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Noble Charades #2
The Duke's Diary
She only meant to read one page...until she saw her name.Rather than being forced to marry the vile man her father intends for her, Nora Rothwell plans to escape. With the help of her brother and his best friend, Timothy, the Duke of Heywood, she finds her way to the Duke’s abandoned hunting lodge, where she will be kept safe and hidden until she comes of age—at which time she will be whisked off to London in the hopes of finding a suitable match who might secure her a place far from her father’s reach.
Secluded from society, Nora enlists Timothy’s help as she prepares for her London debut. Ever serious and unromantic, he teaches her the essential skills of catching a husband, leaving her with no question that he sees her as he always has—a friend, a child—perhaps even a sister.
But when she discovers an old diary in the library, everything she thought she knew is called into question.
It’s Timothy’s diary.
And if its contents are to be believed, he isn’t unromantic in the slightest.
...and he most certainly doesn’t see her as a sister.***Book 2 in the Noble Charades series by Ashtyn Newbold, The Duke's Diary is a sweet regency romantic comedy. Each book can be read alone, but are best enjoyed in the order The Earl Next Door2. The Duke's Diary3. The Parlor Game (Coming soon)
Secluded from society, Nora enlists Timothy’s help as she prepares for her London debut. Ever serious and unromantic, he teaches her the essential skills of catching a husband, leaving her with no question that he sees her as he always has—a friend, a child—perhaps even a sister.
But when she discovers an old diary in the library, everything she thought she knew is called into question.
It’s Timothy’s diary.
And if its contents are to be believed, he isn’t unromantic in the slightest.
...and he most certainly doesn’t see her as a sister.***Book 2 in the Noble Charades series by Ashtyn Newbold, The Duke's Diary is a sweet regency romantic comedy. Each book can be read alone, but are best enjoyed in the order The Earl Next Door2. The Duke's Diary3. The Parlor Game (Coming soon)
328 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 17, 2024
439 people are currently reading
776 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 271 reviews
January 20, 2025
I would have taken this book a lot more seriously if she didn't mention having her stays tightened. Have you all ever SEEN Regency gowns?
October 30, 2025
Ahhhhh, this book! What a whirlwind!!!
Upcoming review & lots to tell you about this book on my YT channel in a couple days!
Upcoming review & lots to tell you about this book on my YT channel in a couple days!
April 7, 2024
This.book.was.awful. Here’s why:
-Second book read from this author and I.am.done. Mediocre fan fiction quality at best. Poor writing AND poor story construction. Weak premise. Just plain dumb. Clear American voice writing regency.
-So why did I even read a second one? Well, I thought the first one in the series was slightly less terrible (two stars), and I just had to find out what the Duke said in that dang diary (which was the best part of the book, by far). It was my own fault!
-Terrible character development. It was actually really hard to give a flip what happened, and I almost DNF’d more times than I could count. Even at 88%, I considered it. And of course, the ending was uninspired. Word to the wise - if you don’t like most of the book, you won’t like the end. Again, I only have myself to blame.
-Immature, emotionally manipulative FMC. Via the diary, she discovers the MMC loves her but has a secret reason why he won’t tell her that is painful….all the while he is pining for her. But she really wants him to confess/show her how he feels. So, to get him to do so, she concocts a ruse to get him to teach her how to kiss other men in preparation for her season in London (you know, so they can kiss). Y’all, it was garbage. So much shark jumping, but I had to plow through at that point. I had to know how terrible the rest would be, I guess. Why?!?
There’s so much more to tell, but I will end with this….this book made me want to proceed with caution, and look up ahead of time if an author is self-published (looks like it, even though she has quite the backlist, which should be a red flag), or one of the many Utah authors that have huge launch teams that clearly bloat their ratings. I actually hate leaving bad reviews, but I feel compelled to in this case. Like it’s a PSA and I need to be a good citizen…..You’re welcome?
If you’re reading this, take back your time, drop everything and go read Nichole Van or Mimi Matthews. I might need to reread one of theirs to recover from this.
-Second book read from this author and I.am.done. Mediocre fan fiction quality at best. Poor writing AND poor story construction. Weak premise. Just plain dumb. Clear American voice writing regency.
-So why did I even read a second one? Well, I thought the first one in the series was slightly less terrible (two stars), and I just had to find out what the Duke said in that dang diary (which was the best part of the book, by far). It was my own fault!
-Terrible character development. It was actually really hard to give a flip what happened, and I almost DNF’d more times than I could count. Even at 88%, I considered it. And of course, the ending was uninspired. Word to the wise - if you don’t like most of the book, you won’t like the end. Again, I only have myself to blame.
