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The Donovans #1
The Art of Victory
Diana Donovan was raised aboard a naval ship on a steady diet of war strategy, so when her orphaned friend, Lucy, is denied a perfectly respectable love match by her controlling guardian, Diana sees an opportunity to put her battle knowledge to use in service of a deserving friend.
But Marmaduke Russell is not the middle-aged curmudgeon Diana is expecting. He is a maddeningly cool, unmarried gentleman who seems uniquely able to parry her tactics—and infuse her with even more determination to win. As battle ensues, though, it becomes clear that there may be more hearts in the balance than just Lucy's.
But Marmaduke Russell is not the middle-aged curmudgeon Diana is expecting. He is a maddeningly cool, unmarried gentleman who seems uniquely able to parry her tactics—and infuse her with even more determination to win. As battle ensues, though, it becomes clear that there may be more hearts in the balance than just Lucy's.
294 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 15, 2022
695 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 416 reviews
December 25, 2022
I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the next book in the series. I give it a strong 4* The main character uses the war strategy "In the Art of War" by Sun Tzu. My main complaint with the book is that is does become a one trick pony after a while and the middle of the story should have been tightened up. I enjoyed the ending and look forward to A Confirmed Rake
July 10, 2025
reread 07/2025
Still loved Diana and Marmaduke so much!
She's stubborn, fierce and loyal, and it was delightful watching him fall for her, while Diana had the battle for her friend's happiness on her mind, not Marmaduke. Awesome.
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reread 11/2022
I absolutely adore this novel.
The MMC may be one of the most beautiful male characters in hr I've read.
Still 5 stars, marking this now as all time favorite.
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08/2022
My second book by Martha Keyes and it was lovely!
There is no drama or angst, no stupid misunderstanding, it's so refreshing!
I loved Diana. It was delightful to see how her impression of the people and situations around her and also the way she saw herself slowly evolved. Marmaduke was her perfect counterpart, a constant and steady presence by her side, challenging and trusting her.
I'm sure I'll reread this series soon, I liked it so much.
5 stars.
Still loved Diana and Marmaduke so much!
She's stubborn, fierce and loyal, and it was delightful watching him fall for her, while Diana had the battle for her friend's happiness on her mind, not Marmaduke. Awesome.
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reread 11/2022
I absolutely adore this novel.
The MMC may be one of the most beautiful male characters in hr I've read.
Still 5 stars, marking this now as all time favorite.
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08/2022
My second book by Martha Keyes and it was lovely!
There is no drama or angst, no stupid misunderstanding, it's so refreshing!
I loved Diana. It was delightful to see how her impression of the people and situations around her and also the way she saw herself slowly evolved. Marmaduke was her perfect counterpart, a constant and steady presence by her side, challenging and trusting her.
I'm sure I'll reread this series soon, I liked it so much.
5 stars.
September 12, 2025
Oh, how I love a man who knows his own mind and heart and just goes for it. Marmaduke Russell, even your weird name won’t stop me from loving you forever.
I’m amazed by this author’s ability to create sizzling chemistry with absolutely zero steam. There are only a few kisses, but you feel everything so deeply, it’s exquisite. Every look, every touch, every smile, so full of emotion! And the banter! Ahh I’ll definitely be rereading this one.
Duke was all in from the beginning, and you can say all you want about insta-love, I don’t care, it was romantic. Diana was fighting him, pushing him, doing everything in her power to drive him away, and he was just patiently, calmly waiting for her to come around. Is there anything better than a man who falls first and hard? 🥰
Their little “war” was entertaining and just highlighted how perfect they were for each other. I also liked how it was resolved. I had expected a different outcome, but it all wrapped up smoothly.
All in all, absolutely delightful. Five stars!
I’m amazed by this author’s ability to create sizzling chemistry with absolutely zero steam. There are only a few kisses, but you feel everything so deeply, it’s exquisite. Every look, every touch, every smile, so full of emotion! And the banter! Ahh I’ll definitely be rereading this one.
Duke was all in from the beginning, and you can say all you want about insta-love, I don’t care, it was romantic. Diana was fighting him, pushing him, doing everything in her power to drive him away, and he was just patiently, calmly waiting for her to come around. Is there anything better than a man who falls first and hard? 🥰
Their little “war” was entertaining and just highlighted how perfect they were for each other. I also liked how it was resolved. I had expected a different outcome, but it all wrapped up smoothly.
All in all, absolutely delightful. Five stars!
January 17, 2024
This one made me want to make a “Books That Encapsulate Why I Read Romance” shelf list. Full romance reading enjoyment unlocked. That it’s a well and truly Adversaries to Love story, which I’m so fastidiously discerning about, makes it all the better. That it’s a First Person Single POV…well, no one’s as surprised as I am.
Take Austen’s “Emma”, independent, managing, stubborn-to-a-fault-if-not-well-intentioned heroine, the “He Clearly Falls First” single POV “tit for tat, so she’ll spend time with me” bargaining experience of Walker’s “Lakeshire Park” and the combustible, worthy-foe instant chemistry/banter of Scarlett’s “Lord of Many Masks” and you have this new favorite E2L.
From the start, I felt so completely at ease and along for the ride. No worrying if the heroine would turn grating. No waryness at whether the hero would be a too-stoic bore. If the conflict would prove too flimsy, if their antics would become tiresome or if their tension would wane. Ms. Keyes’s clever, capable writing just carried me happily through. The audio is fabulous and had me knocking out an unforeseen amount of chores because I was having such a good time with Diana, goddess of war/stalwart champion of underdogs, her best friend’s too-perceptive guardian/obstacle to married bliss and their adversarial high jinks.
It seems the author considered it a personal challenge to have us swooning over a hero with the the dorkiest name in recent memory. Between the POV and not many actual heart to hearts, of him do we know a whole lot? No. But we resoundingly know more than enough. While he’s thwarting her at every turn and testing just how much life at sea added to her colorful vocabulary, you’re just collecting glimpses of how his carefully curated front of unrufflement is cracking ‘cause OMG HE LIKES HER SO MUCH. Including one of my favorite microtrope-within-a-trope where the poking and prodding revenge maneuvers go too far and unwittingly push down barriers. But our wonderfully alliterative Diana Donovan is too preoccupied with shoring up defenses and battle strategy to notice. Except she does notice, as aloof rake and MVP brother Valentine is quick to point out, she’s met her match, and if not, Russell’s dreamy directness has her marvelling “Wait. Men aren’t supposed to want this brand of overbearing shrewishness” and “Do not succumb to the fate of lovelorn lady” flailing. Which is why, after all the Art of War parallels, the waving of the respective white flags is all the more sweeter and such a fabulous full circle resolution.
I’d be remiss not to mention that, much like her esteemed colleague Joanna Barker, Ms. Keyes can, not only write an effective first person POV, but the concept of a Kissing-Only romance should more aptly and specifically categorized Whoa-Can-Write-A-Kissing-Scene Kissing-Only romance. There’s quite a distinction.
Make sure you add this one if the competitive animosity, wanting to both defeat/destroy/pulverize and surrender kind of falling in love makes you happy. This is looking like it will also be a new favorite series.
Content notes: Whoa-Can-Write-A-Kissing-Scene Kissing-Only. Brief mentions of parent loss grief and some on page mild toxic parent. Secondary character is alluded to have dissipated and promiscuous reputation.
Take Austen’s “Emma”, independent, managing, stubborn-to-a-fault-if-not-well-intentioned heroine, the “He Clearly Falls First” single POV “tit for tat, so she’ll spend time with me” bargaining experience of Walker’s “Lakeshire Park” and the combustible, worthy-foe instant chemistry/banter of Scarlett’s “Lord of Many Masks” and you have this new favorite E2L.
From the start, I felt so completely at ease and along for the ride. No worrying if the heroine would turn grating. No waryness at whether the hero would be a too-stoic bore. If the conflict would prove too flimsy, if their antics would become tiresome or if their tension would wane. Ms. Keyes’s clever, capable writing just carried me happily through. The audio is fabulous and had me knocking out an unforeseen amount of chores because I was having such a good time with Diana, goddess of war/stalwart champion of underdogs, her best friend’s too-perceptive guardian/obstacle to married bliss and their adversarial high jinks.
It seems the author considered it a personal challenge to have us swooning over a hero with the the dorkiest name in recent memory. Between the POV and not many actual heart to hearts, of him do we know a whole lot? No. But we resoundingly know more than enough. While he’s thwarting her at every turn and testing just how much life at sea added to her colorful vocabulary, you’re just collecting glimpses of how his carefully curated front of unrufflement is cracking ‘cause OMG HE LIKES HER SO MUCH. Including one of my favorite microtrope-within-a-trope where the poking and prodding revenge maneuvers go too far and unwittingly push down barriers. But our wonderfully alliterative Diana Donovan is too preoccupied with shoring up defenses and battle strategy to notice. Except she does notice, as aloof rake and MVP brother Valentine is quick to point out, she’s met her match, and if not, Russell’s dreamy directness has her marvelling “Wait. Men aren’t supposed to want this brand of overbearing shrewishness” and “Do not succumb to the fate of lovelorn lady” flailing. Which is why, after all the Art of War parallels, the waving of the respective white flags is all the more sweeter and such a fabulous full circle resolution.
I’d be remiss not to mention that, much like her esteemed colleague Joanna Barker, Ms. Keyes can, not only write an effective first person POV, but the concept of a Kissing-Only romance should more aptly and specifically categorized Whoa-Can-Write-A-Kissing-Scene Kissing-Only romance. There’s quite a distinction.
Make sure you add this one if the competitive animosity, wanting to both defeat/destroy/pulverize and surrender kind of falling in love makes you happy. This is looking like it will also be a new favorite series.
Content notes: Whoa-Can-Write-A-Kissing-Scene Kissing-Only. Brief mentions of parent loss grief and some on page mild toxic parent. Secondary character is alluded to have dissipated and promiscuous reputation.
June 20, 2025
Reread: 3 stars. I was pretty annoyed by how the hero was constantly a step ahead of the heroine. She unfortunately came off as fairly immature this time, and I had a hard time understanding why the hero was so enamored of her.
4 stars. This was simply enjoyable - I had a great time reading this book. I really liked both of the MCs - but especially the hero who never really gave up on his pursuit of the heroine. I love a hero who knows what he wants!
I would have loved this book even more if there had been some steam - but unfortunately, it was very PG. I also became frustrated with the heroine by the end - she was a little too stubborn for too long.
Safe; hero not a manwhore, virgin heroine, mild OM drama, no OW drama, no sex on or off page.
4 stars. This was simply enjoyable - I had a great time reading this book. I really liked both of the MCs - but especially the hero who never really gave up on his pursuit of the heroine. I love a hero who knows what he wants!
I would have loved this book even more if there had been some steam - but unfortunately, it was very PG. I also became frustrated with the heroine by the end - she was a little too stubborn for too long.
Safe; hero not a manwhore, virgin heroine, mild OM drama, no OW drama, no sex on or off page.
June 20, 2023
5⭐This was my first time reading from this author for me, but it won’t be the last! This book is the first in the Donovan's Book series, and I’m ready for more. Ready for Valentine’s story.
Couldn’t put it down! LOVE LOVE LOVE
Couldn’t put it down! LOVE LOVE LOVE
March 19, 2023
Despite this being a clean romance there was some tension to it. I enjoyed the plot of using war strategies to win over an "enemy ", but as the story progressed I started getting a tad bit frustrated with the heroine for only seeing the hero as her enemy and nothing more than that. She didn't let her gard down and it just felt WAY too stubborn for my tastes.
I enjoyed the hero. He was cute and my only wish was that we could have experienced the story through his mind as well.
I enjoyed the hero. He was cute and my only wish was that we could have experienced the story through his mind as well.
July 13, 2022
This book was excellent and just what I needed. The author grabbed me from the get go and held me until I finished. I can't wait for book 2.
January 25, 2024
Charming!
I've read this whole series out of order, luckily the stories stand well on their own. This one was a lot of fun, the battle between Duke and Diana was very entertaining. The overall story was engaging and kept me turning the pages. I liked her brother Valentine and thought she could have been a tad nicer to him since he clearly cared about her and was a good brother. I loved him in the next book! Anyway, a fun read and one I would read again.
Content Rated PG
Clean romance, kissing throughout. No language, no violence.
I've read this whole series out of order, luckily the stories stand well on their own. This one was a lot of fun, the battle between Duke and Diana was very entertaining. The overall story was engaging and kept me turning the pages. I liked her brother Valentine and thought she could have been a tad nicer to him since he clearly cared about her and was a good brother. I loved him in the next book! Anyway, a fun read and one I would read again.
Content Rated PG
Clean romance, kissing throughout. No language, no violence.
November 28, 2024
I don’t read a ton of Regency fiction but picked this one up on the recommendation of a friend. Well!
In short, I loved it. It oddly reminded me of Jane Austen’s Emma, but in reverse… 😂
The enemies-to-lovers relationship is hilarious. Diana uses war tactics she learned from her naval father to wage “war” on the man denying her best friend happiness. Is it petty at times? Absolutely. Is it hilarious? Most definitely.
I love Diana’s outspoken frankness & Duke’s calm steadiness. Their banter is top notch, and they’re truly the perfect match.
::
2024 Update—The audiobook was FANTASTIC! I fell in love with the story and the characters all over again! This is one of my favourite regency series to recommend. 💛
In short, I loved it. It oddly reminded me of Jane Austen’s Emma, but in reverse… 😂
The enemies-to-lovers relationship is hilarious. Diana uses war tactics she learned from her naval father to wage “war” on the man denying her best friend happiness. Is it petty at times? Absolutely. Is it hilarious? Most definitely.
I love Diana’s outspoken frankness & Duke’s calm steadiness. Their banter is top notch, and they’re truly the perfect match.
::
2024 Update—The audiobook was FANTASTIC! I fell in love with the story and the characters all over again! This is one of my favourite regency series to recommend. 💛
July 6, 2022
What was it about this one that I really liked. I couldn't put my finger on it but I so enjoyed it. A little bit like the taming of the shrew. He is out to win her over and be right at the same time. She only wants to win and protect her heart. This one really worked for me. I felt their connection build slowly. The end was great!
This is a proper romance with no religion.
This is a proper romance with no religion.
June 22, 2023
I love a book that can make me laugh out loud! This book was so fun! Diana and Duke had the best banter and the sweetest romance. I was laughing one moment, swooning the next. I appreciated that the book was all in Diana’s perspective because Duke was so transparent I didn’t feel like I missed out on much. I thought her perspective was fun as she came to realize his affection. I can’t wait to read the next one!
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Content: swoony kisses but that’s it!
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Content: swoony kisses but that’s it!
July 17, 2022
A Regency improvement on The Taming of the Shrew
Diana is a headstrong young woman who has impulsive tendencies that don't always serve her well. She's not a fool, but she does tend to rush in where angels might tread circumspectly.
When she attempts to win over her friend Lucy's uncle to give his approval to her friend's desired match, she finds herself confronted with a man who is more than equal to her scheming.
Thanks to her Admiral father, Diana is well versed in Sun Tzu's Art of War strategies & begins to employ them against Russell with enthusiasm - though not necessarily always with wisdom.
Russell enjoys the battle & claims to admire her, but is he sincere, or is it part of his strategy? Diana's been burned before and doesn't want to ever be manipulated & used again.
The story is one of those rare ones that is as entertaining in the journey as it is in the conclusion. While Diana did make a few decisions that made me cringe, she's not a cringey character - it's not difficult to see how she ends up doing the things she does (& Russell goes too far a time or two himself), so I could feel a level of sympathy as she tries to be the friend Lucy needs & believes her to be.
And she learns from her mistakes. Mostly, lol.
It was also gratifying to see Valentine from the prequel book, Unrequited, turn out to be a reluctantly decent guy. Mostly, lol.
So with all that said, it will come as no surprise to learn that I enthusiastically recommend this book. Fully, lol.
Eagerly anticipating Valentine's story now!
*Romance level: passionate kisses, nothing graphic
Diana is a headstrong young woman who has impulsive tendencies that don't always serve her well. She's not a fool, but she does tend to rush in where angels might tread circumspectly.
When she attempts to win over her friend Lucy's uncle to give his approval to her friend's desired match, she finds herself confronted with a man who is more than equal to her scheming.
Thanks to her Admiral father, Diana is well versed in Sun Tzu's Art of War strategies & begins to employ them against Russell with enthusiasm - though not necessarily always with wisdom.
Russell enjoys the battle & claims to admire her, but is he sincere, or is it part of his strategy? Diana's been burned before and doesn't want to ever be manipulated & used again.
The story is one of those rare ones that is as entertaining in the journey as it is in the conclusion. While Diana did make a few decisions that made me cringe, she's not a cringey character - it's not difficult to see how she ends up doing the things she does (& Russell goes too far a time or two himself), so I could feel a level of sympathy as she tries to be the friend Lucy needs & believes her to be.
And she learns from her mistakes. Mostly, lol.
It was also gratifying to see Valentine from the prequel book, Unrequited, turn out to be a reluctantly decent guy. Mostly, lol.
So with all that said, it will come as no surprise to learn that I enthusiastically recommend this book. Fully, lol.
Eagerly anticipating Valentine's story now!
*Romance level: passionate kisses, nothing graphic
August 18, 2022
DUKE.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM
Oh, Duke, he might be my newest love interest fav.
I LOVE that he fell first (always a winner) and was so open about it?? What is that?! THE BEST THAT’S WHAT. He pushed Diana to open her eyes and heart to things she thought weren’t ever going to be apart of her life. I loved their chemistry from the get-go. That banter was fire and it was the perfect sentiment of rivals and angst without being true enemies or anything.
What I realize I do struggle with is when a romance book seems to center on a different characters life than the main couple. A lot of this book was turned to Diana’s friend Lucy and her love story. I wish that would have been much more minimalized because it took me out a few times when I just wanted Duke and Diana to have their moments.
All in all, this was a great start to a new series. I love this family and all of the different siblings. I can’t wait for more stories from them. Regency/Historical romances are such a nice break from other genres I read and I found them incredibly enjoyable. Martha Keyes is a reliable author in this category to bring the swoon and heart to any story.
Overall audience note:
- Regency Romance
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
BLOG || INSTAGRAM
Oh, Duke, he might be my newest love interest fav.
I LOVE that he fell first (always a winner) and was so open about it?? What is that?! THE BEST THAT’S WHAT. He pushed Diana to open her eyes and heart to things she thought weren’t ever going to be apart of her life. I loved their chemistry from the get-go. That banter was fire and it was the perfect sentiment of rivals and angst without being true enemies or anything.
What I realize I do struggle with is when a romance book seems to center on a different characters life than the main couple. A lot of this book was turned to Diana’s friend Lucy and her love story. I wish that would have been much more minimalized because it took me out a few times when I just wanted Duke and Diana to have their moments.
All in all, this was a great start to a new series. I love this family and all of the different siblings. I can’t wait for more stories from them. Regency/Historical romances are such a nice break from other genres I read and I found them incredibly enjoyable. Martha Keyes is a reliable author in this category to bring the swoon and heart to any story.
Overall audience note:
- Regency Romance
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
August 13, 2022
Excellent Story
This is the first story I’ve read by Martha Keyes, and I’m now excited to read the others. I loved the constant tension between the main characters, as well as the sweet victories for both the hero and heroine along the way. A well-written story, with great characterization and an intense attraction between the hero and heroine. Will recommend to others.
This is the first story I’ve read by Martha Keyes, and I’m now excited to read the others. I loved the constant tension between the main characters, as well as the sweet victories for both the hero and heroine along the way. A well-written story, with great characterization and an intense attraction between the hero and heroine. Will recommend to others.
May 25, 2023
I read the second book of this series first and loved it! This book did not disappoint!! It was just as good and I loved it! The two main love interests were witty, funny and the “war” was imaginative. I meant to start this book and only read for an hour and ended up blowing past that and read it all in one sitting.
Sooo gooood!
Sooo gooood!
Read
November 19, 2022DNF 17%. Writing a HR in first person takes confidence because the author needs to be quite consistent in keeping the voice authentically true to the time period. This feels a bit too modern for me and the heroine appears meddling and pushy while the hero is too smug.
November 18, 2024
What a fun, refreshingly creative book! I adored this story. I was thoroughly entertained on every page.The witty banter and swoons were perfect. And I liked the fact that they were never truly enemies, but merely adversaries. This is my first book by Martha Keyes, and I can't wait to read more.
June 15, 2022
Another fantastic book by Martha Keyes! And this one might even be my favorite! I *adored* Diana! The swoony hero, great banter, and wisdom from Sun Tzu all rolled into one make for a thoroughly enjoyable and unique regency!
*Thank you for the eARC!*
*Thank you for the eARC!*
June 16, 2022
My life is complete or I can now die a happy person are both thoughts that come to mind as I finish this book!
This book is a 2022 book of the year-DO NOT MISS OUT ON IT!! I repeat DO NOT miss out on it!!
I loved every aspect of this book. The banter between these enemies is fantastic. The angst and tension is palpable from the pages and you don’t know who you want to win more!! The romance is dreamy and swoony and happens so organically that you’ll get swept up right along with them!
The side characters were phenomenal and I can’t wait for the brother’s stories!! This is hands down one of my all-time favorite books!!
Do yourself a favor and pre-order this one right now so you’re ready to go as soon as it’s available!!
All of the stars, two thumbs up, any award I could give this one I would! It’s spectacular!!
This book is a 2022 book of the year-DO NOT MISS OUT ON IT!! I repeat DO NOT miss out on it!!
I loved every aspect of this book. The banter between these enemies is fantastic. The angst and tension is palpable from the pages and you don’t know who you want to win more!! The romance is dreamy and swoony and happens so organically that you’ll get swept up right along with them!
The side characters were phenomenal and I can’t wait for the brother’s stories!! This is hands down one of my all-time favorite books!!
Do yourself a favor and pre-order this one right now so you’re ready to go as soon as it’s available!!
All of the stars, two thumbs up, any award I could give this one I would! It’s spectacular!!
July 10, 2022
Delightfully witty and clever! The Art of Victory is a unique regency romance and the flirtatious battle of wits between Diana And Duke was refreshing, captivating, and extremely entertaining. Watching two people fall in love has never been this fun!
This is a story about being vulnerable long enough to lose your heart and then trusting the other person enough to let them keep it.
Absolutely and completely recommend this 5+⭐. I loved every page from first to last. And if you don't usually enjoy historical fiction, don't worry - this book will change your mind.
This is a story about being vulnerable long enough to lose your heart and then trusting the other person enough to let them keep it.
Absolutely and completely recommend this 5+⭐. I loved every page from first to last. And if you don't usually enjoy historical fiction, don't worry - this book will change your mind.
November 20, 2024
• 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐦𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐛𝐞 𝐚 𝐛𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐯𝐮𝐥𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐭𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 •
I absolutely LOVED this book! I definitely wasn’t expecting to enjoy it as much as I did, but ooo all the tension and angst between Duke and Diana was phenomenal ✨
Diana was on a mission to help her friend, Lucy, win over her uncle so that Lucy might be allowed to marry her Mr. Pike. What transpired kept me utterly transfixed and highly entertained 🤭 It seems stubborn met stubborn in this battle between Diana and Duke. She viewed this as a battle not to be taken lightly and thus often pulled ideas from the best book for this matter, The Art of War.
I adored their evening meetings in the library 🤭 Phineas, the ever diligent chaperone, minded his own business with his nose stuck in a book while the two carried on in their battle of wits. Inevitably they began to fall in love with each other though Diana was NOT about to be defeated and Duke was not about to let her win for surely she wouldn’t love a man she could defeat. And so it went with their constant sparing until FINALLY they succumbed to their growing feelings ♥️
Top moments:
🌳 All of The Art of War references
🌳 Meeting Lucy’s not-so-old uncle
🌳 Seeking to annoy Duke with letters
🌳 Meeting in the library
🌳 The kiss 🔥
🌳 Accidentally kicking the wrong person
🌳 Duke serving Diana her food and drink
🌳 Taking care of Lucy together
🌳 Sitting together in the carriage
🌳 The Art of War at the dance
🌳 “I want to be the one you are fighting for.”
