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Falling for a Duke
A Cinderella story to melt anyone’s heart.
Living with the demands of her mother and brother, Bella hasn't known genuine love since the death of her father.
Against his sister's advice and constant meddling, The Duke of Starthberg is willing to risk his title to find true love, a thing his sister insists doesn’t exist.
A visit from a charming masked woman during Gretna’s annual gala, which includes a masked ball courtesy of his sister, may have proven the Duke right. But as the clock strikes midnight, the lass in question disappears. Only her mask is left behind.
In his quest, to find the beauty behind the mask, he meets and falls in love with Bella, the owner of another Husky stud.
Unbeknown to him that the two women may be one lass, the duke must choose the one he loves the most.
Yet, Bella’s mother has her own set of wicked plans. Can Bella break free to claim her man, or will her mother destroy all of her happiness?
18+
Living with the demands of her mother and brother, Bella hasn't known genuine love since the death of her father.
Against his sister's advice and constant meddling, The Duke of Starthberg is willing to risk his title to find true love, a thing his sister insists doesn’t exist.
A visit from a charming masked woman during Gretna’s annual gala, which includes a masked ball courtesy of his sister, may have proven the Duke right. But as the clock strikes midnight, the lass in question disappears. Only her mask is left behind.
In his quest, to find the beauty behind the mask, he meets and falls in love with Bella, the owner of another Husky stud.
Unbeknown to him that the two women may be one lass, the duke must choose the one he loves the most.
Yet, Bella’s mother has her own set of wicked plans. Can Bella break free to claim her man, or will her mother destroy all of her happiness?
18+
255 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2018
17 people are currently reading
13 people want to read
About the author
J.M. Ralley
8 books10 followersI wrote my first book for my GCSE English coursework. We had to write a children's book and after getting a glowing report, was picked to read it at the local nursey. I haven't written since, until now.
When not writing you'll find me at my day job, spending time with my pet rabbits, photography, crafting, walking/birdspotting and reading.
When not writing you'll find me at my day job, spending time with my pet rabbits, photography, crafting, walking/birdspotting and reading.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
June 5, 2019
A fairy-tale reconsidered
However dark the original Cinderella story might be, I was not prepared for its version by J.M. Ralley—it was not only different, but it was also wickedly modern. And that’s why it engaged me immediately.
Falling for a Duke is a beautiful story full of so many frightening twists and turns you wouldn’t want to put the book down. When you think HEA is a step away, the author plunges you again on the rollercoaster of vicious and unpredictable events. At times, it made me breathless.
Read the book. If you like danger and surprise, and a hot romance at that, you won’t be disappointed.
However dark the original Cinderella story might be, I was not prepared for its version by J.M. Ralley—it was not only different, but it was also wickedly modern. And that’s why it engaged me immediately.
Falling for a Duke is a beautiful story full of so many frightening twists and turns you wouldn’t want to put the book down. When you think HEA is a step away, the author plunges you again on the rollercoaster of vicious and unpredictable events. At times, it made me breathless.
Read the book. If you like danger and surprise, and a hot romance at that, you won’t be disappointed.
January 25, 2019
Great story!
I thoroughly enjoyed this one, although there were plenty of times that I wanted to reach in and strangle Arabelle's family. The story revolves around Arabelle in a Cinderella way where she as an evil mother and brother that treats her like crap, spreads rumors about her, and forces her to do slave labor. With all the abuse, Belle is trapped with no future for happiness in sight. Her friends help sneak her into a masquerade ball, where she finds wonderful, charming masked man named Ramsay. Sparks fly between the two but her brother finds and severely beats her. Ramsay can't find her and only has Belle's mask that was discarded by her brother. Ladies come out of the woodwork to claim to be the masked " belle of the ball". There's plenty of drama and romance and heartache that will keep you turning the pages, rooting for Belle to get her fairytale ending. I highly recommend this one!
