Book Review #bookreview #readforeverpub #alwaysbemyduchess #amaliehoward
Always Be My Duchess is a delightful start from a new series from Amalie Howard! I really enjoyed this novel, the characters, the romance, and am looking forward to watching this series grow. Amalie Howard's writing is easily accessible, well paced and a lovely exploration of two people bargaining and tempting each other every step of the way. This novel is reckoned to Pretty Woman and it definitely has some light touches and inspiration from that movie, because our heroine and hero are both from different classes and decide to help each other to advance their current standings.
Geneviève Valery, is a ballerina who is currently down on her luck, after refusing to become a wealthy man's mistress she has found that she has been labeled as un-hirable. One night after accidentally saving the live of Lysander Blackstone, a handsome duke, she is faced with an offer she can not refuse to act as his fake fiancee.
I really found the step up/meet cute for these two to be charming and fun and the perfect way to create interest between them. They are both instantly attracted and intrigued by the other and they have a truly delightful banter that keeps them both on their toes. I love that Geneviève is smart and strong and is more than capable of taking care of herself, but she is also not too proud to take chances to improve her situation when the opportunity arrives. Lysander is logical, straight-laced and money focused, so watching Geneviève test him and challenge him is so much fun. Lysander learns to loosen up with Geneviève which show a level of trust between them which is wonderful. This novel is also full of steam, it definitely borders on a higher level than the typical historical romance. I love that Geneviève and Lysander really find understanding, trust and consent in their physical relationship. Howard does a lovely job building their chemistry to the point that becoming more physical in their relationship makes great sense and is definitely the next step they need to take in order to really understand that they love each other and what they might want for the rest of their future.
I would recommend this novel if you love Amalie Howard or if you want to give her a try. Charming, delightful and full of antics that give a nice lightness and comedy to the piece while developing a lovely romance between the hero and heroine.
Thank you to Forever Publishing and NetGalley for an eARC, all thoughts and opinions are my own.