-Immature, emotionally manipulative FMC. Via the diary, she discovers the MMC loves her but has a secret reason why he won’t tell her that is painful….all the while he is pining for her. But she really wants him to confess/show her how he feels. So, to get him to do so, she concocts a ruse to get him to teach her how to kiss other men in preparation for her season in London (you know, so they can kiss). Y’all, it was garbage. So much shark jumping, but I had to plow through at that point. I had to know how terrible the rest would be, I guess. Why?!?
There’s so much more to tell, but I will end with this….this book made me want to proceed with caution, and look up ahead of time if an author is self-published (looks like it, even though she has quite the backlist, which should be a red flag), or one of the many Utah authors that have huge launch teams that clearly bloat their ratings. I actually hate leaving bad reviews, but I feel compelled to in this case. Like it’s a PSA and I need to be a good citizen…..You’re welcome?
If you’re reading this, take back your time, drop everything and go read Nichole Van or Mimi Matthews. I might need to reread one of theirs to recover from this.
November 13, 2025
150% swoonworthy…
Oh MyLanta, that was amazingly heart stopping. I have to admit when I finished book one, I was disappointed that Timothy didn’t marry Leonora, but when I read the book blurb for book two, I was hoping again. And I figured out a few things while not knowing yet, which I am wickedly proud of. But my favorite parts were definitely the sizzling kisses, the final kidnapping and the epilogue. Now I can go to sleep with a happy heart, a fast beating one at that and dream of swooning into Timothy’s arms. Happy sigh.
Oh MyLanta, that was amazingly heart stopping. I have to admit when I finished book one, I was disappointed that Timothy didn’t marry Leonora, but when I read the book blurb for book two, I was hoping again. And I figured out a few things while not knowing yet, which I am wickedly proud of. But my favorite parts were definitely the sizzling kisses, the final kidnapping and the epilogue. Now I can go to sleep with a happy heart, a fast beating one at that and dream of swooning into Timothy’s arms. Happy sigh.
February 23, 2024
I really enjoyed this story! This is actually my first book by this author, which I typically try to not read books out of order, but did in this case. All I can say is that I was in the mood for a sweet romance and this one delivered! This book pulls you in from the very first sentence, and I love it so much. I liked that this was a brother's best friend, guy falls first book. I liked the secrets that were kept, and I even liked that the FMC read his diary on accident. While part of the book was predictable, I still enjoyed the characters, their steamy kisses, and how they finally admitted their feelings for one another. This is definitely an author I'll be reading again, especially since I now have to know what happened in book one.
Read this if you love:
- Brother's Best Friend
- He Falls First
- Closed-door (passionate kisses only)
- Kidnapping
- Forced proximity
- Dancing lessons
Read this if you love:
- Brother's Best Friend
- He Falls First
- Closed-door (passionate kisses only)
- Kidnapping
- Forced proximity
- Dancing lessons
March 14, 2024
I just love Miss Newbold's books! This one was fun with only the female perspective. Nora is delightful and you just love her and want her to be happy so much! Timothy is a dreamy duke. There's some mystery in there and some comical things that make for such a fun regency romcom! I recommend reading this series in order!
August 1, 2024
5.1⭐️ Eating fish has never sounded more revolting. Cats are dangerous when they have a lion complex. Don’t write anything down because someone at some point will most definitely read it. Be good at chess, it comes in handy. Finding old, hidden bones in your home could earn you a kiss, maybe, who knows, read to find out…
February 21, 2024
So fun! I quickly laid aside my current read when this landed in my kindle. In true Ashtyn style there were lots of quirky, awkward and amusing moments. But no shortage of swoony ones as well.
I really loved both main characters and how sweet they were together. Oooh, those dance lessons!
I’m excited to see that Anne will finally be getting her story. She’s been waiting a LONG time for her true love.
An overall sweet, clean and lovely romance with an added dimension of a mystery to be solved. I highly recommend this book.
I really loved both main characters and how sweet they were together. Oooh, those dance lessons!
I’m excited to see that Anne will finally be getting her story. She’s been waiting a LONG time for her true love.
An overall sweet, clean and lovely romance with an added dimension of a mystery to be solved. I highly recommend this book.
October 22, 2025
4.5 stars - I’ve read a handful of regencies in my day and this sits up among the most enjoyable. I was giggling, kicking my feet, gasping aloud, and pumping my fist, rooting for the endearing MMC and the boisterous FMC. Fish and cats are gross, secret kisses, chess tournaments, dance lessons, family tensions, and of course a diary. It’s great. If you don’t think so, I dare you to write one better.
March 14, 2024
This was sweet but a bit frustrating at times!
