I truly loved this book! As a debut novel, Lydia Drake did a great job at recreating the Cinderella story. The plot twist where Julia proposes to Gregory was a great new change. The reasoning behind her proposal, I’ll leave for you to find out. But as the book goes on I fell in love with both of these characters. Julia is a smart, witty, strong woman living in a time where her wits and smarts are seen as a downfall. Thankfully, those are some of the things that make Gregory interested in her, even though their marriage is a marriage of convenience.

I don’t really read Regency romances and this books makes me want to read more of them. If you don’t typically read this type of romance book, I would give this a try.

I’m so looking forward to the next book. I would love to read the love stories of Duke Huntington, Miss Fletcher, Miss WInslow and Percy.

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

A great take on Cinderella! Enjoyed reading the story and seeing the twists on a classic. Julia and Gregory’s relationship is some thing that neither of them is all coming and that made the book all the better. It was an easy read and enjoyable throughout the entire book.

Julia Beaumont is a penniless spinster, who desperately wants to escape servitude to her spiteful stepmother. She is determined to secure a potential husband at her friend’s ball. However, Julia risks scandal by rescuing a roguish duke from the unwanted advances of a noblewoman. When the duke returns her slipper, Julia proposes a solution that will benefit them both: a marriage of convenience. They deceive the ton into believing their upcoming nuptials are like a Cinderella fairy tale. Can Julia keep her heart safe from her rakish husband? Or will she become one of his conquests?
Gregory Carter, the Duke of Ashworth, has a reputation as London’s most sought-after rake. He grows weary of fending off married women’s unwanted advances and dueling disgruntled husbands. Gregory attends a friend’s ball only to be accosted by a determined matron, but a mysterious blonde comes to his aid. His savior not only bewitches him with a kiss, but she leaves behind a shoe too. When Gregory returns her slipper, Julia offers him a way to escape his licentious admirers. Can Gregory and Julia continue to fool the ton? Or will he truly and irrevocably fall in love with his wife?
I had a rough time connecting with Julia. There were a few instances when I simply could not stand her. I understand that Julia is a strong-willed woman, one who is not afraid to speak her mind or be herself. However, she came off more bratty than self-independent, like she, being a woman, could do no wrong. I am not a fan of those types of heroines. What I like the most about Julia is her close relationship with her stepsister. She did not let her stepmother’s apathy keep Julia from forming a sisterly bond with Susannah. There was no ill will toward each other but instead genuine affection. Susannah and Julia looked out for each other.
Gregory is not your typical fairytale “princely” type. He is a man disillusioned by the sanctity of marriage and of love. Gregory has witnessed not only the discontent in his parents’ marriage but with most of his peers also. I admire his determination not to follow in that trend, despite his need for an heir. I empathize with Gregory’s insecurity. He has never experienced his parents’ love, and their cool indifference caused Gregory to believe he is undeserving of it. What I like the most about Gregory is his generosity. He secretly helps the less fortunate while letting his peers continue to believe he is a hedonistic rogue.
CINDERELLA AND THE DUKE is Lydia Drake’s debut novel. The author does a great job revamping the classic fairy tale but with a regency-era flare. Julia and Gregory are nothing like the usual cookie-cutter couples typically found in fairytales. The heroine is not the damsel in distress but the knight errant. I also like, and approve, the direction the author took with the stepsister. Those little tweaks and changes made the retelling the author’s own.
CINDERELLA AND THE DUKE is a fun retelling of the classic fairy tale Cinderella, but with an entertaining twist. I wonder if this novel is a one-shot, or if the author plans to write more books to go along with this story. It would be fun if she continues with the fairy tale themes.

This is an entertaining, well-written, steamy historical romance novel. It has likable, engaging characters, wit, humor, family and relationship drama, sizzling chemistry, a heart warming romance, the perfect Cinderella moment, and a happily ever after ending.
Entangled Publishing, LLC, Lydia Drake, and NetGalley kindly provided me with an ARC of this wonderful novel and this is my honest opinion.

Julia is a strong bluestocking with her own ideas. All she wants is to finally go to a ball, meet a man and get married so she can get away from her step mother. Her SM would like to keep her home so she can take care of her SM. Luckily Julia has a mind of her own. Forges her own future her way. Gregory has been ignored his whole life he just wants to live his life without anyone to worry about. They meet and sparks fly. Great book. Can't wait for the next one.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book via NetGalley and publisher, Entangled Publishing, LLC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Rating: 4/5 Stars
Publishing: December 27, 2022
Series: A Novel
Pages: 352

This is a first time read by Lydia Drake, new author to this reader. “Cinderella and the Duke” was a very good read and I enjoyed the retelling of the favorite fairy tale.

Gregory Carter, the Duke of Ashworth is known for his prowess and infamous duels. He has become quite the enemy of many men of the ton and the object of affection for the women, especially married ones. In an effort to flee a scandalous situation at the Weatherford Ball, he is rescued by a spinster.

Julia Beaumont believes she will never escape the clutches of her mean and disagreeable stepmother. What is a spinster to do? She has one chance when her stepmother gets ill to escort her sister to a ball in hopes of her finding a husband…and hopefully finding her one in the process. As the night wears on, Julia finds herself saving Gregory and he immediately falls for the beautiful spinster who is intelligent and unashamed of speaking her mind. She flees after the incident and in the process loses her shoe. Gregory gets the shoe and must find this woman that has slipped away.

This marriage of convenience was such a delightful book to read. The story was well-written, and the main characters were so likeable. Loved the banter, chemistry and attraction that they had for one another. There were witty moments that had me smiling at times throughout the story. I also liked the fact that Julia and Gregory had to peel away the layers of rejection in order to uncover the love that they both deserved.

Epilogue revealed another story in the making and would be looking forward to reading it. Totally recommend this read.

This was a charming take on a Cinderella retelling, and i always do love a take charge woman. The way she refused to let herself be turned into a glorified slave to her stepmother was smart and brave, and the duke obviously enjoyed himself. They were such a fun couple to read about, the ball where she lost her slipper was a well done tipping point, and the happily ever after made me smile as i flipped over the last page. I'd enjoy reading more from this author in the future. #netgalley #CinderellaandtheDuke

I loved this book! Julia is 27 and looking to marry and thus escape a lifetime of serving her step-mother. When her step-mother takes ill and she has the opportunity to finally go to a ball by chaperoning her step-sister, she meets Gregory, Duke of Ashworth.

Gregory is an infamous rake known for duels with his lovers' husbands. He has no intention of marriage as he believes he is incapable of being loved after a neglectful and abusive childhood. When Julia saves him from his latest admirer, he is taken by her beauty, intelligence, and sass. They give in to the insta-lust and kiss.

Knowing her once chance is gone, she flees the ball (get the title?) with Gregory chasing after her. He finds her the next day to see if the night before was a fluke, but Julia is just as bold as ever. She proposes to him so she can gain security through marriage, and he accepts to keep women (and their angry husbands) away from him (the only reason...).

Soon enough, spending time together and giving into their attraction produces feelings neither expected.

This book was funny (very much a historical romcom) with the main conflict between the two leads and light outer conflict. Their banter and intelligence moves the plot forward quickly and was so enjoyable it really stood out to me against other historical romances I've read recently.

I will definitely read more by Drake! I hope she's setting up a certain Duke's romance. The side characters were enjoyable so I hope we see more of them - especially her sister who I was very happy was supportive and loving.

Read for: strong heroine, marriage of convenience, rake with traumatic past, historical romcom, spice, dirty talk, and low drama

5 stars
2 spice

I think Julia and Gregory's personalities compliment one another almost in a opposites attract intrigue. Their romance has its sweet moments in the midst of the drama of the ton. The author did a great job making sure that the step-mother from the Cinderella fairytale was well represented igniting the desire to jump inside the pages to help Julia, as well as one of the other most important parts of Cinderella. The story did seem to flow at a much slower pace then I was expecting for these two hotheads.

Great debut from a new author!

I thoroughly enjoyed this take on the Cinderella story. I especially appreciated the wit and intelligence of the two main characters. This was a four star and not a five because I was at times frustrated by the lack of communication between our two lives (big misunderstanding that would have been prevented by a simple conversation).

