The Rigid Duke

I really like this new offering by the author in her new series, Matchmaking Chronicles. Dare, the curmudgeonly Duke of Warrington, meets his match in widowed Mrs. Juno Langton, a successful refinement tutor. The young miss she has been hired to prepare for the marriage mart, has a meddling mother who is intent on seeing her daughter married to a Duke. When Dare, with his mother’s encouragement, decides to attend a house party, he meets Juno and her new charge, Marina. Juno and Dare are complete opposites. He can’t understand why he is attracted to her. She isn’t afraid to “chew him out” on several occasions. In one instance, the Duke replied, “I don’t recall the last time someone provoked me to laughter.” Despite Juno’s endeavors to secure a match between Marina and the Duke, it was not to be. Sometimes oil and water do mix and that is what occurred in this novella. Juno was full of cheer, charm and grit and was able to get the grumpy Duke to smile and even laugh. She made him feel whole. He knew he was rigid but he wanted to change for her and make her his Duchess. I recommend this read. It had a good writing style, was very character-driven, and the story was quite engaging. Heat level: intimate episodes, moderately hot. My thanks to NetGalley for the ARC I received of this work.

A hero who holds himself in tight control as a part of his station in life, out to obtain a match with the least effort possible. A heroine, who was not suppose to be the object of his attention, until it could not be denied. A truly delightful story of opposites coming together when least expected. Wonderful characters, witty conversations, and an unbending attitude slowly unwinding..... A great start to this new series that I cannot wait for the next edition!!

Great fun! What a wonderful way to while away an afternoon! Thoroughly enjoyable take on the grumpy/sunshine trope. Minimal drama and lots of tasteful heat. Never fail author!