The Trouble with Being a Duke (Kingsborough Ball)
Starred Review. In this humorous and captivating Regency take on the Cinderella story, carriage worker's daughter Isabella Smith sneaks into the Kingsborough masquerade ball, hoping to have some fun before becoming engaged to the dull and demanding Timothy Roberts. Isabella, wearing a mask and the beautiful gown that she's kept hidden in her attic, captures the attention of Anthony, Duke of Kingsborough, and sparks immediately fly. When Isabella hastily exits, Anthony is devastated but knows he must locate her—especially when friends assert that she was wearing the dress in which their kidnapped daughter was last seen. Isabella realizes that her mother, who hates the aristocracy, will never approve of her flirtation with Anthony, yet as her dislike for Mr. Roberts grows, so does her affection for the duke. Before finding love, the two must confront society's rules, family secrets, and vengeful debutantes. Regency fans will happily devour this tale's heady passion, comical interludes, and engaging story. (Sept.)