ARC Review: The Duke's Secret Cinderella (Never a Wallflower #3) by Eva Devon
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Series: Never a Wallflower #3
Author: Eva Devon
Published February 21st 2023 by Entangled: Amara
Goodreads Synopsis
Cinderella meets Ever After in this witty and lively historical romance from USA Today bestseller Eva Devon.
Charlotte Browne could just kick herself. What on earth possessed her to tell the Duke of Rockford that she is a lady? But something about the duke’s handsomeness and kind intelligence makes Charlotte blurt out the teeniest, tiniest falsehood. Now it’s too late to admit she’s just plain Charlotte of no particular importance—with cinder-stained hands, a wretched stepfather, and no prospects for marriage….
Rafe Dorchester, Duke of Rockford, has done what every self-respecting duke must do—avoid marriage at all costs. But the only thing stronger than the duke is his mother., Wheand she lays down the highest ultimatum, he’ll need to find a duchess. Immediately. Only, when he calls on a potential bride, he instead finds the pert, fresh-faced Lady Charlotte. Rafe was warned to never mix the business of marriage with pleasure, but when it comes to Lady Charlotte…oh, business would be a splendid pleasure.
Goodreads
Review
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher, via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.
After a chance meeting with the Duke of Rockford, Charlotte Browne is shocked to find he is seeking her out, and wants to spend more time with her. Living as a servant in her stepfather's home, she is not the right type of person for a duke, unlike her stepsister Francesca. Even so, Rafe wants to know more about Charlotte, though he thinks she is Francesca's cousin, and a Lady in her own right too. Charlotte's stepfather will do whatever it takes to keep the pair apart, but Rafe is determined that he loves Charlotte, and will fight for her, no matter what.
I obviously knew this would be a Cinderella retelling, but I wasn't expecting it to be so engrossing. Charlotte's stepfather has treated her as little more than a slave since she was young and her mother died. She is Francesca's ladies maid, as well as a general servant, and he has ruined her family home. While trying to free her fellow servant and father figure from prison - in which her stepfather had placed him - Charlotte finds Rafe, and the pair connect over their mutual search for good. Rafe is shocked to find Charlotte in the home of the one lady his mother thinks he should marry, but it's perfect. I did think that some of the twists and turns were a little too outlandish, but the romance was great, and I loved the ending. Another great addition to the Never a Wallflower series!
Dates Read:
January 19-20, 2023
Rating
4 Stars
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