Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Dukes in Danger #7

Where There's a Duke, There's a Way

Rate this book
Arthur Hebblethwaite, Duke of Fitzpaine is in rather a pinch. Firstly, he's not actually a Duke.
It was such a clever idea. Pretend to be a duke, go to France, and live on the scraping and bowing of those desperate to impress a nobleman. All well and good, until someone recognizes him. Until he grabs a woman and uses her as a hostage to escape a French encampment. Until he looks at the woman and...oh, hell.
Joanna Bettencourt doesn't know what's being a shy heiress with a father desperate to marry her off, being captured by the French and held prisoner, or being dragged onto a horse by a maniac by the name of the Duke of Fitzpaine. Pretending to have a husband ready to protect her seemed the obvious option.
But as the "Duke of Fitzpaine" and the "penniless Mrs. Epwin" arrive at the coast, desperate to return to England, they are faced with a there's only one cabin. Cue a little pretence that this time they both share. A fake marriage.
They're both lying to each other, and they both don't know it-but they can't lie for long about the heat searing between them, the affection growing as they slowly open up to each other.
When the truth finally comes out, will there be a way for this "Duke" and this secret heiress to find happiness?
This full length novel is a steamy Regency romance with a happily ever after, no cliffhangers, and is part of a series that can be read in any order.
Dukes in Danger Don't Judge a Duke By His Cover Strike While the Duke is Hot The Duke is Mightier than the Sword A Duke in Time Saves Nine Every Duke Has His Price Put Your Best Duke Forward Where There's a Duke, There's a Way Curiosity Killed the Duke Play with Dukes, Get Burned The Best Things in Life are Dukes A Duke a Day Keeps the Doctor Away All Good Dukes Come to an End

224 pages, Paperback

Published October 26, 2023

140 people are currently reading
41 people want to read

About the author

Emily E.K. Murdoch

185 books272 followers
Emily E.K. Murdoch is also known as Emily Murdoch.

Emily Murdoch is a medieval historian and writer. Throughout her career so far she has examined a codex and transcribed medieval sermons at the Bodleian Library in Oxford, designed part of an exhibition for the Yorkshire Museum, worked as a researcher for a BBC documentary presented by Ian Hislop, and worked at Polesden Lacey with the National Trust. She has a degree in History and English, and a Masters in Medieval Studies, both from the University of York. Emily is currently working on a new four part Regency novella series, two of which are now published.

You can follow her on twitter and instagram @emilyekmurdoch, find her on facebook at www.facebook.com/theemilyekmurdoch, and read her blog at www.emilyekmurdoch.com

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
189 (53%)
4 stars
111 (31%)
3 stars
36 (10%)
2 stars
14 (3%)
1 star
5 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
Profile Image for Jenna.
1,620 reviews89 followers
October 26, 2023
I voluntarily read and reviewed this advanced this advanced copy from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Reading Emily E.K. Murdoch this year has been such a rollercoaster. There's been some disappointing lows, but the highs were so blissful and reassuring. There's something about these darn dukes that goes straight to my wee heart. Where There's A Duke, There's A Way was so sweet and I never wanted it to end. I had such an immediate connection with the heroine. It felt like the author was writing about me and had captured my characterization so expertly. Joanna, like myself, was a shy person. The author wrote her temperament authentically and it didn't seem derivative. Perhaps the author shares the same personality or she just happened to write about the shy experience to such a skillful degree. I didn't fully develop into my introverted nature until after high school and it was nice to have my disposition reflected through the pages so adroitly.



Joanna and Arthur's romance was a one way ticket to the Love Boat. Their relationship was as close to smooth sailing as you can get. They were excruciatingly tender towards each other and I was incredibly invested in their future. Fake Relationship hooks me every time and couple it with Only One Bed, consider my anchor dropped straight to the sea floor. What ultimately sold me and snagged my heart like a life ring was when Joanna decided she wanted to be called Jojo. She realized the nickname suited her and Arthur immediately adhered to her wish. Hearing her called Jojo was so sweet and I loved them to pieces. They were my favorite couple in the Dukes in Danger series and I couldn't get enough of them. They were this close to a romantic dance number off the port bow.

#filmedit from we've always been us

Where There's A Duke, There's A Way came into port with a smile on my face. I've had an amazing adventure discovering Emily E.K. Murdoch off NetGalley. Her books are so special and all her characters have such distinct personalities. I've preferred some couples more than others, but they've all featured that special something I've come to associate with this author. I don't know how much longer Dukes in Danger intends to continue, but I've had a fabulous time reading it. No matter the length, I've certainly learned from this series that Where There's A Duke, There's A Way!

Profile Image for Janet.
5,029 reviews62 followers
October 26, 2023
Arthur Hebblethwaite, had a good idea pretend to be the Duke of Fitzpaine , go to France, and live on the scraping and bowing of those desperate to impress a nobleman. All goes well until someone recognizes him. Then he grabs a woman and uses her as a hostage to escape a French encampment. Joanna Bettencourt doesn’t know what’s worse being a shy heiress with a father desperate to marry her off, being captured by the French and held prisoner, or being dragged onto a horse by a maniac by the name of the Duke of Fitzpaine.
The seventh book in the series & it’s easily read on its own. There were plenty of lies in this book & as ever when they are revealed they always cause problems. I liked both Arthur & Joanna & I loved Arthur’s ‘dukeish' mannerisms. A well paced story, the characters had depth, there was humour, a bit of steam. A fun, entertaining romance
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Profile Image for Margaret.
3,113 reviews32 followers
December 28, 2023
Arthur Hebblewaite is pretending to be a duke in France during the war. Joanna Bettencourt ran away from her father and London Society to Paris and ends up as a French captive. Arthur saves her, but she doesn't tell him her real name. She assumes he's a gentleman duke and will take her back to England. Arthur doesn't have enough money for two to leave France. Joanna won't stay behind. No matter their lies, they find much in common to fall in love.
Mild sex.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Profile Image for Sophie.
1,404 reviews552 followers
February 15, 2024
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher. This in no way impacted on my view.

Pretending to be an English duke in France was a good plan, until Arthur Hebblethwaite, pseudo-Duke of Fitzpaine, was recognised as an impostor. Trapped in a French encampment, the only way he can flee is by taking an English woman as a hostage, and using her as his getaway plan. Arthur could never have expected that the woman he grabs is Joanna Bettencourt, an heiress who fled her father and the threat of an arranged marriage. Joanna is not a shy and retiring young miss, and is ready to give as good as she gets when it comes to dealing with Arthur. Making their way towards home, they have to pretend to be married, but the fake relationship seems to come with very real feelings.

Another addition to the Dukes in Danger series, but one which is definitely more of a standalone. Set predominately in France, Arthur and Joanna have to rely on each other as two English people in a foreign country, who had recently been at war. Joanna was shy, but she was also feisty. With Arthur, she felt comfortable to be herself, and he allowed her to be as real and honest as she needed to be. Arthur was a con man, but he wore his heart on his sleeve, and fell for Joanna, hard.
Profile Image for Sandra.
554 reviews9 followers
October 27, 2023
Secrets & lies never brought such sweet reward!
A sweetly captivating romance that slowly builds trust and an enticing tenderness between our more than they appear leads. Both trying so hard to uphold a masquerade, while desperately wanting to expose their true identities and embrace the rising feelings blossoming between them.
I really did enjoy this sweeping on the road adventure of self-preservation and close proximity discovery that brought together, perfect for each other, shy Joanna (an heiress and French hostage, pretending to be married) with counterfeit duke and accidental rescuer, exfootman Arthur.
The chemistry thrummed quietly with charged tension, as lies told, kept them apart, and added a hard to resist charm, wit and humorous clash of faking-it haughty gruff arrogance meets a touching unfurling boldness battling with anxious social shyness, that really draws you in, makes you like them and will have you wholeheartedly fighting sleep to read their journey in one delicious sitting.
I especially, became attuned to Jojo as her struggles with shyness were just so easy to relate to and empathise with, as they mirrored my own personal struggles so well and the misconceptions they so unfortunately evoke, that allowed their forced proximity to so satisfyingly dig beneath the shields they hid behind to reveal their true inner selves.
An engaging addition to the series, that's not only enjoyable but keeps you reading, effortlessly hooks you in and makes you want their bumbling deceptions not to spoil the hopeful promise of love, steamy simmering passions and seductive intimacy, so tenderly awakening and deliciously unfurling between them.

~I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own~
Profile Image for ... Lost  Bookland... .
434 reviews48 followers
December 6, 2023
In Emily EK Murdoch's Where There's a Duke, There's a Way, the unconventional tale of Arthur Hebblethwaite, a pseudo-duke in France, and Joanna Bettencourt, a rebellious heiress, unfolds with charm, adventure, and humor. The story is steeped in secrets and lies, as Arthur uses his title to live freely, while Joanna, captured by French soldiers, rebels against her father's marriage pressures.

The historical romance weaves a delightful narrative of a fake marriage, with both characters concealing their true identities. Despite the layers of deception, the novel thrives on the protagonists' engaging personalities and the progression of their relationship, with Jojo taking the lead in initiating their fictional union.

The narrative skillfully incorporates moments of jealousy, adding depth to Arthur's character. The sweet ending, involving Jojo's father, highlights the love and respect within their unconventional relationship.

Murdoch's storytelling shines in this steamy Regency romance, offering a standalone experience within a series that features subtle connections between books. While some readers may desire more suspense at the conclusion, the overall adventure, well-developed characters, and the promise of future installments make this a delightful addition to the series.
Profile Image for Alexandra G.
632 reviews27 followers
October 27, 2023
A fun and fast road-trip boat-trip romp where no one is who they claim to be!

Arthur comes from humble beginnings and travelled to France pretending to be a duke and living his best life. Joanne is an heiress taking a break in Paris from her demanding father when she gets kidnapped by French soldiers.
They meet at a dinner party. His cover gets blown and he grabs her as life insurance. Just to be on the safe side she tells him she’s married, and off they go looking for a way back home. Of course there’s only one bed on the ship home and a fake marriage is their only guarantee for a safe passage. Living in close quarters make-believe starts to blur into truth, feelings take root and then reality catches up with them…

This is the seventh in the Dukes in Danger series and once again a tale full of mischief, adventure, dry wit, a little steam and a lot of beautiful romance. The ending was a bit odd and far-fetched, but this book is nonetheless a very fine addition to this entertaining series!
I’m very much looking forward to the next - and sadly last – book in this series, for I know these dukes never let me down! Excellent fast-paced fun for certain!
Profile Image for Peggy.
2,043 reviews11 followers
October 30, 2023
Arthur Hebblethwaite has been having a grand time in France pretending to be the Duke of Fitzpaine. That is, it was fun until someone recognized him and called his bluff at a dinner with French officers. He grabs the young woman sitting beside him and uses her as a hostage to escape. Joanna Bettencourt was glad to escape the French, but is not sure being with the madman who grabbed her is any better. Arthur and Joanna have quite an adventure finding their way back to England. Everywhere they go, there is only one room. This does not make them happy, but it gives them a chance to get to know each other better (sort of). It also gives them the time to create a bit of steam and fall in love. What will happen to their fledging relationship when they get to England and all their lies unravel? This is fast-paced, enjoyable story with very entertaining characters – the hero, the heroine, the captain of the boat, and his crew. I love that Joanna is very shy, except when she feels she must put Arthur in his place. The story is an adventure with great characters, including a real duke who gives Arthur some valuable advice, humor, a surprise or two, and a wonderful romance.
I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
3,881 reviews19 followers
December 7, 2023
This is Book 7 of the captivating Dukes in Danger series. I have enjoyed all the books so far and this one also did not disappoint. Arthur is what you would say a sheep in Dukes's clothing. He is not actually a duke, but only pretending to be one while in France. But when he is found out, he has to hightail it out of there and he does so using a hostage by the name of Joanna. Joanna went to France to get away from her demanding father but then gets kidnapped by French soldiers. When Arthur runs off with her, she tells him she is married, but in order to make the journey, they must pretend they are husband and wife, and it doesn't take long for their fake relationship to turn real.
The story was full of adventure and mischief and the witty dialogue and banter kept my interest the whole time. A fast-paced and enjoyable story with lovely characters that is a delightful addition to the series!
Thank you to Netgalley and Dragonblade Publishing for providing a complimentary copy. This is my honest and voluntary opinion.
Profile Image for Cassandra.
2,024 reviews20 followers
October 20, 2023
This was a very adorable romance of Jojo and Arthur. I like that Jojo was the one that begun the lie of them being married rather than something she played a along with. Jojo is also the one that really moved their relationship along opening up to Arthur and convincing him to do so with her. I also love when the man is the jealous one and we have several of these inner thoughts by Arthur. The ending was very sweet with her father, I think it showed how much love he has for his daughter and respect for Arther and her relationship.

I am enjoying the later part of the series as there seem to be more throw backs and foreshadowing of what is to come in this series. I think there is only one more and that makes me a little sad.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Sonia.
649 reviews15 followers
October 27, 2023
This book was the basic road trip adventure. Arthur had been pretending to be a duke when he encountered Joanne in France. The wealthy heiress had been kidnapped by the French and Arthur unwittingly rescued her by taking her as a hostage when he fled the French encampment. Fearing for her virtue, Joanne lied to Arthur and said that she was a married woman. In the final leg of their journey back to England, they needed to pose as husband and wife because the boat only had a single cabin available.
Even though this story was mostly predictable, it was fun to read. There was romance, adventure, humor and a bit of steam. I was able to complete it in one sitting. I received a free ARC from NetGalley and this is my honest review. 
Profile Image for Bridget Love to read Lewis.
2,285 reviews27 followers
February 8, 2024
4.2
Arthur Duke of Fitzpaine is in France in war time! He is not an actual Duke and when he is recognized he panics!
Joanna Bettincourt heiress Extradanaire aka Jojo is in the same room when Arthur cover is blown! He grabs her says he is taking her hostage to ensure he escapes safely!
These two tell so many lies it is difficult to know the truth.
Arthur has turned himself into a gentleman at least by appearances from a very humble upbringing!
Jojo has a “husband” and a new last name! Oh the tales we weave!
When the truth is exposed can they ever tell the truth long enough for the future?
Will Jojo father accept him although he desperately wants her to marry?
Get in and hold on! Bravo loved this series!
Profile Image for Petula.
3,036 reviews86 followers
October 29, 2023
Arthur Hebblethwaite, Duke of Fitzpaine is not quite as he seems. Our hero is using his title and charm to live for nothing all over France.

Joanna Bettencourt was captured by French soldiers.  Not how she imagined her Paris adventure would end. Our heroine is rebelling against her father's constant pressure to marry. 

This historical romance is full of secrets and lies from both our lead characters. What can possibly go wrong ?? There's lots of adventure and humour. Although this is part of a series, each book is totally separate.  You might see a small mention of characters from other books ,but not enough to spoil them.  

Great fun. 
Profile Image for Amberreads.alot.
718 reviews7 followers
February 20, 2024
Emily EK Murdoch continues to be one of the romance writers I solidly enjoy,. I enjoyed this standalone entry in her Dukes in Danger series. Arthur's wit is amusing, and it is nice to watch Joanna come out of her shell and be able to stand up for herself. The miscommunications are many as they often are in this book, but I liked that it wasn't necessarily super insta-love. The couple here fall for each other not just through initial attraction but also because of time spent together.

3.5 stars, rounded to 4. I will continue to look for new books by Emily EK Murdoch. Thank you to NetGalley and Dragonblade for the complimentary ARC of this book. The opinions herein are my own.
Profile Image for Cherie S.
1,047 reviews18 followers
October 22, 2023
Lies, Lies, and More Lies:
This book shows us how lies can get away from you and can cause a lot of anguish for both Arthur and Jenna.
This is a romance story that has interesting characters that takes us on a journey that is filled with desire, finding love and owning up to the truth.
There is a bit of humor, some anger, a few very frightening situations until the very heartfelt ending when all is smoothed over and they all reach a happy ending.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced ARC copy for my honest thoughts and opinion.
Profile Image for MARIE MARUCCI.
401 reviews1 follower
June 22, 2024
Another dramedy with a kidnapped heiress and a servant posing as a Duke.

Arthur has faked a lot of people out, pretending to be a Duke, and happens upon an English heiress, hiding her identity from her kidnappers.

He us unveiled as a fake amongst the French officers holding Joanna hostage and he escapes with her, as a shield.

Thus begins their journey home to England, with neither of them who they say they are until landing in England.

Luckily, love wins out, with the help of a real Duke.
1,254 reviews10 followers
October 20, 2023
A Fun Regency Romp!

Both Arthur and Joanna lied to each other about who they were when they met in this mad, fast paced read.

Arthur pretending to be a Duke and trying to have a Duke’s character was simply so witty and funny!

Another wonderful read from Ms Murdoch, fun, romantic with some steamy moments, wonderful characters and a great storyline that will keep you engrossed until the end.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
637 reviews3 followers
March 30, 2024
A great read

I enjoyed reading about Joanna and Arthur, how they met to how they fell in love. He was in France pretending to be a duke and she had run away from home for a while but was captured by the French army. He saved her from that and on their way back to England they fell in love but they were both telling lies to the other about who they were. In the end they both came clean and ended up getting married. I highly recommend this book! 👍👍👍👍👍❤❤❤❤❤
960 reviews13 followers
October 22, 2023
Arthur is an Englishman traveling around France masquerading as a duke. He rescues Joanna who has been captured by French soldiers. Together they must pretend to be a married couple as they escape France to return home to England. Secrets come out when they reach England that can tear them apart. I received an ARC from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for my honest review.
Profile Image for Priscila Vera Schmidt.
405 reviews6 followers
December 23, 2023
Such a great book! A man faking to be a Duke + a shy girl kidnapped in Paris = such a love story! I hope to read more from you soon! I need to know what will happen with the Duke of Chantmarle. He appeared 2 times during this story but he is such an endearing character.
Profile Image for AmazingJ.
921 reviews7 followers
January 25, 2024
A Wonderful, Entertaining, Delightful & Romantic Story.

I enjoyed reading about Joanna & Arthur's journey through France back to England.

So far this series has been Absolutely Wonderful.

I am looking forward to reading the next book.
Profile Image for Diana N..
627 reviews32 followers
October 26, 2023
A Duke, but not really a Duke! So many lies on account of both of our main characters, but understandable when trying to get by in France.

I really liked how Arthur and Joanna's (JoJo) personalities came through in the writing. Arthur was pretending to be a Duke or at least how he thought a Duke would act, but his more likeable qualities showed through. Jojo was a shy heiress, but she hid that, well until her boldness with Arthur. Oh and on top of that, they pretended to be married.

The characters are really what made me like this book and the adventure of it all. The only thing that would have made it better would have been a little more drama or suspense at the end. The ending seemed a bit too easy and perfect. I hope the next book is at least as good as this one.

Thank you to Dragonblade and Netgalley for providing me a copy of this ARC for my honest review.
1,132 reviews7 followers
September 14, 2024
This was a very enjoyable book. 2 characters with fake identities who fall in love while making their way from France back to England. Really enjoyed this!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.