Review: Always Be My Duchess (Taming of the Dukes #1) by Amalie Howard

Always Be My Duchess

(Taming of the Dukes #1)

by Amalie Howard

July 12, 2022

Goodreads Summary:

Pretty Woman meets the Bridgertons in this witty, vivacious historical take on 90s romcoms by USA Today bestselling author Amalie Howard:

"Refreshing, steamy, and stocked with characters you don’t normally get to see in the genre—Her books are a must-read for me" —Jodi Picoult, #1 New York Times bestselling author

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.

Review

The cover of Always Be My Duchess really called out to me. The simple but playful images depict the story well. Albeit a cheesy plot at times, I quite enjoyed the interactions between the main characters.

Always Be My Duchess features a heavy case of insta-lust. Almost immediately after meeting, Stone and Nève started having lusty thoughts about each other. I was a little put off by this but the progression of their relationship afterwards felt genuine. Both Nève and Stone were stubborn as hell. Neither were the type to back down during a fight. Tension crackled between them every time they were together. They're a heart-pounding pair!

I loved that Nève was no damsel in distress. She needed no help standing up to those that tried to hurt her and her sister. Stone for his part had a lot to figure out. He stumbles a fair amount but works out many of his own truths. I was particularly impressed by all his unintentional grand gestures- transforming the ballroom for Nève to dance in, gifting her a most precious present and bringing the Paris ballet show to London for her. Swoons!

Always Be My Duchess is an emotional romance with thoughtful representation and many sizzling moments. The story was low on drama so I was able to speed through it and have a good time.

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and not affected in any way. Any quotes included in my review were taken from the copy I received.