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Proper Regency Matchmakers #2
Reforming the Duke
Miss Amelia Blackmore has received the most interesting letter. The Dowager Duchess of Harrowden has requested that she visit Harrowden Hall under the guise of being her companion. Her true motive, however, is to successfully pair her son, the duke, with a potential love match. Intrigued by the prospect, Amelia sets off on an adventure, unprepared for the duke’s reaction to his mother’s new companion.
Edmund, the Duke of Harrowden, is miserable and has no qualms about showing it. When a young lady shows up claiming to be his mother’s new companion, he immediately dismisses her. To his surprise, she defies him. Who does she think she is? No one dares defy him!
Edmund is adamant that Amelia needs to go, so he continuously strives to rid Harrowden Hall of his mother’s vexing companion. Soon, he realizes that there is more to her than what he first observed, making him in real danger of losing his heart to Amelia. When the truth finally is revealed, can Edmund let go of his pride - and his past - to go after the woman he loves?
Edmund, the Duke of Harrowden, is miserable and has no qualms about showing it. When a young lady shows up claiming to be his mother’s new companion, he immediately dismisses her. To his surprise, she defies him. Who does she think she is? No one dares defy him!
Edmund is adamant that Amelia needs to go, so he continuously strives to rid Harrowden Hall of his mother’s vexing companion. Soon, he realizes that there is more to her than what he first observed, making him in real danger of losing his heart to Amelia. When the truth finally is revealed, can Edmund let go of his pride - and his past - to go after the woman he loves?
232 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 31, 2021
334 people are currently reading
326 people want to read
About the author
Laura Beers
77 books497 followersLaura Beers is an award-winning author. She attended Brigham Young University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Management. She can't sing, doesn't dance and loves naps.
Laura lives in Utah with her husband, three kids, and her dysfunctional dog. When not writing regency romance, she loves waterskiing, hiking, and drinking Dr Pepper.
You can connect with Laura on Facebook, Instagram, or on her site at www.authorlaurabeers.com.
Laura lives in Utah with her husband, three kids, and her dysfunctional dog. When not writing regency romance, she loves waterskiing, hiking, and drinking Dr Pepper.
You can connect with Laura on Facebook, Instagram, or on her site at www.authorlaurabeers.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
February 3, 2021
Miss Amelia Blackmore is asked by the Dowager Duchess of Harrowden to stay at Harrowden Hall under the pretense of being her companion. What the Dowager really wants is for Amelia to find a love match for her son, the duke. Edmund, the Duke of Harrowden is painfully unhappy and has been so for the past 5 years, since the death of his wife after the birth of their daughter. He has a lot of rules the staff must follow and if you dare to break one of them you'll be dismissed--no questions asked and no excuses accepted. When Amelia stands up to him, he's taken aback and doesn't know what to make of her. No one dares defy him!! How is Amelia supposed to find a love match for such a subborn man?
I really liked Amelia. She wasn't afraid to speak her mind, which of course irritated Edmund to no end. I liked how she brightened up Harrowden Hall and I wasn't at all surprised when the duke's yound daughter was drawn to her. Amelia showed far more patience than I would have trying to find out what had happened to make Edmund so unhappy.
Edmund was a hard character to like at first, but as I found out what had happened between him and his deceased wife I began to understand his behavior, and why he had closed himself off from practically everyone but his mother. I really enjoyed seeing the changes he made because of his relationship with Amelia--he actually began living again.
This is the second book in the Regency Matchmakers but it can be read as a standalone. This is a clean regency romance. I received a complimentary copy to review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I really liked Amelia. She wasn't afraid to speak her mind, which of course irritated Edmund to no end. I liked how she brightened up Harrowden Hall and I wasn't at all surprised when the duke's yound daughter was drawn to her. Amelia showed far more patience than I would have trying to find out what had happened to make Edmund so unhappy.
Edmund was a hard character to like at first, but as I found out what had happened between him and his deceased wife I began to understand his behavior, and why he had closed himself off from practically everyone but his mother. I really enjoyed seeing the changes he made because of his relationship with Amelia--he actually began living again.
This is the second book in the Regency Matchmakers but it can be read as a standalone. This is a clean regency romance. I received a complimentary copy to review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
April 26, 2022
I loved all the characters in Reforming the Duke. However, it is a SQUEAKY CLEAN STORY!!
The Dowager Duchess of Harrowden has asked Miss Amelia Blackmore to come to Harrowden Hall and Match her son Edmund the Duke of Harrowden.
Edmund is a very strict man with lots of rules for his household staff to follow. He doesn't know the real reason Amelia has come to his home. When she first arrives, he thinks she is the new nurse he hired to care for his 5 year old daughter Sybil. Sybil is an adorable little girl that readers will love.
Edmund and Amelia get off to bad start. She tells him off in a very nice manner. His mother Ellen won't let him fire her. But soon they began to see the real qualities in each other and fall in love.
The only problem I had with the story was I think it need some sensual heat between the couple.
The Dowager Duchess of Harrowden has asked Miss Amelia Blackmore to come to Harrowden Hall and Match her son Edmund the Duke of Harrowden.
Edmund is a very strict man with lots of rules for his household staff to follow. He doesn't know the real reason Amelia has come to his home. When she first arrives, he thinks she is the new nurse he hired to care for his 5 year old daughter Sybil. Sybil is an adorable little girl that readers will love.
Edmund and Amelia get off to bad start. She tells him off in a very nice manner. His mother Ellen won't let him fire her. But soon they began to see the real qualities in each other and fall in love.
The only problem I had with the story was I think it need some sensual heat between the couple.
July 24, 2021
An ornery Duke and a compassionate matchmaker, what could possibly go wrong? Throw in an adorable five year old daughter and an anxious mother, for good measure, to see what can go right.
The story has a few emotional twists and turns that kept me enthralled, The Duke's complex past kept the story moving and interesting.
This is a book you want to pick up when you need an escape,
The story has a few emotional twists and turns that kept me enthralled, The Duke's complex past kept the story moving and interesting.
This is a book you want to pick up when you need an escape,
May 10, 2021
The second book in the series, “Reforming the Duke” can be read as a stand-alone if desired.
Read full review in the 2021 May issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2021 May issue of InD'tale Magazine.
August 12, 2021
BEWARE OF SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.
After reading Saving Lord Berkshire, the opening salvo in the Proper Regency Matchmakers series, I elected to download this second novel in the series. I am pleased to report that Ms. Beers has earned another five-star review from me.
Edmund, the Duke of Harrowden, is one of the most prideful and unreasonable of men. He believes his deceased wife was unfaithful, that his five-year-old daughter is not his but was fathered by the neighboring landowner, and that the surrounding properties he has recently purchased were acquired honestly. Little does he know that he is wrong on all counts. Unfortunately, because he believes all of the above, he is a very unreasonable and unhappy man.
His mother, however, is of the opinion that a loving wife will be the solution to all of his problems. So, she arranges for Amelia, one of the three Blackmore sisters who have a significant reputation of arranging love matches among the ton, to come to Harrowden in disguise as her companion. While there, Amelia is to get to know Edmund so she can arrange a love match for him. Needless to say, Amelia and Edmund eventually realize that they are a perfect match. The whole story comes together in such a way that I found it difficult to lay the story aside. Although this is the second book in the series, it reads well as a stand-alone work. The author also is careful to keep it clean. Five-Stars!
After reading Saving Lord Berkshire, the opening salvo in the Proper Regency Matchmakers series, I elected to download this second novel in the series. I am pleased to report that Ms. Beers has earned another five-star review from me.
Edmund, the Duke of Harrowden, is one of the most prideful and unreasonable of men. He believes his deceased wife was unfaithful, that his five-year-old daughter is not his but was fathered by the neighboring landowner, and that the surrounding properties he has recently purchased were acquired honestly. Little does he know that he is wrong on all counts. Unfortunately, because he believes all of the above, he is a very unreasonable and unhappy man.
His mother, however, is of the opinion that a loving wife will be the solution to all of his problems. So, she arranges for Amelia, one of the three Blackmore sisters who have a significant reputation of arranging love matches among the ton, to come to Harrowden in disguise as her companion. While there, Amelia is to get to know Edmund so she can arrange a love match for him. Needless to say, Amelia and Edmund eventually realize that they are a perfect match. The whole story comes together in such a way that I found it difficult to lay the story aside. Although this is the second book in the series, it reads well as a stand-alone work. The author also is careful to keep it clean. Five-Stars!
