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The Earl's Debutante Debacle

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"Any young lady would be lucky to marry the Earl of Yardley. Perhaps he failed to mention that to Lady Daphne." - Lady Greta, lovely woman, terrible gossip


Lady Daphne could have her pick of husbands, but she has very particular requirements—namely, the older and more decrepit the better. Actually, knocking on death's door would be nice. Because while being a wife holds little appeal, being a widow sounds quite lovely.


Which is why, for Daphne, the Earl of Yardley, does not fit the bill. The earl is far too young and virile...and much too handsome. So it’s fortunate that the earl doesn’t like her either. What was it he’d said... Too clever by half and with a penchant for trouble?

Except, her latest scheme is brilliant and it will get them both what they desire most. The only hitch? They'll have to play nice and fool the ton into thinking they like each other. And it goes without saying that Daphne mustn't fall for the Earl in the process. But, as it turns out, handsome, young, virile earls are devilishly difficult to resist...

237 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 18, 2024

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Maggie Dallen

205 books1,008 followers

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5 stars
569 (44%)
4 stars
460 (35%)
3 stars
214 (16%)
2 stars
37 (2%)
1 star
10 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
227 reviews
April 20, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️, no spice
I enjoyed this story and at 237 pages it’s a relatively quick read.
Profile Image for Janet.
5,169 reviews67 followers
January 17, 2024
Lady Daphne could have her pick of husbands, but she has very particular requirements—namely, the older and more decrepit the better. Actually, knocking on death's door would be nice. Because while being a wife holds little appeal, being a widow sounds quite lovely. Which is why, Edmund, the Earl of Yardley, does not fit the bill as he’s is far too young and virile and much too handsome. Except, her latest scheme is brilliant and it will get them both what they desire most BUT They'll have to play nice and fool the ton into thinking they like each other.
The second book in the series & whilst it’s easily read on its own it was good to catch up with characters from the first book. I loved both Edmund & Daphne, their banter was deliciously good & the chemistry between them grew hotter & hotter. I loved how they actually saw each other not just the title or the demure, silent debutante. I loved their journey to a HEA, it made me laugh & made me shed a tear & left me with a smile on my face when I finished it, after reading it straight through
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Profile Image for Meg.
1,205 reviews13 followers
May 5, 2024
Funny charming and totally swoony historical romance with a smart heroine and an Earl that's going to fall hard. I totally enjoyed this book and all the characters. It was a lovely and charming story with such a cute take on falling in love in the regency era. The difficulties of getting engaged, dealing with the ton, social expectations of families and finding true love against all odds.
Profile Image for Clara.
21 reviews
March 10, 2024
a sweet regency romance to switch it up a little💌🪞🦢🩰
Profile Image for Dee.
424 reviews34 followers
April 5, 2024
loved the progression. you'd think it'd feel insta as it spans over few days but nooo i loved the different stages. he falls first and harder on an Extreme like he almost died in there
22 reviews
February 14, 2024
good book

I enjoyed most of the book, but the ending was really annoying and I struggled to finish reading the book.
111 reviews2 followers
January 19, 2024
What do you want ? A remarkable condition.

A stolen invitation leads to an Earl seeking out a young woman for answers. His title has enabled him to command people just with the tone of his voice. Yet Daphne is not easily convinced. This story has delightful dialogue between two endearing people. Edmund thinks he knows who will make a perfect Duchess for him. Daphne is determined to marry a rich old man. As they become allies in helping each other meet their goals, delightful dialogue and mischief enrich the story. Amusing banter becomes tender affection from Edmund. However, Daphne is suspicious and challenges him. The more she does, the more he grows in admiration of her quick wit and infuriating meddling. At first she feels he is exasperating, then she sees his protective and thoughtful nature. Their differences are dramatically resolved with the most selfless proposal which demonstrates how much Edmund knows of Daphne’s deep need for independence. I love this very endearing romance.
365 reviews4 followers
March 12, 2024
Sweet story- Lady Daphne, the daughter to the Earl of Cornelius, had plans to marry Viscount Boreland, a man old enough to be her father. She didn't want to marry for love and felt by marrying Viscount Boreland she could obtain an independence she couldn't have by marrying a man her parents would want her to marry. Enter the Earl of Yardley who is on the hunt for a Countess. He is upset that Lady Daphne prevented his attendance at a soire given for her cousin Tessa. Daphne knew Tessa's heart was already given to another and she didn't want Edmund, the Earl upsetting things for her. Daphne and Edmund meet at a house party given by his friends and her mother keeps hinting to Edmund and Daphne that a marriage between the two of them would be ideal. Edmund has his eyes on the ton's most wanted, Catherine Dubois so they come to an agreement to pretend to have an arrangement. As things happen when the best laid plans go awry, Daphne and Edmund are caught in a compromising position and must marry. A well plotted story with no steam but a HEA.
Profile Image for Margaret Watkins.
3,544 reviews88 followers
January 7, 2024
I have come to expect a lively and entertaining romance from this author, and this book did not disappoint. Lady Daphne cannot help herself from getting involved in her friends' affairs and when it would seem that her cousin's mother is hell-bent on having an Earl as a son-in-law, Daphne simply helps matters along so that her precious cousin can marry the man she loves. The Earl of Yardley feels snubbed and then thoroughly piqued at being passed over for the event of the year until he discovers that the unorthodox Lady Daphne is behind the snub. Despite his annoyance, he is intrigued by Daphne, but when they decide to collude together in both thwarting Daphne's mother from her ambitions and assisting Yardley to achieve his own, the Earl discovers that the perfect, simpering debutante no longer appeals to him. The novel is romantic, witty, and entertaining and it comes to a delightful conclusion. I received a copy of this book as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Profile Image for Jessica McAvoy.
197 reviews2 followers
August 31, 2024
I loved the first book and wanted to love this one. I just didn’t understand Daphne and for all her strategizing she seemed pretty dumb. I just didn’t find her to be a likable character. She had moments, but then the next she was a brat, then an illogical fool. I liked the other characters, but since she was a big part it took away from the fun of this book. A good book on the whole, but I was just so distracted by the girl who is willing to marry an abusive, old man because in her mind that makes more sense then the guy that makes her feel actually feelings. It just doesn’t make sense to me, maybe I don’t have enough childhood trauma to grasp the illogical mindset.

There are not a lot of examples of Edmund being an arrogant earl, but the author says he is, so I will accept it. But then there are lots of examples of Daphne being not very nice, illogical, and bratty, but the author says she is a so smart she could be a general. Huh??? The examples and personality just don’t seem to match well.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Cait M.
1,358 reviews11 followers
October 8, 2024
3.5 🌟
A sweet romance that was just a bit of fun.
Lady Daphne has been raised to be 'seen and not heard'. She's opinionated and clever but is used to smiling inanely and keeping silent, rather than being herself. All she wants is to marry an aged aristocrat who's likely to quickly make her widow so she can finally have some freedom.

Daphne meets the handsome and debonair Earl of Yardley after she has already set her sights on marrying an elderly Viscount.

Yardley and Daphne clash immediately. He brings out her snarky side and she provokes him like no other. The pair hatch a plan to pretend a growing attachment to help secure each of their prospective partners-to-be.

As usual, the fake relationship only serves to open their eyes to their real, growing attraction, and when circumstances change, they must each re-evaluate their true desires.

This is a clean romance with no descriptive love scenes.
1,292 reviews11 followers
February 13, 2024
Oh my, oh sigh, Daphne and Edmund just pluck on your heartstrings.

Daphne wants to marry an old man, a very, very old man, so she can enjoy widowhood rather than marriage. Having been bound by her parents and her wishes overlooked and subdued, she wants her independence. She hides her fear under a facade of gentle stupidity.

Edmund is handsome, rich, and very comfortable in his shoes. He is also lonely, kind, and sees through Daphnes facade very quickly.

They enter into an agreement, and he gets the girl she's gets the old man. Except he changes the rules and wants only Daphne. She fights him, his ardor, his kindness, his love, his acceptance , and his heart before she realizes that he is exactly what she wants and needs.

I cried, I laughed, and I loved this book.

Cannot wait for the next few in the series.
Profile Image for Bea Tea.
1,191 reviews
December 26, 2024
Utterly charming and I ADORED how the heroine was so much smarter than the hero - he think's he's hot shit and right all the time and she's just laughing up her sleeve at how stupid and wrong he is. Brilliant. I love it when the hero isn't always winning the upper hand.

Alas not quite a 5 stars from me because I could *not* wrap my head around the heroine's singular obsession to marry *that* specific elderly man. Yes yes I understand she wanted to become a widow that much is clear, but why she had to commit to possibly 10+ years with a cruel, abusing, misogynistic asshole to achieve it I don't know. Are we to believe he is the *only* old man out there in London society? I'm positively certain our heroine, with all her smarts and go-get-em attitude could have found a *nice* old man to marry???
Profile Image for Tristan RowLee.
114 reviews5 followers
February 5, 2024
Lady Daphne has figured out how her life is going to go. She's going to marry the oldest man she can find, as old as her grandfather, and hope he soon makes her a widow. After all, love and family only hurt you, so she doesn't want a real, vulnerable marriage. There is only one person standing in her way - the Earl of Yardley. He's infuriating, smug, and has managed to allow the girl he was planning to marry to become bethrothed to Lady Daphne's ancient suitor.
The two team up to fix the mix up. Surely they can convince everyone during a house party to go with their plans. Of course, as they get to know one another they find good qualities to admire. But they each have a plan and they will stick with it. Mostly.
Profile Image for Panda.
40 reviews
January 26, 2025
The "friends" in this story infuriated me! Every single interaction with the mmc they were making fun of him to his face or exchanging "knowing glances" with each other judging him behind his back! Then they claimed to be good friends with him to other people but couldn't give him one genuine compliment, they always said things backhandedly! The entire book they kept telling the main characters they knew they were already in love with each other not taking into account their friends current states, emotions, struggles, and what support they needed then! It really felt like they didn't genuinely care about either of the mcs at all! It felt like they just wanted to laugh at them and then feel great about themselves when they were right in the end! I was not a fan...
Profile Image for Jessica Harrison.
549 reviews16 followers
September 27, 2025
This book is so much fun!! It’s a regency rom-com (my favorite), humorous, clever, and highly engaging. I found the FMC, Daphne, to be thoroughly entertaining. She’s strong-willed, sharp-witted and always scheming. Her interactions with Edmund, and especially his reactions to her, are just too funny.

The romance is natural and well developed, and I enjoyed the host of secondary characters. There’s one small stretch near the end where Daphne’s fears and irrational thinking overstep the bonds of believability, but I understand where the author was coming from and it didn’t last too long.

Overall an awesome book and highly recommended!

Content:
There is no foul language, sex, or violence. The romance is limited to lightly descriptive kisses. There is no real mention of faith or God.
Profile Image for Martha B..
835 reviews11 followers
May 17, 2024
She never suspected the earl was her freedom

The Earl's Debutante Debacle by Maggie Dallen is truly an entertaining romp with uproarious moments of laughter, thought provoking insights and delightfully charming characters.

This standalone romance has a slow pace, but it also has a depth to it that makes the very sweet ending and epilogue all the more special.

My only negative observation was the occasional use of current slang phrases. Otherwise this is a book worth reading.

Content 411: This is a sweet and clean read with only some kissing. It is totally suitable for romance-loving readers of all ages.
Profile Image for Taylor.
140 reviews
June 26, 2024
I LOVED THIS BOOK

First, what I didn’t like so we can get it out of the way-
Aside from the confusion of the fact that I’m pretty sure our MMC was a side character named Demetrius in the first book and but now his name is Edmund (what the heck is that about anyway? Demetrius is a better name anyway imo), this book was exactly what I didn’t know I needed.
Also, the title?… It’s just a mouthful? And like sounds super cringey? Neither of the titles of either book in this series do the books justice, honestly.

But none of these things matter because-
The chemistry? ✨electric✨
The vibes ✨immaculate✨

THE CHARACTERS-
Daphne is a miniature female Napoleon Bonaparte and I LOVE HER WITH MY WHOLE HEART. The way she is on the hunt for whatever man is closest to death’s door so she can make herself a rich young widow had me CACKLING. She is full of sparkling wit, cunning smiles, and calculated plans.

Edmund- oh Edmund. Used to being the smartest, the drollest, the handsomest, and the most sought after man in any gathering, our man is understandably shook upon meeting the indomitable Lady Daphne. The way she leaves him sputtering like a fool is *chef’s kiss*

The way they collide like two hissing stray cats tossed into a cardboard box together?!?! Your honor, please 🥺 If there’s anything Maggie Dallen excels at it’s taking a hero and having his love for the heroine dismantle him brick by brick until he is nothing but the softest most destroyed heart-eyed lil baby you’ve ever seen. It’s nothing short of perfection 🤌 That ending was just so soft I will never recover.

In short, this book is a kicking-your-feet screaming-into-your-pillow kind of book and I love it.

