So unbelievably generic. I read about 30% of the way through in one night (I typically wait to mark books on Goodreads until I’ve read a small portion) and the plot was so boring. The whole thing was recycled plotlines from hundreds of other historical romances. The only saving Grace was the female main character, Genevieve, and even then her character building was flat.

As soon as I saw Always Be My Duchess was a Pretty Woman inspired historical romance, I was sold! Lord Lysander Blackstone needs to convince a fellow lord he’s changed and is ready to settle down in order to grow his fortune. And when he runs into out-of-work ballerina Neve Valery, they strike a bargain: he’ll help her get an audition and pay her to be his fiancé, thus fixing his image and giving her the resources to help her injured sister and start over. I really had fun with this read. There is such a sensual build of sexual tension with these two, and I adored how they couldn’t resist their attraction to each other. Their chemistry was strong and endearing and I loved the heat and steam in this book. And the characters on their own were so interesting. Lysander is a neurodivergent hero on a journey for self acceptance. He is constantly looking for order and I loved how he kept describing Neve as chaos and seeing how that changed him. And Neve is so full of life and spark. She’s sassy and hopeful, even in a world that has worked against her. And I love she was a dancer! That felt so unique and such a fun addition. And the side characters! Oh I could’ve read a whole book on just Neve finding this group of women who are all so quirky and original. There were maybe two things that didn’t necessarily work for me, first was why Neve reconsidered Lysander’s offer—it didn’t make sense for me based on how smart and resourceful she was— and one other super small thing that may be a spoiler so I won’t get into it, but overall, those things didn’t get in the way of my enjoyment. There was so much individuality and growth and fun in Always Be My Duchess book. It’s a great romance with amazing characters and is just a very original Pretty Woman adaptation. Definitely recommend this!

A destitute ballerina and a wealthy, stern Duke—what a delightful combination!! Characters with many layers combust in this decadent, steamy novel!

Content warnings: sexism, predatory employers, physical abuse, emotional abuse

Geneviève "Nève" Valery is a ballerina and daughter of a disgraced English viscount. She and her sister Vivienne were raised in France and have fallen upon hard times. Vivienne, also a ballerina, is injured by an angry employer and Nève must secure funds for her medical treatment and their cost of living in France.

A chance meeting with a drunk Duke of Montcroix leads to an offer of employment -- Nève will pretend to be the duke's intended so society mothers will leave him alone at a ball to conduct important business. Nève does as the duke asks for the evening and is paid a large sum that will facilitate her return to France.

When her money is stolen, Nève must return to the duke and accept his offer to pretend to be engaged for the rest of the season. Duke Lysander "Stone" Blackstone doesn't really need Nève, but he's so attracted to her that he can't let her leave.

Lysander and Nève have an undeniably intense sexual chemistry and their witty banter draws the reader into their story. But with an expiration date on their arrangement, they are reluctant to give in to their feelings. You can't help but root for the romance between these two characters, and you are immediately sucked into the story with Howard's electric writing style.

Recommended for all historical romance readers. The love scenes are thoroughly described, so those searching for a PG romance should look elsewhere.

Representation: orphan, wealthy women in historical fiction with careers or political interests

4/5 Stars
3/5 Spice

CW : Assault, Sexual Harassment, Threats, Death of parents, Abusive Parent

I received a Free E-Arc in exchange for an honest review through Netgalley. Thank you to Forever and Netgalley.

I really enjoyed this book, even more than I originally thought I would when I got it. I got this book when I had been in a mood for historical romances but then pushed off reading it for about 3 months, and I thoroughly regret that choice.

This book is what it’s labeled, it's a historical romance that’s Pretty Woman inspired between a Duke and a Ballerina, and how they fake a relationship to benefit them both. Geneviève Valery is a Ballerina in London trying to work to pay for her sister’s medical bills, she’s the daughter of a disowned Viscount and she has been shunned from most theater companies after she said no to a lord’s advances. Lord Lysander Blackstone, is a Duke who has no desire to marry and his one true passion in the beginning of this book is to work and to do that he needs to purchase a piece of land but the Earl of Bolden wants it to go to someone looking to start a family. Geneviève saves Lysander from cutpurses and they make a deal that she will pose as a girl he’s courting to trick the Earl of Bolden into selling him the land. When the Earl doesn’t believe him, he says that he’s actually engaged to Geneviève, which leads them to eventually make a new deal to pose as a couple until the end of the season.

I loved Geneviève so much, her passion and strength in a world that is so very much against her and everything she is, was amazing to read about. Geneviève never does things she doesn’t want even when she’s in a society that wouldn’t care about her opinion or choice. Lysander took a bit to grow on me but by the time he was smitten for Geneviève, I adored him and how he would do anything for her.

This was a very easy read and kept me hooked the whole time. If you are looking for a book that is Pretty Woman inspired historical romance, with a strong leading woman, grumpy sunshine dynamic, and a lovable romance, this is it.

After watching Bridgerton, I had a historical romance itch and this book scratched that itch. As someone not a huge fan of historical romance or Pretty Woman I was a little worried but this book beat the doubt right out of me. The two leads have chemistry that slaps you right in the face, banter that makes you feel like you're watching a tennis match, and romance that has you buying a hand fan off of amazon to cool yourself off.

This was such an interesting take on a Regency romance. Our story consists of two jaded people who strike up a partnership with each other that benefits each of them. The characters were nicely developed and I enjoyed watching them both change throughout the story. To me the characters were unique to Regency Novels which I appreciated, and the story had a very satisfyingly ending.

I was given a copy of the book and not required to write a positive review.

This was such a fun and just as steamy regency spin on Pretty Woman! It made me want to rewatch the movie instantaneously just to not lose the fuzzy feelings I had once I finished this book.

Lord Lysander Blackstone, the Duke of Montcroix, has only one goal in mind: to increase his fortune. But when his new business deal is at risk of falling apart due to his reputation for being a man with a heart of stone, he finds himself in need to prove that he is not his reputation, even though he is a man who keeps his emotions hidden behind several wall. Thankfully a solution to his problem finds him, Miss Geneviève Valery, a out of work ballerina who just so happened to rescue him from some thugs in a bad part of town. He makes her a deal, act as his fake fiancée in exchange for enough money to start over. However the feelings they start feeling for each other are not part of the deal, but will it make it all that sweeter, or jeopardize the whole scheme.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I loved how Amalie Howard was able to pull from Pretty Woman enough that you knew where the story would be going but made it her own as well. I was on the edge of my seat for a few scenes. One of my favorite scenes has to be the archery scene. It was big Princess Diaries 2 energy and that really did it for me. And speaking of spice...it was very spicy. You would think they would run out of places to have sex but they don't.

Lysander was a great male lead. He's neurodivergent and I really enjoyed seeing his journey throughout the book and how Nève was respectful to him even though she didn't always understand him. Nève was such a great heroine. She's independence and isn't afraid to speak her mind and tell the people in her life what she wants. I loved all the parts where she stood up for herself and for Lysander. The supporting cast of characters were perfect as well. I was so moved how the group of women completely allowed Nève into their circle and their friendships and slight teasing of Lysander's friends made me want to be a part of their friend group (The Hellfire Kitties) so badly. And I could already see some of the potential future matches that Amalie Howard has sprinkled hints in.

ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

thank you grand central publishing for the arc

The women in this book 🌸💮🌹🌾🌺🌹🌼
The men in this book 🤢😠🚶‍♂️🚫❌

Nevè was such a sweet, strong and clever protagonist. I loved reading her about her ballerina career and felt for her struggles and desperation. She was the best part.

Lysander was too serious. When he wasn't serious, he was horny. Or both. I didn't care for him and the way he treated her at times. I expected a much different guy for Nevè sorry

This book was serious-toned which kinda took me surprise. Looking at the cover, you would expect it a light-hearted rom com situation. It wasn't, which might work for some people!

I saw people calling it 'modern' but aside from the use of the f-word it wasn't all that modern. The use of the f-word was a relief, actually. No weird made-up words please!

This book made me audibly giggle. I loved this sort of cross between the regency era and modern rom-coms we all love today. The characters were super relatable, and I found myself reading the entire book in one sitting. This is a great first book that introduces us to this new series!

4 🌟’s | what a delight this book was! from the first chapter, you cannot miss the classic love-at-first-sight-sizzling-attraction vibes that was sparking between lysander and nève 🥵 ballerina meets duke while she’s spitting mad in the middle of the night??? yes please. 🤌🏽

the fake engagement trope never felt so good 😭 the entanglement they’ve found each other in is starting to feel too real!! and i was here for ittttt! the tension, the pining, the SEX, the FEELINGS, everything was a hit👏🏽

i really enjoyed this romance and can’t wait to get the rest of the girl gang’s romances :)) (they are iconic)

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to the publisher Forever for the ARC via Netgalley. Releases July 12, 2022!*

📝 tropes: class difference, fake engagement, grumpy x sunshine, neurodivergent hero
🌶 spice: 3.8/5
CW: infertility, parental abuse

Lysander Blackstone, the Duke of Montcroix, from the very start of this book to the end, had my heart. I genuinely wanted to reach into this book and shake him at times and if that isn't the best feeling, I'm not sure what is.

Lysander, or Stone, had no idea what he was getting himself into when he propositions Geneviève Valery to act as his date more or less in exchange for getting the only thing he seems to care about; a way to make more money. He was not ready. Nève might have came from a family that had been down on it's luck for the past years, mixed in with a tragic event, but she was not going to let anyone walk over her. Even a duke.

Look, they were great for each other. Nève was strong-willed, a set of morals that has to be admired and an end goal that never changed. She didn't bend to Stone, she made him give her the respect she was due and I loved it. I loved every moment of their interactions and while yes, Stone was pretty oblivious to some things, he still got whaf he gave when it came to her.

The friendships built in this book, the love story, the epilogue, it all went together so well and I truly think this book is a masterpiece. You will be hooked after that first chapter, I can guarantee it.


⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶

“Bewilderment and desire wound tight inside of him as he stood there in the moonlight, surrounded by roses. Perhaps that was for the best. She wanted the dream he could never give her. A dream she deserved… from someone far worthier than him.”

Imagine a French Vivian Ward pirouetted into the Bridgerton’s drawing room to make a scandalous arrangement with Tom Severin (Chasing Cassandra) or The Duke of Montgomery (Bringing Down the Duke) and you have the basis for Amalie Howard’s latest novel, Always Be My Duchess.

Amalie neatly balances her original writing with tasteful little nuggets of Pretty Woman dialogue that will have fans of the film swooning. Her characters backstories never fail to draw me in and keep me turning until I’ve reached the last page.

Not starting this new series would be a ✨Big Mistake✨ I have to go shopping now.

Thank you to @ReadForeverPub @AmalieHoward & @Netgalley for a free copy of this eARC in exchange for an honest review. Pub date for Always Be My Duchess is July 12th, 2022 and is available for pre-order from major retailers.

“I never wanted you to feel that you were anything less than wonderful. You’re the sun to my shadows, Geneviève.”

Lord Lysander Blackstone is notoriously known for one thing: his interest in increasing his already sizeable fortune. After a rough childhood and a series of betrayals, the Duke likes to keep his emotions buried far below his stony exterior. But when his reputation for being heartless threatens a lucrative business deal, Lysander finds himself negotiating a very different kind of deal. Geneviève "Nève" Valery is an out-of-work ballerina trying to make enough money to care for her injured sister. When she saves a handsome duke, she thought she'd get a thank you, not a proposition to become his fake fiancé in exchange for a small fortune. Nève can't pass up the opportunity, but soon real feelings start to develop between her and Lysander. But with so much on the line, will they risk the chance to lose it all for love?

If you were to take a '90s rom-com and set it in Victorian London, you would get this book. It was described as Pretty Woman meets Bridgerton, and that's a pretty apt comparison. There were subtle nods to the film littered throughout that I thought were a nice touch. I thought the relationship between Nève and Lysander was charming. They had this teasing sort of banter that I couldn't get enough of. Nève wasn't afraid to push Lysander's buttons and rile him up. Their chemistry was good, but I thought the slow burn was a little too slow. The highlight of this book was the female friendships Nève forms. I loved how Laila and the other women she meets are so fun and brazen. I can't wait to get their stories (which I'm assuming will be coming since this is the first in a series.) While I think the pacing could've been tweaked a bit, I still really enjoyed this and think it would be a good read for those who like a more contemporary-esque historical romance.

I thoroughly enjoyed Always Be My Duchess. This is not the most original historical romance I’ve ever read, but I absolutely adored our two main characters. The banter, semi-slow burn, ugh. Four stars

This book was so enjoyable, even more so due to the Pretty Woman vibes! From the very first page, Neve and Lysander have a connection. The way the author built their romance, was very beautiful. Interwoven with both their love of music and dance/theater, the scene in the music room just made me swoon.

I really appreciated that the hero was neurodivergent, Lysander’s back story is woven into his story on how he views himself throughout the book.

I adored the Queens club group, I’m itching to know the rest of their backstories and receive their HEA.

LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!!!! I had so much fun reading this romance! The witty repartee between Stone and Nève was a delicious! The writing was such that I could actually feel their chemistry jump off the page. I love a fake fiancé trope more than anything and this book delivers! Love all of the secondary characters and hope for more in this series! I highly recommend this book!

Historical romances are always hit or miss for me, and sadly this one was a miss. I requested this one on NetGalley since an author I love recommended it on Instagram. The plot, a historical Pretty Woman theme, seemed interesting, but the book was off to an incredibly rocky start. I am all for spice in my romance books, but literal seconds after meeting each other these two were so turned on I am surprised they didn't implode. The first few chapters left me with a bad taste that colored the first half of the book. By that point, I found myself losing interest in the story and not particularly liking either main character so I decided to DNF. This story was just not for me!

A retelling of Pretty Woman set in the 1800s? Sign me up! The Duke of Montcroix (Lysander/Stone) needs to show that he’s ready to settle down in order to close a business deal. Geneviève is an out of work ballerina after refusing to become a patron’s mistress. The two strike a deal where Nève poses as Stone’s fiancee for the season but will real love grow between the two?

What I liked: I loved the nods to Pretty Woman throughout - in her salary negotiation, in when she was outed, the necklace that Stone gives her, and her sister’s name.

The instant attraction but slow burn to act on it; allowing the characters a chance to connect on more than just looks.

The book sets up friendships with other unconventional women, and while it may not be 100% historically accurate that these women would have been allowed such freedoms, their friendship was enjoyable.

What didn’t work for me: I’m not a fan of epilogues and I didn’t think this book needed one - it essentially just sets up book two.

I think some inner dialogue is missing at times - when Nève changes their agreement for one and Stone coming to the realization he hurt her.

The bad guys were a little underdeveloped for me.

Who should read it: If you watched Pretty Woman and Bridgerton and think the concept of merging the two sounds interesting. Fans of opposites attract and fake relationships will also enjoy this historical romance.

Be aware this is open door romance, so if that’s not your thing, you may want to pass.

When he’s a duke, calls her his butterfly and plays her body like a sexy cello 🥵

The grumpy and cold Duke of Montcroix, Lysander meets a down on her luck ballerina Neve in a chance encounter. Both in need of wild solutions for problems in their lives, they form a partnership in which they will pretend to be betrothed. As they get to know each other and connect over ballet and music, they realize that they may be helping each other in more ways than they realized.

Always Be My Duchess surprised me in so many ways with the inclusion of humor, banter and spice. It also included some of my favorite tropes including grumpy/sunshine, fake dating/betrothal and groveling.

Highly recommend for anyone who wants to explore historical romance and I repeat, Sexy. Cello. Scene!!!