March 20, 2021
I loved it! It took a little bit for the duke to grow on me though. Wow, he started out as a surly one! But once he softened up, I grew to really like him. Laura Beers’ books just keep getting better & better!
May 7, 2021
***Possible Spoiler Alert***
I adored the Duke's mother, but the Duke himself was a bit too surly for my tastes. He had a rather backward view of women but, then again, most men of that era did. He was extremely pompous for a country Duke though. He was also a recluse, with nary a friend to speak of. He seemed more interested in gaining land and money than family or friends...or even any real enjoyment in life. Almost another Ebenezar Scrooge.
There was little to no romance, no chemistry between the Duke and Amelia, and hardly any humor at all. There were more secrets than openness. Nothing to ever suggest the two main characters ever considered a relationship with each other, except for a kiss here and there.
I did find one thing I didn't like about Amelia. She was not as discreet with her questions as she should have been, going to the wrong people to get information. Then she lied to the Duke. For this reader, that broke trust with the Duke and should not have happened. Why the author decided to take an honest person and have them do something so dishonorable was questionable.
Throughout the book, much of the conversation was stilted, with hardly any emotions from most of the characters. Quite unnatural. There was some drama, a great deal of angst, and even some intrigue, but it made for a poor story about romance.
Unfortunately, there was one point in the story that too closely resembled an argument between Fraulein Maria and Captain Von Trapp in The Sound of Music. Almost word for word. Upon further reflection after this scene, the entire book seemed to mirror that movie in the verbiage.
The author loved to use the same phrases repeatedly, "That they were", "That it was", "That I am", "That he did", "That it is", ugh...
This duke made absolutely no sense in his choices, his decisions...or his words, from beginning to end. It was one blunder after another from the moment he was introduced. While Amelia was a sweetheart, she was also a bit of a ditz to forgive him so easily for all the pain the duke caused her.
While the ending was sweet and poignant, this book did not get the Keeper for the Shelves award. There were just too many negatives for it to fit.
I adored the Duke's mother, but the Duke himself was a bit too surly for my tastes. He had a rather backward view of women but, then again, most men of that era did. He was extremely pompous for a country Duke though. He was also a recluse, with nary a friend to speak of. He seemed more interested in gaining land and money than family or friends...or even any real enjoyment in life. Almost another Ebenezar Scrooge.
There was little to no romance, no chemistry between the Duke and Amelia, and hardly any humor at all. There were more secrets than openness. Nothing to ever suggest the two main characters ever considered a relationship with each other, except for a kiss here and there.
I did find one thing I didn't like about Amelia. She was not as discreet with her questions as she should have been, going to the wrong people to get information. Then she lied to the Duke. For this reader, that broke trust with the Duke and should not have happened. Why the author decided to take an honest person and have them do something so dishonorable was questionable.
Throughout the book, much of the conversation was stilted, with hardly any emotions from most of the characters. Quite unnatural. There was some drama, a great deal of angst, and even some intrigue, but it made for a poor story about romance.
Unfortunately, there was one point in the story that too closely resembled an argument between Fraulein Maria and Captain Von Trapp in The Sound of Music. Almost word for word. Upon further reflection after this scene, the entire book seemed to mirror that movie in the verbiage.
The author loved to use the same phrases repeatedly, "That they were", "That it was", "That I am", "That he did", "That it is", ugh...
This duke made absolutely no sense in his choices, his decisions...or his words, from beginning to end. It was one blunder after another from the moment he was introduced. While Amelia was a sweetheart, she was also a bit of a ditz to forgive him so easily for all the pain the duke caused her.
While the ending was sweet and poignant, this book did not get the Keeper for the Shelves award. There were just too many negatives for it to fit.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 5, 2023
Couldn’t stand the duke
I liked Amelia and the dowager, but couldn’t stomach the duke. He is a controlling arrogant ass. Didn’t finish the book. I can’t imagine that he’d have any kind of realistic or satisfying transformation.
