The Duke and his Pretend Bride by Ophelia Winslow

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A Sharp, Deeply Emotional Fake-Courting Romance

An emotionally powerful fake-courting story that delivers exactly what the ton usually lacks: actual justice and a backbone.

Jeremy, the Duke of Vaille, enters a sham courtship with Cate to get his matchmaking grandmother off his back, simultaneously rescuing Cate from a devastating public scandal. Cate has been thoroughly scorned by her former betrothed, Lord Dunkley—a manipulative monster who has successfully twisted society's gossip to favor his own version of events.

While Cate knows Jeremy’s attentions are a ruse, his intense gaze makes her feel entirely seen, throwing her off balance. Jeremy himself carries the baggage of a brief, unconsummated arranged marriage, making his growing connection to Cate all the more impactful.

The story features moments of violence, though it serves strictly as poetic justice. However, the most satisfying triumph isn't against the villain, but rather when Jeremy forces Cate’s parents to confront their own selfishness for prioritizing their social ambitions over their daughter's welfare.

It is a sharp, emotional read about overcoming fear and learning to actually live.