Isabella Chilcott has always dreamed of attending the Kingsborough Ball. Though she knows how her parents feel about the titled gentry, when Isabella finds a gown in her attic, she can't pass up the opportunity to live out one last fantasy before being married off to the man of her parents choosing. One dance with the Duke of Kingsborough himself though and Isabella finds herself torn between her own desires and her parents wishes.

Anthony Hurst, the Duke of Kingsborough, knows the woman who claims to be Miss Smith from Flemington is an impostor. That doesn't stop him from asking the intriguing lady to dance though. Having decided it's time for him to settle down and produce an heir, Anthony would much rather marry for love than duty. When the lady in question disappears after having shared a remarkable kiss, Anthony will do all he can to find her and solve the mystery of who she really is. He never anticipated the problems he'd have convincing her parents that a Duke would make an ideal match for their daughter.

Sophie Barnes gives us a bit of a new take to the old Cinderella story in THE TROUBLE WITH BEING A DUKE, the first book in the At the Kingsborough Ball series. As a fan of historical romances, this was surprisingly my first time reading a book by Barnes but it certainly won't be my last. Anthony is about as perfect as a hero can get. He believes in true love, he doesn't care how poor the woman of his choosing is and he's a bit rakish. How can you not like him? I found Isabella to be a likable character as well, torn between her own wants and those of her parents. The mystery behind Isabella's parents not wanting her to marry a Duke was pretty easy to figure out but didn't detract from the story.

Now that I've read my first Sophie Barnes book, I can't wait to continue. I hope one of the books in this series is about Anthony's friend Casper. Of all the secondary characters, Casper and Isabella's sister Jamie are ones that stand out for me and I would love to revisit them again. For those looking for a sweet romance, THE TROUBLE WITH BEING A DUKE is a wonderful read that'll have you smiling as you turn the last page.

Book Summary

Sometimes happily ever after...

Anthony Hurst, Duke of Kingsborough knows the time has come for him to produce an heir. But first he must find a bride. When he meets the most exquisite woman at his masquerade ball, he thinks his search is over...until the breathtaking beauty runs off. With few clues other than her figure, her scent, and the memory of her kiss, Anthony must find his mystery lady.

...needs a little bit of help.


Isabella Chilcott can scarcely believe it: she is finally at the Kingsborough Ball. As a child, she dreamed of dancing a waltz here and now, thanks to a gorgeous gown she's found in the attic, Isabella is living her fairytale fantasy. And she's waltzing with the Duke of Kingsborough himself! But she must escape before he discovers her secrets...for she is not who she pretends to be, and falling in love with Prince Charming is the last thing she can allow herself to do...