Challenge Corner discussion

In this whirlwind Regency romance, a near-death experience leads to a marriage of convenience for two unsuspecting strangers, but will their unusual meeting lead them to true love?

Lady Amelia was raised to be the perfect duchess, accomplished in embroidery, floral arrangement, and managing a massive household. But when an innocent mistake forces her and the uncouth, untitled Benedict Asterly into a marriage of convenience, all her training appears to be for naught. Even worse, she finds herself inexplicably drawn to this man no finishing school could have prepared her for.

Benedict Asterly never dreamed saving Amelia’s life would lead to him being shackled to the hoity Society miss. Benedict was taught to distrust the aristocracy at a young age, so when news of his marriage endangers a business deal, Benedict is wary of Amelia’s offer to help. But his quick-witted, elegant bride defies all his expectations... and if he’s not careful, she’ll break down the walls around his guarded heart.

Got a little behind. Hoping to pick this one up soon.

I had completely forgotten about this one. I will be able to pick this one up this weekend or early next week.

If you want to move it, I’m fine with that too.

I'd be fine moving it to sometime in August since it's just the one book if that works for you?

That’s fine with me. Anytime is good.

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RESTARTING AUGUST 15TH, 2023


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Should be starting this one soon.

Chapter 1-5: (view spoiler)[Amelia is insufferable so far, I guess I sort of understand that it's just her upbringing and it would take her time to adjust to this new life but god, it looks like she isn't even trying. Her father, like most of them in historical novels, is a piece of shit who just wanted to marry her off to elevate his status. I certainly hadn't expected for her and Ben to be married so soon but I am curious to see how their relationship develops (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 6-12: (view spoiler)[I am starting to like Amelia a little better especially as she helped Ben in his business. I was afraid for a second that she would be jealous of Fiona but they seem to be getting along well. I was excited that the male mc in this one wasn't royalty for once but ofcourse he turns out to be the marquess' grandson. Atleast he is self made though. I am interested in learning more about his family and his past (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 13-20: (view spoiler)[Amelia is adjusting well to country life and I agree that Benedict expecting her to be ok with giving up the society altogether is unreasonable of him. Both of them should rather come to some kind of compromise that makes both of them happy. His mother abandoning him must have had a profound effect on him. I did not like this Lady Karstark at all. Considering Amelia's invitations were declined and she is misisng London, I am wondering if this could cause tension between the couple (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 21-27: (view spoiler)[Amelia has a long way to go, her need to impress the society sometimes overpowers her caring and mindful nature. Peter was only defending her and no wonder her rebuke disgusted Ben thoroughly. But who might have compromised the engine so that the deal fell through? Maybe the Karstarks, I definitely do not trust the couple even a bit. And what might be ailing Fiona? Amelia has changed a lot since marrying Ben but she still needs to learn how to stand up for her friends (hide spoiler)]

Finished: (view spoiler)[Yikes the rebellion against the Asterlys just because they hosted the Karstarks at dinner, and not even of their own voilition, Tucker just didn't want to accept it. I was glad to see that Wildeforde was the one who talked some sense into Ben after he made Amelia believe that he was better off without her and sent her to London. And the way Amelia warded off that lord boasting about her husband was just great. This was a good book, I liked it well enough but there was nothing that would make it extraordinarily special imo (hide spoiler)]

I'll get to this one next month.

No feeling this one yet, but hopefully soon.

I'll be picking this one up soon.

Hopefully I can get it soon.

I'm going to finish up an ARC or two and a few library books then get to this one.

Going to start soon.

Will get back to this one soon.

Will start this after I get through some library books

Getting through some arcs and library books still.

Will start this soon.

Will read soon.

End of chapter 2 (view spoiler)[ I’m wondering if Edward has someone else in mind. Seems to much of coincidence of him putting her off over and over (hide spoiler)]

End of chapter 8 (view spoiler)[ I wondered if the closed off rooms was a hint at something like this. Looks like ole Ben is an upgrade over Edward (hide spoiler)]

End of chapter 14 (view spoiler)[ what a jerk! (hide spoiler)]

End of chapter 15. Some of this book seems like it’s happening out of order.

Finished (view spoiler)[ I loved this story and I liked the characters for the most part but it just overall didn’t flow well for me. I do plan to read the second book as it’s available on Libby and I’ve already been introduced to the characters so I’m interested in their story. I’m giving this 3 stars. (hide spoiler)]

Starting book 2 of the series How to Deceive a Duke

Beginning (view spoiler)[ I knew it! He didn’t want to marry Amelia because he was in love with someone else. I mean, it worked out for her but he could have just been honest. He’s starting off as a turd. I’m sure his dad wasn’t actually a bad guy. He was probably actually in love with someone since he was married to a witch (hide spoiler)]

End of chapter 10
(view spoiler)[ Ugh. Fiona 🙄 I can’t stand someone stubborn and prideful and she’s both. I get that she wants to do it on her own but if someone can help you, it doesn’t take away from the work being yours. I want to smack her. (hide spoiler)]

End of chapter (view spoiler)[ Well that was kinda hot. I’m worried about that Luella though. I think she made trouble in book one, too. It’s hard to believe she was Amelia’s protege. I hate awful people. Even if they are fictional 🤣 (hide spoiler)]

That was the end of chapter 21

End of chapter 22 (view spoiler)[ Now see, that wasn’t so hard to ask for help (hide spoiler)]

End of chapter 24 (view spoiler)[ There’s yet to be a single MC in this series who’s had decent living parents. They’ve all been rotten to the core. 🙄 It’s ok for it to be one of two…but all of them. Come on. (hide spoiler)]

End of chapter 25 (view spoiler)[ Why did she lie to him??? Ugh! I hate when characters do stupid shit! 🤬 (hide spoiler)]

End of chapter 29 (view spoiler)[ This plan seems so bad (hide spoiler)]

End of chapter 35 (view spoiler)[ I’m disappointed she didn’t get to sell her matches 🤣 (hide spoiler)]

Finished (view spoiler)[ All in all I liked it better than the first book. (hide spoiler)]

Will get to this soon. Going to switch up genres really quick so I don't have an overload of historical romances.

Still haven’t started

Will read soon

Starting soon

Still going to read

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RESTARTING JUNE 4TH, 2024

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Hopefully getting to this

Reading soon

Going to read this

Will read this soon.