Library Journal - Audio
12/01/2022
Lord Lysander Blackstone, the Duke of Montcroix, is tired of the marriage-minded mamas interfering in his business deals during the London season. A solution lands, quite literally, in his lap in the form of Lady Geneviève Valery, an erstwhile aristocrat turned ballerina, seeking employment to keep herself and her sister out of the poorhouse. When Geneviève agrees to play the part of Lysander's intended, their fake relationship quickly turns into a very real attraction, and what started as another business deal becomes more than they bargained for. Howard ("Daring Dukes" series) kicks off her new "Taming of the Dukes" series with a scintillating story that is heartwarming, humorous, and hot. Lush detail and a lyrical writing style round out this fun, flirtatious narrative; some readers may wish to note that there is sparing use of profanity. Narrator Mary Jane Wells creates an engaging and enjoyable listening experience, giving a unique voice to each character, from aged butlers to acerbic aristocracy. VERDICT This audio will appeal to fans looking for a playful and provocative Victorian romance with Pretty Woman vibes. Recommended for fans of Joanna Lowell, Elizabeth Everett, and Tessa Dare.—Lauren Hackert
AUGUST 2022 - AudioFile
Mary Jane Wells delights listeners with a lively performance of a new historical romance series. Lysander Blackstone, Duke of Montcroix, has little desire for marriage; however, he needs the appearance of upcoming nuptials to secure a business deal. At the same time, ballerina Geneviève Valery will soon be unable to continue paying for her injured sister’s care. A chance encounter provides a solution to both. Wells’s enthusiastic narration and her ability to give characters unique voices and project their personalities will captivate listeners. Most notably, Wells imbues Geneviève with humor and wit, bringing the dancer to life. Wells provides a treat for one’s ears. A.L.S.M. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine
Publishers Weekly
04/11/2022
Howard (Rules for Heiresses) takes a cue from Pretty Woman in the steamy first Victorian romance of her Taming of the Dukes series. A night of too much revelry leads business minded Lysander Blackstone, Duke of Montcroix, to wander into a seedy London neighborhood, where he winds up with a revolver brandished in his face by street-smart ballerina Nève Valery. When the pair are then set upon by thieves, they work together to evade them, and their meeting ends with Lysander offering Nève 100 pounds if she’ll be his escort to an upcoming ball and help him avoid the machinations of society’s matchmaking mothers. The ball is a success, and they extend their arrangement: for 5,000 pounds and an introduction to the director of the Lyceum Theater, Nève will act as Lysander’s fiancée for the next two months. Nève, the daughter of an English viscount and a French burlesque dancer, makes a convincing impression as the duke’s fiancée—and when their attraction becomes more than an act, Lysander must decide whether his hunger for fortune outweighs his desire for a future with Nève. Howard’s lyrical writing enlivens her bright, empathetic characters and her sharp eye on their class and cultural disparities only enhances their romance. Readers will be riveted. Agent: Thao Le, Sandra Dijkstra Literary. (July)
From the Publisher
Always Be My Duchess is a dreamy summer romance designed to sweep you up into a world of ballerinas, hunky dukes, cheeky girl gangs, and delicious sex scenes. Light on angst and heavy on charm, it's a feel-good read of the highest order.”—Entertainment Weekly
“The story slayed me from page one.”—Paste Magazine
"Howard’s lyrical writing enlivens her bright, empathetic characters and her sharp eye on their class and cultural disparities only enhances their romance. Readers will be riveted."—Publishers Weekly
“Howard creates great characters and dialogue . . . A real treat.”—Library Journal
"Refreshing, steamy, and stocked with characters you don’t normally get to see in the genre—a must-read author."—Jodi Picoult, #1 New York Times bestselling author
"Amalie Howard tells a story with self-assured style, wit, and energy . . . her writing sparkles!"—Lisa Kleypas, #1 New York Times bestselling author
“Fabulous writing . . . such a delicious escape. Utterly delightful!”
—Eloisa James, New York Times bestselling author
"Amalie Howard is the fresh voice historical romance needs right now. . . . I will read every word she writes."—Kerrigan Byrne, USA Today bestselling author
"Intellectual, heartfelt romance[s]."—Entertainment Weekly on The Rakehell of Roth and The Beast of Beswick
"[The Rakehell of Roth is] a unique spin on the marriage of convenience trope, and Howard pulls it off in spectacular fashion by focusing on her characters’ complex emotional journeys. Howard’s fans and newcomers alike will be charmed."—Publishers Weekly on The Rakehell of Roth
"For those who like brooding and moody heroes, heroines who stand up to them and modern romances with an old school flair."—Maya Rodale, NPR on The Beast of Beswick
"Beauty and the Beast may be a tale as old as time, but [The Beast of Beswick is] a refreshing update."—O, The Oprah Magazine on The Beast of Beswick
"Readers will fall in love with this fresh twist on the fairy tale."—Publishers Weekly on The Beast of Beswick
"A smart, sexy, deliciously feminist romance that I couldn't put down. I loved every word!"—Sarah MacLean, New York Times bestselling author, on The Beast of Beswick
Library Journal
06/01/2022
Howard's (Rules for Heiresses) new series opener is a delightful historical loosely inspired by Pretty Woman. Lysander, Duke of Montcroix, meets Geneviève Valery, an out-of-work ballerina, in less-than-ideal circumstances. Immediately taken with her, he devises a plan to both help him close a business deal and spend time with this intriguing woman. Nève has recently been blacklisted and all but tossed onto the streets, due to her refusal to become the mistress of a powerful man. Lysander's plan offers Nève a way to take care of herself and her sister long-term, and she heartily accepts the deal. With the book's likeable characters and familiar inspiration, readers cannot help but enjoy their time with Lysander and Nève. VERDICT Howard creates great characters and dialogue here and sets the stage for plenty of enjoyment ahead as the series continues. A real treat.—Claire Brown
AUGUST 2022 - AudioFile
Mary Jane Wells delights listeners with a lively performance of a new historical romance series. Lysander Blackstone, Duke of Montcroix, has little desire for marriage; however, he needs the appearance of upcoming nuptials to secure a business deal. At the same time, ballerina Geneviève Valery will soon be unable to continue paying for her injured sister’s care. A chance encounter provides a solution to both. Wells’s enthusiastic narration and her ability to give characters unique voices and project their personalities will captivate listeners. Most notably, Wells imbues Geneviève with humor and wit, bringing the dancer to life. Wells provides a treat for one’s ears. A.L.S.M. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine
Kirkus Reviews
2022-04-13
A duke hires a ballerina to play the role of his fiancee in this historical romance reminiscent of Pretty Woman.
Geneviève “Nève” Valery came to London to find work so she could financially support her injured sister back home in Paris, but she’s been struggling to get hired as a dancer. When she rescues Lysander Blackstone, Duke of Montcroix, from cutpurses in Covent Garden, he offers her a proposal. In order to secure a business deal, he needs to prove he’s a family man who intends to marry, so he will pay her handsomely to pose as a potential duchess he is courting. She accepts, but what starts as a one-night-only deal turns into more as they both realize the benefits of their partnership. As Nève discovers the kind heart beneath Lysander’s stony exterior, the pretend relationship begins feeling all too real. The central couple have an instant connection, but their relationship grows so much richer as they become closer and open themselves up to love and passion. Nève is fierce and spirited and the perfect partner for the logical, stoic duke (Howard notes he is written as neurodivergent, which would not have been diagnosed in that period). The external conflicts aren’t as well developed, and the baddies feel like caricatures. However, Nève’s friend group is wonderful, funny, and full of heart, which bodes well for future installments of this new series, as these ladies are sure to be the next heroines.
Some of the drama seems superfluous, but the main characters make an enticing, entertaining pair.
