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School for Dukes #1
What a Difference a Duke Makes
Wanted: Governess for duke's unruly children
Edgar Rochester, Duke of Banksford, is one of the wealthiest, most powerful men in England, but when it comes to raising twins alone, he knows he needs help. The only problem is the children have chased away half the governesses in London. Until the clever, bold, and far-too-enticing Miss Mari Perkins arrives.
Lost: One heart to an arrogant duke
Mari knows how to wrap even the most rebellious children around her finger. But their demanding, wickedly handsome father? He won't be quite so easy to control. And there's something else she can't seem to command. Her heart. The foolish thing beats so wildly every time the duke is near.
Found: A forbidden passion neither can deny
As his employee, Mari is strictly off-limits. But what if she's the one breaking all his rules? In the game of governess versus duke, how can Edgar maintain his defenses when the only thing he wants to do is let the tempting beauty win?
Edgar Rochester, Duke of Banksford, is one of the wealthiest, most powerful men in England, but when it comes to raising twins alone, he knows he needs help. The only problem is the children have chased away half the governesses in London. Until the clever, bold, and far-too-enticing Miss Mari Perkins arrives.
Lost: One heart to an arrogant duke
Mari knows how to wrap even the most rebellious children around her finger. But their demanding, wickedly handsome father? He won't be quite so easy to control. And there's something else she can't seem to command. Her heart. The foolish thing beats so wildly every time the duke is near.
Found: A forbidden passion neither can deny
As his employee, Mari is strictly off-limits. But what if she's the one breaking all his rules? In the game of governess versus duke, how can Edgar maintain his defenses when the only thing he wants to do is let the tempting beauty win?
389 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 27, 2018
410 people are currently reading
2311 people want to read
About the author
Lenora Bell
12 books1,394 followersLenora Bell is a USA Today bestselling, award-winning author of historical romances with Avon Books. A teacher with an MFA in Creative Writing, Lenora has lived and worked on five continents. She's currently fixing up a big old building in small town Alaska with her carpenter husband and two tiger-striped rescue kitties (#RomancingTheRenovation). She loves hearing from readers! Join her Facebook Reader Group for exclusive excerpts, giveaways and news: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Lenor...
Learn more at www.LenoraBell.com
Learn more at www.LenoraBell.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 473 reviews
June 21, 2021
This was just a damn delight. The sarcasm, the wit, the banter, the kids, the growth. It was all quite delicious to read.
Reserved the next two books in the series from my library when I wasn’t even halfway through, so there’s that.
Reserved the next two books in the series from my library when I wasn’t even halfway through, so there’s that.
December 28, 2023
How can I not love a gruff firefighter duke??? This was adorable and it’s always a plot that I love (governess, crazy kids, starchy hero). The ending was too cute 🥰
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25/5 🌶🌶🌶/5
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25/5 🌶🌶🌶/5
March 22, 2018
READ MY REVIEW ON THE BLOG
I used to read a lot of Historical Romance but stopped because sometimes even a good thing can become too much. I'd gorged myself on HR and it started to bore me. A couple years later the books I read are so diverse that I savor each HR even if it's not a complete winner.
Mari is in a bit of a pickle - after all her belongings were stolen her delayed arrival to an appointment costs her a potential job as a governess. She relies on the agency owner's charity since Mari's parentage is, well, questionable. Unfortunately the owner doesn't feel charitable. Mari overhears a conversation, however, that the Duke of Banksford needs a governess for his illegitimate offspring. There's nothing for it so Mari grabs the chance with both hands.
Edgar doesn't want to be exposed to Mari's charm around the clock but does he really have a choice? Mari is a potential threat for his peace of mind and the walls he has erected around his heart, however, his unmanageable children have run off every governess after a few days. So again, there's nothing for it and Edgar recruits the bold young woman. Soon he finds himself wanting to break all his self-imposed rules.
The starry-eyed Miss Perkins was precisely what he did not require—a small, yet dangerous, bundle of crackling energy ready to burn through what little remained of his sanity.
Both male and female lead were truly likable characters and are somehow pioneers among their peers. Marie is an outgoing, very forward and spontaneous woman with a big heart. Her spunky, spirited personality charms the duke from the moment he meets her. Her spontaneity leads to regret sometimes but ultimately it has always worked out for her.
Edgar is a craftsman - which is really unusual for this time period. He is kind, a little troubled but good to the core. Edgar's push and pull was a little confusing - according to his inner monologue he was all in one minute, the next one he had to keep Mari at arm's length. I think it was supposed to show his confusion with his own feelings. I loved that he opened his heart little by little and saw how good Mari was for him and his children. (Also, can I say, I'm not a big fan of the name Edgar.)
The character's speech was a little too modern for Regency London (although now that I think about it I can't remember that a time period was mentioned). I also found the writing style a little choppy, over-simplified and interrupted the flow.
I don't have kids but once upon a moon I was 9 years old and I can't remember that I talked like that. I thought that Adele in particular talked a little too much like a grown-up. Otherwise the twins were a cute addition.
The story line itself is quite entertaining although you'll have to suspend belief. I like my HR with a dose of realism and a governess and a duke? Yeah, that wouldn't have happened...but still, the story was light and enjoyable.
This is my first book by Lenora Bell and while I probably expected a little more I was entertained.
September 13, 2021
A light and easy-going historical romance with an unconventional single-dad duke and a spirited governess with a huge heart. Worked for me.
July 31, 2022
This review was originally posted on Addicted To RomanceI received this book for free from Avon in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
What A Difference A Duke Makes is a fun romance that really surprised me. I have been impressed with this author, her writing is superb and so easy to get into which isn't always the case with regency romances lately. Now I won't say she is the best regency author, some of her books are more modernized and so at times I struggle with her writing and I did feel like this story had some modernisms but not as much as some of her previous books. What I found most intriguing was the "Mary Poppins" retelling, I was really curious to see how Bell would handle this aspect and man she rocked it!! I just had such a blast with it especially since I LOVE Mary Poppins.
Mari has been brought to London with the promise of a job, but when she arrives her luggage is stolen and she is late and ends up losing the job promised to her. Mari knows no one in London, she is an orphan and has no family to go to. But when she overhears of a governess posting, with two children of a Duke, whose shenanigans have forced the most recent governess to leave....Mari knows that this is her chance. Mari has the abilities to wrap the most rebellious of children around her finger. When she arrives, the children instantly are drawn to her but the father....the Duke of Banksford is a whole different story. At first, he doesn't hide the fact that he doesn't want her in his home, thinking she is too "frail" to handle his wild children. However, Mari is determined to prove to the Duke of Banksford that she can handle anyone including the stubborn prideful man himself. But there is a connection between Edgar and Mari, which is forbidden. Mari is a governess and Edgar a Duke....how can she be anything but a mistress and a servant? But Mari isn't who she seems to be, her past is about to come into light and Edgar will need to fight for the one woman he loves.....
I will say that this book rocked my world in some unique delights. I honestly didn't expect to enjoy this book as much as I did. It was truly a wonderful read, and I couldn't put it down, I became so easily immersed in this story.
I do want to mention the negative thoughts I had about this book, there is really only one aspect that I wasn't a huge fan of. I didn't really approve of how easily their "match" would be accepted by society. Of course, we don't really see the fall out of their match. However the hints given show that it was unlikely that Mari would be so accepted by the Ton, but you also have to take into account who we learn her birth parents are which does help quite a bit but doesn't solve the problem and we don't really see much focus on this. I felt in some ways that Lenora Bell sugarcoated this aspect, which might work for some readers, but I would have liked to see this pair deal with this dilemma a bit more than was touched on. But honestly, this aspect didn't bother me quite as much, probably because of the way this story was written that charmed me completely.
Our heroine is a miracle worker with children and I love how she is so intuned with the twins. Edgar didn't realize he had any children until recently, and the moment he learns of their existence, he instantly placed them in his home and has gone through so many governesses until Mari. A young woman who is lovely inside and out. Who isn't afraid to get dirty, knows her garden snakes and can wrap children around her little finger. There is a strong chemistry between Edgar and Mari, but Edgar knows this attraction he feels for Mari is very dangerous and doesn't want her in his home because of how strongly he is feeling for her but he also can't deny what she has done with his children.
One of my favorite aspects of the story was the connection to the "Mary Poppins" theme and I was so delighted with these small moments that connect with certain scenes from this charming story. I felt like the character depth is pretty detailed and I loved seeing the background behind both Edgar and Mari. Both of them have struggled in their own ways. Edgar have to live with an abusive father, estranged from his mother and his adventurous sister. Mari having been abandoned at birth, with only two clues of where she came from. Part of the reason she wanted to come to London was to find her parents or any family connection that she can find.
The romance that develops between Edgar and Mari was so sweet yet very sexy. I loved the little "swept up in passion" moments between these two and I will say that Lenora Bell knows how to write a sexy kissing scene....very swoon-worthy. I did find that these two have much more in common as individuals when you take away the titles and formalities and the difference in background and stations. There is an emotional bond that forms between them that is endearing and poignant. A pure delight to read to leave you feeling those happy feels that only Lenora Bell delivers to her readers.
[foogallery id="52324"]
What A Difference A Duke Makes is a fun romance that really surprised me. I have been impressed with this author, her writing is superb and so easy to get into which isn't always the case with regency romances lately. Now I won't say she is the best regency author, some of her books are more modernized and so at times I struggle with her writing and I did feel like this story had some modernisms but not as much as some of her previous books. What I found most intriguing was the "Mary Poppins" retelling, I was really curious to see how Bell would handle this aspect and man she rocked it!! I just had such a blast with it especially since I LOVE Mary Poppins.
Mari has been brought to London with the promise of a job, but when she arrives her luggage is stolen and she is late and ends up losing the job promised to her. Mari knows no one in London, she is an orphan and has no family to go to. But when she overhears of a governess posting, with two children of a Duke, whose shenanigans have forced the most recent governess to leave....Mari knows that this is her chance. Mari has the abilities to wrap the most rebellious of children around her finger. When she arrives, the children instantly are drawn to her but the father....the Duke of Banksford is a whole different story. At first, he doesn't hide the fact that he doesn't want her in his home, thinking she is too "frail" to handle his wild children. However, Mari is determined to prove to the Duke of Banksford that she can handle anyone including the stubborn prideful man himself. But there is a connection between Edgar and Mari, which is forbidden. Mari is a governess and Edgar a Duke....how can she be anything but a mistress and a servant? But Mari isn't who she seems to be, her past is about to come into light and Edgar will need to fight for the one woman he loves.....
You have a light shining from you, Mari. It draws everyone's eyes to you. Your smile is incandescent. When you're in a room, everything gravitates toward you, haven't you noticed? The way you were able to charm the children in such short order. The way you charm me. Disarm me.
I will say that this book rocked my world in some unique delights. I honestly didn't expect to enjoy this book as much as I did. It was truly a wonderful read, and I couldn't put it down, I became so easily immersed in this story.
I do want to mention the negative thoughts I had about this book, there is really only one aspect that I wasn't a huge fan of. I didn't really approve of how easily their "match" would be accepted by society. Of course, we don't really see the fall out of their match. However the hints given show that it was unlikely that Mari would be so accepted by the Ton, but you also have to take into account who we learn her birth parents are which does help quite a bit but doesn't solve the problem and we don't really see much focus on this. I felt in some ways that Lenora Bell sugarcoated this aspect, which might work for some readers, but I would have liked to see this pair deal with this dilemma a bit more than was touched on. But honestly, this aspect didn't bother me quite as much, probably because of the way this story was written that charmed me completely.
Our heroine is a miracle worker with children and I love how she is so intuned with the twins. Edgar didn't realize he had any children until recently, and the moment he learns of their existence, he instantly placed them in his home and has gone through so many governesses until Mari. A young woman who is lovely inside and out. Who isn't afraid to get dirty, knows her garden snakes and can wrap children around her little finger. There is a strong chemistry between Edgar and Mari, but Edgar knows this attraction he feels for Mari is very dangerous and doesn't want her in his home because of how strongly he is feeling for her but he also can't deny what she has done with his children.
One of my favorite aspects of the story was the connection to the "Mary Poppins" theme and I was so delighted with these small moments that connect with certain scenes from this charming story. I felt like the character depth is pretty detailed and I loved seeing the background behind both Edgar and Mari. Both of them have struggled in their own ways. Edgar have to live with an abusive father, estranged from his mother and his adventurous sister. Mari having been abandoned at birth, with only two clues of where she came from. Part of the reason she wanted to come to London was to find her parents or any family connection that she can find.
The romance that develops between Edgar and Mari was so sweet yet very sexy. I loved the little "swept up in passion" moments between these two and I will say that Lenora Bell knows how to write a sexy kissing scene....very swoon-worthy. I did find that these two have much more in common as individuals when you take away the titles and formalities and the difference in background and stations. There is an emotional bond that forms between them that is endearing and poignant. A pure delight to read to leave you feeling those happy feels that only Lenora Bell delivers to her readers.
[foogallery id="52324"]
April 28, 2021
Garrrgh!
Enough of these hysterical historicals
Enough of these hysterical historicals
January 31, 2020
3.5 stars!
What a Difference a Duke Makes was an easy read and the pacing was well done. I got sucked into the story because the characters were well written, and the writing was good.
Miss Mari Perkins needs to find a job fast! She arrives in London for an interview to be a governess for just about anyone. She just needs a job in order for her to do research to find out who she is since she’s an orphan.
She gets to her interview 15 mins late and doesn’t get the position that she originally applied for. She overhears another governess quitting and saying she will not work anymore with those beasts.
Those beasts are the illegitimate twins of Edgar Rochester, Duke of Banksford.
Mari gets a great idea and heads over to the Duke of Banksford’s estate and applies for the job.
9-year-old twins can’t be that bad! She’s been taking care of orphans for years.
Edgar needs a governess in the worst way. His illegitimate twins from his French mistress arrived on his doorstep months ago and he’s been through at least three governess so far. He’s rich, powerful and closed off due to past family tragedies. All he wants to do is work on his railroad projects and engineer a steam engine that can put out fires faster.
Now here enters Mari with her positivity, cheerfulness, can do attitude and unconditional love for the twins! You can see where this story is going. :)
All the secondary characters in the book were great and I enjoyed the interaction between Mari and Edgar. They had a sweet love story, friendship and common bond of helping the children adapt to living in England.
This was a decent book to read that was lighthearted and not too intense. I needed this after months of horror and crime detective novels.
The ending was a bit too perfect for me though. I don’t expect everything to come together that well including Mari finding out who she is and getting the happy ever after.
I guess I’m too much of a cynic! hahaha
What a Difference a Duke Makes was an easy read and the pacing was well done. I got sucked into the story because the characters were well written, and the writing was good.
Miss Mari Perkins needs to find a job fast! She arrives in London for an interview to be a governess for just about anyone. She just needs a job in order for her to do research to find out who she is since she’s an orphan.
She gets to her interview 15 mins late and doesn’t get the position that she originally applied for. She overhears another governess quitting and saying she will not work anymore with those beasts.
Those beasts are the illegitimate twins of Edgar Rochester, Duke of Banksford.
Mari gets a great idea and heads over to the Duke of Banksford’s estate and applies for the job.
9-year-old twins can’t be that bad! She’s been taking care of orphans for years.
Edgar needs a governess in the worst way. His illegitimate twins from his French mistress arrived on his doorstep months ago and he’s been through at least three governess so far. He’s rich, powerful and closed off due to past family tragedies. All he wants to do is work on his railroad projects and engineer a steam engine that can put out fires faster.
Now here enters Mari with her positivity, cheerfulness, can do attitude and unconditional love for the twins! You can see where this story is going. :)
All the secondary characters in the book were great and I enjoyed the interaction between Mari and Edgar. They had a sweet love story, friendship and common bond of helping the children adapt to living in England.
This was a decent book to read that was lighthearted and not too intense. I needed this after months of horror and crime detective novels.
The ending was a bit too perfect for me though. I don’t expect everything to come together that well including Mari finding out who she is and getting the happy ever after.
I guess I’m too much of a cynic! hahaha
July 27, 2019
⭐️⭐️2 STARS ⭐️⭐️
A friend no sooner brought this book to my attention that I was already one-clicking. The reason?
A single dad—A Duke at that!— falls for the —Mary Poppins inspired— nanny?
CATNIP ALERT!!!
Overall a cute story peppered with light banter and a couple engaging plot lines but I felt disappointed by the lack of romance built up between the characters. It was more lust at first sight than anything else and I prefer my HR with a good slow burn or at least some kind of teasing. A chase even.
I also like my Dukes roguish and unapologetically rakish but Edgar read more like the pervert he disliked being compared to in this story. His salacious thoughts upon meeting his kids' governess for the first time left me dubious. I liked him as a father though, the way he opened up to his kids was touching.
Mari—with an i, rhymes with starry— was the cookie cutter strong witted HR heroine. The author did good at characterizing her because I could almost hear and picture Julie Andrews's "Tut, tut / Tsk, Tsk" admonishing the children. She was cute and lovable, and actually surprised me by going after the Duke. I didn't not expect that and I can't say if I liked it or not.
In the end I enjoyed Mari and the kids, Edgar and the kids but didn't care much about Mari and Edgar together, which is a shame when picking up a historical romance.
That was my first book by Lenora Bell and although it didn't quite hit the mark for me I'll be reading more from this author, I'm curious about a couple other titles offering tropes I can't seem to say no to.
(Bell was recommended to me as an alternative to Tessa Dare, in my opinion I understand where the comparison stems from but we're far from the banter, feels and romance Dare offers.)
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February 21, 2021
I'm crying
This book was such a perfect read on a Sunday afternoon. It's about a Duke who has a rough nasty past with an abusive father but is a giant soft teddy bear who really cares about his illegitimate twins. He just doesn't know how to be with children so he hires governesses to take care of them until our heroine forces her way into his house and teaches him how to be with them and how to love the children. It brought tears to my eyes because their love was truly beautiful and Natural. I loved them finding each other in this hot and slow burn kind of way.
This book was such a perfect read on a Sunday afternoon. It's about a Duke who has a rough nasty past with an abusive father but is a giant soft teddy bear who really cares about his illegitimate twins. He just doesn't know how to be with children so he hires governesses to take care of them until our heroine forces her way into his house and teaches him how to be with them and how to love the children. It brought tears to my eyes because their love was truly beautiful and Natural. I loved them finding each other in this hot and slow burn kind of way.
May 9, 2018
Cute. Precious. Lovely.
This is not an overwhelmingly amazing book but it isn't bad either. It's a pick-me-up in a chaotic week and a little way to smile at the end of the day. It was comfortable to read and easy to finish.
This is not an overwhelmingly amazing book but it isn't bad either. It's a pick-me-up in a chaotic week and a little way to smile at the end of the day. It was comfortable to read and easy to finish.
May 7, 2020
3.5 Stars
Mari is in a bit of a jam - her belongings have been stolen, leading to her being late and thus loosing the job/post as a governess she so needed. The owner of the agency who promised her the job is a stiff-necked witch who looks down her nose at Mari and shows no consideration for what happened. Luckily, Mari overhears a conversation concerning the Duke of Banksford (Edgar), who needs a new governess for his twin children (illegitimate offspring). Mari is the first governess that doesn't judge the twins for being born on the wrong side of the blanket, honestly the way in which some judge the kids for something that isn't their fault - urgh - would have been nice if a pigeon decided to gift those people with a little something.
The Duke's children are a delight and added charm to each scene they were in, they're also very articulate for their age.
Edgar finds himself startled by Mari and what she makes him feel, from the onset he knows she is a danger to his piece of mind and the walls he has erected around his heart, but his children warm to her immediately and so he finds himself hiring her.
Mari is one spunky heroine, couldn't help but like her. She's fab with the twins and I liked how she never cowers in front of the Duke or anyone else.
At times the speech of characters in this felt a tad contemporary but not painfully so - at least for me. Slightly conflicted by this read, there were some fab moments that had be sinking into the world and characters Bell had created, but I also wanted more pizzas and emotional depth.
Mari is in a bit of a jam - her belongings have been stolen, leading to her being late and thus loosing the job/post as a governess she so needed. The owner of the agency who promised her the job is a stiff-necked witch who looks down her nose at Mari and shows no consideration for what happened. Luckily, Mari overhears a conversation concerning the Duke of Banksford (Edgar), who needs a new governess for his twin children (illegitimate offspring). Mari is the first governess that doesn't judge the twins for being born on the wrong side of the blanket, honestly the way in which some judge the kids for something that isn't their fault - urgh - would have been nice if a pigeon decided to gift those people with a little something.
The Duke's children are a delight and added charm to each scene they were in, they're also very articulate for their age.
Edgar finds himself startled by Mari and what she makes him feel, from the onset he knows she is a danger to his piece of mind and the walls he has erected around his heart, but his children warm to her immediately and so he finds himself hiring her.
Mari is one spunky heroine, couldn't help but like her. She's fab with the twins and I liked how she never cowers in front of the Duke or anyone else.
At times the speech of characters in this felt a tad contemporary but not painfully so - at least for me. Slightly conflicted by this read, there were some fab moments that had be sinking into the world and characters Bell had created, but I also wanted more pizzas and emotional depth.
February 18, 2025
DNF death due to flaky meat pie crumbs.
As I started to read this, it all seemed so familiar. I somehow forgot to rate and review it the first time I attempted to read it. So I tried to read it again, maybe I’ll like it better this time… a grumpy Duke falling for the governess. What could go wrong?
Nope, within 5 minutes of first meeting each other, the Duke is manhandling the heroine to get some metal contraption unstuck from her shoe (she accidentally stepped on it).
So as he is getting ready to cut her shoe off, grabbing her bare leg, he notices she’s a bit on the skinny side, wonders if she’s hungry, remembers he just ate some yummy flaky meat pies recently, and then starts lusting at the thought of licking flaky meat pie crumbs off of her fingers. Really? Way too fast for those thoughts. I hate insta-lust, ruins any potential for a romance to slowly come to life and burn.
As I started to read this, it all seemed so familiar. I somehow forgot to rate and review it the first time I attempted to read it. So I tried to read it again, maybe I’ll like it better this time… a grumpy Duke falling for the governess. What could go wrong?
Nope, within 5 minutes of first meeting each other, the Duke is manhandling the heroine to get some metal contraption unstuck from her shoe (she accidentally stepped on it).
So as he is getting ready to cut her shoe off, grabbing her bare leg, he notices she’s a bit on the skinny side, wonders if she’s hungry, remembers he just ate some yummy flaky meat pies recently, and then starts lusting at the thought of licking flaky meat pie crumbs off of her fingers. Really? Way too fast for those thoughts. I hate insta-lust, ruins any potential for a romance to slowly come to life and burn.
July 31, 2018
A nice and fun historical with an unconventional duke and nanny!
A little bit unbelievable, but nice! And the figure of the duke's sister, Lady India, was fun too! I'm looking forward to her story in the next book!
A little bit unbelievable, but nice! And the figure of the duke's sister, Lady India, was fun too! I'm looking forward to her story in the next book!
January 19, 2020
This is my 1st book from this author, and I am glad to say that I have finally found another historical fiction romance author to read books from.
Here are some of my thoughts:
• I don’t usually like making comments about a character being “too perfect” because that doesn’t usually bother me, but here, yeah, Mari was like the perfect, cheerful, kind, orphan girl. It is not a bad thing exactly, but I guess I would have liked more depth to her character besides her wanting to find her real parents. Overall, she is likable though.
• I like Edgar and I appreciate that he is willing to change his ways to become a better father to his children. He does not always make the best decisions, but he tries.
• The children interaction with Mari and with Edgar are adorable.
• Strong family theme.
I have enjoyed this. 3.5 stars
Things that you might want to know (WARNING: Spoilers below)
Happy/satisfying ending?
Love triangle? Cheating? Angst level?
Tears-worthy?
Humor?
Favorite scenes?
Here are some of my thoughts:
• I don’t usually like making comments about a character being “too perfect” because that doesn’t usually bother me, but here, yeah, Mari was like the perfect, cheerful, kind, orphan girl. It is not a bad thing exactly, but I guess I would have liked more depth to her character besides her wanting to find her real parents. Overall, she is likable though.
• I like Edgar and I appreciate that he is willing to change his ways to become a better father to his children. He does not always make the best decisions, but he tries.
• The children interaction with Mari and with Edgar are adorable.
• Strong family theme.
I have enjoyed this. 3.5 stars
Things that you might want to know (WARNING: Spoilers below)
Happy/satisfying ending?
Love triangle? Cheating? Angst level?
Tears-worthy?
Humor?
Favorite scenes?
April 1, 2018
5 helms
Please follow me on my blog :) Review originally posted on Vellum Voyages (www.vellumvoyages.com)
Finalllyyyyy a book that took me out of my crappy reading slump! Wow, this was REALLY REALLY good....My first read by Lenora Bell and she has impressed me with her writing style, her characters and her historical research! Highly highly recommended and an absolute keeper! If you are looking for a read that is all about the couple and their relationship...look no further!!! I am literally frothing at the bit for the next book and I even read the sneak peak because I couldn't wait! I never read sneak peaks btw! That's how desperate I was to have more of this series.....
Edgar Rochester, Duke of Banksford has a rambunctious pair of illegitimate twins on his hands who keep running away and chasing away all their governesses with their antics until the sudden arrival of Miss Mari Perkins. She's bold, daring and ready to get the twins in top behavioural shape but her flaming hair and stern manners not only captivate the twins but also their handsome and powerful father.
Miss Mari Perkins is hiding her true identity from the Duke and is desperate for this position in his household and has to do what she can to secure her place. But her heart and mind are not hers anymore whenever she is around Edgar.
As their relationship deepens, Edgar and Marie realise they are two lost souls who need each other and have finally come home to one another.....
The blurb is what really drew me to this book..nothing else...It just seemed right up my alley and wow it was!
The relationship between Mari and Edgar? LOVED!
The relationship between Mari and the twins? LOVED!
Mari and Edgar as individuals? LOVED!
Mari and Edgar as a couple? LOVED!
Mari, Edgar and the twins as a beautiful family? LOVED!
The development of the characters and the growth of their love for each other? BRILLIANTLY DONE and LOVED!
Hahaha do I sound insane?
A Mary Poppins style romance which was brilliantly achieved with clever words and wit! Yes our lovely, sweet Mari is a governess and yes this is a story of the age-old adage of a governess falling in love with a Duke and he with her but it's so beautifully and tenderly done that you really do believe their love story and don't think its formulaic...Edgar is an absolute sweetheart and it was a lovely change to have a sensitive and tender hero rather than an alpha male battling his emotions. Mari has a heart of gold and she is a beautiful soul and she is exactly what Edgar and the twins needed to bring light into their lives :) Edgar and Mari are beautifully matched for each other and I just adored the twins! They were seriously cute :D
This book managed to surprise me! I was expecting a few formulaic situations to happen (especially on that seaside holiday) but Lenora Bell managed to surprise me with the circumstances! Well done! I'm usually not easily surprised in books as I manage to guess or predict most things but this time I was surprised so I always take my hat off to the author when that happens :) The whole book felt very real if that makes sense...the situations of the characters and their predicaments all felt very realistic and the characters reacted exactly the way I would expect them too, which added to the realism of the story.
The whole book was really good from start to finish and I devoured it! The banter was witty, cute and laced full of chemistry between Edgar and Mari. I loved Edgar and Mari as individuals, I loved them as a couple and I loved all four of them as a family. This was such a beautiful romance, I really did enjoy it immensely :)
I can't wait for India and Rochester's story...omg one of my favourite tropes! Childhood crushes to pretend enemies to lovers! Can't waitttt! I could already feel the chemistry between these two in this book...can't wait for some combustion of pages in their story!
Well done Lenora Bell for keeping me up all night reading!
Please follow me on my blog :) Review originally posted on Vellum Voyages (www.vellumvoyages.com)
Finalllyyyyy a book that took me out of my crappy reading slump! Wow, this was REALLY REALLY good....My first read by Lenora Bell and she has impressed me with her writing style, her characters and her historical research! Highly highly recommended and an absolute keeper! If you are looking for a read that is all about the couple and their relationship...look no further!!! I am literally frothing at the bit for the next book and I even read the sneak peak because I couldn't wait! I never read sneak peaks btw! That's how desperate I was to have more of this series.....
Edgar Rochester, Duke of Banksford has a rambunctious pair of illegitimate twins on his hands who keep running away and chasing away all their governesses with their antics until the sudden arrival of Miss Mari Perkins. She's bold, daring and ready to get the twins in top behavioural shape but her flaming hair and stern manners not only captivate the twins but also their handsome and powerful father.
Miss Mari Perkins is hiding her true identity from the Duke and is desperate for this position in his household and has to do what she can to secure her place. But her heart and mind are not hers anymore whenever she is around Edgar.
As their relationship deepens, Edgar and Marie realise they are two lost souls who need each other and have finally come home to one another.....
The blurb is what really drew me to this book..nothing else...It just seemed right up my alley and wow it was!
The relationship between Mari and Edgar? LOVED!
The relationship between Mari and the twins? LOVED!
Mari and Edgar as individuals? LOVED!
Mari and Edgar as a couple? LOVED!
Mari, Edgar and the twins as a beautiful family? LOVED!
The development of the characters and the growth of their love for each other? BRILLIANTLY DONE and LOVED!
Hahaha do I sound insane?
A Mary Poppins style romance which was brilliantly achieved with clever words and wit! Yes our lovely, sweet Mari is a governess and yes this is a story of the age-old adage of a governess falling in love with a Duke and he with her but it's so beautifully and tenderly done that you really do believe their love story and don't think its formulaic...Edgar is an absolute sweetheart and it was a lovely change to have a sensitive and tender hero rather than an alpha male battling his emotions. Mari has a heart of gold and she is a beautiful soul and she is exactly what Edgar and the twins needed to bring light into their lives :) Edgar and Mari are beautifully matched for each other and I just adored the twins! They were seriously cute :D
This book managed to surprise me! I was expecting a few formulaic situations to happen (especially on that seaside holiday) but Lenora Bell managed to surprise me with the circumstances! Well done! I'm usually not easily surprised in books as I manage to guess or predict most things but this time I was surprised so I always take my hat off to the author when that happens :) The whole book felt very real if that makes sense...the situations of the characters and their predicaments all felt very realistic and the characters reacted exactly the way I would expect them too, which added to the realism of the story.
The whole book was really good from start to finish and I devoured it! The banter was witty, cute and laced full of chemistry between Edgar and Mari. I loved Edgar and Mari as individuals, I loved them as a couple and I loved all four of them as a family. This was such a beautiful romance, I really did enjoy it immensely :)
I can't wait for India and Rochester's story...omg one of my favourite tropes! Childhood crushes to pretend enemies to lovers! Can't waitttt! I could already feel the chemistry between these two in this book...can't wait for some combustion of pages in their story!
Well done Lenora Bell for keeping me up all night reading!
April 15, 2018
This was just ridiculous. (I read the book because it was available at the library and there had been an interesting review/comments at SBTB.) First complaint, why on earth would the author pilfer from Jane Eyre? She had a good premise: country girl goes to London to begin a job as a nurse maid, loses job because she is waylaid by London riff-raff and is late for the appointment. Overhears about a situation at a Duke's house with his "abominable" children and then scams her way into the position of governess. The children are well written and the interaction with Mari, Adele and Michel is the only bright spot in the novel. The rest is drivel. I love a good governess and employer fall in love romance, but this was not love but insta-lust from the get-go. I hated hated that. There is something so disturbing when the couple is "canoodling" when their charges are nearby. At one point in the novel while at the park with the twins, the governess Mari excuses herself to take a leak in the hedgerow. I couldn't believe it! And then all the Jane Eyre thievery which was so blatant and sickening. The end is absurd and I can't believe the author called her hero Edgar, I kept thinking about Joan Rivers' stand-up about her husband Edgar. Oy Vey! I should of taken note when my friend Caz labeled it "No Way Jose", well....live and learn.
April 6, 2018
Oh come on Lenora Bell why would you try an write a story so close to one of the greatest Classics every written Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. There are just too many similarities between the orphan Jane Eyre and Mari Perkins. The brooding Duke Edgar Rochester is also, very similar to Mr. Rochester even has a twin daughter named Adele.
I am sorry I don't usually quite on a book especially one I paid $5.99 to read but I tried 3 times to read this too modern update of a previous classic such as Jane Eyre. This was a total waste of my money!!
I am sorry I don't usually quite on a book especially one I paid $5.99 to read but I tried 3 times to read this too modern update of a previous classic such as Jane Eyre. This was a total waste of my money!!
August 11, 2023
I just loved the feisty governess ‘Mari that rhymes with starry’ who doesn’t let a small thing like the employment agency who dismisses her stop her. So she overhears that the umpteenth governess has quit her job with a Duke and his atrocious children and Mari marches up to take the job. Of course she marches right into the childrens’ hearts and the Duke’s.
Lively story that winds up a bit too neatly, but hey it’s a romance with a few steamy occassions, Mari being a person who intuited what she wants, Edgar, the Duke of Banksford.
An amusing and delightful read
Lively story that winds up a bit too neatly, but hey it’s a romance with a few steamy occassions, Mari being a person who intuited what she wants, Edgar, the Duke of Banksford.
An amusing and delightful read
November 2, 2018
Coffee Dates with What A Difference a Duke Makes
First Date: We meet Miss Mari Perkins at one of her lowest moments. She has been bamboozled and arrives late to the employment agency where she has been promised a governess position. Her tardiness makes her lose the position. Fearing homelessness, she overhears another governess who wants nothing more to do with the Duke of Banksford’s heathen children. Mari seizes that information and heads to the Duke’s home. While, she may not be qualified by the ton’s standards she is determined to have that post. From her steely attitude to her first encounter with the Duke, I knew I was in for a treat.
Second Date: I loved how unconventional both Edgar, the Duke of Banksford and Mari were. From the onset they had terrific chemistry even if they vexed each other. Bell did a wonderful job of sharing their histories and those of the bastard twins Edgar is raising. The story had everything from meddling staff and siblings, to forbidden moments. Secondary stories surrounding Banksford’s inventions and business to Mari’s quest for regarding her parentage I found myself fully invested in the outcome. The twins, a boy, and a girl added interest and brought the couple together.
Third Date: While Edgar struggled with the employer/staff relationship, the staff and his sister did not. I loved the character growth and inner turmoil. Outside forces provided the obstacles in this romance allowing me to delight in the developing romance. If you love your romances tied up in neat little bows, Bell delivers. While I felt some of it all click into place rather easily, I was more than happy to continue dancing.
This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
First Date: We meet Miss Mari Perkins at one of her lowest moments. She has been bamboozled and arrives late to the employment agency where she has been promised a governess position. Her tardiness makes her lose the position. Fearing homelessness, she overhears another governess who wants nothing more to do with the Duke of Banksford’s heathen children. Mari seizes that information and heads to the Duke’s home. While, she may not be qualified by the ton’s standards she is determined to have that post. From her steely attitude to her first encounter with the Duke, I knew I was in for a treat.
Second Date: I loved how unconventional both Edgar, the Duke of Banksford and Mari were. From the onset they had terrific chemistry even if they vexed each other. Bell did a wonderful job of sharing their histories and those of the bastard twins Edgar is raising. The story had everything from meddling staff and siblings, to forbidden moments. Secondary stories surrounding Banksford’s inventions and business to Mari’s quest for regarding her parentage I found myself fully invested in the outcome. The twins, a boy, and a girl added interest and brought the couple together.
Third Date: While Edgar struggled with the employer/staff relationship, the staff and his sister did not. I loved the character growth and inner turmoil. Outside forces provided the obstacles in this romance allowing me to delight in the developing romance. If you love your romances tied up in neat little bows, Bell delivers. While I felt some of it all click into place rather easily, I was more than happy to continue dancing.
This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
Want to read
March 11, 2018<3
August 28, 2021
usually, I don't care for governess romance in this case with a duke but here really worked and I enjoyed all aspects of the story
4,5⭐
4,5⭐
March 11, 2018
I have never read anything from this author, but I really liked the synopsis, so I figured why not try it.
I liked Mari and Edgar well enough. They’re both good people, smart, and they have excellent banter. The kids were pretty cute and I enjoyed their interactions with everyone. And Edgar’s sister India was probably the best part.
Plot wise, it was sort of meh. There are a lot of moving pieces and some of them didn’t feel necessary. The very small bit of conflict was more of an annoyance and was resolved in a chapter. My main complaint is that I didn’t see the chemistry outside of the banter. We’re told that each one is attracted to the other, but it didn’t actually translate for me.
Overall, it was a quick read with characters I liked. I’m not sure if I would read the next one. Unless it’s India and a hate to love with her rival.
**Huge thanks to Avon Books for providing the arc free of charge**
I liked Mari and Edgar well enough. They’re both good people, smart, and they have excellent banter. The kids were pretty cute and I enjoyed their interactions with everyone. And Edgar’s sister India was probably the best part.
Plot wise, it was sort of meh. There are a lot of moving pieces and some of them didn’t feel necessary. The very small bit of conflict was more of an annoyance and was resolved in a chapter. My main complaint is that I didn’t see the chemistry outside of the banter. We’re told that each one is attracted to the other, but it didn’t actually translate for me.
Overall, it was a quick read with characters I liked. I’m not sure if I would read the next one. Unless it’s India and a hate to love with her rival.
**Huge thanks to Avon Books for providing the arc free of charge**
February 15, 2019
Not my thing.
It's the kind of writing I don't like, where the focus is constantly on the lustful thoughts the protagonists have for each other. Somehow I am more forgiving of that in contemporary romance or fantasy, but not in HR. In this case, I was a mere 7% into the book when the Duke, Edgar, meets the new governess for the first time and is already thinking about how he wants to lick crumbs off of her fingers. I mean … really?
It's sad because I did find the very beginning promising and the banter between Edgar and Mari was fun at times, but the overall story being told didn't interest me at all.
This is definitely a personal issue, there was just no click.
It's the kind of writing I don't like, where the focus is constantly on the lustful thoughts the protagonists have for each other. Somehow I am more forgiving of that in contemporary romance or fantasy, but not in HR. In this case, I was a mere 7% into the book when the Duke, Edgar, meets the new governess for the first time and is already thinking about how he wants to lick crumbs off of her fingers. I mean … really?
It's sad because I did find the very beginning promising and the banter between Edgar and Mari was fun at times, but the overall story being told didn't interest me at all.
This is definitely a personal issue, there was just no click.
March 21, 2019
*4 1/2 stars
What a Difference a Duke Makes was the perfect book for me this week. “Anything broken may be mended. While we breathe there is yet hope.”
It’s an enchanting, witty, and romantic story.
It may seem odd or redundant to call a romance book romantic, however Lenora Bells’s witting really touched me. I loved her scenes at the seaside, I truly could imagine myself there.
The story did seem a bit light on any conflict for me, however all the nods to Mary Poppins more than made up for it.
Lenora Bell is a new to me author, and I can’t wait to read more of her work.
What a Difference a Duke Makes was the perfect book for me this week. “Anything broken may be mended. While we breathe there is yet hope.”
It’s an enchanting, witty, and romantic story.
It may seem odd or redundant to call a romance book romantic, however Lenora Bells’s witting really touched me. I loved her scenes at the seaside, I truly could imagine myself there.
The story did seem a bit light on any conflict for me, however all the nods to Mary Poppins more than made up for it.
Lenora Bell is a new to me author, and I can’t wait to read more of her work.
Read
May 15, 2018This review originally appeared at All About Romance.
Despite the fact that none of the books in Lenora Bell’s The Disgraceful Dukes trilogy had earned better than a D from the team at All About Romance, I nonetheless decided to give her new series a try. New year, fresh start and all that. Unfortunately, What a Difference a Duke Makes, is – if at all possible – worse than the previous three books. From its odd Mary-Poppins-meets-Jane-Eyre premise (that doesn’t even make any sense; and there’s absolutely nothing subtle about it), to its heroine – improbably named Mari (rhymes with ‘starry’ – as if that helps understand it’s presence in a 19th CENTURY HISTORICAL) and complete break with anything resembling period appropriate behavior/customs or norms, the only difference What a Difference a Duke Makes is that it earns an F instead of a D. Once again, Ms. Bell plays fast and loose with the time period, makes caricatures of principal and secondary characters alike, and writes stories so ridiculously over-the-top implausible for the era and setting (well, that’s being generous – they’re implausible in any circumstance) that I’m surprised my eyes haven’t popped out of my poor head. People. This is not historical romance. This is simply bad romance.
When Miss Mari Perkins arrives fifteen minutes late for her interview at Mrs. Trilby’s Agency for Superior Governesses, she’s flustered and apologetic. But Mrs. Trilby is annoyed and doesn’t soften even after Mari explains why she’s late:
Banksford is at his wit’s end caring for nine-year old twins Michel and Adele. He only discovered their existence after their mother – a poetess twice his age with whom he had a youthful affair – passed away, and their nanny wrote asking for help. The twins have chased away their fourth governess, and Banksford despairs of who Mrs. Trilby will send next. He’s spent the morning with his sister, India (an intrepid archaeologist who dresses in masculine clothing and carries a knife) discussing the children and the poor timing of their arrival. He owns the Vulcan Foundry and is so, so, so close to producing a steam powered fire engine… if only his actual life wouldn’t get in the way. India urges him to marry and to wager which of them will marry first, when they’re interrupted by his butler who informs him the new governess has arrived. Surprised, he asks that she be brought to his study so he can test her mettle. As if.
I won’t insult your intelligence by pretending you don’t already know where this is going. Mari browbeats the duke into giving her the job (yep, that’s normal), insisting he give her a week to prove herself, whilst India gets a twinkle in her eye (she can already sense something between them) and the pair immediately start thinking lustful thoughts about each other. Everything about this first meeting is ridiculous – the insta-lust, Mari’s impertinence, Lady India’s interest in the spunky governess and tacit approval of her as marriage material, and Ms. Bell’s seeming inability to understand that governesses don’t smart-mouth and verbally second-guess dukes and dukes don’t tolerate flippant/smartass governesses simply because they’re pretty. Nor does anyone (duke or not) accept at face value someone dressed in dripping clothes and lacking any references or introduction, as an appropriate caretaker for their children. Oh, and the duke also makes wildly inappropriate comments about her attractiveness. The whole first meeting is so bizarrely implausible, I had to put the book down, bang my head against the wall and walk away from it.
The story unfolds as the capable and oddly wise (though COMPLETELY UNPROVEN AND INEXPERIENCED) Mary Poppins – oh, sorry, Mari – meets the twins and immediately intuits exactly what they need. She quotes poetry at odd moments, soothes their anxieties with magical (fake) elixirs, and solves every problem that comes her way. India stops by and gives her all the beautiful clothing her mother tries to finagle her into wearing (totally normal), and donates the services of her maid to dress Mari’s hair. Because she’s a governess with no references and no experience and that’s how you treat a household employee you hope will marry your duke/blue-collar-ish brother. Ahem. That’s not actually a thing, Ms. Bell.
Mari is devoted to the twins and Banksford from the moment they meet, and she can’t help but fall for him even though she senses he feels unworthy of her affections or the children’s love. She cajoles and coaxes his deepest darkest insecurities and worries, and tempts him to kiss her and more. She’s annoyed when he pushes her away and even when he insists he can’t give in to his lustful urges, she berates him for being a coward. A few reminders for you: she’s a virgin, she’s his employee, she’s lied her way into the position and they barely know each other. Oh, and the real reason she’s in London is to discover who her true parents are. She’s spent a lifetime at the awful orphanage where she was abandoned as an infant, and she has only a few clues to her true parentage.
Edgar tries to resist his infatuation with his children’s governess. His father was notorious for taking liberties with servants and it disgusted him. He’s estranged from his mother over something to do with dad… but it’s a BIG SECRET and all we know is that it damaged him. So Ms. Bell focuses instead on his feelings for the new governess he barely knows. Reader, he wants her. Desperately. And in Ms. Bell’s world, that’s enough to justify pretty much anything. Mari is wise, beautiful, capable, sensitive… we get it. And don’t forget the mutual lust. So faced with his frustrations over his foundry and failed attempts to create a steam something or other (it really doesn’t matter, it’s all simply to illustrate that Edgar isn’t your typical duke) and his physical frustration whenever he’s with Mari, he gives into temptation and he decides to give her pleasure while withholding his own. It’s not enough! Duh. And these two soon find themselves making love while the stars twinkle above.
Everything in this book is so obvious, ridiculous and over the top, and there aren’t enough words or reasons for me to tell you all of them. The characters are caricatures, the dialogue is wooden and silly, the internal PoVs are cringe-worthy, and everything you guess can or will happen – does. There’s nothing original or special about What a Difference a Duke Makes and it bears only a passing resemblance to an authentic 19th century historical romance.
Despite the fact that none of the books in Lenora Bell’s The Disgraceful Dukes trilogy had earned better than a D from the team at All About Romance, I nonetheless decided to give her new series a try. New year, fresh start and all that. Unfortunately, What a Difference a Duke Makes, is – if at all possible – worse than the previous three books. From its odd Mary-Poppins-meets-Jane-Eyre premise (that doesn’t even make any sense; and there’s absolutely nothing subtle about it), to its heroine – improbably named Mari (rhymes with ‘starry’ – as if that helps understand it’s presence in a 19th CENTURY HISTORICAL) and complete break with anything resembling period appropriate behavior/customs or norms, the only difference What a Difference a Duke Makes is that it earns an F instead of a D. Once again, Ms. Bell plays fast and loose with the time period, makes caricatures of principal and secondary characters alike, and writes stories so ridiculously over-the-top implausible for the era and setting (well, that’s being generous – they’re implausible in any circumstance) that I’m surprised my eyes haven’t popped out of my poor head. People. This is not historical romance. This is simply bad romance.
When Miss Mari Perkins arrives fifteen minutes late for her interview at Mrs. Trilby’s Agency for Superior Governesses, she’s flustered and apologetic. But Mrs. Trilby is annoyed and doesn’t soften even after Mari explains why she’s late:
“I’m dreadfully sorry, truly I am. There was a lame girl trying to cross a crowded avenue and I was afraid she’d be crushed. I sprang to her assistance, but while I was helping her several children made off with my trunk. Little ruffians.”Little ruffians? Mrs. Trilby, evil incarnate (or so Ms. Bell insinuates), is unsympathetic and orders her to leave. But fortunately for Mari, Mrs. Trilby is willing to listen and empathize when an employee loudly disparages a valued client and his children – Edgar Rochester, Duke of Banksford. Sensing an opportunity, Mari quickly rips the ribbon from her hat, asks the maid for a needle and thread , and eavesdrops at the door while Mrs. Trilby soothes her angry employee. Mari leaves the agency and heads to the Duke of Banksford’s home to presents herself as the new governess.
Banksford is at his wit’s end caring for nine-year old twins Michel and Adele. He only discovered their existence after their mother – a poetess twice his age with whom he had a youthful affair – passed away, and their nanny wrote asking for help. The twins have chased away their fourth governess, and Banksford despairs of who Mrs. Trilby will send next. He’s spent the morning with his sister, India (an intrepid archaeologist who dresses in masculine clothing and carries a knife) discussing the children and the poor timing of their arrival. He owns the Vulcan Foundry and is so, so, so close to producing a steam powered fire engine… if only his actual life wouldn’t get in the way. India urges him to marry and to wager which of them will marry first, when they’re interrupted by his butler who informs him the new governess has arrived. Surprised, he asks that she be brought to his study so he can test her mettle. As if.
I won’t insult your intelligence by pretending you don’t already know where this is going. Mari browbeats the duke into giving her the job (yep, that’s normal), insisting he give her a week to prove herself, whilst India gets a twinkle in her eye (she can already sense something between them) and the pair immediately start thinking lustful thoughts about each other. Everything about this first meeting is ridiculous – the insta-lust, Mari’s impertinence, Lady India’s interest in the spunky governess and tacit approval of her as marriage material, and Ms. Bell’s seeming inability to understand that governesses don’t smart-mouth and verbally second-guess dukes and dukes don’t tolerate flippant/smartass governesses simply because they’re pretty. Nor does anyone (duke or not) accept at face value someone dressed in dripping clothes and lacking any references or introduction, as an appropriate caretaker for their children. Oh, and the duke also makes wildly inappropriate comments about her attractiveness. The whole first meeting is so bizarrely implausible, I had to put the book down, bang my head against the wall and walk away from it.
The story unfolds as the capable and oddly wise (though COMPLETELY UNPROVEN AND INEXPERIENCED) Mary Poppins – oh, sorry, Mari – meets the twins and immediately intuits exactly what they need. She quotes poetry at odd moments, soothes their anxieties with magical (fake) elixirs, and solves every problem that comes her way. India stops by and gives her all the beautiful clothing her mother tries to finagle her into wearing (totally normal), and donates the services of her maid to dress Mari’s hair. Because she’s a governess with no references and no experience and that’s how you treat a household employee you hope will marry your duke/blue-collar-ish brother. Ahem. That’s not actually a thing, Ms. Bell.
Mari is devoted to the twins and Banksford from the moment they meet, and she can’t help but fall for him even though she senses he feels unworthy of her affections or the children’s love. She cajoles and coaxes his deepest darkest insecurities and worries, and tempts him to kiss her and more. She’s annoyed when he pushes her away and even when he insists he can’t give in to his lustful urges, she berates him for being a coward. A few reminders for you: she’s a virgin, she’s his employee, she’s lied her way into the position and they barely know each other. Oh, and the real reason she’s in London is to discover who her true parents are. She’s spent a lifetime at the awful orphanage where she was abandoned as an infant, and she has only a few clues to her true parentage.
Edgar tries to resist his infatuation with his children’s governess. His father was notorious for taking liberties with servants and it disgusted him. He’s estranged from his mother over something to do with dad… but it’s a BIG SECRET and all we know is that it damaged him. So Ms. Bell focuses instead on his feelings for the new governess he barely knows. Reader, he wants her. Desperately. And in Ms. Bell’s world, that’s enough to justify pretty much anything. Mari is wise, beautiful, capable, sensitive… we get it. And don’t forget the mutual lust. So faced with his frustrations over his foundry and failed attempts to create a steam something or other (it really doesn’t matter, it’s all simply to illustrate that Edgar isn’t your typical duke) and his physical frustration whenever he’s with Mari, he gives into temptation and he decides to give her pleasure while withholding his own. It’s not enough! Duh. And these two soon find themselves making love while the stars twinkle above.
