This seemed more modern than a typical Victorian story, which was refreshing because it can often seem like a restricting society.Īlways Be My Duchess is a fun Victorian romance! Nève stayed with Lysander at his home, and no one criticized that decision. I found this Victorian society to be quite accepting, more than it usually is in a historical romance novel. It’s always fun to see how these relationships that start out as just a ploy for society can blossom into true love. When the couple starts acting like they’re in a relationship in front of other people, it’s easy for real feelings to develop. Things get complicated when they develop real feelings for each other, though neither is willing to commit to a relationship.įake dating, or fake relationship, is one of my favourite tropes.

Lysander offers her a fortune to act as his fiancé, and she accepts so she can start over with her dance career once the job is finished. However, he realizes that he could use her help by pretending to be his fiancé so he can finally buy the land. After a chance encounter, Nève acts as the Duke’s date for a night. Geneviève Valery was a ballerina in France, but when she refused to be a patron’s mistress, she was kicked out of the show. To convince the owner to sell it, Lysander must show that he will use the land to start a family, but he doesn’t have a wife. He has invested in railroads, and needs a particular piece of land to continue expanding it.

Lord Lysander Blackstone, the Duke of Montcroix, wants to grow his fortune. They both stand to win… but only if they’re willing to risk their hearts. Only neither is prepared when very real feelings begin to grow between them. 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. When she accidentally saves the life of a handsome duke, she doubts the encounter will go any better than her last brush with nobility. After refusing to become a wealthy patron’s mistress, Nève was promptly shown the door to the streets. Once an up-and-coming ballerina, Miss Geneviève Valery is now hopelessly out of work. But when his reputation for being heartless jeopardizes a new business deal, he finds himself seeking a most unusual-and alluring-solution… Money, after all, can’t break a man’s heart-or make promises it can’t keep. After a series of betrayals, he keeps his emotions buried deep. Lord Lysander Blackstone, the stern Duke of Montcroix, has only one interest: increasing his considerable fortune. Title: Always Be My Duchess (Taming of the Dukes #1)

Always Be My Duchess by Amalie Howard