Thanks to NetGalley and Forever Publishing for the chance to read this eARC/ARC and provide my candid review.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 4.5 (0-5) rounding to 5
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥 (0-5)

What I’m Starry-Eyed Over:
🤩 The tropes: unrefined protagonist, class difference.
🤩 The title of course—how could I resist two of my favorite words? The plot is fabulous, reading each of these words come into play.
🤩 Historical romance romcom, yes please!
🤩 It’s so engaging and entertaining—movie material. Cinderella themed movies are my favorite!
🤩 A wager that leads to the rags to riches makeover.
🤩 When Max and Evie decide they are friends.
🤩 Both such sweet, fun, and adorable MCs.
🤩 Max’s lusty thoughts of physical attraction.
🤩 When Evie realizes her attraction to Max.
🤩 The flirting and banter.
🤩 Delicious descriptions of beautiful surroundings. And, tasty treats.
🤩 Dance lessons (I’m such a sucker) with champagne.

What I’m Wishing/Dizzy About:
💫 I’m a bit picky about needing the physical closeness (steam) after the drama. I DO actually believe in the HEA between Max and Evie. But, an epilogue of them being the hosts of something very ducal and then sneaking away in a moment of passion would have been lovely. It’s just a wish. I’m just a reader, totally not a writer.

4.5 Stars
🌶🌶

This was a sweet historical romance that really gave me She's All That vibes, more than a Cinderella retelling. This is my first Laura Lee Guhrke book, and I was very impressed. It was elegantly written, with great character development and great side characters.

Evie is a struggling bookshop owner and has had to work extremely hard to pay off her father's debts after his death and to keep the bookshop open. Max, Duke of Westbourne, goes to the bookshop to help his cousin, who was working with Evie on a project. He happened to bring in a few other young men with him, and they were rude and disrespectful to Evie. Later that night, they were talking about how plain Evie was, and Max defended her. They decided to wager that Max couldn't get her to be desirable for a ball in 6 weeks. Max takes the bet because he actually thought she was beautiful and he wanted to put these idiots in their place.

At first, I was worried about the bet storyline because this always follows the same storyline, where the heroine finds out near the end, and there is a 3rd act breakup. However, Max revealed the bet and everything to Evie immediately. I found this extremely refreshing.

Evie was offended and denied the request initially, but then decided to go for it when her bookshop was flooded. I really related to Evie and how she was settling for her life even though she wasn't really happy running the bookshop. I loved watching her find confidence and push herself out of her comfort zone.

Max had a disaster of a marriage when he married an American who was ill prepared to be a Duchess. He decided to find a wife who was made to be a Duchess, and he would not marry for love this time.

This was a super slow burn romance. Max did so many sweet things to help Evie and constantly showed her he respected her. I loved the picnic he made for her and when he taught her how to dance. I felt their connection and chemistry, although I wish there was more spice. It didn't lower my rating because there was one sex scene, and I felt it was perfect for this story. I do think the ending wrapped up really quickly, and I wish there was an epilogue.

This was just a sweet, feel-good, slow burn, and low angst historical romance. I'm impressed with the authors writing and how she didn't do the expected tropes or storylines.

Thank you to Forever and NetGalley for providing this ARC.

3.75 stars rounded up to 4. This author is new to me and I'll admit, I had a bit of trouble getting into this book at first. I didn't care for Max all that much, finding him rude and dismissive, and I thought Evie was rather immature for her age. Most of all, I wasn't crazy about the circumstances around the bet and crass comments involving Evie's looks. For a change of pace, I wondered, instead of her getting a makeover, why not her bookshop?

But around the 30% mark, as the MC's started to open up to each other, and there was more humor, vulnerability, and warmth in their interactions, I became more drawn into the storyline. I will admit that the Cinderella (Pygmalion meets "She's All That", to be more exact) trope isn't one that I love, and everything falls into place here pretty much as expected. But I did appreciate the message that comes through at the end: You have to love yourself in order to love someone else.

The world building is well done, and the dialog and mannerisms seem fairly true to the late 1800's time period (although would a 28 year old woman who's in trade be quite as untouched as Evie was?). Of course, you have to buy into the fantasy that a single woman of Evie's class would have been able to sneak around with a Duke.

The secondary characters (with an exception noted below) are solid. Delia, one of Max's sisters, is probably my favorite. Once she re-enters the story at about the 60% mark, she's a delightful voice of reason.

