What do you think?
Rate this book
Misfits of Mayfair #3
Dukes Do It Better
From the series guaranteed to "win the hearts of Regency fans" comes a story of secrets, scandal, and unlikely love that will warm even the coldest of hearts (Publishers Weekly).
After a debut season plagued by scandal, Lady Emma Hardwick is ready to return to London, now with her young son in tow, and make a match. She's looking for someone respectable. Someone wholly unlike Malachi Harlow, the new Duke of Trenton and former ship captain, whose long hair and tattoos make him decidedly dangerous to her peace of mind.
Malachi would rather be at sea than in a London ballroom. But until he can sort out why the admiralty brought him home, he has to stay landbound. That becomes less of a hardship when he meets the beguiling Lady Emma, whose dimples and easy laughter capture his imagination. When they start receiving threatening notes, they realize that there's more to their connection than chemistry, and they'll have to work together to figure out why someone wants to ruin their lives.
After a debut season plagued by scandal, Lady Emma Hardwick is ready to return to London, now with her young son in tow, and make a match. She's looking for someone respectable. Someone wholly unlike Malachi Harlow, the new Duke of Trenton and former ship captain, whose long hair and tattoos make him decidedly dangerous to her peace of mind.
Malachi would rather be at sea than in a London ballroom. But until he can sort out why the admiralty brought him home, he has to stay landbound. That becomes less of a hardship when he meets the beguiling Lady Emma, whose dimples and easy laughter capture his imagination. When they start receiving threatening notes, they realize that there's more to their connection than chemistry, and they'll have to work together to figure out why someone wants to ruin their lives.
328 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 24, 2022
55 people are currently reading
2709 people want to read
About the author
Bethany Bennett
5 books319 followersBethany grew up in a small fishing village in Alaska where required learning included life-skills like cold-water survival, and several other things that are utterly useless as a romance writer. Eventually settling in the Northwest with her real-life hero and two children, she enjoys mountain views from the comfort of her sofa, wearing a tremendous amount of flannel, and drinking more coffee than her doctor deems wise.
Be sure to follow her Bookbub for the latest release news, recommendations, and updates.
https://rb.gy/3ipr6t
Be sure to follow her Bookbub for the latest release news, recommendations, and updates.
https://rb.gy/3ipr6t
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 171 reviews
June 29, 2022
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
How her old friends in society would laugh to see the woman once hailed as the diamond of the Season dreading going to London.
Dukes Do It Better is third in the Misfits of Mayfair series and I would recommend reading at least the second in the series before this. Events that happened in the second weigh heavily here, I've read the first but not the second in the series and though I thought the author did a good job relaying what happened, I felt disconnected because I hadn't read what the characters went through. Our heroine Emma seems to have been a former diamond of the water, with some mean girl leanings, trusts and gets seduced by a Lord Roxbury who turns heel when he finds out she's pregnant. With the help of, who turns out to be her future sister-in-law, they concoct a plan that leaves Emma a respectable widow and gives legitimacy to her child. This all happens in the second, this starts off 5 years later with Emma having retired to a cottage on the sea and with the death of her father, is finally going back to London to celebrate her nephew's birthday.
The man with those eyes had been compelling enough to divert her from the restrictions she usually lived under. And what had happened? Emma let loose for a few hours and landed in a sailor's bed.
Captain Malachi Harlow is a character that has also shown up here and there in the series, he plays a part in the second with helping Emma's brother, with forged papers, transport the villain of that book. After spending 15 years in the Baltic, regulated there because his father is a Duke, his older brother dies and as the new Duke of Trenton, is being forced to land. His mother always favored his brother so they have a strained relationship and she's embroiling herself in a blackmail scheme to keep the Admiralty from sending him back out to sea. Mal's father was a spy and had a blackbook of secrets, which his mother is claiming she has and willing to spill some secrets if her bidding isn't done. So Mal's in London to try and find the blackbook to stop his mother so he can go back out to sea, he wants nothing to do with the dukedom.
Alarm bells signaled in his brain like the warning cries of centuries of sailors who'd fallen to sirens before him.
How in the world are these two supposed to meet, you ask? They already have! In what would have been a great prologue, but instead we get from Emma and Mal's reminiscing, a few months ago, Mal was offloading some more treasure to his vault he has hidden by a cliff side town. Guess who's cottage is on that cliffside? Emma and Mal met at an assembly dance and shared a steamy night together, they both thought the other was a simple widow and sea captain but when Mal comes upon Emma in the park in London and rescues her from the baby daddy heel, they both learn of their titles. Besides missing out on getting that steamy first night scene, it's a pretty good setup (add in a mysterious widow's journal that Mal found on the beach and reads every night to fight his loneliness at sea) but the carryover from the second book's plot took up too much of this book and I struggled mightily with characterization.
No, she could never see Malachi Harlow again. How she'd manage that, she had no idea.
Mal has been a sea captain for 15 years and even though we don't get any buddy scenes with his crew, it's fairly alluded to that he was a good captain who feels a sense of duty towards them. So I'm to believe that he's a man who takes his responsibilities seriously but he feels nothing towards his family's dukedom? I get there was favoritism and he's got hurt feefees over that with his mother but he's going to let it all go to hell, abandon the people that rely on that estate? It's never even emotionally dealt with, he basically just meh's away any responsibility he may have towards it. There was absolutely no reason this character needed to be a duke, the title in no way served the character or the story. Maybe if I had read the second I would have understood Emma better but, my understanding, was that as a diamond of the first water who grew up a marquess' daughter, she's had a conventional upbringing in the glittery world of the ton. The spoiled factor and not thinking of consequences fits with her sleeping with Lord Roxbury as does her working with her sister-in-law to concoct a story, shows she's very aware of society censure and her living in a cottage out of London. I was under the impression that she lived a fairly quite life in this seaside cottage, so when she's giggling about dildos with her sister-in-law and then when her brother walks in, keeps laughing and talking about them, I'm thrown a bit. I'm fully aware that women used dildos during this time period but where in the world does a character like Emma grow so lackadaisical about mentioning them with her brother? What was going down in this seaside town? Her speech also threw me out of the story at times, especially towards the end, it does come off pretty modern. Again, I'm aware of historical aristocratic women that threw around curse words, I'm saying what I know of Emma's character, it doesn't fit it her.
Emma and Mal's romance had the foundation of their shared steamy night, that again, reader's don't get to see, and that, more or less, is what we get from them, trying to find a way to sleep together again. There's some mystery and suspense plot with all three book couples entering the picture as they're getting blackmailing notes. Is it the illegally transported former villain, push back from Mal's mom threatening to reveal her husband's blackbook secrets, or the heel baby daddy making demands? The ending reveals all, gives a sudden and, again, doesn't fit the characterization that has been laid out, character one-eighty, a late misunderstanding, and our happily ever after. I generally like this author's tone of writing but, for me personally, it doesn't fit in historical.
How her old friends in society would laugh to see the woman once hailed as the diamond of the Season dreading going to London.
Dukes Do It Better is third in the Misfits of Mayfair series and I would recommend reading at least the second in the series before this. Events that happened in the second weigh heavily here, I've read the first but not the second in the series and though I thought the author did a good job relaying what happened, I felt disconnected because I hadn't read what the characters went through. Our heroine Emma seems to have been a former diamond of the water, with some mean girl leanings, trusts and gets seduced by a Lord Roxbury who turns heel when he finds out she's pregnant. With the help of, who turns out to be her future sister-in-law, they concoct a plan that leaves Emma a respectable widow and gives legitimacy to her child. This all happens in the second, this starts off 5 years later with Emma having retired to a cottage on the sea and with the death of her father, is finally going back to London to celebrate her nephew's birthday.
The man with those eyes had been compelling enough to divert her from the restrictions she usually lived under. And what had happened? Emma let loose for a few hours and landed in a sailor's bed.
Captain Malachi Harlow is a character that has also shown up here and there in the series, he plays a part in the second with helping Emma's brother, with forged papers, transport the villain of that book. After spending 15 years in the Baltic, regulated there because his father is a Duke, his older brother dies and as the new Duke of Trenton, is being forced to land. His mother always favored his brother so they have a strained relationship and she's embroiling herself in a blackmail scheme to keep the Admiralty from sending him back out to sea. Mal's father was a spy and had a blackbook of secrets, which his mother is claiming she has and willing to spill some secrets if her bidding isn't done. So Mal's in London to try and find the blackbook to stop his mother so he can go back out to sea, he wants nothing to do with the dukedom.
Alarm bells signaled in his brain like the warning cries of centuries of sailors who'd fallen to sirens before him.
How in the world are these two supposed to meet, you ask? They already have! In what would have been a great prologue, but instead we get from Emma and Mal's reminiscing, a few months ago, Mal was offloading some more treasure to his vault he has hidden by a cliff side town. Guess who's cottage is on that cliffside? Emma and Mal met at an assembly dance and shared a steamy night together, they both thought the other was a simple widow and sea captain but when Mal comes upon Emma in the park in London and rescues her from the baby daddy heel, they both learn of their titles. Besides missing out on getting that steamy first night scene, it's a pretty good setup (add in a mysterious widow's journal that Mal found on the beach and reads every night to fight his loneliness at sea) but the carryover from the second book's plot took up too much of this book and I struggled mightily with characterization.
No, she could never see Malachi Harlow again. How she'd manage that, she had no idea.