Leonora is escaping an arranged marriage, helped by her brother and his friend, the Duke (Timothy).
She stays at one of Timothy’s estates with her companion Anne, until she’s 21 and can try to find a husband of her own in London.
I ate up the beginning! I enjoyed her dynamics with her brother and Timothy, and liked the subtle touches of how he cared for her.
But I was frustrated by his secret keeping for soo long coupled with the fact that they don’t spend nearly enough time together. He visits 2-3 times during the almost year she’s at the house and I found myself wanting more time with them! Plus I wanted to shake them to just talk to each other about their feelings.
Timothy is always running off to try and solve problems without telling her anything at all. This also casts doubts to his love, and I wanted a bit more from him.
This is a small moment too, but in one part a suitor of Nora’s she doesn’t like insults her quite a bit. Timothy says he’s her betrothed to make him go away and says he loves her, but he doesn’t defend against any of the bad things the guy said??
But anyway. I liked them together so I wish we could’ve had more time with them as a couple, finally honest and happy! But at least they finally got there in the end.
I am interested in Anne’s story too!
Leonora is escaping an arranged marriage, helped by her brother and his friend, the Duke (Timothy).
She stays at one of Timothy’s estates with her companion Anne, until she’s 21 and can try to find a husband of her own in London.
I ate up the beginning! I enjoyed her dynamics with her brother and Timothy, and liked the subtle touches of how he cared for her.
But I was frustrated by his secret keeping for soo long coupled with the fact that they don’t spend nearly enough time together. He visits 2-3 times during the almost year she’s at the house and I found myself wanting more time with them! Plus I wanted to shake them to just talk to each other about their feelings.
Timothy is always running off to try and solve problems without telling her anything at all. This also casts doubts to his love, and I wanted a bit more from him.
This is a small moment too, but in one part a suitor of Nora’s she doesn’t like insults her quite a bit. Timothy says he’s her betrothed to make him go away and says he loves her, but he doesn’t defend against any of the bad things the guy said??
But anyway. I liked them together so I wish we could’ve had more time with them as a couple, finally honest and happy! But at least they finally got there in the end.
I am interested in Anne’s story too!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 5, 2024
This one picked up right where The Earl Next Door left off. A fake kidnapping, secrets, hidden feelings, and a secret diary all made those story one of my favs yet! I loved sweet Leonora. She had me laughing constantly with her wit and situations she would find herself in. Timothy…oh sweet Timothy!! He was so swoony! I loved how he cared for Leonora and showed her his love in all the small things. His diary entries were so romantic and dreamy. And that first kiss….my heart was in a puddle! I loved the mystery, the twist and turns, and all the tender moments. Now I can’t wait for Anne’s story! She needs her HEA!
Things I Loved:
🤍The cat attack
🤍The dog skull
🤍Kissing “practice”
🤍Fish
🤍The banter
🤍Dancing lessons
🤍Secrets
🤍Timothy’s diary entry
Things I Loved:
🤍The cat attack
🤍The dog skull
🤍Kissing “practice”
🤍Fish
🤍The banter
🤍Dancing lessons
🤍Secrets
🤍Timothy’s diary entry
January 7, 2025
this was an absolute snooze fest but it had some fun moments. the main issue i found was it being extremely repetitive with one particular humorous
bit being driven so into the ground, it stifled any other dialogue from further developing the characters much less their chemistry.
if you’re looking for a wholesome, closed-door historical romance, this might be a good fit but sadly it was not for me :’)
bit being driven so into the ground, it stifled any other dialogue from further developing the characters much less their chemistry.
if you’re looking for a wholesome, closed-door historical romance, this might be a good fit but sadly it was not for me :’)
May 20, 2024
These were really cute clean little reads. Super fun day read!
March 20, 2025
3.5 stars cause I am a sucker
January 6, 2025
4.3 stars rounded up almost purely for the confession of love scene alone:
" All he ever did was give. Give, give, give. It was my turn. “What would happen if we were seen together?” I asked. “Would a scandal be assumed? Would you be honor bound to marry me in order to spare my reputation?” I took a step closer. “I must confess, I am not afraid of that outcome.” I tilted my chin upward. My face burned, but the words could not be unsaid. “In fact, I welcome it.” I held his gaze, daring him to cause a scandal if he wished to. Every inch of me wished to. Desire coursed through me in waves. I had spent days thinking he had abandoned me, and now he had come to London only to confuse me further. “Admit that you hate fish as much as I do.” I shook as I drew my next breath. “Admit that you love me as much as I love you.” My voice was quiet enough to pass for a whisper, and for a moment, I wondered if he had even heard me. His eyes flooded with shock. He stared at me for several seconds. And then he took one step forward, both hands surrounding my face. Within my next breath, he was kissing me "
I loved the moment she realized he hates fish lol funny and sweet at the same time (this will only make sense if you've read it) . He was always making small sacrifices so that she would be taken care of and comfortable.
