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Goode's Guide to Misconduct #1
The Lady Knows Best
In her print debut, award-winning author Susanna Craig launches a new Regency historical romance series, based around the daring ladies’ magazine, Mrs. Goode’s Magazine for Misses, Being a Guide to Improve Conduct and Promote Wisdom among Young Persons of the Fair Sex—also known as Goode’s Guide to Misconduct—and the witty, clever, often rebellious heroines behind it, including a controversial new advice columnist. A modern twist on the genre, will appeal to fans of Ella Quinn, Sabrina Jeffries, and those who love faster-paced, innovative historical romance featuring strong women.
Serving as the advice columnist, ‘Miss Busy B.’, for an often-subversive ladies’ magazine is the perfect outlet for Daphne Burke’s outspoken nature. But when she advises a young lady of the ton, to break off her engagement to a notorious rake, the consequences take Daphne beyond the page and into her real life.
Miles, Viscount Deveraux, sometimes known as ‘that devil Deveraux’, needs a respectable bride by the end of the Season, and he’s bet a fortune that he can get one. Now, his fiancée has not only changed her mind—but done it publicly, in a letter to London’s most infamous magazine. With the stakes high and time short, it seems reasonable to him that the columnist responsible should come to his rescue and marry him instead.
Fortunately for Miles, Daphne is eager to escape the pressures of the London marriage mart. She agrees to a courtship. But at the end of two weeks, she intends to turn him down in a big, splashy, scandal that will ruin her reputation and set her free. There’s just one shocking wrinkle: Who knew being ruined by a rake could be so much fun?
Serving as the advice columnist, ‘Miss Busy B.’, for an often-subversive ladies’ magazine is the perfect outlet for Daphne Burke’s outspoken nature. But when she advises a young lady of the ton, to break off her engagement to a notorious rake, the consequences take Daphne beyond the page and into her real life.
Miles, Viscount Deveraux, sometimes known as ‘that devil Deveraux’, needs a respectable bride by the end of the Season, and he’s bet a fortune that he can get one. Now, his fiancée has not only changed her mind—but done it publicly, in a letter to London’s most infamous magazine. With the stakes high and time short, it seems reasonable to him that the columnist responsible should come to his rescue and marry him instead.
Fortunately for Miles, Daphne is eager to escape the pressures of the London marriage mart. She agrees to a courtship. But at the end of two weeks, she intends to turn him down in a big, splashy, scandal that will ruin her reputation and set her free. There’s just one shocking wrinkle: Who knew being ruined by a rake could be so much fun?
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 25, 2023
97 people are currently reading
1481 people want to read
About the author
Susanna Craig
30 books482 followersAlmost as soon as she could hold a pencil, Susanna Craig began writing stories. Today, she pens award-winning Regency-era romance novels that blend history and heart with a dash of heat. An English professor, wife, and mom, she’s currently finding her happily ever after in Kentucky while holding onto her Midwestern roots. Find her online at http://www.susannacraig.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews
April 23, 2023
The Lady Knows Best by Susanna Craig
Goode’s Guide to Misconduct #1. Regency Historical romance. Best read after the prequel novella, Nice Earls Do, for background information on the news letters for Misses.
Daphne Burke stumbles upon a meeting for the somewhat scandalous news letters for Misses and finds herself writing a column about the notorious rake, Viscount Deveraux. She advises his fiancé to leave him after she witnesses him playing a game of chess with another woman. Daphne accidentally gives herself away as the writer of the column when she accepts a dance with him. She is assigned a follow up article to warn young innocent women about the lascivious ways of a rake and how to avoid getting caught in their games. But the more time she spends with Miles, the less sure she is of his true character.
Delightful, steamy and romantic.
Miles felt so genuine throughout the story. First presenting with a mask of uncaring, then open and sincere as he charms Daphne.
Predictable in several places but still charming.
I did feel like I should have known many of the secondary family characters. After a bit of research, I believe this is a spinoff of the Rogues and Rebels series.
Quotes from or about Daphne that I found titillating:
“You might find you quite enjoy being ruined.”
“Her body was far more prone to betrayal than she had been led to expect.”
“Her mind has turned out to be no firmer or more dependable than a bowl of porridge.”
And one for Miles that had me laughing out loud:
“I needed to do something to take my mind off all the possible ways to be murdered by a Duke, a marquess, and an Irishman.”
I received a copy of this from NetGalley and the publisher.
Goode’s Guide to Misconduct #1. Regency Historical romance. Best read after the prequel novella, Nice Earls Do, for background information on the news letters for Misses.
Daphne Burke stumbles upon a meeting for the somewhat scandalous news letters for Misses and finds herself writing a column about the notorious rake, Viscount Deveraux. She advises his fiancé to leave him after she witnesses him playing a game of chess with another woman. Daphne accidentally gives herself away as the writer of the column when she accepts a dance with him. She is assigned a follow up article to warn young innocent women about the lascivious ways of a rake and how to avoid getting caught in their games. But the more time she spends with Miles, the less sure she is of his true character.
Delightful, steamy and romantic.
Miles felt so genuine throughout the story. First presenting with a mask of uncaring, then open and sincere as he charms Daphne.
Predictable in several places but still charming.
I did feel like I should have known many of the secondary family characters. After a bit of research, I believe this is a spinoff of the Rogues and Rebels series.
Quotes from or about Daphne that I found titillating:
“You might find you quite enjoy being ruined.”
“Her body was far more prone to betrayal than she had been led to expect.”
“Her mind has turned out to be no firmer or more dependable than a bowl of porridge.”
And one for Miles that had me laughing out loud:
“I needed to do something to take my mind off all the possible ways to be murdered by a Duke, a marquess, and an Irishman.”
I received a copy of this from NetGalley and the publisher.
April 22, 2023
A fun start to a new historical romance series! (with nods to the author's previous series which is fun for readers familiar with it) In The Lady Knows Best, Daphne is secretly the advice columnist for a progressive ladies magazine, but when she advises a young lady to call off her engagement with a notorious rake, that advice comes back to bite her.
Miles Deveraux will lose a bet if he isn't married soon and when he figures out that Daphne was the author of the column, he blackmails her into helping him find a bride in time. Daphne offers to marry him herself, all the while planning to turn him down in two weeks and write an expose on rakes. But along the way, they both might find the other is more than they bargained for...
This was entertaining and features a strong-minded heroine, and a rakish hero who is much more redeemable than he first appears. They have a great, slow-building relationship with surprisingly little conflict and pretty good communication. A strong start to a new series with side characters I'm excited to see return in future books! And I loved the easter eggs for readers of the Love and Let Spy series. Craig is a consistently good author for historicals with more modern sensibilities- smart and capable heroines, and heroes who don't try to control them. I received a copy of this book for review from the author, all opinions are my own.
Miles Deveraux will lose a bet if he isn't married soon and when he figures out that Daphne was the author of the column, he blackmails her into helping him find a bride in time. Daphne offers to marry him herself, all the while planning to turn him down in two weeks and write an expose on rakes. But along the way, they both might find the other is more than they bargained for...
This was entertaining and features a strong-minded heroine, and a rakish hero who is much more redeemable than he first appears. They have a great, slow-building relationship with surprisingly little conflict and pretty good communication. A strong start to a new series with side characters I'm excited to see return in future books! And I loved the easter eggs for readers of the Love and Let Spy series. Craig is a consistently good author for historicals with more modern sensibilities- smart and capable heroines, and heroes who don't try to control them. I received a copy of this book for review from the author, all opinions are my own.
May 9, 2023
Fun, short, sweet but steamy romance that kicks off a new series. When Daphne Burke uses her new position as the advice columnist for a subversive ladies' magazine to ruin Lord Deveraux's engagement, she thinks it's nothing more than he deserves. But when he figures out it's her, he decides to make her find him a new fiancee, and she volunteers herself. Not because she thinks he's hot! (Ugh, he's objectively good looking and all, but that's just being honest.) No, it's so that she can gather intelligence about how rakes work so she can publish an expose and foil his marriage chances for good. Unfortunately for Daphne, as the two of them spend more time together, she begins to realize that he might not be such an awful person after all.
We always enjoy Susanna Craig's romances, and this was no exception. It was great fun to see Miles win over Daphne even though he didn't realize he had to. The romance here is fun and lighthearted, with two decent people learning to love each other despite their initial reservations. Do note that although this is marketed as the first in a series, there appear to be several reoccurring characters from a previous series. This did not detract from our enjoyment of the book, but it did make us wish we'd known more about them!
5-Word Summaries:
Meg: Busy B is getting busy.
Laine: Do (him) as I say.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
We always enjoy Susanna Craig's romances, and this was no exception. It was great fun to see Miles win over Daphne even though he didn't realize he had to. The romance here is fun and lighthearted, with two decent people learning to love each other despite their initial reservations. Do note that although this is marketed as the first in a series, there appear to be several reoccurring characters from a previous series. This did not detract from our enjoyment of the book, but it did make us wish we'd known more about them!
5-Word Summaries:
Meg: Busy B is getting busy.
Laine: Do (him) as I say.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
April 15, 2023
Barbara’s rating: 3.5 of 5 Stars
Series: Goode’s Guide to Misconduct #1
Publication Date: 4/25/23
Period: Regency
Number of Pages: 4/25/23
I read and enjoyed the prequel novella for this series. It nicely set up the premise behind Goode’s Guide to Misconduct publication. It also introduced us to Lord and Lady Stalbridge, and Lord Manwaring who are featured in this book as well. To add even more existing characters to the lineup, the female lead in The Lady Knows Best is the sister of the characters from this author's Rogues and Rebels series. With all of those characters and the new characters added to this story, there are a lot of people to keep up with.
Daphne Burke feels she is the ugly duckling among the six Burke children. The other five are blessed with beauty, talent, and intelligence and she . . isn’t. Among those five – there is a highly successful poet, a very successful writer, a renowned botanist, and one of the most successful barristers in the kingdom – even her younger sister, Bellis, is bright and beautiful. Daphne is the forgotten Burke, the one who is always overlooked, overtalked, and forgotten. So, when she accidentally stumbles upon a very private meeting of the people who produce and publish Goode’s Guide to Misconduct and ends up with an offer to write an advice column – well – she can’t wait to say YES! Little does she know what that one accidental encounter will bring her.
Miles, Viscount Deveraux, is also known as ‘that devil Deveraux. I’m not sure why that is the case because his shortcomings don’t seem any worse than other rich, titled, single men of the time. Actually, he is probably better because he didn’t have anything to do with innocents – his exploits were all with experienced widows, mistresses – and gambling, of course. Anyway, Miles inadvertently ends up with a bet at Whites saying he’ll marry a proper society lady before the end of June. That is proceeding along very nicely – until his soon-to-be-betrothed jilts him because of advice she’d gotten from some magazine. Well! Whoever wrote that advice column owes him a bride, and he's going to collect!
I was happy to see Daphne come around for their HEA, but, frankly, I had a really hard time warming up to her. I think it was because, through most of the book, she seemed to take such delight in ruining a rake. In one spot she thinks, “She would write an essay on rakes – which was to say, an essay on that devil Deveraux. Shocked by the essay’s revelations, society would turn its back on him for good.”
I had come to like the characters and the story by the end of it, but I didn’t care for the characters at all until around the 50% mark. That is a long time to wait to begin to warm up to characters you should have been rooting for all along. Hopefully, you’ll love them from the beginning.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Series: Goode’s Guide to Misconduct #1
Publication Date: 4/25/23
Period: Regency
Number of Pages: 4/25/23
I read and enjoyed the prequel novella for this series. It nicely set up the premise behind Goode’s Guide to Misconduct publication. It also introduced us to Lord and Lady Stalbridge, and Lord Manwaring who are featured in this book as well. To add even more existing characters to the lineup, the female lead in The Lady Knows Best is the sister of the characters from this author's Rogues and Rebels series. With all of those characters and the new characters added to this story, there are a lot of people to keep up with.
Daphne Burke feels she is the ugly duckling among the six Burke children. The other five are blessed with beauty, talent, and intelligence and she . . isn’t. Among those five – there is a highly successful poet, a very successful writer, a renowned botanist, and one of the most successful barristers in the kingdom – even her younger sister, Bellis, is bright and beautiful. Daphne is the forgotten Burke, the one who is always overlooked, overtalked, and forgotten. So, when she accidentally stumbles upon a very private meeting of the people who produce and publish Goode’s Guide to Misconduct and ends up with an offer to write an advice column – well – she can’t wait to say YES! Little does she know what that one accidental encounter will bring her.
Miles, Viscount Deveraux, is also known as ‘that devil Deveraux. I’m not sure why that is the case because his shortcomings don’t seem any worse than other rich, titled, single men of the time. Actually, he is probably better because he didn’t have anything to do with innocents – his exploits were all with experienced widows, mistresses – and gambling, of course. Anyway, Miles inadvertently ends up with a bet at Whites saying he’ll marry a proper society lady before the end of June. That is proceeding along very nicely – until his soon-to-be-betrothed jilts him because of advice she’d gotten from some magazine. Well! Whoever wrote that advice column owes him a bride, and he's going to collect!
I was happy to see Daphne come around for their HEA, but, frankly, I had a really hard time warming up to her. I think it was because, through most of the book, she seemed to take such delight in ruining a rake. In one spot she thinks, “She would write an essay on rakes – which was to say, an essay on that devil Deveraux. Shocked by the essay’s revelations, society would turn its back on him for good.”
I had come to like the characters and the story by the end of it, but I didn’t care for the characters at all until around the 50% mark. That is a long time to wait to begin to warm up to characters you should have been rooting for all along. Hopefully, you’ll love them from the beginning.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 12, 2024
2.5 stars
I feel like if I had read this at the start of my romance journey (in 2011/2012) I would have loved this book! But now I've been around the block and mostly thought it was "ok." Don't get me wrong, it was enjoyable but not really memorable.
It had a premise that I thought I would love, when writer Daphne Burke advises a young lady to end her engagement to her dashing, rakish fiancée, that same fiancée, Miles AKA "that devil Devereux" blackmails her (he'll expose her as the advice columnist and ruin her reputation) into finding him a new wife to replace his runaway bride. Daphne volunteers as tribute, only to uncover all of his devious, rakish ways and expose him in her new column and publicly break their engagement. This book should've been enemies to lovers' excellence, but it was just "meh." In a well-done enemies to lovers romance, the MCs should be in their "shaky truce" era at least halfway into the story! This romance takes place over a week, which is not enough time for the enemies to develop into lovers in my opinion, but it's really not enough time when Daphne still thinks the worse of Miles halfway through the book! Then all of sudden she realizes there is more to him than meets the eye and she wants to marry him for real. It all happened so quickly. I never really bought Daphne and Miles as a couple. The epilogue was cute...so there's that.
I feel like if I had read this at the start of my romance journey (in 2011/2012) I would have loved this book! But now I've been around the block and mostly thought it was "ok." Don't get me wrong, it was enjoyable but not really memorable.
It had a premise that I thought I would love, when writer Daphne Burke advises a young lady to end her engagement to her dashing, rakish fiancée, that same fiancée, Miles AKA "that devil Devereux" blackmails her (he'll expose her as the advice columnist and ruin her reputation) into finding him a new wife to replace his runaway bride. Daphne volunteers as tribute, only to uncover all of his devious, rakish ways and expose him in her new column and publicly break their engagement. This book should've been enemies to lovers' excellence, but it was just "meh." In a well-done enemies to lovers romance, the MCs should be in their "shaky truce" era at least halfway into the story! This romance takes place over a week, which is not enough time for the enemies to develop into lovers in my opinion, but it's really not enough time when Daphne still thinks the worse of Miles halfway through the book! Then all of sudden she realizes there is more to him than meets the eye and she wants to marry him for real. It all happened so quickly. I never really bought Daphne and Miles as a couple. The epilogue was cute...so there's that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 9, 2023
3.25/5. Weak plot based on the preposterous notion that a naive young lady, who has achieved none of her own wishes, can advise other young ladies on how to attain theirs.
The self-righteous busy-body Daphne made some rather big assumptions about the conduct of Viscount Deveraux. When he called her out on it, she then pretended to atone for her role in Miles being one fiancée short all the while gathering more information to further blacken his name. The unlikeable Daphne is quick to judge and willing to lie and cheat in her quest to prove her erroneous ideas about so-called rakes.
Miles is your typical misunderstood hero, far nicer than his reputation of being the "Devilish Deveraux", except for the inane insistence on continuing the ridiculous wager to marry by a certain date. Daphne did eventually open her eyes to the truth and grow a conscience but perhaps she left it too late - for me at least.
The secondary characters were great. Alistair made for an amazing wingman and potential future hero. The spritely grandmama was a force of nature, not letting blindness nor her shriveled body hold her back from exerting her will and her will was to see Miles happily married.
Craig can write and despite the poorly conceptualised plot and the tunnel-visioned Daphne, there was enough in this book to eventually make it enjoyable.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
The self-righteous busy-body Daphne made some rather big assumptions about the conduct of Viscount Deveraux. When he called her out on it, she then pretended to atone for her role in Miles being one fiancée short all the while gathering more information to further blacken his name. The unlikeable Daphne is quick to judge and willing to lie and cheat in her quest to prove her erroneous ideas about so-called rakes.
Miles is your typical misunderstood hero, far nicer than his reputation of being the "Devilish Deveraux", except for the inane insistence on continuing the ridiculous wager to marry by a certain date. Daphne did eventually open her eyes to the truth and grow a conscience but perhaps she left it too late - for me at least.
The secondary characters were great. Alistair made for an amazing wingman and potential future hero. The spritely grandmama was a force of nature, not letting blindness nor her shriveled body hold her back from exerting her will and her will was to see Miles happily married.
Craig can write and despite the poorly conceptualised plot and the tunnel-visioned Daphne, there was enough in this book to eventually make it enjoyable.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
July 13, 2023
What a lovely start to a delightful new series. Susanna Craig never disappoints.
Miles and Daphne were both very likable characters, and their chemistry was wonderful.
I loved this take on the fake dating trope with the wager and the blackmail as a catalyst.
The side characters were so charming and interesting that at times, they seemed to overshadow Daphne and Miles.
Overall, this was a very enjoyable romance with some super swoon worthy parts and a fantastic plot. I'm looking forward to more in this series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Miles and Daphne were both very likable characters, and their chemistry was wonderful.
I loved this take on the fake dating trope with the wager and the blackmail as a catalyst.
The side characters were so charming and interesting that at times, they seemed to overshadow Daphne and Miles.
Overall, this was a very enjoyable romance with some super swoon worthy parts and a fantastic plot. I'm looking forward to more in this series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
March 9, 2023
The Lady Knows Best is a charming and utterly delightful start to a new series! Susanna Craig’s writing draws you in, and I had such fun getting to know our intrepid advice columnist Daphne and her devilish rake Miles, as well as a veritable buffet of outstanding supporting characters. All centered around the magazine for misses, Goode’s Guide to Misconduct, I can see this series really taking off and serving up some truly incredible stories. Wonderfully fun and witty, you’ll find yourself falling in love with Miles just as completely as Daphne did (and if Alistair doesn’t get his own story I will mutiny!).
February 7, 2023
I guess I've just been lucky, but the last few historical romance novels I've read have been an absolute delight and this was no exception.
Chiefly through happenstance, Daphne has recently become the anonymous advice columnist for Goode's Guide to Misconduct, the magazine of choice for the discerning young debutante. Miles is the viscount unlucky enough to be skewered in her very first column, which decimates his immediate marriage prospects-- a bigger problem than one might think, because a great deal of money rides on his being married within the next few weeks. When he figures out Daphne is the writer he blackmails her into finding him a bride; she offers herself, with no intention of ever following through. The enemies-to-lovers story that follows could almost as well be described as fake dating, where one of the characters doesn't actually realize they are fake dating but thinks they are really dating. But it's also not exactly dating (fake or otherwise) because both characters do know they don't even really like one another-- until, of course, they do.
I flew through this book over the course of an afternoon-- it was so charming that I could not put it down. Miles and Daphne are both colorful characters who don't hesitate to make their opinions and personalities known, so watching the (often hilarious) dissonance between them before it gave way to beautiful harmony was a truly wonderful thing. I appreciated the natural and easy way that their relationship ultimately unfolded-- they were physically drawn to one another, but it was through normal day to day conversations and interactions that love ultimately blossomed between them. It was oddly wholesome for a romance novel, and I absolutely loved it. I also appreciated that Craig didn't allow things to swing too far toward the melodramatic-- you know for almost the whole book that eventually there will be a 'betrayal' of Miles by Daphne, and so I spent the whole book bracing for that fallout, but when it finally happened he loved her so much he didn't even care.
I enjoyed how Craig also didn't ignore what was going to happen once the characters had their Happily Ever After. She obviously has some understanding of the things that can contribute to a marriage lasting once the romance is over, and set the characters up for a lifetime of success. They respect one another and the need to have time, space, and one's own interests. They are also very open with one another about their strengths and flaws, and are willing to accept one another as they truly are.
I would recommend this to any historical romance fan, especially if you're ready to spend a day smiling and a fan of the enemies-to-lovers trope.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Kensington Books in exchange for an honest review.
Chiefly through happenstance, Daphne has recently become the anonymous advice columnist for Goode's Guide to Misconduct, the magazine of choice for the discerning young debutante. Miles is the viscount unlucky enough to be skewered in her very first column, which decimates his immediate marriage prospects-- a bigger problem than one might think, because a great deal of money rides on his being married within the next few weeks. When he figures out Daphne is the writer he blackmails her into finding him a bride; she offers herself, with no intention of ever following through. The enemies-to-lovers story that follows could almost as well be described as fake dating, where one of the characters doesn't actually realize they are fake dating but thinks they are really dating. But it's also not exactly dating (fake or otherwise) because both characters do know they don't even really like one another-- until, of course, they do.
I flew through this book over the course of an afternoon-- it was so charming that I could not put it down. Miles and Daphne are both colorful characters who don't hesitate to make their opinions and personalities known, so watching the (often hilarious) dissonance between them before it gave way to beautiful harmony was a truly wonderful thing. I appreciated the natural and easy way that their relationship ultimately unfolded-- they were physically drawn to one another, but it was through normal day to day conversations and interactions that love ultimately blossomed between them. It was oddly wholesome for a romance novel, and I absolutely loved it. I also appreciated that Craig didn't allow things to swing too far toward the melodramatic-- you know for almost the whole book that eventually there will be a 'betrayal' of Miles by Daphne, and so I spent the whole book bracing for that fallout, but when it finally happened he loved her so much he didn't even care.
I enjoyed how Craig also didn't ignore what was going to happen once the characters had their Happily Ever After. She obviously has some understanding of the things that can contribute to a marriage lasting once the romance is over, and set the characters up for a lifetime of success. They respect one another and the need to have time, space, and one's own interests. They are also very open with one another about their strengths and flaws, and are willing to accept one another as they truly are.
I would recommend this to any historical romance fan, especially if you're ready to spend a day smiling and a fan of the enemies-to-lovers trope.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Kensington Books in exchange for an honest review.
March 22, 2023
Susanna Craig is building a web of characters that interact in her series. Knowing her earlier books isn't necessary to enjoy this regency romp, but I was especially delighted to see some beloved characters from past work make appearances in The Lady Knows Best.
Daphne is the wallflower of the Burke clan who uses an assignment for a secret ladies' magazine to initiate a flirtation with a known rake, Miles, aka Viscount Deveraux. Daphne's plan to writing a scathing article warning young women of the ways of rakes changes as she and Miles fall for each other. Of course, the path to happily ever after is full of drama from friends, family, and two adorable pets..one of whom is on the cover. (Kudos to the attention to detail shown by the cover design team.)
About midway through the book, we get a big location change, which serves to keep the action interesting and gives us a few more characters to meet. It's nice to see Daphne and Miles in the formal scenes of the London season at first and then watch them adapt to the more casual setting of Miles' country home.
Anyone for whom this is a first experience with Susanna Craig's regency romances will surely want to circle back to the prequel to this series and her other books where we meet Daphne's family and employer. The end of this story includes a nice setup for a future installment.
Daphne is the wallflower of the Burke clan who uses an assignment for a secret ladies' magazine to initiate a flirtation with a known rake, Miles, aka Viscount Deveraux. Daphne's plan to writing a scathing article warning young women of the ways of rakes changes as she and Miles fall for each other. Of course, the path to happily ever after is full of drama from friends, family, and two adorable pets..one of whom is on the cover. (Kudos to the attention to detail shown by the cover design team.)
About midway through the book, we get a big location change, which serves to keep the action interesting and gives us a few more characters to meet. It's nice to see Daphne and Miles in the formal scenes of the London season at first and then watch them adapt to the more casual setting of Miles' country home.
Anyone for whom this is a first experience with Susanna Craig's regency romances will surely want to circle back to the prequel to this series and her other books where we meet Daphne's family and employer. The end of this story includes a nice setup for a future installment.
September 29, 2024
4.5 stars. Better than expected considering the outrageous plot line. A young lady writes an advice column and suffers the consequences. She becomes engaged to a rake (shudder) through blackmail. What could go wrong? Nevertheless, it’s a lovely and very enjoyable romance.
April 5, 2023
3/5. Releases 4/25/2023.
For when you're vibing with... lighthearted romance, historical heroines with jobs, Bridgerton vibes, and low stakes.