Unrelated to the rating, but I found it odd: I felt like the author laid the groundwork for a future book with a particular male and female character, then in the epilogue suggested a set up with a different female character. It made for a strange ending.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book and provide my honest review.

Bridgerton vibes…. Yes please!

Genre: Romance
Rating: 3.5/5

If you love books about British high society, headstrong women, finding love in the most unlikely of places, scandals, balls and jilted exes then this book is for you!

I thoroughly enjoyed enjoyed this book. It was well written and the storyline was sweet.

This novel follows miss Julia Beaumont as she attempts to find a husband to escape the droll future as a spinster under her step mothers spiteful gaze. She meets Gregory, duke of ashworth and the rest is a well written story…

I enjoyed the style of writing, although, every now and again it did get a bit wordsy which distracted from the action.

I loved the bridgerton vibes, I love books about high society and the ton. There were some areas where there were a lot of similarities to the first bridgerton novel, but she made the characters her own.

I love how headstrong Julia is, especially in her time. And her dedication to her stepsister was amazing.

I loved their banter, their chemistry was so evident and well written. I giggled a few times at some of their conversations.

I would rate the spicy scenes about 3/5. Very well written. And the author really managed to build up tension until that moment…. This novel is definitely a slow burn, but I liked it because I felt like the characters actually became friends before going any further.

The plot twist at the end of the novel was easy to pick up as soon as certain characters re-entered the scene but it was fun to watch it play out nonetheless.

I would definitely recommend this novel.

tl;dr: It was very much a 'Mary Sue meets Gary Stu but in a sassy "I'm not like other girls/boys"' style, but if you just let the book be what it is, it's okay. There's little to no character depth, and the lusting and conflict feels too dragged out and surface level. There were no technical errors though and the writing was otherwise well done, just wish there was more substance.

Not tl;dr:

(My notes as I read the book.)

I'm not in love with the central plot, mostly of the male lead, but I understand that without it, you'd have a very different story. But a Gary Stu of insane sexual prowess, money, looks, empathy, and everything--just was a bit much for me. (Later on we learn him having sex with women fixed all of their marriages and led them to realize and chase their dreams. Like damn, what kind of dick does he have? xD It was just...too much Gary Stu for me.)

The main leads' voices were not very distinct, so there were several times I had to double check who was talking. Both of them are 'perfect', sassy, and self-loathing, so it was easy to mix them up.

I will note this book has insta-lust, which I'm not a fan of, but I do realize it is quite central to the entire plot happening lol.

It did feel quite repetitive after a while, to have both main characters continuously negative self-talk about themselves and how the other person deserves better, how one is a rake/spinster, or what-not. I wish we could've explored a little more deeper or dove into something else so that didn't feel so surface level. You don't really feel like you get to know the characters.

I almost wish more time had been taken at the start to build up the characters before having them meet. We could've seen more of the 'evil step mother' and her interactions with our heroine. Instead, quite a bit of their history is told, not shown. I think that could've strengthened the first meeting between our main leads, added to the urgency of the situation, and given more depth to our characters.

Another area of repetition was their lust and attraction to each other. Instead of him always finding her as 'a goddess', what about her was so goddess-like? Her hair? Her eyes? Her mannerisms? Her speech? Most of what was described was her breasts, thighs, or curves, and rarely how the sun reflecting in her golden hair.

"People wanted her so long as she could be useful to them. As soon as she wasn't needed, they discarded her, or else treated her badly."
Again, this doesn't feel earned. Much of this book has telling and not showing. Of people impactful to her life, she mentions two, one is only told (her original fiance), and the other half-told (her step-mother). And even then, we aren't told in depth of the ex-fiance, so we don't know what it was she was 'used' for. The same can be said for our hero, who 'fears Julia finding out about all his wretched qualities', when it's like...what wretched qualities? He's literally a Gary Stu, he has no flaws. This book is well written, and it's all right for the most part, but lacks character depth. I feel like this book could've been so much stronger.

Really, if you remove internal thoughts about wanting sex and finding the other character hot, you'd probably get only a chapter of content. :/ I'm not big on the idea of the story, but the author does make you like it, even if it's absurdly unrealistic, which is a shame that it's so surface level.

The plot is fairly repetitive as well. The beginning, though rushed, was still entertaining since it felt like we were making progress, getting to know characters (even if they are standard tropes), etc. Then things slowed down with the 'will they won't they have sex', and the 'is he a bad person because I found/heard/saw this--surprise, he's not', etc. Those two things make up the bulk (and I do mean bulk) of the book. Why not show more of other characters? Of Julia's work at the school in Lynton?

It's a shame I started to grow a bit jaded while reading, as the author is clearly familiar with the genre (though it has a more feminist take, which did feel a little too blunt/in your face at times), the writing itself is great, I didn't find any mistakes, but...well, like I said above. I appreciate the author using the Oxford Comma though. :)

As a nit-pick, it's 2022, I wish more authors would bother to describe white characters, instead of continuing to leave it as the default if there are no descriptors. :/ I know they're white on the cover, but I still think they should be described, and no other character's skin tone/race is either.

I think due to lacking character depth, beyond their self-loathing, the conflict three-quarters of the way in felt...a bit forced? Unearned? He saw Julia with her ex-fiance, and there was a quick note of him upset, and then that was it. No deeper explanation, no exploration of his trauma, just him feeling justified in his previous fears, and wanting to avoid Julia. There wasn't any time taken to go into what he felt in that moment, everything felt rushed and, again, surface level. (Especially since it clashed so heavily with his complete and utter confidence of their relationship two seconds before. Trauma can certainly crash down on you like that, but it wasn't written in that way. It felt more written because...the book needed conflict for the third act. And I was certainly dreading this conflict coming, since I knew it wasn't going to pay off. And I was right :/)

It feels like a mix of pacing in this novel. The parts where things are happening and plot is progressing, things move very quickly, like the author was rushing to get to the next scene. Then when plot isn't happening, and the characters are ruminating about sex, there's...a lot of text there. Like a good chunk of the novel. And it slows things down and gets so repetitive. I feel like I'm just repeating myself in this review, but this is honestly how the book felt.

A great example of missed opportunity for character depth and exploration was the reveal of Julia's ex-fiance to her best friend. She had never told anyone except Gregory, her new husband, and that was made to be a big deal. Her biggest trauma...revealed off screen?? I feel like we could've had value of seeing her friend's initial reactions and how they interacted in the retelling of Julia's story. How Julia could've gotten support from her friend and build their connection even deeper. Instead we get repeated moping from Gregory, of how much he 'knows' things won't work out, but yet how much he loves and wants to be with his wife. (If we're going to see from his perspective, maybe give us something more than the same thing over and over? What /else/ is there? It's like he has one thought on repeat.)

Speaking of other characters, could we have more with her sister, please? I LOVED their interactions and relationship. It felt so genuine and adorable. Her step-sister is just completely gone after the wedding and for like...all of the book basically after that, until the climax at the end.

(Also, super nit-pick, but wearing actual glass slippers? Oh no.--The queen wishes to see their Cinderella marriage in person, and the book plays it off as being based in realism, so I was surprised to see Julia actually wearing glass shoes. Yikes.)

The ending was...as expected. It is a HEA. (Though I did ship the other duke with the governess. I was secretly hoping the step-sister to be ace, but that's a lot of hope for a cis-het romance novel :') )

I can understand why this book has so many 4 star ratings. If you're just in it for a good time, don't care about the characters, and have minimal expectations, this book can be fun, but I prefer more than just non-stop sexual 'tension' (it didn't really read like tension to me), sex, and brooding.

This was a really quick easy read but extremely exasperating. I really liked the banter between Julia and Gregory but the build up to their union was so frustrating and then when it happened I feel it was such a let down. The circumstance and reason for their relationship was just very unbelievable and that was hard to get over. The way that the Cinderella story was tied in wasn’t bad but nothing was overwhelmingly positive. I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.

*****5 Stars!

“She’d been a fool before, but she would never be a fool again.”


First I would like to thank Entangled Publishing and NetGalley for allowing me to read an arc of this book. I am honored to have been given the chance to read it and give it an honest review.

Desperate to escape the clutches of a horrible stepmother, Julia Beaumont has one last chance to make her attempt at The Weatherford Ball. 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 with one look at the luscious and refreshingly clever Julia, he could not simply resist a stolen kiss--scandal be damned.

Then just as things are starting to become deliciously interesting, the lady flees…leaving only a slipper behind. And it must have been one dandy of a kiss, because now Julia has proposed to him. After all, the lady needs a husband, and this roguish duke would most certainly do. It is now only the simple matter of making him the perfect scandalous offer.

I absolutely adored this retelling! It was so clever and fun, not to mention it had a way of pulling me into the story instantly. I really enjoyed the pacing of this book, it made for very easy reading and not to mention this author has a way for detail, it was very well done. I liked how she was able to describe the depths of the characters' emotions as well. I felt it really helped the readers know both of the main characters on a more personal level, allowing us to understand why they are the way that they are and how they function. The banter is another thing that I loved about this book, the amount of wit was absolutely perfect and had me smiling each time the two characters began to verbally spar off against one another.

The twists and turns of this book had me on the edge of my seat, trying to gauge what the characters would do next, which I really enjoyed. Gregory and Julia were both very interesting characters; I liked how headstrong and stubborn Julia was compared to Gregory’s laid back and casual nature. One thing I love to see in a romance is characters with flaws and insecurities, I felt that was portrayed very well in Gregory’s character. Gregory and Julia both had a very wonderful ability to understand the other perfectly, despite all the miscommunications within the story between the two, it was clear they were perfect for the other. I also liked seeing how Julia came into her own after her very unique proposal to the duke; not to mention her dedication to those that she loved and cared about, which made her a very redeeming character.

This is a book I would highly recommend if you’re a fan of Cinderella stories and swoon-worthy romances! This was an excellent debut novel and I absolutely can’t wait to read more from this author!

Lydia Drake debut novel was wonderful. I enjoyed Gregory and Julia journey to happily ever after. The chemistry and banter between the characters was great. In this marriage of convenience, they knew going in they were entering into an agreement but they did not know the level that they will fall in love. I found that their feelings were a slow build and there was a lot of fear in getting to HEA.

Loosely based on the fairytale, #CinderellaandtheDuke follows the introduction, courtship and marriage of Julia Beaumont and Gregory Carter, Duke of Ashworth. Julia is a spinster, doomed to a life serving her selfish stepmother and Gregory is infamous as a rake who knows how to please women, especially unhappy wives and lonely widows. In fact, Gregory is supposedly so skilled that a club has been formed –the Carter Club -- for his satisfied former lovers to reminisce about their past affairs with him.

They end up agreeing to a marriage of convenience (initially) to allow Julie to escape her stepmother and to allow Gregory to escape pursuit by the ton’s wives and widows eager for his services. The two are quickly attracted to one another and but due to past experience, each one is scared to death of rejection. This results in many misunderstandings due to communication issues that seem to go on far too long.

Also, in tone and language, this story did not feel firmly anchored in the Regency period in which it supposedly takes place. There were many instances where comments were made or actions were taken that seemed more appropriate for a modern setting.

Despite a likeable hero and heroine, these issues made it a disappointment for me.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #EntangledPub for the ARC.

I received a copy of this from NetGalley and this is my freely given opinion.

This was a Regency romance that was a fun twist on Cinderella, with some really humorous tongue in cheek repartee that I found really made this a wonderful read for me.

Julia Beaumont is the eldest daughter of a baron; they lost her mother when she was quite young. Lord Beaumont remarried when Julia was a young teenager, the widow of a wealthy merchant named Constance, who brought her own young daughter, Susannah to the family. Then Lord Beaumont passed away shortly after their marriage. The new stepmother, Lady Beaumont was the epitome of the evil stepmother to Julia, using her as an unpaid companion and drudge and after one unsuccessful season, where Julia had her heart broken, kept her at the country estate hidden from society. After many years, when Susannah is ready for her own debut, and it was thought that Julia is now firmly on the shelf, she is allowed to accompany them to London, but even then, Julia is forced to stay out of Society.

Despite Constance being such a witch of a wicked stepmother, her daughter, Susannah, and Julia do love each other, and Susannah tries to blunt her mothers mistreatment of Julia, and to give Julia some of the love and opportunities her mother denies her.

When Constance becomes ill, she does not want Susannah to miss a ball, and has Julia act as a chaperone. Julia knows this could be her opportunity to get out from under Constance's thumb. She is still attractive enough where she could hope to catch the eye of a gentleman, perhaps a widower or someone like that, who could marry her and take her away, so she does not have to spend the rest of Constance's life catering to her as an unpaid drudge. Even if she has to remake her own mother's out of date gowns and wear her cast off slippers to the ball.

Gregory Carter is the Duke of Ashworth. He has a reputation as arake and lover and is frequently hunted down by married women... and then hunted down by their husbands to defend himself on the field of honour. He is getting tired of the life he leads and his sordid reputation, but is also determined not to marry.

At the ball that night, Julia overhears Ashworth being stalked by a lusty wife, and despite his attempts to escape her, is found with her by the husband and challenged to a duel. Being a kind and just woman, she intervenes to save him from the situation, but is also aware of his rakish reputation, which could sully hers. So she ends up having to leave the ball before achieving her ends. But she makes quite an impression on Ashworth, stunning him with her beauty and intriguing him with her intelligence and humour... and of course, as she escapes, she leaves behind a token.... her crystal covered dancing slipper.

Ashworth finds out who she is and returns the slipper with his thanks. Julia convinces him to engage in a marriage of convenience to her. Doing so would save him from being hunted down by horny Society matrons, and their angry husbands, and she would be able to leave Constance. She promises him that they would lead separate lives. Ashworth comes around and agrees.

But of course, this is a romance. So far, things are lighthearted, with a lot of humour. The prose is amusing and quite engaging. But then things get complicated as they marry and get to know each other. Ashworth has hidden depths and self doubt thanks to his own family life and experiences. Their relationship, which was meant to be a convenience only, develops into more as they get to know each other, becoming friends and lovers. Despite that, they do not confide their deepening feelings for each other, and do not trust that their relationship will be something more durable. Ashworth genuinely seems to feel that he does not deserve Julia; that she is too good for him and he is in love and in awe of her. It becomes a bit sweet and sad for a stretch before they reach their HEA.

I found this to be a very refreshingly funny and sweet story, and enjoyed the twist on the Cinderella story. I enjoyed that Susannah and Julia did not have the fairy tale relationship where the stepsister was evil. I quite enjoyed the sly digs and humorous, and sarcastic dialogue by the characters.

This is the first time I am reading anything by this author, and I thoroughly enjoyed this and hope there is more to come.

4 stars out of 5.

I liked Cinderella and the Duke. This is a good story, I liked Julia. She's funny, loyal and kind. Gregory, a troubled Duke meets his match in Julia. My favorite parts of the story were when they spent time at Lynton Park with Felicity. A slow burn Romance with a wonderful ending.
#CinderellaAndTheDuke #NetGalley

Well, this is saucy. And I mean that in the best possible way. I usually gravitate towards the Hallmark-esque romances, but I felt like I needed to read a bodice ripper (it's been a long while since I've done one of these). This one definitely ticked all the traditional tropes-plus, fairy tale themes so all-in-all it did not disappoint.

4.5 stars!

I cannot believe that this is Lydia Drake's debut novel as I found myself thoroughly enjoying every single word! The writing seemed so effortless and mature, while the chemistry between Gregory and Julia was palpable and so delicious. I absolutely loved all of the witty dialogues between them; their banter was top-notch and Gregory's self-deprecating charm knew no bounds (in the best way). Julia and Gregory were two broken souls who were too afraid to hope for love but found it anyway, and their hesitant courtship was so beautiful to watch. I am so glad I took a chance on this novel, and I look forward to more by the lovely Lydia Drake♡

Tropes: fairytale retelling, reformed rake hero, spinster heroine, marriage of convenience, secret pining, fake relationship, evil stepmother, slight OM drama (no cheating)