I liked Amelia and the dowager, but couldn’t stomach the duke. He is a controlling arrogant ass. Didn’t finish the book. I can’t imagine that he’d have any kind of realistic or satisfying transformation.
September 23, 2022
Miss Amelia Blackmore received a strange request from the Dowager Duchess of Harrowdon. She and her sisters run a matchmaking service for the elite of the Ton. She asked. Amelia to pretend to be her companion , while she learns enough about her son the Duke. She feels he desperately needs a wife. There are reports that he may have killed his first wife. The Ton is ripe for any type of gossip. Amelia hates London, and the Ton, for their gossiping nature. She does not let that stand in her way. When she arrives she is mistaken for a new nanny. When the confusion clears the Duke is not happy that his mother did not inform him .She had hired the daughter of her deceased friend, to attend her. Amelia does not have any problem standing up for herself. She begins changing the gloomy house to a more pleasant atmosphere. Just when the Duke wants to get rid of her, she saves his mother from a run away cart, and possible death. Then she meets his daughter that he has never mentioned. Plus she learns his wife died of child bed fever. He isn't even sure the child is his. There is a lot of mystery and drama as his man of business adds his own spin on the Dukes orders. Plus Amelia finds herself much to interested in the Duke as a man, and his darling daughter Lady Syble. Even Ellen the dowager duchess, becomes a very close confidante. She learns more, and more about Edmin ,whose name he prefers, and finds they have much in common. Yet she fears he will not take the news well, that she has played a false part. The story was really interesting, and the Duke is not an easy man to get along with. I felt since he jumped to so many conclusions ,that turned out to be false, that he would change. He did eventually give in toward his daughter, and neighbors, and his mother, but he was a snob still in many ways. It had a good ending, and a nice epilogue, but he could become cold, mistrusting, and aloof way to easily. I would have liked it better if he had to face his misdeeds as a man, and not as a Duke. She should have made him grovel a bit more, since he was so hard headed, and sure of himself. His personality seemed to turn from pleasant.,to an angry attitude in a heartbeat. I gave it a four due to this fact.
February 2, 2021
Amelia and her sisters are matchmakers for high society and only make love matches. The first book saw the oldest sister Kate married, this can be read as a stand alone.
🐴
Amelia is tasked with getting to know the Duke and find his perfect match only 1) he doesn’t know he’s meeting a matchmaker and belies Amelia is his mother’s companion, 2) he’s angry and stubborn and 3) there’s mystery around his wife’s death and some claim the Duke killed her.
🐴
Amelia is strong and capable, not one to be pushed around and is determined to break down the duke’s walls as well as the heavy tension in the home.
🐴
It’s a sweet story. I liked Amelia and eventually the Duke. It’s fairly predictable but charming. Not much depth to it, I feel like Amelia is set up as a strong progressive female but she loses that as the book goes on. Everything was almost too nice if that’s a thing 😅 I received an arc copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
🐴
Amelia is tasked with getting to know the Duke and find his perfect match only 1) he doesn’t know he’s meeting a matchmaker and belies Amelia is his mother’s companion, 2) he’s angry and stubborn and 3) there’s mystery around his wife’s death and some claim the Duke killed her.
🐴
Amelia is strong and capable, not one to be pushed around and is determined to break down the duke’s walls as well as the heavy tension in the home.
🐴
It’s a sweet story. I liked Amelia and eventually the Duke. It’s fairly predictable but charming. Not much depth to it, I feel like Amelia is set up as a strong progressive female but she loses that as the book goes on. Everything was almost too nice if that’s a thing 😅 I received an arc copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
February 3, 2021
So incredibly well written! Every book I read by Laura Beers, becomes my new favorite. There is something about her writing that pulls me in and holds me tight until the last page is read. It is SO HARD to put down a Laura Beers book before it is finished! Excellent character development and the storytelling is masterful. Five solid stars!
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.
January 26, 2021
The Edmund, Duke of Harrowden is an untrusting and reclusive man who everyone thinks he had something to do with his wifes death. Amelia is a matchmaker and unbeknownst to him his mother hires her as a companion so she can try to determine who would be a good wife. He is so unapproachable that Amelia nearly gives up until she starts to chisel away at his heart and he shares his past hurts and transgressions with her. It seems she is the perfect match for him until he finds out her real purpose. Things get very sticky between them and his stubborness may tear them apart.