I thoroughly enjoyed this one, although there were plenty of times that I wanted to reach in and strangle Arabelle's family. The story revolves around Arabelle in a Cinderella way where she as an evil mother and brother that treats her like crap, spreads rumors about her, and forces her to do slave labor. With all the abuse, Belle is trapped with no future for happiness in sight. Her friends help sneak her into a masquerade ball, where she finds wonderful, charming masked man named Ramsay. Sparks fly between the two but her brother finds and severely beats her. Ramsay can't find her and only has Belle's mask that was discarded by her brother. Ladies come out of the woodwork to claim to be the masked " belle of the ball". There's plenty of drama and romance and heartache that will keep you turning the pages, rooting for Belle to get her fairytale ending. I highly recommend this one!
November 14, 2018
Cinderella’s step mother was never this bad! I wanted to read this story because Cinderella is my all-time favorite fairy tale. This modern take on the story follows Bella as she grows up treated worse than a slave by her own mother. She struggles to survive and escape her evil mother and step brother. Thankfully, she has good friends who come to her rescue, but not before she’s endured a good measure of heartache and disappointment. She meets her handsome duke at a masked ball, but their happily ever after keeps getting delayed by events. This was a very romantic read and I enjoyed it. I look forward to reading the next book in this series! I received a free copy of the book, but my review is completely voluntary and unbiased.
January 13, 2019
I was extremely impressed. Even though its a Cinderella based book, the twist of a wicked step-brother who is a total slime ball. changes it up along with Bella's love of her horse and being a dog breeder. I truly loved that concept.
The step-mother was completely bat-crap crazy , who needed very strong meds to make everyone feel better. The woman is just plain evil. I did enjoy the dark twist to this story, it wasn't all sunshine and roses.
The Duke and Bella is a very original love story. Its strong, heartfelt, and screams for someone to punch her step-family into next week. It's an all around wonderful book. I highly recommend this for all you Cinderella lovers out there. Well done.
The step-mother was completely bat-crap crazy , who needed very strong meds to make everyone feel better. The woman is just plain evil. I did enjoy the dark twist to this story, it wasn't all sunshine and roses.
The Duke and Bella is a very original love story. Its strong, heartfelt, and screams for someone to punch her step-family into next week. It's an all around wonderful book. I highly recommend this for all you Cinderella lovers out there. Well done.
February 6, 2019
This was a great twist to an old classic, I love the fact it takes place in Scotland. There are many twists to the story which I found refreshing. I would recommend this book who love Cinderella. It's an unforgettable tale.
May 26, 2019
A good retelling of a classic fairytale!
I love reading reimagined takes on fairlytales and classics, and Falling for a Duke does not disappoint. The author did an exceptional job of making you connect to Arabelle, and the connection between Ramsay and her draws you in. I didn't want for it to end. Nice Job!
I love reading reimagined takes on fairlytales and classics, and Falling for a Duke does not disappoint. The author did an exceptional job of making you connect to Arabelle, and the connection between Ramsay and her draws you in. I didn't want for it to end. Nice Job!
March 14, 2019
Modern Cinderella
Interesting Twist on the Cinderella Tale. 2 nasty villains. Dark and sexy. Enjoyed it very much. Looking forward to the next book in the series
Interesting Twist on the Cinderella Tale. 2 nasty villains. Dark and sexy. Enjoyed it very much. Looking forward to the next book in the series
January 10, 2019
This book was very well done. Her stepfamily was truly evil in this. However about halfway through it seems a bit drawn out as you read it, you’ll know what I mean. I’d definitely re read it n recommend it otherwise.
June 7, 2020
This story reminds me that even the fairytales were based on real life. The story of good and evil, is eternal and universal. Well told story, that can speak to everyone and encourage step-mothers everywhere to step up their game and compassion.
November 1, 2019
Fairy tale goodness
This is the second book ive read from this author and I loved it. Being a romance freak, I found the story flowed smoothly, just enough good and bad drama, and love,,love, love. Excellence.
This is the second book ive read from this author and I loved it. Being a romance freak, I found the story flowed smoothly, just enough good and bad drama, and love,,love, love. Excellence.
