Whom Shall I Marry... an Earl or a Duke?

Tricking the Scoundrels #2

by Laura A. Barnes

An afternoon spent in disguise leads to a passion that …

She wanted to explore the promise of his kiss. He wanted to persuade her to become his mistress. Will a case of mistaken identity lead to a marriage of love?

While trying to prevent her friend from a scandal Sophia Turlington becomes entangled in her own. As she waits for her friend in a brothel, a duke mistakes her for a harlot. When he requests an arrangement, Sophia decides to explore the passion he awakens in her soul. Her only stipulations for the affair are a mask, one week, and he must never discover her true identity. Can Sophia give him her heart and walk away as if their time never affected her?

Alexander Langley’s life as a prominent duke will soon come to an end unless he can acquire a duchess whose family can support him through a scandal. When he meets a violet-eyed temptress that awakens his every desire his search comes to a halt. As they explore their passion, he loses his heart to a woman he can never marry. Will Alex put aside his status in the ton for a love to last a lifetime?

Throughout the season Lady Sophia Turlington and Alexander Langley, the Duke of Sheffield’s dislike for one another is known to all. A chance encounter throws them together as Alex and ‘Violet’. After their time ends, Sophia wants Alex to see her for herself. If not, then she might as well accept her friend’s marriage proposal. Can Alex overcome Sophia’s deceit? Or will his need for revenge destroy the love she holds for him?

Whom Shall I Marry… An Earl or A Duke? is the second novel in Laura A. Barnes’s steamy historical romance series. If you enjoy a story filled with passion and secrets set in Regency England, then you must read Sophia and Alex’s journey toward love.

Unlock Whom Shall I Marry… An Earl or A Duke? to read the next book in Laura’s Tricking the Scoundrels series today.

Genres: Historical Romance, Historical, Regency

198 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 23, 2019

About the author

International bestselling author Laura A. Barnes fell in love with writing in the second grade. After her first creative writing assignment, she dreamt of becoming an author. Many years went by with Laura filling her head full of story ideas and some funny fish songs she wrote while fishing with her family. In 2017, she made her dreams a reality. With her debut novel Rescued By the Captain, she has set out on the path of a published author.​

When not writing, Laura can be found devouring her favorite romance books. Laura is married to her own Prince Charming (who for some reason or another thinks the heroes in her books are about him) who she enjoys traveling with and binging shows on streaming services. You can usually find her spending time with her children and grandchildren. Besides her love of reading and writing, Laura loves to travel. With her passport stamped in England, Scotland, and Ireland; she hopes to add more countries to her list soon.​

While Laura isn’t very good on the social media front, she loves to hear from her readers. You can find her on the following platforms:​

Website: http://www.lauraabarnes.com

Amazon: https://amazon.com/author/lauraabarnes ​

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...​

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLauraA...​

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/labarnesaut...​

TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@labarnesauthor​

Twitter: https://twitter.com/labarnesauthor

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/laura...

Reviews

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ever-proper Lady Sophia Turlington and the ever-haughty rogue, the Duke of Sheffield, Alexander Langley may run in the same social circles, but their hackles rise with every meeting. When Sophia found herself hiding behind a mask at a house of ill repute in an effort to aid her best friend, a case of mistaken identity (thank goodness) finds her in the arms of the wicked duke as she enchants him with her charms and her with his experience.

Let the games begin! The Ton may never be the same if they were to find out one of their own has a hidden inner siren who ravages the heart of a known rake! WHOM SHALL I MARRY…AN EARL OR A DUKE by Laura A. Barnes is a deliciously devious romance that could bring two social enemies together, mind, body and soul! They say love and hate are equal emotions and while ignorance may be bliss, for the duke it is complete frustration for his heart!

Fun, sassy and filled with surprises, Laura A. Barnes has captured the spirit of romance and unleashed the hidden free spirit in a lady of otherwise high moral standing! I must say, I did enjoy watching the double standards practiced by the duke going up in flames of passionate glory that he never saw coming!

Great characters, quirky times, the heat of real passions! Highly recommended!

I received a complimentary ARC edition from Laura A. Barnes! This is my honest and voluntary review.

Publication Date: July 23, 2019
Publisher: Laura A. Barnes
Genre: Historical Romance
Print Length: 163 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/whom-sh...
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com

[Missy · Rating 2 out of 5]

First time reading this author. Very anachronistic but I didn’t care. I liked the secret identity and secret love affair trope, so I picked this one up. I needed an audiobook to listen to while I cooked.

