★ 03/19/2018
In this clever, original standalone Regency set in the Whitcrest area of Sussex, the methodic Crispin Montague, fifth Duke of Rydstrom, meets his match in Jacinda Bourne, an impertinent, unapologetic busybody and part owner of the Bourne Matrimonial Agency. Crispin enlists the agency’s service in finding a wealthy bride who will ask little of her husband. An incomplete application and a suspicious letter lead the naturally inquisitive Jacinda to believe Crispin is hiding something; when she’s plagued with a bout of amnesia while trying to uncover his secrets, he feels obligated to take care of her. Jacinda charms everyone from the staff to the villagers to Sybil, Crispin’s mute young sister. Crispin’s need for funds to save his crumbling estate falls victim to his growing desire for the financially strapped Jacinda, whose agency’s only rule is “never to fall in love with the client.” Lorret proves her skills by making Jacinda’s character plain to readers even though she doesn’t always understand herself. Jacinda’s constant mischief and Crispin’s reactions to her behavior add welcome humor to their slow-brewing romance, and their constant bickering is the perfect foreplay. Readers will hope for Lorret to develop a series from here. Agent: Tonya May, Janklow & Nesbit. (May)
Got lost in HOW TO FORGET A DUKE... loving this story.” — Lorraine Heath
“clever, original... Lorret proves her skills... Jacinda’s constant mischief and Crispin’s reactions to her behavior add welcome humor to their slow-brewing romance, and their constant bickering is the perfect foreplay. Readers will hope for Lorret to develop a series from here.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“Lorret sends up a rollicking historical romance... boosted by vivid characters and lively storytelling. A sparkling, witty romance that is both lighthearted and intense.” — Kirkus Reviews
“the perfect blend of deep emotion, compelling characters and the sort of romance that goes straight to the reader’s heart.” — Sophie Barnes, author of The Duke of Her Desire
“Lorret launches her Misadventures in Matchmaking series, and historical-romance fans will quickly fall in love with the result: an elegantly written Regency historical that takes captivating characters, clever plotting, and copious amounts of sizzling sensuality and spins the whole thing into literary gold.” — Booklist (starred review)
“Lorret’s Misadventures in Matchmaking series starter and print debut sparkles with wit and passion. The endearing secondary characters augment the charming amnesia plot to perfection, and readers will enjoy spending time with the meddling matchmaker and secretive duke, while delighting in Lorret’s references to Jane Austen’s Emma that ring true for her heroine as well. A smart, fun charmer!” — RT Book Reviews (4 stars)
“a sexy page-turner... you can’t help but root for these two stubborn, persistent characters to fall for each other... the novel draws you in and leaves a satisfied smile on your face.” — Entertainment Weekly
“With clever wit, heady sexuality, and lush description, Lorret’s title puts an enticing spin on the classic amnesia trop and launches a series (the author’s Avon print debut) in fine style.” — Library Journal
“a delightfully tropey Regency featuring a hero who goes from loveable curmudgeon to joyfully in love... this romance is just so fun that it made my day... How to Forget a Duke was so delicious... This was the read I needed to brighten up my week.” — Smart Bitches, Trashy Books
