What do you think?
Rate this book
Maid for the Duke
May Carr stopped dreaming of her future long ago, content with her position as a lady's maid to her closest friend. But when one of England's richest dukes mistakes her for a lady at a masquerade, he offers her the deal of a pretend to be his rich cousin for a month to test the intentions of his sister's suitor and earn an unfathomable sum, big enough for May to restore her mother’s only remaining heirloom into her possession. Except, May cannot keep the handsome Elias out of her head and out of her heart. As Elias' tantalizing proximity cracks her carefully curated façade and lights her body on fire, the entire ruse is in danger. But what will he do should he discover that she was an impostor all along...?
Elias Abigner, Duke of Southam is used to ladies pursuing him for his riches. But when a backwater member of the gentry wins the hand of his beloved sister, he knows he must make sure the match is true, for he won't let her fall for a ruse as he once did. Lady May is perfect for the recommended by a friend, charmingly witty and irresistibly beautiful, she is the one woman who could prove the truth of the pretender's affections. So why does she keep disturbing Elias' carefully guarded peace with her presence? Every time she's near, he cannot think of anything else but making her his. But dare he love a woman who would seduce another for money? And can he live with himself if he lets her go?
Elias Abigner, Duke of Southam is used to ladies pursuing him for his riches. But when a backwater member of the gentry wins the hand of his beloved sister, he knows he must make sure the match is true, for he won't let her fall for a ruse as he once did. Lady May is perfect for the recommended by a friend, charmingly witty and irresistibly beautiful, she is the one woman who could prove the truth of the pretender's affections. So why does she keep disturbing Elias' carefully guarded peace with her presence? Every time she's near, he cannot think of anything else but making her his. But dare he love a woman who would seduce another for money? And can he live with himself if he lets her go?
154 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 20, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
June 25, 2026
This book has an interesting premise, and the opening scene where the Duke mistakes May for someone else leaves the reader expecting an interesting read.
Unfortunately, that was not what I got. I forced myself to keep reading because once May arrived at the Duke’s estate, the story was just not that exciting. Much of the story was quite predictable and didn’t even have a new take on the common trope.
I cannot recommend this book.
I received an advanced reader copy and offer my opinions freely.
Unfortunately, that was not what I got. I forced myself to keep reading because once May arrived at the Duke’s estate, the story was just not that exciting. Much of the story was quite predictable and didn’t even have a new take on the common trope.
I cannot recommend this book.
I received an advanced reader copy and offer my opinions freely.
June 23, 2026
This first book in the Fated Fètes series was an engaging mistaken identity class difference historical romance novella. The characters were interesting and complex. I enjoyed this fast-paced heartfelt love story with its satisfying conclusion.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Overall Rating: 4.5
Spice Level: 3.5
Perspective: Dual POV, Third Person
Tropes:
• Mistaken Identity
• Obsessed MMC
• Strong FMC
At a ball, lady’s maid May is mistaken for a wealthy professional seductress that the Duke wants to employ to determine whether the man engaged to his sister has honorable intentions. Needing the money to buy back the only thing she has left of her mother, she agrees to take on the task. She sets out to ensure the protection of Lady Hannah’s heart, not knowing she should have been guarding her own.
This was a story that almost perfectly encapsulates the term delightful romp. It was short enough to never feel like the story was dragging on, long enough to flesh out the characters enough to invest in them, and had enough drama to keep the plot going, but not so much to make one anxious.
I loved this couple. Despite meeting under false pretenses, their chemistry was real. The duke was almost always unfailingly kind to May and May could match the Duke’s verbal sparring with her own excellent wit. Despite not being a peer, May did not roll over for anybody and kept her integrity intact when she could have taken the easy way out.
The perspective is dual POV and the author would almost always rewrite the last couple moments from the previous POV from the other’s perspective when changing POVs. It took some getting used to, but I came to appreciate it by the end. It left no question what either of them were thinking at the some of the most dramatic moments.
The historical part was written to be believable enough to not pull you out of the story. I appreciated that the author did not include some of the more cringy terms for the female anatomy that often show up in a historical romance. There was only one instance of a slight anachronism where the FMC describes the MMC’s pecs. I didn’t think that was something that was noticed in those terms back in that time period.
Overall, this book was purely a delight to read. Perfect length for enjoying and finishing in an afternoon. I look forward to reading more by this author.
Spice Level: 3.5
Perspective: Dual POV, Third Person
Tropes:
• Mistaken Identity
• Obsessed MMC
• Strong FMC
At a ball, lady’s maid May is mistaken for a wealthy professional seductress that the Duke wants to employ to determine whether the man engaged to his sister has honorable intentions. Needing the money to buy back the only thing she has left of her mother, she agrees to take on the task. She sets out to ensure the protection of Lady Hannah’s heart, not knowing she should have been guarding her own.
This was a story that almost perfectly encapsulates the term delightful romp. It was short enough to never feel like the story was dragging on, long enough to flesh out the characters enough to invest in them, and had enough drama to keep the plot going, but not so much to make one anxious.
I loved this couple. Despite meeting under false pretenses, their chemistry was real. The duke was almost always unfailingly kind to May and May could match the Duke’s verbal sparring with her own excellent wit. Despite not being a peer, May did not roll over for anybody and kept her integrity intact when she could have taken the easy way out.
The perspective is dual POV and the author would almost always rewrite the last couple moments from the previous POV from the other’s perspective when changing POVs. It took some getting used to, but I came to appreciate it by the end. It left no question what either of them were thinking at the some of the most dramatic moments.
The historical part was written to be believable enough to not pull you out of the story. I appreciated that the author did not include some of the more cringy terms for the female anatomy that often show up in a historical romance. There was only one instance of a slight anachronism where the FMC describes the MMC’s pecs. I didn’t think that was something that was noticed in those terms back in that time period.
Overall, this book was purely a delight to read. Perfect length for enjoying and finishing in an afternoon. I look forward to reading more by this author.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an eARC from the author (whom I know) in exchange for an honest review. It has not affected my opinions.
MAID FOR A DUKE is a fun, spicy novella where a duke falls for the woman he hires to test the intentions of his sister's betrothed.
The "hire someone to test a relative but fall for them yourself" trope is a tried and tested set up for a reason - it works so well! The person doing the hiring knows what the ploy is, so there's no trickery (on that side at least), and this helps even out the power dynamic as the hirer usually is a rich social superior. Plus, the hirer knows the truth that the hiree is not who they say each other (though I love the double layer here - he knows she's not the cousin but doesn't know she's a maid!) and it means that they see more of the truth, leading to a truer bond.
I can attest to the research being done for this book (as one of the people involved in said research - and therefore am partly responsible for any inaccuracies if they're present). These are characters who could really be walking about in Regency England, rather than cosplayers in a fantasy version. I particularly loved the attention to detail in the clothes (not my area of expertise so not something I helped with!) Clothes are so useful for character building as well as the layers providing opportunities for steam when they need to be removed...
This is a book that ramps from steam to spice, with an expertly employed boating disaster (clinging, transparent shirt, any one?) Clothes being as layered as they were, it makes the skin-to-skin brushes all the more electrifying as usually there's a lot more fabric between and provides opportunity for accidentally overstepping propriety when your emotions make you forget yourself (the boot removal!)
This novella is interwoven with two other romantic tales, one of which, A LORD TO UNWED, is currently out - about the sister and the suitor, who have a scandalous tale of their own...
MAID FOR A DUKE is a fun, spicy novella where a duke falls for the woman he hires to test the intentions of his sister's betrothed.
The "hire someone to test a relative but fall for them yourself" trope is a tried and tested set up for a reason - it works so well! The person doing the hiring knows what the ploy is, so there's no trickery (on that side at least), and this helps even out the power dynamic as the hirer usually is a rich social superior. Plus, the hirer knows the truth that the hiree is not who they say each other (though I love the double layer here - he knows she's not the cousin but doesn't know she's a maid!) and it means that they see more of the truth, leading to a truer bond.
I can attest to the research being done for this book (as one of the people involved in said research - and therefore am partly responsible for any inaccuracies if they're present). These are characters who could really be walking about in Regency England, rather than cosplayers in a fantasy version. I particularly loved the attention to detail in the clothes (not my area of expertise so not something I helped with!) Clothes are so useful for character building as well as the layers providing opportunities for steam when they need to be removed...
This is a book that ramps from steam to spice, with an expertly employed boating disaster (clinging, transparent shirt, any one?) Clothes being as layered as they were, it makes the skin-to-skin brushes all the more electrifying as usually there's a lot more fabric between and provides opportunity for accidentally overstepping propriety when your emotions make you forget yourself (the boot removal!)
This novella is interwoven with two other romantic tales, one of which, A LORD TO UNWED, is currently out - about the sister and the suitor, who have a scandalous tale of their own...
July 8, 2026
If reckless rogues and ruined ladies are your catnip, Sara Bennett has once again come to whisk you away by the hand, drop you straight into London’s chaos, and then let a Scottish hero ruin your sleep schedule. This book is a delicious tumble of wit, heat, and heart—exactly the kind of story that makes you mutter “just one more chapter” until you’re blinking at the sunrise.
Rory MacKenzie is the sort of hero who walks into a ballroom and immediately becomes a problem. A charming, dueling, chaos‑magnet of a man who absolutely should not be anyone’s salvation… and yet somehow becomes exactly that. Watching him try—truly try—to be better for Grace is the kind of character arc that makes you grin like you’re in on a secret. He’s reckless, he’s stubborn, he’s unexpectedly honorable, and he’s so easy to fall for.
Grace Snowden, meanwhile, is the kind of heroine who deserves the world and has been handed the opposite. Her desperation is real, her courage is quiet, and her slow, wary trust in Rory is beautifully done. Their chemistry? Scorching. Their banter? Delightfully awkward in all the best ways. Their forced proximity? A gift. Their fake relationship? A disaster that becomes a miracle.
This book hits that perfect trifecta of wit, humor, and passion—with Bennett’s signature storytelling magic woven through every page. She balances the steamy Flame‑line heat with genuine emotional stakes, making the romance feel both scorching and tender.
And truly… I now need more Sara Bennett. Immediately. She has vaulted herself onto my favorites shelf with the confidence of a woman who knows she writes irresistible Scots, dangerous London secrets, and heroines who deserve better men—and then gives them exactly that.
If you love redeemed heroes, cringe‑cute meet‑chaos, fake relationships that turn very real, and a romance that burns hot while still making your heart ache, this one is an absolute treat
Review of advance copy received from Author
If you’ve been bereft since Bridgerton Season 4, this class difference, mistaken-identity novella is for you. May is serving as a companion for her friend, and employer, at a masquerade when a Duke mistakes her for a contact in aiming to determine if the man engaged to his sister is a cad. Presenting him with temptation (in the form of May) is the only way to ensure his intentions. Elias just doesn’t count on his own head being turned in the process.
This has good instincts, especially regarding pacing for a novella. I also appreciated that we were in dual third person POV. There are times it can feel a tad overwritten in terms of the prose in a distracting way, and I think some tightening of language would have allowed for a little more room to flesh out some character nuances that were limited by the form. This also would have made it easier to buy in to the timing of the love realizations, which felt a touch early in the emotional journeys for me. Though, I do realize why they had to fall where they did in relation to the conflict of Elias’ former betrayal and the secret of her identity May has been keeping.
Still, for a debut this was fun and demonstrates a lot of promise for future works, works that were seamlessly set up here. I’m eager for Hannah and Lord Spencer’s story, but also very intrigued to see what Thorne does with an upcoming full-length as teased. Also, obligatory glasses on a hero appreciation.
Thank you to the author for the digital ARC for review.
This has good instincts, especially regarding pacing for a novella. I also appreciated that we were in dual third person POV. There are times it can feel a tad overwritten in terms of the prose in a distracting way, and I think some tightening of language would have allowed for a little more room to flesh out some character nuances that were limited by the form. This also would have made it easier to buy in to the timing of the love realizations, which felt a touch early in the emotional journeys for me. Though, I do realize why they had to fall where they did in relation to the conflict of Elias’ former betrayal and the secret of her identity May has been keeping.
Still, for a debut this was fun and demonstrates a lot of promise for future works, works that were seamlessly set up here. I’m eager for Hannah and Lord Spencer’s story, but also very intrigued to see what Thorne does with an upcoming full-length as teased. Also, obligatory glasses on a hero appreciation.
Thank you to the author for the digital ARC for review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I absolutely devoured this book so fast and loved every second!
I am not a bridgerton girlie (though that may need reconsidering), have never read historical drama before and wasn’t entirely sure I would be a fan. However, something about the premise really intrigued me and I am so grateful it did!
This was a fabulous, swoon worthy, and quick read. Elias and May were so dreamy and I loved their banter and wit! I’m honestly not sure I’ve ever highlighted as much dialogue in such a short book before, chefs kiss 🤌🏻 I thought I would really struggle with the writing as it’s set in the early 1800s and as such has much fluffier language, but I actually loved it so much! Even if I didn’t know/recognise a word or phrase, the context of the sentence made enough sense. (I would like to be spoken to like this from here on out thank you)
It was definitely quick lust into quick love, but since it was a novella and also set so long ago it was believable and I was happy with it! I was also pleasantly surprised at the miscommunication trope - most books have it, usually I hate it, I didn’t in this! It felt fitting (period drama I suppose 😂) and my fave take is when the other character is just like “screw you too then”. Delightful, and not dragged out unnecessarily since it was a novella.
All in all, I will deffo read the next book coming out in this series and I can’t wait! Highly recommend if you want a witty, steamy, shorter historical romance.
Thank you NetGalley for another 5 star ARC! ✨
I am not a bridgerton girlie (though that may need reconsidering), have never read historical drama before and wasn’t entirely sure I would be a fan. However, something about the premise really intrigued me and I am so grateful it did!
This was a fabulous, swoon worthy, and quick read. Elias and May were so dreamy and I loved their banter and wit! I’m honestly not sure I’ve ever highlighted as much dialogue in such a short book before, chefs kiss 🤌🏻 I thought I would really struggle with the writing as it’s set in the early 1800s and as such has much fluffier language, but I actually loved it so much! Even if I didn’t know/recognise a word or phrase, the context of the sentence made enough sense. (I would like to be spoken to like this from here on out thank you)
It was definitely quick lust into quick love, but since it was a novella and also set so long ago it was believable and I was happy with it! I was also pleasantly surprised at the miscommunication trope - most books have it, usually I hate it, I didn’t in this! It felt fitting (period drama I suppose 😂) and my fave take is when the other character is just like “screw you too then”. Delightful, and not dragged out unnecessarily since it was a novella.
All in all, I will deffo read the next book coming out in this series and I can’t wait! Highly recommend if you want a witty, steamy, shorter historical romance.
Thank you NetGalley for another 5 star ARC! ✨
Review of advance copy received from Author
A serendipitous case of mistaken identity...
He assumed her to be the woman recommended for the job, didn’t ask, and she didn’t correct him. She simply thought “let me be bold for once, go on an adventure, earn a small fortune and get my mother’s necklace back”.
May – demure orphaned rector’s daughter adopted by her marquess’s daughter BFF, turned companion/lady’s maid/chaperone and saving up to buy that necklace
Elias – untouchable duke, severely burned by a title hunting hussy in his youth and determined to save his little sister from the same heartbreak and misery
Of course his plan backfires and Elias falls head-over-heels for Iris – and she knows they have no future, but chooses to linger in her fairytale just a little while longer... until the truth inevitably catches up.
Overall, this story works and I really really enjoyed it – the slow build tension, the MCs’ inner struggles, their chemistry and the way it all worked out – but the pacing faltered occasionally, and personally I prefer it brisk in a novella to create more room for character development which I missed a little in this story. It just needed a little more meat to fully grab my attention.
Still, this a promising debut with the expected first-book hiccups; not quite right yet, but there certainly was potential! This author may just need more pages to fully reach it... and given the opportunity, I will be here to read it.
⭐⭐⭐✨
He assumed her to be the woman recommended for the job, didn’t ask, and she didn’t correct him. She simply thought “let me be bold for once, go on an adventure, earn a small fortune and get my mother’s necklace back”.
May – demure orphaned rector’s daughter adopted by her marquess’s daughter BFF, turned companion/lady’s maid/chaperone and saving up to buy that necklace
Elias – untouchable duke, severely burned by a title hunting hussy in his youth and determined to save his little sister from the same heartbreak and misery
Of course his plan backfires and Elias falls head-over-heels for Iris – and she knows they have no future, but chooses to linger in her fairytale just a little while longer... until the truth inevitably catches up.
Overall, this story works and I really really enjoyed it – the slow build tension, the MCs’ inner struggles, their chemistry and the way it all worked out – but the pacing faltered occasionally, and personally I prefer it brisk in a novella to create more room for character development which I missed a little in this story. It just needed a little more meat to fully grab my attention.
Still, this a promising debut with the expected first-book hiccups; not quite right yet, but there certainly was potential! This author may just need more pages to fully reach it... and given the opportunity, I will be here to read it.
⭐⭐⭐✨
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
“He couldn’t have fallen in love. Lust, yes, fine, but love…? One did not simply just fall so hard, so fast”
Oh Elias my honey, how your heart deceives you! This is a <200 page book, so ofc you fall hard and fast, because we’ve only got so many pages to play with!!
Jokes aside, I thoroughly enjoyed this book a lot, it was exactly what I needed between two bigger books, a little palette cleanser in the best kind of way - mistaken identity and nice helping of spice 🌶️
I’ve not read a ‘historical regency romance’ before, only ever watched them, so I had a small idea what to expect but this exceeded them! I loved the banter between May and Elias throughout the novella, especially when they realised how much they actually liked each other, and I loved the different POVs but through third person, always adds another level to the story! Some of the language used in the spicier scenes made me cringe a little, but I know that’s more the time period so maybe regency romances aren’t a new favourite genre 🤔
I really did enjoy this tho, it packs a lot in a small amount of pages and definitely keeps you guessing with every page. I’d highly recommend for those Julia Quinn fans amongst us 🥰
Thank you to NetGalley for the e-arc
Oh Elias my honey, how your heart deceives you! This is a <200 page book, so ofc you fall hard and fast, because we’ve only got so many pages to play with!!
Jokes aside, I thoroughly enjoyed this book a lot, it was exactly what I needed between two bigger books, a little palette cleanser in the best kind of way - mistaken identity and nice helping of spice 🌶️
I’ve not read a ‘historical regency romance’ before, only ever watched them, so I had a small idea what to expect but this exceeded them! I loved the banter between May and Elias throughout the novella, especially when they realised how much they actually liked each other, and I loved the different POVs but through third person, always adds another level to the story! Some of the language used in the spicier scenes made me cringe a little, but I know that’s more the time period so maybe regency romances aren’t a new favourite genre 🤔
I really did enjoy this tho, it packs a lot in a small amount of pages and definitely keeps you guessing with every page. I’d highly recommend for those Julia Quinn fans amongst us 🥰
Thank you to NetGalley for the e-arc
June 23, 2026
May Carr has long accepted her life as a lady’s maid, putting aside dreams of a different future. When the Duke of Southam mistakes her for a lady at a masquerade and asks her to impersonate his wealthy cousin for a month, the offer is too tempting to refuse. The money would allow her to reclaim a treasured family heirloom, but maintaining the deception becomes increasingly difficult as her feelings for the duke grow stronger.
I enjoyed the blend of romance, secrets, and high-society intrigue of this storyline. May was a likeable heroine, and it was easy to understand why she accepted such a risky arrangement. The chemistry between May and Elias was evident from the beginning, and there were several enjoyable moments as their attraction deepened despite the complications surrounding their deception. However, I found the story somewhat predictable, and I never felt fully invested in either the romance or the central conflict. While the mistaken-identity plot created tension, the resolution felt a little too straightforward given the stakes involved. A lighthearted read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I enjoyed the blend of romance, secrets, and high-society intrigue of this storyline. May was a likeable heroine, and it was easy to understand why she accepted such a risky arrangement. The chemistry between May and Elias was evident from the beginning, and there were several enjoyable moments as their attraction deepened despite the complications surrounding their deception. However, I found the story somewhat predictable, and I never felt fully invested in either the romance or the central conflict. While the mistaken-identity plot created tension, the resolution felt a little too straightforward given the stakes involved. A lighthearted read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Maid for the Duke is a novella, so things have to move fast, and Viola Thorne mostly pulls it off. The setup — May posing as an aristocrat to test whether Lord Spencer will be faithful to the Duke’s sister — is a bit of a stretch, but May’s motivation is grounded enough that I bought it. She has none of the power in this scenario and rightfully needs to protect herself, which makes her slow reveal feel like the right decision for her.
Elias is generous and open once he gets out of his own way, though his trust issues apply to everyone except, apparently, the woman his scheme put in his house… at least at first. The insta-lust is real, but it works for the format.
The prose skews a bit formal in places, which slows the pacing more than a novella can afford. Some details feel described rather than shown, and in a shorter format, character has to do the heavy lifting. I wanted a little more character development. None of that is a dealbreaker, and I think Thorne will continue to find her voice.
Promising storyteller. I wonder if a full-length novel will give her style more room to breathe.
3.5-ish, rounded up.
Elias is generous and open once he gets out of his own way, though his trust issues apply to everyone except, apparently, the woman his scheme put in his house… at least at first. The insta-lust is real, but it works for the format.
The prose skews a bit formal in places, which slows the pacing more than a novella can afford. Some details feel described rather than shown, and in a shorter format, character has to do the heavy lifting. I wanted a little more character development. None of that is a dealbreaker, and I think Thorne will continue to find her voice.
Promising storyteller. I wonder if a full-length novel will give her style more room to breathe.
3.5-ish, rounded up.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Maid for the Duke , by Viola Thorne, is a deliciously spicy historical romance perfect for fans of Julia Quinn and Tessa Dare.
The story follows May, a lady's maid and companion, as she encounters Elias, a handsome Duke, at a masquerade where he plans to hire someone to test the loyalty of his sister's betrothed. The buildup of tension between the two is delicious and sexy, as they have undeniable chemistry from the start of their arrangement. Plus, the ending showed some real character growth on both sides, which is always delightful. Happy endings are so much more satisfying when you really feel the couple is well suited and supportive of each other- they should be in Love, not just in lust!
I really enjoyed the progression from cohorts to friends to lovers, and their romantic arc was so satisfying! My only complaint was that I wished the second half of the book was longer. I will look forward to reading more from this author in the future!
A big thanks to the author and Victory Editing for the eARC I received from NetGalley.
The story follows May, a lady's maid and companion, as she encounters Elias, a handsome Duke, at a masquerade where he plans to hire someone to test the loyalty of his sister's betrothed. The buildup of tension between the two is delicious and sexy, as they have undeniable chemistry from the start of their arrangement. Plus, the ending showed some real character growth on both sides, which is always delightful. Happy endings are so much more satisfying when you really feel the couple is well suited and supportive of each other- they should be in Love, not just in lust!
I really enjoyed the progression from cohorts to friends to lovers, and their romantic arc was so satisfying! My only complaint was that I wished the second half of the book was longer. I will look forward to reading more from this author in the future!
A big thanks to the author and Victory Editing for the eARC I received from NetGalley.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Maid for the Duke was such an enjoyable novella! I really loved the setup for this couple, with the mistaken identity and class-difference tropes.
The dynamic between May and Elias was great. Their attraction to each other developed deliciously, and I loved their playful exchanges. May was easy to root for, and I admired how she stayed true to herself despite the situation she found herself in. Elias was a charming hero whose actions were shaped by past heartbreak, and I enjoyed seeing his walls come down for May as the story progressed. The chemistry and tension created by their different social classes made it very easy to become swept up in their romance, and the mistaken identity storyline kept me invested throughout. I found myself eager to see how everything would eventually play out.
Overall, this was a fun and engaging read that left me excited to read more from this author. The setup that was created for the next book has me really intrigued!
*Thank you to the author for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
The dynamic between May and Elias was great. Their attraction to each other developed deliciously, and I loved their playful exchanges. May was easy to root for, and I admired how she stayed true to herself despite the situation she found herself in. Elias was a charming hero whose actions were shaped by past heartbreak, and I enjoyed seeing his walls come down for May as the story progressed. The chemistry and tension created by their different social classes made it very easy to become swept up in their romance, and the mistaken identity storyline kept me invested throughout. I found myself eager to see how everything would eventually play out.
Overall, this was a fun and engaging read that left me excited to read more from this author. The setup that was created for the next book has me really intrigued!
*Thank you to the author for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a fun, quick historical romance novella with class difference and mistaken identity. He’s a Duke and wants to hire someone to “test” the man interested in his sister, he sees the heroine at a ball/party and mistakenly thinks she’s the woman for hire who can help him out. But she’s actually a maid and keeps that a secret while helping him, and falling for him!
The hero had someone cheat on him in the past so he wants to ensure the same thing doesn’t happen to his sister, he hires the heroine to see if his sister’s betrothed will be tempted or not all while falling for the heroine himself! Sounds so messy on the hero’s part but it didn’t feel that way when reading it. Quick, fun read! I believe this is the author’s debut so it’s always fun for new historical romances/HR authors to check out. Great declarations from the hero!
I received an ARC, all thoughts in this review are my own!
The hero had someone cheat on him in the past so he wants to ensure the same thing doesn’t happen to his sister, he hires the heroine to see if his sister’s betrothed will be tempted or not all while falling for the heroine himself! Sounds so messy on the hero’s part but it didn’t feel that way when reading it. Quick, fun read! I believe this is the author’s debut so it’s always fun for new historical romances/HR authors to check out. Great declarations from the hero!
I received an ARC, all thoughts in this review are my own!
June 27, 2026
He is a duke who wants to protect his sister and does not trust her intended so he plans a trap. May Carr is a maid who stopped dreaming of anything but just keeping her position as a lady's maid to her closest friend. He mistakes her for a lady at a masquerade, and offers her the deal of a lifetime: pretend to be his rich cousin for a month to test the intentions of his sister's suitor and earn enough money to restore her mother’s only remaining tourmaline necklace into her hands. A bargain she cannot resist.
Elias Abigner, Duke of Southam is used to ladies pursuing him for his riches and also being deceived but there is something about May that brings his guard down. The attraction burns bright for them both. This is a hot tale of going for things that you should not. These two are wonderful characters who navigate their journey with deep passionate feelings till they get their HEA. Don’t miss this one!
Elias Abigner, Duke of Southam is used to ladies pursuing him for his riches and also being deceived but there is something about May that brings his guard down. The attraction burns bright for them both. This is a hot tale of going for things that you should not. These two are wonderful characters who navigate their journey with deep passionate feelings till they get their HEA. Don’t miss this one!
August 17, 2026
4.5 stars. This surprising novella packs a punch! After just finishing a full length historical romance, I decided to pick this up and to my delight was amazed at the skillful writing, wonderful characters, interesting plotline and great chemistry.
This novella follows May Carr, a maid, who in a moment of mistaken identity, gets offered a job to tempt the Duke of Southam's sister's fiance, Lord Spencer into proving he is untrustworthy and unfaithful. In need of funds, May accepts. But in the process of trying to tempt Lord Spencer, sparks begin to fly between Elias, the Duke of Southam & May the maid.
If you are looking for a quick historical romance novella with moderate spice, but don't want to feel like you are being deprived of a full storyline, I would highly recommend picking this one up.
Thank you to Netgalley & Victory Editing Netgalley Co-op for providing me an advanced reading copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This novella follows May Carr, a maid, who in a moment of mistaken identity, gets offered a job to tempt the Duke of Southam's sister's fiance, Lord Spencer into proving he is untrustworthy and unfaithful. In need of funds, May accepts. But in the process of trying to tempt Lord Spencer, sparks begin to fly between Elias, the Duke of Southam & May the maid.
If you are looking for a quick historical romance novella with moderate spice, but don't want to feel like you are being deprived of a full storyline, I would highly recommend picking this one up.
Thank you to Netgalley & Victory Editing Netgalley Co-op for providing me an advanced reading copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 24, 2026
Sometimes you pick up a new-to-you author in the hopes of finding a new favorite. This is a historical romance novella with a novel-length plot (he hires her to suss out whether or not his sister's fiance is on the level, but doesn't do a background check so doesn't realize she's just a MAID). The novella length doesn't need the several betrayals that take place here, and the twists and turns of the plot don't leave much room for character development. I'm on the record for not needing strict historical accuracy in my HistRom, but I do require consistency - and there's enough modern language in here that took me right out of the story that I couldn't get immersed. (e.g.: the villain calls the MMC a "cuck," which is not something I need to hear EVER.)
So unfortunately, this was a miss for me!
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novella.
So unfortunately, this was a miss for me!
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novella.
Review of advance copy
This is a daft plot that doesn't hang together particularly well. It is based on May, a young girl who is employed as a maid by her former school friend after the death of her father leaves her destitute. She is mistaken for someone else by Elias, duke, who is seeking to employ a young lady to tempt his sister's fiancée into an indiscretion in order to reveal him a fortune hunter.
May accepts the offer and the action takes place at the Duke's house. Elias is a frankly unbelievable character is the way he behaves and the overbearing effect his father's actions had when he was a young man.
The plot and the characters are quite thin, so while it was Ok that is all.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May accepts the offer and the action takes place at the Duke's house. Elias is a frankly unbelievable character is the way he behaves and the overbearing effect his father's actions had when he was a young man.
The plot and the characters are quite thin, so while it was Ok that is all.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Maid for the Duke by Viola Thorne
In a case of mistaken identity May is enlisted to assist the Duke in ensuring his sister is marrying a worthy partner. May – a lady’s maid leaps at the opportunity; she requires money to buy back the only possession she has left of her mother.
Whilst I am not an expert at society norms from the historical era – I feel some liberties were taken – not a chaperone in sight for example. Regardless this was a fast-moving novella and I loved the premise. Great chemistry between the MCs.
Thanks to NetGalley, Victory Editing Netgalley Co-op and Viola Thorne for the ARC, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
In a case of mistaken identity May is enlisted to assist the Duke in ensuring his sister is marrying a worthy partner. May – a lady’s maid leaps at the opportunity; she requires money to buy back the only possession she has left of her mother.
Whilst I am not an expert at society norms from the historical era – I feel some liberties were taken – not a chaperone in sight for example. Regardless this was a fast-moving novella and I loved the premise. Great chemistry between the MCs.
Thanks to NetGalley, Victory Editing Netgalley Co-op and Viola Thorne for the ARC, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Review of advance copy received from Author
Brief Summary: May Carr is a lady's maid who gets mistaken as a lady at a masquerade ball, where the Duke of Southam (Elias) mistakes her as the lady he hires to investigate whether his sister's fiancée is marrying her in earnest or for her fortune. Ms. Carr takes this opportunity to help pay off a beloved jewelry piece of her late mother's while living under the same roof as Elias with his sister and her fiancée for a temporary time. Of course, with forced proximity and her run-ins with Elias, they become closer and start to fall in love.
Review: I really loved this short novella. For being a novella, you really get to see May and Elias as individuals and see them build a connection throughout the story without it feel very insta-lusty. Elias is a bit uptight but only wants the best for his sister and after being betrayed by a woman from his past, it is hard for him to place his trust in others until he meets May and falls in love whereas May is also falling love while also trying to tell Elias the truth about her upbringing. There was so much yearning on both sides while also discussing themes of class differences and power imbalances. The grovel at the end was very sweet and satisfying. I really enjoyed the author's story-telling and prose in this story, it really brought them to life. I think this is an author to keep an eye out in the future. I can't wait to dive into anymore stories that she will come up with.
Note: I did receive an earc from the author and all opinions are my own
Review: I really loved this short novella. For being a novella, you really get to see May and Elias as individuals and see them build a connection throughout the story without it feel very insta-lusty. Elias is a bit uptight but only wants the best for his sister and after being betrayed by a woman from his past, it is hard for him to place his trust in others until he meets May and falls in love whereas May is also falling love while also trying to tell Elias the truth about her upbringing. There was so much yearning on both sides while also discussing themes of class differences and power imbalances. The grovel at the end was very sweet and satisfying. I really enjoyed the author's story-telling and prose in this story, it really brought them to life. I think this is an author to keep an eye out in the future. I can't wait to dive into anymore stories that she will come up with.
Note: I did receive an earc from the author and all opinions are my own
June 20, 2026
Maid for the Duke is a well-written historical romance that kept me engaged from start to finish. The story is wonderful combination of historical elements, good writing, layered characters, hints of mystery, life, and romance. The Duke of Southam, Elias Abigner meets May, a lady’s maid, under unique circumstances. His case of mistaken identity leads them through journey of discovery, conflict, and heart-felt emotions. I love how this author has strong characters throughout this story and how they evolve as their journey does. That, along with the well-crafted world building really makes Maid for the Duke a captivating read. Highly recommended.
June 21, 2026
Elias mistakes May for someone else and offers to pay her to investigate his sister's fiance. She needs the money to get back her mother's necklace from a pawn shop. She temporarily moves into his house and the plan is off and running. Neither one of them anticipated that they'd fall in love with each other!
