Isabella Chilcott has always dreamed of attending the
Kingsborough Ball. Though she knows how her parents feel
about the titled gentry, when Isabella finds a gown in her
attic, she can't pass up the opportunity to live out one
last fantasy before being married off to the man of her
parents choosing. One dance with the Duke of Kingsborough
himself though and Isabella finds herself torn between her
own desires and her parents wishes.
Anthony Hurst, the Duke of Kingsborough, knows the woman
who claims to be Miss Smith from Flemington is an impostor.
That doesn't stop him from asking the intriguing lady to
dance though. Having decided it's time for him to settle
down and produce an heir, Anthony would much rather marry
for love than duty. When the lady in question disappears
after having shared a remarkable kiss, Anthony will do all
he can to find her and solve the mystery of who she really
is. He never anticipated the problems he'd have convincing
her parents that a Duke would make an ideal match for their
daughter.
Sophie Barnes gives us a bit of a new take to the old
Cinderella story in THE TROUBLE WITH BEING A DUKE, the
first book in the At the Kingsborough Ball series. As
a fan
of historical romances, this was surprisingly my first time
reading a book by Barnes but it certainly won't be my last.
Anthony is about as perfect as a hero can get. He believes
in true love, he doesn't care how poor the woman of his
choosing is and he's a bit rakish. How can you not like
him? I found Isabella to be a likable character as well,
torn between her own wants and those of her parents. The
mystery behind Isabella's parents not wanting her to marry
a Duke was pretty easy to figure out but didn't detract
from the story.
Now that I've read my first Sophie Barnes
book, I can't wait to continue. I hope one of the books in
this series is about Anthony's friend Casper. Of all the
secondary characters, Casper and Isabella's sister Jamie
are ones that stand out for me and I would love to revisit
them again. For those looking for a sweet romance, THE
TROUBLE WITH BEING A DUKE is a wonderful read that'll have
you smiling as you turn the last page.
Anthony Hurst, Duke of Kingsborough knows the time has
come for him to produce an heir. But first he must find a
bride. When he meets the most exquisite woman at his
masquerade ball, he thinks his search is over...until the
breathtaking beauty runs off. With few clues other than her
figure, her scent, and the memory of her kiss, Anthony must
find his mystery lady.
...needs a little bit of help.
Isabella Chilcott can scarcely believe it: she is
finally at the Kingsborough Ball. As a child, she dreamed of
dancing a waltz here and now, thanks to a gorgeous gown
she's found in the attic, Isabella is living her fairytale
fantasy. And she's waltzing with the Duke of Kingsborough
himself! But she must escape before he discovers her
secrets...for she is not who she pretends to be, and falling
in love with Prince Charming is the last thing she can allow
herself to do...