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Better Than a Duke
Not yet published
Expected 3 Mar 26It takes more than Cupid to arrange a marriage in this sparkling Regency romcom from New York Times best-selling author Suzanne Enoch, where The Parent Trap crashes into Bridgerton as two precocious children decide to play matchmaker for their unsuspecting single parents.
Beckett Raines, the Marquis of Hentrose, needs a wife, and he’s resigned to participating in the Season to search for a suitable mother for his young daughter Rebecca. Beckett is determined to wed for practicality rather than love—and he thinks he’s found the perfect, proper woman for the job.
Instead, he’s stunned when his new next door neighbor Iris Silbern bursts into his London home in pursuit of her mischievous son Edmund. Her ferocity, sharp wit, and humor charm him, but she is by no means proper. Meanwhile, Iris’ relations are trying to set up a match with a wealthy, elderly duke—an answer to her financial troubles, if not her resistant heart.
Rebecca and Edmund have no interest in practical plans, not when the perfect father and mother are right in front of them. With only one Season to summon Cupid, they scheme to bring their parents together. But will Beckett realize how perfect a messy life can be? And will Iris open her heart to a man who may not be a duke, but something even better?
At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
Beckett Raines, the Marquis of Hentrose, needs a wife, and he’s resigned to participating in the Season to search for a suitable mother for his young daughter Rebecca. Beckett is determined to wed for practicality rather than love—and he thinks he’s found the perfect, proper woman for the job.
Instead, he’s stunned when his new next door neighbor Iris Silbern bursts into his London home in pursuit of her mischievous son Edmund. Her ferocity, sharp wit, and humor charm him, but she is by no means proper. Meanwhile, Iris’ relations are trying to set up a match with a wealthy, elderly duke—an answer to her financial troubles, if not her resistant heart.
Rebecca and Edmund have no interest in practical plans, not when the perfect father and mother are right in front of them. With only one Season to summon Cupid, they scheme to bring their parents together. But will Beckett realize how perfect a messy life can be? And will Iris open her heart to a man who may not be a duke, but something even better?
At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
352 pages, Paperback
Expected publication March 3, 2026
67 people want to read
About the author
Suzanne Enoch
102 books2,631 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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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
November 1, 2025
Better Than a Duke is a complete and total GEM! I had the most fantastic time reading and falling in love with this one. It reminded me in the best way of Parent Trap as two mischievous children want to stop their respective widowed parent from marrying others as they hope their parents will fall in love with each other. As it turns out, the parents are way ahead of them!
Iris and Beckett (aka the parents) are so perfect for each other, well, except in the ways they aren't. Beckett looks for a practical partner who will be a calm society-guiding mother to his wildly creative and imaginative daughter. His feisty temporary neighbor Iris may make his heart go all a flutter but the way she fiercely sticks her nose down at society and isn't afraid to take down any disparaging lord makes her imperfect when it comes to being the right societal fit in partner. Iris, on the other hand, is in dire situation. She and her son have lost their home and will soon lose their temporary stay with her less-than-welcoming aunt and uncle, but a potential marriage offer from an entirely despicable but utterly rich duke may be the ticket to ensure her son's future. Even if it's at the cost of her heart. A heart that longs for a certain marquis who's a mere garden walk away.
I loved these two so darn much! Iris bursts into Beckett's life with so much color and joy, and he gives her a solid ground to anchor to when the winds become too fierce. In so many ways they are each other's perfect counterpart; they strike the right balance emotionally, intellectually, and physically (because whewww do they have heart eyes for one another!). Just that pesky societal measure gets in the way. Oh the happy sighs I let out over their secret interludes in the dark. Those stolen moments brought each character's vulnerability out. They never hide their individual intents as well as their biggest fears and desires. That open honest heightened the emotional chord that slowly but so solidly bonded them to the other. I do think their first kiss came a bit too abruptly, regardless I was all for that forbidden-esque nature of their dalliance. I just wanted them to open their eyes and see how well they work, without having to change themselves.
Luckily their kids shared my wavelength and were working behind the scenes to get that ball rolling! I loved those two rascals so much! Little Rebecca broke my heart in how she was too fearful to tell her father the truth of Pauline but it was so heart-warming how not only little Edmund but all of Beckett's staff came together to get the Parent Trap going!
I only wish there had been an epilogue, it makes the ending a bit abrupt, but gosh, y'all! What a fantastic time this was. Historical romances have a special place in my heart, I have been lucky to almost always find the perfect fits for me and Better Than a Duke is the newest addition to that collection!
I unreservedly recommend this one!
Thank you Bramble, Tor and NetGalley for this complimentary eARC, I leave this honest review voluntarily. 4.5
____
immediate post-read thoughts
I had such a fantastic time reading this one! Wish there was an epilogue, but gosh what a good time! Don’t judge this book by its cover, y’all! This is truly a gorgeous, fun read! Very Parent Trap in all the best ways! 4.5, full review to come.
Iris and Beckett (aka the parents) are so perfect for each other, well, except in the ways they aren't. Beckett looks for a practical partner who will be a calm society-guiding mother to his wildly creative and imaginative daughter. His feisty temporary neighbor Iris may make his heart go all a flutter but the way she fiercely sticks her nose down at society and isn't afraid to take down any disparaging lord makes her imperfect when it comes to being the right societal fit in partner. Iris, on the other hand, is in dire situation. She and her son have lost their home and will soon lose their temporary stay with her less-than-welcoming aunt and uncle, but a potential marriage offer from an entirely despicable but utterly rich duke may be the ticket to ensure her son's future. Even if it's at the cost of her heart. A heart that longs for a certain marquis who's a mere garden walk away.
I loved these two so darn much! Iris bursts into Beckett's life with so much color and joy, and he gives her a solid ground to anchor to when the winds become too fierce. In so many ways they are each other's perfect counterpart; they strike the right balance emotionally, intellectually, and physically (because whewww do they have heart eyes for one another!). Just that pesky societal measure gets in the way. Oh the happy sighs I let out over their secret interludes in the dark. Those stolen moments brought each character's vulnerability out. They never hide their individual intents as well as their biggest fears and desires. That open honest heightened the emotional chord that slowly but so solidly bonded them to the other. I do think their first kiss came a bit too abruptly, regardless I was all for that forbidden-esque nature of their dalliance. I just wanted them to open their eyes and see how well they work, without having to change themselves.
Luckily their kids shared my wavelength and were working behind the scenes to get that ball rolling! I loved those two rascals so much! Little Rebecca broke my heart in how she was too fearful to tell her father the truth of Pauline but it was so heart-warming how not only little Edmund but all of Beckett's staff came together to get the Parent Trap going!
I only wish there had been an epilogue, it makes the ending a bit abrupt, but gosh, y'all! What a fantastic time this was. Historical romances have a special place in my heart, I have been lucky to almost always find the perfect fits for me and Better Than a Duke is the newest addition to that collection!
I unreservedly recommend this one!
Thank you Bramble, Tor and NetGalley for this complimentary eARC, I leave this honest review voluntarily. 4.5
____
immediate post-read thoughts
I had such a fantastic time reading this one! Wish there was an epilogue, but gosh what a good time! Don’t judge this book by its cover, y’all! This is truly a gorgeous, fun read! Very Parent Trap in all the best ways! 4.5, full review to come.
Want to read
September 26, 2025Suzanne Enoch writes the most intriguing plots. Regency Rom-Com. A take on "The Parent Trap" this time around. Sounds like fun.
October 28, 2025
Rebecca Raines, also known as Becks, is the high spirited 9 year old daughter of Marquis of Hentrose Beckett Raines. Becks’ mother died in childbirth and Beckett has been a single father providing the best care he can. This is Beck’s first time in London for the season and they discover their neighbors, the Silberns, Iris Silbern, a widow of four years and mother of 10 year old similarly high spirited Edmund “Eddie” who becomes fast friends with Becks.
