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Sin and Sensibility #1
A Good Day to Marry a Duke
From award-winning New York Times bestselling author Betina Krahn comes a beguiling new romance brimming with her signature wit, timeless sensuality, and thrilling romance--as desire proves to be a great equalizer . . .
Daisy Bumgarten isn't thrilled to be trying to catch a duke's attention while dressed like a flower pot caught in a swarm of butterflies. But, after all, when in Rome (or in this case London society) . . . . Since her decidedly disastrous debut among New York's privileged set, the sassy Nevada spitfire's last chance to "marry well" lies across the pond, here in England. If she must restrain her free spirit, not to mention her rib cage, so be it. She knows she owes it to her three younger sisters to succeed . . .
Now, under a countess's tutelage, Daisy appears the perfect duchess-in-training . . . Until notorious ladies' man Lord Ashton Graham, a distraction of the most dangerous kind, glimpses her mischievous smile and feisty nature--and attempts to unmask her motives. Daisy has encountered snakes on the range, but one dressed to the nines in an English drawing room is positively unnerving--and maddeningly seductive. When a veiled plot emerges to show up Daisy as unworthy of the aristocracy, will Ashton be her worst detractor? Or the nobleman she needs most of all?
Daisy Bumgarten isn't thrilled to be trying to catch a duke's attention while dressed like a flower pot caught in a swarm of butterflies. But, after all, when in Rome (or in this case London society) . . . . Since her decidedly disastrous debut among New York's privileged set, the sassy Nevada spitfire's last chance to "marry well" lies across the pond, here in England. If she must restrain her free spirit, not to mention her rib cage, so be it. She knows she owes it to her three younger sisters to succeed . . .
Now, under a countess's tutelage, Daisy appears the perfect duchess-in-training . . . Until notorious ladies' man Lord Ashton Graham, a distraction of the most dangerous kind, glimpses her mischievous smile and feisty nature--and attempts to unmask her motives. Daisy has encountered snakes on the range, but one dressed to the nines in an English drawing room is positively unnerving--and maddeningly seductive. When a veiled plot emerges to show up Daisy as unworthy of the aristocracy, will Ashton be her worst detractor? Or the nobleman she needs most of all?
532 pages, Library Binding
First published November 28, 2017
199 people are currently reading
972 people want to read
About the author
Betina Krahn
60 books311 followersKrahn, born Betina Maynard, is the second daughter of Dors Maynard and Regina Triplett. Krahn learned to read at the age of four, and began making up her own stories when she was only six. In fifth grade she won a silver "Noble Order of Bookworms" pin for her achievements in reading, and the following year she began writing down her stories.
Krane was graduated from high school in Newark, Ohio and received a B.S. in Education (Biological Sciences) at Ohio State University. After college, Krahn taught science in Newark, and studied for a graduate degree at Ohio State in the summers. It was during those summers that she met her future husband, physics graduate student Donald Krahn.
The family moved to Oklahoma, where Krahn finished the work for her Masters of Education in Counseling in 1973. In 1974, she gave birth to her first child, Nathan, with the second son Zebulun arriving in 1978. With two young children, Krahn became a stay-at-home mother for a time, also finding time to volunteer on a community board working to get funding for mental health care in part of Western Oklahoma. Once the funding was secured, Krahn worked as an HR director for a mental health center.
Krane was graduated from high school in Newark, Ohio and received a B.S. in Education (Biological Sciences) at Ohio State University. After college, Krahn taught science in Newark, and studied for a graduate degree at Ohio State in the summers. It was during those summers that she met her future husband, physics graduate student Donald Krahn.
The family moved to Oklahoma, where Krahn finished the work for her Masters of Education in Counseling in 1973. In 1974, she gave birth to her first child, Nathan, with the second son Zebulun arriving in 1978. With two young children, Krahn became a stay-at-home mother for a time, also finding time to volunteer on a community board working to get funding for mental health care in part of Western Oklahoma. Once the funding was secured, Krahn worked as an HR director for a mental health center.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
April 26, 2018
A Good Day to Marry a Duke by Betina Krahn is a 2017 Kensington publication.
After being shunned by the old money society in the United States, nouveau riche debutante, Daisy Bumgarten is trying her luck in England. She is determined to make her mother proud, by marrying a duke, thus assuring her sisters will also make their way into the upper crust of society. However, Daisy’s motives are a little too obvious, a situation that is fortuitous to unabashed ladies' man, Lord Ashton Graham. Commissioned to ruin Daisy so that she can not marry his brother, Ashton does everything in his power to talk her out of it, but before long, he finds himself helping her prove her lineage is proper enough for London society. He also finds the brash American compelling and very smart, but also confused by her frank desires, which women aren’t supposed to enjoy. Before he knows it, he is in direct competition with his own brother, each hoping for a future with the vivacious American.
Will Daisy marry for duty, for the future of her sisters, or will she marry for love?
This is an enjoyable historical romance, which centers around the real life ‘dollar princesses’ who traveled from America to England, loaded with money, hoping to marry into the aristocracy for the sake of a title. This worked wonderfully for some entitled gentlemen who were in desperate need of funds. While the author notes several true- life examples, none of them turned out to be love matches, but this story has a much happier outcome.
There were a few moments at the beginning of the book that made me cringe a little, -well, actually, it bothered me a lot, since Ashton’s behavior mimics the type of advances and inappropriate touching, women have had enough of, and Daisy’s reaction was confusing to me. But, as I read on, I realized the author was trying to put a strong emphasis on the double standard society imposed on women when it comes to enjoying sexual intimacy. Daisy has a healthy appetite and loves the company of men, but is made to feel as though her desires and needs are sinful… you know- close your eyes and think of England- UGH! Women were made to feel as though it was a duty, nothing more. Daisy really struggles to keep her desires under control, but Lord Ashton is temptation on a stick.
Daisy is a delightful character, willing to sacrifice her own happiness for the sake of her family. Ashton was taken with Daisy right from the start, and genuinely felt bereaved that such a wonderful woman would have her vitality squashed by the excessive demands placed on her by marrying a duke, and that his rather introverted brother wouldn’t know how to appreciate someone as amorous as Daisy. Still, he has nothing to offer her, and the title is what she is determined to have, which leaves the notorious bad boy with a heartbreaking case of unrequited love.
I enjoyed this nice, light hearted, romantic romp. I have a couple books on my shelf by this author, but I never got around to reading them. So, although, Ms. Krahn has an impressive library of published works, this is my first impression of her.
Not only will I be returning for more ‘Sin and Sensibility’, but I think I’ll pull out those older books that have been languishing on my shelves and become more acquainted with this author.
3.5 rounded up
After being shunned by the old money society in the United States, nouveau riche debutante, Daisy Bumgarten is trying her luck in England. She is determined to make her mother proud, by marrying a duke, thus assuring her sisters will also make their way into the upper crust of society. However, Daisy’s motives are a little too obvious, a situation that is fortuitous to unabashed ladies' man, Lord Ashton Graham. Commissioned to ruin Daisy so that she can not marry his brother, Ashton does everything in his power to talk her out of it, but before long, he finds himself helping her prove her lineage is proper enough for London society. He also finds the brash American compelling and very smart, but also confused by her frank desires, which women aren’t supposed to enjoy. Before he knows it, he is in direct competition with his own brother, each hoping for a future with the vivacious American.
Will Daisy marry for duty, for the future of her sisters, or will she marry for love?
This is an enjoyable historical romance, which centers around the real life ‘dollar princesses’ who traveled from America to England, loaded with money, hoping to marry into the aristocracy for the sake of a title. This worked wonderfully for some entitled gentlemen who were in desperate need of funds. While the author notes several true- life examples, none of them turned out to be love matches, but this story has a much happier outcome.
There were a few moments at the beginning of the book that made me cringe a little, -well, actually, it bothered me a lot, since Ashton’s behavior mimics the type of advances and inappropriate touching, women have had enough of, and Daisy’s reaction was confusing to me. But, as I read on, I realized the author was trying to put a strong emphasis on the double standard society imposed on women when it comes to enjoying sexual intimacy. Daisy has a healthy appetite and loves the company of men, but is made to feel as though her desires and needs are sinful… you know- close your eyes and think of England- UGH! Women were made to feel as though it was a duty, nothing more. Daisy really struggles to keep her desires under control, but Lord Ashton is temptation on a stick.
Daisy is a delightful character, willing to sacrifice her own happiness for the sake of her family. Ashton was taken with Daisy right from the start, and genuinely felt bereaved that such a wonderful woman would have her vitality squashed by the excessive demands placed on her by marrying a duke, and that his rather introverted brother wouldn’t know how to appreciate someone as amorous as Daisy. Still, he has nothing to offer her, and the title is what she is determined to have, which leaves the notorious bad boy with a heartbreaking case of unrequited love.
I enjoyed this nice, light hearted, romantic romp. I have a couple books on my shelf by this author, but I never got around to reading them. So, although, Ms. Krahn has an impressive library of published works, this is my first impression of her.
Not only will I be returning for more ‘Sin and Sensibility’, but I think I’ll pull out those older books that have been languishing on my shelves and become more acquainted with this author.
3.5 rounded up
November 1, 2018
This is a hard book for me to review because my expectations with Betina Krahn are always super high. A big reason I became a romance reader (and author) is because of her early books, especially CAUGHT IN THE ACT, BEHIND CLOSED DOORS, THE LAST BACHELOR, and her wonderful Christmas story "Kidnapped for Christmas."
So this book isn't really that good, but what book could be? This is a late Victorian romance about an American heiress named Daisy Bumgartner who is desperate to marry a titled lord in England. The problem is, the duke she wants, Arthur, has a younger brother named Ashton who is seductive, fun to be with, and completely captivating. So Daisy is torn between making the wealthy match her family wants and doing what's really right for her!
There's nothing wrong with the basic premise, and the situation is interesting. It's just that Daisy is not especially sympathetic a lot of the time. She evidently got in big trouble in America, and is quite experienced with men. Yet she's very slow to admit that she's leading the naive, timid Arthur to imagine she's in love with him when she's not! There's a lot of lecturing in the book about how women's sexuality is a positive force, nothing to be ashamed of, and Daisy has a right to her desires. All that is fine, and I agree with it, but . . . it's lecturing, not story-telling.
Another problem is that the luxury and glamour and elegance of Victorian aristocratic living isn't really done with much conviction. I mean, the English duke and his brother say things like "yeah" and they use swear words like s**t a lot. I mean, at one point the hero Ashton is getting beat up by bad guys and he wails, "s**t, s**t, s**t!" as he's being pummeled. Mr. Darcy he ain't! You get the impression that Betina Krahn is writing in this setting because she has to, not because she wants to but because she has to. And also, that she'd rather be writing a cowboy romance in the Old West. It's ironic that Daisy's Uncle Red, a retired cowboy, comes across as about fifty times more masculine and even more alluring sexually than Ashton and his brother. The secondary romance between Uncle Red and Daisy's chaperone "the countess" was actually a lot more fun than the main story.
So to wrap up this review, I just want to say to all my Goodreads friends, if you've never read any Betina Krahn, you're in for a real treat! But you should look for her classic novels from the early Nineties, especially CAUGHT IN THE ACT and BEHIND CLOSED DOORS. Those books are sheer heaven!
So this book isn't really that good, but what book could be? This is a late Victorian romance about an American heiress named Daisy Bumgartner who is desperate to marry a titled lord in England. The problem is, the duke she wants, Arthur, has a younger brother named Ashton who is seductive, fun to be with, and completely captivating. So Daisy is torn between making the wealthy match her family wants and doing what's really right for her!
There's nothing wrong with the basic premise, and the situation is interesting. It's just that Daisy is not especially sympathetic a lot of the time. She evidently got in big trouble in America, and is quite experienced with men. Yet she's very slow to admit that she's leading the naive, timid Arthur to imagine she's in love with him when she's not! There's a lot of lecturing in the book about how women's sexuality is a positive force, nothing to be ashamed of, and Daisy has a right to her desires. All that is fine, and I agree with it, but . . . it's lecturing, not story-telling.
Another problem is that the luxury and glamour and elegance of Victorian aristocratic living isn't really done with much conviction. I mean, the English duke and his brother say things like "yeah" and they use swear words like s**t a lot. I mean, at one point the hero Ashton is getting beat up by bad guys and he wails, "s**t, s**t, s**t!" as he's being pummeled. Mr. Darcy he ain't! You get the impression that Betina Krahn is writing in this setting because she has to, not because she wants to but because she has to. And also, that she'd rather be writing a cowboy romance in the Old West. It's ironic that Daisy's Uncle Red, a retired cowboy, comes across as about fifty times more masculine and even more alluring sexually than Ashton and his brother. The secondary romance between Uncle Red and Daisy's chaperone "the countess" was actually a lot more fun than the main story.
So to wrap up this review, I just want to say to all my Goodreads friends, if you've never read any Betina Krahn, you're in for a real treat! But you should look for her classic novels from the early Nineties, especially CAUGHT IN THE ACT and BEHIND CLOSED DOORS. Those books are sheer heaven!
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November 15, 2017ARC provided by NetGalley and Publisher for an honest review.
No rating.
I hit a wall at 45 %. I found the heroine one demential and also some of her situations unbelievable.
Writing was more "dry writing" (monotone) for me and boring. I couldn't go any further in the book.
No rating.
I hit a wall at 45 %. I found the heroine one demential and also some of her situations unbelievable.
Writing was more "dry writing" (monotone) for me and boring. I couldn't go any further in the book.
March 2, 2018
I ended up giving this a B- at AAR (3.5 stars rounded up) - the second half was much better than the first.
Betina Krahn is one of those authors I’ve been meaning to read for ages and haven’t got around to. Most of her books were published before I got into reading romance in a big way, and she’s one of several authors whose backlists I mean to explore … when I get the time. Happily for me, however, Ms. Krahn has embarked upon a new historical romance series entitled Sin and Sensibility , affording me the chance to sample something new from her. In the first book, A Good Day to Marry a Duke, we find an American heiress crossing the Atlantic – as did many so-called ‘dollar princesses’ in the late nineteenth century – in order to marry a titled gentleman. She sets her sights upon the young and somewhat gauche Arthur Graham, Duke of Meridian, but she reckons without the havoc wreaked upon her emotions (and her libido) by his younger brother, Ashton, widely known as a rake of the highest order.
Daisy Bumgarten – and honestly, that name? Are we supposed to think the heroine is a joke before the story even starts? – comes from a family whose money is so new that even the nouveau riche of New York society look down on them. When Daisy scandalises all the other ladies present at the Bellington Hunt by wearing trousers under her skirts, riding astride, taking all the fences alongside the men and swigging spirits from her uncle’s flask, her mother is horrified and furiously points out that not only has Daisy ruined her own reputation by her reckless behaviour, but she has also scuppered her sisters’ reputations as well. Daisy – at last – realises the enormity of what she’s done and decides she must make amends, so two years after the disastrous hunt, she travels to England with her uncle Redmond (Red) Strait and, having secured the sponsorship of the Countess of Kew, prepares to enter society and snare herself a duke. What better way to make it up to her mother and restore her sisters’ chances of marrying well?
The duke in question is Arthur, the Duke of Meridian, a somewhat retiring young man whose interests lie in botany and the natural sciences to the exclusion of almost all else. He’s not bad looking, he’s sweet, intelligent and good hearted, but although it seems that the Graham family isn’t exactly flush, Arthur’s elderly uncles and aunt (who live with him) are completely opposed to the idea of his marrying American money. They summon Daisy to their presence and make no attempt to hide their disdain, insisting that if she is to be allowed anywhere near their nephew, she must prove she has noble blood in her veins. Never one to baulk at a challenge, Daisy determines to find that proof – and agrees that whatever she finds must be authenticated by the duke’s younger brother, Ashton, who may be a libertine but who is also an historian of some skill and renown.
Lord Ashton Graham is the black sheep of the family. He loves his brother dearly, and has ever been his champion, whether against the bullies at school or their exacting relatives at home, but his refusal to kowtow to them means they barely tolerate him and that he is practically penniless. Like them, however, he isn’t happy about the idea of Arthur marrying an American title-hunter, and when his uncles and aunt offer to pay him to sabotage Daisy’s hopes of becoming a duchess, he isn’t in a position to refuse. When they even go so far as so suggest that Ashton use his “natural proclivities to the family’s advantage ” and seduce her, Ashton reflects that it won’t be a hardship; Daisy is pretty and curvaceous and, he’s already deduced from his few encounters with her so far, sexually curious, so it shouldn’t be too difficult either.
Daisy falls in lust with Ashton the first time she meets him (without knowing, at that point, who he is) but is determined that she will not be diverted from her purpose, especially as she soon realises that Arthur needs rescuing from his horrible family, who constantly belittle him and treat him like a child. But Ashton won’t simply go away; he accompanies her, the countess and Red on a journey to Oxford and thence to Bristol in order to uncover the evidence of Daisy’s noble lineage. During the course of their association, each gains a new appreciation for the other; Daisy discovers that Ashton is a highly intelligent man whose life hasn’t been as easy as she had assumed, while Ashton realises that Daisy’s pursuit of his brother is motivated by reasons that are not purely selfish. He also comes to see that she is just what Arthur needs to pull him out of his blinkered and sheltered existence; her spirit and zest for life will balance his reserve and help to open his eyes to the wider world around him and the possibilities it offers. How can Ashton possibly deprive the brother he loves of the woman Arthur so clearly needs at his side?
