[ARC Review] Some Dukes Have All the Luck by Christina Britton

Publisher's synopsis: Ash Hawkins, Duke of Buckley, no more wants to marry than he wants a stick in his eye. As the owner of a gaming hell, he is all too aware the odds of a happy marriage are against him. But raising his three rebellious wards alone is proving more than he can handle. He needs to find someone who stands to benefit from a marriage of convenience as much as he does. Someone logical, clinical, and rational. And in a stroke of luck, he quite literally stumbles over just such a woman.

After years of ridicule for being more interested in bugs than boys, Bronwyn has accepted that she’ll never marry for love. Her parents, however, are threatening to find her a husband. Bronwyn doesn’t need any scientific research to show her Ash has secrets. But his proposal would give her the freedom to continue her entomology research and perhaps finally get published. Just as long as she can keep her mind on her work and off his piercing eyes, broad shoulders, and wicked, wicked tongue.

My thoughts: I loved the Isle of Synne series, so I was so excited to see that Christina Britton was taking readers back to Synne with this spinoff Synneful Spinsters series. And there was no better way to kick off the Synneful Spinsters than with Some Dukes Have All the Luck. 

I adore Britton's main characters, and Ash and Bronwyn were no exception. Their chemistry was immediate, and I loved how two people who shouldn't work together (a gambling hall owner and an entomologist) end up being exactly what the other person needs in all ways. 

Ash is definitely a troubled hero. He is struggling with his past, but also with his three wards in the present. I loved that Bronwyn - who was always better with bugs than with humans - ended up being the solution to both of Ash's problems. 

Bronwyn really speaks to any of us bookish types who found our happiness while learning, rather than out socializing. I found Bronwyn to be a completely likable and relatable character, and I was so glad that she ended up with a life that made her happy and with people who supported her passions. 

And speaking of support, there was such a fantastic cast of supporting characters in this book. From Ash's wards to Bronwyn's friends, everyone had unique personalities that filled the page. I could easy find myself reading a story featuring any of these characters as the lead. 

I always find Britton's writing easy to pick up and get lost in, and that definitely applies to Some Dukes Have All the Luck. With the help of great characters, an alluring plot, and early steam between the two main characters, I ended up devouring this one in just a couple of sittings. 

After reading the Isle of Synne books, this new series felt like coming home. I honestly can't wait for the next book; I know whichever leading lady Britton picks for the next story will result in yet another binge-worthy story from Synne. 

A huge thank you to Forever for providing an eARC of this title, and for gifting me a finished copy!

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Release date: 11/8/22
Format: eARC/paperback
eARC provided via: NetGalley
Paperback provided via: Forever Friends