Forever My Duke is the second novel in a brand new Regency romance series from Olivia Drake about rakish dukes and the governesses who steal their hearts. “I find Miss Fanshawe to be quite charming–for an American.”–The Prince Regent Hadrian Ames, the Duke of Clayton, needs a bride. He even has the perfect one picked out. That is, until he meets the lovely, free-spirited Natalie Fanshawe. … lovely, free-spirited Natalie Fanshawe. She’s the opposite of what a man of his high rank should desire in a wife–an outspoken American who has never even set foot in a London ballroom.
But Natalie doesn’t have time to be swept off her feet by a handsome duke who must be a spoiled scoundrel like every other British lord. And she couldn’t care less about Hadrian’s title. After all, it’s not as if he actually worked to attain his wealth and status. He surely can’t understand what it’s like to be a busy woman, planning to open a school while trying to reunite a six-year-old orphan with his English relatives. Nevertheless, Hadrian launches his campaign to win her heart. Can the utterly delightful American beauty ever find a way to love him…despite his being a duke?
more
This was my first book by Olivia Drake and as a diehard historical romance reader, I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was an opposites attract story with the heroine a strong willed American named Natalie Fanshawe and the hero, Hadrian Ames, the Duke of Clayton, British aristocracy . Oil and water who are undeniably attracted to each other. There was a small child named Leo, thrown into the mix. Witty banter was most enjoyable. It kept me turning pages to see what happened next. I highly recommend this book to romance lovers. I will give it five stars for her development of the characters and the enjoyment of reading this book. There were lol moments as well as some tender romantic ones. I was gifted this book from NetGalley and the publisher for which I thank. This review is my own non biased opinion.
This one didn’t blow me away unlike the first book in this series of standalones. I think the story or the characters weren’t connecting for me. I will still continue to read more of Olivia’s work.
I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
“Life is full of what ifs…”
Hadrian Ames, Duke of Clayton, has decided to finally take a bride. Known to be cold and always proper, Clayton needs a wife that will be obedient and know precisely how to handle the running of a household and be a suitable Duchess. What he didn’t plan on was falling for the exact opposite…a forward thinking American that will bow nor scrape to any man…even if he is a Duke.
Natalie Fanshawe made a deathbed promise to her dearest friend to take her son to England to be raised amongst his family. Natalie has grown to care for the young orphan, and is unsure why her friend wished to see him raised with a family that had disowned her when she married for love rather than money and a title and moved to America. When she finds herself without transport and stranded at an inn, she begrudgingly accepts the Duke of Clayton’s assistance…after all, they are traveling to the same estate…where Hadrian will be meeting his prospective bride. Hadrian, or Mr. Clayton as she refers to him, is not at all like the stuffy British Lords she’s imagined, and as they spend more time together, these opposites find out they are better together than apart.
Forever My Duke by Olivia Drake is a well written regency romance with everything you’d expect in the genre. There were times when Natalie came off as being a wee bit unbending and preachy in her views, but overall, I enjoyed the story and would recommend. While this is the second installment to the Unlikely Duchesses series, it may be read standalone.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. **
Natalie is on a mission to deliver Leo, her best friend’s son to his grandfather. Journey from America to England. She got stopped by ice storm and is spending night at inn, where she meets Hadrian, who she thinks has stick up to his ….When Leo goes missing, he is the one to help her find him, but this cost her to miss her coach and she is stranded. Hadrian finds out that they going to the same destination and offer her and Leo ride.
He is intrigued by Natalie, she is like no lady he knows. Something push them together.
Natalie has no plans to stay in England and Hadrian has his mind on a Lady, who will be his wife.
I did enjoyed this book, loved characters.
A precocious six year old boy introduces the Duke of Clayton to his guardian, Natalie Fanshawe, when he decides to hide under the Duke’s table at the inn, in a game of hide and seek. Lou and Natalie are both from America. Natalie believes in equality for all and what do they mean, curtsy? Little did all three know how much their lives would be entwined. A charming romance of how an English Duke becomes liberated by the woman he loves and a little boy who has a lot of questions. Very engaging!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Forever My Duke is an outstanding historical romance by Olivia Drake. Ms. Drake has once again impressed me with her storytelling abilities with this well-written book. The characters in this book are phenomenal and my favorite part of the book. Hadrian is the Duke of Clayton on his way to visit with his former guardian when he meets Audrey and Leo. Audrey is bringing Leo to his grandfather after his parents are killed in a massacre. Hadrian and Audrey’s story is loaded with drama, humor, spice, action and suspense. I enjoyed every page of this book and look forward to reading more from Olivia Drake in the future. Forever My Duke is book 2 of the Unlikely Duchesses Series but can easily be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Loved it! It’s been quite a while since I’ve been drawn to a Victorian book. The perfect setting for an all the feels read made my day of reading a complete success.
Romance, laughs and exceptional writing had me from the beginning. The story was fast paced but the book itself, although long, felt like mere moments since I started. I absolutely loved the descriptive writing as well as the character building. Outstanding! My only complaint is no epilogue into the future. It’s a standalone but ends with a happily ever now.