2.5⭐️ “It wasn't that she was different from other ladies. That was an insult to other ladies. No, she was simply…different. From anyone he'd ever met. Odd. Passionate. Determined.

And he found he liked odd, passionate, and determined.”

Back in the late 90’s, among the wildly popular movies like 10 Things I Hate About You, Sleepy Hollow & The Mummy {three of my very favourites} there was a sleeper hit called ‘Ever After’. It was a Cinderella remake with Drew Barrymore playing the female protagonist, Danielle De Barbarac.
If you haven’t watched this movie, do yourself a favour and do so immediately.

Unfortunately, It may have been my love for this movie that took the shine off of this story. The beginning started off strong {and was very reminiscent of the above stated movie} but the momentum kind of plummeted after that. Our heroine, Charlotte, seems to think she has good reasons for lying but it felt obvious to me the reader that even after the first couple of meetings with the hero, Rafe, if she had just explained herself and her situation, he would have backed her up. It read like instalove but without benefits of instalove if you know what I mean.

The ending also took an inordinate amount of time to unravel and without the real lightbulb moment I was longing for.

I received this free eARC from @Engtangled_Publishing & @NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. Synopsis for this story can be found on GoodReads, StoryGraph & wherever books are sold.

“She was like those flowers. She had to be. Pushing her way through the darkness. Deter mined to see the sun.”

Lovely, romantic book. I like Charlotte and Rafe both a lot. Truly, a secret Cinderella story. The positives of the story are the characters which are massively likeable, and easily identifiable. The passion between the two central characters is quite literally, page burning. It’s awesome how this is expressed so, the author has been successful enough to connect with the readers. The twist in identifying Charlotte's identity iin the end is shocking and exciting. Good pastime,entertaining book. Thanks to the author and publisher.

I read that The Duke’s Secret Cinderella in one sitting and I have no regrets. A heartfelt, angsty retelling of Cinderella (clearly, based on the title), Eva Devon rewards her readers with a charming Duke whose big consequence is surpassed only by an even bigger heart. It’s impossible not to love the Duke of Rockford, and oh boy, did I love him.

So much so, my heart ached for him as he fell for Charlotte, unaware of her truth. I’m not one for lying in romance—it bothers more than it perhaps should—and I can’t say I didn’t struggle at times with that aspect of this book. However, the flip side is a sisterly relationship that breathes new life into a tale as old as time and a couple who banter and dance and appreciate life’s little moments. As such, I absolutely wanted and needed to see this book through to happily ever beginning.

As always, Devon gives us a story that leaves one smiling; a well-written romance that has flaws, yes, but also leans into the fairytale we all secretly yearn to have come true. Worthy of a read, and sure to delight your romance-loving heart.

Yet again, I am in love with an Eva Devon book! The Never A Wallflower series has just been hit after hit for me. I absolutely adore the way that the author writes her heroes. They have such heart and depth and fall head over heels for the heroine. I love to see a guy pine, and Eva Devon delivers. I think the plot was well paced and the story was well written. The side characters were all very interesting, and the author has a way of writing them that makes me want to see their stories too! I would love to follow Matthew around a bit. I also appreciate that our evil step-father was really kinda scary and that we get to know why he does what he does. I, of course, loved our heroine, who is a strong, compassionate person with a bit of snark. Simply put: I loved the way this story was crafted and that we contrasted some darker tones with light comedic moments.
I think if you like a hero who is so far gone for the heroine and don’t mind a bit of mistaken identity, you’ll love seeing their story unfold.

This is Book 3 of the Never a Wallflower wonderful series.

Rafe (the Duke of Rockford) comes to the aid of a brick-wielding young lady, Charlotte, who is going to debtors prison to release a servant. He was there because of a debt of her step-father’s (Palmerton). It’s a Cinderella story that we all love. Charlotte is treated as a servant in her own mother’s home, more of a slave to her nasty step-father. She retains her self-worth somewhere deep inside.

I loved her step-sister Francesca who always loved Charlotte as an equal. They got up to some mischief-making while Palmerton is away. I didn’t like that Rafe was falling in love with Charlotte yet acts like she has lied to him on purpose. Thank goodness for his grandmother! She remembered Charlotte’s true family and really came to her aid.

I received a free copy of the book in advance and am leaving this review voluntarily.

Duke meets CInderella.

Thank you, Eva Devon, for giving us Rafe. He's a dreamboat duke, who is being blackmailed by his mother (she would give his foundling home away to force him to do his duty and marry). Rafe is captivated by Charlotte, whom he meets with a brick in a bag as she is on her way to debtor's prison to buy her servant's release. Charlotte was once in a position to be a lady. Alas, her mother married a vile man and left her without protection. She is now a maid in her own home. Think Cinderella meets Ever After. Spunky, strong, determined women, a villian and a handsome, earnest, good duke. What more could you want?
Recommend.

This is a different retelling of Cinderella, or in this case Charlotte. Instead of an evil step mother, it's an evil step father. She has two step siblings, a brother and sister. Although Charlotte despises her brother, she loves her sister, Francesca.
Treated as a servant in her own home, Charlotte is out trying to rescue one of the other servants, when she is accosted by a thug. As she is trying to protect herself, a very handsome man comes to aid her. After the thug runs off, Rafe, the Duke of Rockford, introduces himself. He then offers to escort her to the prison to rescue her servant. They part ways impressed with the other but never expecting to see each other again.
Under pressure from his mother to marry, Rafe calls on the one lady his mother recommended as a bride, Francesca. When Charlotte is standing in the foyer when he arrives, he assumes that she is Francesca's sister and a Lady, just like Francesca. Charlotte doesn't disabuse this idea.
They both feel like fate has taken a hand in bringing them together.
And so the adventure begins from there. The romance, the heartbreak, the lies, deceit, blackmail, betrayal.
I liked the characters of Charlotte and Rafe. I like how they challenge each other and how they both care about others. I liked that this story was just different enough that you didn't feel like you were reading a Cinderella story.
5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I want to thank Netgalley for the opportunity to review this book.
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The Duke’s Secret Cinderella by Eva Devon is the third in the series called Never a Wallflower. The series focuses on nobility that need to get married but find themselves attracted to women who are not traditional choices.

Rafe Dorchester, the Duke of Rockford is forced by his mother to seriously look for a bride. She is insistent that it is time and actually has a woman that she wants Rafe to meet and strongly consider. Rafe agrees to at least consider her choice.

Charlotte Browne is all but a servant in a household that she grew up in. She has always known that she is not the “quality” of the step brother and sister. She is kind and caring, determined to find a way to keep her small family (stepsister and servants) safe from her step father and his cruelty. It was in this task, she met Rafe, who helped her!

Rafe goes to meet the choice of his mother and meets again Charlotte (who pretends to be a lady) and cousin to her step sister. The novel has all sorts of ties to the Cinderella story. The evil step father (not mother) was one of the elements. (I have to admit, I abhorred him.) Charlotte actually has to clean the fireplaces. Cinderella was kind, caring and considerate.

The novel could have been a bit shorter, with a little less fluff in the middle. I thought the beginning and the ending were excellent. The novel, The Duke’s Secret Cinderella by Eva Devon was a good read.

I loved this Cinderella 'ish' retelling! Nothing better than when a Duke gets the ultimate ultimatum about marriage from his mother...find a bride or else! Little does he know the beauty is drawn too is only pretending to be a lady of the ton. Such a fun romance!

Charlotte Browne could just kick herself. What on earth possessed her to tell the Duke of Rockford that she is a lady? But something about the duke’s handsomeness and kind intelligence makes Charlotte blurt out the teeniest, tiniest falsehood. Now it’s too late to admit she’s just plain Charlotte of no particular importance with cinder-stained hands, a wretched stepfather, and no prospects for marriage. Rafe Dorchester, Duke of Rockford, has done what every self-respecting duke must do—avoid marriage at all costs. But the only thing stronger than the duke is his mother. When she lays down the highest ultimatum, he’ll need to find a duchess. Immediately. Only, when he calls on a potential bride, he instead finds the pert, fresh-faced Lady Charlotte. One passionate, illicit kiss sends Charlotte fleeing, leaving only a delicate blue ribbon behind. For Rafe can never discover her secret, or it will ruin her beloved sister’s chance at marriage. But the duke knows that when you’ve found the one person that ignites you, body and soul, nothing can keep you away.
A delightful fairy story retelling, I loved Rafe but had some issues with Charlotte who told so many lies & for me the deception went on too long. I liked the book but didn’t love it. The characters have depth & were well portrayed, the pace was good & it was well written. It just didn’t WOW me
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

Sweet romance with sizzling chemistry!

Rafe is being gently blackmailed by his well-meaning mother to finally settle down and take a wife. Charlotte is the poor relation, destined to be a charity case who should be thankful she's being allowed to work as a maid in her stepfather's household. In a series of scenes that are inspired by my favorite Cinderella film, Drew Barrymore's Ever After, Charlotte and Rafe find that their connection is far deeper than either of them could have expected.

In Charlotte, Rafe finds a woman with the same values, the same outlook on life, as he has. I really felt Charlotte's struggle as she both recognized her true soulmate and yet also knew there was no chance they could ever be together. A maid never dares to aspire to become a duchess, yet all of her protestations are ignored as Rafe is determined to convince her she's the only one for him.

These are charming, fascinating characters who I instantly cared about. The secondary romance was a nice surprise, as was the strong friendship between Charlotte and Francesca. It's not until late in the book that we finally see all the secrets revealed in a way that I never saw coming. This put a whole new spin on the entire romance, and as surprise twists go it was brilliantly constructed and executed.

I was completely consumed by this book from the first page until the very last, and I can't recommend it highly enough. It's one of the very best I've read in historical romances. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

If you're looking for a fun, sweet Cinderella retelling, The Duke's Secret Cinderella is a great choice! Ever since her mother died, Charlotte has lived under the iron fist of her stepfather. While she loves her stepsister like family and is friends with many of the servants, her stepfather does his best to make her life suck. The book begins with an example of just that. He had one of the servants she was close with arrested just to make her suffer. Charlotte meets Rafe while rescuing the servant, and assumptions are made about her status as a lady. She furthers that when he calls upon her house to meet her sister. Charlotte and Rafe proceed to fall in love, but the secret of her identity looms over the relationship. I really liked them together, and aside from a moment of doubt, how Rafe fought for Charlotte and for them to be together. This book was great and I totally recommend it!

I have to admit, while I'm generally a fan of fairy tale re-tellings, this one didn't do it for me.

Here we have Charlotte, and she is something of a Cinderella. Her mom died and everything went to her stepfather. She is now the maid. One day she goes to the rescue of a friend and meets the duke and it's love at first side. For Rafe, anyway. Rafe is the duke, of course. But he is a different kind of duke. He has good friends, he is not a rake, and he wants to do good for poor people. He believes Charlotte is the one for him.

Except she is not who he thinks she is since he believes her to be a lady and she lets him believe it.The deception when a little too long for me and I knew what was going to happen. It was an okay read, ju

If you like insta love, cinderella retellings, a resilient heroine and a hero who is a softie with some sexy scenes, you might like this one.

The premise was so good, just not for me. That is what this book taught me, Eva Devon is not for me. I just don't connect with her writing.

A spicy historical romance with mistaken identity, family secrets, kisses, a blue ribbon, and a rags to riches that isn't like your childhood fairy tale.

In a retelling Charlotte lives with her cruel stepfather who is manipulative and craves power and wealth. He will do everything to keep the truth from Charlotte who falls into a bit of a precarious situation when she meets a Duke.

Charlotte isn't forthcoming about her real identity when she meets the Duke who shows interest and desire to further their connection. Too many years she's been denied affection and to be seen. It's time for her to discover her voice, standing up for what she believes in, and a willingness to speak no matter the price to be paid.

What will happen when the Duke discovers who her family is and what that means to those that know her?

Happy reading folks!

The Duke's Secret Cinderella is a retelling that pits an evil step-father against the daughter he's inherited through marriage. Charlotte is kind and endearing, even to a step-sister she's had to basically serve her whole life. These two sister's are forever bonded as they both are terrified of the man they must call father.

While she doesn't lose shoe, she does whack a besotted Duke with a brick after he comes to her rescue. The hit was a wake-up call to take in what is in front of him, a lovely damsel in distress who his heart was a flutter.

This regency romance is a quick read, and brings two honorable people together in love. Oh, and their chemistry is amazing from the point the brick strikes. Devon continues to deliver lovely, steamy reads in the Never a Wallflower Series.

Thank you Entangled Publishing for the complimentary copy.

Review: 3.75 stars 

Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing, LLC for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

A Cinderella regency romance re-telling - yes, please!!! 

It's been a while since I read regency romance, and this has a surprisingly fresh take. For one, it's the heroine putting the brakes on getting together and not the hero denying his feelings. 
Charlotte and Rafe met in the streets of London as Charlotte, disguised as a lady, was on her way to rescue one of her servants due to her stepfather's negligence. Enter Rafe, who pays the penalty for her servant's bail as Charlotte loses her coin. Unexpectedly, Rafe came to call on
Charlotte's stepsister, Francesca, due to the machinations of his mother, who gave him an ultimatum to marry or his funding for the foundling hospital would be cut off. This unexpectedly leads to him meeting Charlotte again, and to avoid Rafe from discovering Charlotte's true identity; she lies about her identity and causes hilarity as they both fall for each other. 

I have certain points in the book where I was rolling my eyes at Charlotte or patting her on the head as she dug a hole with her lies which grew and grew to a point where she would rather dig herself into more lies than trust Rafe or his family. On the other hand, Rafe falls hard for Charlotte and goes to great lengths to get her as she pushes him away due to her lies. 

It's refreshing to see the hero being the frustrated one and how he falls first! Unlike Cinderella, Charlotte and Francesca have a close sibling bond and would encourage and care for each other. There is some spice to it! I do enjoy the banter and the supporting characters. It's also so sweet to see how both mains have the same take on love (it's the little and simple things) yet grew up in different stations. 

You can do no wrong in picking up this book for an unexpected fun read for a historical romance.

The Duke's Secret Cinderella by Eva Devon is a beautiful take on the classic Cinderella story but with it's own twists. Charlotte is an orphan living with her stepfather in London. Through a chance meeting, Charlotte runs into the Duke, Rafe. It was a great re-telling but with a few hints of modern times. I enjoyed this book a lot and look forward to reading more from this author!

Charlotte is an orphaned woman living in London under the thumb of her horrible stepfather. When her stepfather leaves one of her beloved servants in a debtors prison she decides to wear one of her step sisters gown and get him out. On her way to help the servant she crosses paths with Rafe, Duke of rockford. Rafe who is progressive and under orders from his mother to meet and find a bride finds himself immediately drawn to Charlotte and decides to help her. When he later goes to meet the one woman on his mothers suitable brides list he finds himself running into charlotte, who out of fear pretends to be a lady and her step-sisters cousin.

This was a really sweet romance. Charlotte is show to be very kind and considerate and clearly loves the people in her life dearly. I loved the fact that in this retelling of Cinderella the step-sister isn’t mean or ugly but is another sweet young woman who is in a truly awful situation. I like Rafe, he is very dedicated to his values and his family which I find very endearing. I loved Rafe’s mother and grandmother, both women were fun, especially his mother with her one name long list of acceptable ladies. This was a fairly light and breezy read if nothing particular new of special.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I have not been this moved by a story in a long while! To say that this story was filled with emotion is an understatement. From the very beginning I was filled with empathy for Charlotte’s struggle, the anguish behind her every decision. She is a woman of immense character far apart from her status or lack thereof. Despite being low in her house, she goes above and beyond for those she cares about. This character is her very core, her foundation and what calls out to Rafe the moment he met her. A Duke pushed into the marriage mind, and yet still believing in love is rare. He is a man of conviction despite his lofty status. He does not allow his position to prevent him from helping those in need. In this they are of like mind. Her bond with her stepsister Francesca is beautiful in that they have suffered together, standing side by side despite a difference in class. I loved that her sister sought only to support her. The women in the Duke’s life as well, were such strong and wise women who guided him with nothing but love. A well-written romance from the beginning, but at a certain point the story exploded into another level. The last 1/4 of this story had me in perpetual tears, overcome by the emotions and struggles playing out. There were moments of pure astonishment, literal heartbreak and an uncompromising level of anguish and at last pure bliss. A truly phenomenal story that will stay with me for a very long time.

The Duke's Secret Cinderella is a refreshing retelling of the classic Cinderella tale, in which Charlotte Browne--a maid in her step-father's home--is mistaken for a lady by a dashing duke. She maintains the ruse because she simply can't resist Rafe Dorchester, Duke of Rockford, despite the fact he's meant to be courting her "cousin" (who is in fact her not-at-all-ugly stepsister). Shenanigans, stolen kisses, naked outdoor recreation, and some lovely twists ensue -- all leading to a satisfying conclusion.

While there's no shortage of fairytale retellings in historical romance, Devon isn't afraid to deviate from expected tropes in order to bolster a truly original story. While I felt the deception of Charlotte's identity went on just a smidge too long, the revelation of her true parentage was worth the wait.

4 stars.