———
AHHHHHH I LOVED IT I WANT TO SCREAM IT FROM THE ROOFTOPS GO READ THIS BOOK RIGHT NOW

review to come when I can actually form words
Profile Image for maryam.
192 reviews4 followers
June 25, 2024
Oh how I love LOVE

I usually struggle reading historical romance series because I always think the first book is better in each series. However, I actually love this so much more than the first book (and that’s saying a lot!!!). I love how we get to understand Daphne and the complexity behind her character/choices, while also seeing Edmund being a true representation of a man written by a woman LOL. Edmund is one of the best MMC I’ve ever had the pleasure to read about. He was so understanding and allowed her to flourish on her own terms (genuinely willing to risk everything for her). I love it!!
Profile Image for Reva Parks.
1,768 reviews16 followers
January 22, 2024
Daphne does not want to lose her freedom by marrying the choice of her parents. She has her sights set on an ugly and mean old baron who could leave her a widow soon. But before the season is in full swing, the baron is announced as the intended of the 'diamond' of the season and she has been taken to task by the mosr eligible bachelor, the rich and titled Lord Yardly, for stealing his invitation to her Aunt's party! He had found out from her cousin. Now Daphne has her hands full gathering allies to reset her world to accomplish her original plans! Another great read by Dallen.
132 reviews4 followers
January 30, 2024
Very cute story about Lady Daphne who doesn’t want to marry and the Earl of Yardley who has decided to finally take a bride. But these two are so opposite of each other that would a marriage work out for them or will they be miserable.

I enjoyed the story and seeing what Daphne would come up with next. Daphne’s go her mind set on marrying a very older Viscount, but Yardley will have nothing to do with that. Now he just needs to convince Daphne that he’s the right man for her.
511 reviews3 followers
February 4, 2024
A clean story. Interesting story about an intelligent and strong minded lady who is undervalued by her family and suppresses her thoughts to appear to conform. She wants freedom so sets her sights on an unsavoury elderly Viscount in the hopes of becoming a widow quickly. Enter a much sort after Earl, the epitome of what she despises.
I liked Daphne especially some of her retorts, and indeed the whole story. The twists and turns were very good.
1,711 reviews6 followers
March 2, 2024
Never wanting to wed, Phoebe longed to be a widow but never a bride. Truth be told, she just wanted to be out from under her oppressive parents home. Constant criticism and rules made her miserable. She longed for freedom.
Edmund was a earl with more money and property than her knew what to do with. His estates were properly run. He was left with little to do. He did the gentleman things but truly was bored.
95 reviews1 follower
May 3, 2024
Well, this took a turn…for me. Went from almost DNF-ing to giving it 4 stars.

I liked Edmund and Daphne as soon they were introduced. It was the side characters who annoyed me. I am just not a fan of side characters being overly invested in MCs’ romance and shipping them from the get-go.

Anyway, everything fell into place for me once Edmund had his “she is mine” epiphany. The story kept getting better and better from there. Edmund is the real deal. Swoon!!
Profile Image for Sarah Michelle.
296 reviews
Read
October 25, 2024
Even though I wasn’t crazy about the two main characters in the first book, I wanted to read the second one. I was really kind of on a roll with Regency Romance but this one didn’t really hold my attention. It just felt like a redo of the first book I mean another small petite woman and you know come on. I don’t wanna read two of those in a row. How about something different, this book was a DNF for me
Profile Image for Aletha.
992 reviews5 followers
February 5, 2024
I have been enjoying some period debut, independent women, bridgerton vibe, and love match reads. I particularly enjoy when the woman has a plan and the male counterpart is eager not to be with them but quickly changes idea and the lady has to catch up to the plan…like the whole novel, just doted on and courted unsuspectingly.

This one fit the cake.
Profile Image for Ana Martinez .
356 reviews1 follower
February 29, 2024
Edmund & Daphne

What a wonderful story,! I liked it even more than the first one.
I loved to read about the second characters from the first book. I loved, loved Daphne. She is one of the best FMC ever. She is very intelligent and her wit is insuperable. I loved the fact that Edmund falls in love first and doesn't run away from his feelings.
2,362 reviews6 followers
May 4, 2024
Edmund and Daphne definitely start off disliking each other but after quite a bit of miscommunication and being involved with one of her schemes they end up with a hea. On a personal note only, up to the end I could not really find myself liking Daphne. Her disposition and personality was just too much into herself no matter how many kindnesses Edmund showed her in the end
1,567 reviews7 followers
May 17, 2024
typical

This is quite the typical story of the hate to marriage genre in clean stories. Throw in the story being set in a more historical time in England and you have some of the rules and regs of the time appearing.
I find the premise of any man pursuing a woman , like the earl did in this story unbelievable in the face of her constant rebuttals, slightly entertaining.
3 reviews
May 18, 2024
Excellent Story

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I couldn't put it down. The plot was one I never encountered. It was written in in an easy style to follow so it kept me enthralled all the way through and I just couldn't put it down. I was always anxious to read what would happen next. There was a nice mix of description and conversation which is to my liking.










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