Thank you to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and NetGalley for the advanced readers copy.

Lysander, a duke, and Neve have an unconventional meet cute that ends with them crammed chest to chest in an alley. Right from the beginning, their attraction to each other is undeniable! The book is described as Pretty Woman meets Bridgerton and I'd say that is very accurate. It's a fun read while still touching on some deeper topics.

Solid 4/5 stars for me on this book. I enjoyed the story of Neve and Lysander, with slightly non-traditional regency roles for the heroine. The author did a good job of bringing feminist ideas to an era that did not give a voice to women.

The secondary characters were also enjoyable. At times I wondered to what their stories will be come as it felt like foreshadowing to a series. The book started off pretty slow. Not bad, but it took a long time to feel vested enough, around the 50/60% point. I would recommend this book to fans of the eras and troupe.

This is advertised as Bridgerton meets Pretty Woman and it's a pretty spot on description. So basically what I read was *fake dating* and I love me some fake dating. I was unsure at first with how insta-lusty this was, but once we got into the story I was hooked. And the fact that Lysander's favorite book is Wuthering Heights was truly endearing, as I too love that book. I really enjoyed Neve's character and the Hellfire Kitties group! I love that this is the first book of a series that will (hopefully?) let us get to know each of those girls because they were truly a delight. This book was fun, sexy, and had me laughing out loud at times.

Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced review copy.

I was so engaged with this book from the start. I loved the parallels to Pretty Woman! The banter between Neve and Lysander was so fun and I loved to watch their relationship grow. Over halfway through though the book started to get pretty cheesy and I felt my eyes on constant roll. Plus the book all of a sudden got really steamy and I just didn’t think it was needed at all.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I really like these characters and I’m excited to read more in this series, although I did find it a little slow at times.

Always Be My Duchess is the story of Neve Valery, a ballerina, and Lysander Blackstone, the Duke of Montcroix. They agree to be fake fiancés in a deal that benefits them both. This is definitely a grumpy and sunshine book, a trope I enjoy.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. The relationship between the main characters was fine, and they had great chemistry. I’m looking forward to the other books in the series as this definitely had some teasers about who those books will match up. I found it a little slow in the middle, but nothing that really took away my enjoyment of the story. Solid ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“Woman’s intelligence. The dread of the patriarchy and the scourge of the aristocracy. Provocative at best, deadly at worst.”

In London in 1865, once up-and-coming ballerina Geneviève Valery is out of work and refuses to become a wealthy patron's mistress. Lysander Blackstone, the stern and calculating Duke of Montcroix, only wants to increase his considerable fortune. But when his heartless reputation jeopardizes a business deal, he comes up with a plan. When he runs into Nève he suggests she act as his fake fiancée in exchange for a fortune so she can start over.

Lysander is nursing a betrayal and a broken heart beneath his greed and absolutely refuses to conform to the idea that falling in love or having a family could make him happy. Women are unpredictable and he likes his life organized. Nève is from a wealthy family fallen on hard times and is caring for a sister whose dancing career was ruined by a man who wanted more. She’s pragmatic and quick-witted, but not as jaded from her life experiences as you might expect.

The couple has good chemistry and banter to go with it, but their refusal to move forward meant the middle dragged for me. The misunderstanding at the end was a letdown because we never see how Lysander realized he had disappointed Nève. We just see his grandstanding after.

From the Pretty Woman-like premise and the illustrated cover, I expected more of a romp or a historical rom com. This reads more like a historical romance. A clinch cover would be more fitting to the content. If you want light 90s rom com, this isn’t it. If you want sexy historical romance with feelings, then read it.

I liked the neurodivergent rep but wished it had been more prominent than it was.

3.5 stars I received an arc from NetGalley

Always be My Duchess by Amalie Howard



Lord Lysander Blackstone, the stern 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 . . .

Once an up-and-coming ballerina, Miss Geneviève Valery is now hopelessly out of work. After refusing to become a wealthy patron's mistress, Nève was promptly shown the door to the streets. 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.



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Thank you to NetGalley and Forever Publishing for an ARC of Always Be My Duchess. Okay when a book is advertised as a Bridgerton and Pretty Woman crossover you know I will LOVE it and it delivered. This book was great. Cute plot, I loved the dynamic between Genevieve and Lysander. A must read if you are a Regency era stan!