Mal has been a sea captain for 15 years and even though we don't get any buddy scenes with his crew, it's fairly alluded to that he was a good captain who feels a sense of duty towards them. So I'm to believe that he's a man who takes his responsibilities seriously but he feels nothing towards his family's dukedom? I get there was favoritism and he's got hurt feefees over that with his mother but he's going to let it all go to hell, abandon the people that rely on that estate? It's never even emotionally dealt with, he basically just meh's away any responsibility he may have towards it. There was absolutely no reason this character needed to be a duke, the title in no way served the character or the story. Maybe if I had read the second I would have understood Emma better but, my understanding, was that as a diamond of the first water who grew up a marquess' daughter, she's had a conventional upbringing in the glittery world of the ton. The spoiled factor and not thinking of consequences fits with her sleeping with Lord Roxbury as does her working with her sister-in-law to concoct a story, shows she's very aware of society censure and her living in a cottage out of London. I was under the impression that she lived a fairly quite life in this seaside cottage, so when she's giggling about dildos with her sister-in-law and then when her brother walks in, keeps laughing and talking about them, I'm thrown a bit. I'm fully aware that women used dildos during this time period but where in the world does a character like Emma grow so lackadaisical about mentioning them with her brother? What was going down in this seaside town? Her speech also threw me out of the story at times, especially towards the end, it does come off pretty modern. Again, I'm aware of historical aristocratic women that threw around curse words, I'm saying what I know of Emma's character, it doesn't fit it her.
Emma and Mal's romance had the foundation of their shared steamy night, that again, reader's don't get to see, and that, more or less, is what we get from them, trying to find a way to sleep together again. There's some mystery and suspense plot with all three book couples entering the picture as they're getting blackmailing notes. Is it the illegally transported former villain, push back from Mal's mom threatening to reveal her husband's blackbook secrets, or the heel baby daddy making demands? The ending reveals all, gives a sudden and, again, doesn't fit the characterization that has been laid out, character one-eighty, a late misunderstanding, and our happily ever after. I generally like this author's tone of writing but, for me personally, it doesn't fit in historical.
April 15, 2022
After a debut season marred by scandal, Lady Emma Hardwick relocated to Olread Cove as a widow to raise her young son away from the gossip of London. Captain Malachi Harlow, the new Duke of Trenton, would rather be at sea than in sipping tea during the season. But he's stuck on land until he can get the Admiralty to reinstate his command. When Emma and Mal reconnect after a one night stand, there's more to their connection than just chemistry.
This is third book in the Misfits of Mayfair series. I highly recommend reading these books in order. There is a big reveal in book two, and the characters and events of the previous books play heavily into this story.
This was an entertaining and engaging read. Bethany Bennett has a strong, fun authorial voice that comes through loud and clear! I love that the heroine was self-aware and calls her past-self a “a spoiled brat who made awful decisions and took advantage of everyone around her.” I didn’t love Emma in the previous books, so I’m glad to see she’s grown up.
I was also happy that Emma and Malachi had already had an encounter when the book began because it let their relationship evolve at a faster pace. Both characters had a lot of baggage with their families and their pasts. At first, I was worried that there were too many plot points with Emma’s baby daddy, Malachi’s commission and family secrets, Emma's seaside house, and a blackmail story involving the first two couples...but Bennett managed to weave them all together in such an interesting manner. The only thing I didn't care for was the side couple, Simon and Adelaide, who I felt took time away from the main romance.
Tropes: Ruined, "Widow," One Night Stand, Single Parent/Child as a Plot Point
Steam: 3
* I received an ARC and this is my honest review. #DukesDoItBetter #NetGalley
This is third book in the Misfits of Mayfair series. I highly recommend reading these books in order. There is a big reveal in book two, and the characters and events of the previous books play heavily into this story.
This was an entertaining and engaging read. Bethany Bennett has a strong, fun authorial voice that comes through loud and clear! I love that the heroine was self-aware and calls her past-self a “a spoiled brat who made awful decisions and took advantage of everyone around her.” I didn’t love Emma in the previous books, so I’m glad to see she’s grown up.
I was also happy that Emma and Malachi had already had an encounter when the book began because it let their relationship evolve at a faster pace. Both characters had a lot of baggage with their families and their pasts. At first, I was worried that there were too many plot points with Emma’s baby daddy, Malachi’s commission and family secrets, Emma's seaside house, and a blackmail story involving the first two couples...but Bennett managed to weave them all together in such an interesting manner. The only thing I didn't care for was the side couple, Simon and Adelaide, who I felt took time away from the main romance.
Tropes: Ruined, "Widow," One Night Stand, Single Parent/Child as a Plot Point
Steam: 3
* I received an ARC and this is my honest review. #DukesDoItBetter #NetGalley
July 4, 2022
4 Stars
A lovely end to this series by Bethany Bennett.
Quick Review
- A sweet story.
- This one had far too modern a verbiage, which I am willing to ignore, but the amount of it was surprising enough for me to raise my eyebrows.
- The sweetest hero possible. He was such a good man. A squishy, huggable bear.
- A heroine redeemed. Emma lost it in the middle, but she came around, thankfully. Life teaches you a lesson or two, I suppose.
- A lovely romance.
- A villain you could see coming from a mile away.
- I especially enjoyed the budding father-son relationship between Mal & Alton.
- This has to be said. The Duke & Duchess named their heir, George and the spare, Malachi? I mean, really? That's far-reaching!
A lovely end to this series by Bethany Bennett.
Quick Review
- A sweet story.
- This one had far too modern a verbiage, which I am willing to ignore, but the amount of it was surprising enough for me to raise my eyebrows.
- The sweetest hero possible. He was such a good man. A squishy, huggable bear.
- A heroine redeemed. Emma lost it in the middle, but she came around, thankfully. Life teaches you a lesson or two, I suppose.
- A lovely romance.
- A villain you could see coming from a mile away.
- I especially enjoyed the budding father-son relationship between Mal & Alton.
- This has to be said. The Duke & Duchess named their heir, George and the spare, Malachi? I mean, really? That's far-reaching!
February 25, 2022
This book starts with our hero and heroine hooking up for one night only in a seaside inn. Catching each other’s eye across the room, sizzling banter, and one glorious night of passion. Neither knowing who the other truly is, thinking they’ll never see each other again, ending years long droughts of physical passion in a STEAMY EXPLOSIVE NIGHT!!
Off page.
The one night stand our lovers have is OFF. PAGE.
It’s mentioned in passing memories and when Mal and Emma see each other again realizing the truth of who they hooked up with there’s a crap ton of inner dialogue to convince me to feel the attraction and tension, but I was too wrapped up in the fact that it was OFF PAGE to believe it.
But that’s okay. It doesn’t have to be on page right? Surely there’s a reason the author couldn’t slip this prologue in, right? The book was too full of other things that were way to important to the story that it couldn’t waste time on a prologue, right?
This is where the book gets super tedious.
There are something like six separate conflicts going on at once. Six different storylines that together are a muddled mess. I really feel like the author should have picked one really strong conflict keeping our couple apart and run with that. Instead we have six weak tea conflicts that kindaaaaa affect the relationship of Mal and Emma, but are just all together confusing and at times hard to follow. I wrote down each different conflict to keep them all straight and still found myself like, “Oh yeah I forgot about that one.” This is less of a story of how Mal and Emma find each other and more of a group of friends already in love, trying to find out who is blackmailing them. There’s no tension, there’s no “omgggg there’s so much to overcome how will they be together?!” From the very beginning there was nothing keeping them apart except their flimsy, “Let’s just keep it temporary.” Even with aaaalll the conflicts going on, there wasn’t one that was super strong to keep them apart. I am here for the romance, not trying to figure out who is blackmailing who and robbing graves and mild misunderstandings.
I have a lot more thoughts but I’m already feeling like this review is too mean so I’ll just stop myself before it gets too intense.
I received this ARC from the publisher, review is my own.
Off page.
The one night stand our lovers have is OFF. PAGE.
It’s mentioned in passing memories and when Mal and Emma see each other again realizing the truth of who they hooked up with there’s a crap ton of inner dialogue to convince me to feel the attraction and tension, but I was too wrapped up in the fact that it was OFF PAGE to believe it.
But that’s okay. It doesn’t have to be on page right? Surely there’s a reason the author couldn’t slip this prologue in, right? The book was too full of other things that were way to important to the story that it couldn’t waste time on a prologue, right?
This is where the book gets super tedious.
There are something like six separate conflicts going on at once. Six different storylines that together are a muddled mess. I really feel like the author should have picked one really strong conflict keeping our couple apart and run with that. Instead we have six weak tea conflicts that kindaaaaa affect the relationship of Mal and Emma, but are just all together confusing and at times hard to follow. I wrote down each different conflict to keep them all straight and still found myself like, “Oh yeah I forgot about that one.” This is less of a story of how Mal and Emma find each other and more of a group of friends already in love, trying to find out who is blackmailing them. There’s no tension, there’s no “omgggg there’s so much to overcome how will they be together?!” From the very beginning there was nothing keeping them apart except their flimsy, “Let’s just keep it temporary.” Even with aaaalll the conflicts going on, there wasn’t one that was super strong to keep them apart. I am here for the romance, not trying to figure out who is blackmailing who and robbing graves and mild misunderstandings.
I have a lot more thoughts but I’m already feeling like this review is too mean so I’ll just stop myself before it gets too intense.
I received this ARC from the publisher, review is my own.
June 3, 2022
Since her debut season turned out to be an utter disaster, Lady Emma Hardwick has spent the past few years away from society in her small seaside cottage. Now she’s facing London again along with her young son, entertaining the idea of finding a good man to be a father to him. What she finds is Captain Malachi Harlow, now the Duke of Trenton, a tattooed, dangerous-looking man with whom she had a one night stand several months previously and whom she hasn’t stopped thinking of since.
Mal has no interest in London and is itching to return to his ship. Before he can do that, he has to settle matters with the admiralty that brought him home in the first place. When he reconnects with Emma, he finds he doesn’t mind an extended stay in London so much if it means spending time with her. The more time he spends with Emma, the more he begins to long for something more permanent with her, and that feeling only intensifies when they begin receiving threatening notes from an unknown enemy who wants to destroy them and their friends.
There was so much going on in this story that I’m really not sure where to start. I guess it’s fair to say that I was very skeptical of this one at first simply because of how dreadful Emma was in the previous book. She was utterly self-serving, egocentric, and naïve, with very few redeeming qualities. My dislike of her made me just as nervous as I was keen to read her story since I do tend to enjoy a good redemption story. Emma definitely does show a lot of character growth in this one, but perhaps not as much as she needed. There were still plenty of times that I found her to be utterly insufferable and her behavior toward Mal to be wholly unwarranted.
I liked the fact that due to Emma and Mal’s previous encounter before the beginning of this story, we get on page intimacy early with this setup. I think that was very important here for Emma’s character development as she learned to differentiate love from lust and began to feel comfortable enough to explore her own deeper feelings. This also gave us lots of time to explore that dynamic on page. Unfortunately, despite some newfound maturity and growth, Emma still displays plenty of immature tendencies, most especially that of avoiding honest communication and playing games instead. She is prone to petulant sulking and believing the absolute worst of Mal despite his proving himself to her and her own logic telling her that her theories about him don’t make sense. She talks a good game when it comes to wanting to be honest and not tell lies anymore, only to have much of that go out the window when it comes to Mal. I think she may have had one truly open conversation with him, and it was late in coming and I just wanted more. At the same time, I may never have related so much to a character in terms of fear of opening oneself up to hurt and at times, I felt like Emma could’ve been a younger version of me. I’m pretty sure I’ve said some of the same things she did at some point in my life. I was utterly charmed by Mal’s pouring his heart out to her and I just wish there had been a bit more reciprocation, even if it was delayed. Don’t get me wrong, she had every right to demand an explanation of Mal, she just should’ve given him the opportunity to do so much sooner rather than jumping to conclusions.
Beyond these little annoyances I had with Emma, I loved this story. Mal is pretty close to being the perfect hero himself and after the neglectful childhood he had, his need to be loved and belong was just the thing to absolutely melt me. His utter acceptance of Emma for who she was, and his understanding and forgiveness of her past actions put him a step above the rest. He was teaching Emma just as much about unconditional romantic love as she was teaching him about family and belonging and I loved that. Plus, he has a narwhal tattoo and if that’s not adorable, I’m not sure what is. There’s some mystery and intrigue here, but it definitely takes a backseat for much of the book and I’m glad it was handled fairly quickly in the end. Perhaps my favorite aspect of this story was the bromance between Mal, Ethan, and Cal. Their immediate rapport was just fantastic, and I adored the little family these three couples were able to create, and I especially liked that Mal’s friend Simon and Adelaide were included as well. I’m a sucker for found family and their bond was definitely believable. The final scenes of this book are some of my favorite series ending scenes ever and I couldn’t have thought up a better conclusion for these endearing characters.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
Mal has no interest in London and is itching to return to his ship. Before he can do that, he has to settle matters with the admiralty that brought him home in the first place. When he reconnects with Emma, he finds he doesn’t mind an extended stay in London so much if it means spending time with her. The more time he spends with Emma, the more he begins to long for something more permanent with her, and that feeling only intensifies when they begin receiving threatening notes from an unknown enemy who wants to destroy them and their friends.
There was so much going on in this story that I’m really not sure where to start. I guess it’s fair to say that I was very skeptical of this one at first simply because of how dreadful Emma was in the previous book. She was utterly self-serving, egocentric, and naïve, with very few redeeming qualities. My dislike of her made me just as nervous as I was keen to read her story since I do tend to enjoy a good redemption story. Emma definitely does show a lot of character growth in this one, but perhaps not as much as she needed. There were still plenty of times that I found her to be utterly insufferable and her behavior toward Mal to be wholly unwarranted.
I liked the fact that due to Emma and Mal’s previous encounter before the beginning of this story, we get on page intimacy early with this setup. I think that was very important here for Emma’s character development as she learned to differentiate love from lust and began to feel comfortable enough to explore her own deeper feelings. This also gave us lots of time to explore that dynamic on page. Unfortunately, despite some newfound maturity and growth, Emma still displays plenty of immature tendencies, most especially that of avoiding honest communication and playing games instead. She is prone to petulant sulking and believing the absolute worst of Mal despite his proving himself to her and her own logic telling her that her theories about him don’t make sense. She talks a good game when it comes to wanting to be honest and not tell lies anymore, only to have much of that go out the window when it comes to Mal. I think she may have had one truly open conversation with him, and it was late in coming and I just wanted more. At the same time, I may never have related so much to a character in terms of fear of opening oneself up to hurt and at times, I felt like Emma could’ve been a younger version of me. I’m pretty sure I’ve said some of the same things she did at some point in my life. I was utterly charmed by Mal’s pouring his heart out to her and I just wish there had been a bit more reciprocation, even if it was delayed. Don’t get me wrong, she had every right to demand an explanation of Mal, she just should’ve given him the opportunity to do so much sooner rather than jumping to conclusions.
Beyond these little annoyances I had with Emma, I loved this story. Mal is pretty close to being the perfect hero himself and after the neglectful childhood he had, his need to be loved and belong was just the thing to absolutely melt me. His utter acceptance of Emma for who she was, and his understanding and forgiveness of her past actions put him a step above the rest. He was teaching Emma just as much about unconditional romantic love as she was teaching him about family and belonging and I loved that. Plus, he has a narwhal tattoo and if that’s not adorable, I’m not sure what is. There’s some mystery and intrigue here, but it definitely takes a backseat for much of the book and I’m glad it was handled fairly quickly in the end. Perhaps my favorite aspect of this story was the bromance between Mal, Ethan, and Cal. Their immediate rapport was just fantastic, and I adored the little family these three couples were able to create, and I especially liked that Mal’s friend Simon and Adelaide were included as well. I’m a sucker for found family and their bond was definitely believable. The final scenes of this book are some of my favorite series ending scenes ever and I couldn’t have thought up a better conclusion for these endearing characters.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
May 19, 2022
⚓️ Dukes Do It Better 🐐
Misfits of Mayfair Book 3
✒️ Bethany Bennett
https://www.facebook.com/BethanyBenne...
Release Date 05/24/2022
Publisher Forever
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09FL8XGY4/...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
She can keep her secrets or risk her heart Lady Emma Hardwick has been living a lie—one that allowed her to keep her son and give him the loving home she’d never had. But now her journal, the one place she’d indulged in the truth, has been stolen. Whoever has it holds the power to bring the life she’s carefully built crumbling to the ground. With her past threatening everything she holds dear, the only person she can trust is the dangerously handsome, tattooed navy captain with whom she dared to spend one carefree night. Captain Malachi Harlow, Duke of Trenton, would rather throw himself overboard than return to society. But when the Admiralty calls him back home, there is no room for refusal. Crossing paths with the delectable Lady Emma is a welcome distraction that takes a more serious turn when they discover they have a common enemy. Working together could help them both—but will it also bring a temptation neither can resist?
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will they look to reach out beyond the time they allowed themselves to be together …
Emma was a character I did not like in her brother’s story, but by the end of his book, she had redeemed herself in my eyes.
So I was much curious to see her shred her skin of the spoiled brat she was to become a single mother bearer of many secrets.
Why I really would recommend to read the two first books, or at last the second to really understand the dynamic between the characters as they share an important part of the heroine’s story.
Emma has learned the hard way the cost of being too wild and free with her affections. Thus she had to grow faster than she should have needed if she would have been the perfect debutante. While she has to mature out of necessity, she is also surrounded by so many secrets and the guilt of what she had to do to rescue herself, she feels stifled by everything. In all, she is a walking mystery to any man who would take the time to look at her closer and beyond her appearance, if he can catch her as she has a tendency to flee.
Malachi had lived and breathed the sea for the last decade, this is his life and his new title won’t change a thing, so he thought.
Yet while he wants only to return to his ship and the sea, he longs also for the woman he once met for a memorable night and the one who poured her heart in the pages of the diary he found abandoned one day. This woman talks to his soul when the other to his body. So when he discover Lady Emma is the woman who left him unforgettable memories of a shared night, he refuses to let pass their chance of more time together until he has to leave again.
While he does not bear the weight of secrets like Emma’s, like her, he too in his own way has been running away from his past, from the hurt of being the spare, the unloved child, the one left behind.
I loved Calvin and Ophelia and here they are still their awesome self, funny, gentle and a fair ear to Emma’s plights, heartbreaks or nightmares.
This is the story of an awesome friendship between the many protagonists, they really feel like living and breathing beings, I wanted to be part of this close knitted group.
I first taught I would read it quickly as I am as usual behind my schedule, but it quickly appeared it would not be.
I wanted to savor the building of Emma and Mal’s relationship, how they rekindled their chemistry to explore it beyond the bedroom, to come to trust one another. But they make mistakes on the way, putting a dent in their much fragile new trust.
But their romance was not everything in this book, this is a tale of friendship, the one they create together but also the one linking all the characters from the previous books, then the sisterhood and the brotherhood, through the bonds the women and men waved between them, a connection stronger than blood and beyond family’s ties. They all would do anything for one another.
The epilogue is just perfect, the right conclusion for all the characters, all fulfilling their arc.
5 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 hot
I have been granted an advance copy by the publisher, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CdwFUzaD...
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
#bookstagram #historicalromance #romance #romancebookblog #romancebookblogger #bookblog #romanceauthor #bookblogger #2022read #bookstagrammer #bookreview #romancebookreviewer #arcreader #bookquote #romancestagram #readersofinstagram
Misfits of Mayfair Book 3
✒️ Bethany Bennett
https://www.facebook.com/BethanyBenne...
Release Date 05/24/2022
Publisher Forever
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09FL8XGY4/...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
She can keep her secrets or risk her heart Lady Emma Hardwick has been living a lie—one that allowed her to keep her son and give him the loving home she’d never had. But now her journal, the one place she’d indulged in the truth, has been stolen. Whoever has it holds the power to bring the life she’s carefully built crumbling to the ground. With her past threatening everything she holds dear, the only person she can trust is the dangerously handsome, tattooed navy captain with whom she dared to spend one carefree night. Captain Malachi Harlow, Duke of Trenton, would rather throw himself overboard than return to society. But when the Admiralty calls him back home, there is no room for refusal. Crossing paths with the delectable Lady Emma is a welcome distraction that takes a more serious turn when they discover they have a common enemy. Working together could help them both—but will it also bring a temptation neither can resist?
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will they look to reach out beyond the time they allowed themselves to be together …
Emma was a character I did not like in her brother’s story, but by the end of his book, she had redeemed herself in my eyes.
So I was much curious to see her shred her skin of the spoiled brat she was to become a single mother bearer of many secrets.
Why I really would recommend to read the two first books, or at last the second to really understand the dynamic between the characters as they share an important part of the heroine’s story.
Emma has learned the hard way the cost of being too wild and free with her affections. Thus she had to grow faster than she should have needed if she would have been the perfect debutante. While she has to mature out of necessity, she is also surrounded by so many secrets and the guilt of what she had to do to rescue herself, she feels stifled by everything. In all, she is a walking mystery to any man who would take the time to look at her closer and beyond her appearance, if he can catch her as she has a tendency to flee.
Malachi had lived and breathed the sea for the last decade, this is his life and his new title won’t change a thing, so he thought.
Yet while he wants only to return to his ship and the sea, he longs also for the woman he once met for a memorable night and the one who poured her heart in the pages of the diary he found abandoned one day. This woman talks to his soul when the other to his body. So when he discover Lady Emma is the woman who left him unforgettable memories of a shared night, he refuses to let pass their chance of more time together until he has to leave again.
While he does not bear the weight of secrets like Emma’s, like her, he too in his own way has been running away from his past, from the hurt of being the spare, the unloved child, the one left behind.
I loved Calvin and Ophelia and here they are still their awesome self, funny, gentle and a fair ear to Emma’s plights, heartbreaks or nightmares.
This is the story of an awesome friendship between the many protagonists, they really feel like living and breathing beings, I wanted to be part of this close knitted group.
I first taught I would read it quickly as I am as usual behind my schedule, but it quickly appeared it would not be.
I wanted to savor the building of Emma and Mal’s relationship, how they rekindled their chemistry to explore it beyond the bedroom, to come to trust one another. But they make mistakes on the way, putting a dent in their much fragile new trust.
But their romance was not everything in this book, this is a tale of friendship, the one they create together but also the one linking all the characters from the previous books, then the sisterhood and the brotherhood, through the bonds the women and men waved between them, a connection stronger than blood and beyond family’s ties. They all would do anything for one another.
The epilogue is just perfect, the right conclusion for all the characters, all fulfilling their arc.
5 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 hot
I have been granted an advance copy by the publisher, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CdwFUzaD...
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
#bookstagram #historicalromance #romance #romancebookblog #romancebookblogger #bookblog #romanceauthor #bookblogger #2022read #bookstagrammer #bookreview #romancebookreviewer #arcreader #bookquote #romancestagram #readersofinstagram
did-not-finish
July 8, 2022DNF @50%
I loved the first two books of this series but I don't think I was in the right mood for this - I could not connect with the story or characters. I thought took me out of the story. My main issue is there was no wish build between the hero and heroine.
I think many would enjoy this book, I am just not one of them.
I loved the first two books of this series but I don't think I was in the right mood for this - I could not connect with the story or characters. I thought took me out of the story. My main issue is there was no wish build between the hero and heroine.
I think many would enjoy this book, I am just not one of them.
May 14, 2023
I really enjoyed this book! I loved that this one was about Emma, Cal's sister, who you get to know in the pervious book. I wasn't sure what this one would entail, but I truly did enjoy it. Of course with most books, there were some ups and downs. I did get slightly bored towards the middle and thought it wouldn't end; however, the ending really picked up and I enjoyed the book. I don't believe I've read any single mother historical romance books, and if I have, I cannot remember them. But I really enjoyed how this one was done. You already know Emma's backstory from the other books, and then enters the "pirate," Mel, who we also met in previous books. I loved how these characters were all connected and their journey towards a happily-ever-after. I do recommend reading this series in order because things will not really make sense unless you do.
May 21, 2022
Captain Malachi “Mal” Harlow, and now the Duke of Trenton is livid, if it wasn’t bad enough that his late father interfered with his Naval career, now his mother has apparently blackmailed the Admiralty to force him back to London. When his attempts to regain his command once again fall on deaf ears, he decides to take a stroll in the park and it appears as if fate has decided to smile on him by reuniting him with the lovely widow he shared a night of passion with months ago and whom he hasn’t been able to forget.
Lady Emma Hardwick, the widow of “Adam” Hardwick and sister to the Marquess of Eastly and most importantly mother to Alton, has come to London to visit her brother and his family. She isn’t interested in remarrying and has no desire to spend more time than necessary in town, but when she reconnects with Mal and learns he will be in town for the next few weeks, she decides to give in to her family and stay for the season, and as a bonus, she and Mal agree to embark on an affair while they are both in town.
For a time, things are going exactly as planned and they discover their mutual connections, which only enhance their relationship, causing them to not only enjoy their time together and maybe even has them falling in love. But each of them is dealing with things that they are not willing to share with the other and while their attraction and admiration for each other comes easily, trust does not. Will they be able to work together to uncover the forces working against them or will a perceived betrayal keep them apart?
This was a well-written, fast-paced story, but it is also a very busy book, with A LOT of things going on and multiple storylines seemingly intersecting willy-nilly, but, if you have been following the series from the beginning, you will eventually come to appreciate all the random goings, as everything (and I do mean everything) comes around full circle. And if you believe in “fated love”, then Mal and Emma are perfect examples of that phenomenon! The book is filled with secrets, lies, steamy love scenes, baby goats, a tattooed piratical hero, a biscuit baking heroine, great secondary characters, treasure, misunderstandings, more steamy love scenes, a desperate former lover, a sweet secondary romance, and a HEA complete with an epilogue. I did enjoy the book, but if like me you cringe when formal address is butchered, prepare to cringe a lot – other than that, the book is a fun, fast read that really ties all the books together nicely. This is the third book in the series and I would strongly recommend reading the books in order to completely understand and enjoy this book.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*
Lady Emma Hardwick, the widow of “Adam” Hardwick and sister to the Marquess of Eastly and most importantly mother to Alton, has come to London to visit her brother and his family. She isn’t interested in remarrying and has no desire to spend more time than necessary in town, but when she reconnects with Mal and learns he will be in town for the next few weeks, she decides to give in to her family and stay for the season, and as a bonus, she and Mal agree to embark on an affair while they are both in town.
For a time, things are going exactly as planned and they discover their mutual connections, which only enhance their relationship, causing them to not only enjoy their time together and maybe even has them falling in love. But each of them is dealing with things that they are not willing to share with the other and while their attraction and admiration for each other comes easily, trust does not. Will they be able to work together to uncover the forces working against them or will a perceived betrayal keep them apart?
This was a well-written, fast-paced story, but it is also a very busy book, with A LOT of things going on and multiple storylines seemingly intersecting willy-nilly, but, if you have been following the series from the beginning, you will eventually come to appreciate all the random goings, as everything (and I do mean everything) comes around full circle. And if you believe in “fated love”, then Mal and Emma are perfect examples of that phenomenon! The book is filled with secrets, lies, steamy love scenes, baby goats, a tattooed piratical hero, a biscuit baking heroine, great secondary characters, treasure, misunderstandings, more steamy love scenes, a desperate former lover, a sweet secondary romance, and a HEA complete with an epilogue. I did enjoy the book, but if like me you cringe when formal address is butchered, prepare to cringe a lot – other than that, the book is a fun, fast read that really ties all the books together nicely. This is the third book in the series and I would strongly recommend reading the books in order to completely understand and enjoy this book.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*
June 2, 2022
I absolutely adore Bethany Bennett and have just loved this first series by her. Each and every one of these books in the Misfits of Mayfair series has just worked so well for me! Bennett's writing is compulsively readable, her characters are interesting and understandable, and the plots have been a great backdrop to fuel a budding romance! This third book in the series is the perfect cherry on top of this trilogy, Bennett balances the development of a new relationship with the past couples beautiful while creating a linking plot line that connects them all in an interesting and serendipitous way. This is a must read novel in my eyes that is best read in in order so you can truly grown and understand each of these heroine's and the men they give their hearts to.
Lady Emma is a single mother, with many dark secrets in her past (which you know about through the previous novel), she is also ready to turn over a new leaf and be open and truthful when it comes to the people she loves and trusts with her whole heart. Mal, is a naval captain, who is now land bound with duty to the dukedom he is now in charge of after his brother's death. Mal and Emma have already had a chance meeting and a passionate night spend together in the small coastal town that she and her son reside, but with this chance re-meeting they decide to enter into an affair as they both spend the next few weeks in London.
The chemistry between Emma and Mal leaps off the page, they are both so taken with the other and Bennett really shows this in such a beautiful way through their playfulness with each other and the instinctually trust they opening give. This novel is sweetly sensual and through the exploration of a physical relationship these two are able to deepen their understanding of each other. I really love that Bennett shows the development of their trust through small and domestic moments-a conversation in a kitchen while baking, a moment of play with her son, a parental instinct to protect, all these moments are carefully woven throughout the novel to show us how Mal and Emma operation around and with each other in beautifully balanced way. The comfortability that these two feel with each other is developed through a friendship, through moments of trust and through moments of understanding. While yes, this novel does have a third act conflict, it just shows the fear that sometimes drives poor decisions, but through this conflict they are both given the opportunity to learn how to better communicate and to truly trust and share all their secrets. I love that Emma is a strong and bold woman, who will do anything for her son, and who knows what she wants as needs as a widow. I love that Mal is so loving and gentle with Emma's son, he loves her son like his own and he shows this through how he treats him. This novel not only has beautiful female friendships at its heart, but it really develops a charming camaraderie between all the males as well. The family that all these couple develop together is so endearing and Bennett does a lovely job showing this and creating a perfectly heartwarming end to this trilogy.
I can not recommend this book and this series highly enough! This is definitely a series I will re-read again and again, it has also provided me with a new auto-buy author. I just can not wait to see where Bethany Bennett goes from here, I am so excited and can not wait to read her next novel!
Thank you to Forever Publishing and NetGalley for an eARC, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Lady Emma is a single mother, with many dark secrets in her past (which you know about through the previous novel), she is also ready to turn over a new leaf and be open and truthful when it comes to the people she loves and trusts with her whole heart. Mal, is a naval captain, who is now land bound with duty to the dukedom he is now in charge of after his brother's death. Mal and Emma have already had a chance meeting and a passionate night spend together in the small coastal town that she and her son reside, but with this chance re-meeting they decide to enter into an affair as they both spend the next few weeks in London.
The chemistry between Emma and Mal leaps off the page, they are both so taken with the other and Bennett really shows this in such a beautiful way through their playfulness with each other and the instinctually trust they opening give. This novel is sweetly sensual and through the exploration of a physical relationship these two are able to deepen their understanding of each other. I really love that Bennett shows the development of their trust through small and domestic moments-a conversation in a kitchen while baking, a moment of play with her son, a parental instinct to protect, all these moments are carefully woven throughout the novel to show us how Mal and Emma operation around and with each other in beautifully balanced way. The comfortability that these two feel with each other is developed through a friendship, through moments of trust and through moments of understanding. While yes, this novel does have a third act conflict, it just shows the fear that sometimes drives poor decisions, but through this conflict they are both given the opportunity to learn how to better communicate and to truly trust and share all their secrets. I love that Emma is a strong and bold woman, who will do anything for her son, and who knows what she wants as needs as a widow. I love that Mal is so loving and gentle with Emma's son, he loves her son like his own and he shows this through how he treats him. This novel not only has beautiful female friendships at its heart, but it really develops a charming camaraderie between all the males as well. The family that all these couple develop together is so endearing and Bennett does a lovely job showing this and creating a perfectly heartwarming end to this trilogy.
I can not recommend this book and this series highly enough! This is definitely a series I will re-read again and again, it has also provided me with a new auto-buy author. I just can not wait to see where Bethany Bennett goes from here, I am so excited and can not wait to read her next novel!
Thank you to Forever Publishing and NetGalley for an eARC, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 4, 2022
I received an ARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Lady Emma Hardwick had a scandalous affair in her debut season that resulted in her becoming pregnant and alone. Emma marries Adam Hardwick, but he dies shortly after leaving her a widow raising her newborn son. One night when she is lonely she meets Captain Malachi Harlowe and they share each other's bed. Fast forward months later, both Emma and Malachi are in London and decide to strike up an affair.
I think after how fantastic the second book was that this was a little underwhelming. I hated Emma in the last book, but she did grow on me. I loved seeing her as a mother, and the amount of care and love she had for her son. I wish I liked her relationship with Malachi better, but it was very flat. I found myself struggling to keep reading. So many side plots that I wish would have been focused on the romance. It ended nicely, but I still think it's my least favorite in the series.
Lady Emma Hardwick had a scandalous affair in her debut season that resulted in her becoming pregnant and alone. Emma marries Adam Hardwick, but he dies shortly after leaving her a widow raising her newborn son. One night when she is lonely she meets Captain Malachi Harlowe and they share each other's bed. Fast forward months later, both Emma and Malachi are in London and decide to strike up an affair.
I think after how fantastic the second book was that this was a little underwhelming. I hated Emma in the last book, but she did grow on me. I loved seeing her as a mother, and the amount of care and love she had for her son. I wish I liked her relationship with Malachi better, but it was very flat. I found myself struggling to keep reading. So many side plots that I wish would have been focused on the romance. It ended nicely, but I still think it's my least favorite in the series.
February 11, 2022
Oh Bethany Bennett - I think this might be the best one yet. Dukes Do It Better is the third installment in the Misfits of Mayfair series. We have watched Emma's story unfold through the stories of Lottie and Phee and have been waiting impatiently for it for months. It was worth the wait.
Things I need to gush about:
*seeing these friends together as a unit. I loved seeing Emma's relationship with Cal. I adored the friendship between the women and the new friendship between the guys. As we have read each of their stories, it's so rewarding to see them all come together.
*Open discussion about almost everything. They talk sex candidly. They argue and miscommunicate and then clear it up. The kids help this along, but all of the conversations are testament to how much thought and intention the author puts in her work.
*How much she adores her son. I love watching her let him be. I loved reading about how much she loves him in small tiny ways and all of those moments made his interactions with Mal so much sweeter.
* Pirate hero. That's all.
Ultimately, Bennett's books have this magical ability to FEEL like their characters. Each book in this trilogy has a different vibe. As I read this latest book, I realized that the vibe is different due to the differences in the characters. Emma's books feels more like Emma. I adore Bethany as a human (this is my disclaimer. She's the actual best just in general) but I adore her books and would even if I had no idea who she is.
Things I need to gush about:
*seeing these friends together as a unit. I loved seeing Emma's relationship with Cal. I adored the friendship between the women and the new friendship between the guys. As we have read each of their stories, it's so rewarding to see them all come together.
*Open discussion about almost everything. They talk sex candidly. They argue and miscommunicate and then clear it up. The kids help this along, but all of the conversations are testament to how much thought and intention the author puts in her work.
*How much she adores her son. I love watching her let him be. I loved reading about how much she loves him in small tiny ways and all of those moments made his interactions with Mal so much sweeter.
* Pirate hero. That's all.
Ultimately, Bennett's books have this magical ability to FEEL like their characters. Each book in this trilogy has a different vibe. As I read this latest book, I realized that the vibe is different due to the differences in the characters. Emma's books feels more like Emma. I adore Bethany as a human (this is my disclaimer. She's the actual best just in general) but I adore her books and would even if I had no idea who she is.
May 25, 2022
‘After a debut season plagued by scandal, Lady Emma Hardwick is ready to return to London, now with her young son in tow, and make a match. She's looking for someone respectable. Someone wholly unlike Malachi Harlow, the new Duke of Trenton and former ship captain, whose long hair and tattoos make him decidedly dangerous to her peace of mind.
Malachi would rather be at sea than in a London ballroom. But until he can sort out why the admiralty brought him home, he has to stay landbound. That becomes less of a hardship when he meets the beguiling Lady Emma, whose dimples and easy laughter capture his imagination. When they start receiving threatening notes, they realize that there's more to their connection than chemistry, and they'll have to work together to figure out why someone wants to ruin their lives.’
______________________
3.5 stars, rounded down to 3 stars.
Dukes Do It Better is the third book in Bethany Bennett’s Misfits of Mayfair series and is a historical romance with a bit of mystery.
From reading the previous book in the series, I really did not care for Emma so I was worried going into this book. Emma was so immature and selfish, I thought she was a real piece of work and I was disgusted by her manipulation and thoughtlessness. I think that had I read this book closer to finishing the previous book, when that dislike was so fresh, it would have greatly impacted how open-minded I felt toward her growth and redemption as a character. But she has grown a lot since the previous book. Some of that is due to her self-imposed (near) exile from the society from which she fled, but also from learning to care for the little boy that depends on her. She’s also aware of what an entitled brat she was before and reflects on her prior behavior on a few occasions in the book. Due to her growth and self-awareness, I wound up liking her as the book progressed.
I enjoyed the book. But I will say that this book is a bit busy, there are multiple plotlines running simultaneously. Between the romance(plus side romance), blackmail, biological father, navy commission, family secrets, mystery, ect. it felt like a lot at times. But Bennett wove them together nicely so that it wasn’t overwhelming and none were dropped or rushed.
The adorable goats were my favorite characters from this book, they were the comedic s
I would recommend reading these books as a series, not stand-alones, as the couples from the previous two couples feature quite often and plot points from those books are referenced frequently.
_____
I would like to thank NetGalley and Forever(Grand Central Publishing) for sharing an eARC of Dukes Do It Better with me. This is my honest review.
Malachi would rather be at sea than in a London ballroom. But until he can sort out why the admiralty brought him home, he has to stay landbound. That becomes less of a hardship when he meets the beguiling Lady Emma, whose dimples and easy laughter capture his imagination. When they start receiving threatening notes, they realize that there's more to their connection than chemistry, and they'll have to work together to figure out why someone wants to ruin their lives.’
______________________
3.5 stars, rounded down to 3 stars.
Dukes Do It Better is the third book in Bethany Bennett’s Misfits of Mayfair series and is a historical romance with a bit of mystery.
From reading the previous book in the series, I really did not care for Emma so I was worried going into this book. Emma was so immature and selfish, I thought she was a real piece of work and I was disgusted by her manipulation and thoughtlessness. I think that had I read this book closer to finishing the previous book, when that dislike was so fresh, it would have greatly impacted how open-minded I felt toward her growth and redemption as a character. But she has grown a lot since the previous book. Some of that is due to her self-imposed (near) exile from the society from which she fled, but also from learning to care for the little boy that depends on her. She’s also aware of what an entitled brat she was before and reflects on her prior behavior on a few occasions in the book. Due to her growth and self-awareness, I wound up liking her as the book progressed.
I enjoyed the book. But I will say that this book is a bit busy, there are multiple plotlines running simultaneously. Between the romance(plus side romance), blackmail, biological father, navy commission, family secrets, mystery, ect. it felt like a lot at times. But Bennett wove them together nicely so that it wasn’t overwhelming and none were dropped or rushed.
The adorable goats were my favorite characters from this book, they were the comedic s
I would recommend reading these books as a series, not stand-alones, as the couples from the previous two couples feature quite often and plot points from those books are referenced frequently.
_____
I would like to thank NetGalley and Forever(Grand Central Publishing) for sharing an eARC of Dukes Do It Better with me. This is my honest review.
May 5, 2022
Lordy goodness I think this is my favorite book in the series. This is the third in the Misfits of Mayfair by Bethany Bennett. I would encourage you to read them in order as the other two couples feature heavily as friends and family in this plot. In this book Lady Emma Hardwick lives near the sea as a widow with her young son Alton. She spends one magical night, with a ship captain, which incredibly is OFF page. She months later is staying with her brother and his family in London when she meets up with the Captain again. He is Malachi Harlow, the new Duke of Trenton.
