Cinderella at the Duke's Ball

by Bronwyn Scott

Will this Cinderella get just one night or forever with the duke of her dreams? Find out in this spicy Regency fairy tale!

An extraordinary dress

To change her ordinary life!

Cora has one Season to find a husband and save her family from poverty! So, when her modest dress order is accidentally replaced with an above-her-station gown, she grabs the opportunity to wear it. The Duke of Harlow’s ball is ideal for meeting a perfectly nice gentleman. Until the duke himself asks her for the first dance! Their connection is undeniable, but she knows Declan must "marry well," and she doesn’t reach the high echelons expected of his position. As the clock strikes midnight on their time together, will this Cinderella get her happy-ever-after…?

Genres: Historical Romance, Cinderella, Romance, Harlequin

272 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published August 20, 2024

About the author

Bronwyn Scott writes historical romances for Harlequin, Mills and Boon. She has 50 titles currently in print with them.

Bronwyn's 2018 release, Dancing with the Duke's Heir was RITA finalist.
Bronwyn's 2009 novel, The Viscount Claims His Bride was a RomCon finalist for best short historical, as was her 2011 release, A Thoroughly Compromised Lady.

Reviews

[🐝 Shaz 🐝 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vicars daughter, who gets to go to the ball . Meets the Duke , and Passion develops between them.
Cinderella finds her fella. 3.5 stars 🌟

[Sonja · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

I've not read a regency romance before, but I am a sucker for a good Cinderella story so I thought I'd give this a shot. I gotta say....if this is what most regency books are like, they're definitely not my thing. Don't misunderstand, I'm not saying the book was bad. I think the author did a good job here with likable characters (if not a bit too perfect) and a realistic world. But it was just so boring for me. There was so much talking and character thoughts and so very little of something actually happening. And way too much focus on what everyone was wearing all the time. Honestly, I skimmed most of it and I was still able to follow the story completely. The only parts I really read where when the two main characters were together because they enjoyable in a sweet sort of way.

Cora is our Cinderalla. She comes from a poor household but has an aunt with a decent title who decides to help her and her sister meet their matches with this year's season. When a dress delivery gets mixed up, Cora ends up with a most beautiful dress that she can't help but want to wear to her first ball. And of course, she catches the highly sought after Duke's eye immediately with her late arrival.

Prince Charming is actually a Duke here. Declan is under heavy stress between running his dukedom and having his mother rush him into marriage. He actually would much rather a simple life, but he knows his duty and he willingly does what's expected of him. He wanted a marriage of love but isn't hopeful for one until he meets Cora.

Because this is a "fairy tale" story we'll call this love at first sight instead of insta-love. But it's all the same. These two fall for each other and get swept up in each other from the first second. It's a whirlwind of secret romance with stolen moments that Cora wants to treasure forever because she knows it can't last when he finds out her background. These two really did seem too perfect for each other, but it wasn't a bad thing for such a short story.

What surprised (and annoyed) me was when Declan is confronted with something that Cora never told him, he acts like he's this huge victim that has been betrayed and used when he never even let her explain anything. He takes the words of a girl he knows to be a vicious viper to heart over Cora. And this was literally hours after promising her that his love for her is strong enough to overcome every single fight they'll face. Okay dude, way to prove it. Worse, this was over something that would have been so painfully easy to prove was not a malicious action.

They do get their happy ever after in the end, but Declan's actions kind of left me feeling ambivalent about it.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

How I loved this book! It is a retelling of Cinderella but with a twist. We get our ‘happily ever after’ at the beginning or so it seems. Cora Graylin is not one from high society. She is a lady of little means from a poor family. When she is invited to the Dukes ball by way of a friend of a friend, she is reluctant but goes. True to Cinderella the Duke see her and is immediately taken. From then on they must fight and claw to make this relationship work against all odds. From the Dukes mother to all the other ladies hoping for a chance, the Duke faces endless criticism. With his eyes only for Cora and a possible scandal afoot, can love really conquer all?

This book was so well done! Bravo to Bronwyn Scott. This historical romance is absolutely lovely. Full of old world charm and long lost customs. I enjoyed the feeling of being back in 1820 with high society. The romance is sweet and discreetly written. All of the emotion from both Cora and the Duke are displayed effortlessly on the page. This book has me in its grasp and I was unable to put it down. I throughly enjoyed this story and cannot wait to read more from the author. Thank you to NetGalley , Bronwyn Scott and harlequin books for allowing me to be an early reader

[Lynn Klees · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story! Cora has to marry well to save her family from poverty. Her aunt has taken her to London for the season. Cora is aware that her aunt can't spend a fortune on dresses for her and her sister but can't help admiring the fabrics and styles outside their price range. When their dresses arrive, a mix-up results in a dress order meant for another being delivered to their home. Cora doesn't feel right about wearing the dresses but in the end, attends the Duke of Harlow's ball wearing an amazing gown. The Duke of Harlow has to pick a bride this season and all of London is watching who will be chosen. When the Duke asks her for the first dance and then invites her to his house party, who knows what may happen?

