When Lysander Blackstone, Duke of Montcroix, finds himself in a sticky situation after the theatre one night, he never expected to run into Miss Geneviève Valery, out of work ballerina. Even more unexpectedly, he didn’t expect that her quick thinking would save them both. In the interest of solidifying a business deal, he propositions Nève with an offer she can’t refuse - act as his fake fiancée to persuade the ton that he is settling down in exchange for a life changing amount of money.

I am still relatively new to historical fiction, but this one drew me in right away! (Despite the fact that I have never seen Pretty Woman 🙈) Fake relationships are one of my favourite tropes ever, and for good reason - those initial sparks can become a huge blaze simply through the forced proximity involved. So obviously, I was hooked right away!

I really enjoyed that as we progress through the book, we begin to uncover Lysander’s neurodivergence. As referenced by Amalie Howard before the book begins, they may not have had the words to describe it in the time period, but Neurodivergents existed anyway! This definitely elevated the book for me.

I thought Nève was a really interesting character as well, dealing with the realities of being a ballerina who needed to work, but who did not wish to allow patrons to take her to their beds. I loved her strong will with Lysander, and loved how quickly she was welcomed into the duke’s friend group (and what a great collection of characters that I’m dying to read more about!)

Though this book centres around one couple, it also did a great job at introducing a cast of characters who are fiercely loyal and care for each other, from fellow society folk to the staff of the house.

And the CHEMISTRY. Sparks are flying from their first meeting, and the pining for each other throughout was absolutely *chef’s kiss* for me. Even though the open door spice doesn’t come until later, we are still treated to some steamy thoughts early on from each of them.

I really enjoyed this one, and it was a fun escape from work and life when things got overwhelming for for me.

This is one of the best historical romances of the year! I couldn’t put it down once I started reading, and I can’t wait to read more about Nève and her crazy aristocratic friends. The book is very well written, and the characters have lot of depth and are intriguing to read about. I enjoyed seeing the differences between Lysander’s public and private personas.
All in all, this one checked all the romance boxes. 4.5 stars.

Synopsis:
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.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This is such a fun and heartwarming and entertaining historical romance. It’s also one of my favorite trips in that it’s a fake engagement. Lysander is a Duke who has a reputation for being heartless and needs to change it in order to land a big business deal. Genevieve is a ballerina whose career is on the rocks because she refused to be a mistress to someone in the aristocracy. When they run into each other lies under offered her a chance for money by pretending to be his fiancé. It’s fun to see how feelings develop between both characters . It’s well written and you can see emotions fly off the pages. All in all I highly recommend this book.

I loved this historical rom-com!! It gave me major Bridgerton vibes. Also loved the fake dating trope that was wrapped up into the book. Amazing.

I... have never seen Pretty Woman. I know the basics, but I've never seen it in its entirety. And honestly, I wanted to see how this book held up if you didn't know the source material. BOY DID IT EVER. This book was full of textbook yearning and I unashamedly ate it up. Their first meeting was less meet-cute than it was meet-lust, and like, that is okay with me. It set the tone for the whole book. Lotsa feelings, lotsa yearning, and under it all, two characters' POVs that I genuinely enjoyed. Was it the perfect historical romance? No, there were a few pieces of the subplots that I found myself wanting to skip through. And weirdly, I felt like our leading hero gave us his Grand Gesture(TM) so early in the book that everything after it just felt a little... less grand? I don't know, it was still worth it all, I really enjoyed it. Very pleased that it looks like this'll be a series, because I'm excited to see what else these Queen of Hearts go through. If you love the camaraderie of Evie Dunmore's League of Extraordinary Women or Lisa Kleypas' Wallflowers, I think this series might eventually scratch that same itch.

With her fiery heroine, a surly (but endearing Duke), and a fake engagement like NEVER BEFORE, Howard delivers on the steam, the comedy, and the heart. All my favorite things wrapped into one fantastic story.