He is a second son and had no plans to become the Duke and wants dearly to return to the sea but the admiralty is stalling. Sparks fly instantly with Emma. This is one of the few stories where a character uses her right as a widow to discretely start a relationship with Mal. But her family and friends are aware and supportive. So there are hot sexy times. My favorite times are when the two of them are together talking either in bed, picnicking with friends and even as she bakes a pie. The two are like a warm blanket snuggling and getting familiar with each other.
The downside is there several other plots a foot in the story that don’t work as well for me. There is a black mail scheme, Mal’s relationship with his mother, issues with Alton’s father, potential court marshal etc. A whole lot that could have been narrowed down. I genuinely didn’t care about the Mal’s father issues and him leaving something meaningful to Mal because it was buried under so many other plot lines. I didn’t realize it was important for his character to so much attention at the end. I was happy to have the interaction with the other couples as I’ve read the other books in the series and love the epilogue with them all together.
Thank you to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
He is a second son and had no plans to become the Duke and wants dearly to return to the sea but the admiralty is stalling. Sparks fly instantly with Emma. This is one of the few stories where a character uses her right as a widow to discretely start a relationship with Mal. But her family and friends are aware and supportive. So there are hot sexy times. My favorite times are when the two of them are together talking either in bed, picnicking with friends and even as she bakes a pie. The two are like a warm blanket snuggling and getting familiar with each other.
The downside is there several other plots a foot in the story that don’t work as well for me. There is a black mail scheme, Mal’s relationship with his mother, issues with Alton’s father, potential court marshal etc. A whole lot that could have been narrowed down. I genuinely didn’t care about the Mal’s father issues and him leaving something meaningful to Mal because it was buried under so many other plot lines. I didn’t realize it was important for his character to so much attention at the end. I was happy to have the interaction with the other couples as I’ve read the other books in the series and love the epilogue with them all together.
Thank you to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 29, 2022
This book was utter perfection.
A second chance romance after a one-night-stand neither of them can forget. A one night stand that fueled hundreds of turbulent, torrid fantasies. A one night stand that was a warm halcyon blanket and bulwark against long, cold, lonely nights.
Emma can’t afford the distraction of the newly minted, gorgeous, tattooed duke who was a devil may care sea captain that left her replete with satisfaction the last time she indulged her fascination.
Malachi hasn’t stopped thinking about her. She has the power to bring him to his knees, both literally and figuratively. He’s been dreaming and pining since their magnificent night together. He wants to muss her and unravel her and show her that he can give her what she needs. That he can cherish and ravish, protect and please. That he can be a father to her son. That her past doesn’t matter because if it hadn’t happened the way it did, they wouldn’t have this chance.
A second chance romance after a one-night-stand neither of them can forget. A one night stand that fueled hundreds of turbulent, torrid fantasies. A one night stand that was a warm halcyon blanket and bulwark against long, cold, lonely nights.
Emma can’t afford the distraction of the newly minted, gorgeous, tattooed duke who was a devil may care sea captain that left her replete with satisfaction the last time she indulged her fascination.
Malachi hasn’t stopped thinking about her. She has the power to bring him to his knees, both literally and figuratively. He’s been dreaming and pining since their magnificent night together. He wants to muss her and unravel her and show her that he can give her what she needs. That he can cherish and ravish, protect and please. That he can be a father to her son. That her past doesn’t matter because if it hadn’t happened the way it did, they wouldn’t have this chance.
April 30, 2022
Bethany Bennett has written another marvelous Regency Romance that keeps you entertained from beginning to end! First, This is third book in the Misfits of Mayfair series. I highly recommend reading these books in order. There is a big reveal in book two, and the characters and events of the previous books play heavily into this story.
The MCs in this story are Lady Emma Hardwick and Captain Malachi Harlow, the new Duke of Trenton, and these two don’t need introductions when they encounter one another, they already had an entangled encounter. 😉 Never fear though because this history allows their story to go from “Hello” to “I must have you” with actual emotion involved and not an insta-love! These two are sexy as hell so bring some extra panties!
This is so much more than a typical historical romance, so many layers and sub-plots, the story keeps you on your toes! I highly recommend this book and the series - you will love this group of characters from beginning to end! ❤️❤️🔥
5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 5 Flames 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
📚I received a review copy of this book from the publisher and this is my honest unbiased review. 📚
The MCs in this story are Lady Emma Hardwick and Captain Malachi Harlow, the new Duke of Trenton, and these two don’t need introductions when they encounter one another, they already had an entangled encounter. 😉 Never fear though because this history allows their story to go from “Hello” to “I must have you” with actual emotion involved and not an insta-love! These two are sexy as hell so bring some extra panties!
This is so much more than a typical historical romance, so many layers and sub-plots, the story keeps you on your toes! I highly recommend this book and the series - you will love this group of characters from beginning to end! ❤️❤️🔥
5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 5 Flames 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
📚I received a review copy of this book from the publisher and this is my honest unbiased review. 📚
June 18, 2022
I won the book in a giveaway raffle, but sheesh, what a dud (sorry, benevolent publishers.) The dialogue was too modern that I felt like I was reading a contemporary.
May 20, 2022
Sensual, scandalous, and amusing!
Dukes Do It Better is a mysterious, engaging tale set in England during 1825 that features the sassy, independent, single mother Lady Emma Hardwick who, after spending one glorious night in the arms of the ruggedly sexy sailor Captain Malachi Harlow, willing agrees to spend one more season indulging in a no-strings-attached romantic affair with him until things get a little more serious and they found themselves the target of a blackmailer looking to destroy their lives and reputations.
The prose is seductive and sweet. The characters are strong-willed, resourceful, and determined. And the plot is an arousing mix of family, friendship, heartbreak, secrets, action, adventure, societal expectations, wicked intentions, tender moments, and unconditional love.
Overall, Dukes Do It Better is a provocative, entertaining, engaging treat by Bennett that is the third novel in the Misfits of Mayfair series that, in my opinion, shouldn’t be missed.
Thank you to Forever & Grand Central Publishing for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Dukes Do It Better is a mysterious, engaging tale set in England during 1825 that features the sassy, independent, single mother Lady Emma Hardwick who, after spending one glorious night in the arms of the ruggedly sexy sailor Captain Malachi Harlow, willing agrees to spend one more season indulging in a no-strings-attached romantic affair with him until things get a little more serious and they found themselves the target of a blackmailer looking to destroy their lives and reputations.
The prose is seductive and sweet. The characters are strong-willed, resourceful, and determined. And the plot is an arousing mix of family, friendship, heartbreak, secrets, action, adventure, societal expectations, wicked intentions, tender moments, and unconditional love.
Overall, Dukes Do It Better is a provocative, entertaining, engaging treat by Bennett that is the third novel in the Misfits of Mayfair series that, in my opinion, shouldn’t be missed.
Thank you to Forever & Grand Central Publishing for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 6, 2022
Dukes Do It Better By Bethany Bennett
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Mal’s mouth cut off the rest of Emma’s words, and then speech felt superfluous. Who needed words when they created their own language of pressing lips, tongues, sighs, and the eager quest of fingers reacquainting themselves with each other?
Emma’s bones might have turned to jelly entirely if not for the desire roiling through her. Like flames dancing up a chimney on a windy night, the simmering heat Mal inspired in her flared into an entirely different beast the second they touched. The tips of his fingers were rough against her arms and neck. The sandpapery slide against her skin woke up every nerve ending.’
There is a very valid reason why Bethany Bennett is one of my top five favourite historical romance writers. Her writing is utterly, consistently and impressively brilliant. It sparkles and entices, beguiles and arouses, gripping you from the first page right up until the very last word. Bethany’s outstanding ability in putting down words, that bring each and every character to life -not just the extraordinary main protagonists but all the side players too- cements her standing as a truly magnificent writer. Everyone who enters a scene adds an element of something to the story. Every opulent detail describing rooms, furnishings, locations, clothing, facial expressions, scents or touches, brings such tangible realism to readers, regarding a period of time we can only imagine living through.
To me, “Dukes Do It Better” feels a little bit different from the previous books in this remarkable series. I have read and loved each book that came before, but this story just had a more mature quality to it, something *other* and magical. The hero and heroine have already lived a life of adventure, heartbreak, loneliness and pleasure. They come to the table with their own complicated feelings and experiences.
The deep and beautiful relationship between Malachy and Emma takes centre stage, an exploration of infatuation and craving that morphs and transforms and evolves. A connection that goes deeper than either of them initially comprehend or realise. Yet, it’s within those alluring penned entries, face-to-face conversations and intimate glances that Bethany Bennett shines. She is so very good at stripping the layers from her characters, letting them grow and learn and laugh and love, all at a seductive and tantalising pace. Neither too slow nor too rushed. Simply full of wonderful comedic situations, contrasted with more dramatic and bold plot points, heightened still by the daring and lavish sex scenes. That breath-stealing passion is one of the reasons I love to read romance.
If you’re in the market for a historical romance that is exhilarating, wonderfully elaborate, deliciously energetic and beautifully scripted, then this is the book for you. A deeply devoted hero and an inspirational heroine always make for the best love stories.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Mal’s mouth cut off the rest of Emma’s words, and then speech felt superfluous. Who needed words when they created their own language of pressing lips, tongues, sighs, and the eager quest of fingers reacquainting themselves with each other?
Emma’s bones might have turned to jelly entirely if not for the desire roiling through her. Like flames dancing up a chimney on a windy night, the simmering heat Mal inspired in her flared into an entirely different beast the second they touched. The tips of his fingers were rough against her arms and neck. The sandpapery slide against her skin woke up every nerve ending.’
There is a very valid reason why Bethany Bennett is one of my top five favourite historical romance writers. Her writing is utterly, consistently and impressively brilliant. It sparkles and entices, beguiles and arouses, gripping you from the first page right up until the very last word. Bethany’s outstanding ability in putting down words, that bring each and every character to life -not just the extraordinary main protagonists but all the side players too- cements her standing as a truly magnificent writer. Everyone who enters a scene adds an element of something to the story. Every opulent detail describing rooms, furnishings, locations, clothing, facial expressions, scents or touches, brings such tangible realism to readers, regarding a period of time we can only imagine living through.
To me, “Dukes Do It Better” feels a little bit different from the previous books in this remarkable series. I have read and loved each book that came before, but this story just had a more mature quality to it, something *other* and magical. The hero and heroine have already lived a life of adventure, heartbreak, loneliness and pleasure. They come to the table with their own complicated feelings and experiences.
The deep and beautiful relationship between Malachy and Emma takes centre stage, an exploration of infatuation and craving that morphs and transforms and evolves. A connection that goes deeper than either of them initially comprehend or realise. Yet, it’s within those alluring penned entries, face-to-face conversations and intimate glances that Bethany Bennett shines. She is so very good at stripping the layers from her characters, letting them grow and learn and laugh and love, all at a seductive and tantalising pace. Neither too slow nor too rushed. Simply full of wonderful comedic situations, contrasted with more dramatic and bold plot points, heightened still by the daring and lavish sex scenes. That breath-stealing passion is one of the reasons I love to read romance.
If you’re in the market for a historical romance that is exhilarating, wonderfully elaborate, deliciously energetic and beautifully scripted, then this is the book for you. A deeply devoted hero and an inspirational heroine always make for the best love stories.
May 19, 2022
✨ 4.5 out of 5 stars ✨
(Read on March 27th, reread May 18th)
*This is my first time reading anything by this author, and despite the fact that I am starting this series at book three, I adored it! I didn't realize that I needed a pirate-like hero with tattoos this much, but BoY oH bOy did I ever!!! Malachi was just serving us Will Turner energy... like that part at the end of Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End when Will kisses up Elizabeth's leg before he sets off to the sea and Elizabeth is in his boot and it is all glorious and PG but you know what it represents 🤪 Basically, Malachi is that. He likes being on his knees and I like that he likes being there because our Emma deserves just that, thank you.*
I'll start with where the book lost half a star: it was a bit confusing with all the different characters BUT that might just be because I haven't read the first two. However, when I pick up an HR, I like to have even somewhat of an idea as to what is going on with everything, even if I am starting the series smack dab in the middle, you know? Also, with historical romance, I just wanna read about our two main characters' love story, so I'm not necessarily interested in all the other stuff that feels added in for the sake of it, if that makes sense...
HOWEVER! I loved so much about this book. Malachi & Emma were a top tier couple. They really do have very much the HOTS for one another and it was simply fucking fantastic. She's a single mum with a cute little son named Alton and Malachi is so good to him and it just made my stupid heart explode.
The historical atmosphere was excellent and the attention to historical detail made it so enjoyable to read. I could picture everything and EVERYTHING felt cozy and historical and sensual and oil-burning lamp ambiance-ical. ALSO EPISTOLARY SHIT JUST GETS ME WOUND UP SO I FUCKING LOVED THE SEXY ASS AND ADORABLE JOURNAL ENTRIES LIKE YES PLEASE.
The sex was fantastic and he bloody well worshiped her in all of their steamy encounters - as he should. I mean, he was just whipped for her the whole time, so that was hot. Rogue energy but whipped for the heroine + enjoys pleasing heroine sexually & checks in with her while pleasing her omg >>>>>>>
✨ It's safe to say that I will be purchasing a physical copy of this book when it is released on May 31st! Need to have this beauty on my bookshelf. ✨
✨ Special thanks to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for this ARC :)
(Read on March 27th, reread May 18th)
*This is my first time reading anything by this author, and despite the fact that I am starting this series at book three, I adored it! I didn't realize that I needed a pirate-like hero with tattoos this much, but BoY oH bOy did I ever!!! Malachi was just serving us Will Turner energy... like that part at the end of Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End when Will kisses up Elizabeth's leg before he sets off to the sea and Elizabeth is in his boot and it is all glorious and PG but you know what it represents 🤪 Basically, Malachi is that. He likes being on his knees and I like that he likes being there because our Emma deserves just that, thank you.*
I'll start with where the book lost half a star: it was a bit confusing with all the different characters BUT that might just be because I haven't read the first two. However, when I pick up an HR, I like to have even somewhat of an idea as to what is going on with everything, even if I am starting the series smack dab in the middle, you know? Also, with historical romance, I just wanna read about our two main characters' love story, so I'm not necessarily interested in all the other stuff that feels added in for the sake of it, if that makes sense...
HOWEVER! I loved so much about this book. Malachi & Emma were a top tier couple. They really do have very much the HOTS for one another and it was simply fucking fantastic. She's a single mum with a cute little son named Alton and Malachi is so good to him and it just made my stupid heart explode.
The historical atmosphere was excellent and the attention to historical detail made it so enjoyable to read. I could picture everything and EVERYTHING felt cozy and historical and sensual and oil-burning lamp ambiance-ical. ALSO EPISTOLARY SHIT JUST GETS ME WOUND UP SO I FUCKING LOVED THE SEXY ASS AND ADORABLE JOURNAL ENTRIES LIKE YES PLEASE.
The sex was fantastic and he bloody well worshiped her in all of their steamy encounters - as he should. I mean, he was just whipped for her the whole time, so that was hot. Rogue energy but whipped for the heroine + enjoys pleasing heroine sexually & checks in with her while pleasing her omg >>>>>>>
✨ It's safe to say that I will be purchasing a physical copy of this book when it is released on May 31st! Need to have this beauty on my bookshelf. ✨
✨ Special thanks to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for this ARC :)
June 14, 2022
Dukes Do it Better has the BEST EPILOGUE I HAVE EVER READ!
Okay, I get a head of myself.
Dukes Do It Better by Bethany Bennett is a twist on second chance romance where a delicious (off page) one night stand is had between a widow (Lady) Emma Hardwick and Captain Malachi 'Mal' Harlow in a seaside town. Months later they met once more in London after Mal is forced to come home to take over the ducal responsiblities after the death of his brother, George.
Seeing one another again, ignites the spark between them and with Emma's widowed state, allows for the passion of their one night together to become an affair. But secrets, past and present, haunt both Emma, Mal as well as those they are closest to, and those secrets begin to take them down a dangerous path as their affair begins to turn into something more.
I seriously loved the characters in this novel and felt remiss at having only heard about Bethany Bennett once I started reading Dukes Do it Better, the THIRD novel in the Misfits of Mayfair. Have I gone ahead and purchased the other two books in the series, because I loved this one? Yes, yes it did!
Although Dukes Do it Better can be a standalone novel, I did find that if I had atleast read the previous book in the series, I might have gotten more motivation into Emma's character and the choices of her past. Other than that miniscule detail which I will soon rectify by reading the previous book in the series, Dukes Do it Better is sheer perfection. And the epilogue made me cry in only the way a romance novel can. My heart was so full with the ending of this delicious story. Oh and did I mention the steam? Because it was excellent!
When you pick up Dukes Do it Better, prepare yourself for a fun and intrigue filled story that will make you not want to put it down until you have read the very last page! And with that epilogue make you hold the book tightly to your chest in contented bliss.
*I received this novel by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
Okay, I get a head of myself.
Dukes Do It Better by Bethany Bennett is a twist on second chance romance where a delicious (off page) one night stand is had between a widow (Lady) Emma Hardwick and Captain Malachi 'Mal' Harlow in a seaside town. Months later they met once more in London after Mal is forced to come home to take over the ducal responsiblities after the death of his brother, George.
Seeing one another again, ignites the spark between them and with Emma's widowed state, allows for the passion of their one night together to become an affair. But secrets, past and present, haunt both Emma, Mal as well as those they are closest to, and those secrets begin to take them down a dangerous path as their affair begins to turn into something more.
I seriously loved the characters in this novel and felt remiss at having only heard about Bethany Bennett once I started reading Dukes Do it Better, the THIRD novel in the Misfits of Mayfair. Have I gone ahead and purchased the other two books in the series, because I loved this one? Yes, yes it did!
Although Dukes Do it Better can be a standalone novel, I did find that if I had atleast read the previous book in the series, I might have gotten more motivation into Emma's character and the choices of her past. Other than that miniscule detail which I will soon rectify by reading the previous book in the series, Dukes Do it Better is sheer perfection. And the epilogue made me cry in only the way a romance novel can. My heart was so full with the ending of this delicious story. Oh and did I mention the steam? Because it was excellent!
When you pick up Dukes Do it Better, prepare yourself for a fun and intrigue filled story that will make you not want to put it down until you have read the very last page! And with that epilogue make you hold the book tightly to your chest in contented bliss.
*I received this novel by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
May 29, 2022
I skipped from 24% to the last chapter. It's personal opinion only. An author who can't understand British titles and precedence bugs me. And an editor who didnt stop her is worse. Don't make your character a duke unless he's to be treated, referred to, or deferred to as a motherfucking duke. He can be casual, poor, or scandalous, but still a duke. At one point a minor earl's son calls him a raggedy looking chap and calls him 'my lord' and even this reluctant duke could have put him in his place. WHAT IN THE ACTUAL FUCK. Then his mother is referred to as the dowager all the time, besides wrongfully called Lady Trenton. SHE'S JUST THE DUCHESS UNTIL HER SON MARRIES FFS! She is not nor has ever been LADY TRENTON. THAT IS NOT HER TITLE. She doesnt become a dowager until then so shut the fuck up! Fanfiction writers have a better understanding of British post-regency peerage than this idiot author. Plus this has like 6 dumb plots. I don't care.
Also I'm really not a big stickler for historical accuracy, but this was something so easy to just Google FFS 🙄
Also I'm really not a big stickler for historical accuracy, but this was something so easy to just Google FFS 🙄
March 17, 2022
An encounter with a widow, Emma, finds seasoned sailor Malachi fascinated. When Malachi inherits a dukedom he runs into the widow again and decides to pursue her. Fighting off past experiences, they must learn to forgive and accept one another. I received an ARC from NetGalley and Forever for my honest review.
