It Had To Be a Duke

A Novel

USA Today bestselling author Vivienne Lorret launches a new series with a sparkling romance about a spinster, a duke, and a fake engagement that blurs the lines between enemies and lovers…

Verity Hartleyalways tells the truth. Well, mostly. However, when her snooty neighbor returns to their small hamlet to brag about having a grand Season, a plethora of ballgowns, and so many suitors that she cannot possibly decide which one to marry, Verity tells a lie. She claims to be betrothed. To a duke. Who happens to be her family’s sworn enemy. But what are the odds that he would ever learn of this one, little, harmless falsehood?

Magnus Warring, the Duke of Longhurst, is on the precipice of marrying an heiress to save his estate from financial ruin. At least, he was. Until he hears an unbelievable rumor that he is already betrothed. To the daughter of a liar, cheat, and swindler! Needing to protect his reputation, he hunts down the culprit. And when he finds the untamed beguiler, she has the audacity to ask him to lie for her. To pretend to be her fiancé!

One week, that’s all Verity needs. Then Magnus can return to his life. But nothing is ever that simple. Sometimes it doesn’t take that long to fall in love, even with the enemy.

Good stuff

Surprisingly good read but was muddled n needed more action n suspense but overall good pass time read.

Witty and charming

This novel is well written with lots of witty banter… it was hard to put it down, the author draws you in, and keeps you there

However, ultimately it was NOT for me. It was 99.5% angst and “will they or won’t they” and then .5 % HEA (not exaggerating these percentages. In fact, if you go by pages, or minutes… I suspect it would be less than half a percent).

The author is brilliant, and you end up loving the characters and rooting for them… but, a little bit more of the happy ever after would’ve been nice.

I feel cheated and I probably won’t risk reading another book by this author. My heart wouldn’t be able to bare it (but, if angst is your thing…this is your book! And this is your author).

We all make mistakes.

And the main characters in this novel have all made whoppers. So the question is whether they learned anything of value from them.

awesome!!

Absolutely wonderful narration perfection!! love the characters and the way the story flows!! author is amazing can't wait to read more

What a delightful tale!!

Verity and Magnus - they were just magical! I really loved how they didn't fall into "insta-lust" as is common in HR. They truly disliked each other and the regard, then respect, then friendship, then love was gradual and really believable. The banter was witty and the story was quite entertaining. Wonderful narrator too! Totally credit worthy.