An alternative cover edition for this ASIN can be found here.
He's looking for a duchess. She's looking for...well, anyone but him.
Georgie Cleveland is well aware that true love exists. She may have even found it in the handsome young gentleman she's set her sights on. Unfortunately, her rival has the same designs on society's most sought-after poet. Now Georgie is forced to go to extremes to catch his eye. She could make him jealous, for example, by feigning interest in her sister's brother-in-law, the Duke of Roxborough. It is all for show, of course. Roxborough is far too dull for her tastes. So boring, so stodgy...yet, such a surprisingly passionate kisser.
With Roxborough's new title comes more pressure than ever to marry. His mother has prospective wives lined up for him, all perfectly fitted for the role. Why then does he find himself saddled with the wide-eyed Georgie at every turn? He has no use for someone so frivolous, not with the responsibilities he has on his plate. He should help her find a husband to rid himself of her distractions, but that's easier said than done when it quickly becomes clear that her taste in husbands is abysmal. To make matters worse, she seems to have the oddest effect on him. The more she tells him how safe and predictable he is, the more he's tempted to kiss her senseless.
What at first glance appeared to a humorous take on Regency lifestyle, was in fact imbued with sadness, past mistakes and the pain of ensuring that no-one would get close enough to cause the characters that kind of pain again. If I hadn't married a quiet and introverted man, I might have thought that Rhys's character was an over-kill. However, men like him do exist, and they are so often good, kind men who are overlooked because they don't strut and bluster their way through life. I also know people like Georgie who deal with life's heartaches by laughing and joking their way through each embarrassing moment. Underneath it all, they are ordinary people with the same feelings and need for affirmation. In so many ways Rhys and Georgie are good for each other, as she draws out his very dry sense of humour, and Rhys gives her the safety and protection she needs. When the moment of decision comes though, Georgie struggles with her feelings, knowing that she would never be the right choice as Rhys's duchess. I loved the main characters in this book, the wit and the humorous situations that evolved. The book is also well written, and although it forms part of a series, it is nevertheless a stand-alone and has a happy ending. I received a copy of this book as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Rhys Galwin, the Duke of Roxborough needs to find a bride, in fact he has a list and Georgette "Georgie" Cleveland is NOT on it!
Georgie has come to stay with her sister and brother-in-law for the season. She has high hopes for finding her own love match this season and may have already found him! Lord Malcolm Reynolds is the man of her dreams, he is handsome, charming and a poet! He hasn't noticed her yet, but he will.
When Rhys accompanies Georgie and the family to a ball, Georgie spots her rival Mary with Lord Malcolm. She decides that Rhys is the perfect man to make Mary jealous, she commands Rhys to dance with her. Shocked by her forwardness, Rhys complies and is a bit annoyed, this dance will but a kink in his bride hunting! He scoffs when Georgie offers to help him find a bride - she is the LAST person he would ever ask for help, she is frivolous and doesn't have any clue what is required of a duchess. But despite that, he feels oddly protective of her.
Her dance with Rhys did make Lord Malcolm take notice and he asks her to dance, but instead of feeling elated, she feels unsettled by him and when he asks her to meet him in secret, she is shocked. She wonders what she did to give him the impression that she was that type of girl. Later Rhys overhears Malcolm boasting to his friends that he will seduce Georgie, he intervenes and implies that he is interested in her and is glad that Malcolm isn't considering her as a wife. He finds Georgie and forbids her to meet Malcolm, she didn't plan on it and when he goes further and insults her family, she slaps him. They bicker and he kisses her!
Her friend Mary comes to visit and tells her of the gossip - Rhys wants to court her! WHAT?? She needs answers, she finds Rhys and confronts him, he is just about to kiss her again when his mother bursts in, she has heard the rumors and wants to do damage control. Georgie is confused by her feelings and wonders if she should give up on finding a love match.
Rhys tries to apologize about the kiss, but Georgie brushes it off and again offers to help him with his "list". Georgie makes him laugh and he feels lighter than he has in years. Days later, the duchess tells her that she noticed her connection with Rhys and approves, Georgie pretends to misunderstand and the duchess doesn't fall for it - she says she won't tell Rhys of Georgie's feelings - Georgie is overwhelmed, she isn't falling in love with him! It was the kiss - yes, she needs to kiss him again! When Rhys happens upon her, she throws herself at him, he kisses her back, but then tells her he can't marry her - she babbles and runs off.
Later that night, Rhys escapes the bride choosing soirée - he finds Lord Malcolm in his study and sends him away, Nic comes in and offers him some advice. Rhys realizes, that Georgie is the bride he wants and needs, but how can he convince her?? That is when he notices the "list" is missing. But he no longer needs a list - he has made his decision!
This is a delightful story with very likable leads, some heated kisses, wonderful secondary characters, a dash of humor and a very wonderful declaration scene. This is the second book in the series (third if you count the Wicked Earl's book), but it can easily be read as a stand-alone title.
❤️❤️❤️❤️ 💋 Nothing is better than sitting down to read a sweet romance , where the Gruff , serious Duke needs to chose a wife . However maybe the one he falls for is not the one everyone expects, maybe the flighty , happy , totally mind consuming Lady of his dreams has been under his nose all along . Maggie surely has another hit with this one , this is Rhys , Duke Of Roxborough and Lady Georgie’s story . Wonderful!
2.5 stars. Contained herein are the sins typical of romance novels: repetition, melodrama, etc., etc. Much too saccharine for my tastes. What about all those 4- and 5-star reviews, you ask? No idea.
His mother had taken her task seriously, and now he was left with a list of candidates who were discussed in such a manner that he found it difficult to remember that he was choosing a wife and not a broodmare.
CLEAN ROMANCE, BUT I LOVED THE CHEMISTRY BETWEEN THE CHARACTERS! FIRST OFF, LET ME CLARIFY THAT I AM TOTALLY BIASED WHEN IT COMES TO STUFFY DUKE FOR THE MALE LEADS.
THAT BEING SAID...LET'S START.
RHYS is the epitome of what the ton believes a society Duke is supposed to be - rigid with a stick up his arse, always brooding and serious and when he picks a wife, she's going to be his perfect counterpart AND without a whiff of scandal. The responsibilities and obligations of being a Duke has shaped him into a man who no longer knows the meaning of fun, and his distorted view of becoming a perfect Duke makes him forget that a Duke is also a man. And a man deserves to be selfless sometimes and think of his own happiness. When his mother passes him a list of potential brides, it never occurred to him how clinical and detached it all seemed until he became the brunt of the joke for the vivacious Georgie - a woman so completely wrong for him. She's all smiles, tinkling laughters and often err in her ways of comportment in public. Yet, she may be the only one who sees beneath his glaring veneer and appreciate the man beneath. How, I absolutely loved it when Georgie manages to turn him inside out and become a fool for love - the very thing he swore he'll never be when the story began.
GEORGIE how I adore this name for females in the historical era because it's so risque to call a woman a man's name in that time. And it sort of gives me the GIGI (film) vibes. Georgie may not have been borned a lady or a silver spoon in her mouth, but I think that the author didn't do her enough justice by exploring deeper into Georgie's character. For example, Georgie mentioned the need to always break a silence with laughter...WHY IS THAT? How was her childhood like? I had absolutely no inkling about how Georgie was as a girl that led her to become a woman who is quick to laugh and teasing. Often a person like this would have a reason or a pain to hide. Sadly, we will never know. BUT, Georgie for all her innocence isn't stupid and happens to be a good judge of character. ONE, being she notices things about the Duke that no one else and genuinely LIKES him for it to the point she enjoys teasing him for a reaction. TWO, Lord Malcolm whom she wanted to court at first is actually a wolf in sheep's skin and a total lecher, luckily she never went on a midnight rendesvous with him!
OVERALL this was a cute, heart warming read that isn't all that intense or even melodramatic. Light hearted but also emotionally driven, apart from passionate kisses...I didn't miss not having a single sex scene at all. After reading so much erotica, this one is a refreshing change more focused on love and not lust.
With my expectations significantly lowered after the first one, the second one was somehow even worse. Rhys was terribly wooden, and Georgi made me think she was far younger than whatever age she’s supposed to be (no ages are ever given, but I assume there is at least a 5-10 year age gap between them). Georgi was very vapid, she comes to the season going after one man (probably equally as vapid as herself), then gets randomly kissed by her sister’s brother-in-law, mostly as a means to shut her up I’m guessing. I’m guessing if there was more substance to these books I would feel a little differently. I’d like to see a Georgi who is chatty and gossip-y in the beginning of the story, and then gets put on her place, giving her pause, see her reflect on her girlish actions. I’d also like to have seen her grow into the role of a future duchess, versus going into it saying she knows she didn’t make the list (or as she called it “the ladies of the list”), and that therefore she wouldn’t make a good duchess to him. I think I’m just disappointed that every one of these affairs is somehow made out to be forbidden…but then nothing really comes of it, like you know they will get married at the end, it’s a hea type of story, that’s why you want to read it, but then there’s no real obstacles. Her status isn’t holding her back, neither is his, no one is already engaged to someone they would rather not be with, no one is going after her to make her life miserable in anyway, they just go about pining after each other thinking that they can’t be married…but for what reason? I mean other than she wasn’t “duchess material” according to either of their standards. No one else around them objected to the idea of their match, they were the only ones trying to convince everyone else around them it couldn’t be.
OH MY HEAVENLY STARS!!! Ok guys, here we go. This is one fantastic page turning bombshell that hooks you from the start and reels you in for the duration. You have your whirlwind of emotions and adventures that keep your head spinning. I laughed and yes I cried a little. Don't judge. If you can't sink into a good book, its not worth reading. And let me be frank, this is definitely an absolutely amazing tale. The characters are intriguing, complex and realistic. Their personalities and individual qualities that carry them forward and progressed them through the roles created for each one. Well developed, balanced and perfectly relatable. The scenes so vividly detailed. They flowed smoothly and each scene described to perfection that made for a remarkable bockdrop. Varying contrasts added a little spice to the mix for full flavored appeal. Maggie definitely knows her stuff. Not a dull moment. I loved the banter, the arguing and the chemistry between the two main characters, but I really wanted to hit the male upside the head with a heavy pot a few times. All the twists, turns and unexpected surprises kept it fresh and exciting. Maggie did a remarkable job bringing this read to life flawlessly. A word of advice my friends, when you grab your copy, pull up a comfy seat, a snack, kick back and relax. You won't be putting this little jewel down for a while. To top it off if you're like me you'll read it again and again. Yes my friends it is that good. Great job Maggie, thanks for sharing this awesome read with us.
This was a refreshing change of pace from the typical marriage mart stories of the ton and their pursuit of an advantageous spouse. The young heroine is joyful yet practical. She wants to find a love match but realizes that her lighthearted ways make her an ineligible candidate for the higher echelon of society. The hero is not nearly as reluctant to fulfill his duty as a duke as we see in much of this genre. He needs to find the right wife, produce an heir to the title, suffer the necessary socializing, and otherwise keep to himself. Unlike so many of these characters, he is not spending his personal time carousing at the gentlemen’s clubs, carrying on with widows or prostitutes, gambling, or scheming with his old schoolmates as if life is one big frat party. We learn he is not celibate, but we don’t have to suffer the dirty details, though I expect there are few to discuss. Thus, he approaches the marriage mart like a businessman with a list of candidates that reads like resumes for a business transaction. As the story unfolds we see what lies beneath a harsh business like exterior on his part, and what can happen when said person encounters a young sprite of woman who is neither put off nor intimidated by him. At the same time, she underestimates her worth and needs him in order to see just how much she can fit into a higher rank in the rigid structure of British nobility. It’s a fun read with delightful characters, even the bland, frivolous, and malicious ones.
4.5 Stars He's looking for a duchess. She's looking for...well, anyone but him. Georgie Cleveland is well aware that true love exists afterall her two sisters have recently married for love. She may have even found it in the handsome young lord she's set her sights on. Unfortunately, her rival & best friend Mary has the same designs on society's most sought-after poet. Now Georgie is forced to go to extremes to catch his eye. She could make him jealous, for example, by feigning interest in her sister's brother-in-law, Rhys Galwin, the Duke of Roxborough. It is all for show, of course. Roxborough is far too dull for her tastes. So boring, so stodgy. With Roxborough's new title comes more pressure than ever to marry. His mother has prospective wives lined up for him, all perfectly fitted for the role. She’s even made a detailed list. Quite a short book that I read in two sittings but an entertaining delightful read, I think I smiled all the way through. The pace is very good & I didn't want to put it down. The characters are well developed & have plenty of depth. Rhys & Georgie are perfect for each other their verbal sparring had me smiling & laughing at times. A feel good novel that I thoroughly enjoyed & I look forward to the Cleveland brothers having their HEAs.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
A lighthearted read that's packed full of witty banter, mischievously delightful teasing and two leads that on ducal parchment shouldn't work but positively sparkle away from prying eyes. Dallen has got the balance just right between the spirited, fun loving Georgie and brooding Duke. Just witnessing Rhys succumb to Georgie's charm, bringing to light the kind soul behind the scowling eyes, as you watch him melt into a must needed smile and laugh is nothing short of heart warmingly funny. A fun read you can indulge and enjoy in one sitting - crammed full of good humour and touching sentiment that leads to the much coveted happily ever after. Purely priceless escapism, I've very tempted to flip back to page one and indulge all over again. Will be hunting out the rest of the series with eager anticipation. Loved it!!
This is an amusing and entertaining story. Rhys is the perfect stodgy Duke. At least he was until Georgie is a carefree and bubbly woman with a snarky sense of humor. As far as Rhys is concerned, she's too loud, talks too much and laughs too much. She inadvertently makes him laugh once and decides to make a goal in life to make him laugh every chance she gets. He finds himself irresistibly attracted to her, but plans to do his duty to his title by marrying someone who is more suitable. This story is so entertaining, Rhys constantly finds himself at a loss for words because of Georgie's antics. It's a book that belongs on your TBR list if you like humor with your romance. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.
Book 2 of the Devilish Lords series started off with so much humor. It was pretty awesome to see how much infiltrated the entire story. A young, but stodgy and stern Duke, who was searching for a lady who would be "perfect duchess material", went head-to-head with his brother's sister-in-law, a young, flamboyant, wholly-unsuited to be a dutchess young lady. Yet said lady grabbed his attention and he couldn't let it go. There was a great deal of chemistry and suppressed passion between the Hero and Heroine that it nearly vibrated off the pages of the book. The drama was in full bloom and there was a bit of muted angst as well. This book definitely qualified for the Keeper for the Shelves award.
I loved the character of Georgette (Georgie) Cleveland, she was so irrepressible in her enjoyment of life and I enjoyed the way she interacted with duke. Rhys Galwin, Duke of Roxborough was the complete opposite to Georgie, he was dour and pompous and not given to laughter. The saying is that opposites attract and they did feel the attraction but knew that Georgie was not a suitable duchess. This was a very entertaining read that will have you smiling at Georgie’s antics and wondering what she will say next. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I'm not much of a historical romance reader (yet?), but this was a fun foray into this sort-of unfamiliar subgenre.
The Duke may not be what I'd call devilish, but he's a rather serious and even - dare I say it? - stodgy fellow. He can brood and glower with the best of them, but deep inside, he's just a big softie. ;) Outgoing, playful Georgie is pretty much his total opposite, but they make a good match, and IMHO they deserve each other (which I mean in the nicest possible way!).
Side note: I couldn't help picturing Colin Firth as the Duke in question, and that made the story really come to life for me. :)
The list Rhys, Duke of Roxborough, needs a wife. His mother decides to make a list of eligible ladies with all of their pros and cons. Rhys can't seem to keep his mind on the list with his sister-in-law's sister in his house. Her laughter and joy are overwhelming and make him think about the rigidity and duty of his position as a Duke. Georgia was interested in someone else, until he made a misstep and Rhys played his hand as her protector. One slap and a kiss and Georgia and Rhys are set on a path neither one expected. An engaging humorous journey of two unlikely people falling in love. Or...a stuff shirt learns to laugh and the young lady who taught him how.
The Duke of Roxborough has been brought up to understand his obligations to his title. Georgie has always found that laughter is the best defense against the cruelty of society. When the dour Duke finds that he is to host Georgie at his home for the season he is not impressed. That is until he sees the beneficial effect she has on his mother who has still not recovered after his father's death. The thing is that they are good for each other but it takes a few stumbles along the way for them to learn. A very nice story with a good HEA!
This story might be short and just the little bit predictable, but I loved it. Georgie is a breath of fresh air and Rhys, well, it's absolutely delicious to see the changes in him as he gets to know Georgie better. They make a lovely pair and their dialogs will leave you with a smile on your face.
This is book 2 in the Dashing Lords series by Maggie Dallen. I didn't realise it when I started to read A Duke's Distraction and so I can vouch it works well as a stand alone. However, I must confess I'm now curious about the previous book, so I will certainly try to read it soon.
The most fun I had in a long time came with reading this book. I haven't laughed so much in quite some time. The Duke was absolutely adorable in his rigidness. And when he and the heroine squared off, their battle of wills kept me in stitches. This is more than just a sweet romance. It's a book you don't want to put down except to wipe off your tears. If you want some fun along with your HEA, I urge you to buy this book.
Georgie is bright and determined to be happy and marry for true love. Rhys seem determined to be bogged down in duty. There seems almost no way these 2 should ever wind up together but this turns into a clear example of opposites attract. Maggie Dallen has written another sweet love story. I have to admit, I tend to like a little more steam in romance but Dallen's characters and story telling make this a very enjoyable series.
Another great book from Maggie Dallen!! I love the fact that we see the opposite sort of man in this book as compared to the first in this series. Rhys is very different from his brother Nicholas Galwin. His story is no less interesting and endearing, especially because of his reaction to Georgie in the very beginning. I swooned after what happened in the first half of the book. It made me love Rhys.
I loved the book because of the daring and fun Georgie and the swoon-worthy Rhys.
Georgie is the girl you want for your best friend - happy, carefree and intelligent. That she is a capable judge of character is just icing on the cake. This story draws you in and captivates. Georgie and Rhys become people you care about and want to see reach their HEA. The dialogue was so funny and sweet and entertaining and just so well done I didn't want to put this book down! Maggie has outdone herself with their story and I look forward to many more.
3.5 🌟 Very cute, quick read. The heroine is sunshiny and fun, and the hero is serious and focused on his ducal responsibilities.
Rhys has a list of ladies who meet his requirements for a duchess, and is unemotionally preparing to do his duty and marry one of them. Until he spends time with his younger brother's sister-in-law, who is everything he thinks he doesn't need, but realises is everything he actually wants.
This is a sweet romance with no descriptive love scenes.
A very sweet and cute story. I loved both Rhys and Georgie. They are a perfect match for each other. Opposites attract, right? The dialog in this story is fantastic and the scenes are wonderfully written. Rhys’ stuffy attitude and inner thoughts were too funny. Loved this story! I could have read more of Rhys and Georgie.
They say that opposites attract and that exactly what happens here. Georgie is fun care free and always laughing Rhys is what I would call the fun police all serious and stuffy due to his duties as a duke now needs a wife but Georgie doesn’t have the qualities he is looking for or so he thinks. Cute sweet story of a opposites attract.
I just love Georgie and her fun way of needling people. Especially Rhys, he was just too perfect in my book. I know that he was seen as a Soddy old Duke, but Georgie changes all that and it makes me smile.
I have added this book to my collection and reread it often. It is by far my favorite in the series.
This is the story of Rys and Georgie, not truly friends, but not enemies either. She wants to catch the attention of a certain poet, and as for him he has a list of eligible young ladies to marry. When Georgie starts paying attention to Rys , and a unexpected kiss. Changes both their plans. Thank you ❤️
Rhys and Georgie, as different as night and day and yet come to find themselves falling in love and fighting against those feelings. Well written and great writing style.
Wow, Georgia is such a delight. But she has no title not does her family. Delightful story of how her joyous personality could make the ever serious Duke learn to smile. Love this author