Never Dance with a Duke by Collette Cameron-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 5, 2020

The cost of trust is more than she’s willing to pay. But he’ll do everything he can to change her mind…

A scandal ruined her future…
Nicolette Twistleton delights in thumbing her nose at Society. After all, becoming the Spiteful Spinster was what helped her through being jilted by her betrothed. Putting her faith in another man? Impossible. But there’s something about the entirely too handsome and charming Mathias Pembroke that makes her wish she was the kind of woman who could learn to trust again.

A secret can destroy his…
Mathias, Duke of Westfall, wants nothing to do with his inherited title and all the public scrutiny it brings. He has dark secrets to protect, and can’t afford to be distracted by the trappings of Society. What he apparently can be distracted by, however, is the lovely Nicolette. He understands her pain and knows he could help her heal…if only she were willing to open her heart to him.

Can love save them both?
When ghosts from the past emerge and threaten the fragile bonds they’ve begun to build, Nicolette and Mathias find themselves caught between their feelings for each other and devastating scandal. Will love be enough to protect them—or was their happily ever after doomed from the very start?

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REVIEW: Never Dance with a Duke is a wonderfully written historical romance novel with the emphasis on romance. This is a lovely and delightfully romantic read from beginning to end. This is the story of Nicolette Twistleton and Mathias Pembroke, Duke of Westfall.

Nicolette Twistleton is the sister of Ansley Twistleton, Earl of Scarborough (a title inherited from an uncle). She lives with her mother and brother and was betrothed to Alfonse Bremerton, the Duke of Kilbourne. However, four hours before the wedding he’d sent a small note stating that he could not marry her. He instead eloped to Gretna Green with Maribelle Grosenick, a vulgarly rich American heiress. She puts up walls around her heart and refuses the advances of every man that seriously approaches. She’s decided not to marry at all, but puts on a front of happiness for everyone to see.

Mathias Pembroke, Duke of Westfall inherited his title on the death of his father. His mother and father had a very loving marriage. His sister is recently widowed from a very loving marriage and returned to her family with her two sons. His good friends, also Dukes, are also the friends of Nicolette Twistleton. He has been waiting two years for her heart to heal from being jilted and notice him. He waits patiently in the background, being close and watching how she handles herself. He understands how she keeps her walls up around men. He was jilted as well, years before.

I don’t do spoilers, so just let me set the scene and then tell you why I enjoyed this extremely romantic tale.

Mathias is babysitting a friends large Newfoundland dog. The dog breaks away from the footman walking him and bounds across the park.

Nicolette is walking her little pug puppy through the park in the early morning, when a huge shaggy dog runs up to them. She pulls her puppy into her arms, but the big dog still wants to sniff and play with the puppy. In the process he knocks them both to the ground, twisting her ankle and bruising her arm. Mathias comes to the rescue. He has the footman take the dog back under control and gives the puppy to Nicolette’s maid to take home. He lifts her into his arms (and sparks do fly) and takes her home in his carriage. And the game is afoot!

If you love quick witty dialog, romantic touches, this will thrill you. Mathias is a dream of a man! Nicolette is fighting it, but not all that hard. She is well and truly caught. Mathias has his dream within reach. He’s been patient, seeing the beauty and spirit of the lovely lass. The path to true love is never quite straight, but so worth the trip!

I found the novel refreshingly romantic, heartwarming and exciting. Kudos to author Collette Cameron. A lovely story and warm loving characters. Love the evil ones too!

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Georgianna S