One ball, one hundred pounds, that was the deal. But with undeniable attraction, will they keep the deal simply a transaction? Or will it lead to something more?

Neve, a ballerina who journeyed from France to London to find work to provide for her sister's needs and her own, met a stranger and saved his life, only to find out he was the Duke of Montcroix, who offered her large money to act as his love interest, to seal a business deal.

Lysander, a cold hearted man who swore off love after he got his heart broken by someone who left him not only for a title but to his own father, meets a woman who is struggling at finding a decent job, only to think of one solution that can fix both of their problems.

This book definitely gives off Bridgerton feel. A strong opinionated woman meets a broken man. As the story goes it shows that everyone has issues they don't talk about and how it takes the right people to listen and accept your issues and flaws at unexpected times and situations. I often take time to enjoy historical romance, but it's amusing to me how resilient Neve is. I would definitely recommend it to my friend

Excellently written. Main and secondary characters are likable and funny. Antagonists are easy to hate. Love the glimpse into ballet and being a ballerina specially during those times was an eye opener.

Please note : I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review.

Reading this book now and really enjoying it. Loving the characters and the story. Will update with a full review as soon as I'm finished reading!

Always Be My Duchess by Amalie Howard is a great historical /comedy romance that is the first book in a new series: Taming of the Dukes. I really enjoyed it!

This was a fun romp in Regency England via a Pretty Woman set-up and vibe. The author did a great job mashing up past and present to create a fun, witty, sassy, and romantic narrative that had plenty of laugh out loud moments.

I really liked the two main characters and love interests: Lord Lysander Blackstone, the stern Duke of Montcroix and Miss Geneviève Valery. Brought together by chance, and joined together by mutual agreement that then developed into a friends to lovers narrative. If they thought they could keep their personal feelings at bay with one another, they have another thing coming. The chemistry, attraction, and connection cannot be denied, and it was so much fun watching them interact and seeing this relationship and realization develop.

I was entertained from beginning to end and definitely recommend this to anyone that loves a good sassy historical romcom. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

5/5 stars

Thank you NG and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 7/12/22.

I read this with my wife for fun. I thought it was good. Lord Lysander Blackstone, has only one interest: increasing his considerable fortune. But when his reputation for being heartless jeopardizes a new business deal, he finds himself seeking a most unusual—and alluring—solution... Then comes Miss Geneviève Valery who's is hopelessly out of work. When she accidentally saves the life of a handsome duke, Then the duke offers her a fake engagement. Kind of reminded me of the new Netflix show thats been on.

I’m a marketing and publicity intern at Forever Publishing, so I am reading this for work. Will post full review later.