Always Be My Duchess

By: Amalie Howard

Narrated by: Mary Jane Wells

Pretty Woman meets the Bridgertons in this witty, vivacious historical take on 90s romcoms by USA Today bestselling author Amalie Howard:

"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

“Fabulous writing . . . such a delicious escape. Utterly delightful!”
—Eloisa James, New York Times bestselling author

“Amalie Howard tells a story with self-assured style, wit, and energy . . . her writing sparkles!” —Lisa Kleypas, New York Times bestselling author

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.

Critic reviews

"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

“Fabulous writing . . . such a delicious escape. Utterly delightful!”

—Eloisa James, New York Times bestselling author

"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

"Amalie Howard is the fresh voice historical romance needs right now. . . . I will read every word she writes."—Kerrigan Byrne, USA Today bestselling author

"There's star-crossed, swoony, steamy love, true to the genre—but there's also a subtle, searing focus on racism, colorism, and what it means to belong that is rare for a historical romance, which elevates it to a unique and truly resonant read."—Jodi Picoult, New York Times bestselling author, on The Princess Stakes

"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

"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

"Readers will fall in love with this fresh twist on the fairy tale."—Publishers Weekly on The Beast of Beswick

"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

"Fast-paced, steamy, and full of murder and mystery. More, please."—Bustle on My Rogue, My Ruin

AMAZING!!

I loved the storyline! Fantastic romance novel with ties to the regency era. I highly recommend this book and narration.

Wonderful characters and story

Truly loved this adventure. Hoping for many more novels with these characters. Strongly recommend. Enjoy!

Rip off from Pretty Woman

Getting used to the narrator's French accent wasn't easy. It made her sound weird and I couldn't picture a decent looking woman. I also struggled with seeing a ballerina like that. Probably just me though. A ballerina says elegance and grace and I did get that feeling in this book. It was very predictable and almost felt like someone wrote the book based on Pretty Woman. Just too many things we're exactly the same. I don't think I'll listen to a another book in series unless it's free.

Pretty Woman with a little Nottingham Hill!

Fun cast of characters with narration that brings each character alive with each’s unique voice.

New author....excellent story

What a cute story...and entertaining characters. Mary Jane Wells is one of my most favorite narrators and she added humor to this lovely book. I highly recommend this book to everyone who wants to laugh.