2.5 Stars

As the title suggests, this story is a heavily Cinderella-themed trope. While the book was enjoyable, it failed to create a lasting hold once I was done reading it.

The characters were refreshing initially, but it quickly became the predictable romance plot with a third-act breakup that seemed forced, and the reasons for it seemed exaggerated.

Overall, this was a quick, very steamy, light read without any complexity to the plot or characters.

I just can’t get into this one unfortunately. I’m just not connecting with the characters or the plot line. This one just isn’t for me.

The Weatherford Ball is the last chance Julia Beaumont has to escape the clutches of her stepmother. Any potential husband will do. But all of Julia’s matrimonial chances are obliterated by the actions of an infuriating and rakish duke. Gregory Carter, Duke of Ashworth, would never risk his bachelorhood by flirting with marriage-minded debutantes. But one look at the beautiful and clever Julia, and he simply can’t resist a kiss. Then just as things start getting interesting, the lady flees, leaving only a slipper behind.
This was a fun, and romantic story. Both main characters were deliciously created, and they seemed real enough that I was invested in the plot until the end. I loved reading about historic England. It's fun to read about the balls and the ton. I will read more from this author. Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for the honor of reading this advanced reader's copy.

Literally can't put this down, I think, this is one of the fastest read. The story is witty, funny, and unusual, makes the experience of reading a wonderful one. Julia is not a normal lady, and what she wants is practically what every girl wants, and more. It was not usual for that time, and Gregory is the usual rake who avoided marriage. But the two make the story goes fast, but also thoughtful in some parts.

Retelling of the Cinderella story, including a lady leaving her slipper behind. This story dragged and I didn't connect with the characters. This book wasn't for me.

Julia is a spinster trying to secure a husband while at the only ball she will ever attend in her life, since her wicked stepmother confines her to the house to do chores. At that ball, she meets the most notorious rake of them all, the duke of Ashworth, who needed to be rescues from an eager woman and her angry husband. Before you know it, they are making out. (You would expect any girl with self-respect to resist a man who is followed around by dozens of women that throw themselves at him and angry husbands who want to settle scores. But he “reduced her to something so wanton”, despite his reputation of seducing every woman he meets. Okaaaayyy…)
But then the story took an interesting turn: Julia suggests marriage so that Gregory is free from women pursuing him and Julia is freed from a life as a servant of her horrible stepmother. I sat back and read on, hoping for a marvelous story.
But what happened next was in my opinion very unrealistic and disappointing. I was astonished to read what I read. Everything involving the Carter Club I didn’t like at all, I cannot imagine anyone accepting or enjoying that! That combined with the Lucas storyline made it even more ridiculous, because it was like comparing a car crash with a minor mud stain on the bumper.
All in all I had expected more, and was disappointed that the characters weren’t developed more.
What I did like, was Julia stepping up to het stepmother and not accepting her humiliation anymore, when she had that power as duchess. I also like the Duke of Huntington, he seemed a real friend to Gregory. I wonder if the next book will be about him, but I will check that out.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Love this twist on a Cinderella story by Lydia Drake. I enjoyed getting to read Julia and Gregory’s story! Can’t wait for the next one!

A fun take on Cinderella. Abused, yet still spirited heroine. Tarnished, yet still redeemable hero. What's not to love? A bit of silliness at times only adds to the overall enjoyment of the story. Wasn't the original a bit silly as well? Worth the time!
Thank you Lydia Drake, Entangled Publishing and NetGalley for allowing me an advance copy for my honest feedback.

I am giving this book two stars because the characters had chemistry and witty banter. Other then that it was ridiculous. When a group of married women show up at the duke's house to tell his wife they are in mourning because he is so great in bed and they won't get to sleep with him again, I lost all sense of enjoyment.

This is a charming and enchanting regency romance filled with humor, passion, and delightful twists. The chemistry between Julia and Gregory is amazing, creating a captivating and swoon-worthy love story. The author's writing style is engaging, it transported me to the glittering ballrooms of Regency England. Of course the Cinderella retelling added a whimsical touch. The characters are well-developed and likable, with Julia's resilience and Gregory's charm stealing the show. The story evokes a range of emotions, from laughter to heartwarming moments. It was a comforting and enchanting read.

A fun debut book from Lydia Drake. I can't wait to read her next one. Enchanting characters, lively banter and since it is a Fairy Tale trope some villains to spice it up.