The storyline is a familiar one and the love-triangle plot device isn’t particularly successful (Arthur is likeable, but there’s never any question as to which brother is going to win Daisy’s hand and heart), but the biggest issue I had with the book as a whole is that the execution is uneven. The first half drags and is hampered by the rather stereotypical characters and lots of mental lusting. Daisy is your classic American ‘breath-of-fresh-air’ miss who rides, shoots and drinks like a man and hates the rigours of the conventions within which she must live. Her references to her ‘Chuck Worth’ dresses make her seem ignorant and she finds it nigh on impossible not to think about sex whenever she so much as glimpses Ashton, and then berates herself for being wanton: It was her regrettable nature to be susceptible to the temptations of the flesh. Ashton is your typical gorgeous, dark, sex-on-a-stick rakish hero with a heart of gold; Arthur is childlike in his naïveté and the aunt and uncles are cartoonish villains, at best.
The second half of the novel is much more engaging and is where most of the conflict and emotional meat of the story is housed; we get to know more about Arthur and are privy to his gradual awakening to his responsibilities and to the realisation that he has been cheated by his relatives, and the author – via Ashton – makes some good points about the degree to which responsibility and duty will inform Daisy’s life should she become a duchess. In spite of Daisy’s frequent lustful thoughts about Ashton, the chemistry between the two is fairly mild, and while I’ve given the book a sensuality rating of ‘warm’, the sex scenes are very tame by modern standards and I almost went with ‘subtle’.
A Good Day to Marry a Duke seemed like a book of two halves. The first gets a C and the second a B, so I’m plumping for a B- overall, and a qualified recommendation because the increased momentum, insight and emotional nuance contained within the second half deserves it. You may enjoy the book more than I did if you happen to like the type of heroine Daisy represents (not my favourite) and can manage not to roll your eyes too hard at the way the supposed love-triangle is resolved.
Betina Krahn is one of those authors I’ve been meaning to read for ages and haven’t got around to. Most of her books were published before I got into reading romance in a big way, and she’s one of several authors whose backlists I mean to explore … when I get the time. Happily for me, however, Ms. Krahn has embarked upon a new historical romance series entitled Sin and Sensibility , affording me the chance to sample something new from her. In the first book, A Good Day to Marry a Duke, we find an American heiress crossing the Atlantic – as did many so-called ‘dollar princesses’ in the late nineteenth century – in order to marry a titled gentleman. She sets her sights upon the young and somewhat gauche Arthur Graham, Duke of Meridian, but she reckons without the havoc wreaked upon her emotions (and her libido) by his younger brother, Ashton, widely known as a rake of the highest order.
Daisy Bumgarten – and honestly, that name? Are we supposed to think the heroine is a joke before the story even starts? – comes from a family whose money is so new that even the nouveau riche of New York society look down on them. When Daisy scandalises all the other ladies present at the Bellington Hunt by wearing trousers under her skirts, riding astride, taking all the fences alongside the men and swigging spirits from her uncle’s flask, her mother is horrified and furiously points out that not only has Daisy ruined her own reputation by her reckless behaviour, but she has also scuppered her sisters’ reputations as well. Daisy – at last – realises the enormity of what she’s done and decides she must make amends, so two years after the disastrous hunt, she travels to England with her uncle Redmond (Red) Strait and, having secured the sponsorship of the Countess of Kew, prepares to enter society and snare herself a duke. What better way to make it up to her mother and restore her sisters’ chances of marrying well?
The duke in question is Arthur, the Duke of Meridian, a somewhat retiring young man whose interests lie in botany and the natural sciences to the exclusion of almost all else. He’s not bad looking, he’s sweet, intelligent and good hearted, but although it seems that the Graham family isn’t exactly flush, Arthur’s elderly uncles and aunt (who live with him) are completely opposed to the idea of his marrying American money. They summon Daisy to their presence and make no attempt to hide their disdain, insisting that if she is to be allowed anywhere near their nephew, she must prove she has noble blood in her veins. Never one to baulk at a challenge, Daisy determines to find that proof – and agrees that whatever she finds must be authenticated by the duke’s younger brother, Ashton, who may be a libertine but who is also an historian of some skill and renown.
Lord Ashton Graham is the black sheep of the family. He loves his brother dearly, and has ever been his champion, whether against the bullies at school or their exacting relatives at home, but his refusal to kowtow to them means they barely tolerate him and that he is practically penniless. Like them, however, he isn’t happy about the idea of Arthur marrying an American title-hunter, and when his uncles and aunt offer to pay him to sabotage Daisy’s hopes of becoming a duchess, he isn’t in a position to refuse. When they even go so far as so suggest that Ashton use his “natural proclivities to the family’s advantage ” and seduce her, Ashton reflects that it won’t be a hardship; Daisy is pretty and curvaceous and, he’s already deduced from his few encounters with her so far, sexually curious, so it shouldn’t be too difficult either.
Daisy falls in lust with Ashton the first time she meets him (without knowing, at that point, who he is) but is determined that she will not be diverted from her purpose, especially as she soon realises that Arthur needs rescuing from his horrible family, who constantly belittle him and treat him like a child. But Ashton won’t simply go away; he accompanies her, the countess and Red on a journey to Oxford and thence to Bristol in order to uncover the evidence of Daisy’s noble lineage. During the course of their association, each gains a new appreciation for the other; Daisy discovers that Ashton is a highly intelligent man whose life hasn’t been as easy as she had assumed, while Ashton realises that Daisy’s pursuit of his brother is motivated by reasons that are not purely selfish. He also comes to see that she is just what Arthur needs to pull him out of his blinkered and sheltered existence; her spirit and zest for life will balance his reserve and help to open his eyes to the wider world around him and the possibilities it offers. How can Ashton possibly deprive the brother he loves of the woman Arthur so clearly needs at his side?
The storyline is a familiar one and the love-triangle plot device isn’t particularly successful (Arthur is likeable, but there’s never any question as to which brother is going to win Daisy’s hand and heart), but the biggest issue I had with the book as a whole is that the execution is uneven. The first half drags and is hampered by the rather stereotypical characters and lots of mental lusting. Daisy is your classic American ‘breath-of-fresh-air’ miss who rides, shoots and drinks like a man and hates the rigours of the conventions within which she must live. Her references to her ‘Chuck Worth’ dresses make her seem ignorant and she finds it nigh on impossible not to think about sex whenever she so much as glimpses Ashton, and then berates herself for being wanton: It was her regrettable nature to be susceptible to the temptations of the flesh. Ashton is your typical gorgeous, dark, sex-on-a-stick rakish hero with a heart of gold; Arthur is childlike in his naïveté and the aunt and uncles are cartoonish villains, at best.
The second half of the novel is much more engaging and is where most of the conflict and emotional meat of the story is housed; we get to know more about Arthur and are privy to his gradual awakening to his responsibilities and to the realisation that he has been cheated by his relatives, and the author – via Ashton – makes some good points about the degree to which responsibility and duty will inform Daisy’s life should she become a duchess. In spite of Daisy’s frequent lustful thoughts about Ashton, the chemistry between the two is fairly mild, and while I’ve given the book a sensuality rating of ‘warm’, the sex scenes are very tame by modern standards and I almost went with ‘subtle’.
A Good Day to Marry a Duke seemed like a book of two halves. The first gets a C and the second a B, so I’m plumping for a B- overall, and a qualified recommendation because the increased momentum, insight and emotional nuance contained within the second half deserves it. You may enjoy the book more than I did if you happen to like the type of heroine Daisy represents (not my favourite) and can manage not to roll your eyes too hard at the way the supposed love-triangle is resolved.
December 5, 2017
A Duchess-in-training, maybe!
An interesting basis to a new series. American heiresses 'who descended on England in the late Victorian era' engaging in the London season, hoping for a titled husband. The author's note at the end of the book is quite illuminating about the practice of sending dowered daughters 'across the pond' to bring back a blue blood husband. Some 'bemoaned it as 'the tidal wave of “dollar princesses” '. Although it seems many of these men were no prize, rather total disasters. But do read this fascinating footnote.
Daisy Bumgarten has a lot to live down. Her New York debut was a total failure. I felt pained along with Daisy when we overheard the catty, disparaging comments of the New York disdaining elites.
To help her family Daisy agrees to a London season. After all she has three younger sisters lining up behind her. The trouble is Daisy finds it hard to push down the sparkling outspoken woman she really is.
So to London where Daisy's sights, or rather her sponsor's sights, have been firmly set on Arthur Graham, the sixth Duke of Meridian.
Unfortunately, Arthur's brother Lord Ashton Graham is charged with not only discovering Daisy's english antecedents, but with actively dashing her hopes. What he didn't expect was how much he would come to appreciate Daisy. Indeed, the very air sizzles between them, but Daisy must do her duty to her family. Ash as the 'spare' portrays the unenviable lot of many of those in his position. His treatment by his family and his brother's trustees is deplorable.
In all this Arthur, a retiring avid naturalist starts to develop into his own man, thanks largely to Daisy's influence and understanding. So we have the kindly, somewhat preoccupied Duke lifting his head to become aware of his estate and his trustee's actions, the dazzling Daisy and the misunderstood handsome rake Ash. Their stories come together in a highly charged and delightful fashion.
A NetGalley ARC
An interesting basis to a new series. American heiresses 'who descended on England in the late Victorian era' engaging in the London season, hoping for a titled husband. The author's note at the end of the book is quite illuminating about the practice of sending dowered daughters 'across the pond' to bring back a blue blood husband. Some 'bemoaned it as 'the tidal wave of “dollar princesses” '. Although it seems many of these men were no prize, rather total disasters. But do read this fascinating footnote.
Daisy Bumgarten has a lot to live down. Her New York debut was a total failure. I felt pained along with Daisy when we overheard the catty, disparaging comments of the New York disdaining elites.
To help her family Daisy agrees to a London season. After all she has three younger sisters lining up behind her. The trouble is Daisy finds it hard to push down the sparkling outspoken woman she really is.
So to London where Daisy's sights, or rather her sponsor's sights, have been firmly set on Arthur Graham, the sixth Duke of Meridian.
Unfortunately, Arthur's brother Lord Ashton Graham is charged with not only discovering Daisy's english antecedents, but with actively dashing her hopes. What he didn't expect was how much he would come to appreciate Daisy. Indeed, the very air sizzles between them, but Daisy must do her duty to her family. Ash as the 'spare' portrays the unenviable lot of many of those in his position. His treatment by his family and his brother's trustees is deplorable.
In all this Arthur, a retiring avid naturalist starts to develop into his own man, thanks largely to Daisy's influence and understanding. So we have the kindly, somewhat preoccupied Duke lifting his head to become aware of his estate and his trustee's actions, the dazzling Daisy and the misunderstood handsome rake Ash. Their stories come together in a highly charged and delightful fashion.
A NetGalley ARC
November 28, 2017
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
A Good Day To Marry A Duke is a victorian era romance that involves a sassy American heroine looking to marry a Titled Englishman to secure future for her sisters and a Duke's brother whose mission is to prevent any relationship forming....war lines are formed of seduction and true love....
A Good Day To Marry A Duke is a sensational read that I just couldn't get enough of and once I started reading this book I was hooked. Now I will admit I was a bit nervous about this book, because I haven't read this author in YEARS and wasn't sure if her writing would change or be the same and would I still like it and I can say that YES it is superb and I love the depth of writing here and the research is so evident in this book and I wish more regency/victorian romances were written like this one was. And an author that can make me love a love triangle...bring it on!!
The key players in this delicious romance are:
Daisy Bumgarten, our heroine, who is an American, grew up around cowboys and horses, but has wealth and needs to marry a man with a title to help her sisters.
Lord Ashton, is the younger brother of the Duke in question, protective and loving of his brother and will do anything for him. He is cunningly smart and loyal.
Duke of Meridian, Arthur Graham, is focused on his studies and research of all species of butterflies, and is secluded from society most of the time. Innocent in many ways of the world.
I will say that I had no idea that this would be such a strong love triangle, and I wouldn't put it down to equal love affair between the three characters involved. I was pretty certain the main couple would end up together, but unlike other love triangles like this one, I wasn't sure how this would play out without Arthur being really hurt in the end. So let me tell you the "zist" of the story here.
Daisy is very determined to make sure her sisters have a great future and when trying to get into the New York Society failed, she decided to go across the "pond" to London to exchange her wealth for a title and she and her mentor focus their attention on the Duke of Meridian. But before Daisy even meets the Duke in question, she stumbles across his younger brother Ashton and sparks fly between the two. But Daisy needs to marry into a title and so even though she feels more with Ashton, she wants to make an effort to win the affections of Arthur. Daisy needs to prove that her heritage is worthy of a Dukedom and while on her search, Ashton joins her and they develop a strong attachment even knowing that it could never be possible. And when Daisy and Arthur start to court and become "friends" Daisy has a difficult choice to make. Choose the man who holds her heart or the man she has already agreed to marry.
What I found most intriguing about this book is the way that this story developed. I honestly never imagined that it would turn in the way that it does. Now we have these two sexy brothers. One is the Duke and the other is the Spare. Ashton is very protective of his brother. Arthur has cared more about his research and books than being involved in the world and is always being put down by their relatives. My heart went out to Arthur who is quite innocent in the ways of the world, he hasn't ever kissed a woman until Daisy. Daisy and Arthur don't fall in love with each other but we see a strong friendship form between them and this is where it gets even more complication. Daisy doesn't wish to hurt Arthur by telling him her heart belongs with his brother. I really enjoyed seeing the bond that these three have together and seeing a happy ending happen for Ashton and Daisy. And an ending that was heartwarming, funny and lifted my spirits. A romance that will weave a place into your heart!! SIMPLY DELIGHTFUL!
A Good Day To Marry A Duke is a victorian era romance that involves a sassy American heroine looking to marry a Titled Englishman to secure future for her sisters and a Duke's brother whose mission is to prevent any relationship forming....war lines are formed of seduction and true love....
A Good Day To Marry A Duke is a sensational read that I just couldn't get enough of and once I started reading this book I was hooked. Now I will admit I was a bit nervous about this book, because I haven't read this author in YEARS and wasn't sure if her writing would change or be the same and would I still like it and I can say that YES it is superb and I love the depth of writing here and the research is so evident in this book and I wish more regency/victorian romances were written like this one was. And an author that can make me love a love triangle...bring it on!!
The key players in this delicious romance are:
Daisy Bumgarten, our heroine, who is an American, grew up around cowboys and horses, but has wealth and needs to marry a man with a title to help her sisters.
Lord Ashton, is the younger brother of the Duke in question, protective and loving of his brother and will do anything for him. He is cunningly smart and loyal.
Duke of Meridian, Arthur Graham, is focused on his studies and research of all species of butterflies, and is secluded from society most of the time. Innocent in many ways of the world.
I will say that I had no idea that this would be such a strong love triangle, and I wouldn't put it down to equal love affair between the three characters involved. I was pretty certain the main couple would end up together, but unlike other love triangles like this one, I wasn't sure how this would play out without Arthur being really hurt in the end. So let me tell you the "zist" of the story here.
Daisy is very determined to make sure her sisters have a great future and when trying to get into the New York Society failed, she decided to go across the "pond" to London to exchange her wealth for a title and she and her mentor focus their attention on the Duke of Meridian. But before Daisy even meets the Duke in question, she stumbles across his younger brother Ashton and sparks fly between the two. But Daisy needs to marry into a title and so even though she feels more with Ashton, she wants to make an effort to win the affections of Arthur. Daisy needs to prove that her heritage is worthy of a Dukedom and while on her search, Ashton joins her and they develop a strong attachment even knowing that it could never be possible. And when Daisy and Arthur start to court and become "friends" Daisy has a difficult choice to make. Choose the man who holds her heart or the man she has already agreed to marry.
What I found most intriguing about this book is the way that this story developed. I honestly never imagined that it would turn in the way that it does. Now we have these two sexy brothers. One is the Duke and the other is the Spare. Ashton is very protective of his brother. Arthur has cared more about his research and books than being involved in the world and is always being put down by their relatives. My heart went out to Arthur who is quite innocent in the ways of the world, he hasn't ever kissed a woman until Daisy. Daisy and Arthur don't fall in love with each other but we see a strong friendship form between them and this is where it gets even more complication. Daisy doesn't wish to hurt Arthur by telling him her heart belongs with his brother. I really enjoyed seeing the bond that these three have together and seeing a happy ending happen for Ashton and Daisy. And an ending that was heartwarming, funny and lifted my spirits. A romance that will weave a place into your heart!! SIMPLY DELIGHTFUL!
December 4, 2017
It was so wonderful getting to read a Betina Krahn again. Her trademark humor was in full force with Daisy and Ashton, the banter between these two made the story. My only niggle, is I wish we would have had more time with Daisy and Ashton getting to be a couple and we would have got to see Daisy rub that old cow's face in it...just sayin'. Welcome back BK!! Can't wait for Frankie's story.
October 25, 2017
Well, yay. Betina Krahn hadn't released a historical romance since 2006 and I'm happy to see this beginning to her new series, "Sin and Sensibility," which takes place in the late 1880s. The plot here isn't all that original. New-rich American girl who isn't accepted into the snobby New York Astor/Vanderbilt Knickerbocker society goes across the Pond, hoping to snare an impoverished English peer willing to trade his name and title for her money.
So somewhat uninhibited firecracker Daisy Bumgarten comes to London with her Uncle Red to be sponsored by Lady Hargrave, Countess of Kew. The countess has been hired by Daisy's family to get her entree into society and, of course, get her married off, preferably to a peer as high up the ladder as possible. Daisy's behavior in the U.S. didn't sit well with the Astors and Vanderbilts, so she's hoping for a do-over in England.
Daisy and Lady Hargrave have their sights on the Duke of Meridian, Arthur Graham. Unfortunately, Daisy and Arthur's younger brother Ashton meet first and there's an immediate attraction. But Ashton isn't even titled, except for the honorary "Lord Ashton" which comes with being a duke's second son. Not only that but he's a rake and, seemingly, a ne'er-do-well. Daisy must deny this attraction and keep her sights on the big prize, His Grace, Arthur Graham.
Two problems with this: (1) Arthur is an oblivious un-duke-like man interested only in his scientific investigations and hasn't a clue how to behave like a duke. He also seems almost asexual, lacking interest in either gender of his species. Arthur seems to have little initiative in "dukely" matters and lets his older relatives guide him in everything and run the dukedom for him. (2) Those old relatives running the dukedom for him do not have his interests at heart, by any means. And one thing in particular they do not want is for Daisy to become Arthur's duchess.
So roadblocks are put up. Daisy must find something in her pedigree which shows she has a bit of blue blood somewhere along the line or no marriage to Arthur for her. And brother Ashton is recruited by these conniving old relatives to make sure Daisy finds nothing even slightly aristocratic in her blood.
That would be it, folks. It's a very slight plot, but the romance is sweetly hot or hotly sweet (or something in between). Betina Krahn has always done good romantic relationship. My biggest questions about the story are (1) how on earth the duke could be so very innocent and obtuse, (2) why brother Ashton hadn't encouraged/pushed/egged Arthur into being more of a man as they were growing up, and (3) how there could be so many horrendous older family members in this Meridian dynasty.
This isn't quite a 4-star book for me but I gave it 4 anyway, mostly because the romance of H and h and the reformation of the rakish H is good. The story is very slight but it is written well and stylishly by Krahn. She also has created well-drawn characters in the H and h and some of the secondaries are very enjoyable and quirky.
So somewhat uninhibited firecracker Daisy Bumgarten comes to London with her Uncle Red to be sponsored by Lady Hargrave, Countess of Kew. The countess has been hired by Daisy's family to get her entree into society and, of course, get her married off, preferably to a peer as high up the ladder as possible. Daisy's behavior in the U.S. didn't sit well with the Astors and Vanderbilts, so she's hoping for a do-over in England.
Daisy and Lady Hargrave have their sights on the Duke of Meridian, Arthur Graham. Unfortunately, Daisy and Arthur's younger brother Ashton meet first and there's an immediate attraction. But Ashton isn't even titled, except for the honorary "Lord Ashton" which comes with being a duke's second son. Not only that but he's a rake and, seemingly, a ne'er-do-well. Daisy must deny this attraction and keep her sights on the big prize, His Grace, Arthur Graham.
Two problems with this: (1) Arthur is an oblivious un-duke-like man interested only in his scientific investigations and hasn't a clue how to behave like a duke. He also seems almost asexual, lacking interest in either gender of his species. Arthur seems to have little initiative in "dukely" matters and lets his older relatives guide him in everything and run the dukedom for him. (2) Those old relatives running the dukedom for him do not have his interests at heart, by any means. And one thing in particular they do not want is for Daisy to become Arthur's duchess.
So roadblocks are put up. Daisy must find something in her pedigree which shows she has a bit of blue blood somewhere along the line or no marriage to Arthur for her. And brother Ashton is recruited by these conniving old relatives to make sure Daisy finds nothing even slightly aristocratic in her blood.
That would be it, folks. It's a very slight plot, but the romance is sweetly hot or hotly sweet (or something in between). Betina Krahn has always done good romantic relationship. My biggest questions about the story are (1) how on earth the duke could be so very innocent and obtuse, (2) why brother Ashton hadn't encouraged/pushed/egged Arthur into being more of a man as they were growing up, and (3) how there could be so many horrendous older family members in this Meridian dynasty.
This isn't quite a 4-star book for me but I gave it 4 anyway, mostly because the romance of H and h and the reformation of the rakish H is good. The story is very slight but it is written well and stylishly by Krahn. She also has created well-drawn characters in the H and h and some of the secondaries are very enjoyable and quirky.
May 31, 2021
Fun but messy. Not as good as others by the author, but certainly has some colorful characters.
January 19, 2018
Welcome back Betina – it’s been a while…
Let me see, the last time I read a new book by Ms. Krahn was Make Me Yours in 2009. You know, I’ve actually seen some authors in their human forms, so I know they are not robots or aliens or something not of this earth. And, because they are human I know they all have trials and tribulations just like everyone else. So, even though I periodically checked Ms. Krahn’s website I had arrived at the conclusion that she was going to join that list of authors who have vanished from Romanceland. (That list makes me cry.) Imagine my delight when I discovered she had taken up her quill again! While I was excited, I also had some trepidation. Would the old Krahn spark still be there? Well, glad to say, yes it is! While this story does not reach the level of my alllll-time favorite Krahn, Behind Closed Doors, it is a most welcome endeavor. It is a nice to have Ms. Krahn back.
A Good Day to Marry a Duke begins the new series Sin and Sensibility by Betina Krahn. We are introduced to Daisy, a rich American heiress and also a heroine who is mighty hard to like – just so you know. Not only is she hard to like, but her reasoning at times is childish and she’s somewhat selfish. Yes, yes, everyone is selfish because we are all “self” centered but she is a harebrained selfish and that was my one quibble with this book. So, let’s get it over with.
Rant. The problem I had with Daisy was how could she not know that going against the conventional standard established for women of her time period would eventually hurt her and her family? Hanging out with the guys, passing the flask between the fellas, being out-spoken, and riding astride would all be cause for censure. Daisy’s stubbornness in flaunting the rules was irritating. It actually reminded me of an old movie with Bob Hope and Lucille Ball called Fancy Pants. Lucile Ball did the things she did because supposedly she didn’t have the proper know-how because she lived in some podunk town in the old west. Now, we are creeping up on one of my pet-peeves: the representation of “hicks” in movies, literature, news, etc. I have always been insulted when I am bombarded with images/written words which love to make out that the only culture we have is in the large cities and that country-folks are just morons who wouldn’t know a Seurat from a Delacroix. Sure, they are not exposed to some “cultural” items on a daily basis, but that doesn’t mean they can’t think. So, for this book to imply that Daisy did the things she did “because she didn’t have no learnin” pressed by buttons. I digressed. I ranted.
Anyway, it’s too bad that Ms. Krahn picked a heroine who triggered one of my aversions because the guys in the book were so very interesting. First of all we have the hero of the story, Ashton. Ashton is the wastrel-black-sheep of the family. Hardly anyone in the family likes him; he’s someone that the rest the family cannot control. But, Ashton has a weakness - his brother Arthur. He will do anything to protect his brother and if that means seducing that flamboyant American heiress Daisy away from his brother, so be it.
Secondary guys. Arthur. I loved Arthur. He was a sweet nerd – he likes flowers and bugs. Arthur could expound on any kind of bug that flew past. His mind was filled with all of those wonderful flying insects, he had no time for anything else and that included his estates, his servants, and his maybe fiancé. The only person he held in high esteem was his brother, Ashton. Arthur has been so busy with the bugs, he is still a virgin. Daisy actually is good for him and they do become friends. I loved watching Arthur emerge from his cocoon, so to speak. I also thought Ms. Krahn did an excellent job with the tangled web of Ashton, Arthur and Daisy.
Then we have Reynard, a gossip, a rake, and a man who avoids matrimonial women of all kinds. I hope we get to see him get what he deserves. There was also something going on between Daisy’s uncle Red and her chaperone. But just what that was never was explored – maybe there will be room in a novella for them.
Overall, I thought this book was a fine beginning to a series and a lovely return of an author who has been gone for a while. While I found Daisy to be irritating and the solution to Ashton and Arthur’s problem eyebrow raising - I’m not sure if legally Ashton and Arthur could do what they did, but hey, I’m not a lawyer - I do recommend this book. I think that we will probably see some pretty good writing in the books that are to follow.
KaysBlog
Let me see, the last time I read a new book by Ms. Krahn was Make Me Yours in 2009. You know, I’ve actually seen some authors in their human forms, so I know they are not robots or aliens or something not of this earth. And, because they are human I know they all have trials and tribulations just like everyone else. So, even though I periodically checked Ms. Krahn’s website I had arrived at the conclusion that she was going to join that list of authors who have vanished from Romanceland. (That list makes me cry.) Imagine my delight when I discovered she had taken up her quill again! While I was excited, I also had some trepidation. Would the old Krahn spark still be there? Well, glad to say, yes it is! While this story does not reach the level of my alllll-time favorite Krahn, Behind Closed Doors, it is a most welcome endeavor. It is a nice to have Ms. Krahn back.
A Good Day to Marry a Duke begins the new series Sin and Sensibility by Betina Krahn. We are introduced to Daisy, a rich American heiress and also a heroine who is mighty hard to like – just so you know. Not only is she hard to like, but her reasoning at times is childish and she’s somewhat selfish. Yes, yes, everyone is selfish because we are all “self” centered but she is a harebrained selfish and that was my one quibble with this book. So, let’s get it over with.
Rant. The problem I had with Daisy was how could she not know that going against the conventional standard established for women of her time period would eventually hurt her and her family? Hanging out with the guys, passing the flask between the fellas, being out-spoken, and riding astride would all be cause for censure. Daisy’s stubbornness in flaunting the rules was irritating. It actually reminded me of an old movie with Bob Hope and Lucille Ball called Fancy Pants. Lucile Ball did the things she did because supposedly she didn’t have the proper know-how because she lived in some podunk town in the old west. Now, we are creeping up on one of my pet-peeves: the representation of “hicks” in movies, literature, news, etc. I have always been insulted when I am bombarded with images/written words which love to make out that the only culture we have is in the large cities and that country-folks are just morons who wouldn’t know a Seurat from a Delacroix. Sure, they are not exposed to some “cultural” items on a daily basis, but that doesn’t mean they can’t think. So, for this book to imply that Daisy did the things she did “because she didn’t have no learnin” pressed by buttons. I digressed. I ranted.
Anyway, it’s too bad that Ms. Krahn picked a heroine who triggered one of my aversions because the guys in the book were so very interesting. First of all we have the hero of the story, Ashton. Ashton is the wastrel-black-sheep of the family. Hardly anyone in the family likes him; he’s someone that the rest the family cannot control. But, Ashton has a weakness - his brother Arthur. He will do anything to protect his brother and if that means seducing that flamboyant American heiress Daisy away from his brother, so be it.
Secondary guys. Arthur. I loved Arthur. He was a sweet nerd – he likes flowers and bugs. Arthur could expound on any kind of bug that flew past. His mind was filled with all of those wonderful flying insects, he had no time for anything else and that included his estates, his servants, and his maybe fiancé. The only person he held in high esteem was his brother, Ashton. Arthur has been so busy with the bugs, he is still a virgin. Daisy actually is good for him and they do become friends. I loved watching Arthur emerge from his cocoon, so to speak. I also thought Ms. Krahn did an excellent job with the tangled web of Ashton, Arthur and Daisy.
Then we have Reynard, a gossip, a rake, and a man who avoids matrimonial women of all kinds. I hope we get to see him get what he deserves. There was also something going on between Daisy’s uncle Red and her chaperone. But just what that was never was explored – maybe there will be room in a novella for them.
Overall, I thought this book was a fine beginning to a series and a lovely return of an author who has been gone for a while. While I found Daisy to be irritating and the solution to Ashton and Arthur’s problem eyebrow raising - I’m not sure if legally Ashton and Arthur could do what they did, but hey, I’m not a lawyer - I do recommend this book. I think that we will probably see some pretty good writing in the books that are to follow.
KaysBlog
June 18, 2020
The title is a bit misleading? You would know when you read it... Or not if you read my review ha ha.
I expect the story would be a strong, graceful and clever American heiress heroine will fall in love with the Duke although the Duke's character in the earlier part leaves much to be desired but will be building up more in character throughout the whole story. Yeah, I thought she will marry the Duke, and together they will work to fight his villainous families and slowly become infatuated with each other...
Buttttt no! This h really aggravated me, yes there some part of her that is okay, I don't like that she was being selfish to both H and the Duke, yeah she makes out and loves the H but she leads the Duke on how she likes him, want to marry and the truth is her heart belongs with someone's else, still that's unfair to the Duke that expect her whole devotion and love to him.
I like how firstly, you gonna hate the H because the possibility that he will ruin the h's chance but then his honor prevented him from crossing the line with the h and sacrificing himself for the sake of his brother's happiness and the h's future.
I totally looking forward to know how's the Duke gonna fare, which wise, graceful and bold lady gonna snag him and how it will work out for them...
I expect the story would be a strong, graceful and clever American heiress heroine will fall in love with the Duke although the Duke's character in the earlier part leaves much to be desired but will be building up more in character throughout the whole story. Yeah, I thought she will marry the Duke, and together they will work to fight his villainous families and slowly become infatuated with each other...
Buttttt no! This h really aggravated me, yes there some part of her that is okay, I don't like that she was being selfish to both H and the Duke, yeah she makes out and loves the H but she leads the Duke on how she likes him, want to marry and the truth is her heart belongs with someone's else, still that's unfair to the Duke that expect her whole devotion and love to him.
I like how firstly, you gonna hate the H because the possibility that he will ruin the h's chance but then his honor prevented him from crossing the line with the h and sacrificing himself for the sake of his brother's happiness and the h's future.
I totally looking forward to know how's the Duke gonna fare, which wise, graceful and bold lady gonna snag him and how it will work out for them...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 11, 2019
Oh man! I was so excited to see Betina Krahn had some new HR books coming out and I couldn't wait to read this series.
Unfortunately, this series involves American silver-mining heiress sisters being pushed by their social climbing mother to journey to London and try to land themselves a duke or two. Which is fine, I've seen this plot idea before. But for me, it did NOT work here. This particular heroine Daisy was written so over-the-top American cowgirl, I was embarrassed for her. You can take the girl out of the Wild West saloon, but you can't take the Wild West saloon behaviour out of the girl. She was in your face rude, a loud mouth, an over-all embarrassment to Americans. It was alluded to the fact that our heroine was not a blushing virgin either, over and over again. The heroine's drunk uncle was also a huge embarrassment for the family (although they weren't aware that they should be embarrassed). Getting soused at balls, being loud and obnoxious with his country drawl.... So mixing the two cultures didn't work here for me, it was like reading about two different time periods at once, it clashed horribly.
Unfortunately, this series involves American silver-mining heiress sisters being pushed by their social climbing mother to journey to London and try to land themselves a duke or two. Which is fine, I've seen this plot idea before. But for me, it did NOT work here. This particular heroine Daisy was written so over-the-top American cowgirl, I was embarrassed for her. You can take the girl out of the Wild West saloon, but you can't take the Wild West saloon behaviour out of the girl. She was in your face rude, a loud mouth, an over-all embarrassment to Americans. It was alluded to the fact that our heroine was not a blushing virgin either, over and over again. The heroine's drunk uncle was also a huge embarrassment for the family (although they weren't aware that they should be embarrassed). Getting soused at balls, being loud and obnoxious with his country drawl.... So mixing the two cultures didn't work here for me, it was like reading about two different time periods at once, it clashed horribly.
December 2, 2017
In the late Victorian era, a new breed of debutante entered the London Marriage Mart. They were the 'dollar princesses', young women whose families had made incredible amounts of money in America from mining, railroads and the like, and whose ambitious mamas wanted them to marry exceedingly well.
A Good Day To Marry A Duke tells the fictional tale of one such 'dollar princess', Daisy Bumgarten, whose family found a fortune in silver in Nevada. Strong-willed, spirited, and seeing absolutely no reason why she can't do whatever she wishes, Daisy commits a social faux pas of such epic proportions in New York that her family have no choice but to launch her in London and hope she can snag a title high enough to smooth over such past indiscretions.
Did I say epic proportions? When Mrs John Jacob Astor herself condemns you as a brazen hussy without breeding, manners, or taste... only a duke will do to make amends. Realizing the magnitude of her mistake and the fate her actions may have condemned her three younger sisters to, Daisy is determined to make herself into the perfectly marriageable debutante.
The only problem is that the selected duke, while young, reasonably handsome and really quite sweet, is frankly as dull as ditchwater. His younger brother, on the other hand, is everything Daisy knows she should stay well away from. Unfortunately, Ashton doesn't seem inclined to stay well away from her.
Can I just say how much I absolutely adored Daisy? Her unquenchable spirit was so refreshing to read, and I really didn't know until the end exactly how things were going to turn out. This is the first in a series called Sin and Sensibility, the next book to feature Daisy's younger sister Frances, and I cannot give A Good Day To Marry A Duke higher praise than to say I am absolutely itching to read the next in the series. Bravo, Betina Krahn. This was amazing, well-researched, beautifully written and with characters I utterly adored. Five stars.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review through NetGalley.
A Good Day To Marry A Duke tells the fictional tale of one such 'dollar princess', Daisy Bumgarten, whose family found a fortune in silver in Nevada. Strong-willed, spirited, and seeing absolutely no reason why she can't do whatever she wishes, Daisy commits a social faux pas of such epic proportions in New York that her family have no choice but to launch her in London and hope she can snag a title high enough to smooth over such past indiscretions.
Did I say epic proportions? When Mrs John Jacob Astor herself condemns you as a brazen hussy without breeding, manners, or taste... only a duke will do to make amends. Realizing the magnitude of her mistake and the fate her actions may have condemned her three younger sisters to, Daisy is determined to make herself into the perfectly marriageable debutante.
The only problem is that the selected duke, while young, reasonably handsome and really quite sweet, is frankly as dull as ditchwater. His younger brother, on the other hand, is everything Daisy knows she should stay well away from. Unfortunately, Ashton doesn't seem inclined to stay well away from her.
Can I just say how much I absolutely adored Daisy? Her unquenchable spirit was so refreshing to read, and I really didn't know until the end exactly how things were going to turn out. This is the first in a series called Sin and Sensibility, the next book to feature Daisy's younger sister Frances, and I cannot give A Good Day To Marry A Duke higher praise than to say I am absolutely itching to read the next in the series. Bravo, Betina Krahn. This was amazing, well-researched, beautifully written and with characters I utterly adored. Five stars.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review through NetGalley.
July 18, 2017
What a nice change to see that that the second son is dashing whilst the Duke is quiet and shy. ‘A good day to marry a duke’ by Betina Krahn follows American Daisy Bungarten who is sent to London in 1890, two years after her raucous behaviour at the Bellington Hunt in New York State. Daisy was scandalous: she rode astride and drank whisky, ending any chance for her sisters and her to be accepted into society. Her mother, Elizabeth believes Daisy’s marriage into London gentry is the only salvation for her sisters, so Daisy is determined to marry a Duke. However, Lord Ashton Graham is instructed by his family to steer Daisy clear of his older brother, Arthur. In his attempt to ruin Daisy, Ash follows Daisy in her quest to authenticate her family. Along the way, he discovers that there is more to Daisy than what his family believes. The only problem is, that Arthur also begins to feel the same way. I really loved the characters of Ashton and Daisy but the instant attraction between the pair made for a good story.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 19, 2019
I'll be honest, at the beginning of the book I didn't know if I would finish it. I wasn't impressed with either of the main characters.
We first meet Daisy at a hunt in New York. She's determined to be herself and believes that her ability to ride and drink with the boys will win them over, despite her mother's stern instructions about how a lady is supposed to behave at one of these events. She doesn't believe her until they overhear some of society's top matrons discussing her and declaring her brazen, new money trash that none of them will invite to events or allow their sons near. And that's the end of Daisy's career as an American debutante. I know Daisy was raised on a ranch out west, but honestly I found her attitude in the prologue really annoying. We're supposed to get that she's headstrong, but I have never thought of that as a virtue when it leads to you not being able to listen to others who might know more than you.
However, Daisy feels so guilty that she has ruined not only her own chances but those of her three younger sisters that she finds an English countess to sponsor her overseas, and spends the next two years learning how to be the perfect debutante so she can find a noble spouse. And yet, in the first scene in the present, she's still bitching about her sponsor's rules and trying to get out of doing them. I sort of thought the point of the previous two years was that she was learning how to behave correctly, but whatever. She grew on me after that because she's willing to sacrifice everything - her comfort, her happiness - for the good of her family. (She also wants a little bit to bring a titled husband back to New York to throw it in those mean biddies' faces, but honestly, I don't blame her because I probably would have felt the same.)
Ashton took a bit longer to sell me on. I'm used to romance novels having a hero who's a rake, but normally when we see his POV, it's revealed that he's not all bad, or he's secretly gentlemanly and would never harm a lady. Ashton not so much! His goal at the beginning is to ruin Daisy's chances with his brother, however possible. And while he is motivated by protecting his brother, he's also after the allowance the family elders give him for doing it. It was good to see him go through the journey of becoming a better person, not for Daisy necessarily, but because of her and her influence on him.
I thought the family elders's reactions to Daisy was a bit extreme. At that point, American dollar princesses had been coming over and bailing out noble families for 20 years, so it wasn't like she was the first to have this idea. And considering that they were all being supported by the duke, I would have thought that having a fresh infusion of cash would be welcome. However, I know prejudices don't always make sense.
We first meet Daisy at a hunt in New York. She's determined to be herself and believes that her ability to ride and drink with the boys will win them over, despite her mother's stern instructions about how a lady is supposed to behave at one of these events. She doesn't believe her until they overhear some of society's top matrons discussing her and declaring her brazen, new money trash that none of them will invite to events or allow their sons near. And that's the end of Daisy's career as an American debutante. I know Daisy was raised on a ranch out west, but honestly I found her attitude in the prologue really annoying. We're supposed to get that she's headstrong, but I have never thought of that as a virtue when it leads to you not being able to listen to others who might know more than you.
However, Daisy feels so guilty that she has ruined not only her own chances but those of her three younger sisters that she finds an English countess to sponsor her overseas, and spends the next two years learning how to be the perfect debutante so she can find a noble spouse. And yet, in the first scene in the present, she's still bitching about her sponsor's rules and trying to get out of doing them. I sort of thought the point of the previous two years was that she was learning how to behave correctly, but whatever. She grew on me after that because she's willing to sacrifice everything - her comfort, her happiness - for the good of her family. (She also wants a little bit to bring a titled husband back to New York to throw it in those mean biddies' faces, but honestly, I don't blame her because I probably would have felt the same.)
Ashton took a bit longer to sell me on. I'm used to romance novels having a hero who's a rake, but normally when we see his POV, it's revealed that he's not all bad, or he's secretly gentlemanly and would never harm a lady. Ashton not so much! His goal at the beginning is to ruin Daisy's chances with his brother, however possible. And while he is motivated by protecting his brother, he's also after the allowance the family elders give him for doing it. It was good to see him go through the journey of becoming a better person, not for Daisy necessarily, but because of her and her influence on him.
I thought the family elders's reactions to Daisy was a bit extreme. At that point, American dollar princesses had been coming over and bailing out noble families for 20 years, so it wasn't like she was the first to have this idea. And considering that they were all being supported by the duke, I would have thought that having a fresh infusion of cash would be welcome. However, I know prejudices don't always make sense.
November 28, 2017
What happens when an American heiress comes to London to find a husband? All kind of delightful intrigues! Daisy Bumgarten has not fared well in American society due to her being uninhibited and impulsive by nature along with being "new money. Coming to England so that her sisters might have a better chance for good marriages with her out of the picture, has her sponsored by Lady Hargrave. Countess of Kew. Striving to get Daisy married off hopefully to a peer has its own challenges for the Countess. Their sights are on Arthur Graham, the Duke of Meridian. But with Arthur seeming to be only interested in his scientific endeavors, it becomes for difficult for Daisy to catch his attention.. Then Daisy meets Ashton, the Duke's younger brother and feels more of an attraction. Ashton, known as a rake and wastrel, is determined to keep Daisy away from his brother. All of the Duke's relatives want to see her fail but she tries to stay focused on winning her Duke. As Ashton and Daisy interact more the attraction becomes evident but is fought at every chance. This is a sweet, emotional read that will find you turning the pages to see what will happen. I look forward to more books in this series and know you will too!
October 10, 2017
After her disastrous debut in New York, Daisy Bumgarten has arrived in England to find a titled husband. Under the tutelage of a friend and countess, Daisy is learning the ways and responsibilities of becoming a duchess. Lord Ashton Graham has been sent to spy on Daisy, and to find out if she’s worthy of marriage to a duke. When they set eyes on each other, they realize that her chances of happily ever after with the duke may not be in the cards.
This was a great historical romance with wonderful characters that you either love, or love to hate. I admired Daisy’s free spirit, and dedication to her family. I liked how the author showed that a wealthy upbringing doesn’t mean you know how to be respectful toward others. The story was slow to begin with, but the ending was satisfying and made me want to read more from this author. I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was a great historical romance with wonderful characters that you either love, or love to hate. I admired Daisy’s free spirit, and dedication to her family. I liked how the author showed that a wealthy upbringing doesn’t mean you know how to be respectful toward others. The story was slow to begin with, but the ending was satisfying and made me want to read more from this author. I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 27, 2020
This was a frustrating series. I liked the writing alright, I kind of liked the characters...but I didn't enjoy the stories nor the romances all that much.
To be honest, I can't even explain it. It was all a bit boring, and frustrating. Oh so frustrating.
This one... I won't get into details, but for future me: just picture this:
she led on one brother because he was a duke and she wanted a duke, and she secretly hooked up with his younger brother, and then when they discovered this, SHE SAID THAT IT DOESN'T MATTER WHO WILL BE WAITING FOR HER AT THE ALTAR, THAT SHE JUST WANTS ONE OF THEM TO SHOW UP.
Da fak...?!
So yeah, don't reread the series. You're welcome.
Also, you might wonder why I continued with the rest of the books in the series. That's cause I was curious as to who ends up with whom and how all that ordeal with Arthur will play out. I actually liked book 3 the most, I believe. Still not good enough to reread.
To be honest, I can't even explain it. It was all a bit boring, and frustrating. Oh so frustrating.
This one... I won't get into details, but for future me: just picture this:
she led on one brother because he was a duke and she wanted a duke, and she secretly hooked up with his younger brother, and then when they discovered this, SHE SAID THAT IT DOESN'T MATTER WHO WILL BE WAITING FOR HER AT THE ALTAR, THAT SHE JUST WANTS ONE OF THEM TO SHOW UP.
Da fak...?!
So yeah, don't reread the series. You're welcome.
Also, you might wonder why I continued with the rest of the books in the series. That's cause I was curious as to who ends up with whom and how all that ordeal with Arthur will play out. I actually liked book 3 the most, I believe. Still not good enough to reread.
August 7, 2017
A Good Day To Marry A Duke ticks many boxes for an engaging read. American 'Daisy' Bumgarten is in training in England to snare a duke after her disastrous debut.
Growing up in Nevada where being an unrepentant tomboy is a good thing...she had no idea that New York society was full of snobby witches.
After being talked about and shunned, she made up her mind to snare a lord to increase her sister's chance at marriage and engaged a countess with monetary issues to help her find and snare one.
Her mission is full of trials, humor and falling for the right/wrong man.
I expected a good tale...but found it to be more than I expected. Loved it.
I requested and received an ARC from Netgalley, but my opinions are my own.
Growing up in Nevada where being an unrepentant tomboy is a good thing...she had no idea that New York society was full of snobby witches.
After being talked about and shunned, she made up her mind to snare a lord to increase her sister's chance at marriage and engaged a countess with monetary issues to help her find and snare one.
Her mission is full of trials, humor and falling for the right/wrong man.
I expected a good tale...but found it to be more than I expected. Loved it.
I requested and received an ARC from Netgalley, but my opinions are my own.
April 9, 2019
American heiress Daisy Bumgarten flees a scandal-ridden past to barge upon the aristocracy in England. She’s set her sights on marrying a duke and hopes to return to New York and show up the snobs there. But instead, she falls for the Duke’s brother, Lord Ashton Graham. His family won’t stand for her common ways and enlists Ashton in pursuing her downfall. However, they don’t count on him falling for the delightfully unpredictable American. An easy-to-read captivating romance.
March 23, 2019
Such a delight to read--everything you wanted from a fun, well-paced historical romance. Characters could be a little more original, and feminism definitely wasn't at 100%, but still pretty darn good for the genre.
October 24, 2018
I enjoyed this book. The relationship between the brothers was handled well. The heroine may have been a bit over the top with her horseback riding and Arizona ways, but she was delightful as well.
December 2, 2019
3 stars - Historical Romance
June 22, 2021
Not my kind of book or writing, it was too slow and the characters too bland.
May 4, 2023
Pretty good! Perfectly serviceable. I think the humor was slightly slapstick in some areas and the ending was terribly rushed. I’ll definitely be reading the rest of the books in the series, though!
December 15, 2025
Did not finish-this book did not appeal to me at all. Maybe I'll finish it later.
April 29, 2018
This was adorable -- no deep thinking, just a lot of fun. Daisy wants a Duke to marry and give her rich family some class. Falls for the duke's brother instead. Lots of interesting characters, especially Daisy's uncle. I giggled a lot and kept reading -- Daisy was too smart for all of them.
July 24, 2017
I really liked this book. It does need some serious editing, it detracts from the story. There needs to be a formal table of contents. All that being said, this book kept me engaged. I liked the heroine's, Dasiy's, persistence and perseverance. She does not give up. She was told by her mother that her behavior has not only ruined her chances to marry well but, her sister's as well. She would much rather be living on the ranch in Nevada, than trying to land a husband with a title ( England) or a husband who is a member of the 400 (U.S.A.).She decides to enlist the help of her Uncle and a Countess as a way to fix her mistake. She decides on a Duke, Arthur, whose family is in serious need of cash. The Duke is oblivious to what is detached from the world around him. His younger brother, Ashton, however, is not. He has been set the task by the Aunts and Uncles that raised the brothers to discredit and humiliate Dasiy. There are a couple of small mysteries, some action and adventure, romance, and a happily ever after. You need to read the book and see what exactly happens and how it ends. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
July 17, 2017
I fell in love with Ashton the man was sexy and he just oozed power, “there we disagree, sweet Daisy. My core is perfectly sound. If you’ll permit me to demonstrate—” He grabbed her hand and reeled her against him, never taking his gaze from hers..." Ashton is not afraid to step outside the box, “scoot over,” he said, lowering himself into the impossibly small area left unoccupied. “Make room, Daisy. Unless you’d prefer that I sit on your lap.” I liked this book, I seriously loved Ashton.
November 23, 2017
I tried really hard to love this novel. The synopsis sounded good, the story started off strong, and I thought for sure this would be a four or five star read. Initially I loved Daisy. She was the kind of head strong, I-do-what-I-want kind of girls that I can't help but adore. Sure, she made some mistakes, but what young person doesn't?
And then Ashton appeared. And time and again, it was all about the carnal pleasures with these two. No, they didn't have sex, but they were constantly kissing, and touching, and just generally being inappropriate with each other. And yes, ok, I get it they are attracted to one another on a primal level. They have chemistry. But every time they get together? It was too much. I think the story would have been more enjoyable if these two did exactly what they did in terms of getting to know each other, without trying to paw each other EVERY TIME they came in contact. Once or twice? Sure!
Finally, there is poor Arthur. He deserved so much more than what he got; yes with Daisy, but more so with his own family. I loved seeing him finally stand up to his uncles and really come into himself as a character. I think out of all the characters he had the biggest story ARC, and I hope to see him get his happily ever after in a future story. I would also like to see more of Daisy's sisters, and Ashton's friend -appropriately nicknamed the fox. We got a glimpse of these characters (some more than others), and I would love to see what happens with them.
Overall, I do believe this story will still appeal to those who enjoy slightly unconventional romance novels. I would read more from this author!
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
And then Ashton appeared. And time and again, it was all about the carnal pleasures with these two. No, they didn't have sex, but they were constantly kissing, and touching, and just generally being inappropriate with each other. And yes, ok, I get it they are attracted to one another on a primal level. They have chemistry. But every time they get together? It was too much. I think the story would have been more enjoyable if these two did exactly what they did in terms of getting to know each other, without trying to paw each other EVERY TIME they came in contact. Once or twice? Sure!
Finally, there is poor Arthur. He deserved so much more than what he got; yes with Daisy, but more so with his own family. I loved seeing him finally stand up to his uncles and really come into himself as a character. I think out of all the characters he had the biggest story ARC, and I hope to see him get his happily ever after in a future story. I would also like to see more of Daisy's sisters, and Ashton's friend -appropriately nicknamed the fox. We got a glimpse of these characters (some more than others), and I would love to see what happens with them.
Overall, I do believe this story will still appeal to those who enjoy slightly unconventional romance novels. I would read more from this author!
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
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