Outspoken Daphne Burke loves her secret role of advice columnist. The problem is that her latest advice has led to the rakish Miles, Viscount Deveraux, to be left by his fiancee. Bigger problem? Miles bet his fortune on bagging a bride by the end of the Season. Now bride-less, he tracks down Daphne and demands that she marries him instead. She agrees... planning to turn him down after a two-week courtship. If only Miles wasn't so fun...
This one wasn't quite for me, but I see the appeal. If you're looking for a lighter historical, this one is witty and could do the job.
Quick Takes:
--Miles is a classic rake, and entertaining on that level. What is he supposed to do??? Accept the consequences for his actions??? Do WORK??? Perish the thought! It's easy to see why Daphne, for all her headstrong nature, is charmed by him. He's got a vibe.
--That said, I feel like the romance was missing from this one. There is romance, there is sex, it's all technically there, but something just... didn't connect for me. I felt this book did a lot to set up the rest of the series, and less to make me really believe that Daphne and Miles were falling in love. It seemed like they fell because it was the thing to do, not because they were actually... falling.
--The stakes could've been ramped up. For all that Miles is a fun rake in theory, I never felt like anyone was in danger of being seduced and abandoned. Obviously, you don't want your rake heroes to actually do that (... normally...) but there should be this sense of understanding why he's seen as scandalous and untrustworthy. Here I was like "well honestly, he's not bad".
The Sex Stuff:
There is a bit of sex in this book, and it's neither super detailed nor super withheld. It's a lot like the book in general: not super alarming, not super outstanding. Perfectly fine.
I don't have a lot of complaints, but I'm also not super blown away. Again, I think this was a case of the book just not being right for me.
Thanks to Netgalley and Kensington Books for providing me with a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
For when you're vibing with... lighthearted romance, historical heroines with jobs, Bridgerton vibes, and low stakes.
Outspoken Daphne Burke loves her secret role of advice columnist. The problem is that her latest advice has led to the rakish Miles, Viscount Deveraux, to be left by his fiancee. Bigger problem? Miles bet his fortune on bagging a bride by the end of the Season. Now bride-less, he tracks down Daphne and demands that she marries him instead. She agrees... planning to turn him down after a two-week courtship. If only Miles wasn't so fun...
This one wasn't quite for me, but I see the appeal. If you're looking for a lighter historical, this one is witty and could do the job.
Quick Takes:
--Miles is a classic rake, and entertaining on that level. What is he supposed to do??? Accept the consequences for his actions??? Do WORK??? Perish the thought! It's easy to see why Daphne, for all her headstrong nature, is charmed by him. He's got a vibe.
--That said, I feel like the romance was missing from this one. There is romance, there is sex, it's all technically there, but something just... didn't connect for me. I felt this book did a lot to set up the rest of the series, and less to make me really believe that Daphne and Miles were falling in love. It seemed like they fell because it was the thing to do, not because they were actually... falling.
--The stakes could've been ramped up. For all that Miles is a fun rake in theory, I never felt like anyone was in danger of being seduced and abandoned. Obviously, you don't want your rake heroes to actually do that (... normally...) but there should be this sense of understanding why he's seen as scandalous and untrustworthy. Here I was like "well honestly, he's not bad".
The Sex Stuff:
There is a bit of sex in this book, and it's neither super detailed nor super withheld. It's a lot like the book in general: not super alarming, not super outstanding. Perfectly fine.
I don't have a lot of complaints, but I'm also not super blown away. Again, I think this was a case of the book just not being right for me.
Thanks to Netgalley and Kensington Books for providing me with a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 31, 2022
4.75 stars - this was a delightful read!
Love a good (defiant) bluestocking + (secretly lonely) rake pairing, and this book had fun poking at the archetypes using the feminist magazine that Daphne finds herself writing an advice column for.
There was also a touch of How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, with how Miles blackmails Daphne into marrying him because he needs a bride to win a wager, and Daphne agrees to a courtship so she can observe his rakish ways for an article… which basically involves him growing more smitten and trying to win her over for real.
I really enjoyed this book - it had a fun plot, charming characters, and a lot of *romance*. The love declaration was pretty swoon-worthy (I've re-read that scene already). I also liked a lot of the side characters, who I gather are part of earlier books that I will definitely check out.
0.25 stars taken off because the timeline is a bit short (I only realised when ). Also I was a bit concerned about whether the Widow of St. Albans made it home.
Note: I received an ARC from NetGalley and Kensington Books, but all opinions are my own.
Love a good (defiant) bluestocking + (secretly lonely) rake pairing, and this book had fun poking at the archetypes using the feminist magazine that Daphne finds herself writing an advice column for.
There was also a touch of How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, with how Miles blackmails Daphne into marrying him because he needs a bride to win a wager, and Daphne agrees to a courtship so she can observe his rakish ways for an article… which basically involves him growing more smitten and trying to win her over for real.
I really enjoyed this book - it had a fun plot, charming characters, and a lot of *romance*. The love declaration was pretty swoon-worthy (I've re-read that scene already). I also liked a lot of the side characters, who I gather are part of earlier books that I will definitely check out.
0.25 stars taken off because the timeline is a bit short (I only realised when ). Also I was a bit concerned about whether the Widow of St. Albans made it home.
Note: I received an ARC from NetGalley and Kensington Books, but all opinions are my own.
May 7, 2023
3.5 stars rounded to 4. Susanna Craig is an engaging writer and I always look forward to her books. She does a nice job with plot, world-building, and the language/mannerisms in her Regencies are less anachronistic than most. The highlight for me is usually her witty dialog, which is in abundance here. Scenes move along smoothly, with a lack of unnecessary angst and overdone baddies, and the love scenes between Miles, the MMC, and Daphne, the MFC, are nicely slow-burn.
Why the 3.5 stars then? It’s all about the characters.
It took me forever to warm up to Daphne, who is judgmental and jealous with a sizable chip on her shoulder. I missed the prequel novella, so maybe there are insights into her character that I’ve missed, but I just didn’t care for her. Honestly, though, there aren’t a lot of positive female characters to be found here, other than Miles’s Grandmama.
My biggest gripe: Lady Stalbridge, an older lady of the Ton who should know better, pressures a clueless Daphne to pursue the rake angle for Miss Goode's magazine. Daphne has no experience dealing with rakes (when LS assures Daphne that she won't be ruined by putting herself in close contact with Miles, simply because of Daphne’s cleverness and her family's power, it seems false and manipulative). It would have made more sense if Daphne were, say, a not-too-experienced widow who'd been writing for Goode's for a while. Further, LS condones Daphne’s questionable rumor-mongering, not caring that the implication in the “Busy Bee” column is insupportable (even if Miles has a bad rep, basic rule of journalism is stick to facts and double-check your sources). LS in fact plans to milk the topic and drag Miles’s reputation further into the mud to sell magazines. The author likely chose the “chess” angle to add an element of humor and to make it easier for Miles to deduce that Daphne was "Busy Bee", but I would have respected the ladies much more if they’d showed concern for ethics and tried to repair the damage early on. Printing a note in the next issue of Miss Goode’s would have been a place to start.
Also, just a pet peeve here, but I wish the vibe amongst the ladies at the women's publication had been less snarky and more supportive.
As for Miles, despite the nasty rep, he's perfectly likable, what I'd call a “cinnamon roll hero in a devil's food cake disguise”, as so many rakes in Regencies are these days. He's basically a guy with a bit of a naughty past who did something stupid involving a bet and his betrothed when he was drunk. Not the most mature guy, but sweet and perfectly reformable. I felt uncomfortable when he was getting the cut direct by the ton, Daphne’s family was criticizing him, and meanwhile Daphne was considering wrecking his social standing. It just felt like “let’s dump on Miles” for most of the book.
None of Daphne's family members were all that memorable to me, which is a shame, because they take up space in the plot that could have been used for Daphne and Miles talking things over. Names and faces seemed to blend into each other. Some series are great at the “huge wacky family” things, others not so much, and nothing against this author but it just misses the mark here. As mentioned, I did like Miles's Grandmama, and I also liked his BFF, Alastair, who seems like an interesting guy. I do intend to read his book in the series.
Everything is resolved as expected. Daphne learns her lesson, although I wished she’d had to grovel more.
Overall: this is a well-written first book in the series, but I just didn't care for the MFC and felt that too much focus was on peripheral characters, particularly her family members. Also wasn't on board with the Goode magazine's ethics issues. Hoping that Alastair’s book will be more fun.
I read an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary review. Opinions are my own.
Why the 3.5 stars then? It’s all about the characters.
It took me forever to warm up to Daphne, who is judgmental and jealous with a sizable chip on her shoulder. I missed the prequel novella, so maybe there are insights into her character that I’ve missed, but I just didn’t care for her. Honestly, though, there aren’t a lot of positive female characters to be found here, other than Miles’s Grandmama.
My biggest gripe: Lady Stalbridge, an older lady of the Ton who should know better, pressures a clueless Daphne to pursue the rake angle for Miss Goode's magazine. Daphne has no experience dealing with rakes (when LS assures Daphne that she won't be ruined by putting herself in close contact with Miles, simply because of Daphne’s cleverness and her family's power, it seems false and manipulative). It would have made more sense if Daphne were, say, a not-too-experienced widow who'd been writing for Goode's for a while. Further, LS condones Daphne’s questionable rumor-mongering, not caring that the implication in the “Busy Bee” column is insupportable (even if Miles has a bad rep, basic rule of journalism is stick to facts and double-check your sources). LS in fact plans to milk the topic and drag Miles’s reputation further into the mud to sell magazines. The author likely chose the “chess” angle to add an element of humor and to make it easier for Miles to deduce that Daphne was "Busy Bee", but I would have respected the ladies much more if they’d showed concern for ethics and tried to repair the damage early on. Printing a note in the next issue of Miss Goode’s would have been a place to start.
Also, just a pet peeve here, but I wish the vibe amongst the ladies at the women's publication had been less snarky and more supportive.
As for Miles, despite the nasty rep, he's perfectly likable, what I'd call a “cinnamon roll hero in a devil's food cake disguise”, as so many rakes in Regencies are these days. He's basically a guy with a bit of a naughty past who did something stupid involving a bet and his betrothed when he was drunk. Not the most mature guy, but sweet and perfectly reformable. I felt uncomfortable when he was getting the cut direct by the ton, Daphne’s family was criticizing him, and meanwhile Daphne was considering wrecking his social standing. It just felt like “let’s dump on Miles” for most of the book.
None of Daphne's family members were all that memorable to me, which is a shame, because they take up space in the plot that could have been used for Daphne and Miles talking things over. Names and faces seemed to blend into each other. Some series are great at the “huge wacky family” things, others not so much, and nothing against this author but it just misses the mark here. As mentioned, I did like Miles's Grandmama, and I also liked his BFF, Alastair, who seems like an interesting guy. I do intend to read his book in the series.
Everything is resolved as expected. Daphne learns her lesson, although I wished she’d had to grovel more.
Overall: this is a well-written first book in the series, but I just didn't care for the MFC and felt that too much focus was on peripheral characters, particularly her family members. Also wasn't on board with the Goode magazine's ethics issues. Hoping that Alastair’s book will be more fun.
I read an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary review. Opinions are my own.
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August 14, 2023i tried so hard to do real work today, you guys, i really did
May 23, 2023
This is a new to me author & I was pleasantly surprised by the story. This had humor that I appreciate in historical romances. Another big family that is involved in the couples romance, another aspect that I love. Daphne was a great heroine that was overshadowed by her siblings, but found her way to rise. The hero supported & appreciated Daphne’s work, & built her confidence up. A sweet romance between them. He wasn’t quite the “devil” that people believe 😉
March 5, 2023
Advice columnist Daphne Burke advises a lady to break off her engagement to notorious rake Miles, Viscount Deveraux. He bet he could get a respectable bride, but his fiancée changed her mind. Miles figures the columnist responsible should find him a wife instead or he’ll expose her secret. Daphne offers herself up but intends to turn him down in a scandal that will expose him and also set her free from future marriage expectations.
I wanted more backstory about Daphne’s insecurities and Miles’s reasons for being the least rakish rake ever. A lot of side characters crowded the story, especially for a first in a series. If they’re all from another series, then maybe this is best read by those fans. I found so many siblings and their spouses and children a distraction from Daphne and Miles. I liked the resolution and the plot, but struggled in the first half with so many side characters and almost gave up. Things picked up in the second half when they traveled to Lyneham without her family and the story focused more on the couple. I'm in for book 2.
I wanted more backstory about Daphne’s insecurities and Miles’s reasons for being the least rakish rake ever. A lot of side characters crowded the story, especially for a first in a series. If they’re all from another series, then maybe this is best read by those fans. I found so many siblings and their spouses and children a distraction from Daphne and Miles. I liked the resolution and the plot, but struggled in the first half with so many side characters and almost gave up. Things picked up in the second half when they traveled to Lyneham without her family and the story focused more on the couple. I'm in for book 2.
April 25, 2023
4.25 stars - Reviewed for
Wit and Sin
Take one rakish viscount and pair him up with an oft-overlooked lady with a quick tongue and a quicker quill and you have The Lady Knows Best . Susanna Craig has started off her Goode’s Guide to Misconduct series with a bright and fun romp.
Daphne Burke comes from a family of exceptional people. And though she loves her siblings, she can’t quite shake the feeling that she’s the uninspiring, unimpressive Burke. Then she gets the chance to be an advice columnist for a subversive women’s magazine and Daphne feels a rush of excitement. Until her advice to break off an engagement lands her in hot water with Miles, Viscount Deveraux. “That devil, Deveraux” has wagered that he will be wed by the end of June and when he discovers Daphne is the one who advised his fiancée to cry off, he blackmails her into finding a new bride. Daphne offers up herself, much to his surprise and intrigue, but little does he know that she plans to turn the tables on him. What neither can expect is their courtship to start to feel like it could lead to something real and true.
Miles is a rake who hasn’t always made the best decisions, but he’s a charming hero. He’s got a good heart, cares for his loved ones, and is quietly vulnerable. I couldn’t resist him and honestly he was just a fun character who made it easy to fall into the story. Daphne, who has her scheme to free herself of Miles and the marriage mart, didn’t instantly win me over but I grew to like her. She’s committed to misunderstanding Miles at first but as she starts to see the real man she relaxes and became a heroine I enjoyed. She and Miles have a fun chemistry that made the pages of their story fly by.
Daphne and Miles are the heart of The Lady Knows Best but there are many supporting characters who filled out the story and added a lot of charm. Three of Daphne’s siblings are the protagonists of Craig’s Rogues and Rebels series, but you don’t have to have read those books to enjoy this one (though I am now eager to do so). Daphne’s fellow Goode girls, so to speak, are interesting future heroines I very much am looking forward to learning more about. And finally, it would be remiss of me to not mention Alastair, Miles’s best friend and a lord I absolutely cannot wait to get his happily ever after. All in all, I really enjoyed Miles and Daphne’s romance. It was bright, entertaining, engaging, sweet (with a bit of spice), and made me smile.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Take one rakish viscount and pair him up with an oft-overlooked lady with a quick tongue and a quicker quill and you have The Lady Knows Best . Susanna Craig has started off her Goode’s Guide to Misconduct series with a bright and fun romp.
Daphne Burke comes from a family of exceptional people. And though she loves her siblings, she can’t quite shake the feeling that she’s the uninspiring, unimpressive Burke. Then she gets the chance to be an advice columnist for a subversive women’s magazine and Daphne feels a rush of excitement. Until her advice to break off an engagement lands her in hot water with Miles, Viscount Deveraux. “That devil, Deveraux” has wagered that he will be wed by the end of June and when he discovers Daphne is the one who advised his fiancée to cry off, he blackmails her into finding a new bride. Daphne offers up herself, much to his surprise and intrigue, but little does he know that she plans to turn the tables on him. What neither can expect is their courtship to start to feel like it could lead to something real and true.
Miles is a rake who hasn’t always made the best decisions, but he’s a charming hero. He’s got a good heart, cares for his loved ones, and is quietly vulnerable. I couldn’t resist him and honestly he was just a fun character who made it easy to fall into the story. Daphne, who has her scheme to free herself of Miles and the marriage mart, didn’t instantly win me over but I grew to like her. She’s committed to misunderstanding Miles at first but as she starts to see the real man she relaxes and became a heroine I enjoyed. She and Miles have a fun chemistry that made the pages of their story fly by.
Daphne and Miles are the heart of The Lady Knows Best but there are many supporting characters who filled out the story and added a lot of charm. Three of Daphne’s siblings are the protagonists of Craig’s Rogues and Rebels series, but you don’t have to have read those books to enjoy this one (though I am now eager to do so). Daphne’s fellow Goode girls, so to speak, are interesting future heroines I very much am looking forward to learning more about. And finally, it would be remiss of me to not mention Alastair, Miles’s best friend and a lord I absolutely cannot wait to get his happily ever after. All in all, I really enjoyed Miles and Daphne’s romance. It was bright, entertaining, engaging, sweet (with a bit of spice), and made me smile.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
June 26, 2023
Book Review/More Than A Review: The Lady Knows Best by Susanna Craig
Content Ratings:
Violence: 2/5
Sexual Content: 3/5
Profanity: 1/5
Alcohol Use: 4/5
The Lady Knows Best by Susanna Craig is an intriguing historical romance novel that offers a delightful blend of romance, mystery, and adventure. Set in the Regency era, the story follows the intelligent and determined Lady Rosalind Rhees as she embarks on a journey to uncover the truth behind her father's mysterious death.
One notable aspect of this book is its portrayal of violence. While the story does contain some intense moments and suspenseful scenes, the violence is relatively mild. The author skillfully balances the need for tension and action without resorting to excessively graphic or gratuitous depictions. Readers seeking a gentler level of violence will find this aspect of the book acceptable.
In terms of sexual content, The Lady Knows Best falls into the moderately steamy category. The romance between Lady Rosalind and her love interest, Bryn O'Neal, is portrayed with sensuality and passion. The author tastefully explores the emotional and physical connection between the characters, with a few intimate scenes. However, explicit details are handled with discretion, making it suitable for readers who prefer a moderate level of sexual content in their romance novels.
Profanity is relatively minimal in this novel. The author maintains a clean and refined language style that is consistent with the Regency era setting. Readers who prefer books with minimal profanity will appreciate the author's attention to maintaining a more formal tone.
Alcohol use is quite prevalent throughout the story, which is not surprising given the Regency era setting where it was common for characters to partake in social drinking. The author portrays characters consuming alcohol during various social gatherings, but excessive or problematic drinking is not glorified. While alcohol use is present, it is handled in a realistic and historically accurate manner.
Overall, The Lady Knows Best by Susanna Craig is an engaging historical romance novel that offers a captivating blend of mystery and passion. With its moderate levels of violence and sexual content, minimal profanity, and realistic portrayal of alcohol use, the book strikes a good balance for readers who enjoy a Regency-era romance with a touch of intrigue.
Content Ratings:
Violence: 2/5
Sexual Content: 3/5
Profanity: 1/5
Alcohol Use: 4/5
The Lady Knows Best by Susanna Craig is an intriguing historical romance novel that offers a delightful blend of romance, mystery, and adventure. Set in the Regency era, the story follows the intelligent and determined Lady Rosalind Rhees as she embarks on a journey to uncover the truth behind her father's mysterious death.
One notable aspect of this book is its portrayal of violence. While the story does contain some intense moments and suspenseful scenes, the violence is relatively mild. The author skillfully balances the need for tension and action without resorting to excessively graphic or gratuitous depictions. Readers seeking a gentler level of violence will find this aspect of the book acceptable.
In terms of sexual content, The Lady Knows Best falls into the moderately steamy category. The romance between Lady Rosalind and her love interest, Bryn O'Neal, is portrayed with sensuality and passion. The author tastefully explores the emotional and physical connection between the characters, with a few intimate scenes. However, explicit details are handled with discretion, making it suitable for readers who prefer a moderate level of sexual content in their romance novels.
Profanity is relatively minimal in this novel. The author maintains a clean and refined language style that is consistent with the Regency era setting. Readers who prefer books with minimal profanity will appreciate the author's attention to maintaining a more formal tone.
Alcohol use is quite prevalent throughout the story, which is not surprising given the Regency era setting where it was common for characters to partake in social drinking. The author portrays characters consuming alcohol during various social gatherings, but excessive or problematic drinking is not glorified. While alcohol use is present, it is handled in a realistic and historically accurate manner.
Overall, The Lady Knows Best by Susanna Craig is an engaging historical romance novel that offers a captivating blend of mystery and passion. With its moderate levels of violence and sexual content, minimal profanity, and realistic portrayal of alcohol use, the book strikes a good balance for readers who enjoy a Regency-era romance with a touch of intrigue.
January 4, 2024
This was completely adorable and I loved every second of it. Daphne is clever but overshadowed by her brilliant brothers and sisters. Miles is a supposed rake who is charming and really quite sweet and wanting to be loved.
Their give and take and secrets and hidden motives made for more drama than might otherwise have been had, but that just made it more fun. The banter was great and their chemistry was off the charts from the beginning.
Daphne sets out to expose him for the devilish rake she assumes him to be, but everything she reveals just makes her like him more.
I love the magazine for misses and how it gives the girls who write secretly for it agency over some of their lives while offering to open the minds of its readers. It's such a great setup for a series and I know I will enjoy future installments just as much.
Now that I think of it, this story has a very pride and prejudice style setup and story arc which is maybe part of why I love it so much and why it worked so well for me.
I absolutely devoured this, reading it and the prequel novella AND some of the sequel in one day. Susanna Craig's writing is breezy and both easy and pleasant to read, without the awkward turns of phrase that trip me up when reading some romance novels.
*Thanks to NetGalley and Zebra Books for providing an early copy for review.
Their give and take and secrets and hidden motives made for more drama than might otherwise have been had, but that just made it more fun. The banter was great and their chemistry was off the charts from the beginning.
Daphne sets out to expose him for the devilish rake she assumes him to be, but everything she reveals just makes her like him more.
I love the magazine for misses and how it gives the girls who write secretly for it agency over some of their lives while offering to open the minds of its readers. It's such a great setup for a series and I know I will enjoy future installments just as much.
Now that I think of it, this story has a very pride and prejudice style setup and story arc which is maybe part of why I love it so much and why it worked so well for me.
I absolutely devoured this, reading it and the prequel novella AND some of the sequel in one day. Susanna Craig's writing is breezy and both easy and pleasant to read, without the awkward turns of phrase that trip me up when reading some romance novels.
*Thanks to NetGalley and Zebra Books for providing an early copy for review.
April 23, 2023
The Lady Knows Best by Susanna Craig is the first book in a new series called Goode's Guide to Misconduct. There is the prequel Nice Earl’s Do, which is a delightful read but not needed to enjoy this novel. In this novel we meet Daphne Burke, who due to an accident, was invited to become the columnist in Ms Goode’s Magazine for Misses. Who knew starting out, she would accidentally cause Miles, Viscount Deveraux to be embarrassed by his fiance’s breaking off their engagement and running off the next day to marry another.
Daphne and Miles ended up making a deal. As they spend more and more time together, they both discover how much the other means to them. However, not that each of them ever told the other one. Then, all of Daphne’s family and friends get involved and nothing seems easy when it is time to tell the truth.
I enjoyed the novel. I enjoyed how Daphne was able to uncover the truth about Miles. I loved how Miles knew he had to let his true self grow. Mostly I loved how a cat caused the beginning and the ending! The Lady Knows Best by Susanna Craig is a fun read.
Daphne and Miles ended up making a deal. As they spend more and more time together, they both discover how much the other means to them. However, not that each of them ever told the other one. Then, all of Daphne’s family and friends get involved and nothing seems easy when it is time to tell the truth.
I enjoyed the novel. I enjoyed how Daphne was able to uncover the truth about Miles. I loved how Miles knew he had to let his true self grow. Mostly I loved how a cat caused the beginning and the ending! The Lady Knows Best by Susanna Craig is a fun read.
July 10, 2023
I am a fan of Susanna Craig's spy series, so when I saw she was starting a new series, I was excited to start at the very beginning. However, I felt pretty lost for a first novel, and it was pretty disconcerting. I love a good nod to previous series, but this was more than that, and it definitely detracted from my overall enjoyment. I don't think I would recommend this unless you read the Rogues and Rebels series first.
2.5 stars rounded up
2.5 stars rounded up
May 31, 2025
Temu’s Bridgerton
December 22, 2022
Daphne is hidden behind an alias Miss Busy B as an advice columnist. Viscount Deveraux's fiancee dumps publicly in a letter to her. Deveraux thinks that the columnist should rescue him and marry him instead. She intends to turn him down in a big splash to ruin her reputation at the end to set herself free.... but she really likes him....
Love both Daphne and Deveraux. They are both flawed characters who are still likable. Love their banter and fights. I love how fast paced the story is.
Thanks to the publisher for the arc.
Love both Daphne and Deveraux. They are both flawed characters who are still likable. Love their banter and fights. I love how fast paced the story is.
Thanks to the publisher for the arc.
April 23, 2023
“There is nothing more valuable than curiosity and a willingness to learn.”
A happy, fun (official) start to a great new series!
What a sweet book! It’s a charming tale, and I’m really looking forward to the rest of this series. (This book is #1 in a new series by Susanna Craig, but there is a prequel/novella that I highly recommend as well.)
Miles and Daphne are both well rounded characters. They are lovable while still having a believable story arch. Miles especially is such a sweetheart. I also really enjoyed the side characters.
Overall I recommend this for a good time!
Star Rating: 4/5
Tropes: Wallflower with a career, fake courtship
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
A happy, fun (official) start to a great new series!
What a sweet book! It’s a charming tale, and I’m really looking forward to the rest of this series. (This book is #1 in a new series by Susanna Craig, but there is a prequel/novella that I highly recommend as well.)
Miles and Daphne are both well rounded characters. They are lovable while still having a believable story arch. Miles especially is such a sweetheart. I also really enjoyed the side characters.
Overall I recommend this for a good time!
Star Rating: 4/5
Tropes: Wallflower with a career, fake courtship
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 4, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book and this is my freely given opinion.
This is the first full book of this series, after a novella released previously. It follows the romantic and writing adventures of Daphne Burke, an unwed, middle daughter who feels a bit overlooked and overshadowed by the accomplishments of her more notable siblings. She is an admirer of the rather subversive Goode's guide and imagine her surprise one day when she infiltrates a meeting of the writers and producers of the guide when following her wayward cat. Not only does she infiltrate the secretive meeting, but when she dares to voice her opinion on somethings, she finds herself writing for it! She has become the advice writer Miss Busy B.
In one, she advises a debutante who has become betrothed by her parents to a rather notorious rakish peer, to break off the engagement. The peer who is jilted is Miles Devereaux, a viscount, also known as "that devil Deveraux". He has a rather sullied reputation to begin with, but is intent on finding himself a bride. It seems that his air of devil may care rakishness is really quite a bit of shell to hide under - inside is a man who is much more insecure, and caring than he lets on. For one, he is quite under the thumb of his loving, sweet grandmother and appears to want to do what he can to please her. Including providing her the bride she wants him to have.
Who doesn't love a boy who loves his grandmom?? Especially a charming, misunderstood rake?
But all Miss Busy B knows is his reputation, and what the letter entreating advice states, and the identity of the jilted is barely hidden - Miles is skewered and now can't find himself another bride by the deadline he set - which he also unfortunately bet on, which does not help his reputation either.
Miles, when alerted to how his loss of a bride and further erosion of his reputation, finds out about Miss Busy B, he manages to find out the identity of her writer too - Daphne, and blackmails her into standing in as his betrothed. Daphne is fearful of being outed, but then also is roped into using the opportunity, especially as it involves a visit to his estate, to find out more about the rake and write an expose about rakes and him to be published as well. She figures she would comply with his blackmail, and break off their engagement later on in spectacular fashion.
I had trouble warming up to the characters in this story. Miles I rather liked as his reputation as a rake, while it was likely earned, was also only one facet of his character. He was skewered and judged for his past, but really, how was he different from others of his ilk, and what he was judged on in the present of the book was just wrong and skewed - the first betrothed obviously had her own agenda, and Miss Busy B judged him on erroneous presumptions. Also, he proved to be more than a rake in his relationships with his family and friends. But he did make rather foolish mistakes such as his cocky bet on a bride/wedding, and continuing to let Daphne carry on with the misconception that he would out her identity.
Daphne, however, I could not like for writing advice to the erstwhile betrothed based on gossip and innuendo about his behaviour, and being less than discreet with his identity to advance her desire as a writer for the magazine, rather than her supposed good sense - a poor example of integrity in journalism and writing. Maybe that biased me against her from the beginning, but I felt sorry for how Miles was treated by the magazine and by her from the beginning.
3.25 stars out of 5
This is the first full book of this series, after a novella released previously. It follows the romantic and writing adventures of Daphne Burke, an unwed, middle daughter who feels a bit overlooked and overshadowed by the accomplishments of her more notable siblings. She is an admirer of the rather subversive Goode's guide and imagine her surprise one day when she infiltrates a meeting of the writers and producers of the guide when following her wayward cat. Not only does she infiltrate the secretive meeting, but when she dares to voice her opinion on somethings, she finds herself writing for it! She has become the advice writer Miss Busy B.
In one, she advises a debutante who has become betrothed by her parents to a rather notorious rakish peer, to break off the engagement. The peer who is jilted is Miles Devereaux, a viscount, also known as "that devil Deveraux". He has a rather sullied reputation to begin with, but is intent on finding himself a bride. It seems that his air of devil may care rakishness is really quite a bit of shell to hide under - inside is a man who is much more insecure, and caring than he lets on. For one, he is quite under the thumb of his loving, sweet grandmother and appears to want to do what he can to please her. Including providing her the bride she wants him to have.
Who doesn't love a boy who loves his grandmom?? Especially a charming, misunderstood rake?
But all Miss Busy B knows is his reputation, and what the letter entreating advice states, and the identity of the jilted is barely hidden - Miles is skewered and now can't find himself another bride by the deadline he set - which he also unfortunately bet on, which does not help his reputation either.
Miles, when alerted to how his loss of a bride and further erosion of his reputation, finds out about Miss Busy B, he manages to find out the identity of her writer too - Daphne, and blackmails her into standing in as his betrothed. Daphne is fearful of being outed, but then also is roped into using the opportunity, especially as it involves a visit to his estate, to find out more about the rake and write an expose about rakes and him to be published as well. She figures she would comply with his blackmail, and break off their engagement later on in spectacular fashion.
I had trouble warming up to the characters in this story. Miles I rather liked as his reputation as a rake, while it was likely earned, was also only one facet of his character. He was skewered and judged for his past, but really, how was he different from others of his ilk, and what he was judged on in the present of the book was just wrong and skewed - the first betrothed obviously had her own agenda, and Miss Busy B judged him on erroneous presumptions. Also, he proved to be more than a rake in his relationships with his family and friends. But he did make rather foolish mistakes such as his cocky bet on a bride/wedding, and continuing to let Daphne carry on with the misconception that he would out her identity.
Daphne, however, I could not like for writing advice to the erstwhile betrothed based on gossip and innuendo about his behaviour, and being less than discreet with his identity to advance her desire as a writer for the magazine, rather than her supposed good sense - a poor example of integrity in journalism and writing. Maybe that biased me against her from the beginning, but I felt sorry for how Miles was treated by the magazine and by her from the beginning.
3.25 stars out of 5
May 21, 2024
I HEART THE BURKE FAMILY!
January 7, 2023
This is the story of Daphne Burke and Miles, viscount Devereaux. Daphne considers herself very plain, without qualities, whereas her siblings all are very pretty or excel at playing the piano or writing, things like that.
When she visits a bookstore with her sister and their cat in a basket (yes, weirdly), the cat escapes and walks into a room where a secret meeting is held by the writers of the ladies’ magazine Mrs Goode’s Guide to misconduct; a magazine that promotes free thinking, education, art and independent decisions. The group women is discussing a girl who is betrothed to a man who was caught ‘playing chess’ with another woman and wagered he could get married to her. The girl is miffed about the wager (which was nothing malicious) and it is assumed that ‘playing chess’ means he cheated on her (he just played chess!). Daphne overhears the conversation about the girl and blurts out that she has to break off her engagement. Daphne is then offered a column in the magazine and indeed writes the column in which she encourages the girl in question to dump the man, which she does. But primarily because the girl in question (miss Grey) was in love with another man.
Daphne doubts the advise she gave, but Miles finds out she is the woman behind the column and threatens to expose her, unless Daphne finds him a bride in time to win his wager. Daphne suggests he marries her instead. She thinks this way she can get to know him and thus expose him in an essay for the magazine and escape marriage.
What they both didn’t take into account, is how her family would feel about them courting. A bit naieve, if you ask me. They both live in a society that is build on rules and reputations, so how can they expect her family to just stand by and see a rake showing their sister a lot of attention without honorable intentions.
And why Miles would consider marriage to any random woman because of a wager, since he is wealthy. Why not shrug it off and go on your merry way? Nobody forced him by making a bet. It is implied that he is lonely:
“He was incapable of being alone . . . and to ensure such a fate never befell him, he was willing to marry a woman who disliked him intensely.” A bit of a lame excuse. Men can have mistresses and they have friends who can come over. Besides, being married doesn’t guarantee that you’re not lonely. And why being desperately searching for a wife within three weeks, when loneliness is the only reason? Quite silly.
These issues shaped the story, and I was disappointed that this wasn’t handled better. I think the story needed more banter, quick witted conversations and definitely chemistry between the main characters. I felt that was missing. Miles and Daphne were both bland, a bit pathetic people with not much to offer, unfortunately.
Devereaux doesn’t comes across as very attractive or wickedly funny. And Daphne doesn’t seem very interesting or witty herself. For instance, when her brother and brothers-in-law invite him for dinner to give him the third degree about his intentions, all she does is sit quietly and miserably at the table, head down, not eating a bite and not participating at all, despite the fact that this is about her future.
I had expected a lot from this book, but unfortunately it just didn’t feel it. Maybe the next one in this series will, because the concept is great and has a lot of potential. Alistair, Miles’s friend, seems a marvelous chap, and he has 7 sisters (2 older, 5 younger) with funny nicknames: Georgie (Georgiana), Bernie (Bernadette), Freddie (Frederica), Harry (Harriet) and Charlie (Charlotte). Not sure about the other two names but I think they’re funny, too.
I received and reviewed an advanced copy of this book and I am grateful for this opportunity. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
When she visits a bookstore with her sister and their cat in a basket (yes, weirdly), the cat escapes and walks into a room where a secret meeting is held by the writers of the ladies’ magazine Mrs Goode’s Guide to misconduct; a magazine that promotes free thinking, education, art and independent decisions. The group women is discussing a girl who is betrothed to a man who was caught ‘playing chess’ with another woman and wagered he could get married to her. The girl is miffed about the wager (which was nothing malicious) and it is assumed that ‘playing chess’ means he cheated on her (he just played chess!). Daphne overhears the conversation about the girl and blurts out that she has to break off her engagement. Daphne is then offered a column in the magazine and indeed writes the column in which she encourages the girl in question to dump the man, which she does. But primarily because the girl in question (miss Grey) was in love with another man.
Daphne doubts the advise she gave, but Miles finds out she is the woman behind the column and threatens to expose her, unless Daphne finds him a bride in time to win his wager. Daphne suggests he marries her instead. She thinks this way she can get to know him and thus expose him in an essay for the magazine and escape marriage.
What they both didn’t take into account, is how her family would feel about them courting. A bit naieve, if you ask me. They both live in a society that is build on rules and reputations, so how can they expect her family to just stand by and see a rake showing their sister a lot of attention without honorable intentions.
And why Miles would consider marriage to any random woman because of a wager, since he is wealthy. Why not shrug it off and go on your merry way? Nobody forced him by making a bet. It is implied that he is lonely:
“He was incapable of being alone . . . and to ensure such a fate never befell him, he was willing to marry a woman who disliked him intensely.” A bit of a lame excuse. Men can have mistresses and they have friends who can come over. Besides, being married doesn’t guarantee that you’re not lonely. And why being desperately searching for a wife within three weeks, when loneliness is the only reason? Quite silly.
These issues shaped the story, and I was disappointed that this wasn’t handled better. I think the story needed more banter, quick witted conversations and definitely chemistry between the main characters. I felt that was missing. Miles and Daphne were both bland, a bit pathetic people with not much to offer, unfortunately.
Devereaux doesn’t comes across as very attractive or wickedly funny. And Daphne doesn’t seem very interesting or witty herself. For instance, when her brother and brothers-in-law invite him for dinner to give him the third degree about his intentions, all she does is sit quietly and miserably at the table, head down, not eating a bite and not participating at all, despite the fact that this is about her future.
I had expected a lot from this book, but unfortunately it just didn’t feel it. Maybe the next one in this series will, because the concept is great and has a lot of potential. Alistair, Miles’s friend, seems a marvelous chap, and he has 7 sisters (2 older, 5 younger) with funny nicknames: Georgie (Georgiana), Bernie (Bernadette), Freddie (Frederica), Harry (Harriet) and Charlie (Charlotte). Not sure about the other two names but I think they’re funny, too.
I received and reviewed an advanced copy of this book and I am grateful for this opportunity. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 17, 2024
Irish born Daphne Burke is stuck between a rake, a hard place and an essay.
On her very first assignment as an advice columnist in a ladies’ magazine, she told a young lady to break off her engagement to an unfaithful man. Said man turned out to be London’s most notorious rake. And now her editor wants her to expose him for the scoundrel he is.
Trying to best the man at his own game may not be the safest plan, but what else could she do when the cad figured her out right away?
Spending time with the man, she slowly uncovers he maybe isn’t all that devilish after all. There might be some truth to that saying about reformed rakes after all…
Miles, Viscount Deveraux, proud and confident rake, has made the decision to settle down. Stupidly, he allowed himself to be goaded into a bet by the gentlemen at White's. No harm done, until that annoying Miss Busy B ruined his plan. Now he needs to find a new bride. And soon!
When he discovers the first wallflower he approaches at the next ball is Miss Busy B herself, he’s out for revenge. She made the mess, she can find him a wife!
Shockingly, she offers herself as his new fiancée and she wants wooing. The girl is related by marriage to a duke, a marquess and a barrister. Treacherous waters to navigate indeed…
📚 first book in a new series, this is a fun, well-written, fast-paced, action-packed and romantic story about how there’s absolutely no doubt opposites attract. Lots of banter and stolen moments between an outspoken well-educated lady and a charming and self-confident but slightly broken man. Halfway the book the story moves to his country estate and that’s when things really get interesting!
📚 A cat, an accident and a mad dash back to the city. His best friend and sweet but sharp granny, and her big crazy meddling family and her editor complete the picture.
📚 Enemies to lovers, fake engagement, slow burn, steamy, open door, rake & bluestocking, he falls first
Thank you to Susanna Craig, NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for this eARC.
All opinions expressed are my own.
On her very first assignment as an advice columnist in a ladies’ magazine, she told a young lady to break off her engagement to an unfaithful man. Said man turned out to be London’s most notorious rake. And now her editor wants her to expose him for the scoundrel he is.
Trying to best the man at his own game may not be the safest plan, but what else could she do when the cad figured her out right away?
Spending time with the man, she slowly uncovers he maybe isn’t all that devilish after all. There might be some truth to that saying about reformed rakes after all…
Miles, Viscount Deveraux, proud and confident rake, has made the decision to settle down. Stupidly, he allowed himself to be goaded into a bet by the gentlemen at White's. No harm done, until that annoying Miss Busy B ruined his plan. Now he needs to find a new bride. And soon!
When he discovers the first wallflower he approaches at the next ball is Miss Busy B herself, he’s out for revenge. She made the mess, she can find him a wife!
Shockingly, she offers herself as his new fiancée and she wants wooing. The girl is related by marriage to a duke, a marquess and a barrister. Treacherous waters to navigate indeed…
📚 first book in a new series, this is a fun, well-written, fast-paced, action-packed and romantic story about how there’s absolutely no doubt opposites attract. Lots of banter and stolen moments between an outspoken well-educated lady and a charming and self-confident but slightly broken man. Halfway the book the story moves to his country estate and that’s when things really get interesting!
📚 A cat, an accident and a mad dash back to the city. His best friend and sweet but sharp granny, and her big crazy meddling family and her editor complete the picture.
📚 Enemies to lovers, fake engagement, slow burn, steamy, open door, rake & bluestocking, he falls first
Thank you to Susanna Craig, NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for this eARC.
All opinions expressed are my own.
April 24, 2023
Serving as the advice columnist, ‘Miss Busy B.’, for a ladies’ magazine is the perfect outlet for Daphne Burke’s outspoken nature. But when she advises a young lady of the ton, to break off her engagement to a notorious rake, the consequences take Daphne beyond the page and into her real life. Miles, Viscount Deveraux, sometimes known as “that devil Deveraux” needs a respectable bride by the end of the Season, and he’s bet a fortune that he can get one. Now, his fiancée has not only changed her mind but done it publicly, in a letter to London’s most infamous magazine. With the stakes high and time short, it seems reasonable to him that the columnist responsible should come to his rescue and marry him instead. Fortunately for Miles, Daphne is eager to escape the pressures of the London marriage mart. She agrees to a courtship. But at the end of two weeks, she intends to turn him down in a big, splashy, scandal that will ruin her reputation and set her free.
This is the first in a new series, although there was a prequel, which set up the series. A well written book that I enjoyed but there were quite a few new characters & it took some time to introduce them. I felt things didn’t 'get moving' until well into the book but once it I did I found I grew to really like both Miles & Daphne but I did prefer Miles who was much nicer once we got to know him. Daphne did grate on me at times. I did enjoy the book & liked that there were cameo appearances from previous characters & I look forward to the rest of the series
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
This is the first in a new series, although there was a prequel, which set up the series. A well written book that I enjoyed but there were quite a few new characters & it took some time to introduce them. I felt things didn’t 'get moving' until well into the book but once it I did I found I grew to really like both Miles & Daphne but I did prefer Miles who was much nicer once we got to know him. Daphne did grate on me at times. I did enjoy the book & liked that there were cameo appearances from previous characters & I look forward to the rest of the series
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
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