Always Be My Duchess

by Amalie Howard

Overview

Pretty Woman meets the Bridgertons in this witty, vivacious historical romance for readers of Lisa Kleypas, Kerrigan Byrne, and Eloisa James!

Lord Lysander Blackstone, the Duke of Montcroix, has only one interest: increasing his considerable fortune. After a series of betrayals, he keeps his emotions buried deep. Money, after all, can’t break a man’s heart—or make promises it can’t keep. But when his reputation for being heartless jeopardizes a new business deal, he finds himself seeking a most unusual—and alluring—solution . . . 

After refusing to become a wealthy patron’s mistress, up-and-coming ballerina Geneviève Valery is now hopelessly out of work. When she accidentally saves the life of a handsome duke, she doubts the encounter will go any better than her last brush with nobility. But instead of propositioning her, Montcroix makes Nève an offer she would be a fool to refuse: act as his fake fiancée in exchange for fortune enough to start over.

Only neither is prepared when very real feelings begin to grow between them. They both stand to win . . . but only if they’re willing to risk their hearts.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781538737729
Publisher:	Grand Central Publishing
Publication date:	04/11/2023
Series:	Taming of the Dukes Series , #1
Pages:	368
Product dimensions:	4.10(w) x 6.70(h) x 1.10(d)

About the Author

Amalie Howard is a USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestselling novelist of “smart, sexy, deliciously feminist romance” (Sarah MacLean). The Beast of Beswick was one of Oprah Daily’s Top 24 Best Historicals to Read. She is also the author of several critically acclaimed, award-winning young adult novels. An AAPI/Caribbean-born writer, she has written articles and interviews on multicultural fiction that have appeared in the Portland Book Review, Ravishly magazine, and Diversity in YA. When she’s not writing, she can usually be found reading, being the president of her one-woman Harley Davidson motorcycle club #WriteOrDie, or power-napping. She currently lives in Colorado with her husband and three children.
 

Editorial Reviews

Always Be My Duchess is a dreamy summer romance designed to sweep you up into a world of ballerinas, hunky dukes, cheeky girl gangs, and delicious sex scenes. Light on angst and heavy on charm, it's a feel-good read of the highest order.”—Entertainment Weekly

“The story slayed me from page one.”—Paste Magazine

"Howard’s lyrical writing enlivens her bright, empathetic characters and her sharp eye on their class and cultural disparities only enhances their romance. Readers will be riveted."—Publishers Weekly

“Howard creates great characters and dialogue . . . A real treat.”—Library Journal

"Refreshing, steamy, and stocked with characters you don’t normally get to see in the genre—a must-read author."—Jodi Picoult, #1 New York Times bestselling author

"Amalie Howard tells a story with self-assured style, wit, and energy . . . her writing sparkles!"—Lisa Kleypas, #1 New York Times bestselling author

“Fabulous writing . . . such a delicious escape. Utterly delightful!”

—Eloisa James, New York Times bestselling author

"Amalie Howard is the fresh voice historical romance needs right now. . . . I will read every word she writes."—Kerrigan Byrne, USA Today bestselling author

"Intellectual, heartfelt romance[s]."—Entertainment Weekly on The Rakehell of Roth and The Beast of Beswick

"[The Rakehell of Roth is] a unique spin on the marriage of convenience trope, and Howard pulls it off in spectacular fashion by focusing on her characters’ complex emotional journeys. Howard’s fans and newcomers alike will be charmed."—Publishers Weekly on The Rakehell of Roth

"For those who like brooding and moody heroes, heroines who stand up to them and modern romances with an old school flair."—Maya Rodale, NPR on The Beast of Beswick

"Beauty and the Beast may be a tale as old as time, but [The Beast of Beswick is] a refreshing update."—O, The Oprah Magazine on The Beast of Beswick

"Readers will fall in love with this fresh twist on the fairy tale."—Publishers Weekly on The Beast of Beswick

"A smart, sexy, deliciously feminist romance that I couldn't put down. I loved every word!"—Sarah MacLean, New York Times bestselling author, on The Beast of Beswick

From the Publisher

Mary Jane Wells delights listeners with a lively performance of a new historical romance series. Lysander Blackstone, Duke of Montcroix, has little desire for marriage; however, he needs the appearance of upcoming nuptials to secure a business deal. At the same time, ballerina Geneviève Valery will soon be unable to continue paying for her injured sister’s care. A chance encounter provides a solution to both. Wells’s enthusiastic narration and her ability to give characters unique voices and project their personalities will captivate listeners. Most notably, Wells imbues Geneviève with humor and wit, bringing the dancer to life. Wells provides a treat for one’s ears. A.L.S.M. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine

AUGUST 2022 - AudioFile

Mary Jane Wells delights listeners with a lively performance of a new historical romance series. Lysander Blackstone, Duke of Montcroix, has little desire for marriage; however, he needs the appearance of upcoming nuptials to secure a business deal. At the same time, ballerina Geneviève Valery will soon be unable to continue paying for her injured sister’s care. A chance encounter provides a solution to both. Wells’s enthusiastic narration and her ability to give characters unique voices and project their personalities will captivate listeners. Most notably, Wells imbues Geneviève with humor and wit, bringing the dancer to life. Wells provides a treat for one’s ears. A.L.S.M. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine

AUGUST 2022 - AudioFile

2022-04-13
A duke hires a ballerina to play the role of his fiancee in this historical romance reminiscent of Pretty Woman.

Geneviève “Nève” Valery came to London to find work so she could financially support her injured sister back home in Paris, but she’s been struggling to get hired as a dancer. When she rescues Lysander Blackstone, Duke of Montcroix, from cutpurses in Covent Garden, he offers her a proposal. In order to secure a business deal, he needs to prove he’s a family man who intends to marry, so he will pay her handsomely to pose as a potential duchess he is courting. She accepts, but what starts as a one-night-only deal turns into more as they both realize the benefits of their partnership. As Nève discovers the kind heart beneath Lysander’s stony exterior, the pretend relationship begins feeling all too real. The central couple have an instant connection, but their relationship grows so much richer as they become closer and open themselves up to love and passion. Nève is fierce and spirited and the perfect partner for the logical, stoic duke (Howard notes he is written as neurodivergent, which would not have been diagnosed in that period). The external conflicts aren’t as well developed, and the baddies feel like caricatures. However, Nève’s friend group is wonderful, funny, and full of heart, which bodes well for future installments of this new series, as these ladies are sure to be the next heroines.

Some of the drama seems superfluous, but the main characters make an enticing, entertaining pair.

Kirkus Reviews