What do you think?
Rate this book
How the Duke Met His Match
A Regency romance full of wit and charm
Propose in haste
Repent at leisure?
Alexander, Duke of Harwell, couldn’t stand by and let a rogue ruin heiress Emma. To save her reputation, he shocks himself by announcing their engagement! But the widower doesn’t want to remarry, and independent Emma is equally displeased, even if a paper marriage is the only solution. Yet as Emma bonds with his young sons, filling their home with warmth again, dormant feelings stir in Alex and he wonders if he’s met his match…
From Harlequin Your romantic escape to the past.
Propose in haste
Repent at leisure?
Alexander, Duke of Harwell, couldn’t stand by and let a rogue ruin heiress Emma. To save her reputation, he shocks himself by announcing their engagement! But the widower doesn’t want to remarry, and independent Emma is equally displeased, even if a paper marriage is the only solution. Yet as Emma bonds with his young sons, filling their home with warmth again, dormant feelings stir in Alex and he wonders if he’s met his match…
From Harlequin Your romantic escape to the past.
- GenresHistorical Romance
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published July 25, 2023
10 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
About the author
Sophia Williams
16 books1 followerSophia Williams lives in London with her family. She has loved reading Regency romances for as long as she can remember and is delighted now to be writing them for Harlequin Mills & Boon. When she isn't chasing her children around or writing (or pretending to write but actually Googling for hero inspiration and pictures of gorgeous Regency dresses), she enjoys reading, tennis and wine.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 10, 2023
I was provided an arc e-copy by the publisher Harlequin Historical by
Sophia Williams
for a
honest review
I love to read of a marriage of convenience How The Duke Met His Match was a cute read. Alexander Duke Of Harwell he wanted to save Heiress Emma before her Reputation was ruined in order to save her he finds himself announcing their engagement. Emma is not to pleased. A 4 star read 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Happy Reading
Lisa 📚
Sophia Williams
for a
honest review
I love to read of a marriage of convenience How The Duke Met His Match was a cute read. Alexander Duke Of Harwell he wanted to save Heiress Emma before her Reputation was ruined in order to save her he finds himself announcing their engagement. Emma is not to pleased. A 4 star read 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Happy Reading
Lisa 📚
July 25, 2023
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.
When young heiress Emma is found to be at risk of a rogue ruining her reputation, all to be able to claim her wealth, Alexander, Duke of Harwell can't allow it to happen. Though he's adamant he won't remarry, to save Emma he proclaims they are engaged. Neither is too happy about the engagement, but are willing to go along with a marriage in name only, as long as they both retain their independence. However, once they arrive at their country estate, and Emma meets Alex's young sons, their feelings for each other become too much to contend with, and Alex soon realises that he might have met his match after all.
This was such an enjoyable book, and the way that Emma and Alex's romance blossomed and grew was perfect for their story. Their first meeting was when their engagement was announced, so they had to get to know each other first, with the pressure of the upcoming marriage on their shoulders. Their friendship and then romance was wonderful, and it all grew naturally. Nothing was forced, and though they tried to fight the attraction, being a true family was too strong to compete with, and the ending was the sweetest ever! A wonderful regency book.
When young heiress Emma is found to be at risk of a rogue ruining her reputation, all to be able to claim her wealth, Alexander, Duke of Harwell can't allow it to happen. Though he's adamant he won't remarry, to save Emma he proclaims they are engaged. Neither is too happy about the engagement, but are willing to go along with a marriage in name only, as long as they both retain their independence. However, once they arrive at their country estate, and Emma meets Alex's young sons, their feelings for each other become too much to contend with, and Alex soon realises that he might have met his match after all.
This was such an enjoyable book, and the way that Emma and Alex's romance blossomed and grew was perfect for their story. Their first meeting was when their engagement was announced, so they had to get to know each other first, with the pressure of the upcoming marriage on their shoulders. Their friendship and then romance was wonderful, and it all grew naturally. Nothing was forced, and though they tried to fight the attraction, being a true family was too strong to compete with, and the ending was the sweetest ever! A wonderful regency book.
July 21, 2023
Good book. Alex is at a society ball and is constantly accosted by matchmaking mamas trying to interest the widower in their daughters. He has no interest in remarrying, preferring not to risk repeating the devastating grief of losing his wife. But when he encounters a young woman fighting off the advances of a man determined to ruin her, he can't help getting involved. He doesn't expect to hear himself declare that the woman is his fiancée!
Emma is an heiress who has no interest in marrying any men who show an interest in her, or more accurately, her money. While she dreams of a true love match, she holds out no hope of it happening. After watching her parents' marriage collapse over the vast differences between them, Emma would rather be independent. While Alex saves her from one unwanted marriage, she's not happy to be forced into marriage with him.
I enjoyed watching the relationship develop between Alex and Emma. Initially, Emma does her best to dissuade Alex from carrying through on his announcement. She doesn't want either of them to endure an unwanted union. But Alex quickly convinces her that avoidance is not an option. I liked their honest discussion about how neither wants to marry before Alex arrives at a compromise. They will marry, but it will be in name only. Emma will gain control of her inheritance and can live as she pleases, while Alex gains a mother figure/governess for his three sons.
Neither expects their attraction or friendship that develops as they spend time together. Alex fights his feelings, avoiding Emma whenever possible, but it does no good. When they are thrown together, whether building snowmen with his sons or visiting neighbors, it becomes harder to resist the sparks. When he gives in, he's overcome with regret and fear that he's already too deep. In an attempt to protect himself, he pulls further away.
Emma had hoped they could at least form a working friendship and is dismayed that Alex does everything possible to avoid her. Determined to make the best of her situation, she becomes involved with Alex's sons. I liked seeing her work past their antagonism (the spider scene was hilarious) and become an important part of their lives. I loved seeing her get involved in estate affairs and laughed out loud at Alex's surprise when he encountered her at one of his tenant's homes. Emma has a good heart, and it shows in her thoughtfulness. It doesn't take long for her to realize that she's falling in love with Alex even though she knows he won't return her feelings.
I ached for both as their feelings grew. Emma wants Alex's love but believes he's still in love with his dead wife. All she can do to protect herself from devastating hurt is remove herself from the source, so she plans to leave. Alex realizes the truth of his feelings, but his fears keep him from saying anything to Emma. Something he overhears Emma saying to his sons breaks through the walls around his heart, and a conversation with an elderly tenant opens his eyes further. But has he waited too long? The ending was great as Alex pursued Emma and hoped his feelings would be returned. I loved the scene at the inn and seeing Alex open his heart to Emma. The epilogue was terrific.
#netgalley
Emma is an heiress who has no interest in marrying any men who show an interest in her, or more accurately, her money. While she dreams of a true love match, she holds out no hope of it happening. After watching her parents' marriage collapse over the vast differences between them, Emma would rather be independent. While Alex saves her from one unwanted marriage, she's not happy to be forced into marriage with him.
I enjoyed watching the relationship develop between Alex and Emma. Initially, Emma does her best to dissuade Alex from carrying through on his announcement. She doesn't want either of them to endure an unwanted union. But Alex quickly convinces her that avoidance is not an option. I liked their honest discussion about how neither wants to marry before Alex arrives at a compromise. They will marry, but it will be in name only. Emma will gain control of her inheritance and can live as she pleases, while Alex gains a mother figure/governess for his three sons.
Neither expects their attraction or friendship that develops as they spend time together. Alex fights his feelings, avoiding Emma whenever possible, but it does no good. When they are thrown together, whether building snowmen with his sons or visiting neighbors, it becomes harder to resist the sparks. When he gives in, he's overcome with regret and fear that he's already too deep. In an attempt to protect himself, he pulls further away.
Emma had hoped they could at least form a working friendship and is dismayed that Alex does everything possible to avoid her. Determined to make the best of her situation, she becomes involved with Alex's sons. I liked seeing her work past their antagonism (the spider scene was hilarious) and become an important part of their lives. I loved seeing her get involved in estate affairs and laughed out loud at Alex's surprise when he encountered her at one of his tenant's homes. Emma has a good heart, and it shows in her thoughtfulness. It doesn't take long for her to realize that she's falling in love with Alex even though she knows he won't return her feelings.
