[ARC Review] The Duke's Secret Cinderella by Eva Devon

Publisher's synopsis: Charlotte Browne could just kick herself. What on earth possessed her to tell the Duke of Rockford that she is a lady? But something about the duke’s handsomeness and kind intelligence makes Charlotte blurt out the teeniest, tiniest falsehood. Now it’s too late to admit she’s just plain Charlotte of no particular importance—with cinder-stained hands, a wretched stepfather, and no prospects for marriage…

Rafe Dorchester, Duke of Rockford, has done what every self-respecting duke must do—avoid marriage at all costs. But the only thing stronger than the duke is his mother. When she lays down the highest ultimatum, he’ll need to find a duchess. Immediately. Only, when he calls on a potential bride, he instead finds the pert, fresh-faced Lady Charlotte. Rafe was warned to never mix the business of marriage with pleasure, but when it comes to her…oh, business would be a splendid pleasure.

One passionate, illicit kiss sends Charlotte fleeing, leaving only a delicate blue ribbon behind. For Rafe can never discover her secret, or it will ruin her beloved sister’s chance at marriage. But the duke knows that when you’ve found the one person that ignites you, body and soul, nothing can keep you away.  

My thoughts: Some fairy tales are just meant to be adapted as historical romances, and the story of Cinderella never fails to be a perfect basis for the ton. 

I loved both Rafe and Charlotte. After losing her mother, and all her mother's possessions in the process, Charlotte was left at the mercy of her stepfather - a man who kept far too many secrets from his family and from society. But when Rafe mistakes Charlotte for a lady, he'd much rather court her than her step-sister. Unfortunately for both of them, Charlotte's wicked step-father will do whatever it takes to come out on top. 

Charlotte had a horrible lot in life. I felt bad for her, and I felt even worse the more we learned about her step-father. Thank goodness that Rafe could see through all the plots to get to the real Charlotte. She was tenacious and caring, always concerned about everyone else's wellbeing. It's clear right from the very beginning that Charlotte is made of stronger stuff than most ladies in society. She's willing to risk danger for the one's she loves. Fortunately for Rafe, that soon extends to him. 

All of Devon's characters - both main and secondary - created such a whimsical story that very much had all the fairy tale elements. I absolutely loved the ending, and I wish I could read this book for the first time again just so I could relive that big reveal. 

Devon combined her fantastic storytelling with an amazing cast of characters. The story did a great job at taking the original Cinderella story and turning it on its head. I adored the ending and thought Devon gave Rafe and Charlotte the perfect happy ending. 

[A huge thank you to Entangled for providing a review copy of The Duke's Secret Cinderella. All opinions are my own.]

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Release date: 2/21/23
Format: eARC

eARC provided via: NetGalley