Here I have to mention an aspect of the plot that bothered me: If Max was so haunted by what happened with his first wife (a dark event that fit in uneasily with the light tone of this book), why would he ever have agreed to the bet to begin with? Yes, it's supposedly to help with his plan to marry a woman of the ton, Helen, who he's had his eye on, but it's really hard to believe that that he'd trust her hooligan brother and friends to not spout off about the bet once they got what they wanted out of the arrangement. And Max honestly seems hot/cold about Helen as well as Evie at times.

Speaking of hot/cold, it was hard to get a handle on Evie and Rory. POSSIBLE SPOILERS AHEAD:....................................................Evie is smitten by him at the beginning, then abruptly has nothing more to do with him due to a conversation with Max, then for whatever reason her common sense seems to fly out the window when he comes calling toward the end. I thought she was too lenient in letting him have his say; it seemed to go against her emerging character arc.

Anyway, despite the caveats, I really enjoyed the chemistry between Max and Evie. Their slow-burn relationship does pay off in a couple of nicely steamy scenes, and I loved the final chapter, once Evie finally has her realization about Max and about herself. I would have loved an epilogue depicting Max and Evie's life a year or so after the wedding.

Bottom line: Despite a rather shaky start, this book is delightful overall.

I read an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary review. Opinions are my own.

This was an entertaining, well-written book. It was sweet, steamy and held my interest. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books by this author.

This was a really fun and entertaining read for me. Ms Guhrke is one of my favorite authors that write from the heart. This book had me at first chapter and never let go. The characters were fully developed with thoughts and feelings of their own. You meet Evie Harlow who owns a bookshop that specializes in first editions. One day a man comes into her store (after a night of drinking) to proposition Evie with a bet to become the belle of the ball. Well Evie thinks the guy is nutty and says no. Of course the guy is the Duke of Westbourne and he's paying for her stay at a ritzy hotel and she still says no!
Then her apartment becomes flooded and then she has to accept his offer. And let the fun begin with one hot Duke and one woman who knows her own mind. Max knows he wants Evie for his own. But first he's got to get her to trust him and see that anything is possible.
Of course when fate step in and decide these two are meant to be with love for a happy ever after.
I appreciate Net Galley for this ARC title in which I gave an honest review.

A relatable and lovable female lead AND the bet is disclosed to her immediately? Yes, yes let us all take not this is what readers want.

Short, quick, an easy read. We’ve got a plot that picks up right off the bat and gets to the point, some “My Fair Lady” vibes, and Evie who embraces the suffragette ideals and is an independent queen. The relationship between Max and Evie offers a good pacing with just enough angst. I kept my eyes on Rory because I felt it could go either way on whether I’d dread or be overworried on his character and thankfully I was just overworried.

It has been a long time since Laura has written a story and I have always loved her writing. I am so happy. This story is sweet and the writing is impeccable and the storyline is different and very good. I loved everything about this story. Just amazing. Max and Evie are such great characters. They have flaws but together they are astonishing. How could you not like these two characters (they rank up there with Maria and Phillip, from my favorite Laura book, Secret Desires of a Gentleman).

Bookshop Cinderella by Laura Lee Guhrke is the First book in the Scandal at the Savoy Series. This is the story of Evie Harlowe and Maximillian Shaw, Duke of Westbourne “Max”. When Max and his friends enter into Evie's bookshop to pick up some research he meets Evie. Max's friends end up saying some harsh things and Max takes up for her. But later his friends want to make a bet about turning Evie into a 'Lady'. But when present with this she doesn't want to do it but then her books store takes in some damage which leads her to do so. Enjoyed their story.

This was a cute historical romance that included a mix of the Cinderella trope as well as a touch of She’s All That.

Evie is an orphan bookshop keeper and Max is a duke in search of a wife. After meeting Evie, Max enters a bet with some friends about whether or not Evie is attractive. Enter She’s All That themes except Max tells her about the bet and presents it as a chance for her to have some fun on his dime.

Overall this book was enjoyable, but I had a few issues with it. The beginning includes a LOT of telling. As in a side character literally explaining Evie’s entire life history to Max before he meets her. This also means the beginning was very detail heavy with details that are repeated when the characters personally encounter them. The ending sadly felt rushed. There were large gaps of time that were skipped over which felt very odd especially after the slow time progression in the beginning. I would have preferred to have more time with Evie and Max towards the end once they were falling for each other.

Maximillian "Max" Shaw, Duke of Westbourne, also, Marquess of Denby, Earl of Rievaulx , and Viscount Marbury. Kind, tall, knight in shining armor attitude, helpful to family when he can.

Cousin Delia Lady Stratham, as a hobby she works for the Savoy owner César Ritz, with duties that involved parties, shopping, and the exercise of considerable charm.

Evangeline “Evie" Harlow, owner of “Harlow’s Bookshop" which she inherited after her father died.

Rory Callahan, childhood friend, his father and Evie's hoped the two would marry.

Lady Helen Maybridge, brother Freddie Maybridge along with his friends Thomas Banforth and his brother Timothy Banforth are down from Oxford for causing trouble.


Max is asked by his cousin Delia to do a favor, which he agrees to do. Lady Helen also asks a favor of him, however, he agrees hoping it will further his cause. Delia's favor gets him to meet Evie.

Evie has spent eight years making the bookshop profitable. She loves it but when Rory returns he has her thinking maybe there is more for her. While chatting with Rory, Max arrives to start fulfilling Delia's favor and somewhat insults both Evie and Rory. When Freddie and his friend arrive to get Max, they cause a bit of ruckus.

Later the three challenge Max to a bet about Evie. Max accepts knowing he can show the three mischievous young men what it means to be a gentleman. He explains all thus to Evie who is tempted and insulted at the same time.

So our stage is set, our cast is ready, and our setting is vast, opulent, and varied. so come play in your imagination as Laura gives a retelling of a classic as only she can in this humorous, witty, enthralling, and wonderfully written story. The surprises she gives will have you enjoying yourself and unable to put this book down.


What are the favors Max does and how he does them will put a smile on you and have you laughing. Evie with her sarcastic whit and charm will bowl you over. Delia with her devil may care attitude will have you rooting for Evie in a heartbeat. Poor Max will not realize until it is too late what he really wants and needs. Evie is a stronger more delightful version of Cinderella. Rory gets what he deserves in a very good way!

Join that fun and you will be so happy and thrilled when you finish!

Genre: historical romance
London, 1896

Evie Harlow has worked herself to the bone to pay off her father’s debts and to start earning money from the small bookshop she inherited at his death. In addition, she takes on side jobs, such as research and consulting for elaborate Epicurean Club dinners at the Savoy for her friend Delia. When Delia’s cousin Max, also Maximillian Shaw, Duke of Westbourne, agrees to help with the next dinner and meets Evie, he sees beyond the tired woman in desperate need of a vacation. Thanks to a few drinks and jibing from some “friends,” Max places a hundred pound bet: in six weeks he can turn Evie into a woman coveted by society. He’ll put her up at the Savoy and Delia will sponsor her entry into Society.

Bookshop Cinderella is brilliant in its subtlety. The writing is elegant and the character development shows off Guhrke’s strong sense of writing craft. The central plot is more Pygmalian than Cinderella, despite its title, and even the glow-up subtle. Max never tries to change Evie, because he already believes she’s beautiful, just tired and overworked. He wants to provide the opportunity for her to shine, and he’s annoyed that the young men he’s charged with keeping an eye on can’t see Evie’s worth.

For all he’s a thirty-two year-old duke elegantly shouldering the expectations of his class, Max is soft and sweet, and more likely than not to put his foot in his mouth. He’s determined not to repeat his past - he married his first wife for love, but she was an American who ultimately eschewed the British aristocracy and wasn’t ever cut out to be a duchess. Her death haunts Max years later, and he can’t help but compare Evie to her, as a woman from a different class to whom he is completely drawn.

Evie must also navigate complicated waters: a businesswoman who has worked tirelessly, now that her debts are paid she feels adrift. This feeling aligns with the return of a dear childhood friend, who her father had hoped she might marry, but who doesn’t see her for what she’s worth. She only agrees to Max’s offer when her bookshop’s boiler bursts and she has nowhere to stay while the damage is repaired. But she also agrees because her contrary nature means she loves proving people wrong. She wants a little adventure, and she’s not a little unswayed by the fine dresses from Max.

Class difference romances don’t always work, but Guhrke builds a case over the course of the novel as to why this one would: Max has already experienced a failed marriage with a class difference. Older and wiser, he thinks first to avoid the debacle, but starts to reconsider not only as he’s falling in love with Evie, but when she continues to amaze him with her ability to learn new things and her competence and business sense. Both characters profess their concerns again and again that it couldn’t work, all while Guhrke shifts the story in their favor, and making it clear that this isn’t just a happily for now.