Not as good as the first in the series, but still very good.
" All he ever did was give. Give, give, give. It was my turn. “What would happen if we were seen together?” I asked. “Would a scandal be assumed? Would you be honor bound to marry me in order to spare my reputation?” I took a step closer. “I must confess, I am not afraid of that outcome.” I tilted my chin upward. My face burned, but the words could not be unsaid. “In fact, I welcome it.” I held his gaze, daring him to cause a scandal if he wished to. Every inch of me wished to. Desire coursed through me in waves. I had spent days thinking he had abandoned me, and now he had come to London only to confuse me further. “Admit that you hate fish as much as I do.” I shook as I drew my next breath. “Admit that you love me as much as I love you.” My voice was quiet enough to pass for a whisper, and for a moment, I wondered if he had even heard me. His eyes flooded with shock. He stared at me for several seconds. And then he took one step forward, both hands surrounding my face. Within my next breath, he was kissing me "
I loved the moment she realized he hates fish lol funny and sweet at the same time (this will only make sense if you've read it) . He was always making small sacrifices so that she would be taken care of and comfortable.
Not as good as the first in the series, but still very good.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 22, 2025
I loved this one! It was a little slow in the middle… but Nora was just waiting around for months and months, so I guess the slow feeling was conveyed pretty well. It was just such a sweet story! I can’t wait to read Anne’s story next!
September 25, 2024
I thought this one was even more adorable than the first book in the series. I love how all of the stories are connected!
February 29, 2024
“My stomach fluttered with butterflies so rigorous that I was more keen to call them a flock of seagulls.”
This book is so cute! It’s so fun and engaging from the very first line.
This is a book that was hard to put down. I couldn’t wait to see what would happen next, and the beautiful writing and endearing characters really pulled me in!
Timothy and Nora are all the heart eyes, and all the sighs. The chemistry between them and banter was so sooo good! That first kiss just about melted me into a puddle!
Another fun aspect to this story was getting to know Nora through her journal entries! I loved glimpsing her inner thoughts and heart. Reading Timothy’s diary was also a highlight for me!!!
Also, that twist and mystery element really got me! I may have gasped out loud at one point.
Read for:
🤍brothers best friend
🤍diary entries
🤍adorable witty heroine
🤍reserved cinnamon roll hero
🤍swoony romance
🤍a mystery element
🤍those heart melting kisses
🤍beloved returning characters
I love Ashtyn’s writing. Her books are always a treat to read. One of my most anticipated reads this year and I loved it! It had me sighing, gasping, smiling, laughing and swooning. A wonderful read you don’t want to miss. I can’t wait to read Anne’s story next! If you’re looking for a sweet and swoony Regency romance, definitely pick this one up!
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.
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Content:Briefly mentions infidelity
This book is so cute! It’s so fun and engaging from the very first line.
This is a book that was hard to put down. I couldn’t wait to see what would happen next, and the beautiful writing and endearing characters really pulled me in!
Timothy and Nora are all the heart eyes, and all the sighs. The chemistry between them and banter was so sooo good! That first kiss just about melted me into a puddle!
Another fun aspect to this story was getting to know Nora through her journal entries! I loved glimpsing her inner thoughts and heart. Reading Timothy’s diary was also a highlight for me!!!
Also, that twist and mystery element really got me! I may have gasped out loud at one point.
Read for:
🤍brothers best friend
🤍diary entries
🤍adorable witty heroine
🤍reserved cinnamon roll hero
🤍swoony romance
🤍a mystery element
🤍those heart melting kisses
🤍beloved returning characters
I love Ashtyn’s writing. Her books are always a treat to read. One of my most anticipated reads this year and I loved it! It had me sighing, gasping, smiling, laughing and swooning. A wonderful read you don’t want to miss. I can’t wait to read Anne’s story next! If you’re looking for a sweet and swoony Regency romance, definitely pick this one up!
.
.
.
Content:Briefly mentions infidelity
February 18, 2024
I've been waiting for this book to be released, and as soon as I saw it hit my Kindle, all other books were set aside. It did not disappoint. I love the mix of diary entries, romance in the form of a chivalric hero, and the sweet innocence of Nora as she grows to realize not only her own love for Timothy but his love for her. There were a couple of high-heat kiss scenes, so if you are sensitive to that, just know there are a couple. Nothing crosses the line, and I personally found them to be fine. I can't wait for book three and plan to preorder it as soon as it is available. I definitely recommend this book for fans of Regency romance, friends to more, stoic but secretly romantic heroes, and quirky heroines.
August 23, 2025
One word: b o r i n g
The pace was too slow and despite its claims to be a slow burn romance, it was too slow that I barely felt the romance. The title says “The Duke’s Diary” but that wasn’t the central plot that was introduced from the get go. The diary only came up 50% into the book.
I felt like this was a poorly written self-published fanfic instead of an actual well thought of published book. If you’re looking for a well written closed door regency romance book, best to go for any of Sofi Laporte or Audra Wells books than this load of sloppy writing.
1 star because I can’t give negative stars. -10 if I could give negative stars. Do not recommend. Complete waste of time.
The pace was too slow and despite its claims to be a slow burn romance, it was too slow that I barely felt the romance. The title says “The Duke’s Diary” but that wasn’t the central plot that was introduced from the get go. The diary only came up 50% into the book.
I felt like this was a poorly written self-published fanfic instead of an actual well thought of published book. If you’re looking for a well written closed door regency romance book, best to go for any of Sofi Laporte or Audra Wells books than this load of sloppy writing.
1 star because I can’t give negative stars. -10 if I could give negative stars. Do not recommend. Complete waste of time.
March 1, 2025
4.25 ⭐️
This was ridiculously cute! Yes, I wanted to pull my hair out a few time and demand Timothy & Nora speak plainly and be done with the back-and-forth. But it was sweet & lovely nonetheless.
My one complaint was how the affair between a certain character’s parents was brushed off as “they were in love, she was going to divorce her husband because he was cruel but stayed with him for the children, so the lovers never got together again.” It felt too excused instead of serious.
Very excited to read Anne’s book next!
This was ridiculously cute! Yes, I wanted to pull my hair out a few time and demand Timothy & Nora speak plainly and be done with the back-and-forth. But it was sweet & lovely nonetheless.
My one complaint was how the affair between a certain character’s parents was brushed off as “they were in love, she was going to divorce her husband because he was cruel but stayed with him for the children, so the lovers never got together again.” It felt too excused instead of serious.
Very excited to read Anne’s book next!
November 11, 2024
Well if Timothy isn’t the best Duke we’ve ever met… I love that he’s so unbothered by the rules of the ton
Nora - love her crazy bold personality especially when she insults Mr Ball.
The one thing I wish that was different in the book is that we got something from the perspective of Timothy or even Anne but just someone else other than all Nora.
Nora - love her crazy bold personality especially when she insults Mr Ball.
The one thing I wish that was different in the book is that we got something from the perspective of Timothy or even Anne but just someone else other than all Nora.
February 24, 2024
I always love reading Ashtyn Newbold's regency romances. This was well written, engaging, sweet, and romantic. I liked the characters. There was a good amount of tension, and it had a satisfying ending.
July 19, 2025
This was such a fun story. One of the more unique regency’s I’ve read! So cute and mysterious!
I really missed the dual POV’s that the first one had.. it would have made the story more compelling to me personally. It felt like we missed out, not getting Timothy’s point of view.
I really missed the dual POV’s that the first one had.. it would have made the story more compelling to me personally. It felt like we missed out, not getting Timothy’s point of view.
March 2, 2024
Gosh, I love Timothy so much!!! 😍😍😍
March 11, 2024
Loved this one!
Ashtyn’s books get me sucked in every time. Cute, clean, captivating. I am such a fan. Cannot wait for the final book in this series.
Ashtyn’s books get me sucked in every time. Cute, clean, captivating. I am such a fan. Cannot wait for the final book in this series.
March 18, 2024
Lovely!
I loved this book so much. It’s the middle of the night and I couldn’t stop until I finished it. I seem to get more invested in first person single POV books like this. I also loved the first in the series.
I loved this book so much. It’s the middle of the night and I couldn’t stop until I finished it. I seem to get more invested in first person single POV books like this. I also loved the first in the series.
December 1, 2024
I liked this one more than the first one! I would probably give it a 3.5 if I could do halves. The little twist at the end was quite exciting!
February 27, 2024
Good
I liked the story a lot except for 2 things (spoilers):
The potential half-sibling thing was really off-putting, and the tone of the story made it seem like Nora’s mother’s extramarital affair was totally okay. Besides that I loved the characters. Timothy was great and Nora was funny.
I liked the story a lot except for 2 things (spoilers):
The potential half-sibling thing was really off-putting, and the tone of the story made it seem like Nora’s mother’s extramarital affair was totally okay. Besides that I loved the characters. Timothy was great and Nora was funny.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 271 reviews