Matthew recently tried to reorganize my book shelves by alphabetizing every title. By the end, he admitted defeat and settled for my usual system—by color, then by series, then by whatever happens to be near my favorite mug. Our family’s version of order is a little quirky, but cozy—and as soon as we finished, I curled up under my thunderstorm blanket and dove into A Duke for Miss Daisy. If you’re as protective of your reading nooks as I am, you’ll understand why a sweet Regency escape is sometimes exactly what’s needed after a homegrown adventure.
Plot Summary
A Duke for Miss Daisy by Maggie Dallen and Katherine Ann Madison launches the A Wallflower's Wish series, a collection centered on three loyal friends navigating Regency high society as self-professed wallflowers. Daisy, once overlooked, attends a house party with new hopes for her season—especially after the now-widowed Duke of Dolan arrives. Childhood adoration collides with reality as she finds him grim, rude, and nothing like the hero she imagined. Daisy’s journey of self-assertion, clumsy encounters, and witty banter with the Duke unfolds against a backdrop of friendship and budding romance. Central to this book are the misunderstandings that keep Daisy and the Duke apart, forcing them to confront their insecurities, expectations, and what they truly seek in love. Supporting friends enrich the story, promising more adventures in future series entries.
Why I Love This Book
I love how Daisy’s quiet strength emerges as she stands up for herself—not just with the Duke, but in a society that prefers her invisible. The character development is subtle yet heartfelt, and the dry humor in their banter made me smile more than once. I think the pacing is perfect for readers who want an emotional journey in a few sittings. What stuck with me is the genuine chemistry—these two are soul mates without needing grand gestures. Their vulnerability is relatable, and their misunderstandings felt real, not forced. Even when tension is high, the story stays light and cozy; it’s the kind of romance that makes you want to bake, dim the lights, and escape into another world for an afternoon.
Who Will Like This Book
If you enjoy sweet Regency romance, wallflower heroines, enemies-to-lovers tension, or stories about loyalty and friendship, you'll love this book. It’s not dark or steamy, but full of warmth, clever dialogue, and the slow revelation of true love. Perfect for anyone who needs a gentle escape from reality. First-person: I find it ideal for fans of Jane Austen-inspired settings and anyone who likes heartfelt but gentle romantic tension.
⚠️ Trigger warning: Some grief due to the Duke’s bereavement, brief mentions of emotional misunderstandings and insecurity. No explicit content, manipulation, or abuse.
Tagged As
sweet regency romance, wallflower, enemies to lovers, slow burn, loyal friends, house party, clean romance, historical romance, strong heroine, grumpy duke, witty banter, HEA, series debut, gentle read, cozy, emotionally uplifting, friendship, period drama, second chances
Steam Level
This book is very clean. There’s palpable romantic tension, but all intimacy is expressed through dialogue, longing, and gentle touches. Fade-to-black at most—perfect for readers who enjoy romance with zero explicitness and want to focus on emotional growth instead.
