Lord Lysander Blackstone, the stern Duke of Montcroix, has only one interest: increasing his considerable fortune. After a series of betrayals, he keeps his emotions buried deep. Money, after all, can’t break a man’s heart—or make promises it can’t keep. But when his reputation for being heartless jeopardizes a new business deal, he finds himself seeking a most unusual—and alluring—solution…
Once an up-and-coming ballerina, Miss Geneviève Valery is now hopelessly out of work. After refusing to become a wealthy patron’s mistress, Nève was promptly shown the door to the streets. When she accidentally saves the life of a handsome duke, she doubts the encounter will go any better than her last brush with nobility. But instead of propositioning her, Montcroix makes Nève an offer she would be a fool to refuse: act as his fake fiancée in exchange for fortune enough to start over.
Only neither is prepared when very real feelings begin to grow between them. They both stand to win… but only if they’re willing to risk their hearts.
– Grumpy/sunshine, fake dating
– Steamy
– Neurodivergent hero
– Heavy musical influence
– Strong heroines & supporting characters
This book is a combination of two of my favorite tropes! Lynsander, the Duke of Montcroix, has a tough exterior and keeps his emotions at bay to protect himself. He loses himself in work to make up for his shortcomings and has difficulty opening himself up to others. Nève, on the other hand, is supportive, sharp-tongued, and intelligent. Out of work and in need of money to support her sister, Nève agrees to fake an engagement in exchange for enough money to start her life over.
The beginning of the book felt a bit awkward out and out of place but story took off once the initial agreement was settled. Lysander and Nève have great chemistry, and I loved watching Lysander open up to Nève through their teasing banter and shared love of music. The book is certainly steamy, but the characters have depth and the two balanced each other’s needs perfectly. The side characters were quirky and charming and I loved the ladies’ feminist vibes. Neve is quickly welcomed into their friend group and Lysander’s friends become a source of support and found family for Nève. Always Be My Duchess is the first book in a series and I’m looking forward to seeing whose story is told next!