Beckett’s mother has been trying to set him up with eligible women and he has always turned down her assistance, but now that Becks is getting older, he decides that he needs a mother for her, someone who can teach her how to be a young lady because right now, she’s a rambunctious hilarious imaginative ray of sunshine but not fit for society, and his mother has just the young woman for him. Iris has a similar problem, her husband was a gambler and left her with no income or money and his father recently passed, and they were ejected from their home since her brother-in-law wanted it for a hunting cabin. She is now staying with her aunt and uncle who are dreadful and miserly people and they want her to marry a Duke, a Duke old enough to be her grandfather.
Beckett and Iris initially get off on the wrong foot but soon come to realise that they have a similar attitude towards their children, have a similar sense of humor, and they become the person that the other wants to talk to the most at end the end of a day, but because of more miscommunication they think that they are not well suited for the other, hence why they must entertain the idea of marriage with other people.
This is a problem because Becks and Eddie love playing together. They don’t want their parents to remarry and they certainly don’t want them to remarry terrible terrible people. So they scheme: “Hey, why don’t our parents marry each other? They are friends too! And then we could be siblings!” And thus hijinks ensue.
This is an utterly delightful book. The antics of Becks and Eddie are just so funny. They are the sweetest children but also cause lots of mischief. Their parents are saints and like Bluey’s parents, Bandit and Chili, they seem to have boundless energy to play with their kids, which is very atypical for the time period of the book (regency?).
A sample of the witty conversations between Becks and Beckett about not leaving the house without supervision and what happened the last time when he couldn’t find her where she was supposed to be:
“Yes, and Mrs. Brubbins and I thought you were where?” He held a hand to his ear.
Sighing, she glanced back at him “You thought I was in the kitchen, helping Mrs. Harley bake biscuits.”
“And what did I do when weren’t in the kitchen with Mrs. Harley baking biscuits?”
“You lost ten years off your life, had an apoplexy, and all your hair turned gray.”
“Precisely.”
“Except your hair didn’t turn gray, because it’s still black.”
“Shoe polish.”
(Ok, maybe not everyone will think this is sheer comic genius but I do.)
The chemistry between Beckett and Iris is so good, because they are very in tune with each other and while the romance is a slow burn, the romance definitely pays off. I was screaming for them to jump each other by the end. Beckett is the best father you can imagine and the man all men should strive to be: kind, responsible, generous, witty, rich, hot. Iris is not only smart, funny, and beautiful but completely willing to punch deserving bounders in the nose. The twists and turns of each courtship is also fascinating as family meddles in their lives and you truly start to despise them; the villains are very villainous. Beckett’s household staff, Mrs. Brubbins (the nanny turned governess), Butler the butler, Mrs. Alliday the cook, and Bradley and George the footmen, as well as Eddie’s tutor Mr. Fredericks who only speaks in rhyme are great supporting characters with personality quirks that make them very fun as well. The ending of the book is truly satisfying, it’s basically a heist.
I highly recommend this book for readers of historical romance who enjoy their stories with a lot of humor. The parent trap feel, the push and pull attraction between Beckett and Iris, and the glee I felt from reading the insane conversations between the children, Iris, and Beckett, it’s just chef’s kiss. I don’t know if all of Enoch’s books are this entertaining but I’m definitely going to check them out.
4.5 of of 5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley and Tor/Bramble for the ARC
Beckett’s mother has been trying to set him up with eligible women and he has always turned down her assistance, but now that Becks is getting older, he decides that he needs a mother for her, someone who can teach her how to be a young lady because right now, she’s a rambunctious hilarious imaginative ray of sunshine but not fit for society, and his mother has just the young woman for him. Iris has a similar problem, her husband was a gambler and left her with no income or money and his father recently passed, and they were ejected from their home since her brother-in-law wanted it for a hunting cabin. She is now staying with her aunt and uncle who are dreadful and miserly people and they want her to marry a Duke, a Duke old enough to be her grandfather.
