Book Review-The Trouble With Being A Duke by Sophie Barnes

The Trouble With Being A Duke
At The Kingsborough Ball (1)
Sophie Barnes
Avon Books
Paperback
Published September 2013
351 Pages
Acquired: Library 
Regency Historical Romance
ISBN: 978-0-06-224507-6
Authors Website 

Synopsis
Sometimes happily ever after…

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…

My Review 

Anthony Hurst, is the Duke of Kingsborough and after seeing his family still suffering the effects of his fathers death, he knows it is time to step up and be the man he was born to be. So he convinces her mother that they need to host one of their famous balls, and they proceed with the preparations, and Anthony sees his family feeling more vibrant than ever. Isabella has always dreamed of going to the Kingsborough Ball and when she hears that they will be hosting it again, she finds herself dressing in her mothers only gown that would be suitable, and attends not knowing what to expect, knowing that even though this is the last place she should be, but can't resist...then she finds herself waltzing with the Duke himself, a man that only has eyes for her. Isabella, is almost engaged to a man she doesn't love, but feels a duty to marry him for her family's sake, but after leaving the ball, she never thought she would see Anthony again. Well Anthony is determined to find the one woman he desires more than any other, and he will find her and have her as his duchess...no matter what it takes.

The Trouble With Being A Duke is the first book in this series, after reading the second and third books, I was really wanting to reading Anthony's story. This series is about a ball that has a Cinderella centered theme. I would definitely consider this story a fairy tale romance, but with some other differences that relates a little bit with Sabrina. I didn't know how much I would like this one, when I started reading it, but once I really got into the story...I was hooked instantly. I think this is my favorite book from this author so far. At the beginning of the story Anthony practically falls in love with Isabella on sight, or lust...but it does turn into love and at first I was thinking that you just can't fall in love that quickly, but when you see his devotion to seeing through this, when it would be all easier just to give up, you see his commitment to Isabella and willing to fight for her when no one else will. Isabella is the daughter of a carriage driver, and the man she is suppose to marry is her father's boss, she knows her parents love her, but she also knows that this is her duty, even though her fiancee makes her feel smothered and a prisoner. When she is with Anthony, you see how she starts to flourish, and wishes for something more from her life. It was quite fun seeing these two work through the roadblocks and I love seeing a man fight for the woman he loves...he does have to get a bit creative at times, and these two were a pair.

Overall a winner of a regency romance...a story to capture you heart and bring the magic of the Cinderella Fairy Tale to life, with unique elements to pull you in further in the story. A Sweet romance to fall in love with!!

My Grade 
4 Blossoms

Heat Rating 
Warm

Other Books In The Series 
The Scandal In Kissing An Heir
The Danger In Tempting An Earl