Moonlight and the Duke

The Silver Dukes #2

by Meara Platt

Handsome widower. Shy spinster. Will he be the one to give her a first kiss?

Connor Fieldstone, the Duke of Lynton, renowned as a Silver Duke, has no intention of ever marrying again. One failed marriage is enough for him, but he readily admits his heathen children need to be brought under control, especially now that his dowager mother has invited a horde of eager debutantes, young diamonds of Society, to a house party at his Devon estate for the purpose of finding him a perfect match. Not going to happen. He merely wants a governess to mind his children. Unfortunately, his children have scared off the fourth one in as many months just as this party is about to start. What is he to do but turn to his bookish neighbor, Lady Eden Darrow, for help?

Eden has adored Connor ever since she was a child and he rescued her from a tumble into his fishpond. Now, the handsome widower is a Silver Duke, one of those sinfully gorgeous, forty-ish bachelors with a dash of silver in their hair. They are looked upon by Society as Greek gods, completely unattainable because of their determination never to marry—or remarry, on Connor’s part. When Connor pleads with her to help him out with his children in exchange for helping her find a suitable match, she accepts. What has she, a twenty-seven-year-old spinster who has never been kissed, to lose? What she does not expect is to suddenly become the belle of the party, drawing the avid attention of several potential suitors…and is it possible Connor is one of them? Will he be the one to give her a first kiss? She wants it to be a moonlight kiss. Is he willing to give her moonlight and more?

Moonlight and the Duke is a lighthearted Regency historical romance, the second in the Silver Duke series. Enjoy the read as these heroes who seem to have it all find the one thing that has eluded them throughout their lives…love.

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The Silver Dukes
Book 1 - Cherish and the Duke
Book 2 - Moonlight and the Duke
Book 3 - Two Nights with the Duke

Genres: Historical, Romance, Historical Romance, Friends To Lovers, Adult, Regency Romance, Amazon

244 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 22, 2024

About the author

Meara Platt is happily married to her Russell Crowe look-alike husband, and they have two terrific children. She lives in one of the many great towns on Long Island, New York, and loves it, except for the traffic. She has traveled extensively, occasionally lectures and finds time to write. Her favorite place in all the world is England’s Lake District, which may not come as a surprise since many of her stories are set in that idyllic landscape, including her Romance Writers of America Golden Heart award winning story.

Reviews

[🐝 Shaz 🐝 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Connor and Eden have been friends since childhood. Eden has always loved him. He was so used to her being in his life. It took him years to realise what she meant to him.
Cute story.
House Party, mischievous children, rivalry , and a mother’s plotting.

[dessie*₊⊹ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cheesy and entertaining. As with the first, there were some aspects of the plot that made me scoff. (Eden falling in love at two years old? And the whole ~infamous~ silver duke thing.)
But I like these, I ultimately feel content reading them. 3.75 stars.

[eyes.2c · Rating 3 out of 5]

Knowing and loving—steps away!

Lovely friends to lovers tale with a Duke (Connor Fieldstone, sixth Duke of Lynton, aka a ‘Silver Duke’) in his prime, and his beautiful friend Lady Eden Darrow, who he’s known since he rescued her from a pond when he was fifteen and she just two. Eden, an heiress is now approaching spinsterhood. She’s been put off marriage by the truly stupendously ugly example of her parents. Now she follows her country pursuits, supports her various charities, and roams the countryside sketching and observing.
The Duke’s lively children stole my heart, and the story. What treasurers!
Connor’s mother wants him to remarry and so plans a house party, complete with silly young peahens as Connor refers to them and some eligible bachelors.
Eden was going to entertain his wild children during the day.
Then her parents invaded her peace and quiet and Eden flees to the Duke’s house.
It gradually creeps upon the Duke that knowing Eden, and can’t do without her, are two different things. Now though there’s competition!
Let the games begin!

A Dragonblade ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute. This book reminded me how much I love Regency era books. I am on the hunt for more now.

[🦉Maggie Whitworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋

I adore this series, in fact anything written by this author is at the top of my wish list.

Meara’s books are full of lighthearted banter, adorable characters that are so perfectly matched and so beautiful together.
Connor and Eden are a brilliant example of that, together with the Dukes children, Connor, Alex and little Priscilla.
And her settings are very well written.

This book is a prime example of her work and the passion she brings to her characters lives.
Very much recommended

I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review

[Susan · Rating 2 out of 5]

An age gap historical romance between a neighbor turned nanny and a single widowed father.

Moonlight and the Duke is the second installment in the Silver Duke trilogy. Connor, the Duke of Lynton, is a Silver Duke and the ton knows Silver Dukes are unattainable, handsome gods. Especially Connor, since he’s a widower and swears to never fall in love or marry again. But as his children scare off the last nanny, he looks to his shy, spinster neighbor, Eden, for help during the same week his meddlesome mother throws a party to find a wife for him. Except, Eden is getting attention from another Lord. Will Connor finally confess his love or be forced to let Eden go?

What to expect:
🩶 childhood friends to lovers
🩶 nanny x single father
🩶 forced proximity
🩶 age gap (she’s 27 and he’s 40 something. Met when she was two)
🩶 on kindle unlimited

Spoilers mentioned ahead. Please skip if you’re interested in reading.

My thoughts:
I wasn’t a fan of Moonlight and the Duke, and that mostly had to do with the turning point from our hero, Connor. Don’t get me wrong, he sounds like he’s an amazing father. But I didn’t like how he finally realized his feelings after being threatened by another man’s presence and interactions. To make it worse, his mother told him to open his eyes or he’d lose Eden forever. You are forty something. And I know that’s the schtick with “Silver Dukes,” but I couldn’t help feeling irritated at his immaturity and idiocy.

He then realized he must marry her in the moment of undressing her. It came off as horny, tacky, unromantic, and insincere since he listed his reasons as “she gets along with my children and mother. Yes, I must marry her.”

Their first meeting made me uncomfortable. Connor’s mother knew they were going to be together, even though Eden was twelve and Connor was 15. “The two of you were still stubbornly staring at each other as we all rushed to you. A fifteen-year-old marquess being stared down by a strawberry-haired, stubborn two-year-old. I knew it then. You were going to fall in love.” I know it was normalized back then, but it still didn’t make feel good reading lol

I also could’ve lived on without reading his sexual performance as a “mating dance,” but I guess that’s just me being picky.

However, I did feel satisfied with everyone’s happily ever after. Eden was a genuine, sweet, intelligent woman that never experienced loyalty or gentle love growing up and now has a true family. Connor finally getting a love match after swearing off love and fulfilling his duty. Connor’s children finally got a maternal mother figure that truly loved and cared for their well-being.

Spice level: 0.5

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Connor Fieldstone, the Duke of Lynton, renowned as a Silver Duke, has no intention of ever marrying again. One failed marriage is enough for him, but he readily admits his three heathen children need to be brought under control, especially now that his dowager mother Evelyn has invited a horde of eager debutantes, to a house party at his Devon estate for the purpose of finding him a perfect match. He merely wants a governess to mind his children. Unfortunately, his children have scared off the fourth one in as many months just as this party is about to start. So he turns to his neighbour, Lady Eden Darrow, for help?
Eden has adored Connor ever since she was a two year old child and he rescued her from a tumble into his fishpond. When Connor pleads with her to help him out with his children in exchange for helping her find a suitable match, she accepts. Especially as her warring parents arrive at her home.
The second book about three mature dukes & an absolute delight. The characters have depth, the pace is so good & the chemistry sizzles. I loved both Connor & Eden who were in love with each other from the start but it took some time for him to realise, the scene where he expresses his love is both touching & hilarious - for a renowned rake he certainly puts both feet in it! The three children are charming & exhausting, Eden’s parents are annoying & Evelyn is meddlesome but in the best way. An engrossing, captivating romance
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2*STARS*
The Dowager Duchess of Lynton is holding a house party to find her son, Conner, the Duke of Lynton, a wife. His three rambunctious children already have a new mama picked out. In love with Connor, Eden Darrow knows he has sworn never to remarry. As a Silver Duke, this is a definite vow, but the more he is around her with his children, the more he realizes if he married anyone it would be her. Much entertainment with his children and her parents. Mild descriptive sex. A to be read series!
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story🩷

Love Meara Platt’s storytelling. Her characters are endearing and every book captivating and wonderful. Looking forward to the next book in this Silver Dukes series.

[herdys · Rating 4 out of 5]

Friends to lovers, little kids and heroine with glasses. They had me at hello.

[Helena · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF @ 55%. This just didn't do it for me. The plot was slow to develop and kind of boring and Connor annoyed the heck out of me. Like you're basically in love with this woman, your kids love her and you spend a lot of time with her but you've never considered her as a partner? Really?

Also, the whole vibe didn't really feel regency to me. Yes I get it she's on the shelf but still, no chaperone, flaunting propriety, staying at a strange man's house etc. it all felt really convenient to me. Also, where was the smut? I love a good spicy time and I didn't really get that.

Lastly I HATE the "I saw another man like you and find you attractive so now I notice you and will stop taking you for granted" thing.

[Roger L Gilbert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chipmunks in Devon

I got as far as that and couldn’t go on. So funny. Such a shame that the author couldn’t do a bit more research or the editor do a bit of editing.

[RB · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ugh.

True, this story has lots of detailed writing with some humor, mostly involving children. The male lead was a sexy beast of a man, or so we are told repeatedly, although we never see it. The female lead is a Mary of the highest order, perfect in every way and pretty boring. There's a stereotyped dowager, a couple of lecherous older guys, one earnest man with an eye on the female lead. There's also a psychotic set of parents, some unbelievably clingy debutant, and a lot of simplistic miscommunications.

You know what there isn't? $ex. There's really ni $ex. In the end, like a Barbara Cartland story, they marry and then have $ex. But it's a lot of purple prose type activity with a real fade to black kind of deal. It's boring and terrible. Now there's nothing wrong with BC! She's the bees knees for sure, and deserving of all the accolades she received in her lifetime. She pretty much invented the genre. But she also invented the story template and followed it diligently. I thought this author was going to produce more than that.

There also isn't a real plot. It's just a story about two neighbors, one a guy who only becomes interested in a woman when someone else does.

If you're looking for something clean, this is likely going to work for you.

[Marion Löw · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this friends to lovers romance with added age gap and house party tropes. It’s very well written, heartwarming with LOL moments, interesting secondary characters and a mild love scene in marital bed.
Eden and Connor are wonderful characters with great chemistry between them. I especially liked their friendship, their light banter and their natural interactions. I also loved Connor's lively children, their mischievous behavior and their loving relationship with Connor and Eden.
Although part of a series, this book can be read as standalone.

Connor Fieldstone, Duke of Lynton, has been a widower for several years with three children and is not thinking of getting married again. Together with his friends, he forms the Silver Dukes, a group of notorious bachelors. When his meddlesome mother organises a house party to persuade him to get married, Connor is less than enthusiastic. His lively children also keep him on his toes. Thank goodness his long-time friend and neighbour Lady Eden Darrow, is willing to help him with his vivacious children and distract them during the house party.
At twenty-seven, Eden is a spinster. After witnessing her parents' disastrous marriage from an early age and fearing falling victim to a fortune hunter during her seasons in London, she never wanted to get married. Now she regrets missing out on the chance of love and a family of her own. All the more reason for her to look forward to spending time with Connor's cute children. When her quarrelling parents come to visit unexpectedly, Eden accepts the invitation to the house party, even though the Dowager Duchess obviously wants to fix her up too, and when Eden is actually courted by some of the men present, Connor is not at all happy about losing his lovely, warm-hearted neighbor to one of them...

If you like lighthearted Regency romances, you are sure to enjoy this book!

I received a free ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Potentially offensive items: nudity, adult situations, sexually explicit, offensive language, gambling, lying, dysfunctional family, parental disrespect

I liked the first book in this steamy romance series, so I decided to start Moonlight and the Duke and was pretty disappointed. Eden has secretly loved her next-door neighbor, Duke Connor, since she was a child. She comes to a house party that his mother throws to find him a wife, and his mother decides to find her a husband as well.

There were just too many things wrong with this to be enjoyable for me. Most annoying was the continuous references to getting in a "rig." Apparently, the author and editor(s) neglected to realize a carriage is a "gig." "Rig" has many meanings, including a modern tractor-trailer, but it does not mean a carriage in any sense of the word. Then, the author reveals her Americaness by having Connor attempt to scare his children from wandering off. Nothing he mentioned would have worked. There have not been wild bears in London since the 1100s, Pirates wouldn’t have been a problem after 1730. Travelling circuses did not catch on in England until the 1830s, and it wasn’t until the end of the century that they began to include menageries. She says Connor bought his commission to get OUT of the military, when you bought a commission to go into the military and sold it to get out.

In addition to the lack of knowledge about this period, the book was long and boring in its descriptions of all the bird watching everyone was doing (yet again something that wasn't popular until the end of the 1800s). There was a lot of time spent with Eden separate from Connor that shifted the focus away from the relationship. Unfortunately, Meara Platt is excellent at writing first chapters, and I am foolish in that I read the teaser at the end of this book. So, I read the next one, too.

[Lana Birky · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a delight from start to finish, brimming with sweetness, love, and a romance that'll warm the cockles of your heart while giving your funny bone a good tickle! Meet Connor Fieldstone, the dashing Duke of Lynton, one of the esteemed "Silver Dukes," and a widower to boot. Then there's Lady Eden Darrow, his neighbor, who's been harboring a not-so-secret crush on Connor ever since he played her knight in shining armor during a watery mishap at the tender age of two. Now at seven-and-twenty, she's as kiss-less as they come, despite a parade of suitors during her social heydays.

Connor, resolute in his decision to remain unmarried, faces a dilemma: his children's governess has resigned, and his mother has organized a house party and summoned a throng of hopeful debutantes to his estate to find him a match. His wild children have driven away numerous governesses, prompting Connor to seek aid from Eden, his scholarly neighbor. In return for her help with the children, he will support Eden in securing a suitable partner for herself. As the house party kicks off, Eden transforms into the belle of the ball, turning heads left and right, including Connor's (though he's as clueless as a bat in daylight).

Amidst a series of chuckle-worthy and tender moments, Connor and Eden navigate their growing feelings for each other. Eden's interactions with Connor's children and his formidable mother add depth and charm to the narrative, making the secondary characters engaging and memorable.

The author's imaginative flair shines in this enchanting romance, capturing the essence of love and life's hilarity. A beautifully written, uplifting, and heartwarming tale that left me with a smile on my face and happy tears in my eyes.

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moonlight and the Duke is a delightful and heartwarming Regency romance that will sweep you off your feet. This enchanting second installment in the Silver Duke series is a perfect blend of charm, wit, and tender emotion.

At the heart of the story are Connor Fieldstone, the Silver Duke of Lynton, and Lady Eden Darrow, a shy, bookish spinster with a secret crush on the handsome widower who rescued her years ago. Connor’s reluctance to marry again is palpable, but his spirited children have left him in need of help, leading him to seek Eden's assistance as a governess. What follows is a lovely story of blossoming love, as Eden begins to shine in ways she never expected, catching the eye of suitors—and perhaps, the one suitor who matters most.

Eden's quiet grace, paired with her unspoken desires, makes her an incredibly endearing heroine. As she steps into the role of governess for Connor's mischievous children, her life begins to change in the most unexpected ways. The chemistry between her and Connor is strong, and the slow burn of their growing affection is a true highlight of the book. The budding romance is balanced by fun, lighthearted moments that brought smile to my face, especially as Eden finds herself the center of attention and unravels her own feelings for the man she’s adored from afar.

If you're looking for a Regency romance, offering the perfect mix of sweet romance, witty banter, and emotional depth, then this is sure to satisfy. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys a heartwarming, feel-good romance.

I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

One can always be assured of a delightful romance when reading books by this author. The fact that the Duke of Lynton rescued Lady Eden from a fish pond when she was little more than a toddler is enough for him to make him her lifelong protector. However, marriage does not come into the equation. Connor has been there, done that, and been left disillusioned about marital bliss, after all, he has his three delightful, albeit troublesome children, whom he adores. However, on the eve of the house party his mother has arranged, the children go missing and as he sets out to find them, it is Lady Eden who returns them, making him realize that as a neighbor and a friend, Eden has far more affection for his offspring than his late wife ever did. Connor unfortunately spikes Eden's anger when he asks her to take care of the children during the house party, and he realizes just how mistaken he is. Fortunately, to Connor's advantage, Eden's troublesome parents arrive at just that point and it takes no time at all to persuade her to pack her bags and return with him to his estate. Spending time with both Eden and his children, he begins to come to realize just how important she is to all of them, but when another suitor also finds her attractive, Connor becomes territorial. Love wins the day and even Eden's parents seem to bury the hatchet between them, bringing this romance to a delightful conclusion. I received a copy of this novel as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntar review.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moonlight and the Duke by Meara Platt is the next in the series, Silver Dukes. Connor Fieldstone, Duke Of Lynton is a widower with three children and he can’t seem to hold on to a nanny. This children are savages, or so people say. They always come home, though. His mother is hosting a house party; she thinks she will find him a wife. He doesn’t want a wife, but she is determined and smarter than he knows. It is not long before this neighbor and friend, Eden Darrow, drives up with them in her rig. He has the poor taste to ask her to nanny his children for the duration of the house party. Naturally she is offended, but does offer to spend some time with them during the day so they will not be in the way. He spends time with the four of them and finds he thoroughly enjoys it. Can we tell where this is going?

It is extremely enjoyable to watch the young ladies (pea hens, he calls them) flutter around him, hoping to call his attention and maybe become his duchess, although they are loess than half his age. Eden is available for some of the entertainments and has drawn the attention of several gentlemen, which makes him quite uncomfortable. The story proceeds as fun as only Meara Platt can make it. It is full of heartwarming exchanges, mostly involving the children. He adores them; she adores them, and before too long he finds, he adores her as well. A fun book with a fun premise on a time when forty was old.

I was invited to read Moonlight and the Duke by Dragonblade. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Dragonblade #MearaPlatt #MoonlightAndTheDuke

[Michelle Smith]

*friends to lovers
*age gap
*house party
*a Mr. Darcy emerging from the water style (perhaps inspired by Colin Firth in BBC’s Pride and Prejudice??) scene

HIs marriage wasn’t a happy one and he’s not interested in marrying again, and not to one of the many young ladies his mother has invited to a house party, hoping for a match. As a widower and involved father, with an heir (and spare) to the dukedom as well as a little girl, Connor’s main focus is on his children, not on securing a second marriage.

Eden, at twenty seven, is long considered a spinster, but she has reasons for not having been interested in marriage (the two main reasons are her parents, a terrible match of two abusive people who focused on making one another even more miserable than on their only child. Eden is a naturalist who prefers nature observing, drawing, and journaling in the countryside to spending time in London society and agrees to keep Connor’s young children occupied while he entertains the guests his mother has invited. But Connor would much rather spend that time with his children and friend.

This was the second in a series, and I hadn’t read the first book but didn’t feel lost at all, so an easy stand-alone and enjoyable read. A sweet, low-stakes romance, which is sometimes just what I want to read.



Thank you to Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley for the DRC

[Carolina CHC · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was cute story about two dear friends and neighbors who had feelings for each other in spite of their differences in age which appears to be half the problem here.
Connor, Duke of Lynton has decided never to marry again. His a widow whose first marriage was out of duty never love. Now, he has a heir, spare and a daughter to spoil, so there seems to be no reason to enter another marriage like the last. He is comfortable being considered a rake and part of the Silver Dukes group.
Eden, is the lovely, brilliant and kind neighbor who has loved Connor for as long as she remembers. She is loved by his children and his own mother, but never the Duke or so she assumed. She resigned herself to be just a friend to this lovely family, so when Connor’s mother throws a house party with the main objective to introduce young girls to his son, it’s Eden who distracts his children and this reluctant Duke without even knowing it.
Expect friends to lovers, close romance and lots of sweet moments in this cute story. The historical part is just the background when everything happens but there was no interesting information about the period.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for this lovely story. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Cheryl McTyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 2nd installment of Platt's new "Silver Duke" series and I enjoyed this one more than the 1st book. The main characters were perfect for each other and didn't have the same tricky feel I found with the first couple. Conner Fieldstone, Duke Of Lynton is a widow with three young children, affectionally referred to as "heathens." He is not your typical Ton parent in letting someone else raise them, he is very much involved, and very loving. I loved this trope the most. His 1st marriage was arranged and loveless. After his wife died, he was determined to never marry, along with the other two Silver Dukes. Lady Eden Darrow, age 27, is Lynton's neighbor and long-time friend. He is 13 years older, and has been denying his feelings for her for a very long time. She has been in love with him as well, but doesn't feel as a spinster she is worthy of him because of her horrible parents.

Platt weaves a tale of friendship, love and a perfect moonlight kiss. Lots of fun banter between the two and so many moments with the children. You can already see them as a family before they admit to their feelings.. A few barriers along the way, a little heat, and a lot of heart will bring me back to this book over again. More than ready for Book 3.

[Sportochick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Readers, you will love The Silver Dukes series! The first two books were so enjoyable that I am now anxiously waiting for another book to this series.
In Moonlight and the Duke, I fell in love with the Silver Duke, Connor Fieldstone, the Duke of Lynton character on page one. His children brought humor to the storyline because anyone with children knows that life can get crazy with all the different types of personalities. I think Author Meare Platt did a superb job of blending all the personalities to make the story interesting.

Lady Eden Darrow is bookish, intelligent and kind. What I also enjoy about her character is that she loves herself just as she is and is very comfortable in her life. Her intelligence is shown throughout the book, and it is rewarding to watch her confidence grow throughout the book.

The main theme from this story for me is finding your way to love… of family, friends and life. I loved reading this book drinking hot tea and snuggling into a fluffy blanket. Reading this book was a delightful way to spend my day.

I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

[DD · Rating 5 out of 5]

Am enjoying this Silver Dukes series, pity we will see only three of them.

Connor has been widowed for nearly three years, and although he doesn't miss his wife much as he was away at war for much of the marriage, and she didn't seem to be there other than pysically, his children appears to be missing a guiding hand and are enjoying seeing of governesses.
Now his mother is pushing for him to remarry and has arranged a house party full of simmering debutante just as his children have chased off the latest governess. So Connor asks Eden his closest neighbour and friend to help.
Eden is embarrassed, she thought Connor was offering marriage when he asked her to step in, but all he wants is a carer for his children, and it makes her realise how she thinks of Connor, and her decision to remain in March (after seeing how dreadful parents can be just look at her parents).

So Even joins the houseparty, and Connor spends the mornings with her and the children, and the afternoon playing host. But not only do her parents turn up, still fighting, but another guest is taking an interest in Eden. She's not sure it's real, and Connor is surprised how protective he feels about Eden.

Enjoying this series, can't wait for the next book.

[aishareadsnrambles · Rating 4 out of 5]

BOOK: MOONLIGHT AND THE DUKE
AUTHOR: MEARA PLATT
PUB DATE: NOVEMBER 2024
👩🏼‍❤️‍💋‍👨🏼👩🏼‍❤️‍💋‍👨🏼
REVIEW- 3.8 stars
Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
👩🏼‍❤️‍💋‍👨🏼👩🏼‍❤️‍💋‍👨🏼
THINGS I LIKED
1. The FMC, Eden. Like it was mentioned in the book, she had a terrible childhood, but she rose like a Phoenix from the ashes. I admired that she made a life for herself. She was amazing, really
2. The MMC, Connor. I love a responsible, caring father.
3. The kids were okay, although I felt Priscilla was a little bit spoilt.
4. The house party, it did a good job of bringing the MCs together.
5. The MMC's mother, Lady Evelyn
THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE
1. The FMC's horrible negligent parents.
2. The Love Triangle. Love triangle is not my favorite trope, especially if the other guy is a good one.
👩🏼‍❤️‍💋‍👨🏼👩🏼‍❤️‍💋‍👨🏼
I liked this book, it was fast and easy to read. While reading the book, I felt like the relationship between the MCs had already developed before the start of the book, so everything happened as expected. It was a nice book
👩🏼‍❤️‍💋‍👨🏼👩🏼‍❤️‍💋‍👨🏼

[Pat Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eden is a spinster who has played referee to her parents most of her life. Conner is the Silver Duke with three very mischievous children. Having been neighbors and friends for most of Eden’s life, it is difficult for either of them to communicate their feelings. I adored how Evelyn worked her magic to get them together. The children were a hoot and I could envision the boys playing/fighting with each other. The chemistry between Eden and Conner was so swoon-worthy and the scene in her bedroom was hilarious. This author writes with just the right amount of description to give a good word picture without boring the reader to tears. Lord Aubrey is a conundrum and it was hard to decide if he was a villain or not. I felt every emotion one can feel reading a story and enjoyed this immensely. This is an age-gap story, but at times had to wonder who was the more mature-him or her! Would have loved to have seen Eden’s parents reasons for their animosity towards each other, but Eden’s handling it was perfect!

I received the story for free and these are my own views.

[Mary Hart · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

I liked the premise of an older hero and I have read book one. I gave that one the same star rating. . The Duke, like his two friends, doesn't want to marry. In his case remarry. He has his heir and a spare plus a daughter from his marriage to Mary. He acknowledges that he didn't really love her and thought that she didn't love him. What pains him, is that he felt she didn't like the children much. His mother is hosting a house party with the idea of finding him a new wife and mother for his children.

Eden is a neighbour. He saved her from drowning when she was two. She's 27 now and feels herself firmly on the shelf. She's short sighted and an bird watcher. She has always loved Connor. The children play their part as so the house guests. Obviously there's a HEA.

I liked this book better than the last but there still was too much will they/won't they IMO

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

[Bridget Love to read Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my very favorite authors. The silver dukes are legends to never marry! Connor Fieldstone, Duke of Lynton has arrived and his 3 hellions have ran off the fourth governess!
His lovely neighbor Lady Eden Darrow can work miracles with them! Connor puts his whole foot in his mouth!
Eden put him firmly in his place! When a houseful of debutants descend because he needs to remarry! Well Connor is not ready or is he!
We all love the familiar but sometimes it takes a quick blow to the head (Eden’s parents) or the love of another to jolt us into reality!
I love the villain was not so much a villain but a man in love!
Can these two find their way to HEA? Connor can hardly keep his foot out of his mouth for long can he?
Eden had a perfect opportunity to show her affections but she waited on the weather? For a Duke that got everything he was certainly told No several times by her! Bravo
I received an ARC copy for my unbiased review!

[Charmaine Fernando · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun read for me. I like most things written by Meara Platt. In this story, we meet Connor Fieldstone, the Duke of Lynton who is a widower with three children he is unable to control and cannot seem to hold onto a nanny for long either. His dear mother decides to host a house party to try to find him a wife. Most of the women who come are quite young and giggly at this stage which he does not like. Lady Eden Darrow on the other hand is neither a debutante nor a giggly girl just out of the school room. She is independently wealthy and seems to be able to control his unruly children. Eden and Connor have a history together; he rescued her when she was two years old and had fallen into the fishpond. She has been in love with him ever since.

Nicely written with chemistry between the two main characters, witty conversation, and a growing attraction to each other. I received an ARC from the publishers and NetGalley and submit my honest review voluntarily.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Conner and Eden have been friends since she was two years old. From the moment he saved her when she fell in the pond, he declared himself her protector. Years later, Conner, one of the Silver Dukes, is a widower with three rambunctious children. Eden, spinster, is still a neighbor and friend. Neither plans to marry. Conner’s mother, Evelyn, has different ideas. Her house party is planned to find each of them a spouse. What they don’t know is who she has chosen. This is a charming age-gap romance. There is a lot of fun, surprises, secrets, and scheming. Truth is there is chemistry between Conner and Eden, but they hesitate to express their feelings. The other characters in the story are more than entertaining. Conner’s children are precocious and quite adept at running off governesses. Eden is a constant referee for her parents’ battle royale. The party guests are typical, all the ladies want Conner and the gentlemen want Eden. Evelyn is delightful. A well-written enjoyable romp finds another Silver Duke off the marriage mart. One Duke left.
I received a special copy of this book via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.