December 3, 2018
A Page-turner
Before you read this book, don't compare it to a Cinderella version. This story might have some similarities but it is much more darker. A mother who is so filled with jealousy to the extent that it gradually turns to madness. A brother who, on his mother's demands, loves to beat on Arabella - sometimes to the point of nearly killing her. The only thing keeping Arabella - shortened to Bella - sane is her love for her horse, Thunder, and the dogs she breed on the stud farm.
Her life takes a turn for the better when Ramsey - the Duke - shows up at the farm, wanting to buy one of Bella's best breeding dogs. One thing leads to another when Bella manages to attend The Ball giving by the Duke. Wearing masks, Bella didn't recognize it was the Duke who had taken an interest in her. But fate takes a nasty blow when her brother shows up. From that day, the story takes on lots of twists and turns which keeps you on the edge of your seat.
I don't want to give away spoilers so I'll end this in saying: buy this book. You won't be disappointed.
Before you read this book, don't compare it to a Cinderella version. This story might have some similarities but it is much more darker. A mother who is so filled with jealousy to the extent that it gradually turns to madness. A brother who, on his mother's demands, loves to beat on Arabella - sometimes to the point of nearly killing her. The only thing keeping Arabella - shortened to Bella - sane is her love for her horse, Thunder, and the dogs she breed on the stud farm.
Her life takes a turn for the better when Ramsey - the Duke - shows up at the farm, wanting to buy one of Bella's best breeding dogs. One thing leads to another when Bella manages to attend The Ball giving by the Duke. Wearing masks, Bella didn't recognize it was the Duke who had taken an interest in her. But fate takes a nasty blow when her brother shows up. From that day, the story takes on lots of twists and turns which keeps you on the edge of your seat.
I don't want to give away spoilers so I'll end this in saying: buy this book. You won't be disappointed.
November 30, 2019
3.5 Stars! I enjoyed this story and had to see how it was going to end. A Cinderella story told over a maybe year to two-year span, made me long to follow them further. At moments, I cried for the female character and the pain and struggles she went through.
I understand that Cinderella Stories is about love at first sight which this story has. The male character the duke seems genuine and real in his feeling but I would have liked a little more from both on the feelings and attraction before they realize who each other was.
I could have done without all the secrets from everyone and it got a little on my nerves after a while. The mother and brother were true villains and rotten to the core. Maybe a little overdone but that is Cinderella's tell. They were wicked for sure and caused many hardships.
I understand that Cinderella Stories is about love at first sight which this story has. The male character the duke seems genuine and real in his feeling but I would have liked a little more from both on the feelings and attraction before they realize who each other was.
I could have done without all the secrets from everyone and it got a little on my nerves after a while. The mother and brother were true villains and rotten to the core. Maybe a little overdone but that is Cinderella's tell. They were wicked for sure and caused many hardships.
April 19, 2019
What starts as a Cinderella retake, turns quickly in to a deliciously dark and sexy page turner.
It's incredibly easy to root for the main character as you get to love her from the beginning of the book, and also might get some murderous intent for certain figures, easily recognizable.
Bottom line - awesome read
It's incredibly easy to root for the main character as you get to love her from the beginning of the book, and also might get some murderous intent for certain figures, easily recognizable.
Bottom line - awesome read
November 19, 2020
Poorly written with bad attention to details.
The story went on about 3 crises too long. End the thing already. And figure out how to construct sentences instead of phrases with periods at the end. I read the whole thing hoping it would get better, but it never did.
The story went on about 3 crises too long. End the thing already. And figure out how to construct sentences instead of phrases with periods at the end. I read the whole thing hoping it would get better, but it never did.
March 21, 2023
Gripping love story
The characters are well written. The story is heart stopping and tense. I was constantly on the edge of my seat not wanting to put the book down. Constantly wanting to know what happened next will she or won’t she survive and get her happy ever after. Well worth a read if you like exciting thrilling love story.
The characters are well written. The story is heart stopping and tense. I was constantly on the edge of my seat not wanting to put the book down. Constantly wanting to know what happened next will she or won’t she survive and get her happy ever after. Well worth a read if you like exciting thrilling love story.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews