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A Duke Never Tells
Bridgerton
meets Evie Dunmore in a sparkling new regency romcom from
New York Times
bestselling author Suzanne Enoch,
A Duke Never Tells
, in which an heiress disguises herself as a maid in her fiancé's household to see if he really is too good to be true.
Before entering into a supremely-advantageous arranged marriage with James Clay, the new Duke of Earnhurst, clever, independent Lady Meg Pinwell has to see if he’s really the rake he’s rumored to be. But how is a well-bred young lady going to make sure he’s all that he seems?
With the help of her Aunt Clara, they plan some discreet reconnaissance at the Duke’s country estate. Meg will pretend to be her aunt’s maid/companion to see the true state of affairs at Earnhurst Manor.
But Meg isn’t the only one pretending to be someone she isn’ In order to escape Clara (who is surely a marriage hunter!), James has traded places with the excellent Riniken, the former Duke’s butler. Soon everyone is falling in love with the absolute wrong person! They say the course of true love never does run smooth… at Earnhurst, it’s running amuck!
Before entering into a supremely-advantageous arranged marriage with James Clay, the new Duke of Earnhurst, clever, independent Lady Meg Pinwell has to see if he’s really the rake he’s rumored to be. But how is a well-bred young lady going to make sure he’s all that he seems?
With the help of her Aunt Clara, they plan some discreet reconnaissance at the Duke’s country estate. Meg will pretend to be her aunt’s maid/companion to see the true state of affairs at Earnhurst Manor.
But Meg isn’t the only one pretending to be someone she isn’ In order to escape Clara (who is surely a marriage hunter!), James has traded places with the excellent Riniken, the former Duke’s butler. Soon everyone is falling in love with the absolute wrong person! They say the course of true love never does run smooth… at Earnhurst, it’s running amuck!
Audible Audio
First published April 1, 2025
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About the author
Suzanne Enoch
102 books2,633 followersSuzanne was born in Southern California sometime in the latter half of the 20th century. In the way that some people are born knowing they want to be astronauts or cellists, Suzanne always knew she wanted to be a writer. Early dreams of becoming a zoologist and writing true stories about her adventures in Africa were crushed, however, after she viewed a television special about the world’s most poisonous snakes; she did NOT want to write about how she’d been bitten and lost a limb to a cobra. Thankfully at the same time the movie “Star Wars” premiered, and she realized that she could make up adventures and write about them, and not be eaten by deadly predators while doing research.
She dabbled in romantic fantasy writing for a year or two after graduating with a degree in English from the University of California, Irvine, until her affection for traditional Regency romances led her to write one for fun. After several encouraging rejections from publishers, she snared the interest of the world’s best and most patient literary agent, who advised her to revise the manuscript. This ultimately led to the publication of her first book, The Black Duke’s Prize, from Avon Books in the Spring of 1995. A second Regency, Angel’s Devil, followed that Fall.
When Avon folded its traditional Regency line, Suzanne was encouraged to try her hand at historical romance. As she remained keenly interested in England’s Regency period, she decided to attempt another manuscript set in that time. Lady Rogue hit the shelves in March of 1997. She wrote a total of 29 books for Avon, including two anthologies and a five-part contemporary series which received a pair of starred reviews from Publishers Weekly. One of those books, Twice the Temptation, was named one of the five best romances of the year by PW in 2007.
In 2002 her well-known love of all things “Star Wars” led to an invitation to appear on the E! channel in the television special “Star Wars: The Force Is Back”, where she discussed the romance in the movie series and ended up with more air time than George Lucas.
In 2010 Suzanne left Avon Books for St. Martin’s Press, where she continues to pen historical romance novels. Her 31st book, Taming an Impossible Rogue, is set to arrive in March 2012.
Suzanne is known for her humorous characters, sexy bad boys, and whip-sharp, witty dialogue. She currently resides in Placentia, California with several hundred guppies and various other tropical fish, and handful of very loud, spinach-loving finches. And her collection of action figures and statues from “Star Wars”, “Lord of the Rings”, “X-Men”, and “Pirates of the Caribbean”. Everybody needs some inspiration, after all.
www.facebook.com/SuzanneEnoch
She dabbled in romantic fantasy writing for a year or two after graduating with a degree in English from the University of California, Irvine, until her affection for traditional Regency romances led her to write one for fun. After several encouraging rejections from publishers, she snared the interest of the world’s best and most patient literary agent, who advised her to revise the manuscript. This ultimately led to the publication of her first book, The Black Duke’s Prize, from Avon Books in the Spring of 1995. A second Regency, Angel’s Devil, followed that Fall.
When Avon folded its traditional Regency line, Suzanne was encouraged to try her hand at historical romance. As she remained keenly interested in England’s Regency period, she decided to attempt another manuscript set in that time. Lady Rogue hit the shelves in March of 1997. She wrote a total of 29 books for Avon, including two anthologies and a five-part contemporary series which received a pair of starred reviews from Publishers Weekly. One of those books, Twice the Temptation, was named one of the five best romances of the year by PW in 2007.
In 2002 her well-known love of all things “Star Wars” led to an invitation to appear on the E! channel in the television special “Star Wars: The Force Is Back”, where she discussed the romance in the movie series and ended up with more air time than George Lucas.
In 2010 Suzanne left Avon Books for St. Martin’s Press, where she continues to pen historical romance novels. Her 31st book, Taming an Impossible Rogue, is set to arrive in March 2012.
Suzanne is known for her humorous characters, sexy bad boys, and whip-sharp, witty dialogue. She currently resides in Placentia, California with several hundred guppies and various other tropical fish, and handful of very loud, spinach-loving finches. And her collection of action figures and statues from “Star Wars”, “Lord of the Rings”, “X-Men”, and “Pirates of the Caribbean”. Everybody needs some inspiration, after all.
www.facebook.com/SuzanneEnoch
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July 23, 2024who approved this cover? it's giving creep 🤨 i hate the way he's staring into my soul
March 19, 2025
This was absolutely delightful. I really didn’t know what to expect nor did I even read the summary beyond a glance. I was truly TICKLED when I realized that not only was she hiding her identity but he also was!! And the side characters too!! Whenever I encounter this specific type of hidden identity, it’s my FAVORITE thing EVER because the biggest barrier to the couples being together is actually a nonissue. It’s like dramatic irony to the point of screwball-esque. Also I just eat up a side character romance.
I didn’t think there’d be any spice because it was absent in her last trade paperback I read, so I wasn’t disappointed to learn I was correct here. I’ll always want it, but the story worked without it and I was okay. I do think the secondary romance seemed almost a bit more developed than the main one, and an extra layer of intimacy would’ve strengthened their connection to perfection.
As for the audiobook, the narrators were absolutely fabulous. I don’t think I’ve heard either of them before??? (which is saying something) but I’d love to hear them again. They delivered the comedic timing perfectly. It would’ve been fun reading with my eyes but with my ears it was truly an Experienceᵀᴹ.
4.5/5
I received an ARC and ALC from the publishers. All opinions are honest and my own.
I didn’t think there’d be any spice because it was absent in her last trade paperback I read, so I wasn’t disappointed to learn I was correct here. I’ll always want it, but the story worked without it and I was okay. I do think the secondary romance seemed almost a bit more developed than the main one, and an extra layer of intimacy would’ve strengthened their connection to perfection.
As for the audiobook, the narrators were absolutely fabulous. I don’t think I’ve heard either of them before??? (which is saying something) but I’d love to hear them again. They delivered the comedic timing perfectly. It would’ve been fun reading with my eyes but with my ears it was truly an Experienceᵀᴹ.
4.5/5
I received an ARC and ALC from the publishers. All opinions are honest and my own.
April 2, 2025
What a delightful farce! This is my first Suzanne Enoch Historical Romance, but not my first book by her. I am currently reading her Contemporary Romantic-Suspense series, the "Samantha Jellicoe" Series, which I am thoroughly loving. Enoch is a rare author who can blend Romance, light Mystery, and humor. I had a wonderful experience with this comedy of mistaken identity. The dual narration of Kimberly M. Wetherell voicing the female parts and Jay Myers voicing the male parts was exceptional.
At eighteen Lady Meg Pinwell was so looking forward to her first Season. To dance, flirt and maybe fall in love. Then her father contracts with an old duke for a marriage to his son. Then the Duke dies and Meg is subjected to a morning period for a man she doesn't even know, and she hasn't even met or corresponded with the son for a whole year! She is not sure she wants to go through with the marriage, even to a young Duke, as the papers paint James Clay, Duke of Earnhurst in a not very favorable light.
Meg and her Aunt Clara make plans to visit the Duke's country home and see what his servants have to say about him. They have to disguise themselves, of course, but servants won't remember them. Clara will be the Lady and Meg will be her companion. Well, everything was going as planned until Meg falls and badly sprains her ankle. Best laid plans and all that.
James Clay, Duke of Earnhurst is indeed the rogue that society has painted him to be. This trip to Earnhurst to set his run-down wreck of a country house in order is a lot of work to fulfil a promise his father made. When he answers to door himself, he has no idea the farce he has entered into when the guests mistake him for the butler. His man of business, Riniken, is drafted to become the Duke. The butler falls in love with the companion and the Duke falls in love with the Lady. All's well, but it is most decidedly not.
My thanks to the Publisher and the Author for providing a complimentary audio Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.
At eighteen Lady Meg Pinwell was so looking forward to her first Season. To dance, flirt and maybe fall in love. Then her father contracts with an old duke for a marriage to his son. Then the Duke dies and Meg is subjected to a morning period for a man she doesn't even know, and she hasn't even met or corresponded with the son for a whole year! She is not sure she wants to go through with the marriage, even to a young Duke, as the papers paint James Clay, Duke of Earnhurst in a not very favorable light.
Meg and her Aunt Clara make plans to visit the Duke's country home and see what his servants have to say about him. They have to disguise themselves, of course, but servants won't remember them. Clara will be the Lady and Meg will be her companion. Well, everything was going as planned until Meg falls and badly sprains her ankle. Best laid plans and all that.
James Clay, Duke of Earnhurst is indeed the rogue that society has painted him to be. This trip to Earnhurst to set his run-down wreck of a country house in order is a lot of work to fulfil a promise his father made. When he answers to door himself, he has no idea the farce he has entered into when the guests mistake him for the butler. His man of business, Riniken, is drafted to become the Duke. The butler falls in love with the companion and the Duke falls in love with the Lady. All's well, but it is most decidedly not.
My thanks to the Publisher and the Author for providing a complimentary audio Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.
March 31, 2025
A Duke Never Tells by Suzanne Enoch
Historical romance, romantic comedy.
Lady Meg Pinwell has been promised to the next Duke of Earnhurst in a contract by her parents. With a surprising twist of fate, the prior Duke dies, and now Meg must be in proper mourning for a year before the marriage to the new Duke, James Clay. Timing means she misses her first season. A year later, James has a reputation as a Rake and he hasn’t reached out to Meg at all. Nor has he been back to the estate making his Man of Business quite disgusted and the estate falling apart. Meg and her Aunt Clara come up a scheme to visit the estate and find a legitimate reason for Meg to get out of her marriage promise. In the meantime, the Duke has returned to the estate and he would rather remain drunk but visitors and a broken stair railing cause all kinds of unexpected changes.
🎧 I listened to this via audiobook narrated by Kimberly M Wetherell and Jay Myers. Both did a wonderful job with accents and emotions such as happiness, humor, confusion or a bit on the drunk side. The dual POV’s are amusing, especially when they get things wrong or when everyone is trying to keep the titles correct. The audiobook gives a voice to the humor and playfulness that a reader may not get from a print copy.
I listened to the recording at slightly higher than 1.5 to match reading and conversation speed.
Charming and entertaining.
I was gifted a copy of this by NetGalley and publisher Dreamscape Media.
Historical romance, romantic comedy.
Lady Meg Pinwell has been promised to the next Duke of Earnhurst in a contract by her parents. With a surprising twist of fate, the prior Duke dies, and now Meg must be in proper mourning for a year before the marriage to the new Duke, James Clay. Timing means she misses her first season. A year later, James has a reputation as a Rake and he hasn’t reached out to Meg at all. Nor has he been back to the estate making his Man of Business quite disgusted and the estate falling apart. Meg and her Aunt Clara come up a scheme to visit the estate and find a legitimate reason for Meg to get out of her marriage promise. In the meantime, the Duke has returned to the estate and he would rather remain drunk but visitors and a broken stair railing cause all kinds of unexpected changes.
🎧 I listened to this via audiobook narrated by Kimberly M Wetherell and Jay Myers. Both did a wonderful job with accents and emotions such as happiness, humor, confusion or a bit on the drunk side. The dual POV’s are amusing, especially when they get things wrong or when everyone is trying to keep the titles correct. The audiobook gives a voice to the humor and playfulness that a reader may not get from a print copy.
I listened to the recording at slightly higher than 1.5 to match reading and conversation speed.
Charming and entertaining.
I was gifted a copy of this by NetGalley and publisher Dreamscape Media.
April 2, 2025
It was well a written, campy, smut free regency romance that highlighted so many of the issues during that time period especially in the ton. I didn’t jive with it though because it felt like the author wanted us to look at all the problems and say it was okay. Like hey, here is this despicable person with control over people’s lives and no real interest in how his choices affect them but you should like him anyway. Which was paired against another character that was a staunch blue stocking and all her causes were just trivial matters that made her quirky. All of which was true for the time period, but I for one didn’t appreciate it as a modern reader.
December 13, 2024
What a fun romp! A tale of mistaken identities, falling in love with the wrong person, and living in a ramshackle manor. Chaos ensues when Lady Margaret wants to visit her betrothed’s manor to see what kind of person he is. When she arrives with her aunt, who have taken assumed identities, she is greeted by a drunk Duke. However, that drunk Duke doesn’t want to be bothered, so he introduces his man of business as the Duke. The actual Duke becomes the butler!! This was a fun HR, clean, with great characters and charm.
April 11, 2025
Thank you @brambleromance and @librofm for the ARC & audiobook. ♡
·∘⋆⊹ 𝚁𝚎𝚊𝚍 𝚒𝚏 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚕𝚘𝚟𝚎: 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚝𝚢 𝚋𝚊𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚛, 𝚍𝚛𝚢 𝚑𝚞𝚖𝚘𝚛, 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚊 𝚌𝚊𝚜𝚎 𝚘𝚏 𝚍𝚘𝚞𝚋𝚕𝚎 𝚖𝚒𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚔𝚎𝚗 𝚒𝚍𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚝𝚒𝚎𝚜. ⊹⋆∘·
This was just what I needed after a series of serious reads: a hysterical romcom set in a country estate outside London.
When Lady Meg Pinwell is betrothed sight unseen to the future Duke, she and her sprightly spinster Aunt go undercover to dig up the dirt on Meg’s future husband.
He’s rumored to be a dashingly handsome rake, and also lazy, irresponsible, and a drunkard to boot. When the new Duke answers his own door to “Lady Sophronia Frumple” and “Miss Mabel Gooster” (these pseudonyms are phenomenal 😆), they mistakenly assume he is the butler.
And, because he is in a mood, the Duke doesn’t bother correcting them, instead pretending he’s the worst butler on the planet while roping his late father’s business man/chief of staff into playing the role of Duke.
Let chaos ensue. The banter between the “butler” and the “Duke” gave me life. Jay Myers brought a Mr. Darcy-like quality to Elliott Riniken.
Low on the spice scale, but high on the laughs, this was just a really good time. I was rooting for both of the couples to find their Happily Ever After.
There were some unexpected references to British colonial rule in India. These all were fairly surface level relative to the main plot, although it was apparent that sensitivity readers likely provided input here, which I appreciate.
▶︎ •၊၊||၊|။||။|• 🎧 Narrators Kimberly Wetherell and Jay Myers deliver a great audio performance. Extra points to Jay for his portrayal of the valet and the fake butler, and my personal favorite character, Mr. Riniken.
Read this one when you need a comedic escape or just an overall fun read!
·∘⋆⊹ 𝚁𝚎𝚊𝚍 𝚒𝚏 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚕𝚘𝚟𝚎: 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚝𝚢 𝚋𝚊𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚛, 𝚍𝚛𝚢 𝚑𝚞𝚖𝚘𝚛, 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚊 𝚌𝚊𝚜𝚎 𝚘𝚏 𝚍𝚘𝚞𝚋𝚕𝚎 𝚖𝚒𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚔𝚎𝚗 𝚒𝚍𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚝𝚒𝚎𝚜. ⊹⋆∘·
This was just what I needed after a series of serious reads: a hysterical romcom set in a country estate outside London.
When Lady Meg Pinwell is betrothed sight unseen to the future Duke, she and her sprightly spinster Aunt go undercover to dig up the dirt on Meg’s future husband.
He’s rumored to be a dashingly handsome rake, and also lazy, irresponsible, and a drunkard to boot. When the new Duke answers his own door to “Lady Sophronia Frumple” and “Miss Mabel Gooster” (these pseudonyms are phenomenal 😆), they mistakenly assume he is the butler.
And, because he is in a mood, the Duke doesn’t bother correcting them, instead pretending he’s the worst butler on the planet while roping his late father’s business man/chief of staff into playing the role of Duke.
Let chaos ensue. The banter between the “butler” and the “Duke” gave me life. Jay Myers brought a Mr. Darcy-like quality to Elliott Riniken.
Low on the spice scale, but high on the laughs, this was just a really good time. I was rooting for both of the couples to find their Happily Ever After.
There were some unexpected references to British colonial rule in India. These all were fairly surface level relative to the main plot, although it was apparent that sensitivity readers likely provided input here, which I appreciate.
▶︎ •၊၊||၊|။||။|• 🎧 Narrators Kimberly Wetherell and Jay Myers deliver a great audio performance. Extra points to Jay for his portrayal of the valet and the fake butler, and my personal favorite character, Mr. Riniken.
Read this one when you need a comedic escape or just an overall fun read!
September 26, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this take on The Importance of Being Earnest. The two couples were adorable, and I couldn't stop reading!
Be aware that this is a sweet romance, with mostly kisses and a few furtive touches, but that didn't matter to me, since it was so engaging.
Be aware that this is a sweet romance, with mostly kisses and a few furtive touches, but that didn't matter to me, since it was so engaging.
May 16, 2025
This was SUCH a delight!! It’s rare when a double romance gives all parties enough page time, but this one smashed it out of the park. The plot was bonkers and the characters were as hilarious as they were endearing. I couldn’t help but fall in love with everyone and everything!
rating: ★★★★★
released: 1 April 2025
genre: historical romance
pov: third person omniscient
MC: James + Meg, Clara + Elliott ♡
audio narrated by Jay Myers + Kimberly M. Wetherell
rating: ★★★★★
released: 1 April 2025
genre: historical romance
pov: third person omniscient
MC: James + Meg, Clara + Elliott ♡
audio narrated by Jay Myers + Kimberly M. Wetherell
July 7, 2025
4.5⭐️
I absolutely love a good historical romance, romcom, but they are hard to find! And if you’re like me, and you’re looking for HR with a good laugh, Suzanne Enoch, has you covered with her latest release, A Duke Never Tells!
Miscommunication, mistaken identity, and sometimes drive me a little crazy, but this one was so much fun! Featuring not one but two sets of characters and have swapped their identities and both sets end up, pairing up and falling in love- while not knowing the actual true identity of the other!
Lady Meg has been promised by her father to marry the new Duke of Earnhurst, but she is not interested in a stuffy old Duke, she wants her season and she wants to have fun and fall in love on her own. With that in mind, she decides to scope out her perspective Duke and learn a little bit more about him with her trusty sidekick and BFF, her Aunt Clara. Together, they travel to the Duke’s estate under false identities, casting Lady Meg as the ladies maid to lady Sophronia- a.k.a. aunt Clara in disguise. Expecting him not to be in residence, while there they are surprised to encounter the stuffy rakish Duke and his young and inexperienced Butler. Unbeknownst to them the Duke and his man of business has swapped places, and are also operating under different identities.
When an accident occurs and Meg and Clara can’t leave after a quick visit, this Mötley foursome ends up, spending a lot more time together and some interesting pairings occur!
I had so much fun reading this book and getting all four perspectives from the characters. The story moves at a good pace and I loved the ending and how they manage to work things out and reveal the identities/love interests!
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Kimberly M. Wetherell and Jay Myers, I found myself not wanting to pause the story since I was so engrossed in it! Both narrators did an excellent job narrating their two main character voices i.e. the two MMC’s and MFC’s, along with the rest of the cast of characters. I enjoyed both narrators and found that they did an excellent job, bringing the book to life and really highlighting the comedic elements in the story.
Thanks Tor/ Bramble Publishing and Dreamscape Media for my eARC and ALC.
I absolutely love a good historical romance, romcom, but they are hard to find! And if you’re like me, and you’re looking for HR with a good laugh, Suzanne Enoch, has you covered with her latest release, A Duke Never Tells!
Miscommunication, mistaken identity, and sometimes drive me a little crazy, but this one was so much fun! Featuring not one but two sets of characters and have swapped their identities and both sets end up, pairing up and falling in love- while not knowing the actual true identity of the other!
Lady Meg has been promised by her father to marry the new Duke of Earnhurst, but she is not interested in a stuffy old Duke, she wants her season and she wants to have fun and fall in love on her own. With that in mind, she decides to scope out her perspective Duke and learn a little bit more about him with her trusty sidekick and BFF, her Aunt Clara. Together, they travel to the Duke’s estate under false identities, casting Lady Meg as the ladies maid to lady Sophronia- a.k.a. aunt Clara in disguise. Expecting him not to be in residence, while there they are surprised to encounter the stuffy rakish Duke and his young and inexperienced Butler. Unbeknownst to them the Duke and his man of business has swapped places, and are also operating under different identities.
When an accident occurs and Meg and Clara can’t leave after a quick visit, this Mötley foursome ends up, spending a lot more time together and some interesting pairings occur!
I had so much fun reading this book and getting all four perspectives from the characters. The story moves at a good pace and I loved the ending and how they manage to work things out and reveal the identities/love interests!
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Kimberly M. Wetherell and Jay Myers, I found myself not wanting to pause the story since I was so engrossed in it! Both narrators did an excellent job narrating their two main character voices i.e. the two MMC’s and MFC’s, along with the rest of the cast of characters. I enjoyed both narrators and found that they did an excellent job, bringing the book to life and really highlighting the comedic elements in the story.
Thanks Tor/ Bramble Publishing and Dreamscape Media for my eARC and ALC.
April 23, 2025
i wish i dnf’d this. at 40% i was like ok this is so cute we’re getting somewhere! at 60% i was so bored but kept reading cause i had nothing else to read. at 70% i had hope again it would turn a corner but it didn’t. and finally at 83% i was like already this far in …i can suck it up. REGRETS. why am i such a people pleaser that it extends to books?? didn’t want to hurt the book and the character’s nonexistent feelings, I guess???
Let me start off with the good:
intriguing premise…hidden identities and falling in love with the wrong (or right) people
funny at times
strong start up until 40%
male narrator was great
and everything else:
we have 4 main characters and i literally only cared about one of them. the main character duke in question was boring nothing special…and his relationship i legit could not buy and didn’t feel anything towards. which leads me to say the summary is confusing …this should have been 2 books honestly to give all the characters time to be flushed out.
for being only 350 pages….it felt like a 600 page book!!!
unnecessary POVs from non main characters that wasted time and didn’t add to the story
no smut - like none!!!! and listen i don’t need them to be fucking like bunnies 24/7 but if the yearning, longing, romance was there it would not have made me mad at all if they just kissed…but since this book was lacking all of the above the no smut just made this book so tedious.
Let me start off with the good:
intriguing premise…hidden identities and falling in love with the wrong (or right) people
funny at times
strong start up until 40%
male narrator was great
and everything else:
we have 4 main characters and i literally only cared about one of them. the main character duke in question was boring nothing special…and his relationship i legit could not buy and didn’t feel anything towards. which leads me to say the summary is confusing …this should have been 2 books honestly to give all the characters time to be flushed out.
for being only 350 pages….it felt like a 600 page book!!!
unnecessary POVs from non main characters that wasted time and didn’t add to the story
no smut - like none!!!! and listen i don’t need them to be fucking like bunnies 24/7 but if the yearning, longing, romance was there it would not have made me mad at all if they just kissed…but since this book was lacking all of the above the no smut just made this book so tedious.
June 1, 2025
A Duke Never Tells by Suzanne Enoch is a delightfully charming & humor filled historical romance in which a woman goes undercover to check out her new fiancé only for her to not be the only one keeping secrets & undercover in this interesting story.
A Duke Never Tells is great for those looking to read…
🩷 Historical Romance
🩷 Bridgerton Meets Evie Dunmore
🩷 Secret Identities
🩷 Arranged Marriage
I was fortunate enough to listen to the audiobook of this as well & it was great. I loved the dual narration. I appreciated their excellent accents & the way in which they brought the conversations & the story to life.
If you are looking for Bridgerton vibes along with laughs & intrigue, I highly recommend A Duke Never Tells.
Massive thanks to LibroFM & Bramble for the gifted copy, which I voluntarily read & reviewed.
A Duke Never Tells is great for those looking to read…
🩷 Historical Romance
🩷 Bridgerton Meets Evie Dunmore
🩷 Secret Identities
🩷 Arranged Marriage
I was fortunate enough to listen to the audiobook of this as well & it was great. I loved the dual narration. I appreciated their excellent accents & the way in which they brought the conversations & the story to life.
If you are looking for Bridgerton vibes along with laughs & intrigue, I highly recommend A Duke Never Tells.
Massive thanks to LibroFM & Bramble for the gifted copy, which I voluntarily read & reviewed.
July 26, 2025
Two cases of mistaken identity, and hilarity ensues.
June 20, 2025
This was really cute! It’s a silly romp with an endearing cast of characters. Brilliant ending.
April 9, 2025
I adore a great historical romance, especially with lots of comedy, and this one fit the bill perfectly. There is a fun twist on the hidden identity trope with both main and secondary character pairs playing each other. The duke has an infamous reputation and through this trope Meg can truly get to know him with no preconceived notions.
The relationship between Meg’s aunt Clara and the duke’s butler was icing on the cake of this story. They had such an emotional connection and I would have read their story as a stand-alone alone as it was so well-developed. This was my first book by this author but will not be my last!
🎧 Narrators: Kimberly M. Wetherell & Jay Meyers
🎧 Length: 12h 48m
The narrators were absolutely AMAZING! They did such a great job of bringing the humor off the page, and their accents made me feel immersed in the regency era.
Thank you to Bramble and Dreamscape Media for providing me with copies of this book. This review is voluntary, and all opinions expressed are my own.
The relationship between Meg’s aunt Clara and the duke’s butler was icing on the cake of this story. They had such an emotional connection and I would have read their story as a stand-alone alone as it was so well-developed. This was my first book by this author but will not be my last!
🎧 Narrators: Kimberly M. Wetherell & Jay Meyers
🎧 Length: 12h 48m
The narrators were absolutely AMAZING! They did such a great job of bringing the humor off the page, and their accents made me feel immersed in the regency era.
Thank you to Bramble and Dreamscape Media for providing me with copies of this book. This review is voluntary, and all opinions expressed are my own.
April 7, 2025
My favorite is still Every Duke Has His Day but this was a nice escape.
December 9, 2025
It's been such a long time since I've read a Suzanne Enoch book, but I decided to give this a try as I've been in the mood to read a Historical Romance.
One of the things I like about this genre and Enoch's writing are the heroines. Whether they are innocent or mischievous, all Historical Romance heroines are written with so much charm, wit and banter. I found that even the older females were really interesting characters as well. It's worth reading just for them.
I kind of wish that there were more popular Historical Romance series out now because I used to really enjoy them in the past. But I haven't found more authors that write like my favorites - Lisa Kleypas, Julia Quinn, Elizabeth Hoyt and Suzanne Enoch.
One of the things I like about this genre and Enoch's writing are the heroines. Whether they are innocent or mischievous, all Historical Romance heroines are written with so much charm, wit and banter. I found that even the older females were really interesting characters as well. It's worth reading just for them.
I kind of wish that there were more popular Historical Romance series out now because I used to really enjoy them in the past. But I haven't found more authors that write like my favorites - Lisa Kleypas, Julia Quinn, Elizabeth Hoyt and Suzanne Enoch.
April 16, 2025
Skim Finish
February 2, 2025
TL;DR: This was very fun, a unique premise for a historical.
Source: NetGalley, thank so much to the publisher!
Plot: Meg and her Aunt Clara change identities to find out more about the Duke she’s arranged to marriage. But they aren’t they only ones lying about their identities.
Characters: They were all pretty good but honestly the men were the strongest for me. Though James seems to be very alcoholic and I did NOT care for that.
Setting: It stays inside the Duke’s manor, so the setting isn’t the strongest here.
Romance: This was cute, I had no idea for a minute there how this would work but I enjoyed seeing the relationships come together.
Thoughts:
The premise on this one is super fun. Meg is setup in an arranged marriage, much to her and her aunt’s dislike. Immediately after the father of the man she was to marry dies, and the necessary time of mourning has to pass before the wedding occurs. So over a year later the two hatch a plan to hide their identities and scope out the lands of the now Duke to see what he’s like, because the papers and gossip doesn’t seem to paint a good picture. At the same time James, the Duke, is finally returning to his estate and butting heads with his man of business. When two society ladies show up on his doorstep he pretends to be the butler and forces Elliot to play the part of duke.
With everything going on you’d think this would be a difficult one to pull off but our author did a great job and it ended up being very fun. We bounce between the four points of views (with one or two new views occasionally popping up) so we get the full story and character thoughts. While Meg and Clara are focused primarily on the duke and his personality, the men are wrapped up not only in the women but the restoration of the estate. I think maybe that was my only big issue with the book is that I was WAY more interested in their stories and the estate. What was it like for the Duke to work with the servants, how did he feel having done that and realizing what it was like, what did the servants think of pretending he was a butler? I loved that portion.
I found this fun, yes. For me ultimately though the best part of the story was the surrounding estate and the two men. I also truly did not like James very much as he seemed alcoholic, downing multiple bottles of wine in the first few chapters. He grows a bit on you but still Elliot was the far more ‘romantic’ hero in this. If you like the premise it is fun! Give it a go.
Source: NetGalley, thank so much to the publisher!
Plot: Meg and her Aunt Clara change identities to find out more about the Duke she’s arranged to marriage. But they aren’t they only ones lying about their identities.
Characters: They were all pretty good but honestly the men were the strongest for me. Though James seems to be very alcoholic and I did NOT care for that.
Setting: It stays inside the Duke’s manor, so the setting isn’t the strongest here.
Romance: This was cute, I had no idea for a minute there how this would work but I enjoyed seeing the relationships come together.
Thoughts:
The premise on this one is super fun. Meg is setup in an arranged marriage, much to her and her aunt’s dislike. Immediately after the father of the man she was to marry dies, and the necessary time of mourning has to pass before the wedding occurs. So over a year later the two hatch a plan to hide their identities and scope out the lands of the now Duke to see what he’s like, because the papers and gossip doesn’t seem to paint a good picture. At the same time James, the Duke, is finally returning to his estate and butting heads with his man of business. When two society ladies show up on his doorstep he pretends to be the butler and forces Elliot to play the part of duke.
With everything going on you’d think this would be a difficult one to pull off but our author did a great job and it ended up being very fun. We bounce between the four points of views (with one or two new views occasionally popping up) so we get the full story and character thoughts. While Meg and Clara are focused primarily on the duke and his personality, the men are wrapped up not only in the women but the restoration of the estate. I think maybe that was my only big issue with the book is that I was WAY more interested in their stories and the estate. What was it like for the Duke to work with the servants, how did he feel having done that and realizing what it was like, what did the servants think of pretending he was a butler? I loved that portion.
I found this fun, yes. For me ultimately though the best part of the story was the surrounding estate and the two men. I also truly did not like James very much as he seemed alcoholic, downing multiple bottles of wine in the first few chapters. He grows a bit on you but still Elliot was the far more ‘romantic’ hero in this. If you like the premise it is fun! Give it a go.
March 22, 2025
Utter antics and multiple cases of mistaken identity lend to the best holiday Meg Pinwell and her aunt Clara Bosley have ever had.
Lady Meg Pinwell is about to become engaged to a duke's heir with a terrible reputation as a rake, and then the very day the announcement is printed in the papers, the duke dies and suddenly several things happen: 1) Meg and her family must observe formal mourning for a man she's never met, 2) her Debut Season is must be postponed, and 3) she's now engaged to an actual duke. A year and two days out of mourning, Meg and Clara, her aunt (her mother's much younger sister) and outspoken suffragette best friend, journey to the estate of Meg's betrothed under false identities, only to be turned away by someone who seems to be a rather intoxicated and foul-tempered butler. They are then greeted by a rather surly man who appears to be the duke, but who seems to curse his own poor behavior and neglect of the estate. Except that the foul-mouthed butler is actually the duke, and the surly duke is actually the man of business, and everyone thinks they'll only need these false identities for a few hours. When Meg injures her ankle and cannot travel however, it's clear that for two weeks they'll be stuck in each others' company, with the wrong names, and likely falling in love with the wrong people.
This is an incredibly fun read. It has all the vibes and tone of The Importance of Being Ernest with a fresh historical romance plot and a much-aggrieved valet. We are rewarded with two strong romance plots, hand wringing over propriety, and while some might consider this miscommunication or characters hiding their identities for too long, the lighthearted tone and overall silliness makes it all acceptable.
A Duke Never Tells is closed-door romance, but similar to Enoch's last book, the screwball comedy antics don't make you miss any explicit scenes. It feels meant to be listened to, and the audiobook performance from Kimberly M. Wetherell and Jay Myers is highly enjoyable.
Thank you to Bramble for an ARC and Dreamscape Audio for an ALC for review. A Duke Never Tells is out 4/1/2025.
Lady Meg Pinwell is about to become engaged to a duke's heir with a terrible reputation as a rake, and then the very day the announcement is printed in the papers, the duke dies and suddenly several things happen: 1) Meg and her family must observe formal mourning for a man she's never met, 2) her Debut Season is must be postponed, and 3) she's now engaged to an actual duke. A year and two days out of mourning, Meg and Clara, her aunt (her mother's much younger sister) and outspoken suffragette best friend, journey to the estate of Meg's betrothed under false identities, only to be turned away by someone who seems to be a rather intoxicated and foul-tempered butler. They are then greeted by a rather surly man who appears to be the duke, but who seems to curse his own poor behavior and neglect of the estate. Except that the foul-mouthed butler is actually the duke, and the surly duke is actually the man of business, and everyone thinks they'll only need these false identities for a few hours. When Meg injures her ankle and cannot travel however, it's clear that for two weeks they'll be stuck in each others' company, with the wrong names, and likely falling in love with the wrong people.
This is an incredibly fun read. It has all the vibes and tone of The Importance of Being Ernest with a fresh historical romance plot and a much-aggrieved valet. We are rewarded with two strong romance plots, hand wringing over propriety, and while some might consider this miscommunication or characters hiding their identities for too long, the lighthearted tone and overall silliness makes it all acceptable.
A Duke Never Tells is closed-door romance, but similar to Enoch's last book, the screwball comedy antics don't make you miss any explicit scenes. It feels meant to be listened to, and the audiobook performance from Kimberly M. Wetherell and Jay Myers is highly enjoyable.
Thank you to Bramble for an ARC and Dreamscape Audio for an ALC for review. A Duke Never Tells is out 4/1/2025.
dnf
April 24, 2025***Thanks to Libro.fm for the ALC***
DNF @ 3%. This has two narrators but I sadly only made it as far as listening to Kimberly M. Wetherell’s narration but she is very good. I would definitely listen to her again.
The problem is that this book starts off as an absolute snooze fest. The opening chapter alone is SO boring. It’s also just a prologue! It’s the FMC (Meg) and her aunt (Clara) talking about Meg making her debut. Then Meg talks to her mother about her debut and a marriage prospect. They sit around talking. And it just goes on and on and on. It’s 43 minutes for the prologue alone??? My goodness. This is the audiobook equivalent of watching paint dry.
If this is the best you can do to draw people into the story, then you’ve already lost me. Never has there been a better argument made to cut prologues. I’ve never read this author before, although I know she’s been publishing historical romance for ages. Is this her usual? It’s more confusing with the cover and the fact that Bramble is publishing this (do they publishing dark romance, romantasy, contemporary, or histrom? It’s hard to get a sense of what this could possibly be about based on imprint alone).
Is this YA? Is this adult? Meg comes across as so innocent and young and bratty. I learned after I got this audiobook that this contains no sex scenes but the FMC is 19 by the time the main story starts and the duke here is 29 (I looked ahead at a Kindle sample). The ages are whatever to me, but it’s just all so TAME then. Especially when you’re telling me the man was a rake. This really isn’t my thing at all unless you add in a side of mystery and murders to liven up the whole thing since there’s not going to be sex scenes. The blurb makes this sound like a bonkers story but the writing drags.
Also! This is a multi-POV book. For a romance? I don’t like it. Why should I care for more characters besides the FMC and MMC to have POVs and finding love? The other two characters should’ve been a sequel instead (for those who care to read it).
DNF @ 3%. This has two narrators but I sadly only made it as far as listening to Kimberly M. Wetherell’s narration but she is very good. I would definitely listen to her again.
The problem is that this book starts off as an absolute snooze fest. The opening chapter alone is SO boring. It’s also just a prologue! It’s the FMC (Meg) and her aunt (Clara) talking about Meg making her debut. Then Meg talks to her mother about her debut and a marriage prospect. They sit around talking. And it just goes on and on and on. It’s 43 minutes for the prologue alone??? My goodness. This is the audiobook equivalent of watching paint dry.
If this is the best you can do to draw people into the story, then you’ve already lost me. Never has there been a better argument made to cut prologues. I’ve never read this author before, although I know she’s been publishing historical romance for ages. Is this her usual? It’s more confusing with the cover and the fact that Bramble is publishing this (do they publishing dark romance, romantasy, contemporary, or histrom? It’s hard to get a sense of what this could possibly be about based on imprint alone).
Is this YA? Is this adult? Meg comes across as so innocent and young and bratty. I learned after I got this audiobook that this contains no sex scenes but the FMC is 19 by the time the main story starts and the duke here is 29 (I looked ahead at a Kindle sample). The ages are whatever to me, but it’s just all so TAME then. Especially when you’re telling me the man was a rake. This really isn’t my thing at all unless you add in a side of mystery and murders to liven up the whole thing since there’s not going to be sex scenes. The blurb makes this sound like a bonkers story but the writing drags.
Also! This is a multi-POV book. For a romance? I don’t like it. Why should I care for more characters besides the FMC and MMC to have POVs and finding love? The other two characters should’ve been a sequel instead (for those who care to read it).
March 31, 2025
ARC provided by Dreamscape Media via Netgalley
Publication: 01.04.25
Rating: 3.5/5
After Meg is promised to a notorious duke by her parents, her aunt Clara and her decide to pretend to be a lady with Meg as the lady's companion, and visit the duke's estate and ask around about him. However, they don't expect him to be home. When Jemes Clay, the duke in question, is faced with the two women, he decides to pretend to be house's butler to avoid talking to them and makes his man of business pretend to be the Duke. As time goes by, all four of them start falling in love with who they consider the wrong person.
As you can expect the story is rife with the mistaken identity trope and uses it to build a romance that's actually two love stories told in parallel - which is the first time I've read a story quite like that. I feel like most authors would concentrate on one couple and then give the other couple a companion novel, and then if the series sells well, write a third part about some other side character nobody cares about. Was the novel the best I've read - probably no, but it was very silly and very fun and I had a good time reading it.
Also if you're looking for a romance that doesn't have explicit sex scenes (we urgantly need a term for that that isn't "clean"), this one is a great choice. The characters are by no means asexual - sex is a thing they want from relationships - but it's very much in the background and intimate scenes don't go beyond kissing and verbally expressing attraction.
Publication: 01.04.25
Rating: 3.5/5
After Meg is promised to a notorious duke by her parents, her aunt Clara and her decide to pretend to be a lady with Meg as the lady's companion, and visit the duke's estate and ask around about him. However, they don't expect him to be home. When Jemes Clay, the duke in question, is faced with the two women, he decides to pretend to be house's butler to avoid talking to them and makes his man of business pretend to be the Duke. As time goes by, all four of them start falling in love with who they consider the wrong person.
As you can expect the story is rife with the mistaken identity trope and uses it to build a romance that's actually two love stories told in parallel - which is the first time I've read a story quite like that. I feel like most authors would concentrate on one couple and then give the other couple a companion novel, and then if the series sells well, write a third part about some other side character nobody cares about. Was the novel the best I've read - probably no, but it was very silly and very fun and I had a good time reading it.
Also if you're looking for a romance that doesn't have explicit sex scenes (we urgantly need a term for that that isn't "clean"), this one is a great choice. The characters are by no means asexual - sex is a thing they want from relationships - but it's very much in the background and intimate scenes don't go beyond kissing and verbally expressing attraction.
September 27, 2025
2.5 stars. Rounded up because I LOVED the concept for this. And most of my enjoyment is from the Importance of Being Earnest vibes. This has two romances, which I usually like. Unfortunately, the "main" romance between the duke and Meg gets the short shrift. They barely spend any alone time together for the first 50% of the book. The real romantic pairing was the man of business and Meg's Aunt Clara. Their romance felt the most developed and more unique. However, the relationship I was most invested in was between the duke and his man of business. Going from resentment to understanding through this identity switch was heart-warming and I liked seeing them become friends.
Even though I did enjoy all of the characters and their romances, my main complaint with this book is the pacing. The majority of the book is incredibly slow-moving. I stuck with it because I was excited about the farcical situations and the identity reveals. I only wish Enoch had embraced her concept more. A farce should be constantly moving and full of plot twists. While I did laugh a few times, and I do enjoy Enoch's banter, and she built a lovely world within this manor, I wished so much of the plot hadn't felt so plodding.
I really enjoyed the audiobook. Both the male and female narrators were delightful and I found listening to the book soothing. Definitely helped me get through the slow parts.
Even though I did enjoy all of the characters and their romances, my main complaint with this book is the pacing. The majority of the book is incredibly slow-moving. I stuck with it because I was excited about the farcical situations and the identity reveals. I only wish Enoch had embraced her concept more. A farce should be constantly moving and full of plot twists. While I did laugh a few times, and I do enjoy Enoch's banter, and she built a lovely world within this manor, I wished so much of the plot hadn't felt so plodding.
I really enjoyed the audiobook. Both the male and female narrators were delightful and I found listening to the book soothing. Definitely helped me get through the slow parts.
April 11, 2025
Before entering into a supremely-advantageous arranged marriage with James Clay, the new Duke of Earnhurst, clever, independent Lady Meg Pinwell has to see if he’s really the rake he’s rumoured to be. With the help of her Aunt Clara, they plan some discreet reconnaissance at the Duke’s country estate. Meg will pretend to be her aunt’s maid/companion to see the true state of affairs at Earnhurst Manor.
But Meg isn’t the only one pretending to be someone she isn’t: In order to escape Clara (who is surely a marriage hunter!), James has traded places with the excellent Riniken, the former Duke’s butler. Soon everyone is falling in love with the absolute wrong person! They say the course of true love never does run smooth… at Earnhurst, it’s running amuck
A fun & entertaining book, which often had me chuckling. The narrators did a lovely job, bringing the book to life & I found it a delight. I also did far more jobs than I intended to so I could just keep on listening. Dual swapped identities lent itself to mishaps, miscommunication & whilst it could have become a farce it didn’t. I thoroughly enjoyed it
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this audiobook; all thoughts and opinions are my own
But Meg isn’t the only one pretending to be someone she isn’t: In order to escape Clara (who is surely a marriage hunter!), James has traded places with the excellent Riniken, the former Duke’s butler. Soon everyone is falling in love with the absolute wrong person! They say the course of true love never does run smooth… at Earnhurst, it’s running amuck
A fun & entertaining book, which often had me chuckling. The narrators did a lovely job, bringing the book to life & I found it a delight. I also did far more jobs than I intended to so I could just keep on listening. Dual swapped identities lent itself to mishaps, miscommunication & whilst it could have become a farce it didn’t. I thoroughly enjoyed it
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this audiobook; all thoughts and opinions are my own
March 28, 2025
4.5⭐️
This was such a charming and delightful book. It's not over the top but I really had lot of fun with this book.
An arranged marriage that neither party wants. I girl getting ready to debut and a rake of duke. It's not what either expected. This was a really easy read and I really liked all four main characters. I really also appreciated that we got the four separate POVs. Each character were unique and I appreciated that each had their own growth and character arc by the end of the book.
The pacing was also well done. There was times in the middle it may have drag some in the middle but overall it went along at a decent pace,
I thought the story was pretty cute with the switched identities of both the main FMCs and MMCs. Although it was a cheesy at times. Not a perfect read but really enjoyable.
Thank you NetGalley and Tor Publishing for this advanced reader copy. My review is voluntarily my own.
This was such a charming and delightful book. It's not over the top but I really had lot of fun with this book.
An arranged marriage that neither party wants. I girl getting ready to debut and a rake of duke. It's not what either expected. This was a really easy read and I really liked all four main characters. I really also appreciated that we got the four separate POVs. Each character were unique and I appreciated that each had their own growth and character arc by the end of the book.
The pacing was also well done. There was times in the middle it may have drag some in the middle but overall it went along at a decent pace,
I thought the story was pretty cute with the switched identities of both the main FMCs and MMCs. Although it was a cheesy at times. Not a perfect read but really enjoyable.
Thank you NetGalley and Tor Publishing for this advanced reader copy. My review is voluntarily my own.
July 15, 2025
Audiobook review- 5/5 stars. I thought this would be a rather long listen, but the plot was so perfectly done, it went by quickly. I loved the unique storyline and the amazing characters, particularly the strong and confident 2 FMCs and 2 MMC. Meg and her aunt’s relationship was done to perfection and their individual romances were *chef’s kiss.* Listening was made even more interesting with the change in character POVs with each chapter. This was done tastefully so as not to be confusing or hard to follow. Amazing narration by Kimberly M. Wetherell and Jay Myers!
April 23, 2025
Big Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for the advanced copy!!
"A Duke Never Tells" is a cute historical romance with a little Oscar Wilde inspiration behind it.
The characters were all delightful and funny, and the couples that were formed were adorable as well and fitted with each other.
The story, moreover, was enjoyable and fun, however, the ending was rushed and not as well handled as the rest of the plot.
Finally, the narrators did an amazing job with their narrations and the audiobook was nicely developed.
"A Duke Never Tells" is a cute historical romance with a little Oscar Wilde inspiration behind it.
The characters were all delightful and funny, and the couples that were formed were adorable as well and fitted with each other.
The story, moreover, was enjoyable and fun, however, the ending was rushed and not as well handled as the rest of the plot.
Finally, the narrators did an amazing job with their narrations and the audiobook was nicely developed.
May 14, 2025
This was so much fun!! Look past this weird cover and you'll find a delightful retelling of The Importance of Being Earnest.
It's a bit long, and I wish they had had 4 narrators in the audiobook instead of the same for both MMCs and FMCs. But I will definitely be checking out more from this author!
It's a bit long, and I wish they had had 4 narrators in the audiobook instead of the same for both MMCs and FMCs. But I will definitely be checking out more from this author!
April 7, 2025
Thank you @NetGalley and @ Dreamscapemedia for the ARC. A slow burn romance with a Bridgerton style. I enjoyed this audio very much, the narrators were exceptional.
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