A Duke's Guide to Romance

Three years before our story begins, Anthony Gibbs, Duke of Westcliffe and his friends Brody Evans, the Duke of Corwin and Callum Davis, the Duke of Stratton survived a life-changing catastrophe by working through their collective shock and grief together when their aristocratic fathers were killed during a rare instance of random bovine combustion.

Meaning all of their fathers were caught in the literal crossfire while purchasing livestock when a cow pen exploded. (Fertilizer really is highly explosive, and the primary ingredient in fertilizer is manure. Which is what naturally falls out of a cow’s backside to rest on the floor of their pens.)

Ahem. Apologies. I couldn’t resist.

While sticking together solving one set of problems by sharing their grief, it created another, as they spent the past three years frittering away their time and wasting their money in pursuit of one distraction after another while neglecting their responsibilities, their estates and the increasingly empty state of their coffers.

The bills have all come due, they are all swimming up the River Tick. They are individually and collectively skint – or at least heading there fast. And keeping up appearances is damn expensive all by itself, without the added costs of deferred maintenance on their estates AND making sure their dependents are taken care of.

In Westcliffe’s case, those dependents include his two younger sisters, who have just reached the age for their first Seasons in the ‘Marriage Mart’. Seasons that are critical for their futures, but are guaranteed to put an equally critical drain on the family’s remaining cash.

All three of the 20-something Dukes entertain the possibility of marrying for money. It would not be an uneven trade, but a marriage of convenience would make for a shatteringly awful life. Particularly as the woman who has set her cap at Westcliffe is a conniving, manipulative harpy.

Which is when Ada Quinn walks into Westcliffe’s life. Or rather, he drops a book into hers. Literally. Onto her head. And both of their wits are addled ever after – but in the best way possible.

Westcliffe’s conversation with Ada in her uncle’s bookshop sets all of their lives into glorious motion. First, and most important for the series as a whole, their conversation puts the idea into his head that he and his friends can save their finances by writing the kind of novels that made the late Jane Austen famous. Readers are crying out for more books like hers, but the author has recently passed away and no one has taken up her pen.

Second, and most important for the protagonists of this first entry in the series, Westcliffe and Ada bring each other to sparkling life in a way that neither expected or planned on. In a way that seems guaranteed to break Ada’s heart, as she is all too aware of the disparity in their stations.

But, in a romance worthy of Ada’s favorite Austen novels, Westcliffe is convinced that society can go hang and love will find a way. As long as they trust in each other, communicate honestly with each other, and brush all of the harpies away.

Escape Rating A-: A Duke’s Guide to Romance is a deliciously frothy confection, light and fluffy and full of wit and sparkle with just the barest hint of a misunderstandammit to keep the characters on their toes until the very end.

As a Regency, it’s an excellent antidote to follow my recent reads in both the Sebastian St. Cyr and Wrexford & Sloane series, as they both explore and expose the seamy underbelly of the Regency. A Duke’s Guide to Romance, and I expect the rest of its series of Gentlemen Authors will as well, floats lightly on top of the glittering effervescence that we tend to expect in a Regency romance.

At the same time, it doesn’t shy away from the difference in social station between Westcliffe and Ada – at least from Ada’s perspective. As much as she’s fallen in love with the man, it’s clear from their differing perspectives on the potential issues that they face that she is the more realistic of the pair. The silver spoon he was born with, as well as the privilege of having been born male, leads him to believe that all their problems can be swept away easily, where she knows it just isn’t so.

Which leads to the big misunderstandammit that almost derails their happiness, as he keeps forging ahead without informing her of his decisions and change of heart because the world has always bent to his will in a way that it never has to hers.

At the same time, I very much liked the way that their romance didn’t merely invoke Jane Austen’s work but also served as an homage to it as the progress of their romance would have fit right into hers. Something that is highlighted in the way that the romance Westcliffe and company are writing plays into the romance that Westcliffe is experiencing and vice versa.

All in all, A Duke’s Guide to Romance was a very pleasant way to while away a stormy afternoon. I’m looking forward to seeing this delicious series continue with A Duke’s Introduction to Courtship and A Duke’s Lesson in Charm in the months ahead.

I never hesitate to pick up a book by Ms Barnes. Her stories are always entertaining and enjoyable and this latest one also did not disappoint. This was a very sweet story featuring a duke, Anthony Gibbs, and a bookshop owner's niece, Ada Quinn. Anthony and his two friends all tragically lost their fathers and inherited their titles at the same time. Grief caused them to be reckless with their funds and now they are in financial trouble. Anthony also has to make arrangements for his sisters' debuts, so he needs to either marry for money or find employment, neither of which are of interest to him. After meeting Ada, an idea comes to him and he decides to write a romance novel with his friends. Anthony and Ada strike up a friendship as they are attracted to each other and she helps the gentlemen with their book. Ada is not wealthy and has no prospects, but after meeting Anthony, and not knowing he is a duke and spending time with him, she believes him to be the perfect match for her, that is until she finds out who he really is, and that he might actually be set to marry another.
This is a great start to what looks to be a delightful series. I enjoyed getting to know the main characters, and meeting the characters that will be the focus of the upcoming books. The story was very well-written and entertaining and I enjoyed it very much. Looking forward to continuing the series!
I received a complimentary copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review.

Anthony Gibbs, Duke of Westcliffe, needs an income. Bills must be paid, appearances kept, and arrangements made for his sisters' debuts. In short, he must either marry or seek employment, neither of which sounds remotely compelling. But then he meets Ada and she suggests a third option. Now he's penning a novel while losing his heart to the bookish miss, a woman he cannot afford to marry unless he’s prepared to make some difficult choices.

Ada Quinn has no connections, no dowry, and consequently no prospects. Her plan for the future is limited to her skill as a bookbinder. Until Mr. Gibbs walks into her uncle’s bookshop and starts to romance her. Handsome, thoughtful, and utterly charming, Mr. Gibbs is precisely the sort of man Ada always dreamed of falling in love with. Until she discovers he’s not who he claims to be and that he intends to marry another.

The duke and the bookbinder.

What is the easiest way for an aristocrat to obtain a fortune and magically solve all their money woes? Why, to marry an heiress, of course. Said money woes were caused by their own three year stint of pleasure and misdeeds, instead of being responsible grownups, these three dukes went hard core partying. Now, the bills have literally come due. Anthony has already made an attempt at a marriage for money. When he encounters Ada, the bookbinder, his plans perhaps need some rethinking.

I very much enjoyed this book and look forward to the next book, which is set up here. Ada and Anthony are sweet and I do like that they work together (she gives him the idea to solve his money problems by maybe working for it). Not sure if a book can be written that quickly and published that quickly, but hey, its fiction, just roll with it. What I liked? Class difference and looking for a clever solution to financial straits.
Recommend and look forward to the rest of the series.

This is the first book in a new series, The Gentleman:s Author series. It introduces 3 Dukes who have blown thru their inheritance and are trying to figure out how to make money.
Anthony, the Duke of Westcliffe, has twin sisters getting ready to make their debut into society. He needs some how to make money. He decides to stop in a bookstore to purchase a book. That would be an inexpensive way to entertain himself. This is where he meet Ada.
There is an instant attraction there. They have a very lively discussion on books, specifically Romance books, Jane Austen books.
This gives Anthony an idea of how he can make money without technically going into trade. He and his 2 other friends will write a book. He asks Ada to help him with the process, proof reading and editing.
As a result a beautiful romance blooms.
I enjoyed this book and look forward to the next in the series.
5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I want to thank Netgalley for the opportunity to review this book.

Sophie Barnes has created a light, enjoyable romp in Regency England with A Duke’s Guide to Romance when she takes a tried and true formula, turns it around, then adds the easy to love characters Ada Quinn and the beleaguered Anthony Gibbs, Duke of Westcliffe as they discover the way to love, through the pages of a book.
Ada likes to live a very quiet life behind the scenes or rather the books in her beloved Uncle’s Bookshop, Between the Pages. She enjoys reading and carrying out her work as a bookbinder for her Uncle. What she does not enjoy is that should she be caught, not only working in the bookstore but reading the books she, along with her Uncle could very easily be ostracised from Society.
That would not bother her unduly but it would have a detrimental effect on her Uncle’s business. Then along comes Mr Gibbs, who really can’t afford to buy any more books as he is in financial distress. He enters the bookstore to brows the stock. Ada thinks is a closed shop and is looking for a book to read when one falls on her head.
One small chance meeting goes on to be the creative force behind the Duke and his friends, who have spent most of their inheritances on living the fast life, in the wake of their collective father’s passing. They are all desperate to find a means to making some serious money.
Jane Austen’s death has left a gap in the ‘romance’ market and after a considerably lengthy and fascinating conversation, Ada suggest that perhaps the Duke writes a romance novel! This leads he and his friends to take up the challenge, only to realise it is far harder than they think.
Well-constructed with a somewhat quirky plot line A Dukes Guide to Romance is the perfect antidote to cold wet afternoons or for a long lazy day on the beach. It is captivating, charming and sets the scene well for the further romances to follow, as the Duke’s friends are still searching for a way to solve their financial difficulties.
Sophie Barnes has included a very tantalising teaser at the end of the book.

This book is the first of what appears to be a promising series. Three down on their luck young men put their heads together hoping to find a way to restore their lost fortunes. The first of them, Anthony has a chance encounter with Ada at her uncle's bookstore. They discover that they share a love of books. Ada inspires Anthony and his friends to begin work on writing a book with the aim of generating an income.
Just as the friendship of Anthony and Ada begins to blossom into something more, a jealous person interferes and makes Ada doubt Anthony's sincerity. Fortunately, the misunderstanding gets resolved quickly and wedding bells are not far behind.
This was a delightful read with witty dialogue. The characters were simply drawn and I felt empathetic towards both of them. The progression of their relationship was believable. The story was light on the steam and appropriate for younger readers. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Please note that I did not download the book from NetGalley. I requested it in error as I had already received a copy from BookSprout.

The book was received from NetGalley

My review consists of my thoughts and opinions alone as well as possibly some spoilers.

4.5 out of 5 stars

What a refreshing historical romance! Often in a historical romance, there is a heavy attraction that often leads to scandals or private sessions between the couple before marriage.

What Anthony and Ada did was different. They met while Anthony visit Ada's uncle's shop spotting a book in the window that caught his eye. Ada isn't supposed to be working down there for unmarried women are not welcome to work in a trade shop. Ada is the niece of the owner and avid book lover which Anthony share with her.

Anthony and his friends need money and they search for the right way to do it. Anthony, with the help of Ada and his two Duke friends, come to the idea of writing a romance novel.

It rather was silly but as I continued, I love how this book made me cozy vibes and romance without heavy sexual tension involved. It was all based on good old fashion romance. The book consists drama with another woman which I happen to think was well done.

Additional items I love was the detail that the author took to write to describe the process of bookbinding. I enjoyed how the author took time to establish relationships and their importance to the couple individually and with each other. Nothing rushed.

The couple made sense to me and I love how Anthony pursued Ada. There was a difference in social class that is often in HR reads. The class difference usually is a big part of the problem for the couple. It was a part of this couple but not fully. It was overall a sweet couple.

If I had to pick something I didn't enjoy, it would be the last chapter focusing on a different character that will be the main heroine for the next book. I wasn't ready to see the end of this couple. I wanted an epilogue.

Overall, I love that this felt cozy and easy to read. I never heard of this author before and will be moving on to the next book.

A chance meeting leads to the love of his life!

A wonderful sweet tender romance with great characters, the storyline was different and I enjoyed the concept of three Dukes, best friends getting together to write a book to get them out of debt and how they interact within the story.

Anthony and Ada’s romance into love was entertaining and filled with misunderstandings until they find their own HEA.

I’m looking forward to the next in the trilogy to see how the next Duke finds the woman he’s meant to be with.
If you’re a fan of sweet, tender regency romances, this is one for you!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Loved reading the amazing and awesome romance story. When Anthony Gibbs, the Duke of Westcliffe, meets Ada, Anthony gets the idea for him and his friends to write a romance novel and asks Ada for help. Read the highly recommended, wonderfully written with an engaging storyline, captivating characters, and a must read riveting romance.

The three new dukes find themselves in a poor state having spent their money without thought to how they will fill the purse again and Anthony has two sisters to start their season without proper funds. He meets Ada whose uncle owns a bookstore. After talking to her he thinks the three needs to write a story along the lines of Jane Austen.
They fall in love and though she hasn't a proper dowry they love each other dearly. Though Miss Starling is a thorn in their side they work that out in the way of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy. Thank you NetGalley for a fun love story.

A very enjoyable romance set just after Jane Austen’s time, with no expletives, and only a pg rating. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, especially as it was so different from the many other stories set in the era. It’s part of a trilogy, yet each one can stand alone, however I feel I must read the next one to find out whether the novel was a hit or not. I would recommend, and will be looking out for the next one in the series

This is an interesting, cute story about 3 dukes whose fathers all died in a horrible accident. All three dukedoms are in financial trouble, and they need to find ways to make money.

Ada, who lives with her uncle above his bookstore and does the bookbinding for him, meets Anthony, Gibbs, The Duke of Westcliffe when he comes into the shop. He is using the name Mr. Gibbs, so she has no idea he is a duke. There is an immediate connection between the two of them. He is the type of man she has always wanted, and he is very attracted to her.

There are a few twists and turns and a particularly not nice character that make this a very enjoyable read. I loved the chemistry between Ada and Anthony.

It is not your typical historical romance and is a very entertaining read. I can't wait for the next book in the series.

A Duke's Guide to Romance is the first book from The Gentlemen Authors series by Sophie Barnes. If you like sweet and clean romance, then give this book a chance. It’s a nice and easy read, entertaining with a happy ever after that proves that with love, you will always find a way to conquer the obstacles life throws in your way.
Thank you for providing me with a copy to review. Looking forward to the next book in the series.

This book sent me for a roller coaster of emotions. I absolutely love regency romances, so this series is tailor-made for me. Exciting and fast paced kept me flipping the pages to find out what would happen next.

This book is not only a romance story between Ada and Anthony, but it also has a twist on regency thinking. A great idea that works, Ada suggests to Anthony and his two friends the idea of writing a novel to help with their money worries. Each writing a section and then Ada proofreading, whilst being wooed by Anthony.
This novel idea of a Duke falling for a woman beneath his standing is almost thwarted by his previous interest as she offers Ada the role of being his kept mistress once her marriage to him goes through. Dashing after Ada with a damaged ankle our hero saves the day by quoting Jane Austin, just the right lines for our heroine librarian.
I really enjoyed this regency romance and would recommend it as a great introduction to Sophie Barnes.

I was extremely fortunate to receive an ARC of A Duke's Guide to Romance from the fantastic Sophie Barnes.  All thoughts and opinions are my own. This is the first book in the Gentlemen Authors series and what a booming start. Anthony Gibbs, the Duke of Westcliffe is in dire straits and in need of money. He is considering marrying for money but after meeting Miss Ada Quinn, a bookstore owner's niece, he is having second and third thoughts.  Ada makes him think; she listens to him as he listens to her. He begins to believe that he, along with his two other duke friends, can write a romance and all three can make ends meet. I absolutely loved this first book in the series and can't wait to read what happens with the other two duke authors.

Sophie Barnes has done it again. This book is really wonderful and I enjoyed it a lot! It’s sort of Inception-like, haha, not really, but we learn about writing romance novels while falling in love with Anthony and Ada. This is, of course, the best of historical romance, when the Duke falls in love with the penniless nobody. There are so many ways this can play out.

I have to say, one of the things I like the most about Sophie Barnes is she works in the turmoil and strife that is needed in historical romance while still allowing realistic communication between her main characters. One of the things I dislike the most in many historical romances is the fact that two people who should be in love cannot communicate at all, and THIS is the reason they aren’t together. Sometimes that feels like a lazy obstacle, but Sophie Barnes never relies upon that.

There are definitely miscommunications and misunderstandings between Anthony and Ada, but that is not the only point of contention. Which is why her books are so good, because they are a lot more complicated . . . but in a good way. You are invested because these people actually seem very real to you and behave in a realistic manner. So even though the setting is in the past, you really do connect with it.

It’s also very clear that you’ve been introduced to the main characters in the next two books in this trilogy and you already love them. Plus she’s already set up some questions because two of these characters seem to know each other already and there’s already some sort of impediment to their possible happiness. Also, while still in this book, the main characters of the next book run into each other, even though they have no idea who the other is.

Anyway, this is an excellent start to what is going to be an amazing series. I have pre-ordered all of the books because these are definitely keepers.

By the way, it is historical romance so you know there’s going to be a happy ending, but how to get to that happy ending is not obvious, which was great. I like how everything wrapped up, but that was not what I had imagined would happen!

I really like the idea of a book being written by a Duke. Not just a Duke but three of them. They each are writing a part of the book to make a whole. To help make sure it will be something that will sell, because they each need funds desperately, Anthony has asked Ada to help guide them. Really it started out as a reason for Anthony to get to spend more time with Ada, but grew into so much more.
This is a book that anyone who like Regency romances will absolutely love.