Anyone but a Duke

Written by Betina Krahn

Narrated by Pilar Witherspoon

New York Times bestselling author Betina Krahn delivers an irresistible romance shimmering with light-hearted wit and thrilling twists . . . The youngest of four spirited American sisters, Sarah Bumgarten has studiously avoided her mother's attempts to find her a titled husband among London's aristocracy. Now, after an earl's very public rejection, it seems her ideal mate will be anyone but a duke, a marquis, a baron, or a viscount . . . Thankfully, there are no noblemen in sight at Betancourt, the country estate where Sarah takes refuge. Its rightful owner, the Duke of Meridian, sibling to Sarah's brother-in-law, has been absent for years. Accompanied by her bevy of beloved animals, Sarah delights in refurbishing the once-grand property. But even a self-assured frontier heiress needs help when greedy tenants are threatened by her presence . . . Out of nowhere, a stranger jumps into the fray when ruffians attack. Nothing about "Art," the roguish interloper-now recuperating in the ducal bedchamber-smacks of nobility, with his brazen sensuality, worldly knowledge, and deeply seductive voice. Yet could he be the errant duke? If so, Sarah soon realizes this homecoming promises to be filled with unexpected challenges and passionate possibilities .

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: Nov 26, 2019
• ISBN: 9781980017004

Betina Krahn

New York Times bestselling author Betina Krahn, mother of two and owner of two (humans and canines, respectively), shares the Florida sunshine with her fiance and a fun and crazy sister. Her historical romances have received reviewers' choice and lifetime achievement awards and appear regularly on bestseller lists, including the coveted USA TODAY and New York Times lists. Her books have been called "sexy," "warm," "witty" and even "wise." But the description that pleases her most is "funny"-because she believes the only thing the world needs as much as it needs love, is laughter. You can learn more about her books and contact Betina through her website above.

Reviews for Anyone but a Duke

[scoutmomskf · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Very good conclusion to the trilogy. The youngest of the sisters, Sarah, is the last one unmarried. Her mother has tried hard to find a titled husband for Sarah, and just when it looks like she has succeeded, disaster strikes. The earl that Sarah had believed was her future mate returned to London after a trip with a fiancée. After such public humiliation, Sarah retreated to Betancourt, one of her brother-in-law's family properties. There she cheers herself up by setting the neglected property to rights and spending time with her assortment of critters. But trouble is brewing as a group of ruffians cause problems for town and estate. A handsome stranger steps in when Sarah and one of her dogs are attacked, and later shows up wounded for Sarah to nurse back to health.Arthur showed up in town with little except the clothes on his back. He had left home heartbroken, determined to spend some time learning about himself and seeing some of the world. He got more than he bargained for, and it has changed him from the heedless young lord he used to be. After years away, he is wary of his welcome and chooses to conceal his identity until he gets the lay of the land.I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Sarah and Arthur. It is a wary one at first, with Sarah unsure if he can be trusted and Arthur questioning what Sarah is up to. It was fun to see his reactions to her activities, from riding to shooting. It also didn't take him long to appreciate what she has done for his home and his people. I also enjoyed seeing the sparks that flew between them, as attraction flared. Arthur also suffers a little jealousy when his cousin shows up, claiming to be worried about Sarah being alone and unprotected. It's this reaction that ultimately motivates Arthur to reveal his identity and take his place as the duke.One of the things I enjoyed most was seeing the influence that Sarah had on Arthur. It was watching her interact with his tenants and neighbors that showed him how to regain his place. I loved watching them work together, and in the process, get to know each other. It wasn't all smooth sailing, as Arthur isn't exactly smooth in communicating his feelings, leaving room for misinterpretation. Sarah also suffers from a bit of insecurity, knowing that Arthur had initially been engaged to her sister and believing that he still cares for her. As various people from Arthur's past show up, Sarah learns more about what Arthur has been through, and falls more deeply for him. I laughed out loud when Arthur's brother, Ashton, shows up and they go from tears of joy at being reunited to pounding on each other because of other things. Once the air is cleared, they can move on to other things.Matters are further complicated by the continuing attacks that the estate suffers. The reader is well aware of who is behind the attacks and why, but the residents have their work cut out for them. The attacks escalate in intensity, and Arthur and the others are hard-pressed to protect the people and the land. Matters come to a head when the culprit goes after Sarah and loses control of his ruffians. There were definitely some nail-biting moments in the barn. I liked how the bad guy got his comeuppance - it was a very satisfying case of karma. I also had to laugh out loud as the men arrived back at the house, only to discover that the ruffians were already vanquished.The ending was fun as Arthur received a whole bunch of unsolicited advice on how to proceed with Sarah. I have to admit that I felt a little sorry for the poor guy, but he did manage to come through it successfully. The epilogue was especially grand, and I loved the unexpected encounter at Ascot. It was another well-deserved example of reaping what you sow.Though I haven't read the first book in the series (yet), where the trouble with Arthur and Ashton began, there was enough background provided that I never felt lost. However, I will go back and read that book soon. I'm looking forward to the author's next book, though I believe it will be a while before it comes out.

[nelispelusa · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This is the third book in this series, I however started with the second which I loved! This is Sarah's story the youngest of the Baumgarten. Sarah who a little different and didn't really fit in with the ton and she was also American. She felt like she had a friend and love interest in one of the young men, but he was sent away was finally back and she knew that he was going to be hers she had a gift for him and all because she truly missed him, but when he came back he came with a wife and she was not very nice. Heartbroken Sarah moves to her sisters husband home and started taking care of it since her sister and her husband the now duke because his brother passed where still in America. But, Arthur, the real duke was not dead after all, and now we have lies, betrayal, some danger and a love where they don't expect it..I normally do not like reading stories of guy now falls for the sister of his previous love, but I was ok with this one..rcvd an ARc at no cost to author..(netgalley) Voluntarily reviewed with my own thoughts and opinions