January 21, 2021
I liked the characters in this book. I like how their personalities clashed at first but as they came to know each other they helped compliment each other. I liked how Amelia became a safe place for Edmund to share about his guilt and his pain and I loved how she helped him to have a relationship with his daughter. I also liked that she helped him to not be so strict on his rules and to realize that it is okay to be spontaneous and to enjoy life.
I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
January 19, 2021
I loved this book! Amelia is such a great character. She is spunky, independent, fun, speaks her mind, loyal and kind. When she volunteers to go undercover as a companion to the Duchess so she can hopefully make a match for her son, the Duke, sparks fly. Edmund mistakes Amelia for the nurse that is supposed to be arriving the same day. He tries to fire her a few times before he actually decides he likes having her around the manor. I love that the book deals with what can happen when we let pride and anger rule us instead of forgiveness. I would highly recommend this book to any who love a well written sweet romance.
January 8, 2021
This is the second book in Regency Matchmakers series. Three sisters left on their own, when their parents passed away in a carriage accident. Needing to find away to make a living for themselves, they become matchmakers for the ton. This book is mostly about Amelia, the youngest of the three sisters. They are asked to find a match for the Duke of Harrowden. Amelia is to go in disguise as the Dowager of Harrowden’s companion. The Duke is insufferable and Amelia is ready to give up. They would never be able to find anyone, that would abide his stubbornness.
This is a great story. Enemies to Lovers to be sure. Amelia is eager, determined and a bit stubborn herself! Edmund is closed off and angry. The scenes between them are great. The story is fun and entertaining, but also learning to let go of the past. I highly recommend this series. I have loved the first two books and can’t wait for the third! It is a wholesome regency romance by a great author!
This is a great story. Enemies to Lovers to be sure. Amelia is eager, determined and a bit stubborn herself! Edmund is closed off and angry. The scenes between them are great. The story is fun and entertaining, but also learning to let go of the past. I highly recommend this series. I have loved the first two books and can’t wait for the third! It is a wholesome regency romance by a great author!
January 7, 2021
An angry duke meets his match in a young matchmaker. A wonderful read!
Amelia and her sisters run a matchmaking service for members of the ton. Their goal to arrange love matches. Their success is known and they are viewed with respect. When a letter arrives from one of their mother’s friends, a duchess, asking for help in finding a wife for her widowed son, Amelia is chosen to stay as a companion with the duchess to get to know the duke’s personality before attempting a match. But this task is not as easy as it might appear. The duke, Edmund, is angry, bitter, guilt ridden and prone to bursts of temper. He doesn’t want to interact with Amelia at all but his mother insists. What follows is an enthralling story of two strong willed people learning about each other and growing through the process. A wonderful read! I was given a free copy in exchange for an honest review
Amelia and her sisters run a matchmaking service for members of the ton. Their goal to arrange love matches. Their success is known and they are viewed with respect. When a letter arrives from one of their mother’s friends, a duchess, asking for help in finding a wife for her widowed son, Amelia is chosen to stay as a companion with the duchess to get to know the duke’s personality before attempting a match. But this task is not as easy as it might appear. The duke, Edmund, is angry, bitter, guilt ridden and prone to bursts of temper. He doesn’t want to interact with Amelia at all but his mother insists. What follows is an enthralling story of two strong willed people learning about each other and growing through the process. A wonderful read! I was given a free copy in exchange for an honest review
January 11, 2021
What a delightful book! I loved how Amelia is such a strong woman, not afraid to speak her mind. She is also extremely kind and someone I would want to be friends with. Edmund is so stubborn, but you can see how being around Amelia made him better. I also really enjoyed the Duchess and the other characters. In some stories, the servants don’t usually speak up or share their opinions. I liked the relationship between Amelia and her lady’s maid along with Edmund and his valet. I’m looking forward to the next book!!!
April 24, 2024
Amelia was sweet and the daughter charming, but the Duke was not likable.
(I also think the narrator made this story harder to enjoy. He sounded like a nasally robot, definitely better suited for other genres).
(I also think the narrator made this story harder to enjoy. He sounded like a nasally robot, definitely better suited for other genres).
February 7, 2021
Unlikable "hero"
August 5, 2021
I really didn't connect with this book or the characters at all. I found the premise super unbelievable and the Hero quite awful.
November 4, 2021
This was a far cry from the first book in the series unfortunately. The guy was a neglectful, rage-filled, alcoholic. I struggled to root for him. I liked the girl and the daughter and the mother.
May 9, 2022
If “that it (she, he) is” is said one more time I’m going to lose my mind.
Also the duke is annoying. He’s quick to anger and rash in his actions. I want to punch him
Also the duke is annoying. He’s quick to anger and rash in his actions. I want to punch him
December 2, 2023
Loved this book so much! It had "Beauty and the Beast" undertones that were unique. However, the audio narrator was so monotone....I need to reread the physical copy to bump it up to a 5 for sure!
September 8, 2023
DNF at 50%.
I actually overall like this series- there are some repetitive phrases and words, a ton of anachronistic language, ideas, and phrases, but the plots aren't terrible, and in the 1st one the way the leads fell in love was observable and not insta-love/insta-lust.
However. The 'hero' in this one is entirely unacceptable. He's not a 'bad boy;' he's a bad person, and to the point that I don't care to see his redemption and doubt that any regrets on his part would ever undo the evils he's done to his daughter at the very least.
Like, the sus dude in the woods who keeps warning Amelia about him is probably the, or a, villain, but I mean, Duke dude is not far off from his description except in the specifics.
It is utterly unacceptable and beyond the pale to punish your dead wife's child who may or may not be your own for her mother's sins. It is unacceptable to half-heartedly sort of accept her as a legitimate child publicly (if that's what he did; she seemed to think/know that the duke is her father), while utterly neglecting her, and even emotionally/mentally abusing her by controlling her environment to a prohibitive degree.
Duke dude needs therapy. Not the loving-kindness of a 'good' woman. He needs to, as he's fond of saying about everyone else, be 'put in his place,' which is that of an abusive, stingy, control-freak, temper-ridden jerkface.
Anyway.
Enough said; just had to vent that. I think plenty of people will like this anyway, but there are some issues, the main one being the hero.
I actually overall like this series- there are some repetitive phrases and words, a ton of anachronistic language, ideas, and phrases, but the plots aren't terrible, and in the 1st one the way the leads fell in love was observable and not insta-love/insta-lust.
However. The 'hero' in this one is entirely unacceptable. He's not a 'bad boy;' he's a bad person, and to the point that I don't care to see his redemption and doubt that any regrets on his part would ever undo the evils he's done to his daughter at the very least.
Like, the sus dude in the woods who keeps warning Amelia about him is probably the, or a, villain, but I mean, Duke dude is not far off from his description except in the specifics.
It is utterly unacceptable and beyond the pale to punish your dead wife's child who may or may not be your own for her mother's sins. It is unacceptable to half-heartedly sort of accept her as a legitimate child publicly (if that's what he did; she seemed to think/know that the duke is her father), while utterly neglecting her, and even emotionally/mentally abusing her by controlling her environment to a prohibitive degree.
Duke dude needs therapy. Not the loving-kindness of a 'good' woman. He needs to, as he's fond of saying about everyone else, be 'put in his place,' which is that of an abusive, stingy, control-freak, temper-ridden jerkface.
Anyway.
Enough said; just had to vent that. I think plenty of people will like this anyway, but there are some issues, the main one being the hero.
July 4, 2024
First, I loved that she stood up for herself and wouldn’t back down. I love that she and her sisters are matchmakers, not by necessity, but by choice. I love that this book has deeper issues and is about more than just the two main characters falling in love. I love that she reunites the duke with his daughter. I love that she is honest with him. I love that the duke makes reparations, not because he has to, but because he is a fair and just man. I also like the dealing between him and his nemesis, so to speak. I also love that she does not automatically believe or not believe the rumors. She is mindful of them, but she sets out to figure out for herself whether she trusts the duke.
The mixed feelings come with the interaction between Amelia and Edmund when he’s about to propose. At first, I was ticked because she had been standing up for herself the entire book and fighting back, quite loudly. But, she doesn’t do that here. It was as if she didn’t love him enough to fight for him. But then I went back and reread that section because it was just bothering me. And I saw that she does fight for their love. But she does so in a gentle manner because their love is a very gentle thing. And she was quietly passionate about this love, but she also had come to respect this man and wouldn’t force herself upon him. And it was quite beautiful.
The other thing I had mixed feelings about was the ending. The way that they make up is a lot like what I just mentioned, but I feel like there needed to be just a little bit more on his part. Not so much groveling, but he hurt her. With that said, it was a great swoon-worthy ending.
The mixed feelings come with the interaction between Amelia and Edmund when he’s about to propose. At first, I was ticked because she had been standing up for herself the entire book and fighting back, quite loudly. But, she doesn’t do that here. It was as if she didn’t love him enough to fight for him. But then I went back and reread that section because it was just bothering me. And I saw that she does fight for their love. But she does so in a gentle manner because their love is a very gentle thing. And she was quietly passionate about this love, but she also had come to respect this man and wouldn’t force herself upon him. And it was quite beautiful.
The other thing I had mixed feelings about was the ending. The way that they make up is a lot like what I just mentioned, but I feel like there needed to be just a little bit more on his part. Not so much groveling, but he hurt her. With that said, it was a great swoon-worthy ending.
September 11, 2021
Not very sure why this book has such good reviews... It was boring and laden with anachronistic language. The writing was also not great, the language was so repetitive and the story seemed to drag on and on. Beers also seems to have a penchant for using the word "go" incessantly. I'm not sure why her editor didn't fix these issues. For example, "let's go grab this", "let's go find her", etc. This same issue repeated itself countless times. Those sentences would mean the same thing without the word "go" in them, and not to mention, those are very anachronistic.
She also has a problem constructing longer sentences that convey ideas and emotions in a meaningful way. All her sentences are short and don't elaborate on much. We rarely ever get a glimpse into what the characters are feeling and thinking.
Another thing that really irked me was the way the 5-year old kid spoke in this book. That's decidedly NOT how a child of that age speaks. It's like she's a child speaking with adult vocabulary. It was jarring. This book is just in serious need of editing, so many words and phrases were repeated over and over again, and in particular, a few words, such as the aforementioned "go" and "rather". Often in places where the deletion of them would make no change in the meaning of the sentence but would make for a smoother read.
It was just hard to enjoy this book with all the glaring editing issues and the sub par writing. Didn't help that the duke was totally unlikeable and his behaviour was disgusting.
She also has a problem constructing longer sentences that convey ideas and emotions in a meaningful way. All her sentences are short and don't elaborate on much. We rarely ever get a glimpse into what the characters are feeling and thinking.
Another thing that really irked me was the way the 5-year old kid spoke in this book. That's decidedly NOT how a child of that age speaks. It's like she's a child speaking with adult vocabulary. It was jarring. This book is just in serious need of editing, so many words and phrases were repeated over and over again, and in particular, a few words, such as the aforementioned "go" and "rather". Often in places where the deletion of them would make no change in the meaning of the sentence but would make for a smoother read.
It was just hard to enjoy this book with all the glaring editing issues and the sub par writing. Didn't help that the duke was totally unlikeable and his behaviour was disgusting.
February 2, 2021
Awesome second book in the Regency Matchmakers Series. This one takes off Miss Amelia Blackmore has received an interesting invitation from The Dowager Duchess of Harrowden has requested that she visit Harrowden Hall. The Dowager wants her to find a match for son, Edmund, the Duke of Harrowden. Knowing her son would refuse the help of a matchmaker- Amelia is to pretend she has been hired to be a companion to the Dowager while she gather the information she needs to find a perfect match for the Duke.
When Edmund, the Duke of Harrowden, is introduced to Amelia he thinks she is the new nursemaid for his daughter. When he discovers she is his mother's new companion, he immediately fires her. He is utterly surprised when she defies him by refusing. She is like no companion he has ever heard of as she continues to stand up to him.
As Amelia begins to see beneath the mask he wears and his reputation of having murdered his wife- she finds she is beginning to have feelings for the Duke. Her presence in the household brings a light that has been sadly lacking. Will the Duke be able to get beyond his pride and stubbornness to see the perfect match for him is right in front of him?
Such a fun book and the interaction between Amelia and the Duke was witty and at times very amusing. I cannot wait for the next story too see what's in store for Miss Hannah Blackmore .
I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest unbiased review.
When Edmund, the Duke of Harrowden, is introduced to Amelia he thinks she is the new nursemaid for his daughter. When he discovers she is his mother's new companion, he immediately fires her. He is utterly surprised when she defies him by refusing. She is like no companion he has ever heard of as she continues to stand up to him.
As Amelia begins to see beneath the mask he wears and his reputation of having murdered his wife- she finds she is beginning to have feelings for the Duke. Her presence in the household brings a light that has been sadly lacking. Will the Duke be able to get beyond his pride and stubbornness to see the perfect match for him is right in front of him?
Such a fun book and the interaction between Amelia and the Duke was witty and at times very amusing. I cannot wait for the next story too see what's in store for Miss Hannah Blackmore .
I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest unbiased review.
October 4, 2023
Amelia Blackmore and her sisters were famous as Landon’s matchmakers. Amelia was now twenty two and bored with the constant buzz of the London ton. Balls, soirées, and parties had lost all their charm. She was tired of city life and longed to retire to the country and ride her horse.
The Dowger of Harrowden contacted the famous sisters to find a match for her son the Duke of Harrowden. His wife had died five years ago and he had become a recluse. Edmund needed a wife and his mother needed a companion to get him to warm up to a young lady being in the house. Amelia agreed to give up part of her season and go to Harrowden Hall and see what the duke was like and what he might require for a love match. He immediately thought she was the new nurse for his daughter and threatened to fire her on the spot.
Amelia did not even know he had a daughter. She refused to be fired when she had not yet even met his mother or been given a chance to perform her duties as a companion. Or get to see what the duke was really like. (It did not look good).
The Dowger of Harrowden contacted the famous sisters to find a match for her son the Duke of Harrowden. His wife had died five years ago and he had become a recluse. Edmund needed a wife and his mother needed a companion to get him to warm up to a young lady being in the house. Amelia agreed to give up part of her season and go to Harrowden Hall and see what the duke was like and what he might require for a love match. He immediately thought she was the new nurse for his daughter and threatened to fire her on the spot.
Amelia did not even know he had a daughter. She refused to be fired when she had not yet even met his mother or been given a chance to perform her duties as a companion. Or get to see what the duke was really like. (It did not look good).
February 2, 2021
Amelia Blackmore is tires of society and jumps at the chance for change. She has been hired as a companion to the Dowager Duchess of Harrowden for the express purposes of determining what type of woman her son, The Duke, would be perfect for him. On arriving at the Harrowden estate, Amelia finds a stuffy, insufferable, overbearing Duke. Not one to give up, she seeks to befriend the Duke to learn more about him. She discovers the secrets to the mystery behind the Duke's pain, hurt and pride. She is determined to help him through it not knowing she will lose her heart in the process.
This was a fantastic romantic regency story. I loved Amelia's personality and her determination not to back down to the Duke when he became overbearing. It was sweet to see the changes to him as well. This was a clean regency tale with sweet romance. I enjoyed reading it.
This was a fantastic romantic regency story. I loved Amelia's personality and her determination not to back down to the Duke when he became overbearing. It was sweet to see the changes to him as well. This was a clean regency tale with sweet romance. I enjoyed reading it.
March 2, 2025
This book was full of things that wouldn't happen in real life. Much of the plot is resolved too quickly, like the Duke after denying his daughter for almost a decade all of the sudden acknowledges her because Amelia says they have the same colored eyes. He then also instantly becomes the best father ever and the little girl who was terrified of him instantly forgives and loves him. He also seems to let who he thinks is a servant/ companion for his mother get away with too much. There feels to be no real conflict so the ending isn't as satisfying as I would have liked. However, it keep me entertained for a few days as a very quick, very light read, and I'll read the next book in the series to finish with the other sister so I have 3 stars. Probably won't ever read it again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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