I enjoyed this friends-to-lovers historical romance. The friendly antagonism between Betsy and Jeremy was incredibly entertaining. This story gave off some strong “I don’t want you, but no one else can have you either” vibes from Jeremy. 'Say No to the Duke' also felt like a historical take on the brother’s friend or friend’s younger sister trope. It’s another excellent addition to the Wilde family’s story.

I would have given it a 4 star but i gave up a star because feet.

Excellent tension and snark between them. I do feel like the Wilde family was sadly absent though. While Lady Knowe was present, this book failed to capitalize on the possibilities for humor and drama that Betsy's brothers might have brought to the story when they realized their friend was in love with their younger sister. It was still a fun read that I enjoyed thoroughly.

Y’all, this one was. Not good. It wasn’t bad. It was just extremely meh. It didn’t have any of the dramatic pizazz of the first two in the series. It had a lame villain. The depictions if PTSD and survivor’s guilt were not awesome. The miniature subplot was unresolved. There was a baby epilogue.

3.5 stars.

I felt like not much happened? It was super close to a 4 star read, but I think I just wanted... more? I didn’t like the cousin plotline, and I think that was my main gripe and it ended up being most of the story. I loved the emotion in this one though. Jeremy was great and I liked Betsy. Super interested in Viola!

I adore Eloisa James's historical romances, so I was thrilled to receive an early copy of Say No to the Duke.

Lady Betsy has always felt Society judges her for the scandal of her mother running away with a handsome Prussian, but she gets her revenge on the gossips by behaving like the perfect lady at all times. These bullies have also told Betsy that no respectable gentleman would ever want to marry her, so she is determined to receive more proposals than any of them - and does so, culminating in a proposal from the handsome duke considered the catch of the Season.

Lord Jeremy Roden, a friend of Betsy's elder brother, is currently living at Lindow Castle while Betsy and the Duke flirt with each other. Recently returned from the war in the Colonies, Jeremy is suffering from PTSD and trying to keep out of everyone's way by hiding in the billiards room. Unfortunately, this is where the Duke chooses to propose to Betsy.

As with all of Eloisa's books, the story is as much about the interaction between the characters as the plot. I loved the way Betsy and Jeremy bounced off each other, how the duke was sweet but completely bemused by the pair of them, and especially by the duke's mother, who is desperate to win Betsy for a daughter-in-law. Even Betsy's maid is conspiring against her, forcing Betsy into huge pink dresses to make a favourable impression on the duchess. Because Betsy has played the part of the perfect lady for so long, everyone believes this is what she's really like. The 'real' Betsy would love to be as wild as her brothers, play billiards, and stride around in breeches rather than big pink dresses. And the only person who realises she hides behind a mask is Jeremy - because he wears one too.

I won't tell you the outcome of their wager but the only bit involving breeches was right at the very end of the story. And while it was a clever twist, I was disappointed there was no scandalous road trip, as suggested by the blurb. Lord Jeremy Roden isn't rakish either; he's rather lovely and I adored him all the more for it.

Although this book is #4 in The Wildes of Lindow Castle series, you can easily read it as a standalone. It would suit readers who enjoy the 'fairy tale' kind of historical romance and authors such as Julia Quinn. I loved the characters, especially the banter between hero and heroine. Say No to the Duke is my favourite book of the series, and one of my favourite reads this year too.


Thank you to Eloisa James and Piatkus for my copy of this book, which I requested from NetGalley and reviewed voluntarily.

3.5 stars!

This definitely got better by the halfway mark!
I wasn't much into both main characters until they started showing their true personalities and vulnerabilities. I'm guessing the plot and characters needed to warm up to me. =)

Say No to the Duke is the 4th book in the The Wildes of Lindow Castle series.
It's a love story and friendship between a wounded soldier, Jeremy Roden who suffers from PTSD and the guilt of having all of his men die in war and he's left standing.

The woman who saves his heart and soul is Lady Betsy Wilde. She's trying to be anything else then her mother who ran away with her lover, leaving her heartbroken children behind. She not only caused a huge scandal with the ton but Betsy has been trying to escape her shadow her whole life.

I thought the side characters in this were well done and had different voices. The dialogue was witty and I ended up really enjoying the love relationship after all.

I'm looking forward to finishing up the series.
Recommended to fans of historical romance. I have enjoyed many Eloisa James books so far and this was no exception!

I was pleasantly surprised when I was a awarded this wish by the publisher for this novel through Netgalley. I've read other books by this author and generally liked them. this was just as good. Jeremy and Betsy are more or less friends that banter and keep each other honest. Jeremy is fighting his own demons after having had witnessed his platoon killed during the war. His tentative friendship and eventual sexual desire for the fiery Betsy reawakens his spirit and his will to enjoy life.
I liked that Betsy is independent and thrives to be more than society expects of her. Jeremy is the perfect counterpart because he appreciates and encourages her adventurous streak. Very well written and enjoyable.

DNF at 52%. Tried several times to finish. Just too ridiculous for me.