When a cursed duke meets a scarred, determined woman, their clash sparks passion that could destroy them—or forge an unbreakable bond.
Shana Galen delivers a historical romance that transforms familiar tropes into something genuinely compelling in My Fair Katie, proving that redemption stories hit differently when the characters truly earn their happy ending.
📚 Reading Order: Misfortunes Favorites Series
- Book 1: The King and Vi – Read Review
- Book 2: My Fair Katie – You’re Reading It Now
- Book 3: All About Genevieve – Review Coming August 28
Title: My Fair Katie by Shana Galen
Series: Misfortunes Favorites #2
Publish Date: April 12, 2024
Genre: Historical Romance
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
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Book Description
Henry Lewis, the Duke of Carlisle, has gambled away everything—his fortune, his estate, even his family's legacy. Cursed by a witch at thirteen to lose his luck at thirty, he's now penniless and desperate. His final, devastating loss comes at the hands of his archenemy, the Marquess of Shrewsbury, who has been plotting the Carlisle family's ruin for years.
Lady Katherine Malfort has spent her life hidden away due to a facial birthmark, but at twenty-one, she's done living in shadows. Her demand for freedom and dreams of studying art in Paris earn her banishment to Carlisle Hall—the very estate her father won from Henry. Katie finds solace in befriending the Duchess of Carlisle, until the duke himself arrives.
Neither expects their reluctant partnership to ignite into something deeper. As Henry searches the estate's library for clues about Shrewsbury's vendetta and Katie works to repair the damage to the neglected tenants, they discover that trust might be the greatest gamble of all.
My Review
Galen pulls off a romance that works because she takes the characters’ conflicts seriously. Henry's gambling addiction isn't romanticized or easily resolved—the author shows the real devastation his choices have caused to his family, tenants, and estate. His journey toward redemption requires genuine work, not just charming declarations, which makes his eventual transformation feel earned rather than convenient.
Katie emerges as a particularly strong heroine whose facial birthmark serves as more than a superficial obstacle. Galen uses it to explore themes of self-worth, societal expectations, and the courage required to demand the life you deserve. Katie's evolution from bitter exile to cautious hope feels authentic, especially in her interactions with the estate's neglected tenants who become central to both her character development and Henry's path to worthiness.
The enemies' children premise could have felt contrived, but Galen grounds it in real consequences and genuine emotion. The mystery surrounding Shrewsbury's vendetta provides enough intrigue to drive the plot forward, while the library research scenes offer intimate moments that build Henry and Katie's relationship naturally.
While the witch's curse element feels somewhat disconnected from the otherwise grounded historical setting, it doesn't detract from the emotional core of the story. Galen's prose flows smoothly, and her attention to secondary characters—particularly the Duchess and various tenants—adds depth to the world without overwhelming the central romance.
The Weight of the Curse
At first glance, the witch’s curse may feel like a light fantasy twist, but it quietly drives everything—from broken legacies to shattered trust. In My Fair Katie, it’s more than backstory; it shapes Henry’s self-doubt and fear that happiness is always out of reach.
What makes this work so well is how Galen anchors the curse in emotion. It mirrors the way we carry inherited pain or past failures, and it adds depth to both Henry and Katie’s journeys. Their romance becomes not just about falling in love—but about breaking free from stories they’ve been told about who they are and what they deserve.
My Favorite Quote
“All I want is you.”
Henry looked down and kissed her. “You have me. Always.”
The King and Vi
Misfortunes Favorites #1
The first book in the series that introduces the world and family dynamics that make My Fair Katie even richer. If you enjoyed Henry and Katie's story, Vi's journey offers another compelling redemption tale.
About the Series
My Fair Katie is the second book in the Misfortunes Favorites series, and while it can be read as a standalone, readers familiar with the first book will appreciate the deeper context surrounding the family dynamics and ongoing conflicts. The series appears to focus on different members of families dealing with various “misfortunes” or curses, each finding their own path to happiness despite seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
Why I Think You Would Like This
If you enjoy historical romances where both characters have significant growth arcs, this book delivers. Fans of Julia Quinn's wit and Tessa Dare's emotional depth will find much to love here.
The book particularly appeals to readers who appreciate when gambling addiction is treated as a serious issue rather than a quirky character trait, and when physical differences are explored with sensitivity rather than used as simple plot devices.
The enemies-to-lovers dynamic feels fresh because both characters must genuinely work to earn each other's trust. Henry proves his worth through consistent actions rather than grand gestures, while Katie's journey from hiding to boldly claiming her place in the world will resonate with anyone who's ever felt invisible. The historical setting enhances rather than overwhelms the story, and the pacing allows their relationship to develop naturally.
My Final Thoughts
My Fair Katie stands out in the crowded historical romance field by treating its characters' struggles with genuine respect. Galen doesn't shy away from showing the real consequences of Henry's past choices or the genuine pain Katie has endured due to society's narrow beauty standards. The result is a romance that feels earned and emotionally satisfying.
My Fair Katie is a beautifully written historical romance with genuine emotional depth and memorable character growth. Shana Galen strikes a perfect balance between heartfelt storytelling and well-earned redemption, making this a satisfying, character-driven read. It's the kind of book that leaves you with a smile—and a renewed love for the genre.
About the Author
Shana Galen is a three-time RITA Award nominee and the bestselling author of fast-paced, witty, and adventurous Regency romances. Her books have been praised by Kirkus as “intense, conflicted, suspenseful and fun,” and RT Book Reviews calls them “lighthearted yet poignant, humorous yet touching.” Before writing full-time, she taught English for over a decade in Houston’s inner city schools. Today, she’s a full-time author, wife, and proud mom to a daughter who may just grow up to be a romance heroine herself. Learn more at shanagalen.com.
Join the Conversation
Have you read My Fair Katie or other books in the Misfortunes Favorites series? I'd love to hear your thoughts on how Shana Galen handles redemption arcs compared to other historical romance authors. Share your recommendations for similar books in the comments below or explore more Historical Romance titles.
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