Thank you to Bronwyn Scott and NetGalley for the ARC and my honest opinion.

[Libbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely story that has many parts of life: dreams, opportunity, shared ideas, wholesomeness, and most important of all love. The story weaves in the idea that all are equal, all deserve the same opportunities, love and a future together.

[RomanceByTheBook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cinderella at The Duke’s Ball is an enchanting and beautifully written Regency romance.

I’m a sucker for a Harlequin Historical romance. I can devour these books in one sitting; they are often just fun, swoony reads. This book hooked me in because of its title. I love a fairytale reimagining, because I enjoy seeing how an author will take a beloved classic tale and make it their own. I enjoyed this book. There is this Jane Austen-isk feel to the dialogue and pacing in this story. I found the tone and conversations in this book quite different from other historical books I have read. The dialogue just felt more proper and very articulate. I am not saying this as a criticism, but it makes for a different reading experience. The banter flows wonderfully, but there isn’t a lot of humour in it. Think BBC Jane Austen movies that you may have watched. The pacing of this book also is a bit slower. There aren’t any major drama events unfolding (besides the one incident near the end of the book, aka the third-act breakup). This book really focuses on Cora and Declan’s growing relationship. There isn’t a whole heck of a lot of other side stories happening at the same time. It’s a much gentler read, and I liked it.

The romance in this book was quite interesting. There is this insta-love feel to Cora and Declan’s love story. These two meet at a ball and know immediately that they are in love with each other. The problem is that Declan’s a Duke and is expected to marry someone from a well-connected or wealthy family. Cora is unknown in London society and isn’t from a well-connected or wealthy family. Their love story is really about whether they are both willing to fight for their relationship and face whatever consequences that might occur if they choose to let society know that they are courting. I do love a great forbidden romance. Watching as the two MCs sneak away to have a hidden lusty moment together is pure catnip for my soul. That heightened fear of whether or not they will be caught just gets my heart pounding.

Overall, this is a quick, well-written romance that is perfect for fans of Jane Austen novels.

Click on the link to read more of our reviews on our blog: https://romancebythebook.com/book-rev...

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

London 1824

Cora Graylin, 20, and her sister, Elise, 18, have been invited by their aunt and uncle to stay with them in London for the upcoming Season. Their father is a vicar whose wife died some years ago leaving him quite depressed. Cora was left to care for her 4 younger sisters. Thus, this chance in London is very special for them. At the dressmaker’s Cora is drawn to some of the beautiful fabrics that are more appealing than the usual white gowns debutantes wear. But when their gowns are delivered, she finds that some of the fabrics she admired have been made into dresses obviously for someone else. As the dressmaker has made a mistake, her patrons are told to simply keep the dresses.

Declan Locke, the Duke of Harlow, 31, is being pressured by his mother to find a bride. So, as the balls commence, he is dancing with many of the debutantes. When he meets Cora, he is quite taken with her. She knows that as she is simply the daughter of a vicar, she could never be worthy of a duke. However, she enjoys dancing with him and getting to know him. When he invites her and her sister to a house party, she decides to go. Cora and Declan just seem to get along and find themselves together all the time. Their togetherness sparks a love that cannot be denied. So, Declan proposes to Cora and she accepts. But when a jealous woman for whom the beautiful dresses had been made, accuses Cora of stealing them, Declan is shocked and Cora flees What a terrible thing to happen. How can Declan believe in this woman who he felt lied to him?

This is a beautiful and sometimes heartbreaking story of pure love. The characters are real and the author has penned a lovely story. It’s filled with angst that will pull at the reader’s heartstrings. I loved it. Enjoy!

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable rags-to-riches story. Cora is the oldest of an impoverished vicar's five daughters. Her aunt takes her and her next sister, Elise, to London, giving them a Season to find husbands. Since her mother's death, Cora has become the family's caretaker, putting everyone else's needs before hers. So when a mix-up occurs over her dress order, Cora subdues her qualms and wears the beautiful dress to the Duke of Harlow's ball. She never expected to catch the eye of the Duke himself!

Declan is under pressure from his mother to marry. She carefully selected several young women for him to choose from, with the proper breeding to be suitable matches. But when he sees Cora, all thoughts of those women disappear. He bypassed them all to dance the first dance with Cora.

I enjoyed the development of Cora and Declan's relationship. Their connection is immediate and strong. But Cora doesn't talk about her family circumstances, knowing that her background is not what he needs. Matters become more complicated when he invites her to the house party his mother has arranged. Declan finds every opportunity to spend time with her, and it is obvious that he is falling hard for her. Cora's feelings match his, but she doesn't believe they have a chance to be together.

I liked Declan's determination to have the woman he loved. He does an excellent job of standing up to his mother. But when the truth comes out, he doesn't react well. As I expected, Cora's decision to wear the dresses came back to bite her, and she must face the consequences of her actions. Once Declan realizes his mistake, he must work to earn Cora's trust before convincing her that they belong together. The ending was sweet and emotional, and the epilogue was a chance to catch up with them a few years later.

[Andrea Wenger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Facing poverty and a looming deadline to find a husband, Cora seizes an opportunity when a luxurious gown arrives in place of her modest order. She attends the Duke of Harlow’s ball, hoping to meet a suitable gentleman. But when the Duke himself asks her to dance, their undeniable connection throws her carefully crafted plans into disarray.

This is an entertaining novel with likable characters. The plot is a little far-fetched, given that this is a fairytale retelling. The duke’s response when the truth comes to light is less than heroic, but he quickly comes to his senses.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Lisa H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twelve weeks to wed...

Cora and her sister, poor, gentile, vicar's daughters are having their one and probably only London Season. At 20, Cora, has been a substitute mother to her four younger sisters and knows she needs to do her duty and wed well for their sake. Oh, and an exquisite, fancy wardrobe won't hurt too.

Declan, the young Duke of Harlow knows his duty, Wed a girl picked out for him by his mother, pick her out at the Harlow Ball, or at the house party, but he too, must wed, wed well and in twelve weeks. The dukedom is in dire need of an heir.

I really liked Declan and Cora, but good intentioned but still getting steamy when the attraction calls for it.
Recommend.

[Douglas Meeks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is not an actual Cinderella story but incorporates many of the Cinderella themes, several in reverse it is more of a poor girl and a rich Duke (no evil stepmother but a possible future mother-in-law that is VERY easy to dislike) . The pacing seems good and the story moves fast enough to hold my interest and the sex is pretty subdued (which I like) and the slow romance made for an excellent story. I am also a revenge junkie and I REALLY felt there should have been a bit of retribution for a couple of characters which made me think to reduce this to 3 Stars but since everybody is not like me and the story was actually very good, I left it at 4 Stars.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

When poor Cora and her sister come to London to make a quick match they never expected to be invited to a Duke’s ball. Wearing a fancy dress that was mistakenly delivered to her, she immediately attracts the Duke’s attention. Though they fall in love, they know they are socially very different. Will they let duty keep them apart? I received an ARC from NetGalley and Harlequin for my honest review.

[Traci · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not too bad but it went on a bit longer than necessary. Also knew what would happen to blow apart our couple, and yes, how it would end.

Very, very mild heat level. Actually, almost chaste, which surprised me. I've already associated Harlequin romances with...well...the ones you weren't supposed to pick up or your mom would yell at you. LOL! Guess they're not all quite as spicy as I thought?

[Maddie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Cinderella story, but the story starts will the ball. I liked that the story felt more like what happens after the prince (or in this case the duke) finds his Cinderella. I found this romance to be quite well written with the characters being quite real. I loved the main characters, and their romance didn’t feel forced.

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cinderella at the Duke's Ball by Bronwyn Scott, is a retelling of Cinderella but with a twist. We get our ‘happily ever after’ at the beginning or so it appears. Cora Graylin needs to marry well to save her family from poverty, so her aunt has taken her to London for the season. Cora is aware that her aunt can't spend a fortune on dresses for her and her sister but can't help admiring the fabrics and styles outside their price range. When their dresses arrive, a mix-up occurs; resulting in a dress order meant for another being delivered to their home. Cora doesn't feel right about wearing the dresses but in the end, attends the Duke of Harlow's ball wearing an amazing gown, hoping to meet a suitable gentleman. Instead, she immediately attracts the Duke’s attention, with him asking her to dance. Their undeniable connection throws her carefully crafted plans into disarray as they fall in love; despite socially being quite different.

True to Cinderella the Duke see her and is immediately taken. From then on they must fight and claw to make this relationship work against all odds. From the Duke’s mother to all the other ladies hoping for a chance, the Duke faces endless criticism. With his eyes only for Cora and a possible scandal afoot, hopefully, love can really conquer all.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
#NetGalley #Harlequin

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Cinderella story did not disappoint. Cora was worth cheering for and Declan was her perfect match. A fun story!

[Sven · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh, this book was so typical and trite. It was okay, Cora and Declan did have their moments, but all the extraneous characters were just annoying, particularly the mother and debs.

[Michaela · Rating 2 out of 5]

For the most part this was an alright book but I cant give it higher than 2 stars due to convoluted tension and no communication making the ending drag.

[Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 3 Stars ⭐️

This is a Cinderella retelling with a heroine who need to marry well for her family’s wellbeing. The plot is a little thin. She ends up with a beautiful gown that belongs to someone else and gets to attend a ball thrown by a Duke looking for a bride. There is fairytale retelling, insta love, and a gown mixup!

Thank you to the publisher for providing the ARC.