I love Sophie Barnes writing so I was excited to read this enemies to lovers book in the Gentleman Authors series.
Callum has been running into Emily (figuratively and literally) since she made her debut six years ago. And because of these run ins they try to avoid each other as much as possible.
When Callum's young orphan ward takes a fancy to Emily's dog then they suddenly find themselves spending more time together and making amends for the past slip ups but they both have their own secrets.

I really enjoyed the story and it had a lot of the tropes I love-enemies to lovers, secrets, fake relationships

Thanks to Netgalley.com and Sophie Barnes for giving me the chance to read this complimentary eARC copy.

I enjoyed this book because of the way Sophie handled some of the situations in the book. Unlike so many other authors, she did not draw out some of the issues that arose between the main characters. There is a misunderstanding between the main characters at one point in the book. but rather that draw it out and let it fester, the h & h discussed it immediately. this is very refreshing.

There was also a main crisis. And what was amazing is that the person responsible took full credit and showed remorse immediately and went above and beyond to correct the situation. The groveling associated with this felt genuine and proportionate for what happened. This was handled extremely well.

And then there was the epilogue. This is the third and final book in the series. The epilogue brought to whole cast of players together and let me see how their lives turned out. It's set 17 + years in the future so i got a great look into each character's future. It was a good wrap-up of the series.

And then there is the meet/cute. This was definitely unique. This was an enemy to lovers' troupe but done in a new fashion. I began to become invested in the characters right from the starting gate.

But for all of the good points I mentioned, the book was not without its flaws. I thought the relationship of the main characters developed at warp speed. There was no world building. The intimate scenes were vague. There was little character development. Every element of the book was done at warp speed. But these not significantly impact my enjoyment of the book.

I would not consider this as a stand-alone book. There are too many interactions with characters from the previous two books in the series. Also, I think you need to start at the beginning to understand how about the novel being written. It is, after all, the basis of the trilogy. I recommend reading those first. I believe you will enjoy following the main theme from beginning to end.

Overall, I found this a very satisfying and quick read. I can see myself rereading this series in the future.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I was extremely fortunate to receive an ARC of A Duke's Lesson in Charm by the wonderful Sophie Barnes via Netgalley.
Callum Davis, the Duke of Stratton, is the third author in a secretly written novel with his two other friends. Lady Emily Brooke, an Earl's daughter, is also secretly the famous Lady Librarian. Callum has been given the custody of orphaned Peter, son of his cousins. As somber as Peter has been since the death of his parents, he lights up when he sees a dog on the street. Unfortunately, the dog belongs to Emily, someone who makes Callum nervous and trip up on everything whenever he sees her... a series of unfortunate events in the past have convinced both Callum and Emily that they dislike each other immensely and cannot be within each other's presence without someone getting hurt. Peter's desire to play with the dog, Callum's desire to see Peter smile and Emily's wish to please Peter puts them all together. This is a story of how misconceptions, misunderstandings and deceptions can hinder relationships. It's also a story of the importance of talking things out and clearing the air. I loved this series, each unique yet sweet and romantic.

A sweet fun and enjoyable ending to this series. It is slightly incorrectly written for a historic novel with too many PDA moments but if you can ignore this then it's good. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

The best for last! A wonderful series that unfortunately has came to an end. The last Duke standing Callum Davis, the Duke of Stratton and one of the three co-authors of a romance novel. The novel is finally written and ready to be released. As a favor to the other two Dukes wives, the Lady Librarian agrees to read and review it. Unknown to Callum that the Lady Librarian is also Lady Emily Brooke, who has flustered him since her debut. Which lead to a series of mishaps and has caused a friction between them. Years later their paths crossed again and Peter, Callum’s ward is overjoyed at Emily’s dog Heidi. The first time Callum saw a smile on his ward’s face since his parents death. Asking for Peter sake if they could meet again, also opens up the doors to look back at past mistakes and find a future.
The characters are wonderful and love that the other Dukes have a small part in the story. Great closure to a fun series. Thank you NetGalley for this eARC. I am voluntarily posting an honest review after reading an Advance Reader Copy of this story. #NetGalley #ADukesLessoninCharm

This is the third installment of the Gentlemen Authors series. If you have read the first two books, you are familiar with the premise of the series where three friends, all dukes, are in serious need of money and come together to write a romance novel. This is Callum's (Duke of Stratton) story. After his cousin's death, Callum is now caring for his son, Peter. His success with the novel will allow him to care for Peter properly. While out walking one day with Peter, Callum runs into Emily and her dog. Peter is completely captivated by Emily's dog, and while Emily has nothing at all against Peter, she wants nothing to do with Callum. Emily and Callum have a history which she would rather forget, as disaster is sure to come every time they meet. But Peter really wants to spend time with Emily's dog and Callum would do anything for Peter so he reaches out to her and they manage to make amends for the boy's sake. As they spend more time together, they realize they have feelings for each other, but then misunderstandings get in the way of their growing relationship and also put the novel the three friends worked on, at risk. They must overcome these misunderstandings before being able to move forward.
This was a well-written, lovely ending to a captivating trilogy! The story was entertaining and engaging and the characters were likable and endearing. Looking forward to whatever lovely story Ms Barnes brings us next!
I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

The characters are quite charming and I enjoyed getting to know them and their personalities. However, the "relationship" felt a bit rushed, even more than usual for a romance novel. I wish things had built up even more slowly between the hero and heroine. Overall, it was a nice book, but not one I'd be interested in picking up again soon.

A Duke’s Lesson in Charm by Sophie Barnes was an historical romance, the third book in a series called Gentleman Authors. The book focused on Callum Davis, the Duke of Stratton. With his pals, Callum wrote a romance novel. They hoped that the novel would help them earn back money they so foolishly spent when they were younger.

Callum has taken in his cousin’s son, Peter after his cousin was killed. Callum wants to be able to send him to Eaton. He wants to take care of him and see him smile again. Going for a walk one day with Peter, Callum runs into Lady Emily Brooke and her dog, Heidi

Lady Emily Brooke’s dog, Heidi, is friendly and wants to play with Peter, who becomes quite smitten with the dog. Emily however wants nothing to do with Callum. He has been a walking disaster every time he comes near her! Ripping her dress, spilling wine on her, causing her to fall into a fountain were just some of the ‘accidents.’

However, Callum is willing to do anything if it makes Peter happy, so he writes a note to her. Eventually, Callum and Emily manage to make amends with each other and Peter is excited to play with Heidi, but then things get a little interesting…

Callum and Emily find a way forward, but not exactly as they thought it would! I really enjoyed this particular novel by Sophie Barnes. A Duke’s Lesson in Charm was a good read.

Last book in The Gentleman Authors series tells a love story of Lady Emily and Duke of Stratton.
At the beginning it may seems like they are sworn enemies, but with time we find out that their first meet cute was just a chain of unfortunate mistakes and clumsiness.

I really enjoyed this story. I think that it was a perfect ending to the series. Once again, we are kind of going through next step of publishing that is just a background to the blooming love between Emily and Callum, which is super sweet and cute. I loved how the dynamic between the character was changing through the story. Highly recommended.

Whenever Callum Davis, the Duke of Stratton encounters Lady Emily Brooke, he seems to be at a loss, as to how to behave. They have done their best to start apart, since every time the come close, it leads to either him spilling drinks on her or knocking her over. Yet when Callum’s ward meets Emily’s pet dog, it seems to open up, something that Callum has struggle to achieve. Consequently, Callum is determined to spend more time with Emily such that what turns into a pretend courtship to appease her dying grandmother, to one that turns serious. When Callum proposes, their future looks bright, until a mistake on his part, causes Emily to respond in a manner, that could destroy any happiness of theirs.
I found this to be a sweet romance, between two people who seem unlikely ever to form any relationship, let alone romance. Emily is quite stubborn yet Callum’s uncertainty around Emily is borne by being overwhelmed by her. I enjoyed seeing how his desire to help his ward overrode his nervousness, which was a barrier to any future between this unlikely pair. I also found the friendship between Callum as his two friends, Anthony and Brody, and their desire to publish a romance novel quite an interesting spin. Overall, a quick read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I received a copy from NetGalley; this is my honest review
Charming, a bit predictable, especially concerning the review, always fun to see the couples from the other books in the same series, totally enjoyable, sometimes hilarious, sometimes sad. No drama, clean. Would recommend.

A Duke's Lesson in Charm by Sophie Barnes is the third book in The Gentleman Authors.

This is Callums story.

Callum Davis, Duke of Stratton, is patiently awaiting the hopefully successful release of their book. He's still dealing with the loss of his father, and taking on the young ward reminds him of dealing with his own grief. A possible outlet comes in the form of a dog whose owner is none other than Emily Brooke.

To say that Callum and Emily don't mix well is an understatement, from trampled toes to ruined dresses they haven't left the best impression on each other. Yet, spending time together for the sake of Peter may turn to a most unexpected outcome. With secrets still looming and out of the blue schemes, it is a wonder how Callum and Emily manage to find the path to happiness.

Callum a duke, and Emily, an earl's daughter, started off on the wrong foot when they met 6 years previously. A series of accidents cause them to not want to be around each other. That changes when Callum's grieving ward connects with Emily's loving dog. As Callum and Emily spend more time together they make a connection themselves.

This is an enjoyable story. I like both of the leads and think they are a good match. There's little dramas here and there but nothing too extreme.

It was a light read and I really enjoyed it. Now, I want to find more by this author.

"A Duke's Lesson in Charm" is a nice wrap-up to Sophie Barnes' Gentlemen Authors series. While I do not think it is absolutely necessary to have read the first two books before diving into this one, I do think it would enhance one's understanding and enjoyment of Sophie and Callum's story. The characters from the previous books do show up in this one, which makes sense given that the three main male characters wrote a romance novel together.

I found this book cute and mildly amusing, as well as somewhat painfully predictable. Like the previous installments, it read as a little off the historical mark with how the dukes and their love interests were able to behave in society. The final bookstore scene especially seemed off, though perhaps those kind of events really did happen then? But I did really like Callum's bumbling sweetness and his willingness to show his emotions first. Peter is sadly adorable, and the connection with an animal being what is needed to make some small dent in his grief makes complete sense.

3.5 stars. I went back and forth on rounding up or down, and chose to round up as I did ultimately mostly like the book. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a complimentary ARC of this book. The opinions herein are my own.

A Duke's Lesson in Charm is the third book in the Gentleman Authors series. This is the first book I have read by the author and will be adding her to my list of authors I follow.

This one focuses on Callum Davis, the Duke of Stratton and Emily Brooke who writes reviews as the Lady Librarian for a newspaper.

Anthony, Brody and Callum have all wasted their fortunes and have gotten together to write a romance novel in order to improve their incomes. Finally finished and ready to be published, Ada, Anthony's wife has a friend that writes review under the name The Lady Librarian and offers to have her read the book and then write a review in order to promote more sales. All agree that this will help them get the publicity they need.

Callum has also become the ward of Peter whose parents have died. Try as might, he can't seem to do anything to help Peter with his grief until one day he sees Emily Brooke walking towards them. He considers crossing the street to avoid her, but Peter sees that she has a dog and gets excited about possibly playing with the dog. Callum agrees to Peter playing with the dog but only if Emily also agrees. Emily feels the same way when she spots Callum and wishes to avoid him at all costs. But not wanting to be rude they begin to chat for Peter's sake. The problem is Callum turns into a ball of nerves every time he has encountered Emily which ended up with several accidents and ruined gowns.

Callum sends a note explaining his situation with Peter and wants to see if she would be agreeable to several outings so Peter can play with the dog. The more time he spends with Emily the more he relaxes, and they slowly find that they are feeling emotions that neither expected.

A series of misunderstandings occur, and a pretend courtship happens which also turns into a real romance until more misunderstandings put the new relationship at risk as well as the book in jeopardy. Will they be able to save the book and their love story before it is too late.

This was a fun story. I loved the idea of three men collaborating and writing a romance together in order to create an income for themselves. Not sure I have ever read a plot like this before. Callum is bumbling duke in love which creates laugh out loud instances of pure comedy. Dukes are worldly, wealthy, and calm in most situations. Not Callum, and especially not when he is around Emily. This is a thoroughly enjoyable love story.

Final book in the series has surprises galore for you. The last of the three Dukes, it is a wonder how he could charm his way out of anything but he managed with grace and style. So join in as excitement, nerves, and secrets get revealed. High degree of laughter, A bit of sorrow, and a death bring joy and happiness in the end. Find out what the three are up to and meet new friends along the way. All setting with a puppy!

Callum Davis, Duke of Stratton,is not generally nervous around women. He is full of charm and smiles. Which is why the middle of the stories were his to write. He also likes to write short stories. With the release of the first book only days away, he gets an added does of stress put on him. His cousin Lewis Davis and his wife died unexpectedly and named Callum as guardian to their son Peter. So now he is trying everything to cheer an eight year old boy up after the lose with little succesd.

While Anthony Gibbs, the Duke of Westcliffe and Brody Evans, the Duke of Corwin, his friends and co-authors along with Brody’s wife, Harriet, and Anthony’s wife, Ada, helping when they can. Ada has given the book to a friend who does reviews for the paper and those reviews have helped sell the books too. (Just like advanced readers do)

The Earl of Rosemont’s daughter, Lady Emily Brooke, debuted six years ago and has a turbulent relationship with Callum. Their meanings usually end in a disaster. Torn hem, crushed toes, dousing to name a few.


Hiedi, a schnauzer, creates joy for Peter. This makes Callum put his reservation about Emily aside to keep the smile and joy from Peter alive. His starts by trying to apologize but ends up insulting Emily. Try as he might it gets worse before it gets better. However, they do call a truce, until a family member's health throws a monkey wrench in the mix. This leads to a surprise.

Such a fun delight to see why Callum is the best one to write the middle of the stories. He has a way of turning conflict into success, setting up future stories and happy endings.

Amusing story of a duke who meets the woman he is to marry, but it takes the whole book for them to figure it out.

This story really lacked characters who were at all believable. The Duke in question, Stratton, was so struck by the heroine’s beauty that he kept stepping on her toes when they first danced. They were both in their teens, so that is possible. But they keep having accidents whenever they meet over six years. And then they talk about things and start hanging out together and whoosh! They’re’ both in love. And within two weeks he is ready to marry her. I just thought that neither of these characters were at all that believable and the complications that cropped up because neither of them was completely open with the other were totally predictable.

Oh, and I totally didn’t believe the plot point that three dukes, who were all having deep financial problems were thinking that they would resuscitate their fortunes by writing a romance novel together and splitting the proceeds. Come on! None of that was at all believable.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.

This was a cute, fun historical romance. I liked both Callum and Emily, who start the book so at odds and realize how much they truly have in common. I liked the way they both bucked society in covert ways, him as an author of romance novels and her as the most famous book reviewer in London. When things were going well, they were very cute together, and I loved seeing both of them with his ward as well. They make an adorable little family unit.

There were a few little things that kept me from fully sinking into this book. First, that I didn't read the other books in the series (which is my own fault, true) and there were so many references to and appearances by those characters. Secondly, Callum's switch from "I think I fancy Emily" to "I want to marry Emily now" was a little too quick for me, though I know how quickly attachments work in historical romance. It just felt a little too fast because Emily was still so hesitant and ready to believe the worst about him. I wish their bond had felt just a little stronger before that moment, though it definitely grew afterward and the book had a satisfying ending.

A lovely continuation and ending to the series of 3 Duke writers trying to restore their fortune after their proliferate youth.

Callum, the last unmarried duke standing, has known Emily for over 6 years. His youth and infatuation with her led to a series of accidents and the dislike each other.

Six years later, they meet and actually start connecting again first through letters, then walks etc...

Love starts emerging between the two. A fake engagement, followed by a real, followed by separation due to some mishaps finally leads to a hea.

A good read about 2 intelligent people and about the power of good communication.