4 stars.
This book had a lot of good things going for it. The characters were well developed. I enjoyed the side characters except the best friends. Although Evan did redeem himself and he always seemed to be looking out for Nicholas. Abigail, on the other hand, seemed selfish and self serving. Her intentions came off as one sided like she just wanted someone to be alone with her. The connection between Nicholas was sweet and the way their attraction and affection built for one another was totally believable. The only thing that was disappointing was how quickly Emma allowed Lady Portsworth and her lies, as well as all the negative comments from Abigail, cause her to doubt Nicholas and his feelings for her. That was really annoying and it seemed unfair that Nicholas had to do so much to make things right when she was at fault for their communication breakdown as well. I’m glad they got their happily ever after, but I do think she got off easy after not even giving him the benefit if the doubt. That is why I could only give 4 stars.
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August 14, 2023five dates with duke
This was a good story. Nicholas is determined never to marry believing he is like his father, but his grandmother has other ideas. So she tricks him I to seeing a match maker and is furious with her for the deceit. He decides to get them off his back he would meet the young lady the match maker set up for him. Emma's mother has also dragged her to the match maker as well and neither rahe nor Nicholas want to marry. When they meet she turns Nicholas
olas down and thinks that is the end of it until he approaches her and wants five date to see if they would suit. But neither one plans to pursue the match beyond that and will go their separate ways. However they begin to get to know each other and like what they see but to scared to make a chance.
This is a wonderfully told love story between two people that has either no confidence or determined not to love in the fear of losing the one they love.
This was a good story. Nicholas is determined never to marry believing he is like his father, but his grandmother has other ideas. So she tricks him I to seeing a match maker and is furious with her for the deceit. He decides to get them off his back he would meet the young lady the match maker set up for him. Emma's mother has also dragged her to the match maker as well and neither rahe nor Nicholas want to marry. When they meet she turns Nicholas
olas down and thinks that is the end of it until he approaches her and wants five date to see if they would suit. But neither one plans to pursue the match beyond that and will go their separate ways. However they begin to get to know each other and like what they see but to scared to make a chance.
This is a wonderfully told love story between two people that has either no confidence or determined not to love in the fear of losing the one they love.
August 30, 2023
Wow!
That was another great read about two people not wanting to fall in love, but in the end does just that. I loved this story and the way it was told. There is always someone around that believe their daughter is the right mate and proceed to cause trouble and break up the couple. But true love always stands the test and this story is no exception leading to a happily ever after in the end. But what great reading to get through all the turmoil you go through all in the name of love and happily ever after. Loved it, loved it, loved it. Can’t wait for the next installment.
That was another great read about two people not wanting to fall in love, but in the end does just that. I loved this story and the way it was told. There is always someone around that believe their daughter is the right mate and proceed to cause trouble and break up the couple. But true love always stands the test and this story is no exception leading to a happily ever after in the end. But what great reading to get through all the turmoil you go through all in the name of love and happily ever after. Loved it, loved it, loved it. Can’t wait for the next installment.
May 8, 2024
The chase begins
Parents want their daughter married while Emma plans to be a spinster. A grandmama wants her only grandson married while Nicholas believes love leads to pain and loss so stays a bachelor. Enter a matchmaker and a date is arranged...she flees he is intrigued. The chase begins. An entertaining story of insecurities and desires with both seeking but dismissing romance along the way due in part to each having a longtime friend bent on thwarting the match. I highly recommend.
Parents want their daughter married while Emma plans to be a spinster. A grandmama wants her only grandson married while Nicholas believes love leads to pain and loss so stays a bachelor. Enter a matchmaker and a date is arranged...she flees he is intrigued. The chase begins. An entertaining story of insecurities and desires with both seeking but dismissing romance along the way due in part to each having a longtime friend bent on thwarting the match. I highly recommend.
August 16, 2023
Never listen to gossip!
A wonderful story of how memories of an incident you saw can influence you decisions in adulthood! Nicholas vows never to marry until he’s tricked by his grandmother to go with her to a matchmaker! Emma has planned with her best friend to be spinsters and champion women’s rights, until her mother takers her to the same matchmaker! They decide on five dates and then go their separate ways!
A wonderful story of how memories of an incident you saw can influence you decisions in adulthood! Nicholas vows never to marry until he’s tricked by his grandmother to go with her to a matchmaker! Emma has planned with her best friend to be spinsters and champion women’s rights, until her mother takers her to the same matchmaker! They decide on five dates and then go their separate ways!
August 9, 2023
Delightful To Read
This was absolutely one of the best Love Matches I’ve read. It was young, Delightful and even humorous at times. I couldn’t get enough. THe characters grabbed hold of my heart from the beginning and kept me totally captivated right to the very end. Even the epilogue made it a little more delightful. I cannot wait to read Evan’s story.
This was absolutely one of the best Love Matches I’ve read. It was young, Delightful and even humorous at times. I couldn’t get enough. THe characters grabbed hold of my heart from the beginning and kept me totally captivated right to the very end. Even the epilogue made it a little more delightful. I cannot wait to read Evan’s story.
August 14, 2023
Breathtaking
This was an amazing story. You got two stubborn people forced into seeing a matchmaker. The woman's first call turned a surprise into the man..making it kind of a challenge to date her. Little did they know, they may just be what each other needs ..if they can handle the others BFF plus a few rivals.
Loved this one!!!!
This was an amazing story. You got two stubborn people forced into seeing a matchmaker. The woman's first call turned a surprise into the man..making it kind of a challenge to date her. Little did they know, they may just be what each other needs ..if they can handle the others BFF plus a few rivals.
Loved this one!!!!
August 16, 2023
Happy book
Along with the angst there are smiles! Nicolas is tricked into seeing a matchmaker by his grandma. Emma goes to the same matchmaker at her parents request. Paired for a date Emma runs when she meets Nicolas. What follows is like a folly.
Interfering mammas who want the Duke to marry their daughters and best friends who are worried make for a great read.
Along with the angst there are smiles! Nicolas is tricked into seeing a matchmaker by his grandma. Emma goes to the same matchmaker at her parents request. Paired for a date Emma runs when she meets Nicolas. What follows is like a folly.
Interfering mammas who want the Duke to marry their daughters and best friends who are worried make for a great read.
September 21, 2023
Can you find your perfect love in 5 dates?
A very unique and intriguing twist of a love story! Using emotions dealing with love to encapture the reader and drag them into the story is very interesting and enlightening but effective. The colorful characters and their parts help make this a wonderful story to read!
A very unique and intriguing twist of a love story! Using emotions dealing with love to encapture the reader and drag them into the story is very interesting and enlightening but effective. The colorful characters and their parts help make this a wonderful story to read!
November 29, 2023
DNF (which is rare for me). It’s billed as a regency romance but there’s absolutely nothing regency about it, either in period details, the actions of the characters, or the dialogue. I might still have slogged my way through it but after a couple of chapters decided that retaining what few brain cells I still possess was more important than reading this.
December 4, 2025
A Duke/A Lady/A Grandmother/Help..
Duke Nicholas has a secret that only a few people know..He and his Grandmother head to a Marriage
Maker (under protest) & he is matched with Lady Emma- who immediately runs from the meeting at a teahouse.. but Nicholas is intrigued & talks her into 5 dates..
And what dates they are! A great read.
Duke Nicholas has a secret that only a few people know..He and his Grandmother head to a Marriage
Maker (under protest) & he is matched with Lady Emma- who immediately runs from the meeting at a teahouse.. but Nicholas is intrigued & talks her into 5 dates..
And what dates they are! A great read.
August 6, 2023
A wonderful romance
Nicholas has to overcome the lost of his mother as a child before he can find love and happiness with Emma to find this he has to overcome the worry of their friends plus members of the ton
Nicholas has to overcome the lost of his mother as a child before he can find love and happiness with Emma to find this he has to overcome the worry of their friends plus members of the ton
August 9, 2023
Loved this story of Emma and the Duke.Was a very sweet read and well written.5 dates and a cunning grandmother and mother going to a match maker.To arrange a match for a grandson and the other for her daughter.This evolves to a very sweet and enjoyable read.
August 10, 2023
A fun, sweet read. The Duke had to work through some early trauma. Emma needed to see herself as the special woman she was. Their families used a “matchmaker “ to bring them together. This is the first book that I have read using this storyline. I plan to read others.
August 26, 2023
How different five dates can be
Emma and Nicholas have a rocky start to their relationship with very little help from their friends but thanks to a savvy grandmother and a talented matchmaker, the five dates lead to a very happy ending.
Emma and Nicholas have a rocky start to their relationship with very little help from their friends but thanks to a savvy grandmother and a talented matchmaker, the five dates lead to a very happy ending.
September 23, 2023
great book
I really enjoyed this book the characters were very well written and the book moved along at a good pace.
I would love to read Evan’s story and also a story for Abigail.
I really enjoyed this book the characters were very well written and the book moved along at a good pace.
I would love to read Evan’s story and also a story for Abigail.
June 11, 2024
Emotional
A Duke with a childhood trauma refuses to engage in love. A young Lady with a overbearing mother and a love of reading has destined herself to be a wallflower. With the help of a matchmaking Lady, they humble through a clumsy courtship.
A Duke with a childhood trauma refuses to engage in love. A young Lady with a overbearing mother and a love of reading has destined herself to be a wallflower. With the help of a matchmaking Lady, they humble through a clumsy courtship.
August 29, 2024
Romantic from the first
What a lovely surprise this story is! From a reluctant stubborn person and a shy lovely lady this is an enchanting tale of ow love can truly conquer all!
What a lovely surprise this story is! From a reluctant stubborn person and a shy lovely lady this is an enchanting tale of ow love can truly conquer all!
August 14, 2023
love this story
I Loved this story !!! I have never read anything like it, I was amazed and couldn’t put it down !!!
I Loved this story !!! I have never read anything like it, I was amazed and couldn’t put it down !!!
August 16, 2023
Awesome
I absolutely became entangled in their love story. I was cheering at every positive moment and cursing at each attempt to break them apart. I highly recommend this book.
I absolutely became entangled in their love story. I was cheering at every positive moment and cursing at each attempt to break them apart. I highly recommend this book.
August 21, 2023
It didn’t take all five
Matchmakers seem to have special insights into what their clients really need and that is the case here too.
Highly recommended!
Matchmakers seem to have special insights into what their clients really need and that is the case here too.
Highly recommended!
November 5, 2023
3.5 stars
November 10, 2023
Great read
Loved the characters and the story line. Looking forward to reading more from this author. I read this book in 1 sitting .
Loved the characters and the story line. Looking forward to reading more from this author. I read this book in 1 sitting .
January 27, 2024
yeah this one hits the gotta read
Great twists and turns. You want to see what happens next. Romantic and sweet. Not to naughty but love prevails beautifully.
Great twists and turns. You want to see what happens next. Romantic and sweet. Not to naughty but love prevails beautifully.
February 24, 2024
Good Love Story
This was a good book. Sometimes life can have tragic things happen. Nicholas and Emma went through a lot until they could be together. Life was better after.
This was a good book. Sometimes life can have tragic things happen. Nicholas and Emma went through a lot until they could be together. Life was better after.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews