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Unlikely Match #1
An American In Duke's Clothing
She loves him. He loves her. Too bad he is engaged to her sister. When unexpected deaths leave Tad Wentworth as the heir to an English title, he leaves his American homeland to fulfill his duty. Upon arriving in the country, he discovers an arranged marriage is part of the plan. But when his affections guide him toward a different lady, he must decide if he will follow his heart or his head. Violet Allen’s questionable past has left her with few friends. When she meets a dashing stranger who shows interest in her, she allows herself to dream of a future with him. Until she discovers the stranger is not only a Duke but is also engaged to her sister. As her feelings for him grow, she must decide if she will be loyal to her sister or her heart.
290 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2018
300 people are currently reading
285 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
February 10, 2019
I really liked the beginning of this. Sadly it got a little boring. I really liked some of the characters but sadly was frustrated by the repeated themes. I put it down half way thinking I might not be giving this author a chance and picked it back up again a week later and still was irritated. The leading lady was just too much for me. This was a clean read with a bit of violence, there is a kidnapping and a fight.
March 14, 2021
I award four and one-half stars for this work. As my second experience with a regency romance by Ms. Strunk, I continue to be impressed by her ability to spin a yarn that is believable and entertaining with a bit of mystery and suspense thrown in. I found it unique to a regency romance that our hero, Tad, and his best friend are actually Americans rather than English. Even more unusual, Tad acquires the title of Duke of Shearsby when his uncle passes unexpectedly.
Another somewhat unique element to this story is that of possibly two separate love triangles. The first love triangle includes our hero, Tad, and the two Allen sisters, Violet (who loves Tad), and her sister, Rose (who is allegedly is engaged to Tad). We might also have a second triangle if we include the villain, Roger McPhail (a friend from childhood who claims to love Violet), and our hero, Tad (who also loves Violet). McPhail is the definite villain in this story.
Yet another somewhat unique element of this story is the workings of regency customs regarding betrothals. Tad learns that his uncle, before passing away, has formally committed him to marry Rose Allen, the eldest daughter of a close friend. What complicates things is that Rose is not mentioned in the agreement by name. The family decides the betrothal is to the eldest unmarried daughter. When Rose first meets Tad, it is assumed she is the one he shall marry because she was the eldest unmarried daughter. Things become complicated when Tad develops feelings for Violet, the younger sister. If he breaks the engagement to Rose, she will be shamed by society and any prospect of a good marriage match in the future will disappear. It is very interesting how this situation is resolved by Ms. Strunk.
Finally, let me address why I did not award a full five-star to this story. Anyone familiar with titles in Regency England knows that those who hold a title have can be addressed by the name they receive at birth or by their title if they are titled. Also, a person’s title can change as they ascend in rank. This creates a challenge to authors of Regency fiction. In this work, I became frequently confused because the author was not consistent in how a person was identified in the text. i.e., both Rose and Violet could be identified as Miss Allen. In several instances, the title Miss Allen was used when it could refer to either Rose or Violet thus requiring backtracking to discover which Miss Allen was meant. A similar problem came up several times.
Another somewhat unique element to this story is that of possibly two separate love triangles. The first love triangle includes our hero, Tad, and the two Allen sisters, Violet (who loves Tad), and her sister, Rose (who is allegedly is engaged to Tad). We might also have a second triangle if we include the villain, Roger McPhail (a friend from childhood who claims to love Violet), and our hero, Tad (who also loves Violet). McPhail is the definite villain in this story.
Yet another somewhat unique element of this story is the workings of regency customs regarding betrothals. Tad learns that his uncle, before passing away, has formally committed him to marry Rose Allen, the eldest daughter of a close friend. What complicates things is that Rose is not mentioned in the agreement by name. The family decides the betrothal is to the eldest unmarried daughter. When Rose first meets Tad, it is assumed she is the one he shall marry because she was the eldest unmarried daughter. Things become complicated when Tad develops feelings for Violet, the younger sister. If he breaks the engagement to Rose, she will be shamed by society and any prospect of a good marriage match in the future will disappear. It is very interesting how this situation is resolved by Ms. Strunk.
Finally, let me address why I did not award a full five-star to this story. Anyone familiar with titles in Regency England knows that those who hold a title have can be addressed by the name they receive at birth or by their title if they are titled. Also, a person’s title can change as they ascend in rank. This creates a challenge to authors of Regency fiction. In this work, I became frequently confused because the author was not consistent in how a person was identified in the text. i.e., both Rose and Violet could be identified as Miss Allen. In several instances, the title Miss Allen was used when it could refer to either Rose or Violet thus requiring backtracking to discover which Miss Allen was meant. A similar problem came up several times.
