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Better Than a Duke
It 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
Published March 3, 2026
43 people are currently reading
311 people want to read
About the author
Suzanne Enoch
97 books2,645 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 - 30 of 124 reviews
April 8, 2026
3.5⭐️ Like the cover art, the story wasn’t great but could have been worse. I liked the parent trap plot, the kiddos, and the use of “Biscuits” to label good eggs.
Spice level: banana pepper
Spice level: banana pepper
March 5, 2026
i love suzanne enoch and i was so happy to get an early copy of hers! don’t let the weird cover fool you, this book is just as fun as her other historical romances. suzanne is a genius at hijinks and scheming.
beckett decides it’s finally time to look for a wife to help raise his 9 year old daughter, rebecca. he thinks he’s found the perfect person to do that before he meets his new neighbor, iris, and her son, edmund. iris is kicked out of her home when her late husbands brother inherits his fathers houses. she then goes to london to stay with her terrible aunt, who happens to be neighbors with beckett. while beckett thinks she isn’t suitable to raise his daughter to be a proper young lady, he does admire her boldness and they become good friends along with their children.
i loved that they were both single parents who were unconventionally involved with their kids!! rebecca and edmund pull a total parent trap and scheme to get their parents together. their friendship was so sweet and the author did a great job of making them sound their age and not younger/older like in some books with kid pov’s.
the narrators did a great job! thank you netgalley for the arc
beckett decides it’s finally time to look for a wife to help raise his 9 year old daughter, rebecca. he thinks he’s found the perfect person to do that before he meets his new neighbor, iris, and her son, edmund. iris is kicked out of her home when her late husbands brother inherits his fathers houses. she then goes to london to stay with her terrible aunt, who happens to be neighbors with beckett. while beckett thinks she isn’t suitable to raise his daughter to be a proper young lady, he does admire her boldness and they become good friends along with their children.
i loved that they were both single parents who were unconventionally involved with their kids!! rebecca and edmund pull a total parent trap and scheme to get their parents together. their friendship was so sweet and the author did a great job of making them sound their age and not younger/older like in some books with kid pov’s.
the narrators did a great job! thank you netgalley for the arc
March 15, 2026
Suzanne Enoch writes the most intriguing plots. Regency Rom-Com. A take on "The Parent Trap" this time around. Sounds like fun. What a delightful farce! Suzanne Enoch is now my favorite Historical Romance. Enoch is a rare author who can blend Romance, light Mystery, and humor. I had a wonderful experience with this comedy of two precocious kids determined to get their parents married. The dual narration of Kimberly M. Wetherell voicing the female parts and Jay Myers voicing the male parts was awesome. They are a wonderful narration duo.
Beckett Raines, the Marquis of Hentrose, knows he needs a wife and a mother for his young daughter, and has resigned himself to joining the ton Season in search of a suitable wife and mother for his young daughter, Rebecca. Above all he is determined to marry for practicality rather than love and he believes he’s found the perfect, proper woman for the role, a woman put forth by his mother, with whom he has a barely civil relationship. Huh, he is taking His mother's opinion in a matter viral to him and his daughter? What the what?
But wait. His lively new neighbor, Iris Silbern, bursts into his London home looking for her mischievous son, Edmund. With her boldness, quick wit, and humor, she intrigues him, though she’s anything but proper. Meanwhile, Iris’ family is pushing her toward a wealthy, elderly duke—an answer to her financial woes, if not her heart. Rebecca and Edmund, however, want nothing to do with the plans put forth by anyone else when their parents are so obviously perfect for each other and for them. With only one Season to play matchmaker, the children plot to bring them together as often as possible. Beckett will see the benefit of a little chaos and Iris will need to risk her heart.
My thanks to the Publisher, and Author, for providing a complimentary digital 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.
Beckett Raines, the Marquis of Hentrose, knows he needs a wife and a mother for his young daughter, and has resigned himself to joining the ton Season in search of a suitable wife and mother for his young daughter, Rebecca. Above all he is determined to marry for practicality rather than love and he believes he’s found the perfect, proper woman for the role, a woman put forth by his mother, with whom he has a barely civil relationship. Huh, he is taking His mother's opinion in a matter viral to him and his daughter? What the what?
But wait. His lively new neighbor, Iris Silbern, bursts into his London home looking for her mischievous son, Edmund. With her boldness, quick wit, and humor, she intrigues him, though she’s anything but proper. Meanwhile, Iris’ family is pushing her toward a wealthy, elderly duke—an answer to her financial woes, if not her heart. Rebecca and Edmund, however, want nothing to do with the plans put forth by anyone else when their parents are so obviously perfect for each other and for them. With only one Season to play matchmaker, the children plot to bring them together as often as possible. Beckett will see the benefit of a little chaos and Iris will need to risk her heart.
My thanks to the Publisher, and Author, for providing a complimentary digital 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 25, 2026
Read: 3/17/26
Setting: Regency England
Trope: second chances, friends to lover
2.5 stars
This was a sweet book with an unique take on "Parent Trap" trope.
plot: Beckett is a widower and his whole world is his daughter, Rebecca. Unfortunately, his manipulative mother won't leave him be. Beckett finally agrees to met his mother's choice. He really does need a mother for his daughter, someone to guide her through society. This time around Beckett wants companionship and not passion. Lady Pauline seems perfect, but he will only marry if his daughter approves of Pauline. As the courtship progresses, Beckett starts to feel suffocated. It doesn't help that his attention keeps slipping to Iris, the mother of his daughter's new best friend. She is the one person that he can truly be himself.
Iris is a young widow in a desperate financial situation and had to temporarily move in with her aunt and uncle. Unfortunately, they inform her that they will cut her off if she doesn't marry their choice. So, Iris is being courted by a abrasive man that's 3 times her age with 5 dead wives. Iris will have to marry in order to provide for her son. Thank God for her friendship with Beckett or she'd be really lost.
After Lady Pauline threatens Rebecca (daughter), she knows she can't let her father marry this mean woman, but she also wants him to be happy. Together with her bff Edmond, they hatch a plan to bring their parent's together, but that's easier said then done. Rebecca's cruel grandmother wants this match with Pauline and she makes it abundantly clear no one will stand in her way. Rebecca and Edmond might need to enlist their servants in their plan. Let the hijiinks begin!
liked:
1. The children were the stars and what adorable stars they made! They were pretty clever for 9 year olds. Their mischievous pranks were the highlight of the book for me!
2. Beckett is a great father and an honorable man. I liked him!
3. I loved Iris! She's got spunk and is a wonderful mother. Unfortunately, Iris will make any sacrifice for her son's happiness and a roof over his head.
4. I enjoyed the couple's friendship. They suited each other very well.
5. The many villains and their comeuppance were well executed. I loved watching them get their just deserts! Definitely, the best part of the book!!
disliked:
1. The pacing and length made this book a very slow read for me. If it had been a novella, I would have loved it. Unfortunately, this book dragged on way too long and the longer it did, the more obvious the flaws.
2. MC had a beautiful friendship and were perfect companions. I just wish there had been more yearing and passion. All their focus is on their children, understandable, but there needed to be some romance.
3. Only one time did they let passion rule and had sex outside by their gate. 😳 Later, they mutually decided it was mistake and it will never happens again. They kind of move past it quickly. There's no pining for the other one or at least not much.
4. The only sex scene was way too short! Maybe 2 paragraphs, but I doubt it.
5. Their problems could have been solved pretty early into the story, but because both MC are scared of love, they drag their feet.
Conclusion: The children were great and I loved that the plot was based on one of my favorite childhood movies. So, I really wanted to love it, but the story dragged on way too long for me and I was bored most of the time. If it had been in a short format this book would have been fantastic
Setting: Regency England
Trope: second chances, friends to lover
2.5 stars
This was a sweet book with an unique take on "Parent Trap" trope.
plot: Beckett is a widower and his whole world is his daughter, Rebecca. Unfortunately, his manipulative mother won't leave him be. Beckett finally agrees to met his mother's choice. He really does need a mother for his daughter, someone to guide her through society. This time around Beckett wants companionship and not passion. Lady Pauline seems perfect, but he will only marry if his daughter approves of Pauline. As the courtship progresses, Beckett starts to feel suffocated. It doesn't help that his attention keeps slipping to Iris, the mother of his daughter's new best friend. She is the one person that he can truly be himself.