Everything in this book is so obvious, ridiculous and over the top, and there aren’t enough words or reasons for me to tell you all of them. The characters are caricatures, the dialogue is wooden and silly, the internal PoVs are cringe-worthy, and everything you guess can or will happen – does. There’s nothing original or special about What a Difference a Duke Makes and it bears only a passing resemblance to an authentic 19th century historical romance.
May 7, 2018
3.5 stars
December 17, 2018
3.5 stars
March 9, 2018
This is a fun, easy, unputdownable read. It's so enjoyable I finished it in only a couple of hours. The characters are engaging, from Edgar and Mari to India and Ravenwood, to the children, to the servants and tradesmen. There is an element of inside joke with the duke and governess pairing and I appreciate that being a long-time reader of historical romance.
Mari's comparison to Mary Poppins is apt because she is capable and amazing with the twins Michel and Adele. I love that she's bold and determined, she goes after what she wants.
I like Edgar and his struggle to not be like his father and fight his attraction for Mari. I love that he wants what's good for his children and he doesn't look down on his servants. I adore that he's a great brother and son, father and lover.
The secondary characters are wonderful, especially the twins, India, and Grafton. I'm glad Lenora held back on India because she is such a fascinating supporting cast member. I didn't feel as if she overshadowed the main characters, which is good because I'm looking forward to her book. Despite so many named people in the book, What a Difference a Duke Makes remained Edgar and Mari's book.
The story flowed smoothly and the pacing was just right.
If I have a minor complaint, it would be that Edgar and Mari are incredibly virtuous while the villains have no redeeming qualities. Also, that Mari may be a tad forward for a virgin and someone who was sequestered in a strict orphanage. Other than these, I really like this book. It's a 4.5 for me.
Requested and received What a Difference ... via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
Mari's comparison to Mary Poppins is apt because she is capable and amazing with the twins Michel and Adele. I love that she's bold and determined, she goes after what she wants.
I like Edgar and his struggle to not be like his father and fight his attraction for Mari. I love that he wants what's good for his children and he doesn't look down on his servants. I adore that he's a great brother and son, father and lover.
The secondary characters are wonderful, especially the twins, India, and Grafton. I'm glad Lenora held back on India because she is such a fascinating supporting cast member. I didn't feel as if she overshadowed the main characters, which is good because I'm looking forward to her book. Despite so many named people in the book, What a Difference a Duke Makes remained Edgar and Mari's book.
The story flowed smoothly and the pacing was just right.
If I have a minor complaint, it would be that Edgar and Mari are incredibly virtuous while the villains have no redeeming qualities. Also, that Mari may be a tad forward for a virgin and someone who was sequestered in a strict orphanage. Other than these, I really like this book. It's a 4.5 for me.
Requested and received What a Difference ... via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
August 23, 2018
Strong female lead. Lots of inventiveness and ’technology’. Period inaccuracies and modernisms up the wazoo. But forgivable if you’re reading it in the right mood. Clever quipy dialogue that engaged throughout.
Adorable kids, portrayed as way above their author-claimed age, but hey, who cares.
Overall a bit of a ridiculous fun read.
Lines I Liked
“Maybe this guilt isn’t something you’re supposed to carry. Maybe you don’t need to wallow in it.”
“Wallow? Pigs wallow. Dukes never wallow.”
“I chose my wording poorly. Perhaps revel. It’s almost an indulgence, isn’t it? To repeat one’s missteps over and over in one’s mind until that’s all one can see? If you’re not careful, you could become stuck in a continuous loop in your mind, going over and over the dark, bad things and never moving forward, into the light.”
—-
Mari moved closer, intent on replacing the lid, but, sensing his opportunity, Trix seized the day and slithered away.
“Is that a snake?” Lady Blanche turned white, tottered for a moment on her heeled slippers, and fainted dead away, rather suspiciously falling squarely into Lord Laxton’s arms.
In Mari’s experience, fainting spells were rarely so well aimed.
“Come back, Trix,” Michel shouted, diving after the snake. Adele followed.
Lord Laxton lifted Lady Blanche into his arms. “Make way, make way. She’s fainted. She needs air.”
“She’s in a park,” said Mari.
Banksford gave her a warning look. He didn’t look too pleased about his golden-haired lady falling into another man’s arms.
Adorable kids, portrayed as way above their author-claimed age, but hey, who cares.
Overall a bit of a ridiculous fun read.
Lines I Liked
“Maybe this guilt isn’t something you’re supposed to carry. Maybe you don’t need to wallow in it.”
“Wallow? Pigs wallow. Dukes never wallow.”
“I chose my wording poorly. Perhaps revel. It’s almost an indulgence, isn’t it? To repeat one’s missteps over and over in one’s mind until that’s all one can see? If you’re not careful, you could become stuck in a continuous loop in your mind, going over and over the dark, bad things and never moving forward, into the light.”
—-
Mari moved closer, intent on replacing the lid, but, sensing his opportunity, Trix seized the day and slithered away.
“Is that a snake?” Lady Blanche turned white, tottered for a moment on her heeled slippers, and fainted dead away, rather suspiciously falling squarely into Lord Laxton’s arms.
In Mari’s experience, fainting spells were rarely so well aimed.
“Come back, Trix,” Michel shouted, diving after the snake. Adele followed.
Lord Laxton lifted Lady Blanche into his arms. “Make way, make way. She’s fainted. She needs air.”
“She’s in a park,” said Mari.
Banksford gave her a warning look. He didn’t look too pleased about his golden-haired lady falling into another man’s arms.
October 10, 2021
3.5 stars for this Regency.
Edgar,a duke estranged from his mother but not his sister,
at times did manual work in a foundry he owned. A lighter
weight steam engine was the project which consumed him.
Orphaned Mari, now 20, talked herself into a governess job
for the hero's 9YO boy and girl twins. Mari wanted to
discover her parentage on her off day.
Edgar elected not to importune female staff as his late
father had. Yet he engaged in kissing, fondling etc with
the heroine. The emotions between the MCs didn't strike
me as the I-can't-live-without-you variety.
My favorite line Mari shared w/ Edgar, "You're like your
gate Edgar. Unyielding iron. You don't know how to change
or bend." See DTB version, pg 248.
I wanted to see more of the love-hate between Lady India
(sis of the H) & the Duke of Ravenwood. They are slated to
be featured in book #2. Also Mr. Grafton, an earl's by-blow,
& Edgar's chief engineer, should have a book of this own.
Edgar,a duke estranged from his mother but not his sister,
at times did manual work in a foundry he owned. A lighter
weight steam engine was the project which consumed him.
Orphaned Mari, now 20, talked herself into a governess job
for the hero's 9YO boy and girl twins. Mari wanted to
discover her parentage on her off day.
Edgar elected not to importune female staff as his late
father had. Yet he engaged in kissing, fondling etc with
the heroine. The emotions between the MCs didn't strike
me as the I-can't-live-without-you variety.
My favorite line Mari shared w/ Edgar, "You're like your
gate Edgar. Unyielding iron. You don't know how to change
or bend." See DTB version, pg 248.
I wanted to see more of the love-hate between Lady India
(sis of the H) & the Duke of Ravenwood. They are slated to
be featured in book #2. Also Mr. Grafton, an earl's by-blow,
& Edgar's chief engineer, should have a book of this own.
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