A wallflower… fit for a duke?

Rosemary Crofton has always dreamed of marrying a dashing duke…just like her best friend’s brother, Michael Knight!

But as Rosemary’s stepmother always reminds her, someone so clumsy, plain, and unrefined could never hope for such a future.

Yet when enigmatic Michael needs Rosemary’s help protecting his sister, she’s suddenly facing a season on His Grace’s arm! As she’s whisked between the ton’s most fashionable addresses—including London Zoo!—she begins to feel that someone like her could belong in Michael’s world.

Will Rosemary write her own fairy-tale ending and claim her Knight in shining armor after all?

Titles in the Brides for Sworn Bachelors series include:  Daring to Dream of the Duke (ARC) ~ Resisting the Roguish Captain ~

This is a no-spice romance, perhaps with closed-door or fade-to-black scenes. Tension and kisses might be involved.

Title:  Daring to Dream of the Duke
Series:  Brides for Sworn Brothers #1
Author:  Lauri Robinson
Published:  March 26, 2026
Publisher:  Harlequin Historical
My Rating:  4.5 stars

Daring to Dream of the Duke is the first title in the Brides for Sworn Brothers series.  I had such fun with Rosemary and Michael’s romance.  Imagine a Cinderella fairy tale set in Victorian times, with one stepdaughter who is made to feel less than everyone around her, yet she dreams of a happily-ever-after ending.  Her dream?  Her best friend’s brother, who, while he isn’t a prince charming, certainly is a Duke as handsome and as kind a man as you’ll ever see.  When Michael needs Rosemary’s help with his sister’s protection, at least part of her dreams are coming true… and maybe a happily ever after ending as well.

I loved everything about Daring to Dream of the Duke.  Rosemary has been made to feel less than… and this chance to not only protect her best friend from a potentially horrible romantic situation but also spend time with Michael in his world is the one she’s always dreamed of.  They might at first seem opposites, but as their story moves forward, they’ll each make discoveries about each other that are more realistic but no less worthy of love.  I enjoyed their banter, the way their eyes were opened to possibilities, and the feeling that, yes, this couple is truly right for each other.  Their story is well-written, emotional, and full of laughter and tears, heartache and hope.  If that sounds like your type of Historical Romance adventure, then you’d love Rosemary and Michael’s story.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the author or the author’s team via Booksprout, and I sincerely thank them for their trust. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

This title is available at Amazon