4⭐️

Where to begin!! This book was such a fun romp - our heroine is witty, independent, sets her boundaries and has quite the background. Our hero is introspective, way more than meets the eye, and had quite the childhood himself. ALSO, most importantly - who does not love a fake engagement?

I really appreciated how this author incorporated the themes of trauma and illness without making them seem like they exist solely for Big Plot Moments even though how could they not factor into those. There is drama in this book, but despite the high stakes, it never feels overly manufactured.

I liked how the two main characters were able to work together and try to push through their assumptions and misunderstandings. Also - no one was magically fixed by the other person. Some of the more villainous characters that sought to undermine our eventually happy couple can feel a little cartoonish. You never really feel too threatened by the fuss or potential scandal they’re causing or unearthing as it all seems to smooth over (a little too) quickly. However, it’s hard to mind because the main relationship, and their relationships with friends and family are such a delight to read.

Often when I read a romance like this, I’m more invested in the main plot and don’t care about who we’ll see in the next book, or I could skip the main plot but can’t wait for one of the friend’s stories. This book was the best of both worlds - I loved our main couple’s banter and relationship and I am DYING to see who is in the next book. Not only does Neve make friends with a fun bunch of ladies where I loved the hints of their stories to come, but I really appreciated the friendship between Montcroix and Lushing. I’m really interested to see what the author does with our childhood friend who lives up to his name (get it, Lushing, lush?). My only regret reading this book is that I’ll have to wait for the next!

Thank you to Forever (Grand Central Publishing), for the eARC via NetGalley. All opinions are honest and my own.

I read a lot of love stories, and this is one of the most *romantic* books I've encountered in my recent memory. Everything about it was like a fairy tale...which makes sense since it is a retelling of Pretty Woman. Lysander and Genevieve are an easy couple to root for and their chemistry sizzled. I also loved the whole cast of supporting characters and I think the "hellfire kitties" ;) will each be getting a book and I am HERE for it.

This is my first book by this author but it won't be the last.

Thank you to Netgalley, Forever, and the author for the eARC in exchange for my review.

Up until about 30% reading this book felt a bit like a chore.I’m glad I stuck with it because I left smiling and wanting more!
Nève is a strong woman from the first time we meet her! I loved her! Her wit and moral compass was very admirable!
Lysander took a little longer to warm up too. He is a troubled man but he is also very driven. His ending did feel a little rushed.
My favorite part of the whole book would have to be the Hellfire Kitties aka Queens Club. Laila, Effie, Briar, and Vesper made my heart so warm. I love every single one of them! I cannot wait to read their books!
Overall it was a very pleasant read!

The description of Pretty Woman meets the Bridgertons captured my interest right away! After binge-watching season 2 of Bridgerton in two days I needed something to help me move on with my life!

The Duke of Montcroix needs a fiance to impress a sentimental landowner. Genevieve Valery needs a job immediately to help care for her ailing sister. After a chance meeting, the two of them agree to an arrangement that will benefit both of them. The problem with pretending to be in love with someone is that real feelings start to develop, and what if the other person doesn't feel the same way?

This is the first book from Amalie Howard that I've read. While historical fiction is not usually on my TBR list. I love how the woman in these books shy from what is proper and take charge! I could not put this book down! (ask my kids) I recommend this to all romance readers, especially the Bridgerton loving ones.

Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

3.5/5 for Always Be My Duchess by Amalie Howard

I loved that it was so cute! The whole story, though tragic, was feel good.

The romantic tension was just MWAH.

I want to have a connection like the ML and FL have.

I read the description of the book; it said "Pretty Woman." I hit the request faster than anything. I was sold on that alone, and the book did not let me down. I liked the story overall, following Neve and the Duke around. It's fun because of how they meet and how their relationship progresses through arguments and bickering. My favorite thing is how Neve kept it real with herself.

Why only four stars, you ask? TBH, I think this book would've been better if it was a slow burn and the last conflict had more work.

However, this book is fun and a nice read for when you just want to sit down and have some fun reading a book. 

The publisher kindly provided an eARC via NetGalley for an honest review.

review will be posted on goodreads and amazon closer to the expected publication date July 12th 2022.

This was a really lovely read. I’m so glad I had the opportunity to read this ahead of its release— it has made me want to dive into all books by Amalie Howard!

Within this tale you'll find wonderful romance, led by complex characters that felt both real and relatable. Something I quite liked was the author’s writing style, there were so many beautiful lines that caught my eye throughout the entire book. You can tell a lot of care was poured into the narrative and its cast of characters. I adored Nève in particular. I appreciated her strong will and conviction. Never straying from her own truths and beliefs. I also so enjoyed the friendships she formed with other women, they had instant chemistry with one another and it comforted me to see Nève make such wonderful allies.

I did have some trouble initially immersing myself within the romance. The hot-and-cold nature of their early relationship didn’t feel quite earned, instead it felt uneven. I wasn’t immediately convinced with their chemistry and romance, but the more I read, the more I did. By the end of the book I was wholeheartedly rooting for them. I especially loved the second half of the book— I think it’s where the plot and romance truly shined.

All in all— this book has terrific writing, well rounded leads, and a very lovely romance.

I have easily become a fan of Howard’s work!

Thank you NetGalley and Forever for providing me an arc in exchange for an honest review.

Neve and Lysander meet while running away from thieves in Covenant Garden. She is down on her luck in finding a position as a ballerina. After negotiations, He hires her to pretend to be his fiancée. They are very attracted to each other. The terms they agreed to are tested. At the end of weeks he doesn’t want her to go but she wants him to change. I thoroughly enjoyed the book.

Let me start by saying this book is a TOP TIER HISTORICAL ROMANCE NOVEL.

Let’s get into the characters. You have Lord Lysander Blackstone, the Duke of Montcroix is the emotionless, stern Duke that everyone will love. Then Genevieve Valery, a once up-and-coming ballerina who is down on her luck and trying to get back on her feet after she was thrown out for not becoming someone’s mistress. (Girl, I don’t blame you.) The two run into each other and he makes an offer, to act as his fake fiancee in exchange for a fortune that will help her start over.

The chemistry between the two is addicting to read. I love the group of friends she ends up meeting. It’s just a beautiful, funny, and steamy romance novel that any romance novel enthusiast will enjoy.

One of the lines that killed me was very Bridgertonesque. Which I appreciated a lot. “She reared back, lust-bright eyes searching his. “I burn hot.” “Then burn us both” I threw my phone because it was PERFECT. I DIED while reading it.

If you like the following books, you’ll love this: Bridgerton Series, The Wisteria Society for Lady Scoundrels.

All in all, a five-star rating from me. I can’t wait to own a physical copy so I can reread this until my heart is content. I would love to see a second one focusing on her friend Briar. I think that would be interesting. I'm not quite ready to leave this group and world behind just yet.

Thank you to NetGalley and Amalie Howard for the ARC! :)

I have one question for Amalie Howard after reading Always Be My Duchess-- where is the next book?! Will it be Vesper? Briar? This story was so sweet, and I never wanted to put it down. Neve and Lysander really were perfect for each other, Neve's kindness bringing that out in Lysander, and Lysander's assertiveness and support of women giving Neve the chance to achieve beyond the norm for women at the time. It was feminist, it was a perfect slow-burn romance, and I want more in this series. Amalie Howard writes an amazing Regency romance that's both appropriate for the time and works for modern readers. Bring on the next books, please! Howard has set them up perfectly.

Pretty Woman-inspired regency romance?? Could not get my hands on this one fast enough.

Amalie Howard is quickly becoming a favorite! Her writing is sharp, witty, and so fun from beginning to end. I loved the subtle similarities to the Pretty Woman but this story was still original and unique! I cannot wait to read more installments from the rest of the Queens Club.

Thank you NetGalley + the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review! This is a must-read for Summer 2022.

I really liked this book. It had a fun rom com vibe and I liked that both the characters were given good backstories. The characters had great chemistry and I liked that the book didn’t draw out getting them together. It was a good book and I really enjoyed the supporting characters as well.

Reading this book was a delightful treat! Neve is the perfect combination of strength and sweetness, with a dash of sass to keep Lysander on his toes. Lysander's character was so well written and there was a marvelously cheeky cast of friends. The witty writing had me laughing one minute and swooning the next. This historical romance is a definite keeper!

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever for access to this arc.