ARC Review: Cinderella and the Duke (Renegade Dukes #1) by Lydia Drake
10:00
Series: Renegade Dukes #1
Author: Lydia Drake
Published December 27th 2022 by Entangled: Amara
Goodreads Synopsis
Miss Julia Beaumont has exactly one night to find herself a husband…
The Weatherford Ball is the last chance Julia Beaumont has to escape the clutches of her horrid stepmother. 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 one look at the luscious and refreshingly clever Julia, and he simply can’t resist a stolen kiss—scandal be damned. Then just as things start getting 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 will certainly do. It’s simply a matter of making him the perfect scandalous offer…
Goodreads
Review
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher. This in no way impacted on my view.
For Julia Beaumont, she only has tonight to save her future. Her stepmother has no intention of ever letting her leave, and it's only a common cold which has allowed her the freedom to step into a ballroom. Acting as a chaperone to her sister, she hopes she will be able to find someone to marry her. It's a long shot, but Julia has nothing to lose - she needs a miracle. However, Gregory Carter, Duke of Ashworth, has other plans for Julia. When he sees the beautiful young lady trying to court the attention of known bores, he wants to save her, and he can't resist a kiss. Gregory then can't believe when she runs away - from a duke - without another look. He needs to find her, and when he does, he's in for the shock of his life.
Wow, this book was a roller coaster! I expected it to be a fun regency read, but as soon as I started it, I was drawn in, and could not put it down until it was finished. We start off seeing Julia be put upon by her stepmother, and wishing she could escape. She had one chance to find freedom, and as soon as she met Gregory, the tension and chemistry was palpable. They brought out the best and worst parts of each other, but the strength in their relationship, and the depth of their feelings meant that they were perfect for each other. Initially their marriage was one of convenience, especially considering that Gregory was sick of women literally throwing themselves at him, and he wanted to throw off his reputation as a rake. However, they soon feel real love for each other, and the fact that Gregory fell first was great. A debut, but one that read as from a seasoned author! I'll be on the lookout for Lydia's future books.
Dates Read:
October 16, 2022
Rating
4 Stars
0 comments