Susannah is nearly engaged to a duke, but is having misgivings about it and would rather travel and see the world. While out with a friend at a gambling den, she happens to play the piano is a seemingly empty room. Rafe, the owner of the club, stumbles upon her there and is encouraged to hire her to bring more sophisticated patrons to the club so that he can secure a business deal. He offers her a large sum of money in exchange for her playing at the club. While Susannah declines at first, she soon realizes that the money would give her the opportunity to run away from her imminent engagement. Rafe and Susannah attempt to keep their relationship professional, but Rafe is an awe of her playing and Susannah sees glimpses of Rafe’s kindness towards his employees. It’s a total social mismatch here, but Susannah goes after what she wants, even at the risk of displeasing her family.

Thank you note net galley and entangled publishing for giving me this book I was so excited to get the invitation to read it.

But I was not very in love with this book as I was with some other books, I’ve read by this author. Basically, the main character falls in love with a man who has issues and the whole time he notices her, never noticed her really before. She wants to play music. I feel like in the beginning it was OK middle of the story. I got a little boring and dragged. Wish you could’ve been a little better for me. I have all day rather slow. He honestly did not care much for her. He made her go live with him and follow his dreams over hers. I just thought that that was a little boring. And then her mother has been rude throughout the entire book. Giving it 3 stars. Could of been better. Reminds me of her other books with same plot line.

You will breathe, you will feel and, you will literally live this book until it's deeply imprinted on your soul - SIMPLY EXCEPTIONAL!

A lovely story where she can only be herself when she is with him and he finds peace only with her. But now they have to choose whether to let social gaps or expectations rule their future or not. I specially enjoy the natural progress of the couple’s relationship and their courage against all odds.

I received an ARC from Netgalley and leaving my review voluntarily.

Susannah is expected to marry well and behave like every other debutante but no one asks her who she wants to marry or about her interests. She tries to do what's in her heart but her mom won't stand for it. Will Susannah actually marry who her heart wants or who her mom wants? Read to find out! This is a great story!!

I really liked "Cinderella and the Duke" when I stumbled upon it on Kindle Unlimited, so I was excited to read something new from Lydia Drake. Unfortunately this one just didn't do it for me.

As a historical it had many redeeming traits like:
* Classic historical women who wants "more"
* Uptown Girl trope (she is a soon-to-be duchess, he came from the streets)
* Moderately steamy spice
* The expected HEA
* An interesting cast of supporting characters including (maybe?) some gender non-conforming characters

Overall though, nothing happened. She wants to play music like a professional, gets job doing just that, falls in love with a damaged man (the only one who really understands her of course, never mind that she has never said more than two complete sentences to another character, ever) and SPOLIER: abandons her dreams to fund his thus proving that when all is said and done, she was actually happy to fund the life of a man and put her dreams second. Most of the "plot" is just mild rehashing of the step-sister's story and dodging the appalling behavior of her mother who should have been cast out of the social/familial circle long before.

Now, this book not hitting the mark for me seems to make me the outlier so far, so if you are looking for a classic historical that is a solidly comfortable read, I would recommend this one. I am still very much looking forward to Drake's next book, "The Governess and the Duke" and (hopefully) much more from this series/author.

Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for granting me an advance eCopy of this book in return for my honest opinions.

Pub Date: 18 Sep 2023

Historical romance fiction novels are comfort reads for me. I was feeling a bit down so I decided to read this one a became totally invested in Susan and Rafe's romance.

Susan's desire to perform her music on stage is an outlandish desire for one of her status and wealth during this time period. When Rafe (the handsome “Wolf of Mayfair”), who is totally smitten with her, learns of her desire, he uses it to his advantage and makes her a offer she can't refuse.

The novel is a fast read, completely entertaining, engrossing and a beautiful romance with a happy ending! I am a complete sucker for happy endings!

Recommend.