October 1, 2025
This is the first in the Unlikely Match series. (Although there is a prequel novella that is the duke's parents' story) It is a kisses-only Regency Era romance.
I've owned the ebook for a very long time and have really wanted to read it. I quite accidentally found the audio available to me on Hoopla and immediately proceeded to download my first Hoopla listen!
Some may have an issue with a possible "trope" if they stretched it. But personally I really enjoyed the story! I wish I could find the rest of the series I audio.
I really also enjoyed listening to the narrator.
I've owned the ebook for a very long time and have really wanted to read it. I quite accidentally found the audio available to me on Hoopla and immediately proceeded to download my first Hoopla listen!
Some may have an issue with a possible "trope" if they stretched it. But personally I really enjoyed the story! I wish I could find the rest of the series I audio.
I really also enjoyed listening to the narrator.
January 4, 2025
I wish we had heard more about the experiences of Tad and Dawson as impressed sailors, but it is a cool bit of history to write about!
The book needs editing—the missing words and typos really threw me off while reading.
The book needs editing—the missing words and typos really threw me off while reading.
December 30, 2018
Interesting story! I really enjoyed the plot of this one, as you had the heroine falling in love with her sister’s intended while being pursued by a really evil villain.
December 29, 2023
♥ Insanely vague spoilers (3rd paragraph) ♥
I enjoyed the story and honestly liked the characters and stuff. However! Grammatical and, more often, straight-up-editing mistakes were aplenty. It didn't bother me because I just kept reading (and added the words that weren't present but needed: fixed words that weren't correct/conjugated correctly) because I was having fun with the story! The errors are much more glaring in the second half (ESPECIALLY closer to the end), so it felt like it was a rushed job. A lot of the chapter beginning and endings were abrupt and so soooo much of the dialog felt nonsensical and out of place-- almost as if it were written for a passage that had been deleted during editing... and not modified to reflect those changes!
But this book also had a lot of things I like in it, so I don't want to harp on about those weirdnesses in the writing. I liked Tad :] and Dawson and Violet. Not gonna lie it took me a while to catch on that Miss Standish was Jessica-- and Aunt Standish was Lady Rachel-- and so on and so forth with naming conventions/whatever that'd be called screwing me up!! But that's a me issue. I do wonder why Rose is Miss Allen rather than Miss Rose, though!
Enjoyed the setting and the characters and thought the misunderstandings served the plot well, and the conniving of certain characters was engaging enough. I really loved Chapter 14 ♥♥♥!!! My favie by sooooo much I'm such a sucker for first-aid/injury care things UGHH. And loved the assertiveness Tad showed in this chapter as well!! Enjoyed Tad and Dawson's relationship throughout, but wish we could've seen a little bit more of it. A lot of this book felt oddly comforting? And Violet was quite a sympathetic character, and I like that she owns up to what she may have done wrong. A lot of characters sort of own up/come clean in this book, and I think I really needed to read some of the conversations had in this book-- like the one Violet has with her father in the latter half. A very clean romance!!!
The book dragged a little bit. That does not mean I didn't still enjoy it. But it was definitely not 4-stars or above... I wish goodreads had the same feature as letterboxd where I could heart a book but rate it still on the 1-5 scale!!!! Because I liked this book but it's solidly a 3-star read.
I enjoyed the story and honestly liked the characters and stuff. However! Grammatical and, more often, straight-up-editing mistakes were aplenty. It didn't bother me because I just kept reading (and added the words that weren't present but needed: fixed words that weren't correct/conjugated correctly) because I was having fun with the story! The errors are much more glaring in the second half (ESPECIALLY closer to the end), so it felt like it was a rushed job. A lot of the chapter beginning and endings were abrupt and so soooo much of the dialog felt nonsensical and out of place-- almost as if it were written for a passage that had been deleted during editing... and not modified to reflect those changes!
But this book also had a lot of things I like in it, so I don't want to harp on about those weirdnesses in the writing. I liked Tad :] and Dawson and Violet. Not gonna lie it took me a while to catch on that Miss Standish was Jessica-- and Aunt Standish was Lady Rachel-- and so on and so forth with naming conventions/whatever that'd be called screwing me up!! But that's a me issue. I do wonder why Rose is Miss Allen rather than Miss Rose, though!
Enjoyed the setting and the characters and thought the misunderstandings served the plot well, and the conniving of certain characters was engaging enough. I really loved Chapter 14 ♥♥♥!!! My favie by sooooo much I'm such a sucker for first-aid/injury care things UGHH. And loved the assertiveness Tad showed in this chapter as well!! Enjoyed Tad and Dawson's relationship throughout, but wish we could've seen a little bit more of it. A lot of this book felt oddly comforting? And Violet was quite a sympathetic character, and I like that she owns up to what she may have done wrong. A lot of characters sort of own up/come clean in this book, and I think I really needed to read some of the conversations had in this book-- like the one Violet has with her father in the latter half. A very clean romance!!!
The book dragged a little bit. That does not mean I didn't still enjoy it. But it was definitely not 4-stars or above... I wish goodreads had the same feature as letterboxd where I could heart a book but rate it still on the 1-5 scale!!!! Because I liked this book but it's solidly a 3-star read.
November 7, 2018
I loved this book! Violet and Tad are such wonderful people and they are perfect for each other. Unfortunately, duty gets in the way. This story pulled me right in. Everytime I would tell myself I had to stop at the next break, there would be something that happened and I just had to continue. Unfortunately, life also has to continue, so I did have to stop occasionally. This is a fun story with plenty of wit, romance and intrigue.
November 6, 2018
Really enjoyed this new (to me?) author's book. First, I had never thought about how the general folk of England would feel about Yanks after the wars so that was an interesting part of the story to me. Second, while I was able to surmise the ending fairly early, knowing there would be a hea, I really enjoyed the journey which did have some surprises. Heartily endorse and recommend this.
November 25, 2018
Fabulous & clean book!
I loved this book and read it all at once so I wouldn’t put it down. Delightful characters that had me laughing out loud and falling in love with them. Great new author I will follow from now on.
I loved this book and read it all at once so I wouldn’t put it down. Delightful characters that had me laughing out loud and falling in love with them. Great new author I will follow from now on.
April 19, 2020
I enjoyed the story. I loved Tad and his relaxed but caring ways. I found him pretty swoony. Violet I felt a little sorry for. She was pretty picked on, neglected in recent years by her father and had not made good choices in what company she kept. But enter Tad in his sweet concern and she could swoon too. Rose was a horrible sister/person and I have little hope of being able to like her at all in her own book but I suppose she will in some way be likable when we see more of her inner self. But in this book she is very self centered, shallow and selfish. Did not like her at all. And I think Violet is too kind to her. I did enjoy Dawson though so I'm looking forward to his story. The villain is quite evil and I'm rather hoping he ends up rotting in jail... ha ha.
Overall, it is a fun story and I spent much of the book trying to guess what path it would take to get to a satisfactory resolve. I got some of it right. Now on to book 2...
Sex: no
Language: no
Violence: some fisticuffs, shooting, threatened with and blood drawn by a knife, kidnapping.
Overall, it is a fun story and I spent much of the book trying to guess what path it would take to get to a satisfactory resolve. I got some of it right. Now on to book 2...
Sex: no
Language: no
Violence: some fisticuffs, shooting, threatened with and blood drawn by a knife, kidnapping.
May 4, 2020
I loved this regency romance. I thought the main characters were just lovely. The story was engaging.
Is it just me that HATED sister Rose? I did not like at the end how Violet just forgave her sooooo easily. Even the epilogue was about forgiving Rose. ARGH. I chose to skip over the 2nd book that has Rose falling in love with a Baron. I just could not get over her pettiness and getting her sister, Violet, into real and violent danger many times and then acting like they were even. What a total brat. Needless to say, I skipped to the third book and every time they mention Rose's name and how Tad is supposed to just be hunky dory with her now, I roll my eyes.
I recently found Mindy Burbridge Strunk on kindle unlimited and besides Rose I have loved all her books. I really enjoy easy reads where I can go to sleep not thinking about real life with violence, murders, kidnappings and viruses taking over.
Is it just me that HATED sister Rose? I did not like at the end how Violet just forgave her sooooo easily. Even the epilogue was about forgiving Rose. ARGH. I chose to skip over the 2nd book that has Rose falling in love with a Baron. I just could not get over her pettiness and getting her sister, Violet, into real and violent danger many times and then acting like they were even. What a total brat. Needless to say, I skipped to the third book and every time they mention Rose's name and how Tad is supposed to just be hunky dory with her now, I roll my eyes.
I recently found Mindy Burbridge Strunk on kindle unlimited and besides Rose I have loved all her books. I really enjoy easy reads where I can go to sleep not thinking about real life with violence, murders, kidnappings and viruses taking over.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 26, 2021
First in the series, but I've now read three (or is it four?) of them. Another romance series with the characters of the first introducing the characters of the next and the next and so forth. It's a group of Regency folks this time, in England, and it mixes in a few Americans and a Russian at this point. Believe it or not, it's a very tightly-knit group. They keep each other's secrets, help each other physically and financially, and are best friends. The two lovers are never the intended ones in the beginning. There's a life or reputation in danger. Someone's new to their title or far apart in titles. You know, the usual stuff for Regency romances, but it seems like Ms. Strunk does them a bit more exciting than I've seen in awhile. Much in the way of Stephanie Laurens with her series. I just keep reading 📚 them. Recommended
January 24, 2019
Mindy Strunk’s characters were fun to read and I enjoyed the story line. There is an art to sharing just enough information to satisfy but withholding enough to keep you interested. I felt that balance was a little off at times, but not enough to truly distract from the overall story line.
The character depth and development is what really pulled me into the story. Not just Violet and Tad, but Dawson and the family relations as well. Mindy Strunk created some great secondary characters that I hope we’ll get to see more of. 3.5 stars.
https://bookconfessionsblog.wordpress...
The character depth and development is what really pulled me into the story. Not just Violet and Tad, but Dawson and the family relations as well. Mindy Strunk created some great secondary characters that I hope we’ll get to see more of. 3.5 stars.
https://bookconfessionsblog.wordpress...
May 17, 2025
Violet and Tad
I love the name Violet, so I was immediately attracted to the character. Poor girl has not always been treated well, but still has a pleasant personality. Tad also has some experiences in his past which would give a person PTSD, but it doesn't seem to affect his personality. He is basically perfect except when he gets into a fight with his best friend.
The story is good. It keeps you wondering how Mindy Strunk will resolve some of the conflicts.
I must mention that in the copy I read the editing was atrocious. There were confusing mistakes on almost every page. I wonder why it was sent to press like that.
I love the name Violet, so I was immediately attracted to the character. Poor girl has not always been treated well, but still has a pleasant personality. Tad also has some experiences in his past which would give a person PTSD, but it doesn't seem to affect his personality. He is basically perfect except when he gets into a fight with his best friend.
The story is good. It keeps you wondering how Mindy Strunk will resolve some of the conflicts.
I must mention that in the copy I read the editing was atrocious. There were confusing mistakes on almost every page. I wonder why it was sent to press like that.
July 21, 2025
This was sweet! I loved the forbidden love that developed between Tad and Violet. Tad is such a great guy, and I really enjoyed his character a lot. Coming from the States, and then being thrown into a Dukedom AND an arranged marriage? I can't even imagine that kind of pressure. He takes to the role so well, and really grows throughout the story. I also really loved Violet, and even having already read Rose's story, I don't know how Violet manages so much kindness toward her sister lol. She's not my favorite person haha. The romantic tension was really well done in this book. Loved this story!
January 12, 2019
“Bound by duty,” Thaddeus Wentworth will rise to uphold his family honor and responsibility. He’d been prepared for everything but her. Violet Allen has “no prospects and no hope.” Rumors and shame will forever stain her name and reputation. This fun frolic contains elements of scandal and propriety, mischief and mayhem. I really enjoyed the subtle flirtations and gentle romance. McPhail was truly despicable and detestable. I found myself wishing for even more American slip ups. Overall a fun and enjoyable story.
January 4, 2019
4 1/2 stars really because of the love triangle aspect. I dislike triangles as a whole, but she handled it well. The story was fun and light. I enjoyed the characters and especially the early aspect of an American in England right after the War of 1812. The author has a good way with words that kept her story moving along and entertaining. It was a nice read while I was home bound recovering from being sick.
June 7, 2019
An American in Duke's Clothing was an enjoyable historical romance. In 1816, arranged marriages weren't unheard of. Tad Wentworth discovers that besides becoming a duke, his uncle has arranged a marriage for him. The trouble is Tad does not love his betrothed. He has fallen in love with her sister! It didn't take me long to get caught up in this story. I read it in one sitting! I enjoyed the characters, the setting, and the adventure.
August 22, 2019
An American in Duke 's Clothing (Book 1) By Mindy Burbidge Strunk
Four stars, should have been three.. Violet love the Duke but he was apon arriving in England finds himself engage to her conniving sister Rose.. He wanted to honor the engagement but he also in love with Violet.. And it goes back and forth with another guy bothering Violet.. And misunderstandings, and getting man enough to break it off.. But it ends well.
Four stars, should have been three.. Violet love the Duke but he was apon arriving in England finds himself engage to her conniving sister Rose.. He wanted to honor the engagement but he also in love with Violet.. And it goes back and forth with another guy bothering Violet.. And misunderstandings, and getting man enough to break it off.. But it ends well.
July 11, 2020
Clean romance
Rose, Violet and Tad find themselves in an unexpected situation when Tad becomes a Duke.
The characters are well developed and the plot has plenty of drama and humor.
There are characters that you like very much and others you just wait to have justice dealt to them.
There is love and gentle kindness with a dose of forgiveness.
Look forward to reading the next one in the series.
Rose, Violet and Tad find themselves in an unexpected situation when Tad becomes a Duke.
The characters are well developed and the plot has plenty of drama and humor.
There are characters that you like very much and others you just wait to have justice dealt to them.
There is love and gentle kindness with a dose of forgiveness.
Look forward to reading the next one in the series.
November 12, 2018
Fun read with just enough surprises
I usually prefer mysteries, but I quite enjoyed this. It's well-written with interesting characters and dialogue. When I finished reading, I was a bit sad to leave the place and the people. To me, that means it was a great escape and a great read. Maybe I'll just have to read it again.
I usually prefer mysteries, but I quite enjoyed this. It's well-written with interesting characters and dialogue. When I finished reading, I was a bit sad to leave the place and the people. To me, that means it was a great escape and a great read. Maybe I'll just have to read it again.
September 2, 2019
Where the heart goes
Violet was rescued by Tad known only to her as Mr Dashing! Tad was instantly smitten by her and hoped he would see her again. Fate was not kind as he realizes she is the sister of his vain obnoxious betrothed! Betrayed by her sister will Violet be saved yet again. Loved this story!
Violet was rescued by Tad known only to her as Mr Dashing! Tad was instantly smitten by her and hoped he would see her again. Fate was not kind as he realizes she is the sister of his vain obnoxious betrothed! Betrayed by her sister will Violet be saved yet again. Loved this story!
September 11, 2022
Would have given it 3 stars, but there were just way too many mistakes throughout the book!
I lost count how many times the word "to" was missing from a sentence. (Example: "Not worry.") Cringe worthy! If someone was a proof reader for this book they should get a new job! Just horrible.
I rushed through to get to the end, just to get this book over and done with. Disappointing.
I lost count how many times the word "to" was missing from a sentence. (Example: "Not worry.") Cringe worthy! If someone was a proof reader for this book they should get a new job! Just horrible.
I rushed through to get to the end, just to get this book over and done with. Disappointing.
May 25, 2023
More Editing needed
The story line was definitely interesting and is the only reason I didn't put this book down and walk away. However this really did need a once over by an editor there are so many Grammer, spelling, and context mistakes. Using the wrong words, the wrong character names. It made it all very confusing.
The story line was definitely interesting and is the only reason I didn't put this book down and walk away. However this really did need a once over by an editor there are so many Grammer, spelling, and context mistakes. Using the wrong words, the wrong character names. It made it all very confusing.
July 9, 2023
Very interesting story - started out strong and continued with good suspense and plot twists. The editing suffered in a couple places or the computer just didn't download it properly because a couple pages in a couple places repeated. It was a little confusing but didn't mess up the story much. I enjoyed the story and read it in two days.
November 19, 2018
A wonderful surprise
I was more than happy I gave this author a try. I loved her characters, the setting, and the storyline. So well written I never put it down. Can’t wait to read another.
I was more than happy I gave this author a try. I loved her characters, the setting, and the storyline. So well written I never put it down. Can’t wait to read another.
January 9, 2019
This is the first book by this Author that I have read, it is a well written book that captured my attention. I will be reading more by this Author. I read a copy through K.U. and I am voluntarily reviewing.
January 12, 2019
As regency romances go, this one is quite good. The characters are realistic and their feelings and motivations are realistic. As with all books of this genre, one must suspend disbelief a bit, but overall a sweet romantic story.
September 17, 2019
The Hidden Identity
An American, with deep English roots returns to reclaim a heritage that was abandoned by his father. Now he finds himself betrothed to a most self-centered lady. Arranged marriages are all to common, getting out of one almost impossible. Now how to find a way.
An American, with deep English roots returns to reclaim a heritage that was abandoned by his father. Now he finds himself betrothed to a most self-centered lady. Arranged marriages are all to common, getting out of one almost impossible. Now how to find a way.
October 19, 2019
3.6 stars.:) Rounding up since I was definitely in the mood for this one. It would have been nice to see a bit more of the American in England difficulty fleshed out. The sister, Rose, was extreme and so not quite believable. Quick, sweet read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews