It Had To Be a Duke

A Novel

By: Vivienne Lorret

Narrated by: Faye Adele

USA Today bestselling author Vivienne Lorret launches a new series with a sparkling romance about a spinster, a duke, and a fake engagement that blurs the lines between enemies and lovers…

Verity Hartleyalways tells the truth. Well, mostly. However, when her snooty neighbor returns to their small hamlet to brag about having a grand Season, a plethora of ballgowns, and so many suitors that she cannot possibly decide which one to marry, Verity tells a lie. She claims to be betrothed. To a duke. Who happens to be her family’s sworn enemy. But what are the odds that he would ever learn of this one, little, harmless falsehood?

Magnus Warring, the Duke of Longhurst, is on the precipice of marrying an heiress to save his estate from financial ruin. At least, he was. Until he hears an unbelievable rumor that he is already betrothed. To the daughter of a liar, cheat, and swindler! Needing to protect his reputation, he hunts down the culprit. And when he finds the untamed beguiler, she has the audacity to ask him to lie for her. To pretend to be her fiancé!

One week, that’s all Verity needs. Then Magnus can return to his life. But nothing is ever that simple. Sometimes it doesn’t take that long to fall in love, even with the enemy.

Good stuff

Surprisingly good read but was muddled n needed more action n suspense but overall good pass time read.

We all make mistakes.

And the main characters in this novel have all made whoppers. So the question is whether they learned anything of value from them.

awesome!!

Absolutely wonderful narration perfection!! love the characters and the way the story flows!! author is amazing can't wait to read more

Witty and charming

This novel is well written with lots of witty banter… it was hard to put it down, the author draws you in, and keeps you there

However, ultimately it was NOT for me. It was 99.5% angst and “will they or won’t they” and then .5 % HEA (not exaggerating these percentages. In fact, if you go by pages, or minutes… I suspect it would be less than half a percent).

The author is brilliant, and you end up loving the characters and rooting for them… but, a little bit more of the happy ever after would’ve been nice.

I feel cheated and I probably won’t risk reading another book by this author. My heart wouldn’t be able to bare it (but, if angst is your thing…this is your book! And this is your author).

Sock Puppets

An engaging enemies to lovers tale with entertaining banter between protagonists as sexual tension steadily grows. There are several laugh out loud moments and plenty of quirky secondary characters to round out the story.
The performance was perfectly suited to the tone of the story.