The beauty in Guhrke’s writing is in the fact that she never over explains or tries to force her characters into a trope or theme. It’s gentle and subtle, and the sort of novel an avid historical romance reader will adore and appreciate.

I mostly enjoyed this one, but for some reason it had a hard time keeping my interest. I enjoyed Evie and Max, but for me there was just something missing. It may have been Max’s bet and how he spares no expense to win it. Their relationship/consummation was definitely a slow burn, but I’m usually here for one. I enjoyed Evie’s transformation and how she could see herself as others did. I will still check out the rest of the series when it’s released.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4

He has a dukedom, she has a bookshop...

Ir feels like its been more than a minute since I last read one of Laura Lee Guhke's books. I liked that it was set in the 1890's, an oft overlooked time period. Max is a duke, doing his cousin Delia a favor. Max's first marriage ended in a soap-opera like fashion of passion and horrible endings, because he married in haste, not someone of his class, and based soley on passion. Will history repeat itself? He's determined not to let that happen and has the perfect bride already picked out from the ton.

Evie Harlow is a hardworking bookshop owner who does favors for Delia. That's the favor Delia needed from Max. She's smitten with the return of her buddy Rory and is riddle with insecurities (ironically, so is Max, in his own way, afraid of making the same mistakes).

I enjoyed Bookshop Cinderella and can recommend it, though, I have to say, Max really made Evie work to be his duchess, like, it was really uncool, the hoops he made her jump through publicly, without having to do the same, publicly, which is what he really needed to do for her reputation. He made her do all the work in public, then did his bit in private. Uncool.
4.5

(4.5 rounded up to a 5)

Bookshop Cinderella by Laura Lee Guhrke is a late-Victorian opposites-attract historical romance and the first book in the Scandal at the Savoy series.

Evie owns and runs a bookshop in London that specializes in rare tomes. Max, a Duke, enters a wager about turning Evie into the diamond of the season. He brings her in on the bet, and offers her two months of vacation from the safety and comfort of her shop. Then disaster strikes her shop and she could do with a bit of a break from her usual reality.

I really enjoyed this book. It's kind of like She's All That but Evie knows about the bet pretty early. Evie is a very strong feminist and isn't afraid to speak her mind. I really loved her, and saw a lot of myself in her. I'm always here for a bookish heroine!

This book has a bit of steam but it's not extensive. Their chemistry is off the charts, though! The banter between Evie and Max is pretty great.

The end felt a bit abrupt to me and I would have loved to see an epilogue. Thankfully, this is the first book in the series and hopefully we'll get to see more of them further into the series!

This was my first read by the author, but I enjoyed it so much I'm absolutely going to check out her back catalogue too, which is pretty extensive. The publisher's blurb notes that this is good for fans of Julia Quinn, and I agree with that wholeheartedly.

Tropes in this book include: opposites attract, wager, multi-POV, rags-to-riches, he falls first, bookish heroine

CW: bullying, brief mention of possible su*cide (happens prior to book)

Bookshop Cinderella by Laura Lee Guhrke is the first in a new series, Scandal at the Savoy.

I was pleasantly surprised by the book, and honestly, I think it's more of a mix of Cinderella and My Fair Lady, except she already owns her own shop. I love that Evie had her insecurities yet is willing to be brave when given the choice. She's led a sheltered life, but after years of trying to scrape by, she's wondering what more life could hold. Yes, she's booksmart but still refreshingly naive. Her ability to laugh at herself makes her real. Then you have Max, The Duke of Westbourne, he's lived a life of privilege with his past weighing heavily with his need for an heir. When he meets Evie, he's trying to do a favor that turns into so much more. Taking her out of her surroundings means Max has to address that's he's inexplicably drawn to her and fight it or potentially relive his mistakes. Yet, could a wiser and older pair truly turn the ton of their ears and through caution to the wind by making a love match?

***ARC Provided by the Publisher via NetGalley***

3.5 Stars

I love a good historical romance that not only tells a story but also uses the setting as part of the story. There's so much to be added by really using the setting and making it a part of the story, as the constraints of society, what is proper and what is and isn't done can factor in and add a layer to the story.

Evie and Max are one of the couples that work so well in historical romance, he is a Duke and she runs a bookshop, so not someone accustomed to being part of society as she is in trade. I liked the way they worked it out to have them together and around one another.

There was an additional character that I thought wasn't totally necessary to bring in to the story, but he was only slightly distracting and only pulled me from the story slightly.

This book is definitely an offshoot of the Pygmalion story, but it works and even though it's a bit predicable, it never felt like it was dragging or boring due to having a pretty good idea the arc of the story.

I enjoyed and recommend this title.

Bookshop Cinderella by Laura Lee Guhrke
Historical romance.
Evie Harlow runs a small bookstore that specializes in rare first editions. After a bit of a drunken night, Max Shaw, the Duke of Westbourne comes into the bookstore with a proposition for Evie. He’s bet that she will be the belle of the ball at a particular party and that her dance card will be full. Evie has no intention of accepting his offer of staying at the Savoy Hotel for the season, fully paid wardrobe and every entertainment she would like to attend. Until her boiler erupts in the apartment above the bookshop and floods the building and she has no choice but to evacuate to the Savoy and play the part of socialite for the season.

The repartee between Evie and Max is clever and often amusing. When the dancing lessons prove too much for him, poor innocent Evie is thrown into a world of longing she has heretofore missed.
Heretofore: a word used often in historical romances and legal briefs. I’m not even sure I used it correctly, but it amuses me to include it in my review.
I found her stubbornness and intelligence appealing. And who doesn’t love a Duke that will spend lavishly on a woman, keep her safe and ultimately wants her happiness?

“Sometimes, he thought in exasperation as he started down the street, Evie really was the most unaccountable girl.”

I received a copy of this from NetGalley and the publisher.

3.7 Stars
One Liner: Entertaining

Maximillian Shaw, Duke of Westbourne, agrees to help his cousin Lady Delia as she rushes to Rome. This takes him to a quaint little bookshop run by Evie Harlow. However, his first visit leads to a second as the Duke wagers with his friends and needs Evie’s support to win the bet. He will turn her into a belle of the season and help her find a match. With her beauty, how hard could it be?
Evie has since long given up her dreams to keep the bookshop running. She is infuriated by the Duke’s offer but soon ends up accepting it when a disaster strikes. It’s not easy being among the ton, but Evie enjoys it.
However, as our lead pair start to fall for each other, they may have to make a lot of decisions and overcome a few scandals to get what they want. Can they do it, though?
The story comes in the limited third-person POV of Max, Evie, and Rory.

My Thoughts:
I love that beautiful cover! The gown in purple is so gorgeous. The premise is just as fun, and my hopes were quite high.
While the Duke’s chapter starts well, Evie puts her in a not-so-appealing position. For a heroine who’s supposed to be strong, capable, and independent, her opening scene is the weakest. Thankfully, it gets better.
The writing is easy to read. The story flows well, despite the regular shifts in POVs. Since all of them are in the third person, there’s no confusion anywhere.
The plot is quite straightforward, with a bit of everything to add to the drama. That keeps the story moving ahead, and the pacing is more than decent. Though most of it is predictable, and we know who the villain is, the story is still enjoyable, with traces of humor.
Other reviewers compared the book to She’s All That movie. Since I haven’t watched it, I could read this without any comparison or prior assumptions and enjoy it for what it is.
There isn’t much angst, intense drama, or excessive miscommunication. This is quite a relief, as I’m bored of these tropes anyway. The banter between the characters is fun to read. They do have some chemistry, which makes things better.
Of course, a few doubts remain, and some suspension of belief is necessary towards the end, but this is the first book in the series. So even if the next ones have other main characters, Evie and Max are likely to play minor roles and fill the gaps. Still, I wish there was an epilogue.

To summarize, Bookshop Cinderella is a lighthearted entertainer and a great pick between heavy reads. The lovely gowns and food are a bonus. The book has 2.5ish steam (one scene).
I’ll be sure to pick book two in the series when it’s available.
Thank you, NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing/Forever, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

Bookshop Cinderella is a dishy read. Max, the handsome love hardened duke plays fairy godmother to bookshop owner Evie.
The pages of their story curl up as the intensity builds between the two.
I so wanted Max to deal effectively with the rotten sod Rory.
Nothing ends at midnight but can Evie and Max combine their worlds?
Say bibbety bobbety boo as you read.

The story has it cute charm about it, but it’s the plot that’s not connecting. The story moves has a steady line. I was looking for the highs and lows of a intriguing story. The characters seems to mature and in depth for the plot. Perhaps if there was mystery or a spy plot that the two have found themselves involved in would bring excitement to the story. The entertainment part of the book was when the two main characters shared dialogues together. I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.