The Trouble With Being a Duke (At the Kingsborough Ball Series #1)

by Sophie Barnes

Overview

Sometimes happily ever after . . .

Anthony Hurst, Duke of Kingsborough, knows the time has come for him to produce an heir. But first he must find a bride. When he meets the most exquisite woman at his masquerade ball, he thinks his search is over . . . until the breathtaking beauty runs off. With few clues other than her figure, her scent, and the memory of her kiss, Anthony must find his mystery lady.

. . . needs a little bit of help.

Isabella Chilcott can scarcely believe it: she is finally at the Kingsborough Ball. As a child, she dreamed of dancing a waltz here, and now, thanks to a gorgeous gown she’s found in the attic, Isabella is living her fairytale fantasy. And she’s waltzing with the Duke of Kingsborough himself! But she must escape before he discovers her secrets . . . for she is not who she pretends to be, and falling in love with Prince Charming is the last thing she can allow herself to do . . .

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780062245137
Publisher:	HarperCollins Publishers
Publication date:	08/27/2013
Series:	At the Kingsborough Ball Series , #1
Sold by:	HARPERCOLLINS
Format:	eBook
Pages:	384
Sales rank:	314,794
File size:	1 MB

About the Author

Born in Denmark, USA TODAY bestselling author Sophie Barnes spent her youth traveling with her parents to wonderful places all around the world. She's lived in five different countries, on three different continents, and speaks Danish, English, French, Spanish, and Romanian. But, most impressive of all, she's been married to the same man three times—in three different countries and in three different dresses.

When she's not busy dreaming up her next romance novel, Sophie enjoys spending time with her family, swimming, cooking, gardening, watching romantic comedies and, of course, reading.

Editorial Reviews

Deciding that his mother has mourned her husband long enough and needs something to pique her interest, Anthony Hurst, Duke of Kingsborough, plans to get serious about securing the succession and finding a wife. He thinks reestablishing the annual masquerade ball is a step in the right direction. Although dutiful Isabella Chilcott knows she is expected to marry boring Mr. Roberts for the sake of her impoverished family, she can't let go of her romantic dreams. When the ball is announced, as a village girl Isabella would never be invited. Yet she attends anyway, hoping no one will recognize—or even notice—her. But the duke is charmed, and others do notice. Then an elderly couple begins asking about the lovely, mysterious dress she is wearing, and Isabella knows it's time to leave. VERDICT Funny, whimsical, and wonderfully romantic, this delightful riff on the Cinderella story is pure fun. Barnes has published a number of e-original Regencies with Avon Impulse (The Secret Life of Lady Lucinda); this title is her print debut. She lives on the East Coast.

Library Journal

In this humorous and captivating Regency take on the Cinderella story, carriage worker’s daughter Isabella Smith sneaks into the Kingsborough masquerade ball, hoping to have some fun before becoming engaged to the dull and demanding Timothy Roberts. Isabella, wearing a mask and the beautiful gown that she’s kept hidden in her attic, captures the attention of Anthony, Duke of Kingsborough, and sparks immediately fly. When Isabella hastily exits, Anthony is devastated but knows he must locate her—especially when friends assert that she was wearing the dress in which their kidnapped daughter was last seen. Isabella realizes that her mother, who hates the aristocracy, will never approve of her flirtation with Anthony, yet as her dislike for Mr. Roberts grows, so does her affection for the duke. Before finding love, the two must confront society’s rules, family secrets, and vengeful debutantes. Regency fans will happily devour this tale’s heady passion, comical interludes, and engaging story. (Sept.)

Publishers Weekly

Regency fans will happily devour this tale’s heady passion, comical interludes, and engaging story.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“I fell in love after the first page and didn’t want the book to end!” — USA TODAY Bestselling author Rachel Van Dyken

“...a flawless, fairy tale-like romance that will enchant readers with its perfect blend of sharp wit and sizzling sensuality.” — Booklist

“Barnes makes her print debut with a flawless, fairy tale-like romance that will enchant readers with its perfect blend of sharp wit and sizzling sensuality.” — Booklist

“A fun, fast-paced, wish-fulfilling romance that tugs at readers’ hearts.” — Romantic Times BOOKclub

“Funny, whimsical, and wonderfully romantic, this delightful riff on the Cinderella story is pure fun.” — Library Journal

From the Publisher

A fun, fast-paced, wish-fulfilling romance that tugs at readers’ hearts.

Romantic Times BOOKclub

I fell in love after the first page and didn’t want the book to end!

USA TODAY Bestselling author Rachel Van Dyken

...a flawless, fairy tale-like romance that will enchant readers with its perfect blend of sharp wit and sizzling sensuality.

Booklist

...a flawless, fairy tale-like romance that will enchant readers with its perfect blend of sharp wit and sizzling sensuality.

Booklist