This fun start to a new series (Taming of the Duke series) is being marketed as Pretty Woman meets the Bridgertons and I am feeling the need to rewatch Pretty Woman. I don't think I would have made the connection, since it's been many years since I've seen the movie.

I really enjoyed reading this and am looking forward to the next book. There are a few potential main characters and I'm looking forward to seeing who will get center stage in the second book in this series.

In this romance Neve (Genevieve) is a ballerina in need of work. She refused someone's advanced and is now struggling to get a job. Montcroix, a Duke, is trying to buy some property. The property owner is sentimentally attached to the property (his late wife loved it ) and he's concerned that the Duke is all business and profit and won't value it. So, when the two main characters almost literally run into each other on the street, a deal is proposed (it's a longer action-packed scene). The negotiations continue and this sets the stage for this slow burn romance that almost has an enemies to lovers vibe. I loved getting to know Stone (the Duke) and Neve as they got to know each other. Of course there was a strong attraction and some steamy scenes, but the scenes where they connected and just got each other were my favorites. Also, Neve quickly made a wonderful group of strong female friends whom I hope will get their own books.

Thanks to the publisher for a copy of the book. All opinions are my own.

Always Be My Duchess is a humorous historical romance by Amalie Howard. The ebook version is 368 pages. We follow our two characters with alternating third-person points-of-view. Think Pretty Woman/Pygmalion meets Bridgerton but with more steam and fewer love triangles.

Lysander Blackstone, the Duke of Montcroix, keeps his emotions buried and is laser focused on increasing his coffers. While trying to confirm a new business deal, he realizes that he needs to appear a little less heartless to solidify the contract.

Geneviève Valery was born to gentry but after falling on hard times she leaned into her hobby of ballet to keep her family going. After she refuses to become a mistress for a wealthy patron, he blackballs her from all of the ballet companies in several countries. When she runs into a drunk Lysander, she accidentally saves her life and he realizes she may be his best bet in his search for a fake fiancée.

This is very insta-lust and that usually turns me off of romances. But once we get past the initial hiring for fake dating, our characters learn a lot more about each other and the story turns into more of a slow-burn with lots of longing.

I really enjoyed the hero's friend group! I'm excited that this book is the first in a series, because I'm excited to read more about these interesting people. They're all a bit not typical, with one woman being a self-described spinster, one a fashion designer, and one likes animals more than people.

As a music-focused person myself, I really appreciated how many different arts are included in this book. Our hero plays piano and cello and is a general patron to the arts (as he loved attending various performances with his mother before her death) and our heroine is a ballerina.

Tropes in this book include: Victorian England, instant attraction, strangers to lovers, fake dating, opposites attract, grumpy/sunshine, neurodivergent hero, damaged hero, class difference, virgin heroine

CW: loss of parent(s), implied child abuse experienced in the past, ableism, violence, fertility troubles (w/happy ending)

Special thanks to Forever, Grand Central Publishing, and NetGalley for providing an eGalley of this book for me to review. All opinions contained herein are my own.

Lysander Blackstone, the Duke of Montcroix, is wholly focused on increasing his already impressive wealth and powerful position. He’s suffered many betrayals in his life and has since learned to keep his emotions shielded and his focus on amassing a fortune since the money can’t possibly let him down the way people have. Unfortunately, he’s developed a reputation for being an emotionless automaton and that is now threatening a potentially very lucrative business deal, leaving Lysander to come up with an unusual solution.

Miss Genevieve Valery was a promising ballerina on the rise in France, but now she’s come to London seeking work after an unscrupulous gentleman sought to ruin her when she refused to join him in his bed. A new opportunity arises when she saves a gentleman from potential harm in an unsavory part of the city, and he turns out to be a duke. Neve doesn’t expect this encounter with nobility will go any better than her last did, but he surprises her by presenting her with a wholly different sort of proposal: to act as his fiancé in exchange for a considerable sum that will enable her and her sister to support themselves.

It's a win-win situation for both Neve and Lysander, but neither expected the very real connection that develops between them. Everything could work out for the best if they’re willing to take a chance on exposing their true feelings to one another.

I truly, thoroughly enjoyed this book. Lysander was the epitome of the growly, emotionally stunted hero and I loved how Neve gradually brought out the best in him. She showed him that it was okay to express his emotions and knew just when to push him and just when to back off. The only thing I really did like here was the characters’ two-month separation near the end, but thankfully this period got very little page time and I think it did make sense to give Lysander a chance to take a step back and regroup. I really did want to see him put his stepmother in her place on the page too and I was left with my bit of a vindictive streak unsatisfied in that regard. Otherwise, I loved this premise, and the narration was fantastic. I loved that Neve was a lady but an unconventional one, capable of challenging Lysander and unafraid to admit her feelings but unwilling to compromise her values. I adored Lysander’s awkwardness and I found these two to be fabulous together, especially once he finally declared himself. Aunt Millicent and the girl group of unconventional ladies who befriended Neve were excellent supporting characters, providing some comic relief without feeling trite or overdone. I’m quite looking forward to hopeful stories for these ladies in the future.

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

3.5⭐️
Thank you so much to Forever and Netgalley for providing an e-arc of this! All thoughts and opinions are still my own

This was my first Amalie Howard book and I can see why so many people love her romances! This story was fun, sweet, and charming. I loved this historical spin on Pretty Woman and overall really enjoyed this story.

This is following a down-on-her-luck ballerina and a cold, closed off duke who strike a fake engagement deal to get what they want. This is full of some of my absolute favorite romance tropes - fake dating, opposites attract, and forced proximity!

I thought this had a fun plot, great characters, and fantastic chemistry! I loved out heroine and her self assurance. She was such a unique character for this genre and I ADORED her.

However, at times, I felt like I was reading the middle of a series. This is book 1 in a romance series but the way some of the characters were referenced felt like I was missing a lot of backstory. I'm not sure if this is a crossover from other series, but I definitely didn't follow a lot of the side character plots/introductions.

I also felt as though this lost some steam throughout the middle of the book. I loved the meet cute and initial fake dating scheme. But the middle portion felt a little draw out and directionless. There was just something missing to keep the plot moving.

Side note - Mary Jane Wells narrates this audiobook and is an absolutely treasure to audiobook narration. This has a lot of French scattered throughout (as our heroine is French) and I loved being able to hear that via audio. Highly recommend on audio!

Overall, I really enjoyed this historical romance. However I'm still unsure about whether or not I'll continue as I didn't feel connected or attached to any of the side characters.

This is a trope I do not read a ton of, but I rather enjoy and its Marriage of Convenience.
I don't know if its the forced proximity, or if its because its basically fake dating on steroids, but I'm for it, and while these two are only "fake fiancées " its pretty good.

This was a cute book, a jilted Duke a struggling dancer. each lacking something the other can provide.
Together they make a perfect team, if only they could get out of their own way and see it.

A fun summer read! Amalie Howard writes sharp characters and flirty romances with clever language. Perfect for a vacation -- it takes you places and gives you its heart.

Fake relationship. Grumpy hero vs looks like a cinnamon roll and will kill you at the same time heroine. Historical romance. This has everything on my checklist for my seal of approval. It was cute and fun - the pacing was just right for the story. Watching the two of them fall absolutely dumb for each other and how they reacted was the best part. She is fully still going for the plan no matter how much it hurts. He on the other hand knows he’s being absolutely ridiculous showering her with lavish gifts to make her happy while knowing it’ll all be over soon and doesn’t care one bit.
I loved the moment towards the end where he acknowledges how he’s gone wrong about the whole situation and their reunion was really perfect for them and their relationship.

Thank you to Forever Pub and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this cute story!

I’m newer to the Historical Romance scene, but I’ve been really enjoying dabbling lately. Fresh off a Bridgerton (show) binge, and very much needing some HR in my life I was very intrigued by this release from new to me author, Amalie Howard.

Bridgerton meets 90s romcom Pretty Women? Yes please! As a fan of both Bridgerton and all things 90s / 00s romcoms I was definitely in.

The book was a cute, easy read and a great intro to a new world. I enjoyed the banter between Neve and Lysander and seeing them grow together over the course of the book. I’ll definitely be eager to try the next in the series 😊

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever for the chance to read an early copy.

I really really enjoyed this book. The dynamic of Neve and Lysander’s relationship had me feral. I was eating this up like crazy!!!! Every interaction they had made my heart skip a beat at the anticipation of their banter and waiting for them to admit their feelings for each other! They definitely have a grumpy/sunshine dynamic. Lysander is so uptight and closed off, but for good reason. I love how Neve and also his aunt are able to make him realize he is deserving of love and its still “manly” to have those feelings. I also love how Neve’s hardships and status aren’t a cause for concern for Lysander. I feel in these settings, back in that time, that was a huge concern and it made me love him more.

Also, the Hell Kitties!!! Hahahaha!! Yes!!! The Queens Club is amazing and i absolutely was ecstatic for Neve to find such an awesome girl gang.

Overall, this is an amazing story with two wonderful main characters and side characters. It is full of ups and downs, but we find love in the end.

This one just didn't do it for me like I'd hoped it would. I'm not really a historical romance reader anymore (although I used to read all the time), but the premise of a regency Pretty Woman, as the blurb and cover promised, was something I thought was worth giving a try. Sadly, I didn't think there was anything rom-comish about this one. I didn't get any similarities between the movie and this book at all. I didn't really get Lysander and Nève's attraction, and their relationship was mainly just lust. The whole fake relationship just fell flat for me. This was a first for me from this author, but I would be willing to give her another read.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.

I loved this book! I heard it was like Pretty Woman and y’all were not wrong. This book was hilarious, the banter was top notch and it had some super sensual moments! There was some pining (my fav) and grumpy/sunshine trope. I definitely recommend.

I thought historical romance books set in the regency era would always be my top favorites, but then Always Be My Duchess happened. This means that I have FALLEN IN LOVE with the Victorian Era as well!

Relatable characters, delightful romance, heart-warming friendships - this book literally had everything. The premise was so entertaining, MY GOSH. I couldn't keep the book down at all. The chemistry between Lysander and Neve was just - out of this world. I absolutely loved reading about them, and when the book ended I started missing them immediately. I cannot wait to read the next books in the series. Really impressed with the author's writing style!

5/5 stars to this incredible, gem of a novel! OBSESSED.

Thank you to Netgalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the ARC.

🌟🌟🌟🌟 4/5

Bridgerton meets Pretty Woman? Yes.

Lord Blackstone has decided to focus on one thing - money. After many betrayals, he is unwilling to ever risk his heart again. However, this belief has an impact on a business deal and he finds a very creative solution. Genevieve Valery was once an up-and-coming ballerina, but is now hopelessly unemployed. She refuses to become a mistress, but is intrigued when a handsome Duke offers her a fortune to start her life over in exchange for her pretending to be his fiancé. Everything about this premise is a yes for me.

I just love the idea of a historical romance tale on a 90s romcom. This was such a fun, fresh romance with plenty of banter and steamy moments. The characters were lovable. The hijinks were hilarious. Read this book. If you do not, that will be a BIG MISTAKE. HUGE.

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

This was a cute Victorian time period romance with likable characters! I thought Nève’s and Lysander’s introduction to each other in this novel was so fun and I loved seeing their character growth throughout the novel. I thought Nève’s character was so interesting and embodied the feminist qualities I love to see during a period romance as it’s sometimes hard for me to read books from this time because of the limitations on women. The romance was a slow burn and we got some mildly steamy scenes in this one! I really liked how both characters were written and how that underlying theme that both of them experienced different kinds of trauma prior to meeting and they both helped each other to really break out of that fight or flight mindset they had going on to truly find happiness. It was really well done. Lastly, I really enjoyed reading the author’s note regarding her history with ballet and also the inspiration she found from nineteenth century ballerinas, it really brought an authenticity to Nève’s character!