The hero can be an arse to the heroine sometimes. It would have been nice to see him grovel. The way he started noticing her felt forced.

There are multiple POVs, which I didn't quite mind, but I don't think I will read any more from this author.

[Lori D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whom Shall I Marry.. An Earl or a Duke? Is that a rhetorical question? When the man is Alexander Langley, the Duke of Sheffield, I think the choice is already made! That is if he asks her when he finds out who she was pretending to be in those passionate moments.
When Lady Sophia Turlington, hidden behind a mask, was in a brothel waiting for her friend Lady Sydney to secretly meet Alex's friend, who should come into the room? Oh yes Alexander himself who she despised with a passion. What happens next is a surprise to both of them! Alex is mesmerized by the courtesian with the beautiful violet eyes who will not speak, but he is drawn to her so strongly. Phee is shocked when he comes to kiss her and the sparks begin to fly, oh yes...He does not know who she is and she gets carried away... But what can come of it?
Laura Barnes has written a spellbinding story that pulled me into with her wonderful characters who just could not resist their attraction. Their's was a meeting of the heart that knew what it wanted and could not help but try to bind them.
But what will happen when Alex finds out she is Sophia? They had been social enemies and always at opposite sides of every discussion.
This story had a little of everything to make it a must read! Cannot wait for the next story by this author!

[Christine Woinich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two people who do not like each other find that things are not what they seem. I loved Sophia and how she put herself out for her friends. Alex was more self-centered, but I enjoyed his turn around. With all the scheming going on, it was fun to see where everyone would end up. The scenes between Alex and Sophia were hot. I recommend this story.

I received a copy of this story through Goddess Fish Promotions, and this is my unsolicited review.

[Nessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

DELICIOUSLY SEXUAL AND ENTERTAINING. THE HERO WAS AN ASS BUT I LOVED HOW HE GOT TAKEN DOWN A PEG OR TWO WHEN THE STORY DEVELOPS. Frankly, the title was totally unrelated to an Earl. LOL. Why was it even in the title?

ALEX won’t be everyone’s cup of tea because he has extremely bad manners for a Duke of his standing. He’s also brandishing his power around just to get what he wants. Frankly, strikes me as impulsive, childish and downright boorish when he doesn’t get what he wants or things don’t go his way. Then why bother to read this? I just love reading about an imperfect hero who has much to learn and doesn’t magically just know how to love like a pro. Alex and Sophia’s meeting was rather unconventional and yes, the story opens up with hot kisses and heavy petting. I liked how the author skipped right into that, building up our anticipation. Due to meddling individuals, Alex and Sophia (Violet) get to spend one passionate week together, and in those seven days they discover things about each other no one ever knew, bringing them closer in spirit and body. Alex’s a better man when he’s with Violet. If not, he’s just a jerk and one whose determined to marry a politically strong wife because Sophia’s Father is blackmailing him regarding his birth right. Alex’s character is mostly trial and error. Not the best kind of hero, but still enjoyable to read about.

SOPHIA is a dear but I don’t wish to call her shallow when she falls for an obnoxious man she claims to hate but his kisses renders her completely putty in his hands. It made sense and then less. But, I’m not complaining because their chemistry just singed the pages and made for an interesting read. A few forced kisses from Alex and she’s almost in love. Willingly she spends one week with him, allowing him to teach her about sex and passion under the guise of Violet. Who knew they would both fall for each other, except could Alex possibly love the woman Sophia and not just her as Violet?

OVERALL this was an engaging story and before I knew it, the ending came and went. I’ve never attempted this author before, needless to say this is my first Laura A. book, and I’d love to read more from her if most are this entertaining. The characters while delightful, didn’t have as much depth and I’d like but still good, although…they could be shallow at times, but I guess they are only humans right? 2-Dimensional ones.

[Nanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a wonderfully different Regency Romance ! This story takes use away from all the rules
the ton, and ton mothers place on their daughters. Lady Sophia Turlington is a very proper, nice lady who makes all her friends smile, always has a nice word for everyone. Her mother on the other hand is spoken of as a harpy and a tyrant which is why Sophia/Phee is on her fourth season. Her best friend Lady Sidney Hartridge is being courted by the Duke of Sheffield, Alexander Langley. Phee hates him and everything he stands for, he is Haughty, Arrogant, Conceited Rogue who does not care who he stubs or hurts. Alex dislikes her just as much.
When the Alex mistakes Phee for one of the "Girls" in a famous Brothel ran by his friend, Belle.
Phee is there to help Sidney and Alex's friend Noah Wildeburg meet, they are in love even knowing the rumors it will start. With her being engaged to Alex and Noah being his friend they don't care.
hWen he see's Phee she is hiding in Belle's chambers and wearing mask to protect her identity. He does not know who she is and can't understand his desire for this silent, masked lady. She brings out a tenderness he has never felt with anyone else.
As they meet in secret and break all the rules either are suppose to live by the ton will never be the same and neither will they..
Be sure to grab this book, a cold drink (cause your going to need it) and get ready to see how
it all works out or not... this is a steamy story so if that is not your thing, you may not like it.
All the love scenes are right for this book and these characters. I can't wait for the next one.
I received a complimentary ARC from Laura and am giving by true and honest review...

[Judy & Marianne from Long and Short Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the first book in this series and absolutely loved it. Even though I couldn’t wait for the second one to be released, I don’t have an excuse good enough to explain why I just read it today when it was released a couple of months ago. All I know is I loved Whom Shall I Marry… An Earl or A Duke? too. Now I’m impatient for #3 to be released. Each book can be read as a standalone. This is my fifth Laura A. Barnes novel and her writing style has remained wonderfully consistent and one of my favorites. I would never hesitate to recommend one of her books to read.

I particularly loved seeing the the hero, Duke of Sheffield, succumb to falling in love with Sophia, the heroine. It was no secret they disliked each other in the first book. I actually read Whom Shall I Marry… An Earl or a Duke? in a few hours. Wow, did it enrich my day!

The plot and delivery were well-developed and orchestrated in a refreshing and clever presentation, giving me an unpredictable and entertaining read. The cast of characters were a fun lot. I loved their matchmaking efforts and I anticipate that Rory and Dallis are going to make their own story an awesome read in the Tricking the Scoundrels series too.

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captured My Attention

I have always skipped over buying this book. Today, I took a chance and I enjoyed reading it. The love story between the hero and heroine was well written. It may have held a bit of wistfulness and may have not been a stickler for authenticity in the small details, however, where it matters the most to me as a romance reader it captured my attention.

The hero and heroine I guess was mentioned in the previous book. Though this book is a standalone and the first of the author’s book that I have read I think I may need to read the first book just to satisfy curiosity. Anyway, we have a beastly hero and a sweet heroine who can hold her own but not to the point of stubborn wilfulness. They had an affair where the virginal heroine kept her identity secret. So there are steamy scenes. The language is not too graphic nor too explicit. The unfolding of events was well written that it really took me on a journey of loving the heroine, hating the hero and then havinh the satisfaction of reading about the hero grovelling and then rooting for them in the end. My goodness it was exhilirating to read. Plus there’s an epilogue. I am off to read the other books of this author.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second book in this series, but I believe you can read this as a standalone. This is Alex and Sophia's story.

Alex Langley, the Duke of Sheffield is in need of a Duchess. He is avoiding a scandal and his future depends on finding a wife. He meets a violet eyed woman who tempts him and changes him, but who is she and can he have forever with her?

Lady Sophia Turlington finds herself caught in a situation trying to keep her friend from a scandal. The Duke of Sheffield has always irked, but intrigued her at the same time. He happens upon her waiting for her friend at a brothel, but she is masked and he doesn't know it is her. This is her chance to explore the man whose kisses have left her wanting more.

These two have a love/hate relationship and I will say that I had a hard time connecting to them because they were simply not nice to each other. She hides her identity from him and all of a sudden she loves him and he falls for a complete stranger? They were frustrating for most of this book. There were a few tender moments when he stopped being so mean and I could see how she could fall for him, but those moments were sparse.

I liked the overall storyline concept, but could not buy into their relationship as much as I wanted to. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Lorraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. We have personalities clash of personalities who mesh. Well others will tell you the story, I am not as good at writing as the author. I like to tell you about the emotions motions The book evokes. We have loving emotional women we’re willing to do whatever to be with The man they loved. We have friends will become enemies through jealousy and rage. We have women who are close as close to sisters Without being family. We have romance and sex to droll for. This is not your milquetoast story. This is the story you can sink your teeth into. And when you read the loving sensual sexual story you will be wishing you were the character. Well develop characters with another story to follow. I can’t wait

[Marcilla Elliott · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought 75% of the book was okay. Didn't like the deception (I know that was the majority of the book) I very much disliked the duke. I did not see any redemption in his character although the book repeatedly told me of the changes for the good in his character. From the first installment of this series to the end this one, he did not care who he hurt. His last stunt was the end for me. Yet Sophia continually forgave him for saying the most awful things to her. It left me questioning her self esteem.

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading Whom Shall I Kiss… An Earl, A Marquess or a Duke, I could not wait to read Sophia’s story – it was really worth the wait. I just love Sophia, wait I love all the characters in this book. Alex, when he was acting like the Duke could be a little insensitive, but when he was just Alex – him and Sophia were perfect together.
You can read this book alone, but I would recommend reading Whom Shall I Kiss first. You will enjoy this book and this author.

[Heather W · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful historical romance

This is my first book by Laura A. Barnes and I loved it. The characters are wonderfully charming and the storyline is fresh and flows nicely throughout the pages. This story captured my interest from the very beginning and kept it engaged to the end.

I would love to read more by this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in the Tricking the Scoundrels series and I want to read the next one when it is out. This is Lady Sophia Turlington and Alexander Langley, the Duke of Sheffield’s story or Alex and ‘Violet’ as they are first known to each other. This is a short quick story to read, it is well written and kept me turning pages.I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Patricia A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why is being honest so hard for us?

The premise is pretty common. A powerful noble mistakes an aristocratic lady for a woman of the night. Because of his amatory skills, she is tempted but her two loyal friends, one male and one female, decide it is better to arrange a marriage instead. I don't have to tell you who wins the game. But then the plot convolutions mostly could've been avoided by just being honest with one another.
Of course, then there wouldn't be a romance to read, so maybe it's all OK.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tale of a cocky rogue!
I had such fun reading this witty romance. The characters were terrific I love rule breaker. This was a steamy story some marvelous chemistry. There were some wonderful twists their first meeting was great reading. I highly recommend! I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an enchanting Regency romance! It's so different then most of the ones I have read, especially lately. I was captivated from the very beginning until the very end. This is a nicely developed and well written story. I love Sophia (Phee) and Alex!! These two despise each other or do they. What matchmaking fun! Love the plot and the twists in this story.

[Katherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I normally would not buy this book -

This is not my normal regiency romance story. When I was younger I would probably have enjoyed this story. I now enjoy books that are not mostly filled with the bedroom activities. I would rather read books where the story is about situatios not about what happens in the bedroom.

[Mariettastander · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just love this author books and this second one was no different. A great story about Alexander and Sophia. I enjoyed the story very much and can really recommend this book

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seduction

Mistaken identity in a brothel embroils Sophia in an affair with a prominent Duke. Behind a mask she seduces him each time they are together. To him she is Violet. A seductive romance between two unlikely people.

[Karish · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75 stars

Give me a hero and a heroine who hate each other but hopelessly falls in love and I will eat that up.

Sheffield is demanding and brooding but our female lead has what it takes to tame this rogue.

[Carol P - H · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Earl or a Duke? — ❤️💋❤️💋❤️💋❤️💋❤️

This book pulled me in unbelievably fast and I couldn’t put it down! Fighting their overwhelming attraction with cruelty it requires a hidden identity for the truth to be revealed. The journey is well worth the trip!

[PollyAnna Joy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun

Isn't it funny how people fail to see what is staring them in the face? That phenomenon continues to amaze me not only only in stories, but also in real life. Alex and Sophia's romance is certainly enhanced by her being Violet!!

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a wonderful mix of romance and drama. It was completely enthralling from the beginning to the end. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book in exchange for a free copy.

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can go wrong when you start a relationship with a lie. A big lie? This book will tell you all that and more. Just be ware, it'll pull you in and not let go until your done!

[Pam Bereznak · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Love this series.

[Candy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story! Witty and fun with a great deal of heat tossed in.

[Kathy Wesserling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Story

I enjoyed this story as Part 2 of the series. Each book was a good read on it'ls own enough that I wanted to continue reading all three.

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

All turns out as it should

Found following the story rather difficult, as if some of the parts were left out. Secrets not explained. Like a abridged copy.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saucy number

Fun, saucy and a little bit mischievous or was that devious make a great yarn for a quiet rainy afternoon