Rating: 
Summary: A most annoying Lady...
Review: After her Grandmother's death, Lady Lara Darling unwillingly sets off to London for the Season. While waiting on a coach, she meets Griff, an impoverished nobleman working as a driver. As in many a romance novel, she finds him "the most beautiful man she had ever seen." What follows are a series of incidents where Lara (a most infantile and annoying heroine) sets out to "ruin" her reputation; with Griff coming to her rescue time and time again(sigh).
After reading Ryan's previous novella "A Dozen Kisses" included in "The Further Observations of Lady Whistledown" and enjoying it; "The Duchess Diaries" was a complete dissapointment. Hard as I tried, I just couldn't warm up to Lara, and while Griff was likable, I kept wishing he would find someone else.
If you don't mind feeling like wringing the heroines neck every four pages, buy the book. It is not great, but it will help pass the time.
Rating: 
Summary: Not bad
Review: Because I adored "A Dozen Kisses" in the Whistledown anthology, I purchased this novel. As with most romances, the plot was a bit predictable (gorgeous male lead meets feisty, headstrong female, hijinks ensue). But I enjoyed it anyway, because it was fast paced, witty and well-written. Granted, some scenes could have been better, but none were wretched enough to ruin the novel.
Rating:
Summary: Not bad
Review: Because I adored "A Dozen Kisses" in the Whistledown anthology, I purchased this novel. As with most romances, the plot was a bit predictable (gorgeous male lead meets feisty, headstrong female, hijinks ensue). But I enjoyed it anyway, because it was fast paced, witty and well-written. Granted, some scenes could have been better, but none were wretched enough to ruin the novel.
Rating:
Summary: Darling Debut to an Enjoyable Series
Review: Lara Darling is both a 'darling' heroine and a sometimes - actually quite often - walking disaster whose exuberance for life gets her into so much trouble. Lara can't quite back off from anything, especially if someone says, "I dare you!" It is these words precisely that came to Lara through her dear and loving grandmother's will and diaries that convince her to go to London for one season to find a wealthy husband. Finding a husband is the last thing Lady Lara Darling ever wanted to do! Why, she'd have to behave like a lady - not drive a coach, not shoot guns, or even swear - my goodness! But her grandmother knew her granddaughter best and with that dare in mind, Lara set out. Before Lara even arrived in London, she is somewhat impressed by a daring feat of driving of a coach and four by a driver known as 'The Baron', Griff Hallsbury. Griff, the coachman was devastatingly handsome and something of a mystery and probably the first man Lara had ever been attracted to. Lara was overheard to boast that the driving feat could be accomplished by herself and just had to prove it. Griff, not forgetting his once elevated station in life realized how if it became known who she was it could ruin her before she ever reached London. Pretending she was a 'Mrs. Hastings', he came to her rescue and alleviated her first social disaster. Their paths would cross several times during the season as he always seemed to 'be there' when she needed him yet the mystery of who he was and the undeniable attraction between them would grow as well as Lara's frustration that she just would never find a husband or be happy as a wife. As she soon recognized her love for Griff, she was recognized and blackmailed by people from Griff's past that were seeking revenge by placing them in a race to humiliate him and unmask her. Both would then have to 'race' to save the other. I found this to be a totally delightful, fast paced and immensely enjoyable light-hearted romance with just a light touch of suspense and danger. The lead couple was absolutely made for each other and their chemistry was skillfully written. The addition of the grandmother's diary entries was a nice touch that gives the readers insight into the characters and their relationship. The secondary character development of Lara's sisters was a very key and enjoyable entry into the plot and the reader will, as I do, look forward to a continuation of the series as the Darling sisters foray into town for love and romance. The author uses great imagery, witty dialogs, and unusual situations that will leave you chuckling - the 'unfortunate incident' with Lord Cartwright is an absolute hoot not to be missed. Bottom line, this is going to be a wonderful series if the first book is any indication of what's in store for the rest of these 'darling' sisters! --- Submitted by Marilyn, Official Reviewer for www.historicalromancewriters.com ---
Rating:
Summary: Not bad
Review: Lara Darling is both a `darling' heroine and a sometimes - actually quite often - walking disaster whose exuberance for life gets her into so much trouble. Lara can't quite back off from anything, especially if someone says, "I dare you!" It is these words precisely that came to Lara through her dear and loving grandmother's will and diaries that convince her to go to London for one season to find a wealthy husband. Finding a husband is the last thing Lady Lara Darling ever wanted to do! Why, she'd have to behave like a lady - not drive a coach, not shoot guns, or even swear - my goodness! But her grandmother knew her granddaughter best and with that dare in mind, Lara set out. Before Lara even arrived in London, she is somewhat impressed by a daring feat of driving of a coach and four by a driver known as `The Baron', Griff Hallsbury. Griff, the coachman was devastatingly handsome and something of a mystery and probably the first man Lara had ever been attracted to. Lara was overheard to boast that the driving feat could be accomplished by herself and just had to prove it. Griff, not forgetting his once elevated station in life realized how if it became known who she was it could ruin her before she ever reached London. Pretending she was a `Mrs. Hastings', he came to her rescue and alleviated her first social disaster. Their paths would cross several times during the season as he always seemed to `be there' when she needed him yet the mystery of who he was and the undeniable attraction between them would grow as well as Lara's frustration that she just would never find a husband or be happy as a wife. As she soon recognized her love for Griff, she was recognized and blackmailed by people from Griff's past that were seeking revenge by placing them in a race to humiliate him and unmask her. Both would then have to `race' to save the other. I found this to be a totally delightful, fast paced and immensely enjoyable light-hearted romance with just a light touch of suspense and danger. The lead couple was absolutely made for each other and their chemistry was skillfully written. The addition of the grandmother's diary entries was a nice touch that gives the readers insight into the characters and their relationship. The secondary character development of Lara's sisters was a very key and enjoyable entry into the plot and the reader will, as I do, look forward to a continuation of the series as the Darling sisters foray into town for love and romance. The author uses great imagery, witty dialogs, and unusual situations that will leave you chuckling - the `unfortunate incident' with Lord Cartwright is an absolute hoot not to be missed. Bottom line, this is going to be a wonderful series if the first book is any indication of what's in store for the rest of these `darling' sisters! --- Submitted by Marilyn, Official Reviewer for www.historicalromancewriters.com ---
Rating:
Summary: pam in carolina
Review: the book was very funny and a real cute story. i could not put it down. lara and griff were a very amusing and dynamic couple. i can't wait to read about all the darling sisters.
Rating:
Summary: charming Regency romance
Review: The oldest of six sisters, Lara Darling has no plans to marry. However, her deceased grandmother, in her will, demands she go to London for a season to marry. Lara was ready to ignore the request until Nanny L dared her to find a wealthy spouse in one season without a dowry. Unable to pass on a dare, Lara agrees to go to London. To help Lara, grandma left her a guide diary to navigate through high society. However, unable to resist a dare from her coachman, "Baron" Griff Hallsbury she performs a driving feat only an expert could perform. Soon rumors and bets abound about a Mrs. Hastings who some members of the Ton believe is a better driver than the current champion Griff. As she and Griff fall in love, she plans to defeat him when they meet in a one on one race. Fans of Regency romances will appreciate this delightful charmer starring two brisk intriguing protagonists. Griff is a fallen aristocrat struggling to make ends meet; Lara is a daredevil gender bender yet mindful of McFly in Back to the Future with their respective reactions to a dare (or in the latter's case chicken). Her skills with the whip seem stretched even if she is talented because experience is vital and it is doubtful she had many opportunities. Still, readers will take great delight in her challenges of macho male domination. Harriet Klausner
Rating:
Summary: charming Regency romance
Review: The oldest of six sisters, Lara Darling has no plans to marry. However, her deceased grandmother, in her will, demands she go to London for a season to marry. Lara was ready to ignore the request until Nanny L dared her to find a wealthy spouse in one season without a dowry. Unable to pass on a dare, Lara agrees to go to London. To help Lara, grandma left her a guide diary to navigate through high society. However, unable to resist a dare from her coachman, "Baron" Griff Hallsbury she performs a driving feat only an expert could perform. Soon rumors and bets abound about a Mrs. Hastings who some members of the Ton believe is a better driver than the current champion Griff. As she and Griff fall in love, she plans to defeat him when they meet in a one on one race. Fans of Regency romances will appreciate this delightful charmer starring two brisk intriguing protagonists. Griff is a fallen aristocrat struggling to make ends meet; Lara is a daredevil gender bender yet mindful of McFly in Back to the Future with their respective reactions to a dare (or in the latter's case chicken). Her skills with the whip seem stretched even if she is talented because experience is vital and it is doubtful she had many opportunities. Still, readers will take great delight in her challenges of macho male domination. Harriet Klausner
Rating:
Summary: An amusing adventure.
Review: This book is perfect for anyone who enjoys a leading lady who has brains and isn't completely perfect. Lady Lara in this story is incredibly adventurous, and scandalous by society's terms, but her sweet spirit makes her a very likable character. She meets her match with Griff and it is a wildly amusing ride from there. A great, lighthearted read that will surely leave a smile on your face even after you finish reading it.
Rating: 
Summary: A real disappointment
Review: When I read the Lady Whistledown anthology, Mia Ryan's story was my favorite and I waited anxiously for The Duchess Diaries. What a disappointment. I eagerly began reading the book, but immediately disliked Lady Lara. What a goof!. I just couldn't warm up to her and her half-witted adventures. I started reading the book, then as it went on, I began skimming, and finally, I put it down. I think I could have liked Griff, but what did he see in her? He was an idiot for not looking for someone else. So, I haven't found many keepers lately, and this surely isn't one.
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