The romance is very fast paced, but it IS a novella, so it's expected. The relationship between May and Elias is believable and very hot. When May went wandering the mansion at night looking for the kitchen and she discovered a secret passage way, I thought, yeah, let's DO this! A very good debut.
Thank you to the author for the copy of this book. Opinions are my own.
The romance is very fast paced, but it IS a novella, so it's expected. The relationship between May and Elias is believable and very hot. When May went wandering the mansion at night looking for the kitchen and she discovered a secret passage way, I thought, yeah, let's DO this! A very good debut.
Thank you to the author for the copy of this book. Opinions are my own.
June 21, 2026
This book is a lovely debut by the author. Even though it is short and fast paced, the plot is built very well and the main characters, Elias and May are round and relatable. Their story is romantic and captivating. I enjoyed the journey they made to falling in love which started as Elias placing May, who he mistook to be someone else, in his house and introducing her as his cousin in order to try to seduce his sister's fiance to see if he was a fortune hunter. Their relationship becomes something more because they cannot stop thinking about each other. I was invested in the story that I found to be charming and engaging.
July 21, 2026
Although I give this book 4 ⭐ rating but I agreed with the current rating.
I think I like that FMC was really adamant to being honest about who she actually was. She also helped MMC to be direct about the issue.
Okay I don't know how to put this into words. The thing I don't like about this book is just I know that it was written by author that also has contemporary romance novels or she just didn't try to make it like a HR. This is about the language used in the book. It kind of take you out of the moments when you stumbled across modern words that hv no place in HR. That's just my pet peeve
I think I like that FMC was really adamant to being honest about who she actually was. She also helped MMC to be direct about the issue.
Okay I don't know how to put this into words. The thing I don't like about this book is just I know that it was written by author that also has contemporary romance novels or she just didn't try to make it like a HR. This is about the language used in the book. It kind of take you out of the moments when you stumbled across modern words that hv no place in HR. That's just my pet peeve
Review of advance copy received from Autorin bzw. Autor
In my opinion, May didn’t do anything wrong. He came to her and asked for a favour. She saw an opportunity.
She just should have been honest from the start.
Elias can’t trust anyone. Not his sister, and not May either. That’s why he hired her to seduce his sister’s fiancé. How ridiculous. Men.
The book was an easy read; it flowed well and was enjoyable. At times, however, I found it a bit long-winded. Perhaps I wasn’t in the right mood, but the plot dragged in places.
I thought it was perfect for a quick read.
I received an ARC from the Author. This is my honest review.
She just should have been honest from the start.
Elias can’t trust anyone. Not his sister, and not May either. That’s why he hired her to seduce his sister’s fiancé. How ridiculous. Men.
The book was an easy read; it flowed well and was enjoyable. At times, however, I found it a bit long-winded. Perhaps I wasn’t in the right mood, but the plot dragged in places.
I thought it was perfect for a quick read.
I received an ARC from the Author. This is my honest review.
June 23, 2026
MAID FOR THE DUKE was so much fun! A historical regency romance in novella form and there's a lot packed into this story. Told in dual POV - third person - which I greatly enjoy. What begins as a mistaken identity turns into a fun, spicy romance. I loved May and the Duke. Their chemistry was hot and their banter - awesome. The story never felt rushed and is perfect for a quick escape.
I will definitely read the next book! Recommended for readers who are looking for a historical, fun romp in regency England.
I will definitely read the next book! Recommended for readers who are looking for a historical, fun romp in regency England.
June 24, 2026
Maid for the Duke, by Viola Thorne is book one of the Fated Fetes series. Lady's maid, May strikes a bargain with Elias, the Duke of Southam to help prove his sister's fiancée was only after her dowry. Unbeknown to him, she is not the one his friend sent to meet him, but a maid, desperate to earn enough money to buy back her deceased mother's necklace. Neither planned on their mutual attraction and the havoc it could cause.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A Ruse, A Confession, Romance
A lovely story from a new author for me.
The characters were interesting and developed well.
The story was very enjoyable even though it is quite predicable.
Lots of emotion from the characters as I followed them through their journey of discovering love
A happy ending. I felt the story was a good solid read.
A lovely story from a new author for me.
The characters were interesting and developed well.
The story was very enjoyable even though it is quite predicable.
Lots of emotion from the characters as I followed them through their journey of discovering love
A happy ending. I felt the story was a good solid read.
June 24, 2026
I enjoyed the story. The main characters, May and Elias, are interesting. There is good chemistry between them. The story features a class-differences trope in a well-paced novella with rapid development, and I liked it that way. I recommend this novella as a quick and enjoyable read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 25, 2026
A mistaken identity makes it possible for her to purchase her mother's necklace from the pawn shop and give him a way to test his sister's betrothed. She didn't count on falling for him. He hated liars. She knew there was no hope for her. She is a lowly maid and him a Duke. I enjoyed the story. For someone who didn't like liars, his little fib was a whopper.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews