The Duke’s Rules of Engagement by Jennifer Haymore (TLC Book Tour)

 

Joanna Porter is firmly on the shelf at age 27.  It is 1817 and there is not much that Johanna can do to support her mother after her father’s death.  She turns to somethings she excels at, matchmaking.  She loves to make sure that people meet their perfect match and marry for love.  When Matthew Leighton, the Duke of Crestmont steps into her office, she has a new challenge.  He is dashing, but he is looking for the perfect Duchess.  He does not want love, but someone who can perform the duties admirably.  As Joanna gets to know Matthew to find his perfect match, she realizes that she may have feelings for him.  What is a matchmaker to do?

I loved this book so much.  It was a delightful romance and I read through it quickly.  I loved both Joanna and Matthew so much.  They were unique and independent personalities.   I loved that different from most Regency romance novels, Joanna has a job in this book.  Matthew is a member of the ton and Joanna having a job makes her an unsuitable match.  Matthew seems gruff and standoffish at first, sort of like a Mr. Darcy type character, but as Joanna gets to know him, she learns there is so much more to the man.  He had been hurt in the past and is afraid of love in the future.  I love that they both loved the weather so much and that Matthew had started to figure out the science of it.  Matthew also had a great love for rowing. 

The Duke’s Rules of Engagement is a steamy read.  The story is shown through both Joanna and Matthew’s third person perspective.   The chemistry between the two leads and the romantic tension was great.  I’m not sure on the trope for this one – is matchmaker that falls for her client a trope?

The Duke’s Rules of Engagement was enjoyable historical romance.

Review Copy from Entangled and Netgalley as part of the TLC Book Tour.  Thank-you! I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.