I ached for both as their feelings grew. Emma wants Alex's love but believes he's still in love with his dead wife. All she can do to protect herself from devastating hurt is remove herself from the source, so she plans to leave. Alex realizes the truth of his feelings, but his fears keep him from saying anything to Emma. Something he overhears Emma saying to his sons breaks through the walls around his heart, and a conversation with an elderly tenant opens his eyes further. But has he waited too long? The ending was great as Alex pursued Emma and hoped his feelings would be returned. I loved the scene at the inn and seeing Alex open his heart to Emma. The epilogue was terrific.
#netgalley
November 30, 2023
Un’ereditiera da sposare è un romanzo storico molto dolce e romantico, una lettura che mi ha coinvolta sin dalle prime pagine e che ho letto in pochissimo tempo.
Adoro questo genere di libri in cui si respira un’aria domestica e i protagonisti instaurano una bella relazione molto aperta e coinvolgente.
Miss Emma Bolton è una giovane ereditiera, anche se suo padre era un mercante di stoffe lei è stata educata come una signorina appartenente a una famiglia titolata e il suo comportamento in società è sempre stato irreprensibile, fino a quando non capita tra le grinfie di un uomo a privo di scrupoli che cerca di comprometterla. Per fortuna, il Duca di Harwell va in suo soccorso e per salvare lo scandolo annuncia a tutti il loro fidanzamento. Il matrimonio è un atto dovuto anche se all’inizio Emma prova a dissuaderlo perché capisce che nemmeno lui desidera sposarsi.
Alexander, Duca di Harwell, è conosciuto come il duca di ghiaccio a causa del suo carattere ombroso, ma è anche una persona onorevole e quando vede una signorina in palese difficoltà non esita a intervenire e a salvare la situazione annunciando il loro fidanzamento. Anche se Alex non vorrebbe risposarsi, sa anche che il matrimonio è un atto dovuto e dopo aver vinto le reticenze di Emma che non voleva intrappolarlo in una relazione senza amore, riesce a trovare con lei un punto di incontro. Ma quello che era nato come un matrimonio di convenienza si trasforma presto in qualcosa di diverso grazie alla ventata di aria fresca che Emma porta con sé.
La narrazione in terza persona permette al lettore di conoscere a fondo i due protagonisti, l’autrice è riuscita a descriverli bene mettendo in luce i pregi – che sono molti – così come i difetti. Ho apprezzato l’evoluzione che il personaggio del duca compie, non posso scendere nei dettagli, ma ha dei validi motivi per non volersi innamorare di nuovo e le sue motivazioni mi hanno molto colpito. Inoltre, ho apprezzato anche il suo essere di ghiaccio come ci si aspetta da un duca me anche molto attento e protettivo. Anche Emma compie una bella evoluzione, e la caratteristica che mi è piaciuta di più è la quasi assenza di impulsività immotivata.
La trama è molto lineare, non accadono molte cose ma proprio per questo motivo che ho trovato tanto godibile questa storia, avevo bisogno di una lettura simile. Tra gli elementi che mi sono piaciuti, oltre al rapporto tra i due protagonisti, è stata l’aria domestica che si respira. Buona parte della trama si sviluppa presso la residenza del duca e vederli insieme a prestare aiuto e attenzione ai fittavoli li ha resi molto reali e concreti. Inoltre, il duca è un padre attento e amorevole e vederlo interagire con i suoi figli mi è piaciuto molto.
Un’ereditiera da sposare è un romanzo perfetto per chi sia alla ricerca di una storia piacevole, ricca di buoni sentimenti e due protagonisti ben caratterizzati e interessanti. Una storia che ho apprezzato tantissimo e che mi sento di consigliare agli amanti del genere.
Adoro questo genere di libri in cui si respira un’aria domestica e i protagonisti instaurano una bella relazione molto aperta e coinvolgente.
Miss Emma Bolton è una giovane ereditiera, anche se suo padre era un mercante di stoffe lei è stata educata come una signorina appartenente a una famiglia titolata e il suo comportamento in società è sempre stato irreprensibile, fino a quando non capita tra le grinfie di un uomo a privo di scrupoli che cerca di comprometterla. Per fortuna, il Duca di Harwell va in suo soccorso e per salvare lo scandolo annuncia a tutti il loro fidanzamento. Il matrimonio è un atto dovuto anche se all’inizio Emma prova a dissuaderlo perché capisce che nemmeno lui desidera sposarsi.
Alexander, Duca di Harwell, è conosciuto come il duca di ghiaccio a causa del suo carattere ombroso, ma è anche una persona onorevole e quando vede una signorina in palese difficoltà non esita a intervenire e a salvare la situazione annunciando il loro fidanzamento. Anche se Alex non vorrebbe risposarsi, sa anche che il matrimonio è un atto dovuto e dopo aver vinto le reticenze di Emma che non voleva intrappolarlo in una relazione senza amore, riesce a trovare con lei un punto di incontro. Ma quello che era nato come un matrimonio di convenienza si trasforma presto in qualcosa di diverso grazie alla ventata di aria fresca che Emma porta con sé.
La narrazione in terza persona permette al lettore di conoscere a fondo i due protagonisti, l’autrice è riuscita a descriverli bene mettendo in luce i pregi – che sono molti – così come i difetti. Ho apprezzato l’evoluzione che il personaggio del duca compie, non posso scendere nei dettagli, ma ha dei validi motivi per non volersi innamorare di nuovo e le sue motivazioni mi hanno molto colpito. Inoltre, ho apprezzato anche il suo essere di ghiaccio come ci si aspetta da un duca me anche molto attento e protettivo. Anche Emma compie una bella evoluzione, e la caratteristica che mi è piaciuta di più è la quasi assenza di impulsività immotivata.
La trama è molto lineare, non accadono molte cose ma proprio per questo motivo che ho trovato tanto godibile questa storia, avevo bisogno di una lettura simile. Tra gli elementi che mi sono piaciuti, oltre al rapporto tra i due protagonisti, è stata l’aria domestica che si respira. Buona parte della trama si sviluppa presso la residenza del duca e vederli insieme a prestare aiuto e attenzione ai fittavoli li ha resi molto reali e concreti. Inoltre, il duca è un padre attento e amorevole e vederlo interagire con i suoi figli mi è piaciuto molto.
Un’ereditiera da sposare è un romanzo perfetto per chi sia alla ricerca di una storia piacevole, ricca di buoni sentimenti e due protagonisti ben caratterizzati e interessanti. Una storia che ho apprezzato tantissimo e che mi sento di consigliare agli amanti del genere.
July 18, 2023
Thank you to Mills and Boon and Sophia Williams for giving me an arc review copy of How the Duke Met His Match from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review of the book. Additionally, congratulations to Sophia for this being her debut book.
Set in a classic Regency background, with all the glitz, glamour, and expectations of high society; How The Duke Met His Match is the story of Alex, Duke of Harwell, and Emma, who he meets when he steps in to save her from a fortune-hunter wayward scheme to get them caught in a compromising situation goes awry. A delightful marriage of convenience romance that brings together the trials of two strangers learning to co-exist in their marriage and new family circumstances. The story contains plenty of highs and lows, as they contend with; battling their blossoming attraction to one another, keeping-up appearances for the ton, and navigating the vicious gossip spreading like wildfire about their marriage.
I liked Emma’s heritage and backstory. Not the usual well-brought-up Regency lady, this gives her extra feistiness and boldness to her character. Alex was a likable and honourable gentleman, trapped in a struggle with grief and loss. While both were strong characters, they were pros at retreating from those pesky feelings of attraction leading to more distance, tension, and conflict between them. Given Emma’s feistiness at other times in the story, I thought she might have been a little more outspoken at this treatment causing more discord between her and Alex. That said, it didn’t detract from the quality of the writing or the engaging pace of the story.
Overall, an enjoyable read with a new twist on the old tale of a marriage of convenience.
I believe Sophia has another book due out next year, I will be looking out for her future releases.
Tropes to expect:
Marriage of convenience
Strangers to lovers
Regency era
Found family
Seducing the Duke
Fake Relationship
Compromising Situation
Set in a classic Regency background, with all the glitz, glamour, and expectations of high society; How The Duke Met His Match is the story of Alex, Duke of Harwell, and Emma, who he meets when he steps in to save her from a fortune-hunter wayward scheme to get them caught in a compromising situation goes awry. A delightful marriage of convenience romance that brings together the trials of two strangers learning to co-exist in their marriage and new family circumstances. The story contains plenty of highs and lows, as they contend with; battling their blossoming attraction to one another, keeping-up appearances for the ton, and navigating the vicious gossip spreading like wildfire about their marriage.
I liked Emma’s heritage and backstory. Not the usual well-brought-up Regency lady, this gives her extra feistiness and boldness to her character. Alex was a likable and honourable gentleman, trapped in a struggle with grief and loss. While both were strong characters, they were pros at retreating from those pesky feelings of attraction leading to more distance, tension, and conflict between them. Given Emma’s feistiness at other times in the story, I thought she might have been a little more outspoken at this treatment causing more discord between her and Alex. That said, it didn’t detract from the quality of the writing or the engaging pace of the story.
Overall, an enjoyable read with a new twist on the old tale of a marriage of convenience.
I believe Sophia has another book due out next year, I will be looking out for her future releases.
Tropes to expect:
Marriage of convenience
Strangers to lovers
Regency era
Found family
Seducing the Duke
Fake Relationship
Compromising Situation
September 15, 2023
How the Duke Met His Match is a delightful Regency romance.
Well, I pulled another all-nighter reading this book. I wasn’t expecting to get so sucked into the story, but I did. Sophia doesn’t waste any time hooking her readers in with a scandal that throws the two main characters together. Emma finds herself trying to flee a man who has become too handsy with her and is determined to ruin her reputation in order to get her to marry him. Alex steps in to save Emma and finds himself announcing that he is engaged to Emma to protect her reputation. Neither one wants to marry, but of course, we know that they will eventually fall in love as they spend more time together.
I enjoyed this book. It has this great balance of drama, spice, wit, and heart. The story moves along steadily, and even though there isn’t a lot of action, I still found myself engaged with what was happening. The world that Sophia has created is lush in detail and characters you want to get to know. I love it when an author forces the two main characters together because you know that they are going to clash at times, which means you will get plenty of make-up scenes.
Emma is this beautiful blend of quiet spunk, which you’d think wouldn’t work, but it does in this case. Emma has a quiet strength to her, and she never gets overly angry or acts rashly. But she isn’t a pushover; she has no problem matching Alex’s son’s spunky shenanigans and knows her worth. Alex is that typical broody “I will never love again” hero. This man fights hard against the feelings he is developing for Emma. His reluctance to acknowledge his feelings creates the main conflict between the two. I could have used more grovelling from Alex at the end of the book, but other than that, I enjoyed their love story.
How the Duke Met His Match is an easy Regency romance to fall in love with this summer.
Click on the link to read more of our reviews on our blog: https://romancebythebook.com/book-rev...
Well, I pulled another all-nighter reading this book. I wasn’t expecting to get so sucked into the story, but I did. Sophia doesn’t waste any time hooking her readers in with a scandal that throws the two main characters together. Emma finds herself trying to flee a man who has become too handsy with her and is determined to ruin her reputation in order to get her to marry him. Alex steps in to save Emma and finds himself announcing that he is engaged to Emma to protect her reputation. Neither one wants to marry, but of course, we know that they will eventually fall in love as they spend more time together.
I enjoyed this book. It has this great balance of drama, spice, wit, and heart. The story moves along steadily, and even though there isn’t a lot of action, I still found myself engaged with what was happening. The world that Sophia has created is lush in detail and characters you want to get to know. I love it when an author forces the two main characters together because you know that they are going to clash at times, which means you will get plenty of make-up scenes.
Emma is this beautiful blend of quiet spunk, which you’d think wouldn’t work, but it does in this case. Emma has a quiet strength to her, and she never gets overly angry or acts rashly. But she isn’t a pushover; she has no problem matching Alex’s son’s spunky shenanigans and knows her worth. Alex is that typical broody “I will never love again” hero. This man fights hard against the feelings he is developing for Emma. His reluctance to acknowledge his feelings creates the main conflict between the two. I could have used more grovelling from Alex at the end of the book, but other than that, I enjoyed their love story.
How the Duke Met His Match is an easy Regency romance to fall in love with this summer.
Click on the link to read more of our reviews on our blog: https://romancebythebook.com/book-rev...
September 26, 2023
This Regency romance is Sophia Williams debut novel. Heiress Emma is though to be about to become victim to a rogue ruining her reputation and claiming her wealth. Duke of Harwell, Alexander, steps in and claims to be her fiancé. He is not thrilled to do this as he has already been married once. His wife died and he is scared to love again but will do so to protect the young heiress.
They enter into a marriage of convenience with the agreement that they both remain independent. They travel to his estate and meet Alex’s young sons. Slowly despite Alex playing hot and cold and Emma excusing his behaviour a friendship then romance slowly develops. Will they be able to create a perfect family or will past experience thwart their HEA.
I don’t really enjoy historical romances as romances but I do enjoy reading them (as long as they are well researched and understand the social prejudices and strictures that restricted the lives of upper class women during the Regency period) as historical novels. I found this book did incorporate and understand the problems women faced despite being rich and the fact that they could face ruin if their virtue or honour was questioned so much do that in order to protect themselves they were prepared to enter marriages of convenience. Both Alex and Emma have strong characters and I like how the author develops them over time as they interact with the boys and between themselves.
I received this book via Netgalley and Mills and Boon in exchange for a honest review. I am a #MillsAndBoonInsider #netgalley #gifted
They enter into a marriage of convenience with the agreement that they both remain independent. They travel to his estate and meet Alex’s young sons. Slowly despite Alex playing hot and cold and Emma excusing his behaviour a friendship then romance slowly develops. Will they be able to create a perfect family or will past experience thwart their HEA.
I don’t really enjoy historical romances as romances but I do enjoy reading them (as long as they are well researched and understand the social prejudices and strictures that restricted the lives of upper class women during the Regency period) as historical novels. I found this book did incorporate and understand the problems women faced despite being rich and the fact that they could face ruin if their virtue or honour was questioned so much do that in order to protect themselves they were prepared to enter marriages of convenience. Both Alex and Emma have strong characters and I like how the author develops them over time as they interact with the boys and between themselves.
I received this book via Netgalley and Mills and Boon in exchange for a honest review. I am a #MillsAndBoonInsider #netgalley #gifted
April 5, 2024
A story of personal development
Emma was reluctantly being compromised at a ball and Alex stepped in to assist her which ended in him declaring that they were engaged in order to save her reputation. The main issue was that he only wanted a marriage in name only given that he lost his first wife in childbirth and is still grieving her death
I liked both Emma and Alex although at times they did both frustrate me with some of their actions. There is a lot of focus on their emotions and Alex’s conflict between his late wife’s memory and his growing feelings towards Emma and whilst I understood the need for this, at times it did become a bit much and it was hard to get to know Alex as a character because of everything else that he os dealing with. Emma doesn’t have as may obvious complications but I found it harder to bond with her as well given that the different points of view meant that we didn’t always spend that much time with her and when we did, huge portions were missed or treated more as anecdotes which I did struggle with at times
Even with all of this though, I did still enjoy this book and was very quickly pulled into the story and I did forget about my cup of tea a few times as I was so engrossed in the story
I would recommend this book to those who enjoy a historical romance full of emotions and character development which will catch your attention from the very first page
Emma was reluctantly being compromised at a ball and Alex stepped in to assist her which ended in him declaring that they were engaged in order to save her reputation. The main issue was that he only wanted a marriage in name only given that he lost his first wife in childbirth and is still grieving her death
I liked both Emma and Alex although at times they did both frustrate me with some of their actions. There is a lot of focus on their emotions and Alex’s conflict between his late wife’s memory and his growing feelings towards Emma and whilst I understood the need for this, at times it did become a bit much and it was hard to get to know Alex as a character because of everything else that he os dealing with. Emma doesn’t have as may obvious complications but I found it harder to bond with her as well given that the different points of view meant that we didn’t always spend that much time with her and when we did, huge portions were missed or treated more as anecdotes which I did struggle with at times
Even with all of this though, I did still enjoy this book and was very quickly pulled into the story and I did forget about my cup of tea a few times as I was so engrossed in the story
I would recommend this book to those who enjoy a historical romance full of emotions and character development which will catch your attention from the very first page
July 21, 2023
Reluctantly wed....
But it makes sense to wed. Alexander foiled a ruining in progress, saving Emma from having to marry a horrid man, intent on ruining her to get his hands on her fortune. Emma is an heiress who really doesn;t want to get married, what with her enormous inheritance being an unwanted incentive. Alexander, a widower who wants to remain faithful to his deceased wife, reluctantly steps in and proclaims Emma and he are to wed. He's a duke and meets the wills requirements of being titled. He neither needs nor wants a wife, as he has sons but does need a governess. They strike a deal. They will wed, she will be his sons governess and if he's married, he doens't need to deal with people trying to match up again. Emma would rather work than be forced to wed.
I really liked both Emma and Alexander and you want them to be more than just a business arrangement.
Recommend.
But it makes sense to wed. Alexander foiled a ruining in progress, saving Emma from having to marry a horrid man, intent on ruining her to get his hands on her fortune. Emma is an heiress who really doesn;t want to get married, what with her enormous inheritance being an unwanted incentive. Alexander, a widower who wants to remain faithful to his deceased wife, reluctantly steps in and proclaims Emma and he are to wed. He's a duke and meets the wills requirements of being titled. He neither needs nor wants a wife, as he has sons but does need a governess. They strike a deal. They will wed, she will be his sons governess and if he's married, he doens't need to deal with people trying to match up again. Emma would rather work than be forced to wed.
I really liked both Emma and Alexander and you want them to be more than just a business arrangement.
Recommend.
July 19, 2023
Alex has no plans to remarry. Then, he witnesses a beautiful young heiress being assaulted by a rogue in an attempt to ruin her. To save her, Alex announces that they're betrothed. She agrees to his plans for a celibate marriage. Yet a powerful attraction develops between them, testing their resolve.
I enjoyed this character-driven story. Alex and Emma are both strong, determined, and likeable. Their romance is based as much on the friendship that develops between them as on physical attraction. It was sweet to see how Emma interacted with his sons.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
I enjoyed this character-driven story. Alex and Emma are both strong, determined, and likeable. Their romance is based as much on the friendship that develops between them as on physical attraction. It was sweet to see how Emma interacted with his sons.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
September 6, 2023
I enjoyed this romantic story, where Alex rescues Emma from ruin in the eyes of Regency society in a marriage of convenience trope. It evokes the historical period's prejudices. The main protagonists are complex and capture the reader's heart. Bereaved Alex is frightened to love again after losing his young wife, and Emma wants to keep her independence even if it jeopardises her future. The attraction between the couple, aided by proximity and the conflicts to their happiness together, is believably written, making this an entertaining read. I like the romance and the main protagonists.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
July 16, 2023
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Mills and Boon in exchange for an honest review.
I gather this is a debut novel. In which case, congratulations to the author. I enjoyed this book and I think it demonstrates that this is an author worth watching out for. I thought the premise was good and the reasons for the marriage of convenience credible but then I began to get frustrated at the way Alex continually stopped them going any further and I was not happy about the way Emma simply ran away at the end. But apart from this, I liked it.
I gather this is a debut novel. In which case, congratulations to the author. I enjoyed this book and I think it demonstrates that this is an author worth watching out for. I thought the premise was good and the reasons for the marriage of convenience credible but then I began to get frustrated at the way Alex continually stopped them going any further and I was not happy about the way Emma simply ran away at the end. But apart from this, I liked it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 2, 2023
This is a delightful marriage of convenience romance, and a very quick read. The struggle of Emma and Alex merging their lives together was very real, and handled accordingly. A truly excellent debut from Sophia Williams!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
November 13, 2023
This was a well written, intense and absorbing romance. The characters were great, even though they were too good to be true. The plot was predictable, but the quality of narrative kept your interest .