Julia Beaumont's father died when she was 14 and her stepmother kept her from having a Season. Now at the age of 27, she has one chance to snag a husband when she chaperon's are beloved younger step sister, Susannah to the Weatherford Ball. There she rescues the infamous rake, Gregory Carter, Duke of Ashworth, from having to have another duel and looses one of her slippers when she and Susannah return home. The Duke finds her enchanting and when he returns her slipper the next day, she makes him a proposal of a marriage of convenience, which he accepts. I love these two characters. They both have "issues". His parents never showed him a gram of love and she had been treated badly once by a man who owed and then abandoned her and then for many, many years by her stepmother. Slowly they open up to each other, but the negative self-talk going on inch other's heads, because they are both afraid to really open up to each other, almost dooms their HEA.

I read an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley.com. This is my unbiased and voluntary review.

Though I'm extraordinarily late to this party, I'm DELIGHTED to be here.

Julia and Gregory are perfectly matched in wit and emotional health; though their personal hang-ups definitely make their road to HEA rocky at times, both MCs take accountability for the insecurities that make them vulnerable to misunderstandings. Julia has a wonderful sense of self-preservation and self-appreciation, which we don't always see in HistRom; Gregory knows he's a rogue destined for reform, which makes his devotion to Julia all the more delightful.

I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley.

Julia Beaumont has one wish - to escape her evil stepmother. Her father married said woman and then died a few years later. Julia lives with the stepmother and younger stepsister that she adores. In order to get away from the stepmother, spinster Julia needs a husband - immediately.

Duke of Ashworth, Gregory Carter, is quite a rake. He enjoys lavishing his married conquests with attention they do not get at home. He would never go after an unmarried woman as he would be stuck with that person.

One night at a ball, their two paths cross and they decide each is what they need. Julia needs a way out of her home and he needs someone to keep the sex-starved wives out of his hair. However, it is meant to be a one and done. Get married, consummate the marriage, and live separate lives. But, as they spend more time together, they realize that this may be a real marriage.

Hello

Apologies for the late notice, but I have decided not to review this title.

While I am certain it's obvious by now, I wanted to also clear this off NetGalley, so it's not showing as open for either of us.

I look forward to continuing to work with you in 2023 and beyond.

Laura

Well this had a plot that pretty much revolved around one of my least favorite storylines. I loved the Cinderella comparisons which in reality were not that many but enough to say the author followed the broad outline and I loved the setup that took place eventually and the romance BUT I am SO tired of the "I am not good enough/I must leave because I don't deserve this" crap. Outside of the self flagellation and stupid conclusion to things that happen I did enjoy the story and it did have a very good ending so I gave it 4 Stars but it was a very near thing, more like 3.75 but it does have a setup for some interesting characters in future books and since I know I will look forward to them I can't really claim I did not enjoy it.

The Weatherford Ball is the last chance Julia Beaumont has to escape the clutches of her horrid stepmother. Any potential husband will do―rich, poor, even a reasonably well-groomed walrus. But all of Julia’s matrimonial chances are completely obliterated…thanks to the actions of an infuriating and utterly rakish duke.
Gregory Carter, Duke of Ashworth, would never risk his cherished bachelorhood by flirting with marriage-starved debutantes. But one look at Julia, and he simply can’t resist a stolen kiss―scandal be damned. Then just as things start getting deliciously interesting, the lady flees…leaving only a slipper behind. This was a fun read. And am voluntarily leaving my review.

An entertaining, sizzling, fun read. A great escape novel.
Many thanks to Entangled Publishing and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Julia is desperate to marry and escape a life of servitude to her stepmother. When she and "the Duke" meet, they quickly figure out that a marriage will be mutually beneficial.

Things I liked about this book: Julia states her opinions and doesn't back down. When the couple talks, it's funny and enjoyable. The parallels to the Cinderella story were really cute. Julia's stepsister was sweet, and also unique. And possibly my favorite thing was discovering more about Gregory and his activities.

There were a couple of times I mentally urged the couple to "just talk about this already" but they never truly frustrated me :)

Note: there are several pretty spicy scenes in the book.

I truly enjoyed reading this retelling of Cinderella. I have not read this author before, but I will be looking for more of her stories. I also would like to see more of this story with some of the other characters.


I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.

Cinderella and the Duke — I loved it. Absolutely loved it. The witty repartee between Julia and Gregory is just everything. It’s a Cinderella story that recognizes and points out the parallels, and then celebrates them. Julia is practical and smart and witty. Gregory is charming and logical. It’s really lovely how they come together, and I am really hoping that some of Gregory’s friends, such as the Duke of Huntington, get their own stories next! Thank you Netgalley for the copy!