🌳 𝙸𝚏 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠 𝙷𝚎𝚊𝚟𝚎𝚗 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝙴𝚊𝚛𝚝𝚑, 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚖𝚊𝚢 𝚖𝚊𝚔𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚟𝚒𝚌𝚝𝚘𝚛𝚢 𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚙𝚕𝚎𝚝𝚎.
Favorite quotes:
“𝙵𝚘𝚎𝚜 𝚗𝚎𝚎𝚍𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚘 𝚋𝚎 𝚏𝚊𝚌𝚎𝚍.”
“𝙷𝚘𝚠 𝚌𝚊𝚗 𝚊 𝚖𝚊𝚗 𝚠𝚒𝚗 𝚊 𝚠𝚊𝚛 𝚠𝚑𝚎𝚗 𝚑𝚎 𝚒𝚜 𝚏𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚒𝚗 𝚕𝚘𝚟𝚎 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚏𝚘𝚎? 𝚆𝚑𝚎𝚗 𝚙𝚊𝚛𝚝 𝚘𝚏 𝚑𝚒𝚖 𝚠𝚊𝚗𝚝𝚜 𝚝𝚘 𝚋𝚎 𝚍𝚎𝚏𝚎𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝚋𝚢 𝚑𝚎𝚛?”
“𝙸𝚏 𝙸 𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠 𝚊𝚗𝚢𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐, 𝚝𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑, 𝙳𝚒𝚊𝚗𝚊, 𝚒𝚝 𝚒𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝙸 𝚠𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍 𝚛𝚊𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚙𝚕𝚊𝚢 𝚊𝚝 𝚠𝚊𝚛 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚗 𝚝𝚘 𝚕𝚘𝚟𝚎 𝚊𝚗𝚢𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝚎𝚕𝚜𝚎.”
𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚙𝚞𝚛𝚙𝚘𝚜𝚎 𝚘𝚏 𝚠𝚊𝚛 𝚒𝚜 𝚝𝚘 𝚙𝚛𝚎𝚜𝚎𝚛𝚟𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜 𝚠𝚎 𝚌𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚒𝚜𝚑, 𝚝𝚘 𝚙𝚛𝚘𝚝𝚎𝚌𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚙𝚎𝚘𝚙𝚕𝚎 𝚠𝚎 𝚕𝚘𝚟𝚎.
I absolutely LOVED this book! I definitely wasn’t expecting to enjoy it as much as I did, but ooo all the tension and angst between Duke and Diana was phenomenal ✨
Diana was on a mission to help her friend, Lucy, win over her uncle so that Lucy might be allowed to marry her Mr. Pike. What transpired kept me utterly transfixed and highly entertained 🤭 It seems stubborn met stubborn in this battle between Diana and Duke. She viewed this as a battle not to be taken lightly and thus often pulled ideas from the best book for this matter, The Art of War.
I adored their evening meetings in the library 🤭 Phineas, the ever diligent chaperone, minded his own business with his nose stuck in a book while the two carried on in their battle of wits. Inevitably they began to fall in love with each other though Diana was NOT about to be defeated and Duke was not about to let her win for surely she wouldn’t love a man she could defeat. And so it went with their constant sparing until FINALLY they succumbed to their growing feelings ♥️
Top moments:
🌳 All of The Art of War references
🌳 Meeting Lucy’s not-so-old uncle
🌳 Seeking to annoy Duke with letters
🌳 Meeting in the library
🌳 The kiss 🔥
🌳 Accidentally kicking the wrong person
🌳 Duke serving Diana her food and drink
🌳 Taking care of Lucy together
🌳 Sitting together in the carriage
🌳 The Art of War at the dance
🌳 “I want to be the one you are fighting for.”
🌳 𝙸𝚏 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠 𝙷𝚎𝚊𝚟𝚎𝚗 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝙴𝚊𝚛𝚝𝚑, 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚖𝚊𝚢 𝚖𝚊𝚔𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚟𝚒𝚌𝚝𝚘𝚛𝚢 𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚙𝚕𝚎𝚝𝚎.
Favorite quotes:
“𝙵𝚘𝚎𝚜 𝚗𝚎𝚎𝚍𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚘 𝚋𝚎 𝚏𝚊𝚌𝚎𝚍.”
“𝙷𝚘𝚠 𝚌𝚊𝚗 𝚊 𝚖𝚊𝚗 𝚠𝚒𝚗 𝚊 𝚠𝚊𝚛 𝚠𝚑𝚎𝚗 𝚑𝚎 𝚒𝚜 𝚏𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚒𝚗 𝚕𝚘𝚟𝚎 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚏𝚘𝚎? 𝚆𝚑𝚎𝚗 𝚙𝚊𝚛𝚝 𝚘𝚏 𝚑𝚒𝚖 𝚠𝚊𝚗𝚝𝚜 𝚝𝚘 𝚋𝚎 𝚍𝚎𝚏𝚎𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝚋𝚢 𝚑𝚎𝚛?”
“𝙸𝚏 𝙸 𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠 𝚊𝚗𝚢𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐, 𝚝𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑, 𝙳𝚒𝚊𝚗𝚊, 𝚒𝚝 𝚒𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝙸 𝚠𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍 𝚛𝚊𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚙𝚕𝚊𝚢 𝚊𝚝 𝚠𝚊𝚛 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚗 𝚝𝚘 𝚕𝚘𝚟𝚎 𝚊𝚗𝚢𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝚎𝚕𝚜𝚎.”
𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚙𝚞𝚛𝚙𝚘𝚜𝚎 𝚘𝚏 𝚠𝚊𝚛 𝚒𝚜 𝚝𝚘 𝚙𝚛𝚎𝚜𝚎𝚛𝚟𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜 𝚠𝚎 𝚌𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚒𝚜𝚑, 𝚝𝚘 𝚙𝚛𝚘𝚝𝚎𝚌𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚙𝚎𝚘𝚙𝚕𝚎 𝚠𝚎 𝚕𝚘𝚟𝚎.
February 23, 2023
I went into this book with general expectations and knowing that the female MC is a bit of a stubborn shrew. Think of Jane Austen’s Emma with a migraine. With that in mind, I was able to enjoy her character growth even though I think it happened a bit too late in the book. I would have liked a bit more romancing and a little less, “he’s my enemy and I must win.” But I understand and respect the choices the author made.
My only other critique is at about 50% it was predictable, and the ending was cute but not particularly memorable.
Overall, I think regency and Victorian romance lovers will enjoy it. It's easy to read, has good character grown and depth, some delightfully swoony moments and a satisfying end. If you’re looking for a quick, clean romance to fill your weekend, this is it.
Characters/Depth/Growth – 8
Atmosphere/World - 7
Writing Style - 7
Plot - 7
Intrigue -7
Love/Relationships - 7
Enjoyment/Memorable – 7
Total: 50
Divided by 7 = 7.1 (4 stars)
1.1-2.2 *
2.3-4.5 **
4.6-6.9 ***
7.0-8.9 ****
9.0-10 *****
My only other critique is at about 50% it was predictable, and the ending was cute but not particularly memorable.
Overall, I think regency and Victorian romance lovers will enjoy it. It's easy to read, has good character grown and depth, some delightfully swoony moments and a satisfying end. If you’re looking for a quick, clean romance to fill your weekend, this is it.
Characters/Depth/Growth – 8
Atmosphere/World - 7
Writing Style - 7
Plot - 7
Intrigue -7
Love/Relationships - 7
Enjoyment/Memorable – 7
Total: 50
Divided by 7 = 7.1 (4 stars)
1.1-2.2 *
2.3-4.5 **
4.6-6.9 ***
7.0-8.9 ****
9.0-10 *****
July 13, 2022
Kent 1816. Less repetition would have made a better book.
Gave it 3 stars. Either MC, or both, would have a hollow
victory?
Diana was daughter of a Royal Navy Admiral & Marmaduke
was Lucy's "Uncle Duke"& Guardian. Di & Lucy were friends.
Di seemed obsessed by war strategy "In the Art of War"
by Sun Tzu. By appearances, Lucy & Edwin looked to be
in love. Di defended Edwin's character whereas Lucy's
uncle questioned it. So the MCs 'went to war' over Edwin.
The author overused the war book quotes and the verbal
ping-pong on Edwin. Why the mind-numbing repetition?
After a time I lost interest in both couples, and skimmed
ahead. Di's cockiness and unyielding ways hid her fear of
abandonment. Uncle Duke came across as obnoxious at
times.
A man from Di's past hadn't matured in any way, shape,
or form.
Gave it 3 stars. Either MC, or both, would have a hollow
victory?
Diana was daughter of a Royal Navy Admiral & Marmaduke
was Lucy's "Uncle Duke"& Guardian. Di & Lucy were friends.
Di seemed obsessed by war strategy "In the Art of War"
by Sun Tzu. By appearances, Lucy & Edwin looked to be
in love. Di defended Edwin's character whereas Lucy's
uncle questioned it. So the MCs 'went to war' over Edwin.
The author overused the war book quotes and the verbal
ping-pong on Edwin. Why the mind-numbing repetition?
After a time I lost interest in both couples, and skimmed
ahead. Di's cockiness and unyielding ways hid her fear of
abandonment. Uncle Duke came across as obnoxious at
times.
A man from Di's past hadn't matured in any way, shape,
or form.
August 16, 2022
Silly
Heroine was so bossy. Without even knowing the situation she was ready to take control and not even listen or ask why her friends guardian was against the marriage. Found her very annoying.
Heroine was so bossy. Without even knowing the situation she was ready to take control and not even listen or ask why her friends guardian was against the marriage. Found her very annoying.
July 5, 2023
I liked the hero, but did not like the heroine. I also disliked the unmarried young man being allowed into the unmarried young lady's bedchamber--it would be entirely improper and would not have been borne!
June 16, 2022
My friends, this book was absolutely delightful. I loved the story from beginning to end. Despite being a lady of the house, Diana has a warrior spirit, and isn’t afraid to step up for battle. Her current assignment involves the assistance to her good friend Lucy to help her make a match with the sweet Mr. Pike. They are head over heels for each other. However her Uncle, Mr. Russell, a very unapproachable brooding type, outright refuses the match. So as you would expect, Mr. Russell and Diana go to war. And what an interesting battle it is.
Mr. Russell is my kind of hero. Brooding, a little grumpy, not to be swayed, handsome…delicious hunk of a man from beginning to end. Simply put…I absolutely love him. The banter is perfect, fun, witty, and everything you need in an enemies to lovers romance. Diana is a spit-fire, genuine, determined, and such a beautiful person. Did I get frustrated with some of her decisions? Yes for sure. But she owns them which makes her character even more loveable and relatable.
Though I highly recommend the novella first, I think you can read this book as a stand-alone. BUT!! I will say getting to know the Donovan siblings is a must. I ADORE her brothers Valentine and Phineas. Especially the interactions with Valentine. He had me laughing on multiple occasions. I can’t wait to read their stories.
I LOVE this love story. Love love love. Please read it. If anything, do it for me. And message me later about it. Now I need to get my hands on a paperback!
Happy reading my friends!
*Romance- Kisses
#historicalromance #histfic #historicalfiction #pubday #newrelease #theartofvictory #junetbr #kindleunlimited #kindlereads #ebook #sweetromance #enemiestolovers #thedonovans #marthakeyes
Mr. Russell is my kind of hero. Brooding, a little grumpy, not to be swayed, handsome…delicious hunk of a man from beginning to end. Simply put…I absolutely love him. The banter is perfect, fun, witty, and everything you need in an enemies to lovers romance. Diana is a spit-fire, genuine, determined, and such a beautiful person. Did I get frustrated with some of her decisions? Yes for sure. But she owns them which makes her character even more loveable and relatable.
Though I highly recommend the novella first, I think you can read this book as a stand-alone. BUT!! I will say getting to know the Donovan siblings is a must. I ADORE her brothers Valentine and Phineas. Especially the interactions with Valentine. He had me laughing on multiple occasions. I can’t wait to read their stories.
I LOVE this love story. Love love love. Please read it. If anything, do it for me. And message me later about it. Now I need to get my hands on a paperback!
Happy reading my friends!
*Romance- Kisses
#historicalromance #histfic #historicalfiction #pubday #newrelease #theartofvictory #junetbr #kindleunlimited #kindlereads #ebook #sweetromance #enemiestolovers #thedonovans #marthakeyes
June 8, 2022
“What would a compliment from Diana Donovan sound like?” ... “You needn’t bother asking, for you are unlikely to ever hear one.”
I absolutely adore Martha Keyes's books and this one just might be a new favorite! Quick-witted, delicious banter, an obstinate, headstrong woman, a handsome hero who isn't easily ruffled... It's all so good! One point was a little bit predictable, but I can overlook it based on the outcome. I really loved Diana's relationships with her brothers and the quiet ways they supported each other throughout this whole book. When you're looking for a regency romance, try this one next!
Thank you to the author for my e-arc of this book. All opinions here are my own.
I absolutely adore Martha Keyes's books and this one just might be a new favorite! Quick-witted, delicious banter, an obstinate, headstrong woman, a handsome hero who isn't easily ruffled... It's all so good! One point was a little bit predictable, but I can overlook it based on the outcome. I really loved Diana's relationships with her brothers and the quiet ways they supported each other throughout this whole book. When you're looking for a regency romance, try this one next!
Thank you to the author for my e-arc of this book. All opinions here are my own.
April 27, 2024
Ooo this was a GOOD one! I am rapidly becoming a huge Martha Keyes fan 🤩
I don’t care that there were a few historical inaccuracies as far as chaperonage went—and normally I’m a bit of a stickler—this was delightful. Talk about a great hero! Cool, calm, calculating, and utterly romantic.
Content: kisses only, particularly good ones at that, occasional mild language
I don’t care that there were a few historical inaccuracies as far as chaperonage went—and normally I’m a bit of a stickler—this was delightful. Talk about a great hero! Cool, calm, calculating, and utterly romantic.
Content: kisses only, particularly good ones at that, occasional mild language
Read
November 13, 2023This was a fun, sweet, regency romance.
Great Audiobook to listen during work ♡
Great Audiobook to listen during work ♡
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