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Infamous Lords #6
Never Marry a Scandalous Duke
A thoroughly roguish nobleman and a devoted lady entomologist have absolutely nothing in common—or do they? Love is far from scientific when it truly blooms...
In the eyes of the ton, Lady Sara Elsmere is so firmly on the shelf, she might as well be nailed in place. Not that Sara minds. She is far more concerned about her study of butterflies than society’s gossip. Of course, it’s also true that the nervous laughter that ruined Sara’s debut—and every social event thereafter—is a bit embarrassing. She can hardly help it—men are quite nerve-wracking. Except for one: the rake who pulls her into a dark room during a costume ball and kisses her senseless. He doesn’t make her titter, he makes her burn...
Ian McAllister, the Duke of Dorcester, is perfectly satisfied to remain a rogue for the rest of his days. But when he finds he has kissed the wrong shepherdess, albeit a decidedly luscious one, he’s faced with a dilemma. His indiscretion with an innocent may cost him a lucrative business arrangement—and his two scapegrace wards need a maternal influence they can’t scare away. Promising Sara the use of her dowry to fund her studies seals the pair’s businesslike deal. But as they embark on their life together, they discover that their mutual attraction has sparked a desire not easily tamed—and certain feelings each of them are surprised to own.
Can their matrimonial experiment possibly end in real love?
In the eyes of the ton, Lady Sara Elsmere is so firmly on the shelf, she might as well be nailed in place. Not that Sara minds. She is far more concerned about her study of butterflies than society’s gossip. Of course, it’s also true that the nervous laughter that ruined Sara’s debut—and every social event thereafter—is a bit embarrassing. She can hardly help it—men are quite nerve-wracking. Except for one: the rake who pulls her into a dark room during a costume ball and kisses her senseless. He doesn’t make her titter, he makes her burn...
Ian McAllister, the Duke of Dorcester, is perfectly satisfied to remain a rogue for the rest of his days. But when he finds he has kissed the wrong shepherdess, albeit a decidedly luscious one, he’s faced with a dilemma. His indiscretion with an innocent may cost him a lucrative business arrangement—and his two scapegrace wards need a maternal influence they can’t scare away. Promising Sara the use of her dowry to fund her studies seals the pair’s businesslike deal. But as they embark on their life together, they discover that their mutual attraction has sparked a desire not easily tamed—and certain feelings each of them are surprised to own.
Can their matrimonial experiment possibly end in real love?
325 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 28, 2022
43 people are currently reading
314 people want to read
About the author
Renee Ann Miller
7 books265 followersUSA Today bestselling author Renee Ann Miller writes historical romances that are sometimes witty, sometimes dark, but always sexy. She penned her first book at the tender age of seven and even drew the impressive stick figures though clearly those characters weren’t as spicy as the ones she writes now. She has been a finalist in Romance Writers of America's RITA Award® and their Golden Heart Contest®. In her Infamous Lords Series the women are smart and the men notorious.
Renee lives in the Northeast with her husband and during winters is always anxious for spring. She enjoys gardening, DIY projects, and pastries. And though she grew up in a household of hockey fans, she now watches football, which is unavoidable in her house.
Renee lives in the Northeast with her husband and during winters is always anxious for spring. She enjoys gardening, DIY projects, and pastries. And though she grew up in a household of hockey fans, she now watches football, which is unavoidable in her house.
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April 15, 2022
“Sara, what are you doing here?” “Saving you.” “I’ve seen the way you aim an arrow. I’m damn lucky I’m not the one lying on the ground.” Humph. “Men and their male pride. Admit it. I saved you.” He wrapped her tightly in his arms.
Lady Sara Elsmere is a spinster through and through: thanks to her nervous laughter whenever gentlemen asked for a dance and her interest in the study of butterflies. She was quite convinced her life would be like that for the rest of her days, until she was caught in a compromising position with Ian McAllister, the Duke of Dorchester, in a case of mistaken identity. Now, the two have to marry for their own reasons: Sara, quite ironically, for freedom, and Ian for a business deal he does not want to lose. And as they begin a new chapter of their lives together, they may learn that their marriage will be more than just a convenience for them.
Never Marry a Scandalous Duke is the sixth book from Renee Ann Miller’s historical romance series, Infamous Lords. This one tells the story of Lady Sara Elsmere and Ian Mcallister. I wasn’t familiar with the author so I read this without any expectations. This was the sixth book in the series so I was worried I may not understand something but I think it stands quite well on its own. The book cover is ghastly but I think this was decent enough.
The heroine is a blue stocking entomologist who doesn’t want to marry. However, her brother was pushing her to marry or else he would cut off her funds which means she wouldn’t be able to continue her studies. The timing of her being compromised couldn’t be more perfect, although Sara objected to the idea at first, she soon realized the deal she’d have with the duke would be better than her allowance being under her brother’s control. Her family isn’t exactly cruel but they aren’t very supportive either, except for her late mother. With Ian, she gets to experience independence (in some way), felt supported, appreciated and like a true equal. She was quite prejudiced to him at first, all because she thought him a rogue. I wasn’t in love with her character but I didn’t dislike her either. She was just there and bearable. She was kind-hearted, patient and she did get more likeable when she started to warm up to the hero.
The hero is like any other dukes I’ve read about. Seriously, there are so many dukes in the HR world! I do think they’re quite overrated and tend to become boring because the characterization is repetitive and nothing about them feels unique now. Like any other lord in the HR world, he had a rough childhood: a cruel father and an absent mother. Someone broke his heart when he was younger and this caused him to be quite bitter but I don’t think he was totally closed off and he came to terms with his feelings towards the heroine without any difficulty. I did not fall in love with him, but I did not dislike him either. Like my feelings towards the heroine, he was just there and bearable. He was thoughtful, responsible and supportive. Really, he was an okay hero. I do not know why I didn’t love him as I should have given that he wasn’t even bad. I guess it’s because I feel like I’ve read the same hero but just in a different book.
This book is full of tropes. A duke and a blue-stocking spinster. A marriage of convenience. This was a light-hearted read. Nothing about it was earth shattering. There weren’t any moments that kept me on the edge of my seat, made me clutch my kindle to my heart, made my heart break, made me tear up for any reason. It was just supposed to be fun and that’s alright. There were some funny moments that brought a smile to my face and the epilogue was quite cute.
Although this book doesn’t stand out from the rest, I think if someone is looking for a light read full of predictability, then this would be a good choice of book to let a few hours pass by. This wasn’t long and wasn’t too short either, it had just the perfect length. I would give this book three stars, it wasn’t very good but it wasn’t bad either. It was just okay…. And that is okay! This review is shorter than others because I find myself running out of things to say: for I really have nothing more to say. This book was obviously meant to be fun and light and it could be appreciated for what it is.
By the way, I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. eARC acquired from Kensington books via netgalley!
Some quotes:
His dark, almost menacing, gaze pivoted to Sara. It seemed to settle on her mouth before he lifted off her mask. “Why didn’t you say something?” “Say something?” She could feel her face heating. “How could I speak with your tongue in my mouth?”
“Your Grace—” “We are married, Sara. You should call me Ian.” “I think addressing you by your given name might be too intimate.” He gave a low laugh. “More intimate than what we did last night?” Her cheeks turned a fetching shade of pink. “Yes, but that was . . . well, business.” Business? The woman was determined to shred his pride.
“No one would hurt his wife. He loved Sara. And if it was the last thing he did, he needed to return home and tell her that. Say it out loud— even if it meant doing so with a bloody bullet lodged in him.”
“This old structure made of brick suddenly felt like a home. It was as if a gentle summer wind blew inward, dispersing the cold chill that had permeated the interior throughout his life— banishing the ghost of the past.”
“She had taught him that love was not something only poets wrote about, but an emotion that could latch on to one’s mind and heart and be eternal.”
Lady Sara Elsmere is a spinster through and through: thanks to her nervous laughter whenever gentlemen asked for a dance and her interest in the study of butterflies. She was quite convinced her life would be like that for the rest of her days, until she was caught in a compromising position with Ian McAllister, the Duke of Dorchester, in a case of mistaken identity. Now, the two have to marry for their own reasons: Sara, quite ironically, for freedom, and Ian for a business deal he does not want to lose. And as they begin a new chapter of their lives together, they may learn that their marriage will be more than just a convenience for them.
Never Marry a Scandalous Duke is the sixth book from Renee Ann Miller’s historical romance series, Infamous Lords. This one tells the story of Lady Sara Elsmere and Ian Mcallister. I wasn’t familiar with the author so I read this without any expectations. This was the sixth book in the series so I was worried I may not understand something but I think it stands quite well on its own. The book cover is ghastly but I think this was decent enough.
The heroine is a blue stocking entomologist who doesn’t want to marry. However, her brother was pushing her to marry or else he would cut off her funds which means she wouldn’t be able to continue her studies. The timing of her being compromised couldn’t be more perfect, although Sara objected to the idea at first, she soon realized the deal she’d have with the duke would be better than her allowance being under her brother’s control. Her family isn’t exactly cruel but they aren’t very supportive either, except for her late mother. With Ian, she gets to experience independence (in some way), felt supported, appreciated and like a true equal. She was quite prejudiced to him at first, all because she thought him a rogue. I wasn’t in love with her character but I didn’t dislike her either. She was just there and bearable. She was kind-hearted, patient and she did get more likeable when she started to warm up to the hero.
The hero is like any other dukes I’ve read about. Seriously, there are so many dukes in the HR world! I do think they’re quite overrated and tend to become boring because the characterization is repetitive and nothing about them feels unique now. Like any other lord in the HR world, he had a rough childhood: a cruel father and an absent mother. Someone broke his heart when he was younger and this caused him to be quite bitter but I don’t think he was totally closed off and he came to terms with his feelings towards the heroine without any difficulty. I did not fall in love with him, but I did not dislike him either. Like my feelings towards the heroine, he was just there and bearable. He was thoughtful, responsible and supportive. Really, he was an okay hero. I do not know why I didn’t love him as I should have given that he wasn’t even bad. I guess it’s because I feel like I’ve read the same hero but just in a different book.
This book is full of tropes. A duke and a blue-stocking spinster. A marriage of convenience. This was a light-hearted read. Nothing about it was earth shattering. There weren’t any moments that kept me on the edge of my seat, made me clutch my kindle to my heart, made my heart break, made me tear up for any reason. It was just supposed to be fun and that’s alright. There were some funny moments that brought a smile to my face and the epilogue was quite cute.
Although this book doesn’t stand out from the rest, I think if someone is looking for a light read full of predictability, then this would be a good choice of book to let a few hours pass by. This wasn’t long and wasn’t too short either, it had just the perfect length. I would give this book three stars, it wasn’t very good but it wasn’t bad either. It was just okay…. And that is okay! This review is shorter than others because I find myself running out of things to say: for I really have nothing more to say. This book was obviously meant to be fun and light and it could be appreciated for what it is.
By the way, I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. eARC acquired from Kensington books via netgalley!
Some quotes:
His dark, almost menacing, gaze pivoted to Sara. It seemed to settle on her mouth before he lifted off her mask. “Why didn’t you say something?” “Say something?” She could feel her face heating. “How could I speak with your tongue in my mouth?”
“Your Grace—” “We are married, Sara. You should call me Ian.” “I think addressing you by your given name might be too intimate.” He gave a low laugh. “More intimate than what we did last night?” Her cheeks turned a fetching shade of pink. “Yes, but that was . . . well, business.” Business? The woman was determined to shred his pride.
“No one would hurt his wife. He loved Sara. And if it was the last thing he did, he needed to return home and tell her that. Say it out loud— even if it meant doing so with a bloody bullet lodged in him.”
“This old structure made of brick suddenly felt like a home. It was as if a gentle summer wind blew inward, dispersing the cold chill that had permeated the interior throughout his life— banishing the ghost of the past.”
“She had taught him that love was not something only poets wrote about, but an emotion that could latch on to one’s mind and heart and be eternal.”
July 24, 2022
I received an advance ebook copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for review.
Never Marry a Scandalous Duke by Renee Ann Miller is the sixth book of the Infamous Lords. Lady Sara Elsmere is firmly on the shelf, and she doesn’t mind one bit. She is far more interested in in studying butterflies in her work as an entomologist. Sara’s debut into society was botched when she began nervously laughing when asked to dance and all she could think about was messing up and knocking them both to the floor. The one man who doesn’t make her nervous is the rakish Ian McAllister, the Duke of Dorchester, especially when Sara is pulled into a dark room at a masquerade and kissed so passionately by him. Ian discovers he has kissed the wrong woman. He faces a dilemma when his indiscretion with Sara is witnessed, and now his business arrangement may suffer from the scandal. Ian decides the only thing he can do is offer for Sara’s hand in marriage. He figures Sara would be a great maternal figure for his two young wards who chase off every governess. He agrees to give Sara the use of her dowry to fund her studies, and they enter a marriage of convenience. But when Ian and Sara embark on their lives together and get to know each other more, they realize their mutual attraction may lead to something neither of them expected.
One word: delicious. I devoured this book. I completely adored Ian and Sara as a couple and as individuals. Ian and Sara are characters you can’t help but root for. I will definitely check out the previous Infamous Lords books!
Never Marry a Scandalous Duke by Renee Ann Miller is the sixth book of the Infamous Lords. Lady Sara Elsmere is firmly on the shelf, and she doesn’t mind one bit. She is far more interested in in studying butterflies in her work as an entomologist. Sara’s debut into society was botched when she began nervously laughing when asked to dance and all she could think about was messing up and knocking them both to the floor. The one man who doesn’t make her nervous is the rakish Ian McAllister, the Duke of Dorchester, especially when Sara is pulled into a dark room at a masquerade and kissed so passionately by him. Ian discovers he has kissed the wrong woman. He faces a dilemma when his indiscretion with Sara is witnessed, and now his business arrangement may suffer from the scandal. Ian decides the only thing he can do is offer for Sara’s hand in marriage. He figures Sara would be a great maternal figure for his two young wards who chase off every governess. He agrees to give Sara the use of her dowry to fund her studies, and they enter a marriage of convenience. But when Ian and Sara embark on their lives together and get to know each other more, they realize their mutual attraction may lead to something neither of them expected.
One word: delicious. I devoured this book. I completely adored Ian and Sara as a couple and as individuals. Ian and Sara are characters you can’t help but root for. I will definitely check out the previous Infamous Lords books!
April 28, 2022
Lady Sara Elsmere is far more interested in studying butterflies than society. Embarrassed at her debut and quickly avoided by men, there is only one frustrating man who unintentionally interests her: Ian McAllister, the Duke of Dorchester. Ian is happy with his bachelor life, but could use a hand with his two precocious wards. When Ian finds himself kissing the wrong woman at a costume ball, a marriage of convenience is the only solution.
This is the sixth book in the Infamous Lords series. Ian is the best friend and business partner of the hero from the novella, The Taming of Lord Scrooge, and Sara is best friends with book four heroine, Nina. This story can be read alone, but there are “winks” for series readers (like the appearance of Nina’s grandmother and the troublesome parrot).
This was a feel-good romance that felt a bit like a throwback. I liked that Sara and Ian had a couple of run-ins before their marriage. Sara was definitely interested, but she didn’t fawn over Ian like other society ladies. He came to appreciate her, and her intelligence. Their romance was slow-burn and organic. This is the kind of book that may not be the most memorable, but it was an enjoyable read that had me smiling throughout.
Tropes: Bluestocking, Spinster, Compromised, Marriage of Convenience, Opposites Attract, Children as a Plot Point
Steam: 2
* I received an ARC and this is my honest review. #NeverMarryAScandalousDuke #NetGalley
This is the sixth book in the Infamous Lords series. Ian is the best friend and business partner of the hero from the novella, The Taming of Lord Scrooge, and Sara is best friends with book four heroine, Nina. This story can be read alone, but there are “winks” for series readers (like the appearance of Nina’s grandmother and the troublesome parrot).
This was a feel-good romance that felt a bit like a throwback. I liked that Sara and Ian had a couple of run-ins before their marriage. Sara was definitely interested, but she didn’t fawn over Ian like other society ladies. He came to appreciate her, and her intelligence. Their romance was slow-burn and organic. This is the kind of book that may not be the most memorable, but it was an enjoyable read that had me smiling throughout.
Tropes: Bluestocking, Spinster, Compromised, Marriage of Convenience, Opposites Attract, Children as a Plot Point
Steam: 2
* I received an ARC and this is my honest review. #NeverMarryAScandalousDuke #NetGalley
March 11, 2022
This author was a new one for me and I'm so happy to have found her! Ian and Sara were a great couple. They had a rough beginning because they were two very different people and neither one of them ever thought that they would marry. Ian is the best hero that I've read about in a long time. He is a Duke but he is also a businessman. In the beginning of the book, Ian is a rake but he commits to his marriage. Sara is a bit eccentric but not annoyingly so. The couple is thrown a wrench near the end of the book in the form of Ian's former flame. Thankfully, this problem is dealt with quickly and cleanly. The reader isn't forced to read through extra chapters packed full of lies and misunderstandings.
This book also features many funny moments and some steam. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author. Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
This book also features many funny moments and some steam. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author. Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 29, 2022
Delicious!
I think I smiled most of the way through this fun read. Marriage of convenience trope melds with a wicked stepmother, and some very naughty boys. Miss Trunchbull would not be amused. And let’s not forget the kitten. Wallflower entomologist and butterfly enthusiast, Lady Sara Elsmere just wants to be free to pursue her passion. But when the cold hearted Duke of Dorchester, Ian McAllister mistakes her for one of his lady dalliances, and they’re discovered in the library KISSING, it’s marriage or worse for Sara. Ian has an important business deal hovering, and a couple of rambunctious wards that needed car. Marriage just might prove the answer, and after all, it has to happen sometime!
Sara negotiates her own settlement with the Duke but she didn’t quite negotiate her heart.
Fun read that heartedly entertained!
A Kensington Books ARC via NetGalley
I think I smiled most of the way through this fun read. Marriage of convenience trope melds with a wicked stepmother, and some very naughty boys. Miss Trunchbull would not be amused. And let’s not forget the kitten. Wallflower entomologist and butterfly enthusiast, Lady Sara Elsmere just wants to be free to pursue her passion. But when the cold hearted Duke of Dorchester, Ian McAllister mistakes her for one of his lady dalliances, and they’re discovered in the library KISSING, it’s marriage or worse for Sara. Ian has an important business deal hovering, and a couple of rambunctious wards that needed car. Marriage just might prove the answer, and after all, it has to happen sometime!
Sara negotiates her own settlement with the Duke but she didn’t quite negotiate her heart.
Fun read that heartedly entertained!
A Kensington Books ARC via NetGalley
May 7, 2022
Attempted murder and love that is the truth of the situation that requires assistance from the servants.
A stolen kiss at a ball and mistaken identities leads to a marriage of convenience in USA Today bestselling author Renee Ann Miller’s latest Infamous Lords novel. Featuring a spunky, scientist, spinster heroine and a deliciously dashing duke, readers can expect smoldering passion, engaging characters, and roguish antics set against the compelling backdrop of Victorian London.
This book by Renee Ann Miller. It is amazing.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
A stolen kiss at a ball and mistaken identities leads to a marriage of convenience in USA Today bestselling author Renee Ann Miller’s latest Infamous Lords novel. Featuring a spunky, scientist, spinster heroine and a deliciously dashing duke, readers can expect smoldering passion, engaging characters, and roguish antics set against the compelling backdrop of Victorian London.
This book by Renee Ann Miller. It is amazing.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
June 28, 2022
In the eyes of the ton, Lady Sara Elsmere is so firmly on the shelf, not that Sara minds. She is far more concerned about her study of butterflies than society’s gossip, she has a nervous laughter that ruined her debut & every social event thereafter. Afterall men are quite nerve-wracking. Except for one: the rake who pulls her into a dark room during a costume ball and kisses her senseless. He doesn’t make her titter, he makes her burn. Ian McAllister, the Duke of Dorchester, is perfectly satisfied to remain a rogue for the rest of his days. But when he finds he has kissed the wrong shepherdess, albeit a decidedly luscious one, he’s faced with a dilemma. His indiscretion with an innocent may cost him a lucrative business arrangement and his two scapegrace wards need a maternal influence they can’t scare away. Promising Sara the use of her dowry to fund her studies seals the pair’s businesslike deal.
The sixth book in the series & it could easily be read on its own. I thoroughly enjoyed this fun, entertaining, light hearted read. The characters were well portrayed & had depth, I really liked both Ian & Sara, he was a Duke who was also a business man, She’s a butterfly loving wallflower. There were plenty of tropes to keep everyone happy. I enjoyed the banter between the couple & also felt their chemistry grew throughout the book. An entertaining read
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
The sixth book in the series & it could easily be read on its own. I thoroughly enjoyed this fun, entertaining, light hearted read. The characters were well portrayed & had depth, I really liked both Ian & Sara, he was a Duke who was also a business man, She’s a butterfly loving wallflower. There were plenty of tropes to keep everyone happy. I enjoyed the banter between the couple & also felt their chemistry grew throughout the book. An entertaining read
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
August 15, 2022
I received an ARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Lady Sara Elsmere wants nothing to do with balls or finding a husband even though that is what both her father and brother want. She is content to hide in the library than making a fool of herself when a man asks her to dance. One night at a ball, she accidently finds the Duke of Worcester and a lady in a scandalous position. Embarrassed to be caught watching the pair, she gets a reprieve from society when her father unexpectedly expires at the ball that very night. Now, a year later Sara finds herself in a compromising position with the scandalous duke.
I thought the last book was charming, although predictable, but the things that I found charming in the last book were noticeably absent in this one. The heroine to me just came off extremely childish especially for a heroine who was a little older. On top of that, she is a scientist and a bluestocking which are traits I like in a heroine. She just felt flat and awkward. Ian was better, but he is one of those heroes that I won't remember in a year. Their relationship was super sweet at the end, but I found that most of the time they were together the moments didn't flow. It wasn't easy, and it felt like the author was really trying to force them together.
I don't think this is the worst book I have ever read nor the best. It was a decent enough read, but it isn't something that I would choose to put on my keeper shelf or read again.
Lady Sara Elsmere wants nothing to do with balls or finding a husband even though that is what both her father and brother want. She is content to hide in the library than making a fool of herself when a man asks her to dance. One night at a ball, she accidently finds the Duke of Worcester and a lady in a scandalous position. Embarrassed to be caught watching the pair, she gets a reprieve from society when her father unexpectedly expires at the ball that very night. Now, a year later Sara finds herself in a compromising position with the scandalous duke.
I thought the last book was charming, although predictable, but the things that I found charming in the last book were noticeably absent in this one. The heroine to me just came off extremely childish especially for a heroine who was a little older. On top of that, she is a scientist and a bluestocking which are traits I like in a heroine. She just felt flat and awkward. Ian was better, but he is one of those heroes that I won't remember in a year. Their relationship was super sweet at the end, but I found that most of the time they were together the moments didn't flow. It wasn't easy, and it felt like the author was really trying to force them together.
I don't think this is the worst book I have ever read nor the best. It was a decent enough read, but it isn't something that I would choose to put on my keeper shelf or read again.
May 19, 2022
Not bad, but not exceedingly good either.
There were a few entertaining scenes but, for the most part, this was a very predictble light read. However, I did like the occupation our heroine had (very unique) as well as the quippy banter in the first half of the book.
(thank you netgalley for providing a free copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion)
There were a few entertaining scenes but, for the most part, this was a very predictble light read. However, I did like the occupation our heroine had (very unique) as well as the quippy banter in the first half of the book.
(thank you netgalley for providing a free copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion)
March 24, 2022
Lady Sara Elsmere, spinster lepidopterist and socially awkward, is mistaken for someone else at a costume ball and finds herself entangled with Ian McAllister, the Duke of Dorchester. He is perfectly satisfied to remain a rogue after his would-be fiancée married his father instead. But when Sara’s controlling brother catches them and he finds he has kissed the wrong shepherdess, he thinks a marriage of convenience is the way to go, especially since his two wards need a maternal figure. Sara agrees since Ian promises to let her use her dowry to continue her study of butterflies.
Scientific spinsters, repressed feelings, and a marriage of convenience. This should have been a slam dunk but it was largely forgettable. This is 6th in a series but it reads as a standalone. Sara has the typical overwrought feelings about how she’s supposed to feel about sex. Ian has the typical father issues and stubbornness. This story was fine, but it was nothing that hasn’t been done before and without enough chemistry between Sara and Ian to make it memorable. The plot device at the very end came out of nowhere and was too over the top compared to the rest of the book. It changed nothing at about the characters’ resolution.
There’s no date or specific setting described. The heroine has gone to college, there are gas lights, transatlantic steamships, and House of Worth exists. So 1850s-1910 maybe? If I eagerly spent time researching every sliver of hint I could to narrow it down, that’s probably a clue about how interesting I found this story.
I received an arc from NetGalley
Scientific spinsters, repressed feelings, and a marriage of convenience. This should have been a slam dunk but it was largely forgettable. This is 6th in a series but it reads as a standalone. Sara has the typical overwrought feelings about how she’s supposed to feel about sex. Ian has the typical father issues and stubbornness. This story was fine, but it was nothing that hasn’t been done before and without enough chemistry between Sara and Ian to make it memorable. The plot device at the very end came out of nowhere and was too over the top compared to the rest of the book. It changed nothing at about the characters’ resolution.
There’s no date or specific setting described. The heroine has gone to college, there are gas lights, transatlantic steamships, and House of Worth exists. So 1850s-1910 maybe? If I eagerly spent time researching every sliver of hint I could to narrow it down, that’s probably a clue about how interesting I found this story.
I received an arc from NetGalley
August 1, 2022
Lady Sara Elsmere has been relegated to the fringes of high society thanks to her unfortunate tendency to burst into nervous laughter when asked to dance. She doesn’t really mind since she’s devoted to her study of butterflies and has no interest in society gossip. She’s still a bit embarrassed about her behavior around men, but there’s not much to be done about the fact that they make her nervous. However, one man doesn’t cause that reaction in her when he yanks her into a dark room at a ball and kisses her thoroughly.
Ian McAllister, the Duke of Dorchester, has quite the reputation as a scandalous rake and he would’ve been perfectly fine with keeping that bachelor’s image for the rest of his life. Unfortunately, he’s now kissed the wrong shepherdess. Though he enjoyed it immensely, he now must decide if he can go through with marrying the innocent girl whose reputation, he’s ruined to ensure that his business dealings aren’t damaged by the scandal. His two young wards also need a mother figure they won’t be able to run off as they have with their last three nannies. Sara wants freedom and independence, so when Ian offers to let her keep her dowry for herself upon their union, she agrees to a businesslike marriage. But as Sara and Ian begin life together, the mutual attraction between them burns ever hotter, surprising them both with the stirrings of genuine emotion in the midst of their perfectly civilized arrangement.
I’m not sure if this was really the book or just me, but I found the pacing to be quite slow and for some reason I never really found any of the characters to be particularly compelling. Sara annoyed me most of all, I think because she’s meant to be highly educated and erudite, but she’s incredibly naïve about nearly everything. I think her prudishness was also pretty over the top given that she’s supposed to be so educated. Her character just seemed a bit all over the place to me. She was also unnecessarily mean to Ian even when he didn’t deserve it, baiting him out of nowhere, and it just didn’t make sense to me. I loved that these two were together so early on, but the intimacy faded quickly enough to give me whiplash and then we had no other intimate scenes between them for quite some time. Perhaps most disappointing for me was nearer the end when the way was paved for a truly wonderful love scene in which the hero is going to show the heroine all the emotions he cannot give voice to, and then it fades to black.
I also think a lot of this story was bogged down with inanities that really did nothing to advance the plot. Some descriptions of mannerisms and gestures were repeated ad nauseum, most specifically that Sara lifted an eyebrow in imitation of the arrogant way that Ian had. I’m not sure why, but this repetition got on my nerves after a while. Sara spends much of the book trying to prove her independence to Ian, but most of this behavior just comes off as rude, and all the while she’s harping on about how rude he is when really, he’s just awkward and uncertain. Basically, Sara just makes a lot of power moves for no reason
There’s quite a bit of book in which not much happens but everyday life and Ian and Sara not spending much time together. There are also a good number of pages devoted to the pranks Sara and the boys play on each other, which were humorous and cute, but I think these also did pull away from the romance of the story. Sara also spends a lot of time thinking about all the questions she has about Ian, but rarely asking him anything, instead going to the servants to try to glean information. I also wasn’t a huge fan of the other woman drama that got inserted near the end, though it did ramp up the pacing and helped reinvest me and made me want to go ahead and finish the book. Ian had such potential to be one of those unloved heroes who has to learn how to give and receive love, a trope I adore, but it just fell a bit flat here and I still can’t quite pinpoint why. This wasn’t a bad story by any means, and I did enjoy it, I just don’t think it quite lived up to the hopes I had for it given all the potential these tropes held, but I still found it to be worth the read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
Ian McAllister, the Duke of Dorchester, has quite the reputation as a scandalous rake and he would’ve been perfectly fine with keeping that bachelor’s image for the rest of his life. Unfortunately, he’s now kissed the wrong shepherdess. Though he enjoyed it immensely, he now must decide if he can go through with marrying the innocent girl whose reputation, he’s ruined to ensure that his business dealings aren’t damaged by the scandal. His two young wards also need a mother figure they won’t be able to run off as they have with their last three nannies. Sara wants freedom and independence, so when Ian offers to let her keep her dowry for herself upon their union, she agrees to a businesslike marriage. But as Sara and Ian begin life together, the mutual attraction between them burns ever hotter, surprising them both with the stirrings of genuine emotion in the midst of their perfectly civilized arrangement.
I’m not sure if this was really the book or just me, but I found the pacing to be quite slow and for some reason I never really found any of the characters to be particularly compelling. Sara annoyed me most of all, I think because she’s meant to be highly educated and erudite, but she’s incredibly naïve about nearly everything. I think her prudishness was also pretty over the top given that she’s supposed to be so educated. Her character just seemed a bit all over the place to me. She was also unnecessarily mean to Ian even when he didn’t deserve it, baiting him out of nowhere, and it just didn’t make sense to me. I loved that these two were together so early on, but the intimacy faded quickly enough to give me whiplash and then we had no other intimate scenes between them for quite some time. Perhaps most disappointing for me was nearer the end when the way was paved for a truly wonderful love scene in which the hero is going to show the heroine all the emotions he cannot give voice to, and then it fades to black.
I also think a lot of this story was bogged down with inanities that really did nothing to advance the plot. Some descriptions of mannerisms and gestures were repeated ad nauseum, most specifically that Sara lifted an eyebrow in imitation of the arrogant way that Ian had. I’m not sure why, but this repetition got on my nerves after a while. Sara spends much of the book trying to prove her independence to Ian, but most of this behavior just comes off as rude, and all the while she’s harping on about how rude he is when really, he’s just awkward and uncertain. Basically, Sara just makes a lot of power moves for no reason
There’s quite a bit of book in which not much happens but everyday life and Ian and Sara not spending much time together. There are also a good number of pages devoted to the pranks Sara and the boys play on each other, which were humorous and cute, but I think these also did pull away from the romance of the story. Sara also spends a lot of time thinking about all the questions she has about Ian, but rarely asking him anything, instead going to the servants to try to glean information. I also wasn’t a huge fan of the other woman drama that got inserted near the end, though it did ramp up the pacing and helped reinvest me and made me want to go ahead and finish the book. Ian had such potential to be one of those unloved heroes who has to learn how to give and receive love, a trope I adore, but it just fell a bit flat here and I still can’t quite pinpoint why. This wasn’t a bad story by any means, and I did enjoy it, I just don’t think it quite lived up to the hopes I had for it given all the potential these tropes held, but I still found it to be worth the read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
March 17, 2022
I received an arc of Never Marry a Scandalous Duke by Renee Ann Miller through NetGalley.
Wow!! Absolutely loved this book. The main heroine, Sara, is the perfect blend of scientist, passionate, witty, and smart. I also found this book funny - even laughing out loud sometimes.
Sara's personality is exactly what I hope for when I hear the leading lady is a scientist. Focused on her science, but shows her smarts outside of that. I loved the struggles she went through and the emotions felt real and well rounded.
Our main hot duke, Ian, was a great balance of scandalous duke without pages and pages of how terrible he was. There was just enough to know he's scandalous, but redeemable.
I usually have a few complaints at the end of a regency romance, but honestly I don't have any really. I read this book in two days and have already added every other book in this series to my TBR list.
If you like strong, smart leading ladies and hard on the outside/mushy on the inside dukes - this is your book!
Wow!! Absolutely loved this book. The main heroine, Sara, is the perfect blend of scientist, passionate, witty, and smart. I also found this book funny - even laughing out loud sometimes.
Sara's personality is exactly what I hope for when I hear the leading lady is a scientist. Focused on her science, but shows her smarts outside of that. I loved the struggles she went through and the emotions felt real and well rounded.
Our main hot duke, Ian, was a great balance of scandalous duke without pages and pages of how terrible he was. There was just enough to know he's scandalous, but redeemable.
I usually have a few complaints at the end of a regency romance, but honestly I don't have any really. I read this book in two days and have already added every other book in this series to my TBR list.
If you like strong, smart leading ladies and hard on the outside/mushy on the inside dukes - this is your book!
March 31, 2022
Lady Sara Elsmere is firmly on the shelf due to her nervous habit of giggling any time she's been asked to dance and happy that way, as it leaves her time to study butterflies. Her brother forces her hand to marry, lining up a man old enough to be her grandfather. Luckily for Sara, she is found in a compromising situation with Ian McAllister, the Duke of Dorchester.
Ian is a rogue and never plans to marry after the first woman who accepted his marriage proposal decided to marry someone else. Details of that fiasco show up later in the plot. When Ian gets caught kissing Sara, dressed in the same costume as one of his lovers, then he decides a marriage of convenience is in order to give his two, young wards a mother figure since they are so mischievous they keep scaring off nannies. Sara agrees to his suggestion after Ian agrees to let her keep the money from her dowry and inheritance to continue her study of butterflies.
There is nothing I love more in tropes than an older heroine, a forced proximity, & marriage of convenience, so this book was a pure delight! I enjoyed every twist and turn of the story. It is in a series of books which I haven't read, but it works perfectly well as a stand-alone. The author was new to me and now I want to read more of her books!
My honest review was given in exchange for receiving an ARC from Netgalley. I just reviewed Never Marry a Scandalous Duke by Renee Ann Miller. #NeverMarryaScandalousDuke #NetGalley
[NetGalley URL]
Ian is a rogue and never plans to marry after the first woman who accepted his marriage proposal decided to marry someone else. Details of that fiasco show up later in the plot. When Ian gets caught kissing Sara, dressed in the same costume as one of his lovers, then he decides a marriage of convenience is in order to give his two, young wards a mother figure since they are so mischievous they keep scaring off nannies. Sara agrees to his suggestion after Ian agrees to let her keep the money from her dowry and inheritance to continue her study of butterflies.
There is nothing I love more in tropes than an older heroine, a forced proximity, & marriage of convenience, so this book was a pure delight! I enjoyed every twist and turn of the story. It is in a series of books which I haven't read, but it works perfectly well as a stand-alone. The author was new to me and now I want to read more of her books!
My honest review was given in exchange for receiving an ARC from Netgalley. I just reviewed Never Marry a Scandalous Duke by Renee Ann Miller. #NeverMarryaScandalousDuke #NetGalley
[NetGalley URL]
June 29, 2022
Lady Sara Elsmere is twenty-eight years old and never been kissed. A bluestocking that studies butterflies. To ask her to dance is to get laughed at. Ian McAllister, the Duke of Dorchester, is known for his very menacing glare and is a rake. Accidently kissing Sara, the wrong shepherdess at a masquerade ball, he offers a marriage of convenience. It may help seal the deal on a business arrangement. Ian has no intention of falling in love, but his wife is like no other woman he's ever known. She just might save his life.
Funny and charming, Sara always seems to come out on top!
Heat Level 5
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Funny and charming, Sara always seems to come out on top!
Heat Level 5
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
June 4, 2022
A scientist and bluestocking, Sara just wants someone to fund her studies. A guardian of two unruly little boys, Ian just wants someone to be able to control them. After Ian is caught kissing Sara by mistake, they make a deal. They will have a marriage of convenience. Instead they build a marriage around their immediate family which they find much more satisfying. I received an ARC from NetGalley and Kensington Books for my honest review.
July 21, 2022
I very much enjoyed this marriage-of-convenience historical! Lady Sara Elsmere is an entomologist who just wants to be left alone to study her butterflies, especially after she fails as a debutante on the marriage market by laughing hysterically when any gentleman asks her to dance. Her brother and sister treat her very poorly and see her as odd, unfashionable, and graceless. Enter Ian McAllister, the Duke of Dorchester, who has no interest in a wallflower like her…until he mistakes her for his mistress and drags her into a closet to kiss her. After they are caught in this lip lock, the Duke realizes that he and Lady Sara can help each other. He can give her control over her inheritance so that she can pursue her studies (and free herself from her unfeeling siblings); she can make him seem respectable to his business associates and, most of all, tame his two young, mischievous wards.
Like many historical readers, I love a marriage of convenience and Never Marry a Scandalous Duke really hits the spot on this score. If you are writing a marriage of convenience, you really have to invest in the 19th century world that would make such an alliance appealing and Miller delivers here. You feel that Lady Sara and her Duke are truly nineteenth-century aristocrats who must abide by the strictures of this world…which makes their falling for each other within the starchy confines of their arrangement all the more delicious. I also really liked how Lady Sara and the Duke light it up in the bedroom from the beginning whereas the other parts of their connection take more time to develop. Miller sets up their agreement so that it is, from the beginning, a real marriage; this book is not a marriage of convenience book where they are planning to call it off or annul it or separate permanently after a year. They very much understand that they are stuck with one another and the Duke even promises her at the outset that he will be faithful as long as she agrees to share his bed. Their connection in the bedroom surprises them both and they end up having to work from there to build a real marriage. I found this handling of the marriage of convenience really refreshing.
I recommend Never Marry a Scandalous Duke to readers who love a marriage of convenience with a nineteenth-century feel, STEM heroines, and stuffy dukes who need to learn how to feel.
Like many historical readers, I love a marriage of convenience and Never Marry a Scandalous Duke really hits the spot on this score. If you are writing a marriage of convenience, you really have to invest in the 19th century world that would make such an alliance appealing and Miller delivers here. You feel that Lady Sara and her Duke are truly nineteenth-century aristocrats who must abide by the strictures of this world…which makes their falling for each other within the starchy confines of their arrangement all the more delicious. I also really liked how Lady Sara and the Duke light it up in the bedroom from the beginning whereas the other parts of their connection take more time to develop. Miller sets up their agreement so that it is, from the beginning, a real marriage; this book is not a marriage of convenience book where they are planning to call it off or annul it or separate permanently after a year. They very much understand that they are stuck with one another and the Duke even promises her at the outset that he will be faithful as long as she agrees to share his bed. Their connection in the bedroom surprises them both and they end up having to work from there to build a real marriage. I found this handling of the marriage of convenience really refreshing.
I recommend Never Marry a Scandalous Duke to readers who love a marriage of convenience with a nineteenth-century feel, STEM heroines, and stuffy dukes who need to learn how to feel.
May 9, 2022
5 stars
Listen, sometimes you need a trope-filled, low-angst romance to fill the void.
We've got some classic historical romance tropes in Never Marry A Scandalous Duke - mistaken identity, marriage of convenience, single dad (technically guardian in this case), damaged hero, and bluestocking heroine to name a few. Add a little bit of banter and some pining on top of that and you have an absolutely delightful romance on your hands. I started this at around 11:30 at night and found myself staying up until almost 3 in the morning just to finish this. If that's not an endorsement, I don't know what is!
Thank you to NetGalley and Zebra for an ARC of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review!
Listen, sometimes you need a trope-filled, low-angst romance to fill the void.
We've got some classic historical romance tropes in Never Marry A Scandalous Duke - mistaken identity, marriage of convenience, single dad (technically guardian in this case), damaged hero, and bluestocking heroine to name a few. Add a little bit of banter and some pining on top of that and you have an absolutely delightful romance on your hands. I started this at around 11:30 at night and found myself staying up until almost 3 in the morning just to finish this. If that's not an endorsement, I don't know what is!
Thank you to NetGalley and Zebra for an ARC of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review!
July 15, 2022
It just didn't click for me, I had to keep forcing myself to continue.
Negative points for naming the children "Edward and Jacob", you know exactly what you did and why I was thrown out of the book every time they appeared.
Negative points for naming the children "Edward and Jacob", you know exactly what you did and why I was thrown out of the book every time they appeared.
July 21, 2022
This book was a light historical romance filled with some heartwarming moments between MCs and some drama. I liked it, I definitely like that FMC is not a typical member of Society but otherwise – speaking from having read this a month ago – a not-so-memorable read.
I knew I liked it enough to give it 4 stars but I honestly can’t remember much from this book (I really should write a review sooner to the date I’ve finished a book) therefore I’m taking a star away.
⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 3 out of 5.
ARC was provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Full post: https://slovenianbookworm.wordpress.c...
I knew I liked it enough to give it 4 stars but I honestly can’t remember much from this book (I really should write a review sooner to the date I’ve finished a book) therefore I’m taking a star away.
⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 3 out of 5.
ARC was provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Full post: https://slovenianbookworm.wordpress.c...
July 9, 2022
For the most part, this was a cute read that can be enjoyed as a complete stand-alone from the others (although certain characters do appear from the prior novels, in my opinion, you do not need to know their backstories in order to understand and enjoy this story).
Ian and Sara were .... interesting. There were times when I enjoyed them getting to know one another, and times when I wanted to throttle Ian for being such a prat. He tells his staff to make Sara happy, they do as she asks and he gets mad and throws a hissy fit about it. Mind you, this was over something as trivial as a room she wanted in which to keep her books, and butterfly specimens, and in which she could continue her research into butterflies, the exact thing he had promised her she could do should they marry. And of course, there is the internal back and forth between both of them wanting the other, but refusing to admit it. Because gosh darn it! They won't be the one to make the first move!
Then we have the two little boys that he is guardian to. I enjoyed the prank war they got into with Sara, and the way she refused to be cowed by them, instead giving just as good as she got. It was enjoyable watching as the boys began to trust her and open up to her little by little during the time that Ian was away.
Speaking of Ian's wards, I'm still a little confused about why Edward and Jacob, (who drove off three nannies prior with their antics) were suddenly the most well-behaved children on the planet when they went to stay with Ian's friend so that he and Sara could enjoy a slight honeymoon without them. I would have liked to have heard a least a tiny complaint about their behavior, but no. As far as the friend was concerned the boys were angels.
I'm still a bit confused about the seemingly last-minute addition of Ian's stepmother and the sudden plot to have him killed. Considering said stepmother was Ian's former paramour (to whom he had actually proposed before she married his father), I feel there were so many other, more enjoyable ways the author could have used her that would have been more believable. As it stands, her arrival in town and her nefarious plots changed absolutely nothing except it made Ian admit to Sara that he had fallen in love with her too. That's it. There was no discord between the couple over her arrival, no mistrust. Nothing. Just Sara knowing the other woman was up to no good, and ultimately putting the pieces together in enough time to thwart her plans.
If you're in the mood for an easy read to pass the time, I would highly recommend this novel. Especially if you're a fan of the marriage of convenience troupe.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
Ian and Sara were .... interesting. There were times when I enjoyed them getting to know one another, and times when I wanted to throttle Ian for being such a prat. He tells his staff to make Sara happy, they do as she asks and he gets mad and throws a hissy fit about it. Mind you, this was over something as trivial as a room she wanted in which to keep her books, and butterfly specimens, and in which she could continue her research into butterflies, the exact thing he had promised her she could do should they marry. And of course, there is the internal back and forth between both of them wanting the other, but refusing to admit it. Because gosh darn it! They won't be the one to make the first move!
Then we have the two little boys that he is guardian to. I enjoyed the prank war they got into with Sara, and the way she refused to be cowed by them, instead giving just as good as she got. It was enjoyable watching as the boys began to trust her and open up to her little by little during the time that Ian was away.
Speaking of Ian's wards, I'm still a little confused about why Edward and Jacob, (who drove off three nannies prior with their antics) were suddenly the most well-behaved children on the planet when they went to stay with Ian's friend so that he and Sara could enjoy a slight honeymoon without them. I would have liked to have heard a least a tiny complaint about their behavior, but no. As far as the friend was concerned the boys were angels.
I'm still a bit confused about the seemingly last-minute addition of Ian's stepmother and the sudden plot to have him killed. Considering said stepmother was Ian's former paramour (to whom he had actually proposed before she married his father), I feel there were so many other, more enjoyable ways the author could have used her that would have been more believable. As it stands, her arrival in town and her nefarious plots changed absolutely nothing except it made Ian admit to Sara that he had fallen in love with her too. That's it. There was no discord between the couple over her arrival, no mistrust. Nothing. Just Sara knowing the other woman was up to no good, and ultimately putting the pieces together in enough time to thwart her plans.
If you're in the mood for an easy read to pass the time, I would highly recommend this novel. Especially if you're a fan of the marriage of convenience troupe.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
June 29, 2022
I absolutely adore a heroine who is STEM focused and I love a historical romance heroine who has these interests. I will alway gravitate and pick up a book with a wallflower heroine who has more important things on her mind than who the most eligible bachelor is. Renee Ann Miller's sixth book in the Infamous Lord series has one such heroine! Miller crafts a fun, well paced romance between a heroine who is an entomologist and a roguish nobleman. Miller's writing is easily accessible and her characters are interesting and compelling which quickly drew me into this romance and kept me rooting for the hero and heroine to find their happily ever after.
Lady Sarah is considered a spinster firmly on the shelf, but this does not concern her in the least, she has more important pursuits in her studies of butterflies. But when she is mistakenly kissed at a masquerade ball and passions are ignited in her, she finds herself in a marriage of convenience with Ian, a duke, who has two wards in need of maternal care.
This opposites attract, slow burn romance does a lovely job of building a respectful relationship between Sarah and Ian. I love Sarah as a heroine, she is smart, quirky and fun. She is able to think outside of the box when it comes to managing her new family and this really helps the boys learn to respect her and see her as a trustworthy adult with their best interests at heart. I really loved the way that Miller was able to slowly build the chemistry between Ian and Sarah, it is done with care and understanding. Miller takes the time for their feelings to organically grow in a way that creates a deeper understanding and respect for the other. I love that Ian sees Sarah for the smart, independent and beautiful woman she is and has been overlooked for. I love that Ian and Sarah are able to build a friendship and family with each other and their wards.
This is a sweet and heartwarming romance that is just a really lovely story about two people building a life with each other that is build on the foundation of respect and care. I think this is a delightful series that is definitely worth checking out!
Thank you to Zebra and NetGalley for an eARC, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Lady Sarah is considered a spinster firmly on the shelf, but this does not concern her in the least, she has more important pursuits in her studies of butterflies. But when she is mistakenly kissed at a masquerade ball and passions are ignited in her, she finds herself in a marriage of convenience with Ian, a duke, who has two wards in need of maternal care.
This opposites attract, slow burn romance does a lovely job of building a respectful relationship between Sarah and Ian. I love Sarah as a heroine, she is smart, quirky and fun. She is able to think outside of the box when it comes to managing her new family and this really helps the boys learn to respect her and see her as a trustworthy adult with their best interests at heart. I really loved the way that Miller was able to slowly build the chemistry between Ian and Sarah, it is done with care and understanding. Miller takes the time for their feelings to organically grow in a way that creates a deeper understanding and respect for the other. I love that Ian sees Sarah for the smart, independent and beautiful woman she is and has been overlooked for. I love that Ian and Sarah are able to build a friendship and family with each other and their wards.
This is a sweet and heartwarming romance that is just a really lovely story about two people building a life with each other that is build on the foundation of respect and care. I think this is a delightful series that is definitely worth checking out!
Thank you to Zebra and NetGalley for an eARC, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 12, 2022
A wonderful love story and a new favorite author!
Lady Sara Elsmere is accosted by a pirate in the library at a ball. This particular pirate was expecting a certain lovely lady dressed as a shepherdess to join him in the library for an assignation. To his chagrin, the pirate, also known as the Duke of Dorchester, or more familiarly as Ian McAllister, realizes his mistake too late and is forced to consider a marriage of convenience with Lady Sara Elsmere.
Sara is an entomologist and a bluestocking. She is also known as the oldest debutante on the market. Sara just wants to be left alone to her studies and avoid the trappings of marriage. Sara is someone who I found to be extremely kind, intelligent, and loving. Treated horribly by her family, Sara's marriage to Ian and her relationship with his young wards, gave her the opportunity to have a family of her own. A family where people were not scorned and ill-treated, but treasured and respected. Sara was wonderfully intuitive in her observations of people. She was also loving without being demanding. She was everything that Ian needed to begin healing from his traumatic childhood, and to obliterate the wall that he had built around his heart.
The only aspect of this book that felt a tad off was the nefarious plot at the end. It felt a bit disjointed for me as everything between Ian and Sara seemed to be developing without the need of any outside help.
I absolutely fell in love with these characters and their story! I loved Sara's playful pranks on Edward and Jacob. I really liked how Miller gave more depth to the Duke's staff and they played a part in the family shenanigans. And I loved the development of Sara and Ian's journey towards becoming friends, lovers, and lifelong partners.
I would HIGHLY recommend reading this story. It is book six in a series, which I have not read, but it works as a standalone. I cannot wait to read the other books in the series and all of Renee Ann Miller's back list.
I voluntarily read and reviewed and advanced copy of this eARC thanks to Kensington Books via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
#NeverMarryaScandalousDuke #NetGalley
Lady Sara Elsmere is accosted by a pirate in the library at a ball. This particular pirate was expecting a certain lovely lady dressed as a shepherdess to join him in the library for an assignation. To his chagrin, the pirate, also known as the Duke of Dorchester, or more familiarly as Ian McAllister, realizes his mistake too late and is forced to consider a marriage of convenience with Lady Sara Elsmere.
Sara is an entomologist and a bluestocking. She is also known as the oldest debutante on the market. Sara just wants to be left alone to her studies and avoid the trappings of marriage. Sara is someone who I found to be extremely kind, intelligent, and loving. Treated horribly by her family, Sara's marriage to Ian and her relationship with his young wards, gave her the opportunity to have a family of her own. A family where people were not scorned and ill-treated, but treasured and respected. Sara was wonderfully intuitive in her observations of people. She was also loving without being demanding. She was everything that Ian needed to begin healing from his traumatic childhood, and to obliterate the wall that he had built around his heart.
The only aspect of this book that felt a tad off was the nefarious plot at the end. It felt a bit disjointed for me as everything between Ian and Sara seemed to be developing without the need of any outside help.
I absolutely fell in love with these characters and their story! I loved Sara's playful pranks on Edward and Jacob. I really liked how Miller gave more depth to the Duke's staff and they played a part in the family shenanigans. And I loved the development of Sara and Ian's journey towards becoming friends, lovers, and lifelong partners.
I would HIGHLY recommend reading this story. It is book six in a series, which I have not read, but it works as a standalone. I cannot wait to read the other books in the series and all of Renee Ann Miller's back list.
I voluntarily read and reviewed and advanced copy of this eARC thanks to Kensington Books via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
#NeverMarryaScandalousDuke #NetGalley
November 21, 2022
It was a quick way to pass the time. It was good. Average. I enjoyed it and read it one day. I don't think any of the characters are entirely memorable, but if you need something to hit that marriage of convenience fix, this will do the trick.
The beginning was a meh start off for me, just because as much as I love a rake, seeing his escapades rather than just hearing about them is a turn off.
Sara, sweet, caring, entomologist. She loves butterflies but she doesn't get too annoying about it. Like a litttttle, but not too crazy. Nothing you cant handle.
Ian, Duke of Dorchester, simple lady's man who can commit apparently.
We get a lot of her bonding with the children and that making him fall for her, IDK I don't like child plots so maybe that's why this didn't stand out to me. They were fine! Not too bad to handle but I think it would have been more fun with just the two of them. (I picked this up in the grocery store knowing that he had wards, so I was aware, I'm glad they weren't a nuisance.)
The dramatic end plot was something. lol
Quotes:
"Actually I'm looking for the library."
The man's eyes widened, and he averted his gaze. "Of course, madam. It is the next door to you left."
"Thank you." As Sara moved down the wide corridor, she glance over her shoulder. There was something unsettling about the way the footman had looked at her--as if she'd startled him--as if she was not what he'd expected.
"I can't believe he asked you to marry him." Louisa rolled onto her stomach, propped up her chin in her hands, and scrutinized Sara. There was a plethora of unspoken insults in her sister's words, along with the critical look she bestowed on her.
"Good night, sir." Adams stepped out of the room with Ian's garments draped over his right arm. As soon as the door clicked closed, Ian realized he held the book upside down."
The beginning was a meh start off for me, just because as much as I love a rake, seeing his escapades rather than just hearing about them is a turn off.
Sara, sweet, caring, entomologist. She loves butterflies but she doesn't get too annoying about it. Like a litttttle, but not too crazy. Nothing you cant handle.
Ian, Duke of Dorchester, simple lady's man who can commit apparently.
We get a lot of her bonding with the children and that making him fall for her, IDK I don't like child plots so maybe that's why this didn't stand out to me. They were fine! Not too bad to handle but I think it would have been more fun with just the two of them. (I picked this up in the grocery store knowing that he had wards, so I was aware, I'm glad they weren't a nuisance.)
The dramatic end plot was something. lol
Quotes:
"Actually I'm looking for the library."
The man's eyes widened, and he averted his gaze. "Of course, madam. It is the next door to you left."
"Thank you." As Sara moved down the wide corridor, she glance over her shoulder. There was something unsettling about the way the footman had looked at her--as if she'd startled him--as if she was not what he'd expected.
"I can't believe he asked you to marry him." Louisa rolled onto her stomach, propped up her chin in her hands, and scrutinized Sara. There was a plethora of unspoken insults in her sister's words, along with the critical look she bestowed on her.
"Good night, sir." Adams stepped out of the room with Ian's garments draped over his right arm. As soon as the door clicked closed, Ian realized he held the book upside down."
May 6, 2022
Special Thanks to Net Galley and Kensington Books for letting me read this ARC!
First of all, I didn't even know there is more than just one book from this author and believe me, I WILL read all of her books! I was little scared at first that i will not understand everything 'cause it's 6th one in this series but it wasn't a problem. I ate this book in only few hours and i really enjoyed it.
A thoroughly roguish nobleman and a devoted lady entomologist have absolutely nothing in common—or do they? Love is far from scientific when it truly blooms...
We have got two characters here - Sarah, stubborn and "weird" entomologist who only plans to work with butterflies and is not interested in marriage, and Ian, handsome Duke of Dorcester who also doesn't plan to wed. It all can come to an end when they are found in not-that-normal situation in a dark room and soon both of their lives can get bad.
BUT they come with a plan which could help them both and decided to marry each other just for buissness. But will it stay that way? Or will they fall in love with each other?
I need to say I really liked their story. I mean, I know that isn't something new - there are ton of books like this but you know what? I don't care. I will read all of them.
It was sweet, funny and enjoyable and it gives me Bridgerton vibes.
So honestly it's a cute romance book to read in one evening and I just can't wait to read another ones in this series.
First of all, I didn't even know there is more than just one book from this author and believe me, I WILL read all of her books! I was little scared at first that i will not understand everything 'cause it's 6th one in this series but it wasn't a problem. I ate this book in only few hours and i really enjoyed it.
A thoroughly roguish nobleman and a devoted lady entomologist have absolutely nothing in common—or do they? Love is far from scientific when it truly blooms...
We have got two characters here - Sarah, stubborn and "weird" entomologist who only plans to work with butterflies and is not interested in marriage, and Ian, handsome Duke of Dorcester who also doesn't plan to wed. It all can come to an end when they are found in not-that-normal situation in a dark room and soon both of their lives can get bad.
BUT they come with a plan which could help them both and decided to marry each other just for buissness. But will it stay that way? Or will they fall in love with each other?
I need to say I really liked their story. I mean, I know that isn't something new - there are ton of books like this but you know what? I don't care. I will read all of them.
It was sweet, funny and enjoyable and it gives me Bridgerton vibes.
So honestly it's a cute romance book to read in one evening and I just can't wait to read another ones in this series.
June 10, 2022
This book is the perfect lighthearted read I was looking for! It's full of comfortable tropes including: marriage of convenience, a pairing between spinster bluestocking and a rakish catch of the season, stoic hero with daddy issues who does not believe in love, and a hint of enemy-ish to lovers (they never really dislike each other, but the heroine believes so).
Sara, a spinster entomologist with a nervous laugh, is mistaken for someone else at a costume ball and finds Ian's tongue in her mouth. They get caught kissing. Initially, Ian is hesitant and does not want to offer for Sara, but his reputation among the ton affects his business ventures and he could use a wife to take care of his two wards. Sara needs to marry in order to receive her inheritance, which she needs in order to continue her study of butterflies. They strike up a business deal and enter into a marriage of convenience.
Sara was a great leading lady that didn't take any shit from anyone, but still was able to acknowledge her own faults and shortcomings. Her and Ian had really good chemistry. Ian's character is very stereotypical, but I liked him A LOT. He was incredibly smooth:
"Isn't Atargatis the mermaid who killed her husband?" The glint in her eyes conveyed she thought the woman a genius.
"No. She killed her lover, not her husband."
She mumbled something under her breath.
Probably her desire to kill him, but he was going to wipe that sanctimonious expression off her face. "She killed him because she was too great a lover for him. Have a go at it, darling. Let's see if you can do me in."
SQUEAAL!!!! That was so hot. There are few other scenes, but this was my favorite.
All in all, this was a great book. I took off a star because I hated the relationship between Sara and her younger sister, Louisa.
This book was the last in the Infamous Lords series. Never Marry a Scandalous Duke and Never Deceive a Viscount were my favorites throughout the series & I highly recommend the author for any fans for Tessa Dare/Stacy Reid/Lisa Kleypas and such.
I received an ARC via NetGalley, all thoughts & opinions are my own.
Sara, a spinster entomologist with a nervous laugh, is mistaken for someone else at a costume ball and finds Ian's tongue in her mouth. They get caught kissing. Initially, Ian is hesitant and does not want to offer for Sara, but his reputation among the ton affects his business ventures and he could use a wife to take care of his two wards. Sara needs to marry in order to receive her inheritance, which she needs in order to continue her study of butterflies. They strike up a business deal and enter into a marriage of convenience.
Sara was a great leading lady that didn't take any shit from anyone, but still was able to acknowledge her own faults and shortcomings. Her and Ian had really good chemistry. Ian's character is very stereotypical, but I liked him A LOT. He was incredibly smooth:
"Isn't Atargatis the mermaid who killed her husband?" The glint in her eyes conveyed she thought the woman a genius.
"No. She killed her lover, not her husband."
She mumbled something under her breath.
Probably her desire to kill him, but he was going to wipe that sanctimonious expression off her face. "She killed him because she was too great a lover for him. Have a go at it, darling. Let's see if you can do me in."
SQUEAAL!!!! That was so hot. There are few other scenes, but this was my favorite.
All in all, this was a great book. I took off a star because I hated the relationship between Sara and her younger sister, Louisa.
This book was the last in the Infamous Lords series. Never Marry a Scandalous Duke and Never Deceive a Viscount were my favorites throughout the series & I highly recommend the author for any fans for Tessa Dare/Stacy Reid/Lisa Kleypas and such.
I received an ARC via NetGalley, all thoughts & opinions are my own.
June 10, 2022
Ian McAllister, the Duke of Dorcester, never intended to marry, but when an indiscretion at masked balls has him caught kissing innocent Lady Sara, he has no choice but to offer for her. He offers her the one thing she truly wants and she accepts knowing that she will have the use of her dowry to continue to study her butterflies. What started out as a business deal starts to turn into something more. Could these two very different people find love in each other's arms?
I'm a fan of Ms. Miller and I loved that Sara was a bit odd, but not irritatingly so. Her intelligence and dedication to the study of butterflies were actually quite informative and I enjoyed how she won over Ian's wards with her pranks and attention. The author does a good job of teasing out Ian's backstory and why he is so driven by obtaining more wealth. Most of the story moves along well and the major conflict only comes at the end when Isabelle, Ian's former fiancee, shows up to wreak havoc on his life with Sara. This was a thoroughly enjoyable read and I'm look forward to reading the next story in the series.
I voluntarily read the advanced reader copy and all opinions are my own.
I'm a fan of Ms. Miller and I loved that Sara was a bit odd, but not irritatingly so. Her intelligence and dedication to the study of butterflies were actually quite informative and I enjoyed how she won over Ian's wards with her pranks and attention. The author does a good job of teasing out Ian's backstory and why he is so driven by obtaining more wealth. Most of the story moves along well and the major conflict only comes at the end when Isabelle, Ian's former fiancee, shows up to wreak havoc on his life with Sara. This was a thoroughly enjoyable read and I'm look forward to reading the next story in the series.
I voluntarily read the advanced reader copy and all opinions are my own.
March 31, 2022
I enjoyed this story of Sara, an entomologist who is accidentally caught in a compromising position with the Duke of Dorchester, and ends up marrying him for both of their benefits. Ian has a history of being mistreated and unloved by his father and former fiancée, but Sara ends up being a good match for him and his wards. There is a lot of discussion of her love of butterflies and entomology which makes her a unique heroine. She also comes into her own throughout the book by emulating Ian's ducal looks to cause others to appreciate her more, and learning to speak up for herself. There is drama that comes up about 75% in so it is kind of rushed, but I appreciate that the drama was less about his former love coming back than your standard inheritance plot. Definitely worth a read.
June 22, 2022
I liked this book a lot. Ian and Sara's story held my interest well and kept me entertained. Honestly, there is nothing groundbreaking here but in my opinion that is sometimes a good thing. This book delivers a solid romance filled with ample amounts of emotions, feels and swoon. It has a satisfying blend of fun, cute and lightheartedness that reads smoothly and easily. And its characters are quite likable, and easy to root for as a couple. All in all, I thought it was a very good book. I am posting an independent, impartial review.
June 17, 2023
Somehow I've been rather unlucky these past two weeks in uncovering interesting, gripping, angsty books. This was boring, I mean, to be fair, it was okay. Just okay and I refuse to further "punish" my tired eyes from reading books that do not entice me further. Hero married a wallflower when he was caught kissing her in a library during a masquerade party. That's it. So this was an unfinished read.
April 22, 2022
Okay i honestly judged this book by it's cover thinking it would be a bit dull but hopefully light read. However, the book was great. I flew through it in under a day and really enjoyed the plot and pacing of the book.
Thank you to Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for a review.
Thank you to Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for a review.
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