August 14, 2023
Un peu ennuyant à certains moments par manque d'action mais lecture plaisante
May 12, 2022
This book was WONDERFUL, and I loved it so much! I adored book 1 in this series (the author's debut), and I didn't love book 2 as much, but this one was magic!!
Lady Emma Hardwick has a lot of secrets, and only one of them involves her son Alton's paternity. She used to be a young, selfish debutante, without any idea of how the real world worked. Then, she got pregnant, and the father of her child turned her away. She invented a story, with the help of her sister-in-law, Phee, and moved to the coast to have her baby away from society. She's stayed there for the last 6 years, and she's happy with the little home she's built. She and her son go to London for her nephew's birthday party, and she gets talked into staying for the season. She isn't sure it's the right decision, and then she's shocked to run into the ship captain she spent one night with in her coastal village, months ago.
Captain Malachi Harlow, the new Duke of Trenton, is stuck on land when he longs to be at sea. His mother used his late father's state secrets to force the Navy to return him home, in the wake of his brother's death. He's now the heir, and he couldn't be less happy about it. He's trying to figure out how to get back to his ship, when he sees Emma, and can't believe his luck. He's thought of her many times while he was away, and he would love to renew their delicious acquaintance as soon as possible. But, will a few more weeks with her ever be enough?
Mal and Emma had a wildly strong connection and I loved each of their interactions. They were so clearly hot for each other, but really enjoyed talking, and getting to know each other more deeply too. He also had a sweet connection with her son, from their first meeting in the park, and it was so lovely. They were clearly made for each other, and seeing their bond strengthen with each interaction was so satisfying.
Seeing all the characters from the prior books is always fun, and I enjoyed the addition of a new/old friend of Emma's, Adelaide & Mal's best friend Simon too. I love the friendships and strong bonds between all of them. I adore a found family dynamic, and there was a lot of that here to enjoy. There was a side plot with someone out for revenge against our friend group, and while some of that went the way I expected, there were some surprises too, which was great.
This book really completed the series in a perfect way, and it was so enjoyable. I can't wait to see what this author does next, because I love her voice, and her stories are fantastic! I highly recommend this series!
I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher. This review is my personal opinion, voluntarily given.
Reviewed by Megan from Romanced by the Book
Lady Emma Hardwick has a lot of secrets, and only one of them involves her son Alton's paternity. She used to be a young, selfish debutante, without any idea of how the real world worked. Then, she got pregnant, and the father of her child turned her away. She invented a story, with the help of her sister-in-law, Phee, and moved to the coast to have her baby away from society. She's stayed there for the last 6 years, and she's happy with the little home she's built. She and her son go to London for her nephew's birthday party, and she gets talked into staying for the season. She isn't sure it's the right decision, and then she's shocked to run into the ship captain she spent one night with in her coastal village, months ago.
Captain Malachi Harlow, the new Duke of Trenton, is stuck on land when he longs to be at sea. His mother used his late father's state secrets to force the Navy to return him home, in the wake of his brother's death. He's now the heir, and he couldn't be less happy about it. He's trying to figure out how to get back to his ship, when he sees Emma, and can't believe his luck. He's thought of her many times while he was away, and he would love to renew their delicious acquaintance as soon as possible. But, will a few more weeks with her ever be enough?
Mal and Emma had a wildly strong connection and I loved each of their interactions. They were so clearly hot for each other, but really enjoyed talking, and getting to know each other more deeply too. He also had a sweet connection with her son, from their first meeting in the park, and it was so lovely. They were clearly made for each other, and seeing their bond strengthen with each interaction was so satisfying.
Seeing all the characters from the prior books is always fun, and I enjoyed the addition of a new/old friend of Emma's, Adelaide & Mal's best friend Simon too. I love the friendships and strong bonds between all of them. I adore a found family dynamic, and there was a lot of that here to enjoy. There was a side plot with someone out for revenge against our friend group, and while some of that went the way I expected, there were some surprises too, which was great.
This book really completed the series in a perfect way, and it was so enjoyable. I can't wait to see what this author does next, because I love her voice, and her stories are fantastic! I highly recommend this series!
I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher. This review is my personal opinion, voluntarily given.
Reviewed by Megan from Romanced by the Book
May 18, 2022
Dukes Do It Better is the third & final book in Bethany Bennett's 'Misfits of Mayfair' series and WOO BOY does she end it with a bang!
"Staying for the Season and entering into this affair was an exercise in honesty, in finding a way to live authentically without turning into her mother and replicating her parents' disastrous relationship. Which meant, in this case, asking for more. Vulnerability was knee-shakingly scary -- good thing she was laying down."
This was admittedly my first by this author, and while I typically don't like to read out of order, not only does this book standalone well, but it totally hooks you on the previous characters & couples and makes you want to read them immediately. I imagine the experience is even better if you know all about them beforehand too! All that to say - you don't *NEED* to read the first two to love this one.
Emma Hardwick is a single mother, living on the coast. Captain Malachi Harlow is a member of the Royal Navy. A chance encounter brings them together for a steamy evening together, and after they part ways, both expect to never really see the other again. Until Emma heads back to London for the season, and Captain Harlow, now the reluctant Duke of Trenton, forced by his scheming mother, returns as well.
Their chemistry absolutely sizzles on the page - When an agreement to enjoy one another without any strings or commitments just FAILS (because hello?!) they both work to find out what the other means to them in the long term. Emma's charisma, confidence, efficiency, and humor make her irresistible. I think it's safe to say Mal has those same qualities too. A nefarious blackmailing plan threatens to ruin their time together, the stability and well being of their family and friends, so the group has to work together against the person trying to bring down everything they've all built. Add in some adventure and honestly the perfect ending to this group of lovable misfits. A total win for me!
Thank you so much to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the chance to read this arc. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
"Staying for the Season and entering into this affair was an exercise in honesty, in finding a way to live authentically without turning into her mother and replicating her parents' disastrous relationship. Which meant, in this case, asking for more. Vulnerability was knee-shakingly scary -- good thing she was laying down."
This was admittedly my first by this author, and while I typically don't like to read out of order, not only does this book standalone well, but it totally hooks you on the previous characters & couples and makes you want to read them immediately. I imagine the experience is even better if you know all about them beforehand too! All that to say - you don't *NEED* to read the first two to love this one.
Emma Hardwick is a single mother, living on the coast. Captain Malachi Harlow is a member of the Royal Navy. A chance encounter brings them together for a steamy evening together, and after they part ways, both expect to never really see the other again. Until Emma heads back to London for the season, and Captain Harlow, now the reluctant Duke of Trenton, forced by his scheming mother, returns as well.
Their chemistry absolutely sizzles on the page - When an agreement to enjoy one another without any strings or commitments just FAILS (because hello?!) they both work to find out what the other means to them in the long term. Emma's charisma, confidence, efficiency, and humor make her irresistible. I think it's safe to say Mal has those same qualities too. A nefarious blackmailing plan threatens to ruin their time together, the stability and well being of their family and friends, so the group has to work together against the person trying to bring down everything they've all built. Add in some adventure and honestly the perfect ending to this group of lovable misfits. A total win for me!
Thank you so much to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the chance to read this arc. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 17, 2022
Dukes Do It Better is kind of a second chance romance because widow and single mother Lady Emma Hardwick met Captain Malachi Harlow before and they had a fling. Their paths cross again in Olread Cove when Malachi is discharged from the navy to take over his new title of Duke of Trenton. Well, that's what his mother wants but he still plan on going back to the sea in a few weeks. Keeping their relationship strickly friendly is easier said than done for Emma and Malachi and she don't know that he knows about the lies she said to avoid her son and her be ostracized by the ton because he found her journal and some clues made him guess about the owner.
If you've been reading the series since book 1, you'll be happy to see all the previous characters are there. If you haven't, I suggest you read the first books before this one because many things that happened in them were talked about in this one. I enjoyed a lot of the details (the coastal town, the mischievous goats, the hero's tatoos, the believable " false villain" redemption, Emma's little boy and her home's staff) but unfortunately, I didn't really felt the MC's chemistry. Some sparks were missing for me.
If you've been reading the series since book 1, you'll be happy to see all the previous characters are there. If you haven't, I suggest you read the first books before this one because many things that happened in them were talked about in this one. I enjoyed a lot of the details (the coastal town, the mischievous goats, the hero's tatoos, the believable " false villain" redemption, Emma's little boy and her home's staff) but unfortunately, I didn't really felt the MC's chemistry. Some sparks were missing for me.
May 10, 2022
Okay, when do we get a Netflix show for The Misfits of Mayfair novels? Cause I need it!! Bethany Bennett delivers once more with the Duke of Trenton and the lovely Lady Hardwick. If you haven't read the first two books in the series stop what you're doing and grab them now. They are going to play a vital role in Dukes Do It Better. I enjoyed everything about this. From the way these two meet - to how they circumvent their current circumstances. It's all devilishly fun. I mean who doesn't want to be "pink from the sun"?
~Tanja
*ARC provided by publisher
Follow me on
Instagram✿Twitter✿Facebook✿Pinterest✿TikTok
~Tanja
*ARC provided by publisher
Follow me on
Instagram✿Twitter✿Facebook✿Pinterest✿TikTok
May 31, 2022
Great read.
Bethany only has 3 books and they have all been good reads.
I loved this couple Emma and Malachi. I loved Malachi especially. He was written so hot and those tattoos. Yummy. I loved his name. So sexy and unusual from my normal reads.
Bethany's books are so well written. The only thing that bothers me if she starts out a well written, slow burning, great sex scene but then finishes super fast. It's like "bam" where done.
Other than that, so good.
Bethany only has 3 books and they have all been good reads.
I loved this couple Emma and Malachi. I loved Malachi especially. He was written so hot and those tattoos. Yummy. I loved his name. So sexy and unusual from my normal reads.
Bethany's books are so well written. The only thing that bothers me if she starts out a well written, slow burning, great sex scene but then finishes super fast. It's like "bam" where done.
Other than that, so good.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 171 reviews