Read
September 4, 2023<3 <3 <3
August 10, 2025
good read
July 22, 2023
I enjoyed this romantic story, where Alex rescues Emma from ruin in the eyes of Regency society in a marriage of convenience trope. It evokes the historical period's prejudices. The main protagonists are complex and capture the reader's heart. Bereaved Alex is frightened to love again after losing his young wife, and Emma wants to keep her independence even if it jeopardises her future. The attraction between the couple, aided by proximity and the conflicts to their happiness together, is believably written, making this an entertaining read. I like the romance and the main protagonists.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
June 26, 2023
3.5 stars
I know this is a new author but it didn't really work for me. I got confused in the scene when they were leaving after the wedding to go to Somerset were they travelling in a curricle (2 wheel) or a chaise (2 wheel) or a carriage(4 wheel). In two days whilst changing the carriage horses but the Duke's horse didn't seem to get much of a rest. Our heroine was supposed to be reading, probably not practical in a curricle and very dusty. The kittens were a bit twee and I got fed up with the will they won't they. The Duke got stuck in helping a coach out of a ditch and it didn't really seem to be realistic of the character or of theperiod. I didn't get why her father wanted her to wed an aristocrat and then if she didn't the money was forfeit. Wouldn't the cousin running the business be a bit upset about that. A bit was made of the Indian grandmother and then everthing seemed to fizzle out. Sometime the heroine was fiesty and IMO just plain rude and sarcastic. It's a shame because it sounded a reasonable premise.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I know this is a new author but it didn't really work for me. I got confused in the scene when they were leaving after the wedding to go to Somerset were they travelling in a curricle (2 wheel) or a chaise (2 wheel) or a carriage(4 wheel). In two days whilst changing the carriage horses but the Duke's horse didn't seem to get much of a rest. Our heroine was supposed to be reading, probably not practical in a curricle and very dusty. The kittens were a bit twee and I got fed up with the will they won't they. The Duke got stuck in helping a coach out of a ditch and it didn't really seem to be realistic of the character or of theperiod. I didn't get why her father wanted her to wed an aristocrat and then if she didn't the money was forfeit. Wouldn't the cousin running the business be a bit upset about that. A bit was made of the Indian grandmother and then everthing seemed to fizzle out. Sometime the heroine was fiesty and IMO just plain rude and sarcastic. It's a shame because it sounded a reasonable premise.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 11, 2024
"How the Duke Met His Match" is Sophia Williams' debut, and while I didn't love this book, she does show some promise. In this story. a widowed Duke (Alexander) sacrifices himself in matrimony to save the reputation of a debutante (Emma). I like the marriage of convenience trope but this one largely missed the mark for me. Emma gives and gives and gives, and Alexander simply takes. His suddenly being in love with Emma seems to come somewhat out of nowhere as his late wife is a secondary character all her own and it is not clear how his lust turns into love.
I did like Emma's character arc as she comes to understand that she is worth more than what it seems like Alexander has to offer. I also liked that Williams did not create huge drama around Alexander's children. They come to accept her fairly quickly. I do think Williams shows promise as a writer and I would be willing to give her another try as she develops her skills.
3 stars. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a complimentary ARC of this book. The opinions herein are my own.
I did like Emma's character arc as she comes to understand that she is worth more than what it seems like Alexander has to offer. I also liked that Williams did not create huge drama around Alexander's children. They come to accept her fairly quickly. I do think Williams shows promise as a writer and I would be willing to give her another try as she develops her skills.
3 stars. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a complimentary ARC of this book. The opinions herein are my own.
September 14, 2025
How the Duke Met His Match is a marriage of convenience story about Alex and Emma. The two of them meet in circumstances which propel Alex to offer Emma marriage and after much thought, she accepts. Both of them have their own reasons for agreeing and love has absolutely nothing to do with it.
I found the premise of this book to be interesting and I always enjoy reading a marriage of convenience story. But on this occasion the book didn't live up to the promise of the premise. I found Alex's thoughts repetitive and his dithering began to grate because he would literally take one step forward with Emma and then one step back. Emma should have fought him a bit harder after his hot and cold treatment of her. I didn't like the fact that she accepted it and often excused it. That being said, I thought some of the scenes in the book were really well written and the author shows promise. Thank you NetGalley and Mills and Boon for an ARC.
I found the premise of this book to be interesting and I always enjoy reading a marriage of convenience story. But on this occasion the book didn't live up to the promise of the premise. I found Alex's thoughts repetitive and his dithering began to grate because he would literally take one step forward with Emma and then one step back. Emma should have fought him a bit harder after his hot and cold treatment of her. I didn't like the fact that she accepted it and often excused it. That being said, I thought some of the scenes in the book were really well written and the author shows promise. Thank you NetGalley and Mills and Boon for an ARC.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews