⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Cinderella And The Duke is the debut novel by Lydia Drake. Julia has one chance to catch a husband, any husband, at her one ball to escape a life with her horrid stepmother. Gregory Carter, the Duke of Ashworth, rogue extraordinaire, is tired of duels and escaping bored society wives. Gregory and Julia collide at the ball, and there is an instant attraction. Julia must convince Gregory that he has much to gain and little to lose by marrying. Gregory and Julia have shut off their hearts and must learn to trust, or this marriage could go horribly wrong.
Both Gregory and Julia were lovable, remarkable characters. I loved the attraction and banter between the couple. I enjoyed the writing style and the book’s exciting and intriguing premise. It was a unique twist on Cinderella. There were times in the relationship when the couple circled the main issues of their relationship too much. The hot and cold emotions whipped back and forth too much at times.
The plot could have run smoother; some stops and starts were abrupt in the spaces between essential scenes. However, I enjoyed the writing, and the parts I critiqued can easily be remedied as the series matures and continues. I felt the storyline was solid, and I enjoyed Gregory and Julia’s journey. The couple’s sensual connection was evident. I felt there could have been more passionate scenes. Lydia Drake has created a solid foundation for a debut novel and a new series. I enjoyed the secondary characters, and I hope to see their stories also told. I will be reading more about this author. This new author caught my attention, I can’t wait to see where she goes from here!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book through Netgalley and the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Release Date: December 27, 2022
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