Iris is a young widow in a desperate financial situation and had to temporarily move in with her aunt and uncle. Unfortunately, they inform her that they will cut her off if she doesn't marry their choice. So, Iris is being courted by a abrasive man that's 3 times her age with 5 dead wives. Iris will have to marry in order to provide for her son. Thank God for her friendship with Beckett or she'd be really lost.
After Lady Pauline threatens Rebecca (daughter), she knows she can't let her father marry this mean woman, but she also wants him to be happy. Together with her bff Edmond, they hatch a plan to bring their parent's together, but that's easier said then done. Rebecca's cruel grandmother wants this match with Pauline and she makes it abundantly clear no one will stand in her way. Rebecca and Edmond might need to enlist their servants in their plan. Let the hijiinks begin!
liked:
1. The children were the stars and what adorable stars they made! They were pretty clever for 9 year olds. Their mischievous pranks were the highlight of the book for me!
2. Beckett is a great father and an honorable man. I liked him!
3. I loved Iris! She's got spunk and is a wonderful mother. Unfortunately, Iris will make any sacrifice for her son's happiness and a roof over his head.
4. I enjoyed the couple's friendship. They suited each other very well.
5. The many villains and their comeuppance were well executed. I loved watching them get their just deserts! Definitely, the best part of the book!!
disliked:
1. The pacing and length made this book a very slow read for me. If it had been a novella, I would have loved it. Unfortunately, this book dragged on way too long and the longer it did, the more obvious the flaws.
2. MC had a beautiful friendship and were perfect companions. I just wish there had been more yearing and passion. All their focus is on their children, understandable, but there needed to be some romance.
3. Only one time did they let passion rule and had sex outside by their gate. 😳 Later, they mutually decided it was mistake and it will never happens again. They kind of move past it quickly. There's no pining for the other one or at least not much.
4. The only sex scene was way too short! Maybe 2 paragraphs, but I doubt it.
5. Their problems could have been solved pretty early into the story, but because both MC are scared of love, they drag their feet.
Conclusion: The children were great and I loved that the plot was based on one of my favorite childhood movies. So, I really wanted to love it, but the story dragged on way too long for me and I was bored most of the time. If it had been in a short format this book would have been fantastic
March 9, 2026
This book is described as a Regency romance that is a mix of Bridgerton and The Parent Trap.
My thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the advance audio copy of this book.
Beckett Raines has been raising his daughter Rebecca on his own since her mother died after childbirth. He's decided that he needs to marry again to provide her with a mother figure, as well as have a son to carry on his title and be able to provide for Rebecca when he is gone. Marrying for love did not work previously, so he is viewing this as a business transaction.
Iris Silbern and her young son Edmund are staying with her aunt and uncle temporarily. Her aunt needs help due to a foot injury, but she's made it clear that they are not welcome to stay long-term, and that they will not provide them financial assistance. Her options are pretty bleak.
These two houses are next to each other, and Rebecca and Edmund become fast friends. Iris does not make a good first impression, and she has a history of voicing her thoughts; on top of which it being a widow makes her a bit of a society pariah. As the children play together, Beckett and Iris discover they have a lot in common being single parents, but additionally, their personalities and humor are good matches. They both know they cannot make a love match though, because they need to make practical decisions.
Rebecca and Edmund scheme to bring their parents together and eventually enlist the help of many of the staff. The book is very funny, as well as a sweet romance (and a little steamy). The audiobook was well narrated and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
My thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the advance audio copy of this book.
Beckett Raines has been raising his daughter Rebecca on his own since her mother died after childbirth. He's decided that he needs to marry again to provide her with a mother figure, as well as have a son to carry on his title and be able to provide for Rebecca when he is gone. Marrying for love did not work previously, so he is viewing this as a business transaction.
Iris Silbern and her young son Edmund are staying with her aunt and uncle temporarily. Her aunt needs help due to a foot injury, but she's made it clear that they are not welcome to stay long-term, and that they will not provide them financial assistance. Her options are pretty bleak.
These two houses are next to each other, and Rebecca and Edmund become fast friends. Iris does not make a good first impression, and she has a history of voicing her thoughts; on top of which it being a widow makes her a bit of a society pariah. As the children play together, Beckett and Iris discover they have a lot in common being single parents, but additionally, their personalities and humor are good matches. They both know they cannot make a love match though, because they need to make practical decisions.
Rebecca and Edmund scheme to bring their parents together and eventually enlist the help of many of the staff. The book is very funny, as well as a sweet romance (and a little steamy). The audiobook was well narrated and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
April 7, 2026
A delightful, madcap romp!
Two wonderful scamps belonging to a widowed Marquis, and a widowed lady living next door, form a strong friendship. As do their parents.
Both Beckett Raines, the Marquis of Hentrose and Mrs. Irish Silbern are beset by manipulating relatives trying to marry them off to highly suitable parties who are underhanded and nasty.
How to get that HEA their children, young Lady Becks (nine years old) and Edmond Silbern (slightly older) want is beset with problems, riotous behavior and startling events.
I laughed and gasped the whole way through! A fabulous read with so many unusual and amusing incidents. I loved it! This is a keeper to be reread when you want a laugh.
A Tor ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
Two wonderful scamps belonging to a widowed Marquis, and a widowed lady living next door, form a strong friendship. As do their parents.
Both Beckett Raines, the Marquis of Hentrose and Mrs. Irish Silbern are beset by manipulating relatives trying to marry them off to highly suitable parties who are underhanded and nasty.
How to get that HEA their children, young Lady Becks (nine years old) and Edmond Silbern (slightly older) want is beset with problems, riotous behavior and startling events.
I laughed and gasped the whole way through! A fabulous read with so many unusual and amusing incidents. I loved it! This is a keeper to be reread when you want a laugh.
A Tor ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
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.
March 11, 2026
I really loved this one. It was such a fun and entertaining read from start to finish.
This book is pitched as Bridgerton meets The Parent Trap, and that comparison honestly fits perfectly. It has all the charm of a Regency romance with witty banter, societal expectations, and a marriage-minded hero but the matchmaking children give it that playful Parent Trap energy that makes the story feel fresh and delightful.
Beckett and Iris were so easy to root for. From the moment they met, I found myself hoping they would end up together. Their dynamic was fun, their personalities balanced each other well, and watching their relationship slowly develop was incredibly satisfying.
I also loved the role the children played in bringing them together. Their friendship and quiet matchmaking attempts added a lot of humor and heart to the story.
Overall, this was just a really charming, feel-good Regency romance. If you enjoy Bridgerton-style historical romance with humor, heart, and a little bit of matchmaking chaos, this one is definitely worth picking up. Thanks to Bramble for the gifted arc. I received an ALC from Macmillan audio and it was really well done. I liked both narrators and it really helped bring all the characters to life. Great performances I highly recommend the audiobook.
This book is pitched as Bridgerton meets The Parent Trap, and that comparison honestly fits perfectly. It has all the charm of a Regency romance with witty banter, societal expectations, and a marriage-minded hero but the matchmaking children give it that playful Parent Trap energy that makes the story feel fresh and delightful.
Beckett and Iris were so easy to root for. From the moment they met, I found myself hoping they would end up together. Their dynamic was fun, their personalities balanced each other well, and watching their relationship slowly develop was incredibly satisfying.
I also loved the role the children played in bringing them together. Their friendship and quiet matchmaking attempts added a lot of humor and heart to the story.
Overall, this was just a really charming, feel-good Regency romance. If you enjoy Bridgerton-style historical romance with humor, heart, and a little bit of matchmaking chaos, this one is definitely worth picking up. Thanks to Bramble for the gifted arc. I received an ALC from Macmillan audio and it was really well done. I liked both narrators and it really helped bring all the characters to life. Great performances I highly recommend the audiobook.
April 7, 2026
As other reviewers have noted, Better Than a Duke is an wallpaper historical rom-com take on The Parent Trap.
If that makes you wonder who the audience for this book is, you are not alone. It was not a terrible book but reading this was like watching a ping-pong match between a low-spice (there is only one sex scene, although there is a lot of thinking about sex) romance and a middle grade novel about precocious kids.
Which is it, Ms Enoch? You needed to choose and write for the appropriate audience.
If you enjoy wallpaper rom-coms (and I don't mean that disparagingly, I certainly enjoy a well-written comedy of manners myself) this might work for you, but the kids and their shenanigans play a major role, which distracted from the main romance. That's fine, but for me, it was frustrating and I put the audiobook on double speed during those times.
Which brings me to another point. This is a dual narration audiobook but there are multiple (and I mean A LOT) POVs so, whereas usually male-female narration is a clue as to who was speaking, this time it was not.
One more nitpicking point, I can't resist pointing out is that adopted sons of dukes DO NOT INHERIT.
If that makes you wonder who the audience for this book is, you are not alone. It was not a terrible book but reading this was like watching a ping-pong match between a low-spice (there is only one sex scene, although there is a lot of thinking about sex) romance and a middle grade novel about precocious kids.
Which is it, Ms Enoch? You needed to choose and write for the appropriate audience.
If you enjoy wallpaper rom-coms (and I don't mean that disparagingly, I certainly enjoy a well-written comedy of manners myself) this might work for you, but the kids and their shenanigans play a major role, which distracted from the main romance. That's fine, but for me, it was frustrating and I put the audiobook on double speed during those times.
Which brings me to another point. This is a dual narration audiobook but there are multiple (and I mean A LOT) POVs so, whereas usually male-female narration is a clue as to who was speaking, this time it was not.
One more nitpicking point, I can't resist pointing out is that adopted sons of dukes DO NOT INHERIT.
March 10, 2026
Thank you to Bramble for my complimentary copy of Better Than A Duke. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I absolutely adored this Regency/Parent Trap mashup. Those garden scenes were an absolute delight!
Do yourself a favor and listen to the audiobook.
Kimberly M. Wetherell and Jay Myers do a bang up job
with the narration. I loved their portrayal of the precocious children Edmund and Rebecca.
I absolutely adored this Regency/Parent Trap mashup. Those garden scenes were an absolute delight!
Do yourself a favor and listen to the audiobook.
Kimberly M. Wetherell and Jay Myers do a bang up job
with the narration. I loved their portrayal of the precocious children Edmund and Rebecca.
April 15, 2026
This book is absolutely hilarious.
After nine years and sixteen rejections of his mother's choices, widower Beckett Raines, the Marquis of Hentrose, has decided to take a wife, despite his Mother's interference. But not just yet. Like a whirlwind, his backdoor neighbor, Iris Silbern, turns his world upside down. His nine year old daughter and her ten year old son are playing matchmaker. Their hope is to be a family of four Biscuits. But first they have to sabotage two deterants in their plan. Mild descriptive sex.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from Netgalley.
After nine years and sixteen rejections of his mother's choices, widower Beckett Raines, the Marquis of Hentrose, has decided to take a wife, despite his Mother's interference. But not just yet. Like a whirlwind, his backdoor neighbor, Iris Silbern, turns his world upside down. His nine year old daughter and her ten year old son are playing matchmaker. Their hope is to be a family of four Biscuits. But first they have to sabotage two deterants in their plan. Mild descriptive sex.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from Netgalley.
April 16, 2026
4.5 - Fun!
April 10, 2026
yeah for Suzanne Enoch
This was the best book I’ve read in a long time. The actual time is 3:48a. Need I say more?
This was the best book I’ve read in a long time. The actual time is 3:48a. Need I say more?
March 8, 2026
I've been a long-time fan of Suzanne Enoch's historical romances. For some reason, I haven't read a book by her in ages, so I was thrilled to receive an Advanced Reading Copy of her latest, Better Than a Duke. Did I enjoy this book as much as I enjoyed her previous work? Well, no... I absolutely ADORED everything about this book! This was the best that I've ever read by her, and that's saying a lot. It had more sparkle than champagne! This book came into my life at a perfect time when I needed a good laugh, and this book kept me laughing throughout the entire story.
Beckett Raines, the Marquis of Hentrose, needs a wife suitable as a mother for his young daughter Rebecca. He is determined to wed for practicality rather than love. His mother believes she has found the perfect and proper woman for Beckett. Instead, he’s shocked when his new next door neighbor Iris Silbern bursts into his London home in pursuit of her son Edmund. Iris is fierce, sharp witted, and humorous, and he is absolutely charmed by her. But she is by no means proper. However, Iris’ aunt and uncle are trying to set up a match for her with a wealthy, elderly duke—a widower many times over—as an answer to her financial troubles, if not her heart. Their children Rebecca and Edmund have no interest in practicality, not when the perfect father and mother are right in front of them! Before Beckett and Iris become betrothed to their families' choices, the children 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?
I found this book absolutely charming from beginning to end! Beckett and Iris are officially one of my favorite romantic couples of all time. They came into each other's lives when it was most needed, though other parties were determined that they knew the best kind of spouse each of them needed. Beckett's first marriage was to a flighty woman (who died after Rebecca was born), and he was determined to marry someone proper who could help raise his daughter to navigate growing up among Society. Iris was a widow with a young son; her first marriage ended up with her drunk husband falling into a ditch and drowning. Iris just wanted to be able to borrow money and open up a boarding house so she could support herself and her son, but her family was determined that she just needed to marry for money and prestige. The meeting of Beckett and Iris was explosive and terribly funny; he thought Edmund was an orphan and invited him to have a bite to eat, and Iris thought her son had been stolen and came into Beckett's house armed with a shovel. You just knew they had to be together! While their families were attempting to arrange marriages, Iris and Beckett found it agreeable to be special friends-with-benefits until that event occurred. However, most of the time they spent together was also spent with their children, and you just knew they would make the perfect family. I normally don't care for kids in books (don't judge me!), but I just adored Edmund and Rebecca! They had active imaginations and big goals. When Rebecca found out that her stepmother-to-be was planning on sending her to boarding school, she and Edmund put their heads together and came up with a plan... Let's not ruin the story for you; just read and find out what happens! In addition to our four fantastic leads, two of the supporting characters I just adored: Brubbie, Rebecca's governess who loved her dearly, and Mr. Fredericks, Edmund's tutor, who rhymed his sentences to engage Edmund more. And of course we had the love-to-hate intended bride for Beckett, the old duke who wanted Iris, and Beckett's old dragon of a mother. You must read this book and be totally charmed!
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Beckett Raines, the Marquis of Hentrose, needs a wife suitable as a mother for his young daughter Rebecca. He is determined to wed for practicality rather than love. His mother believes she has found the perfect and proper woman for Beckett. Instead, he’s shocked when his new next door neighbor Iris Silbern bursts into his London home in pursuit of her son Edmund. Iris is fierce, sharp witted, and humorous, and he is absolutely charmed by her. But she is by no means proper. However, Iris’ aunt and uncle are trying to set up a match for her with a wealthy, elderly duke—a widower many times over—as an answer to her financial troubles, if not her heart. Their children Rebecca and Edmund have no interest in practicality, not when the perfect father and mother are right in front of them! Before Beckett and Iris become betrothed to their families' choices, the children 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?
I found this book absolutely charming from beginning to end! Beckett and Iris are officially one of my favorite romantic couples of all time. They came into each other's lives when it was most needed, though other parties were determined that they knew the best kind of spouse each of them needed. Beckett's first marriage was to a flighty woman (who died after Rebecca was born), and he was determined to marry someone proper who could help raise his daughter to navigate growing up among Society. Iris was a widow with a young son; her first marriage ended up with her drunk husband falling into a ditch and drowning. Iris just wanted to be able to borrow money and open up a boarding house so she could support herself and her son, but her family was determined that she just needed to marry for money and prestige. The meeting of Beckett and Iris was explosive and terribly funny; he thought Edmund was an orphan and invited him to have a bite to eat, and Iris thought her son had been stolen and came into Beckett's house armed with a shovel. You just knew they had to be together! While their families were attempting to arrange marriages, Iris and Beckett found it agreeable to be special friends-with-benefits until that event occurred. However, most of the time they spent together was also spent with their children, and you just knew they would make the perfect family. I normally don't care for kids in books (don't judge me!), but I just adored Edmund and Rebecca! They had active imaginations and big goals. When Rebecca found out that her stepmother-to-be was planning on sending her to boarding school, she and Edmund put their heads together and came up with a plan... Let's not ruin the story for you; just read and find out what happens! In addition to our four fantastic leads, two of the supporting characters I just adored: Brubbie, Rebecca's governess who loved her dearly, and Mr. Fredericks, Edmund's tutor, who rhymed his sentences to engage Edmund more. And of course we had the love-to-hate intended bride for Beckett, the old duke who wanted Iris, and Beckett's old dragon of a mother. You must read this book and be totally charmed!
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.
April 20, 2026
Big Thanks to Netgalley, the author, and the Publisher for the advanced copy! I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own
'Better Than a Duke' is a cute Regency romance by Suzanne Enoch.
Just like the first book of the series, the author finds a cute and funny way to introduce the romance and to have the characters go through some pretty entertaining situations.
The romance was romantic as well, and it was well paced overall, even though the ending was rushed.
The two kids were also adorable and their stories were well handled as well.
Finally, the audiobook was nicely narrated by both narrators, and well produced.
'Better Than a Duke' is a cute Regency romance by Suzanne Enoch.
Just like the first book of the series, the author finds a cute and funny way to introduce the romance and to have the characters go through some pretty entertaining situations.
The romance was romantic as well, and it was well paced overall, even though the ending was rushed.
The two kids were also adorable and their stories were well handled as well.
Finally, the audiobook was nicely narrated by both narrators, and well produced.
April 1, 2026
A regency parent-trap book; predictable but it was ok
Nothing really special
Nothing really special
March 13, 2026
Not good. At the 70% mark he’s still actively courting another woman even after the MCs have slept together. It’s so repetitive. At 76% he almost proposes to the other woman. Ugh. AWFUL.
I don’t understand the reviews.
I don’t understand the reviews.
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
March 8, 2026
This was cute. I do wish we got an epilogue thoughhhhhhhhh. Like show me the Biscuits after they’ve married
March 19, 2026
This book played on the parent trap plot by switching from divorced parents to a widow and widower in a regency setting. It is very easy to imagine where that would take the story and I had expected it to drag. However, I found the characters engaging and the interactions between the adults and children to be very entertaining. The author managed to breathe life into these tropes and it turned out to be a delightful read. I enjoyed the dual narration as well. Would definitely recommend!
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Bramble for this ARC. My opinions are my own.
Beckett Raines, the Marquis of Hentrose, has been widowed for ten years, leaving him a single father to young Rebecca (who would like to be known as Lady Becks). He's been aided by a number of loyal servants, but now his meddling mother has decided that it's time for him to marry an appropriate woman who can be a good role model to the girl. Because Beckett was guided by his emotions the last time around, and his wife turned out to be very pretty, but rather vapid, and then died in childbirth, he's determined that his next marriage will be a partnership, with no romantic feelings involved.
Iris Silbern has been widowed for four years and currently has to reside with her ten-year-old son, Edmund, with her aunt and uncle, in the house neighbouring Beckett's, and their first meeting isn't exactly flattering to her. She comes storming into his house, threatening him with a shovel, with her hair like a haystack around her head and her clothes wrinkled from a long time travelling. She accuses him of having abducted Edmund (when in fact, the rascal came up with a sob story about being a starving orphan), but calms down once she sees how happy her son is playing with Rebecca. It doesn't take long before the children are pretty much inseparable, and Beckett and Iris are bonding over being widowed single parents.
It doesn't take long for Rebecca to discover that while the lady her father is possibly going to marry may look pretty and pleasant while there are other adults around, she's clearly planning to have Beckett to herself. She strongly implies that Rebecca will be sent off to boarding school and that her father will be all the happier for it. Meanwhile, Iris is hoping to borrow money from her uncle to buy herself a house in the country, where she plans to take in lodgers. They, on the other hand, believe she should get married again, even though she has no wish to ever remarry. They introduce her to the Duke of Trent, who is over seventy, already has two sons and several grandchildren, but is nevertheless looking for Duchess number six. Marrying the lecherous old man would ensure that Iris got enough money to secure a good education and a decent future for Edmund. And while he's outlived five wives so far, surely he'll not outlive Iris as well?
Obviously, neither child is happy with their potential step-parents, especially since it would mean Rebecca and Edmund would be separated. They'd much rather be siblings and decide to get their parents to marry each other, and their plans are forced to get ever more elaborate as Beckett and Iris stubbornly refuse to acknowledge that their perfect partner is right there on the other side of the garden wall.
Last year, I got an ARC of A Duke Never Tells, Suzanne Enoch's previous novel, and it was a perfectly fine read, but I can't really remember a thing about it now, except that two different couples were romancing each other while assuming other people's identities. It certainly didn't make me smile, and even laugh, as much as this one. The previous book became a bit too messy to be a fun romp; this one succeeded better. A lot of romance novels, movies and television have done parent trap retellings, or stories with similar tropes. A few years ago, I read Don't Want You Like a Best Friend by Emma R. Alban, but here the scheming children are debutantes who try to get their parents to marry so they themselves don't have to. This one was a lot more entertaining, which isn't always an easy feat when two of the characters concerned are children of nine and ten.
Even when they start acknowledging that they are growing to be more than just friends, neither Beckett nor Iris considers the other as a suitable future spouse. Beckett wants a lady of impeccable pedigree and breeding who can help advise and guide Rebecca and ensure that she fits into polite society. While he tries to ignore his overbearing mother, her constant criticism is starting to wear on him, and he's worried that growing up without a mother is damaging Rebecca. Because he was blinded by love and made a rather poor choice of first wife, he now wants a marriage without romantic entanglements. He wants a marriage of convenience, a platonic partnership, more to offer a maternal influence for his daughter than for himself. Iris is stubborn, has a terrible temper, is not afraid to speak her mind and has, on occasion, punched men who offended her. While he admires her spirit, he doesn't want his daughter to behave that way.
Iris, meanwhile, married a man she thought needed her help and guidance, only to discover that he had a gambling problem even before they got married, which only got worse as their marriage continued. He fell when drunk and drowned in a ditch. Iris' father-in-law allowed them to stay in one of the houses on his estate, but as soon as he passed, her brother-in-law kicked them out, leaving them homeless and helpless. She knows what Beckett is looking for in a new wife and understands why she's not suitable. While she feels happier in his company than in years, she also wants him to have a wife who will be accepted in society, rather than constantly shocking and causing minor scandals.
If the book had been longer, I suspect I would have been annoyed with the length of time it took for the other marital candidates to be neutralised (and while she is clearly an unpleasant person, I think the consequences for Beckett's first choice ended up being more horrible than she deserved) and for Beckett and Iris to finally get together. This is also one of the times when an epilogue would have been nice, to see how the new family was getting along. It is possible to have epilogues in romance that don't involve pregnancies, and one would have been nice here.
Judging a book by its cover: I don't think smug-looking dude in a cravat is the way to sell a romance, but I'm not mad that it's not a cutesy cartoon cover.
Beckett Raines, the Marquis of Hentrose, has been widowed for ten years, leaving him a single father to young Rebecca (who would like to be known as Lady Becks). He's been aided by a number of loyal servants, but now his meddling mother has decided that it's time for him to marry an appropriate woman who can be a good role model to the girl. Because Beckett was guided by his emotions the last time around, and his wife turned out to be very pretty, but rather vapid, and then died in childbirth, he's determined that his next marriage will be a partnership, with no romantic feelings involved.
Iris Silbern has been widowed for four years and currently has to reside with her ten-year-old son, Edmund, with her aunt and uncle, in the house neighbouring Beckett's, and their first meeting isn't exactly flattering to her. She comes storming into his house, threatening him with a shovel, with her hair like a haystack around her head and her clothes wrinkled from a long time travelling. She accuses him of having abducted Edmund (when in fact, the rascal came up with a sob story about being a starving orphan), but calms down once she sees how happy her son is playing with Rebecca. It doesn't take long before the children are pretty much inseparable, and Beckett and Iris are bonding over being widowed single parents.
It doesn't take long for Rebecca to discover that while the lady her father is possibly going to marry may look pretty and pleasant while there are other adults around, she's clearly planning to have Beckett to herself. She strongly implies that Rebecca will be sent off to boarding school and that her father will be all the happier for it. Meanwhile, Iris is hoping to borrow money from her uncle to buy herself a house in the country, where she plans to take in lodgers. They, on the other hand, believe she should get married again, even though she has no wish to ever remarry. They introduce her to the Duke of Trent, who is over seventy, already has two sons and several grandchildren, but is nevertheless looking for Duchess number six. Marrying the lecherous old man would ensure that Iris got enough money to secure a good education and a decent future for Edmund. And while he's outlived five wives so far, surely he'll not outlive Iris as well?
Obviously, neither child is happy with their potential step-parents, especially since it would mean Rebecca and Edmund would be separated. They'd much rather be siblings and decide to get their parents to marry each other, and their plans are forced to get ever more elaborate as Beckett and Iris stubbornly refuse to acknowledge that their perfect partner is right there on the other side of the garden wall.
Last year, I got an ARC of A Duke Never Tells, Suzanne Enoch's previous novel, and it was a perfectly fine read, but I can't really remember a thing about it now, except that two different couples were romancing each other while assuming other people's identities. It certainly didn't make me smile, and even laugh, as much as this one. The previous book became a bit too messy to be a fun romp; this one succeeded better. A lot of romance novels, movies and television have done parent trap retellings, or stories with similar tropes. A few years ago, I read Don't Want You Like a Best Friend by Emma R. Alban, but here the scheming children are debutantes who try to get their parents to marry so they themselves don't have to. This one was a lot more entertaining, which isn't always an easy feat when two of the characters concerned are children of nine and ten.
Even when they start acknowledging that they are growing to be more than just friends, neither Beckett nor Iris considers the other as a suitable future spouse. Beckett wants a lady of impeccable pedigree and breeding who can help advise and guide Rebecca and ensure that she fits into polite society. While he tries to ignore his overbearing mother, her constant criticism is starting to wear on him, and he's worried that growing up without a mother is damaging Rebecca. Because he was blinded by love and made a rather poor choice of first wife, he now wants a marriage without romantic entanglements. He wants a marriage of convenience, a platonic partnership, more to offer a maternal influence for his daughter than for himself. Iris is stubborn, has a terrible temper, is not afraid to speak her mind and has, on occasion, punched men who offended her. While he admires her spirit, he doesn't want his daughter to behave that way.
Iris, meanwhile, married a man she thought needed her help and guidance, only to discover that he had a gambling problem even before they got married, which only got worse as their marriage continued. He fell when drunk and drowned in a ditch. Iris' father-in-law allowed them to stay in one of the houses on his estate, but as soon as he passed, her brother-in-law kicked them out, leaving them homeless and helpless. She knows what Beckett is looking for in a new wife and understands why she's not suitable. While she feels happier in his company than in years, she also wants him to have a wife who will be accepted in society, rather than constantly shocking and causing minor scandals.
If the book had been longer, I suspect I would have been annoyed with the length of time it took for the other marital candidates to be neutralised (and while she is clearly an unpleasant person, I think the consequences for Beckett's first choice ended up being more horrible than she deserved) and for Beckett and Iris to finally get together. This is also one of the times when an epilogue would have been nice, to see how the new family was getting along. It is possible to have epilogues in romance that don't involve pregnancies, and one would have been nice here.
Judging a book by its cover: I don't think smug-looking dude in a cravat is the way to sell a romance, but I'm not mad that it's not a cutesy cartoon cover.
March 17, 2026
4.25*
I haven’t read Enoch in years, and I’m not sure why. This standalone historical romance was terrific – don’t let the horrible cover put you off. (That is one of the blessings of reading advance digital galleys, I rarely even see the cover because frankly, this one is off-putting.)
Iris Silbern has moved to London to stay, at least temporarily, with her aunt and uncle. A widow for years, she has been thrown out of her home by the new title holder, who wants to convert it into a hunting lodge. With her bright young son, Edmund, and his tutor in tow, Iris hopes to persuade her uncle to loan her the money to buy a small country house that she can convert into a boarding house and run as a business.
Next door lives the Marquis of Hentrose, Beckett Raines, along with his precocious daughter, Rebecca. Rebecca’s mother died in childbirth, and Beckett has received little help from his own mother, who firmly believes children belong in the nursery with a nanny and should be visited only occasionally. Having disliked that distant upbringing himself, Beckett is determined to be a more attentive parent and spends as much time with Rebecca as he can. But as she approaches ten years old, he realizes she will soon need a mother figure to guide her through society. So when his mother claims to have found the perfect woman for him to marry, he is willing to listen.
Her choice is Lady Pauline, the granddaughter of a duke who has spent six seasons without securing a husband. To Beckett, that is not necessarily a drawback. Having married very young the first time—to a wife who was little more than a schoolgirl—he now wants a more mature and practical arrangement. He has no interest in a grand romance; in fact, he would prefer to keep emotions out of it altogether. What he wants is a sensible, well-connected woman who can be a proper stepmother to Rebecca and provide him with an heir. Lady Pauline appears to fit the requirements, though Beckett has no intention of rushing into anything after being burned once before.
Meanwhile, Edmund and Rebecca quickly become inseparable friends. Beckett finds himself liking Iris as well, though he considers her somewhat ill-mannered and too quick-tempered to be the sort of role model he wants for Rebecca. Because the children spend so much time together, however, Iris and Beckett inevitably develop a friendly rapport of their own.
Things begin to unravel when Beckett invites Lady Pauline to lunch so she can meet Rebecca. When Beckett is called away, Pauline dismisses the servants from the room, and the encounter takes an ugly turn. Rebecca is left terrified that her father will marry this dreadful woman, who will surely send her off to boarding school at the first opportunity. At the same time, Iris’s aunt introduces her to the Duke of Trent—a man more than twice her age who has already buried five wives and is apparently looking for a sixth. Iris wants nothing to do with him, but she also knows that if she hopes to secure Edmund’s future, her options may be limited.
Determined to prevent these disastrous marriages, Edmund and Rebecca hatch a plan to bring their parents together instead. Their schemes grow increasingly elaborate, eventually drawing the household staff into the conspiracy. It takes time—and quite a few mischievous pranks—before Iris and Beckett finally see what is right in front of them and find their way to a well-earned happy ending.
This was a delightful, thoroughly entertaining read, and I highly recommend it. I’ll definitely be moving Suzanne Enoch to the top tier of my historical romance authors list.
Read all my reviews: https://stacyalesi.com/
I haven’t read Enoch in years, and I’m not sure why. This standalone historical romance was terrific – don’t let the horrible cover put you off. (That is one of the blessings of reading advance digital galleys, I rarely even see the cover because frankly, this one is off-putting.)
Iris Silbern has moved to London to stay, at least temporarily, with her aunt and uncle. A widow for years, she has been thrown out of her home by the new title holder, who wants to convert it into a hunting lodge. With her bright young son, Edmund, and his tutor in tow, Iris hopes to persuade her uncle to loan her the money to buy a small country house that she can convert into a boarding house and run as a business.
Next door lives the Marquis of Hentrose, Beckett Raines, along with his precocious daughter, Rebecca. Rebecca’s mother died in childbirth, and Beckett has received little help from his own mother, who firmly believes children belong in the nursery with a nanny and should be visited only occasionally. Having disliked that distant upbringing himself, Beckett is determined to be a more attentive parent and spends as much time with Rebecca as he can. But as she approaches ten years old, he realizes she will soon need a mother figure to guide her through society. So when his mother claims to have found the perfect woman for him to marry, he is willing to listen.
Her choice is Lady Pauline, the granddaughter of a duke who has spent six seasons without securing a husband. To Beckett, that is not necessarily a drawback. Having married very young the first time—to a wife who was little more than a schoolgirl—he now wants a more mature and practical arrangement. He has no interest in a grand romance; in fact, he would prefer to keep emotions out of it altogether. What he wants is a sensible, well-connected woman who can be a proper stepmother to Rebecca and provide him with an heir. Lady Pauline appears to fit the requirements, though Beckett has no intention of rushing into anything after being burned once before.
Meanwhile, Edmund and Rebecca quickly become inseparable friends. Beckett finds himself liking Iris as well, though he considers her somewhat ill-mannered and too quick-tempered to be the sort of role model he wants for Rebecca. Because the children spend so much time together, however, Iris and Beckett inevitably develop a friendly rapport of their own.
Things begin to unravel when Beckett invites Lady Pauline to lunch so she can meet Rebecca. When Beckett is called away, Pauline dismisses the servants from the room, and the encounter takes an ugly turn. Rebecca is left terrified that her father will marry this dreadful woman, who will surely send her off to boarding school at the first opportunity. At the same time, Iris’s aunt introduces her to the Duke of Trent—a man more than twice her age who has already buried five wives and is apparently looking for a sixth. Iris wants nothing to do with him, but she also knows that if she hopes to secure Edmund’s future, her options may be limited.
Determined to prevent these disastrous marriages, Edmund and Rebecca hatch a plan to bring their parents together instead. Their schemes grow increasingly elaborate, eventually drawing the household staff into the conspiracy. It takes time—and quite a few mischievous pranks—before Iris and Beckett finally see what is right in front of them and find their way to a well-earned happy ending.
This was a delightful, thoroughly entertaining read, and I highly recommend it. I’ll definitely be moving Suzanne Enoch to the top tier of my historical romance authors list.
Read all my reviews: https://stacyalesi.com/
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Beckett Raines, the Marquis of Hentrose, has raised his 9-year-old daughter, Rebecca, on his own, making him an oddity in a society that expects him to be playing cards and socializing rather than building troll castles. For years, his mother has been plaguing him to remarry, and Beckett is willing to consider a marriage as a business arrangement if only to have a wife who can set an example for Rebecca. In London for the season, though, Beckett's neighbor Iris Silbern bursts into his life looking to discipline her 10-year-old son, only to discover that Edmund and Rebecca have become fast friends. Beckett looks for every excuse to bring joy to his daughter, which means allowing her to spend time with their rambunctious neighbor, but it also allows him Beckett to spend time with Iris...even as he is supposed to be courting Lady Pauline and Iris is "in the running" to become the next Duchess of Milton.
Suzanne Enoch delivers a light-hearted regency romp with a Parent Trap style plot. Iris and Beckett are trying to make the best matches for their children's futures, all while their children are thwarting their plans. Lady Pauline is everything Beckett should need in an aristocratic wife: she's a polished, well-connected granddaughter of a duke, and everything a young miss should aspire to be... Except that she hates children, and doesn't care that Rebecca is Beckett's whole world. Rebecca and Edmund call her "Masquerade" because she puts on a different face around Beckett to impress him. Iris's suitor, on the other hand, is exactly what he appears to be on the surface: a lecherous, spiteful old man keen to marry a young wife to keep his greedy sons from taking more than their share of the inheritance. The joy of the novel is that the precocious children understand that their parents are a better match for each other, and watching the lengths to which they will go to make them see it.
In a story like this, you aren't looking for a new or inventive plot line, because you know the outcome for our HEA is that Beckett and Iris have to end up together, because like their children, we readers know that they are perfect for each other. The pleasure of Better Than a Duke is watching each of our protagonists buck social convention to find joy in life. Beckett is devoted to his daughter, an encourages her to explore her interests, even as those of the ton mock him for this. Iris has no patience to do anything other than speak her mind. Edmund and Rebecca are eager to learn, explore, and play (I found them to be very age appropriate, which always helps me in a romance novel where there are children). Our antagonists are all almost over the top caricatures, which fits the light-hearted tone of the book. While this isn't exactly closed door, it's close enough for most romance readers, and that also fits the overall tone.
The audiobook is absolutely delightful. It's narrated by Kimberly M. Wetherell and Jay Myers, and they capture the vibes spot on. I highly recommend listening to this one.
Better Than a Duke is a standalone regency romance, with a low barrier for entry because it's so character focused. If you are a fan of the Bridgerton show, this may hit the spot for you.
Thank you to Bramble for an eARC and Dreamscape for an ALC. Better Than a Duke is out 3/3/2026.
Suzanne Enoch delivers a light-hearted regency romp with a Parent Trap style plot. Iris and Beckett are trying to make the best matches for their children's futures, all while their children are thwarting their plans. Lady Pauline is everything Beckett should need in an aristocratic wife: she's a polished, well-connected granddaughter of a duke, and everything a young miss should aspire to be... Except that she hates children, and doesn't care that Rebecca is Beckett's whole world. Rebecca and Edmund call her "Masquerade" because she puts on a different face around Beckett to impress him. Iris's suitor, on the other hand, is exactly what he appears to be on the surface: a lecherous, spiteful old man keen to marry a young wife to keep his greedy sons from taking more than their share of the inheritance. The joy of the novel is that the precocious children understand that their parents are a better match for each other, and watching the lengths to which they will go to make them see it.
In a story like this, you aren't looking for a new or inventive plot line, because you know the outcome for our HEA is that Beckett and Iris have to end up together, because like their children, we readers know that they are perfect for each other. The pleasure of Better Than a Duke is watching each of our protagonists buck social convention to find joy in life. Beckett is devoted to his daughter, an encourages her to explore her interests, even as those of the ton mock him for this. Iris has no patience to do anything other than speak her mind. Edmund and Rebecca are eager to learn, explore, and play (I found them to be very age appropriate, which always helps me in a romance novel where there are children). Our antagonists are all almost over the top caricatures, which fits the light-hearted tone of the book. While this isn't exactly closed door, it's close enough for most romance readers, and that also fits the overall tone.
The audiobook is absolutely delightful. It's narrated by Kimberly M. Wetherell and Jay Myers, and they capture the vibes spot on. I highly recommend listening to this one.
Better Than a Duke is a standalone regency romance, with a low barrier for entry because it's so character focused. If you are a fan of the Bridgerton show, this may hit the spot for you.
Thank you to Bramble for an eARC and Dreamscape for an ALC. Better Than a Duke is out 3/3/2026.
March 12, 2026
TAGS: Multiple POV, sex scene*, historical romance, funny, found family, pinning, widows, forced proximity, marriage mart, parenthood, adorable children
I listened to the audiobook version. The narrators Kimberly M. Wetherell and Jay Myers did an excellent job portraying the characters and gave life to the book. I really enjoyed their performances.
This book was a pleasure to read. From start to finish I loved all the characters and hated the hateful ones. Even is the story was a loose depiction of the regency period, it was what it needed to be to make it a page turner. The children were adorable and endearing, they healed a bit of my soul.
I liked how the story was perceived in an adult perspective and from children POV. It made the difference between what being an adult mean and how children have a more simple, yet complicated, view of the world. The book had multiple POV including the children and the antagonistic characters and it really helps to get a better understanding of the challenges they face.
Iris is a widow and the mother of 10 years Edward. They were recently kicked out of their home after the new owner decided to make it into a hunting lodge. They found refuge at the house of a distant relative in mayfair. Marquess Beckett Raines, widow and father of a 9 years old Rebecca, is getting pressured by his mother to remarry. Those two becomes neighbours and friend through their children friendship. They are supporting each other through the struggles of wanting to give a better life to their children.
Iris is outspoken, brazen and strong willed and that makes her the wrong candidate to raise a daughter who will have to enter society. He is a marquess in need of a wife who could give him a heir and be the perfect example of a diamond of the first water for his daughter. They both want to marry to get what they need and love isn't one of them. The attraction and the connection between them makes it more complicated, but they can't stray from their objective, right?
I hope you will enjoy this book as much as I did!
* I will give a brief description of the sexual content of the book. If you are like me and prefer a clean, close door and kisses only, you might want to check it out. I hope it will help people decide if it is a book for them.
I received the audiobook from NetGalley, in exchange from my honest review.
I listened to the audiobook version. The narrators Kimberly M. Wetherell and Jay Myers did an excellent job portraying the characters and gave life to the book. I really enjoyed their performances.
This book was a pleasure to read. From start to finish I loved all the characters and hated the hateful ones. Even is the story was a loose depiction of the regency period, it was what it needed to be to make it a page turner. The children were adorable and endearing, they healed a bit of my soul.
I liked how the story was perceived in an adult perspective and from children POV. It made the difference between what being an adult mean and how children have a more simple, yet complicated, view of the world. The book had multiple POV including the children and the antagonistic characters and it really helps to get a better understanding of the challenges they face.
Iris is a widow and the mother of 10 years Edward. They were recently kicked out of their home after the new owner decided to make it into a hunting lodge. They found refuge at the house of a distant relative in mayfair. Marquess Beckett Raines, widow and father of a 9 years old Rebecca, is getting pressured by his mother to remarry. Those two becomes neighbours and friend through their children friendship. They are supporting each other through the struggles of wanting to give a better life to their children.
Iris is outspoken, brazen and strong willed and that makes her the wrong candidate to raise a daughter who will have to enter society. He is a marquess in need of a wife who could give him a heir and be the perfect example of a diamond of the first water for his daughter. They both want to marry to get what they need and love isn't one of them. The attraction and the connection between them makes it more complicated, but they can't stray from their objective, right?
I hope you will enjoy this book as much as I did!
* I will give a brief description of the sexual content of the book. If you are like me and prefer a clean, close door and kisses only, you might want to check it out. I hope it will help people decide if it is a book for them.
I received the audiobook from NetGalley, in exchange from my honest review.
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.
March 3, 2026
Fun. This is the word that first comes to mind with Suzanne Enoch’s Better than a Duke. So much fun. Imagine the plot of The Parent Trap (of course I’m referencing the 1961 Hayley Mills version), except these leads are both widowers with a nine and ten year old daughter and son respectively. Now place this into a historical setting where the ton reigns supreme, a Marquis should not be left to raise his daughter unmarried and alone, and the only prospects for an outspoken widowed woman are to marry someone titled and old enough to be her grandfather. Now you’re getting at the idea of how plausible it would be for two plotting children to match their parents instead of leaving it up to their elders to decide.
Suzanne Enoch does a fantastic job of writing character. Beckett Hentrose and Iris Silburn are perfectly imperfect and their children Rebecca and Edmund see all along what their parents choose not to, that they are best suited for each other. If you can get over the stubbornness of the MCs resisting the reasons they should be together then you will fall hard for these lovers. The children reminded me of Tessa Dare’s fictional children (funny and realistic at the same time) who are the catalysts for their parents spending more and more time together. It’s not just Iris and Beckett who are written so well, but Lady Pauline and the Duke of Trent are two characters I loved to loathe. Their conniving means of achieving status and/or desire makes them the perfect foils for the ridiculous hijinks the children perform (as good as those against Vicky à la Parent Trap). Of course it wouldn’t be complete without Rebecca and Edmund enlisting the help of a governess, the butler named Butler, footmen, and even the cook helping to oversee their parents end up together. The best moments are in the small details; Beckett and Iris sharing a bottle of wine between garden gates while hiding from their prospective suitors, Rebecca and Edmund creating code names Mongoose and the Major for their parents as they secretly hatch their plans, and even in the alternative perspectives of lesser characters as they pay witness to the romantic shenanigans.
I highly recommend this book on audio. It is dual narration but covers multiple perspectives and I truly felt that the delivery made the novel feel even more authentic. I received an early copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Suzanne Enoch does a fantastic job of writing character. Beckett Hentrose and Iris Silburn are perfectly imperfect and their children Rebecca and Edmund see all along what their parents choose not to, that they are best suited for each other. If you can get over the stubbornness of the MCs resisting the reasons they should be together then you will fall hard for these lovers. The children reminded me of Tessa Dare’s fictional children (funny and realistic at the same time) who are the catalysts for their parents spending more and more time together. It’s not just Iris and Beckett who are written so well, but Lady Pauline and the Duke of Trent are two characters I loved to loathe. Their conniving means of achieving status and/or desire makes them the perfect foils for the ridiculous hijinks the children perform (as good as those against Vicky à la Parent Trap). Of course it wouldn’t be complete without Rebecca and Edmund enlisting the help of a governess, the butler named Butler, footmen, and even the cook helping to oversee their parents end up together. The best moments are in the small details; Beckett and Iris sharing a bottle of wine between garden gates while hiding from their prospective suitors, Rebecca and Edmund creating code names Mongoose and the Major for their parents as they secretly hatch their plans, and even in the alternative perspectives of lesser characters as they pay witness to the romantic shenanigans.
I highly recommend this book on audio. It is dual narration but covers multiple perspectives and I truly felt that the delivery made the novel feel even more authentic. I received an early copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Iris Silbern is a spirited and resilient widow with a young son and a family that is pushing her to accept a marriage proposal from a wealthy, elderly duke. Iris has no desire to remarry and refuses to let society or family dictate her future. Her sharp wit, humor, and fierce devotion to her young son make her relatable and endearing and she isn't afraid to challenge the expectations placed upon her by the ton. She brings a refreshing honesty and strength to her interactions, particularly with Beckett and his daughter, Rebecca. Her journey is filled with difficult choices necessary to secure her son's well-being while remaining true to her heart.
Beckett Raines, the Marquis of Hentrose, is a widower whose sense of duty to his daughter Rebecca leads him to seek out a proper, practical wife, rather than a love match. Though initially determined to follow the path of reason over emotion and pursue Lady Pauline Grenedy, his mother’s choice for his bride, Beckett is quickly charmed by his unconventional new neighbor, Iris, and her son Edmund. Beckett forms genuine relationships with not just Iris, but also with her son, whom he welcomes into his daughter's life. His feelings make him question his decisions, but circumstances and past experience make it hard for him to follow his heart.
I thought this was a fun, light-hearted Regency-era “Parent Trap” story that incorporates lots of humor, heartfelt moments, and a dash of mischief. The matchmaking schemes of Rebecca and Edmund truly steal the spotlight as they plot to match their parents in true Parent Trap style. The romance between Iris and Beckett is both endearing and emotional but was dimmed by a strong other-woman presence that lasts way too long and gave me big cheating vibes as Beckett is courting Lady Pauline with intentions of marriage while having an affair with Iris. Overall, this historical romance that delivers fun romance with a happy ending and if you enjoy movie adaptations, this book should be a win for you.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *
Beckett Raines, the Marquis of Hentrose, is a widower whose sense of duty to his daughter Rebecca leads him to seek out a proper, practical wife, rather than a love match. Though initially determined to follow the path of reason over emotion and pursue Lady Pauline Grenedy, his mother’s choice for his bride, Beckett is quickly charmed by his unconventional new neighbor, Iris, and her son Edmund. Beckett forms genuine relationships with not just Iris, but also with her son, whom he welcomes into his daughter's life. His feelings make him question his decisions, but circumstances and past experience make it hard for him to follow his heart.
I thought this was a fun, light-hearted Regency-era “Parent Trap” story that incorporates lots of humor, heartfelt moments, and a dash of mischief. The matchmaking schemes of Rebecca and Edmund truly steal the spotlight as they plot to match their parents in true Parent Trap style. The romance between Iris and Beckett is both endearing and emotional but was dimmed by a strong other-woman presence that lasts way too long and gave me big cheating vibes as Beckett is courting Lady Pauline with intentions of marriage while having an affair with Iris. Overall, this historical romance that delivers fun romance with a happy ending and if you enjoy movie adaptations, this book should be a win for you.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *
March 13, 2026
Rating: 5/5
I received an ALC for my honest opinion.
I love Suzanne Enoch’s books so much; they’re always filled with warmth, joy, humor, and a little bit of chaos, and this one absolutely delivered. From the very beginning, this story was charming, heartfelt, and full of entertaining moments that made it such a fun read.
In this book, Iris’s son is determined to stop his mother from marrying an older duke he strongly dislikes. At the same time, Beckett’s daughter is just as determined to keep her father from marrying a woman she believes is cruel and intent on sending her away to boarding school. After Iris and her son move in next door, the children quickly form a bond. Noticing that their parents enjoy each other’s company, they come up with a mischievous plan to push them toward falling in love, completely unaware that their parents might already be one step ahead.
This story gave me strong Parent Trap vibes, which I absolutely loved. It wasn’t just the nostalgic feeling that made it special, but the layered storytelling that balanced a sweet romance between the parents with the hilarious and heartfelt antics of the children. Watching their carefully orchestrated “accidents” and matchmaking schemes unfold added so much charm and humor to the book.
The plot felt well developed, and the pacing remained steady throughout. I really connected with the characters. Iris is strong, determined, and deeply caring, willing to do whatever it takes to give her son a stable and happy life. Beckett, a marquis, is equally devoted to his daughter. He worries about her future and wants to ensure she has the right guidance and opportunities to thrive in society. Both parents felt relatable and genuine in their love for their children.
However, the true stars of the story were the kids. They were wonderfully written, sweet, clever, and full of personality. Their loyalty to their parents and their determination to create happiness for their families made them incredibly endearing and memorable.
I also had the opportunity to listen to the audiobook, and the dual narration by Kimberly M. Wetherell and Jay Myers was fantastic. They brought energy, emotion, and humor to the story, enhancing the characters and making the listening experience even more enjoyable.
Overall, this was a delightful, romantic, and nostalgic historical romance that left me smiling.
I want to thank Dreamscape media for the opportunity to review this book.
I received an ALC for my honest opinion.
I love Suzanne Enoch’s books so much; they’re always filled with warmth, joy, humor, and a little bit of chaos, and this one absolutely delivered. From the very beginning, this story was charming, heartfelt, and full of entertaining moments that made it such a fun read.
In this book, Iris’s son is determined to stop his mother from marrying an older duke he strongly dislikes. At the same time, Beckett’s daughter is just as determined to keep her father from marrying a woman she believes is cruel and intent on sending her away to boarding school. After Iris and her son move in next door, the children quickly form a bond. Noticing that their parents enjoy each other’s company, they come up with a mischievous plan to push them toward falling in love, completely unaware that their parents might already be one step ahead.
This story gave me strong Parent Trap vibes, which I absolutely loved. It wasn’t just the nostalgic feeling that made it special, but the layered storytelling that balanced a sweet romance between the parents with the hilarious and heartfelt antics of the children. Watching their carefully orchestrated “accidents” and matchmaking schemes unfold added so much charm and humor to the book.
The plot felt well developed, and the pacing remained steady throughout. I really connected with the characters. Iris is strong, determined, and deeply caring, willing to do whatever it takes to give her son a stable and happy life. Beckett, a marquis, is equally devoted to his daughter. He worries about her future and wants to ensure she has the right guidance and opportunities to thrive in society. Both parents felt relatable and genuine in their love for their children.
However, the true stars of the story were the kids. They were wonderfully written, sweet, clever, and full of personality. Their loyalty to their parents and their determination to create happiness for their families made them incredibly endearing and memorable.
I also had the opportunity to listen to the audiobook, and the dual narration by Kimberly M. Wetherell and Jay Myers was fantastic. They brought energy, emotion, and humor to the story, enhancing the characters and making the listening experience even more enjoyable.
Overall, this was a delightful, romantic, and nostalgic historical romance that left me smiling.
I want to thank Dreamscape media for the opportunity to review this book.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Oh this was such a fun take on the Parent Trap, sending it back to Regency England for two kids to scheme to get their parents together and get rid of an evil potential stepmother! I LOVE a book with some hilarious and charming kids, especially when their parents are just the cutest as well.
Beckett’s whole world for nine years has been his daughter, Rebecca, whose mother died in childbirth. Beckett and Rebecca (aka Lady Becks) are inseparable and absolutely adore each other. But Beckett concedes that she needs a mother to guide her through society and be there for her. A sensible woman who checks all his boxes, because love is for fools.
Iris’s whole world is her ten-year-old son, Edmund. Now that they’ve been kicked out of their home by the ruthless heir, they’ve come to stay with Iris’ cruel and unsympathetic relatives who would like nothing more than to get her married and out of their house.
From the moment they meet, it’s pandemonium, maybe some sharp words, but also a sense of kindred spirit. They quickly become friends, and charm the pants off each other. The kids see what’s going on, and let the Parent Trap pranks begin…
Like the other books in this series, Better Than a Duke is joyous, delightful, silly fun. I smiled and laughed so many times. The book is brimming with big personalities, not just for the MCs and kids, but also the governess, tutor, and the rest of the staff. Hilarious. And the would-be stepparents are possibly the most odious creatures imaginable.
Even with all the laughs, I loved the quiet and loving moments too, seeing their relationship grow, seeing these two parents completely devoted to their kids and each other’s kids, watching them become a sweet and caring family unit. This book did my heart some good!
Thank you to Tor Publishing Group for my advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are mine.
Beckett’s whole world for nine years has been his daughter, Rebecca, whose mother died in childbirth. Beckett and Rebecca (aka Lady Becks) are inseparable and absolutely adore each other. But Beckett concedes that she needs a mother to guide her through society and be there for her. A sensible woman who checks all his boxes, because love is for fools.
Iris’s whole world is her ten-year-old son, Edmund. Now that they’ve been kicked out of their home by the ruthless heir, they’ve come to stay with Iris’ cruel and unsympathetic relatives who would like nothing more than to get her married and out of their house.
From the moment they meet, it’s pandemonium, maybe some sharp words, but also a sense of kindred spirit. They quickly become friends, and charm the pants off each other. The kids see what’s going on, and let the Parent Trap pranks begin…
Like the other books in this series, Better Than a Duke is joyous, delightful, silly fun. I smiled and laughed so many times. The book is brimming with big personalities, not just for the MCs and kids, but also the governess, tutor, and the rest of the staff. Hilarious. And the would-be stepparents are possibly the most odious creatures imaginable.
Even with all the laughs, I loved the quiet and loving moments too, seeing their relationship grow, seeing these two parents completely devoted to their kids and each other’s kids, watching them become a sweet and caring family unit. This book did my heart some good!
Thank you to Tor Publishing Group for my advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are mine.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book is cute, funny, stressful and romantic. On some level it's your standard miscommunication with a lot of manipulation, but it's also got two adorable kids who become best friends and work to stay that way.
Iris and her son Edmund were kicked out of their family home when her husband dies and she spends a bit of time with her aunt who even though she invited Iris to stay can't wait for her to leave. Aunt Margaret ultimately pressures Iris to marry a duke who is 40 years older than she is and has already been married 5 times.
Beckett is also a single father and is also being pressured by his mother to marry again, but he will only do so with the approval of his daughter, Rebecca. Rebecca meets Edmund and they become best friends. Iris and Beckett get to know each other and are clearly meant to be together but she's decided first she won't marry again and then that she needs to in order to provide for her son.
The manipulations of both of their relatives and potential intendeds are stressful, especially as all four, plus other relatives, are shown to be actually evil people. There were times where I got frustrated and just wanted everyone to talk to each other, and for everyone who knew that Beckett's potential intended literally was going to let Rebecca die not to do anything about it. But I loved the kids, the doting staff members and course Iris and Beckett's romance.
The end really sold the book for me. I went back and forth on a 4 star review because everything really could have been solved much easier and quicker if people talked to each other, but ultimately the silly, funny and satisfying HEA kept it up to a 5 star review for me. If you want a relatively tame historical romance with lots of heart, this book is worth a try.
I received an advanced copy and am giving an honest review.
Iris and her son Edmund were kicked out of their family home when her husband dies and she spends a bit of time with her aunt who even though she invited Iris to stay can't wait for her to leave. Aunt Margaret ultimately pressures Iris to marry a duke who is 40 years older than she is and has already been married 5 times.
Beckett is also a single father and is also being pressured by his mother to marry again, but he will only do so with the approval of his daughter, Rebecca. Rebecca meets Edmund and they become best friends. Iris and Beckett get to know each other and are clearly meant to be together but she's decided first she won't marry again and then that she needs to in order to provide for her son.
The manipulations of both of their relatives and potential intendeds are stressful, especially as all four, plus other relatives, are shown to be actually evil people. There were times where I got frustrated and just wanted everyone to talk to each other, and for everyone who knew that Beckett's potential intended literally was going to let Rebecca die not to do anything about it. But I loved the kids, the doting staff members and course Iris and Beckett's romance.
The end really sold the book for me. I went back and forth on a 4 star review because everything really could have been solved much easier and quicker if people talked to each other, but ultimately the silly, funny and satisfying HEA kept it up to a 5 star review for me. If you want a relatively tame historical romance with lots of heart, this book is worth a try.
I received an advanced copy and am giving an honest review.
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