Beckett and Iris initially get off on the wrong foot but soon come to realise that they have a similar attitude towards their children, have a similar sense of humor, and they become the person that the other wants to talk to the most at end the end of a day, but because of more miscommunication they think that they are not well suited for the other, hence why they must entertain the idea of marriage with other people.
This is a problem because Becks and Eddie love playing together. They don’t want their parents to remarry and they certainly don’t want them to remarry terrible terrible people. So they scheme: “Hey, why don’t our parents marry each other? They are friends too! And then we could be siblings!” And thus hijinks ensue.
This is an utterly delightful book. The antics of Becks and Eddie are just so funny. They are the sweetest children but also cause lots of mischief. Their parents are saints and like Bluey’s parents, Bandit and Chili, they seem to have boundless energy to play with their kids, which is very atypical for the time period of the book (regency?).
A sample of the witty conversations between Becks and Beckett about not leaving the house without supervision and what happened the last time when he couldn’t find her where she was supposed to be:
“Yes, and Mrs. Brubbins and I thought you were where?” He held a hand to his ear.
Sighing, she glanced back at him “You thought I was in the kitchen, helping Mrs. Harley bake biscuits.”
“And what did I do when weren’t in the kitchen with Mrs. Harley baking biscuits?”
“You lost ten years off your life, had an apoplexy, and all your hair turned gray.”
“Precisely.”
“Except your hair didn’t turn gray, because it’s still black.”
“Shoe polish.”
(Ok, maybe not everyone will think this is sheer comic genius but I do.)
The chemistry between Beckett and Iris is so good, because they are very in tune with each other and while the romance is a slow burn, the romance definitely pays off. I was screaming for them to jump each other by the end. Beckett is the best father you can imagine and the man all men should strive to be: kind, responsible, generous, witty, rich, hot. Iris is not only smart, funny, and beautiful but completely willing to punch deserving bounders in the nose. The twists and turns of each courtship is also fascinating as family meddles in their lives and you truly start to despise them; the villains are very villainous. Beckett’s household staff, Mrs. Brubbins (the nanny turned governess), Butler the butler, Mrs. Alliday the cook, and Bradley and George the footmen, as well as Eddie’s tutor Mr. Fredericks who only speaks in rhyme are great supporting characters with personality quirks that make them very fun as well. The ending of the book is truly satisfying, it’s basically a heist.
I highly recommend this book for readers of historical romance who enjoy their stories with a lot of humor. The parent trap feel, the push and pull attraction between Beckett and Iris, and the glee I felt from reading the insane conversations between the children, Iris, and Beckett, it’s just chef’s kiss. I don’t know if all of Enoch’s books are this entertaining but I’m definitely going to check them out.
4.5 of of 5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley and Tor/Bramble for the ARC
October 25, 2025
Beckett Raines, the Marquis of Hentrose, needs a wife – one proper enough to prepare his daughter for her future in the ton. He believes he found the perfect candidate. However, his new neighbor comes bursting into his life like a tempest. The woman does not fit the criteria Becket desires for his daughter’s tutelage. But he finds that he enjoys spending time with her and her son. Which woman will Beckett choose? The prim and proper lady? Or the improper one who loves both him and his daughter?
Iris Silbern is a down-on-her-luck widow. She has no intention or desire to remarry. Iris and her ten-year-old son are forced to rely on and stay with her aunt and uncle. They forcefully encourage her to agree to a match with a wealthy yet elderly duke. Iris finds a fellow kindred spirit in her next-door neighbor. She knows that she is the wrong sort for Beckett’s daughter. Will Iris sacrifice herself to ensure her son’s future? Or will a better offer present itself to her?
Beckett and Iris have so many things in common. Both are widows from disastrous marriages, they are dedicated to their children, and their old friends deserted them. Beckett and Iris also understand where the other is coming from, why they do what they do for their children, and etc. Kindred spirits. I also like how they met once at Iris’ coming out… it makes me think “right people, wrong time.” It was too soon for them to connect and come together at that time.
Beckett is a sweetheart. He instantly took to Edmund, even encouraged a friendship with his daughter. That makes him an upstanding, teddy bear in my book (the world needs more men like that). And Iris! I love that she refuses to be bullied by men and their chauvinistic views. Iris is not afraid to bloody noses or speak her mind. She does not conform to what the ton believes a woman must behave.
BETTER THAN A DUKE is a cute, stand-alone historical romance novel by Suzanne Enoch. I have been a long-time reader and fan of this author. Of course, I could not pass up reading this book. And it does not disappoint. The store does indeed have a PARENT TRAP vibe to it, which made it entertaining to read. Rebecca and Edmund really helped the story come to life for me. I found myself either grinning or giggling at her banter and antics.
And oh boy did the author make me really despise both Beckett and Iris’s family members (well the ones involved in the story). I could have cheerfully throttled them plus Pauline and the dirtbag duke. The only nitpick I have - I wanted Iris’ aunt and uncle and Beckett’s mother to get some form of retribution done to them. I guess I am a little vindictive like that.
Iris Silbern is a down-on-her-luck widow. She has no intention or desire to remarry. Iris and her ten-year-old son are forced to rely on and stay with her aunt and uncle. They forcefully encourage her to agree to a match with a wealthy yet elderly duke. Iris finds a fellow kindred spirit in her next-door neighbor. She knows that she is the wrong sort for Beckett’s daughter. Will Iris sacrifice herself to ensure her son’s future? Or will a better offer present itself to her?
Beckett and Iris have so many things in common. Both are widows from disastrous marriages, they are dedicated to their children, and their old friends deserted them. Beckett and Iris also understand where the other is coming from, why they do what they do for their children, and etc. Kindred spirits. I also like how they met once at Iris’ coming out… it makes me think “right people, wrong time.” It was too soon for them to connect and come together at that time.
Beckett is a sweetheart. He instantly took to Edmund, even encouraged a friendship with his daughter. That makes him an upstanding, teddy bear in my book (the world needs more men like that). And Iris! I love that she refuses to be bullied by men and their chauvinistic views. Iris is not afraid to bloody noses or speak her mind. She does not conform to what the ton believes a woman must behave.
BETTER THAN A DUKE is a cute, stand-alone historical romance novel by Suzanne Enoch. I have been a long-time reader and fan of this author. Of course, I could not pass up reading this book. And it does not disappoint. The store does indeed have a PARENT TRAP vibe to it, which made it entertaining to read. Rebecca and Edmund really helped the story come to life for me. I found myself either grinning or giggling at her banter and antics.
And oh boy did the author make me really despise both Beckett and Iris’s family members (well the ones involved in the story). I could have cheerfully throttled them plus Pauline and the dirtbag duke. The only nitpick I have - I wanted Iris’ aunt and uncle and Beckett’s mother to get some form of retribution done to them. I guess I am a little vindictive like that.
November 4, 2025
📖 Book Review: Better Than a Duke by Suzanne Enoch (arc)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️
Publishing Date: March 3, 2026
If The Parent Trap met Bridgerton in the Regency era — this would be the book! 💐
Set in the glittering world of London’s high society, Better Than a Duke gave me everything I didn’t know I was missing: a devoted single dad, a strong and independent heroine, charming side characters, and that perfect touch of scandal and sweetness.
Beckett completely stole my heart — a loving father who makes every decision with his daughter Rebecca’s happiness in mind 🥹. And can we talk about the sense of community in this book with the staff and children? — everyone plays a role in creating this warm, found-family atmosphere that made me fall in love with the story even more.
Suzanne Enoch beautifully blends humor, heart, and high society drama. I’d forgotten how much I adore Regency romances — the ball gowns, the gossip, the societal rules, the slow-burn tension. This one hit all the marks!
👒✨ If you love single-parent romances, strong heroines, and all the Bridgerton-esque charm, this one deserves a spot on your TBR!
Thank you @netgallery for this read!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️
Publishing Date: March 3, 2026
If The Parent Trap met Bridgerton in the Regency era — this would be the book! 💐
Set in the glittering world of London’s high society, Better Than a Duke gave me everything I didn’t know I was missing: a devoted single dad, a strong and independent heroine, charming side characters, and that perfect touch of scandal and sweetness.
Beckett completely stole my heart — a loving father who makes every decision with his daughter Rebecca’s happiness in mind 🥹. And can we talk about the sense of community in this book with the staff and children? — everyone plays a role in creating this warm, found-family atmosphere that made me fall in love with the story even more.
Suzanne Enoch beautifully blends humor, heart, and high society drama. I’d forgotten how much I adore Regency romances — the ball gowns, the gossip, the societal rules, the slow-burn tension. This one hit all the marks!
👒✨ If you love single-parent romances, strong heroines, and all the Bridgerton-esque charm, this one deserves a spot on your TBR!
Thank you @netgallery for this read!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Better Than a Duke was absolutely adorable with such a great tropes. Suzanne Enoch is giving us found family, single dad / single mom, widow / widower, and those pesky meddling kids. This book is The Parent Trap meets historical romance. AND if a story can make me second guess my decision to be childless, you KNOW it's a good book. This was truly a joy to read. The kids were hilarious. The parents were hilarious. The constant undermining of both parents potential courting's? Hilarious. Witty and clever from page one. And with SO MUCH HEART. I loved how both main characters put their family first and were willing to sacrifice it all in a time where that was not the norm. Single dads get me every time, and Beckett was such a great girl dad. Like Iris, I fear I would not be able to handle my tongue or fists in this era, and I loved watching Beckett slowly fall for her despite knowing she wasn't the best "societal" choice. The will they / won't they took a little long for me, but the ending dinner party was priceless. I loved this! Fantastic cozy read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A cute story about a widower in need of a proper wife and the improper widow next door. Beckett needs a proper and accomplished wife to train his 9-year-old daughter in the ways of society. He also needs a son to inherit his title. Iris, the widow next door with an adorable 10-year-old son is not acceptable for the role. She's too outspoken to be considered proper. He's agreeable to wed Pauline, his mother's choice of the perfect wife. So, while he's courting Pauline, he's becoming friends with benefits with Iris. The two children become great friends and plot to have their parents fall in love and get married so they can be brother and sister. The servants get into the act ending with a slapstick dinner party. My few quibbles - too much time with the children, not enough time on the romance, and I couldn't see any real reason Iris wouldn't be an acceptable wife. I actually felt sorry for the vile Pauline. She was really a product of her upbringing and limited choices for women. I received an ARC of this title from the publisher for an honest review.
October 23, 2025
This historical romance was so fun! It kept me grinning the whole way through. I was excited to read it after loving Every Duke Has His Day and Better Than a Duke was just as good. It’s a lighthearted story. Beckett is a widow with a daughter he adores and he's looking for a wife to be a mother to her. Their neighbors, Iris (also a widow) and her son Edmund were the best! Edmund and Rebecca become best friends. It was a little bit of a slow burn for Becket and Iris. Beckett’s mother had picked out the perfect bride for him and it took a while for Beckett to realize who was really perfect for him. The joy was in the journey to get there! Thank you so much to the author, Bramble and NetGalley for the ARC. This comes out 03/03.
October 23, 2025
Beckett is a widower and the father of a daughter. Iris is a widow and has a son. Both of them realize they probably should get married again and each of them has a suitor who is not right for them at all. They become friends after their children become friends. There's a lot of witty dialog and hijinks involving their children. Eventually they start to realize that they have fun together and need more than friends with benefits. I was constantly entertained by just the whatever tomfoolery the kids were up to. Another feel-good story by Suzanne Enoch!
Thank you to Tor for the copy of this book. Opinions are my own.
Thank you to Tor for the copy of this book. Opinions are my own.
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October 12, 2025I needed a quick fun palate cleanser and this hit the spot.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews