ALWAYS BE MY DUCHESS

A duke hires a ballerina to play the role of his fiancee in this historical romance reminiscent of Pretty Woman.

Geneviève “Nève” Valery came to London to find work so she could financially support her injured sister back home in Paris, but she’s been struggling to get hired as a dancer. When she rescues Lysander Blackstone, Duke of Montcroix, from cutpurses in Covent Garden, he offers her a proposal. In order to secure a business deal, he needs to prove he’s a family man who intends to marry, so he will pay her handsomely to pose as a potential duchess he is courting. She accepts, but what starts as a one-night-only deal turns into more as they both realize the benefits of their partnership. As Nève discovers the kind heart beneath Lysander’s stony exterior, the pretend relationship begins feeling all too real. The central couple have an instant connection, but their relationship grows so much richer as they become closer and open themselves up to love and passion. Nève is fierce and spirited and the perfect partner for the logical, stoic duke (Howard notes he is written as neurodivergent, which would not have been diagnosed in that period). The external conflicts aren’t as well developed, and the baddies feel like caricatures. However, Nève’s friend group is wonderful, funny, and full of heart, which bodes well for future installments of this new series, as these ladies are sure to be the next heroines.

Some of the drama seems superfluous, but the main characters make an enticing, entertaining pair.