Title: The Dueling Duchess    
Author:  Minerva Spencer   
Genre: Romance     
Rating:  4 out 5

When Cecile Tremblay lost everyone and everything in the French Revolution, she never imagined that she’d earn her living as a markswoman in a London circus. But Farnham’s Fantastical Female Fayre has become her home, her family, and her future. Another thing Cecile never imagined was becoming entangled with the man gossip columns call The Darling of the Ton . But mere weeks after her rejection of his insulting carte blanche—and his infuriating engagement to an heiress—Darlington is back, this time to beg Cecile for help. And help him she will, by teaching him about honest work—and the right way to treat a woman.

Gaius Darlington has always led a charmed life. Until now. Suddenly, a long-lost heir has appeared to claim his title, possessions, and property, Not only that, but Guy’s fiancée has jilted him to marry the usurper! Yet there is a silver it’s no longer Guy’s duty to marry an heiress to save the dukedom. He’s free to wed the woman he loves—if only he can earn her forgiveness.

They say hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. But fury is just a step away from passion, and Guy knows just how to arouse Cecile’s. . .

This was a cute read. Nothing unexpected, although I found Cecile’s secret fascination with the ton gossip rags kind of funny. She’s very sure and capable, but when a guy grabs her out of a dark alley, she immediately becomes a helpless female, and that didn’t quite add up for me. Guy’s over-the-top swagger was entertaining, but I bet it’d be infuriating in person.

Minerva Spencer lives in New Mexico. The Dueling Duchess is her newest novel.

(Galley courtesy of Kensington Books in exchange for an honest review.)

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