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The League of Meddling Butlers #1
A Confounding Regency Romance
Six meddling butlers and a confounding lady.
Jemima Fornay, daughter of the Duke of Eddleston, has been entirely harassed in the months running up to her first season in Town. A certain Mr. Gamon and his two assistants have done their best to transform her into a gentle and refined lady. Mr. Gamon’s motto is “look modest, and if you can manage it, look abashed.”
Sadly, Mr. Gamon left the duke’s house with his head hung rather low.
Jasper Pennington, Duke of Barstow, fulfills his duties with joyless determination. He becomes convinced it is the right time to wed and produce an heir, and so he sets out to do just that. Fortunately, he is not unprepared. He has composed a list of attributes for his as yet unknown duchess. She will be, according to him, the most refined lady in London.
Mr. Martin J. Harkinson is butler to the Duke of Eddleston and proud member of The League, a secret club of six elite butlers. These gentlemen have had the pleasure of developing a friendship due to their proximity on Grosvenor Square and have set themselves the task of providing the most elevated service to their lords and ladies. Including, very recently, a bit of matchmaking.
Mr. Harkinson should not have a care in the world. After all, Lady Jemima is comely enough, is a duke’s daughter, and brings a good dowry. Unfortunately, though, he’s spent years describing her as the gentlest and most refined young woman to step her toe in England. The League has taken that into consideration and named the Duke of Barstow as the perfect match for the lady. How is Mr. Harkinson to explain himself when his fellow members discover the real Lady Jemima?
Head injuries that never were, painful entertainments nobody wishes to attend, a dress on fire, an unplanned swim in a fountain, and a house party that would have no guests at all if the queen did not attend throw two people together who could not be less suited.
Or, perhaps less suited yet.
Jemima Fornay, daughter of the Duke of Eddleston, has been entirely harassed in the months running up to her first season in Town. A certain Mr. Gamon and his two assistants have done their best to transform her into a gentle and refined lady. Mr. Gamon’s motto is “look modest, and if you can manage it, look abashed.”
Sadly, Mr. Gamon left the duke’s house with his head hung rather low.
Jasper Pennington, Duke of Barstow, fulfills his duties with joyless determination. He becomes convinced it is the right time to wed and produce an heir, and so he sets out to do just that. Fortunately, he is not unprepared. He has composed a list of attributes for his as yet unknown duchess. She will be, according to him, the most refined lady in London.
Mr. Martin J. Harkinson is butler to the Duke of Eddleston and proud member of The League, a secret club of six elite butlers. These gentlemen have had the pleasure of developing a friendship due to their proximity on Grosvenor Square and have set themselves the task of providing the most elevated service to their lords and ladies. Including, very recently, a bit of matchmaking.
Mr. Harkinson should not have a care in the world. After all, Lady Jemima is comely enough, is a duke’s daughter, and brings a good dowry. Unfortunately, though, he’s spent years describing her as the gentlest and most refined young woman to step her toe in England. The League has taken that into consideration and named the Duke of Barstow as the perfect match for the lady. How is Mr. Harkinson to explain himself when his fellow members discover the real Lady Jemima?
Head injuries that never were, painful entertainments nobody wishes to attend, a dress on fire, an unplanned swim in a fountain, and a house party that would have no guests at all if the queen did not attend throw two people together who could not be less suited.
Or, perhaps less suited yet.
297 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 9, 2024
417 people are currently reading
87 people want to read
About the author
Kate Archer
36 books102 followersBy the time I was eleven, my Irish Nana and I had formed a book club of sorts. On a timetable only known to herself, Nana would grab her blackthorn walking stick and steam down to the local Woolworth’s. There, she would buy the latest Barbara Cartland romance, hurry home to read it accompanied by viciously strong wine, (Wild Irish Rose, if you’re wondering) and then pass the book on to me. Though I was not particularly interested in real boys yet, I was very interested in the gentlemen in those stories—daring, bold, and often enraging and unaccountable. After my Barbara Cartland phase, I went on to Georgette Heyer, Jane Austen and so many other gifted authors blessed with the ability to bring the Georgian and Regency eras to life.
I would like nothing more than to time travel back to the Regency (and time travel back to my twenties as long as we’re going somewhere) to take my chances at a ball. Who would take the first? Who would escort me into supper? What sort of meaningful looks would be exchanged? I would hope, having made the trip, to encounter a gentleman who would give me a very hard time. He ought to be vexatious in the extreme, and worth every vexation, to make the journey worthwhile.
I most likely won’t be able to work out the time travel gambit, so I will content myself with writing stories of adventure and romance in my beloved time period. There are lives to be created, marvelous gowns to wear, jewels to don, instant attractions that inevitably come with a difficulty, and hearts to break before putting them back together again. In traditional Regency fashion, my stories are clean—the action happens in a drawing room, rather than a bedroom.
As I muse over what will happen next to my H and h, and wish I were there with them, I will occasionally remind myself that it’s also nice to have a microwave, Netflix, cheese popcorn, and steaming hot showers.
Come see me on Facebook - @KateArcherAuthor or visit my website at https://katearcher.weebly.com
I would like nothing more than to time travel back to the Regency (and time travel back to my twenties as long as we’re going somewhere) to take my chances at a ball. Who would take the first? Who would escort me into supper? What sort of meaningful looks would be exchanged? I would hope, having made the trip, to encounter a gentleman who would give me a very hard time. He ought to be vexatious in the extreme, and worth every vexation, to make the journey worthwhile.
I most likely won’t be able to work out the time travel gambit, so I will content myself with writing stories of adventure and romance in my beloved time period. There are lives to be created, marvelous gowns to wear, jewels to don, instant attractions that inevitably come with a difficulty, and hearts to break before putting them back together again. In traditional Regency fashion, my stories are clean—the action happens in a drawing room, rather than a bedroom.
As I muse over what will happen next to my H and h, and wish I were there with them, I will occasionally remind myself that it’s also nice to have a microwave, Netflix, cheese popcorn, and steaming hot showers.
Come see me on Facebook - @KateArcherAuthor or visit my website at https://katearcher.weebly.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
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May 21, 2024DNF. Frothy and fun Regency romance, reminiscent of the Jeeves series without the Jeeves. Sweet and funny just not enough to keep my interest.
May 21, 2024
This was a cute and fun read. The garden party scene made me laugh. And of course, who wouldn’t enjoy two misunderstood main characters caught up in rumors run amuck?
September 16, 2025
I don't really understand how the main characters ended up together. Jemima never liked the duke until suddenly one night she did. It seemed abrupt without any bigger thought to it. And the duke hated everything about her except her appearance. It seemed really shallow that he fairly quickly changed his tune about all his requirements in a spouse because he was so taken with how she looked. It just didn't feel believable.
I liked that Jemima's mom was always behind her and never tried to change her (much). Just a parent reminding their child to behave in public.
I liked that Jemima's mom was always behind her and never tried to change her (much). Just a parent reminding their child to behave in public.
February 26, 2025
I saw a review that hinted that this novel had P.G. Wodehouse wit. It doesn’t - not quite so “slapstick” and not laugh out loud! Another review likened it to M. C. Beaton, I’m more minded to agree with that. However, all that I will say is, despite her precarious start with Barbra Cartland novels when growing up, her swift discernment to move to Georgette Heyer and Jane Austin, stood Ms Archer in good stead.
She is her own author, who is head, shoulders and waist above Ms Cartland and provides her readers with an enjoyable, lighthearted and entertaining tale. I like her themes and intend to read all that are available.
I prefer audiobooks, so I do hope that at some stage she can invest in a decent English narrator to bring her books to a wider audience. I used the Kindle Assisted Reader of my Alexa device, which was quite acceptable to me, but would buy the audiobook in a heartbeat!
She is her own author, who is head, shoulders and waist above Ms Cartland and provides her readers with an enjoyable, lighthearted and entertaining tale. I like her themes and intend to read all that are available.
I prefer audiobooks, so I do hope that at some stage she can invest in a decent English narrator to bring her books to a wider audience. I used the Kindle Assisted Reader of my Alexa device, which was quite acceptable to me, but would buy the audiobook in a heartbeat!
August 27, 2025
Can Dukes be Fun?
Misunderstandings galore! Lady J. is out for her first season but everyone is trying to suppress her spontaneity and joyfulness. Her Father and Mother, the Duke and Duchess, even hired several people to get her to conform to the Ton. Little does she know that their Butler and the other Aristocratic Butlers have formed a secret Club which decided to aid her finding a perfect spouse. This only seriously complicates matters as the Butler attempts to cover her behavior with a outrageous story. One good story deserves another a a funny time ensues, which includes a house party with Queen Charlotte. Very different, and a rather good setup for a series.
Misunderstandings galore! Lady J. is out for her first season but everyone is trying to suppress her spontaneity and joyfulness. Her Father and Mother, the Duke and Duchess, even hired several people to get her to conform to the Ton. Little does she know that their Butler and the other Aristocratic Butlers have formed a secret Club which decided to aid her finding a perfect spouse. This only seriously complicates matters as the Butler attempts to cover her behavior with a outrageous story. One good story deserves another a a funny time ensues, which includes a house party with Queen Charlotte. Very different, and a rather good setup for a series.
December 17, 2024
Disappointed
The premise sounded promising. A league of butlers meet one a week and trade information. They now have decided to be matchmakers and their first attempt doesn’t go well. The hero is a stuffy duke who wants a find a proper young woman to be his proper duchess. The heroine laughs too loud, has red hair, loves to eat and likes the way she is. There are schemes and misunderstandings. I did enjoy the well written characters but thought the storyline was silly and boring
The premise sounded promising. A league of butlers meet one a week and trade information. They now have decided to be matchmakers and their first attempt doesn’t go well. The hero is a stuffy duke who wants a find a proper young woman to be his proper duchess. The heroine laughs too loud, has red hair, loves to eat and likes the way she is. There are schemes and misunderstandings. I did enjoy the well written characters but thought the storyline was silly and boring
January 10, 2026
Such a Fun Read!
I am so grateful to have stumbled upon this book in my searching! I absolutely loved the writing and the characters! It has such a unique voice and is such a rare gem.
I love historical romances and this one did not disappoint! The banter and misfortune often reminded me of something out of an Oscar Wilde play. There were several lines that had me laughing out loud. Especially Barstowe’s smile (IYKYK).
I loved Jemima’s unabashed personality, and I thought it paired so well with the Duke’s buttoned up facade. I had a great time reading this book!
I am so grateful to have stumbled upon this book in my searching! I absolutely loved the writing and the characters! It has such a unique voice and is such a rare gem.
I love historical romances and this one did not disappoint! The banter and misfortune often reminded me of something out of an Oscar Wilde play. There were several lines that had me laughing out loud. Especially Barstowe’s smile (IYKYK).
I loved Jemima’s unabashed personality, and I thought it paired so well with the Duke’s buttoned up facade. I had a great time reading this book!
June 4, 2024
The Butler Did It....REALLY!
What a unique perspective for recency romance: giving the servants significant involvement in the story development. Apparently the servants always know, or if not, they make it up. False gossip, misunderstanding, unconventional social gatherings and games mix delightfully to produce a most humorous, entertaining read. I look forward to following the matchmaking machinations of all the butlers of The League. A fun read!
What a unique perspective for recency romance: giving the servants significant involvement in the story development. Apparently the servants always know, or if not, they make it up. False gossip, misunderstanding, unconventional social gatherings and games mix delightfully to produce a most humorous, entertaining read. I look forward to following the matchmaking machinations of all the butlers of The League. A fun read!
July 19, 2024
Made me laugh the whole way through!
Adorable story about a Duke and a Lady. A stoic duke and a kind of wild lady. Opposites did NOT attract— at least initially. The butler did, indeed, meddle and it sort of blew up in his face. But it resulted in some very funny interactions and I really enjoyed them! Looking forward to the remaining books (five more!) in the Meddling Butler series.
Adorable story about a Duke and a Lady. A stoic duke and a kind of wild lady. Opposites did NOT attract— at least initially. The butler did, indeed, meddle and it sort of blew up in his face. But it resulted in some very funny interactions and I really enjoyed them! Looking forward to the remaining books (five more!) in the Meddling Butler series.
August 21, 2024
A romp...
Enjoyable. Don't expect the character depth or historical knowledge of a Georgette Heyer masterpiece. Do expect a light, enjoyable piece of writing to curl up with for a few hours. The storyline of butlers working behind the scenes to manipulate their employers is rather fun. It definitely put a different spin on the usual unsmiling butler who rules his domain! Just ignore the spelling mistakes.
Enjoyable. Don't expect the character depth or historical knowledge of a Georgette Heyer masterpiece. Do expect a light, enjoyable piece of writing to curl up with for a few hours. The storyline of butlers working behind the scenes to manipulate their employers is rather fun. It definitely put a different spin on the usual unsmiling butler who rules his domain! Just ignore the spelling mistakes.
November 9, 2024
Started off good. I was interested to see the characters grow together. Mostly they were just awful to each other and did not enjoy being in each others company. Then there was a bunch of deceit (the meddling) and miscommunication, and then no communication ( they didn’t interact for a majority of the last 3rd of the book). The misunderstandings were purposfully ott, but I was annoyed and they lasted waaay too long. By the time they wanted to be together, I didn’t believe it.
October 17, 2025
Very entertaining
This was a great read and quite a different take on the usual Regency Romance. The butler’s trying to manage their upper class families was a great point of view. This was extremely funny, the house party scenes near the end were hilarious. I also liked that the author followed up on her characters years after their marriage. A refreshing, interesting, and very entertaining story.
This was a great read and quite a different take on the usual Regency Romance. The butler’s trying to manage their upper class families was a great point of view. This was extremely funny, the house party scenes near the end were hilarious. I also liked that the author followed up on her characters years after their marriage. A refreshing, interesting, and very entertaining story.
October 22, 2025
Cleverly funny at the beginning in a rather Shakespearean-mistaken-identity sort of way. I couldn't put it down until about 85% of the way through when things started to slow down. Queen Charlotte and the Duchess had too much of a hand in the plot, and the ending felt silly. I didn’t think the butlers were an integral part, really. Kind of like Anneka Walker's Matchmaking Mamas. But the writing was enjoyable if not entirely believable.
May 30, 2024
Yea for Kate Archer!!
I was so glad to find this new series by Kate Archer! I have read all her books and enjoyed them all! Not everyone can write good laugh out loud humor, but Kate excels at it! I would recommend this book to everyone for a really fun and delightful read! Can't wait for the next in this series!
I was so glad to find this new series by Kate Archer! I have read all her books and enjoyed them all! Not everyone can write good laugh out loud humor, but Kate excels at it! I would recommend this book to everyone for a really fun and delightful read! Can't wait for the next in this series!
June 8, 2024
I enjoyed this very much! These Butler's are in over their heads and it's hilarious. This was the first of her books I read and I was so disappointed that #2 wasn't out yet. I can't wait to see what they get up to next. Butler's playing matchmaker! It's quite entertaining. If you need a laugh, give Kate Archer's books a chance.
June 13, 2024
Jemima wants to stay true to herself and refuses to the mild dull lady the ton wants. Jasper, serious and quiet, has his requirements for the duchess he will marry. Then they meet and everything changes especially when Jemima’s butler tries to help. After all the chaos and misunderstandings are resolved they have their hea
July 27, 2024
A comedy of errors
Six superior butlers take on the role of matchmakers for members of their families within the ton. I have rarely enjoyed a book more. I could not put this book down and spent most of my time either smiling or outright laughing. Can’t wait to read the next in the series.
Six superior butlers take on the role of matchmakers for members of their families within the ton. I have rarely enjoyed a book more. I could not put this book down and spent most of my time either smiling or outright laughing. Can’t wait to read the next in the series.
December 27, 2024
Bumped Heads and Butlers
If your giggle box isn't turned over when reading this story it isn't the author's fault. From Butlers who think they know better than the families they work for how to live to a valet who definitely steps beyond the bound, the Ton never guesses who really calls the shots. I personally loved Randolph and his smart mouth.
If your giggle box isn't turned over when reading this story it isn't the author's fault. From Butlers who think they know better than the families they work for how to live to a valet who definitely steps beyond the bound, the Ton never guesses who really calls the shots. I personally loved Randolph and his smart mouth.
February 23, 2025
Surprises abound
Hilarious misadventures provide laugh-out-loud opportunities throughout this story. The staid butler's perspective exaggerates every incident. Should Jemima and Jasper quit while they are both slightly unharmed and mostly sane? Or is there hope that the farcical events will subside?
I know what the butler would say.
Hilarious misadventures provide laugh-out-loud opportunities throughout this story. The staid butler's perspective exaggerates every incident. Should Jemima and Jasper quit while they are both slightly unharmed and mostly sane? Or is there hope that the farcical events will subside?
I know what the butler would say.
February 28, 2025
Fun Story
What a fun story! Kate Archer is amazing! Her humor keep you laughing and guessing what could possibly happen next. Jemima and the Duke are such opposites that it is incredibly humorous to see how they interact together. The butler is such a wonderful addition to the story.
What a fun story! Kate Archer is amazing! Her humor keep you laughing and guessing what could possibly happen next. Jemima and the Duke are such opposites that it is incredibly humorous to see how they interact together. The butler is such a wonderful addition to the story.
April 3, 2025
Jemima and Jasper are each told through planted gossip that the other has had a head injury and that’s why s/he acts so weird; comedy ensues.
Romance tropes: Pride and Prejudice, one big misunderstanding, opposites attract
Chronologically this takes place after Kate Archer’s delightful series, A Very Fine Muddle.
Romance tropes: Pride and Prejudice, one big misunderstanding, opposites attract
Chronologically this takes place after Kate Archer’s delightful series, A Very Fine Muddle.
November 20, 2025
Wonderful book!
Will never have enough of Kate archers books. Another wonderful addition. Look forward to the rest of the series. Have been waiting Patiently For the complete 6 books. Which happily coincided on my birthday! I am now going to binge And thoroughly enjoy Every minute. Please keep writing ! These books make you smile Laugh and warm Warm your heart!
Will never have enough of Kate archers books. Another wonderful addition. Look forward to the rest of the series. Have been waiting Patiently For the complete 6 books. Which happily coincided on my birthday! I am now going to binge And thoroughly enjoy Every minute. Please keep writing ! These books make you smile Laugh and warm Warm your heart!
May 11, 2024
wonderful
Kate Archer is amazing. What a charming, funny and captivating tale. She has the ability to bring alive characters of color, charm and depth. I love that I find myself laughing out loud as I read. What a gift. Enjoy.
Kate Archer is amazing. What a charming, funny and captivating tale. She has the ability to bring alive characters of color, charm and depth. I love that I find myself laughing out loud as I read. What a gift. Enjoy.
Read
July 8, 2024DNF. Got bored by the 35% in, not enough chemistry between the leads to keep it engaging. Seems funny and light, but not romantic enough for what I was looking for. I may have just come in with the wrong expectations about this being a comedy vs romance heavy.
August 29, 2024
Fun!
I really enjoyed this book! I laughed and laughed over many of the situations. Totally delightful and I am anxious for more in this series! This is a new author for me but wow what a great story!
I really enjoyed this book! I laughed and laughed over many of the situations. Totally delightful and I am anxious for more in this series! This is a new author for me but wow what a great story!
September 27, 2024
Hilarious and Entertaining Read
What surprising events and wild ideas for a couple to wade through in this book! I laughed so much as I turned the pages. I can't wait to read the next book!
What surprising events and wild ideas for a couple to wade through in this book! I laughed so much as I turned the pages. I can't wait to read the next book!
October 3, 2025
LOVED THE HUMAN AUTHORED BOOK
The book was really good and very fun, and had just a tiny bit of spice, but what made it in a complete standout was the author's statement at the very end about AI. I'm a Kate Archer FAN!!!
The book was really good and very fun, and had just a tiny bit of spice, but what made it in a complete standout was the author's statement at the very end about AI. I'm a Kate Archer FAN!!!
November 4, 2025
A Different Kind of Romance
And by different I mean excellent… what a clever concept! By a clever Author. thank you I literally belly laughed at some of the shenanigans. that being said it was a well thought out story line with Great characters, I am on to book 2. Well done !!
And by different I mean excellent… what a clever concept! By a clever Author. thank you I literally belly laughed at some of the shenanigans. that being said it was a well thought out story line with Great characters, I am on to book 2. Well done !!
May 12, 2024
so much fun
As expected from Ms Archer this book was full of interesting characters and laugh out loud moments. I throughly enjoyed this book.
As expected from Ms Archer this book was full of interesting characters and laugh out loud moments. I throughly enjoyed this book.
May 16, 2024
Fun read
This book kept me laughing throughout. Great story ,fun to read. Can't wait for #2 to be available.
Thank you
This book kept me laughing throughout. Great story ,fun to read. Can't wait for #2 to be available.
Thank you
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews