The Duke's Accidental Bride

This was a fun romance and I enjoyed reading it. The story itself was cute and easy to read. I liked both characters and thought they made a good couple. I am volitionally posting a forthright review.

James is not only a duke—he's also a matchmaker. And Lady Jacqueline needs an eligible match to replenish her family's coffers. He has no intention of marrying, but that doesn't stop him from yearning for his former childhood friend. Can Jacqueline change his mind about matrimony? I loved this book! It's light and fun with delightful characters. Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

Beautiful romance with a heartbreaking backstory James and Jacqueline were childhood friends and neighbors; his best friend still is her brother, Alexander. When a reversal of fortune requires Jack to seek a wealthy husband, she insists that James help her find a worthy suitor since, in her opinion, he's partly responsible for the situation she finds herself in. They both instantly acknowledge that a marriage between them would never work, which of course lays down the perfect foundation for a delightfully complex and intense friends-to-lovers story. Their slow-burn romance was beautifully written, and I really enjoyed the inclusion of a secondary love story that was nearly the exact opposite of the main romance. I loved seeing the two mothers take such a strong role, and appreciated the egalitarian principles throughout. The HEA was followed by a heartwarming ten-year-later epilogue that expounded on the imagery and symbolism of the gift that James gave to Jack shortly after their wedding. My heart was invested in these characters right from the start and I truly enjoyed their wonderful story. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.