Cinderella and the Duke by Lydia Drake

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Cinderella and the Duke by Lydia Drake is a marriage of convenience and take on the Cinderella story. Spinster Julia Beaumont needs a husband, and fast, to escape being trapped by her demanding and awful stepmother; becoming her companion and caretaker forever. When her stepmother falls ill and cannot attend a ball, Julia sees her chance and offers to chaperone her younger step-sister; determined to find a husband before the night ends. Julia believes the night is unsuccessful until she meets Gregory, a handsome and notorious rake known for his scandalous affairs. Gregory Carter, the Duke of Ashworth, is tired of being chased by the women of the ton, and when one of these women tries to entrap him, Julia comes to his rescue. Gregory is immediately taken with Julia; enchanted by her intellect and strong opinions. Though Julia flees the ball, leaving behind only her slipper, she sees Gregory again the next day and proposes to him. They can help each other with this marriage of convenience, and it seems like the perfect solution to both of their problems. The one problem is that neither intended for feelings to develop, sizzling chemistry spark between them, or that they would fall for one another.


There are many references to Cinderella throughout the story. Julia (Cinderella) meets Gregory (Prince Charming) at a ball. Julia loses her slipper as she flees the ball. There’s even a wicked stepmother trying to foil Julia’s plans. Except, this step-sister is nice, and she and Julia have a great sisterly bond They are all fun reminders of the fairy tale, but with a unique Regency twist, making it feel fresh and new.

 

Ms. Drake wrote an entertaining, enjoyable, steamy historical romance novel that is not to be missed. She provided a tale rich with humor, clever banter, sizzling chemistry, family and relationship drama, and endearing characters giving Julia and Gregory a chance to fall in love and have an unexpected future together.  I highly recommend Cinderella and the Duke to other readers.

 

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

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