The Duchess and the Dreamer (Rosebrook #1) by Jenny Frame
- Publisher: Bold Strokes Books, 2020
- Genre: Romance, LGBTQ+
- Format: Paperback (eARC)
- Page Count: 233 pages
- My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)
Duchess of Rosebrook Clementine Fitzroy lost her ability to dream when her grandmother lost her fortune doing just that. When toy company CEO Evan Fox purchased her old home and dreamed to renovate the whole village, Clementine was dead set on not trusting this outsider. That the ever-exuberant Evan was exactly Clementine’s type and also attracted to her did not help at all.
Realistic? Oh, that word gives me shivers. I hate that word—people say that when they’ve forgotten to dare to dream.
Evan Fox
I liked this book. The romance and courting between Clementine and Evan were cute and their emotional obstacles so real. And though this was my first read of Jenny Frame’s book, I would definitely read more of her works in the future, especially those involving contemporary royalties.
Throughout the story, I could see how Clementine and Evan were meant to be together. But that did not mean I was fully on board with this mutual instalove. And with Clementine as the damsel in distress and Evan being the incredible gentlewoman all the time, their relationship felt imbalanced. Still, The Duchess and the Dreamer was a very cute romance story. And that Evan’s rebuilding plans were eco-friendly and inclusive to all communities was a plus to the overall plot.
Evan was too perfect and precious for this world. Her personality made this book more than worthwhile to read. Also, I now realize I need toy trains, trampolines, and mini basketball hoops in my future office. Evan brought fun and playfulness into life and I love that about her. I think while she wanted to “leave the world a little bit better than [she] found it,” every reader would finish this book and dare to dream a little more than they did before. Evan had that effect on people.
There are no problems, […] only opportunities.
Evan Fox
The Duchess and the Dreamer is a good escapist romance where Evan’s positivity and energy are infectious. It is an enjoyable story that will make you rethink passion and have a bit more fun in life. [4 May 2020]
I received an e-ARC from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
