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 great Regency romance immediately captivated me and kept me glued to the book until I read the last word with engaging characters and a beautifully written story that included family drama, suspense, and the unlikely romance between an American and a Duke. I loved the instant attraction and sizzling chemistry between Hadrian Ames, the Duke of Clayton, and Natalie Fanshawe, an American trying to reunite six-year-old orphan Leo with his relatives. Ms. Drake blew me away with this well-crafted historical romance and I loved every minute of it. This is a must-read for anyone who enjoys Regency romance. I received an advance reader copy of “Forever My Duke” from the publisher via NetGalley and I am voluntarily leaving my review.
Well this one was as much fun as it had me rolling my eyes all the way back in my head.
The plot and twist to this were good and the banter was great except when it was filled with assumptions and impossible expectations.
But I guess that’s what made this book a nice read. Natalie is fighting every step of the way to not be associated to English Ton.
And Hadrian is trying to persuade her to accept him despite his high-ranking amongst the Ton. For a moment there I was sure
The HEA was nowhere in sight but the conclusion to their story was a great way to end this book.
It was fun way to divert myself from modern world and hop on the HR train. This was my first book by the author and expect me to read her again.
***Review copy received by NG for an honest opinion***
Needed to step back into the past with this author paving the way. Hadrian has some plans but plans were made to be changed. Then we meet Natalie and I think she is fun to read. The personalities are different but we watch as bit by bit their hearts go a different way. The wooing is also the fun part with the dialogue being a big part. The thing is love can see through anything and that is what we wait for as we read this.
The American schoolteacher who is unfazed by dukes is such a treat.
Natalie Fanshawe is the love that Hadrian Ames, Duke of Clayton, doesn’t know he needs. The two are stronger together, despite their initial inability to see how right they are for each other. When Hadrian realizes that Natalie is the one he loves, his campaign to win her is most enjoyable. She is in England to return a child to his family — her best friend in America has died, and bringing back young Leo is something Natalie feels obliged to see through, despite delays in her own plans. Natalie is a bit self-righteous, so sure of herself and her critique of the aristocracy, but she grows more open-minded as the book continues.
It is a journey for both characters — the duke comes to understand that he is also a man, and the schoolteacher realizes that love is too precious to throw away simply because the man she loves is also a duke. A charming addition to Olivia Drake’s new series, with a couple who find their way to love despite obstacles of class and country. (Arc from NetGalley. Opinions mine)
Full review posted at Reader’s Edyn on 02/23/20
Natalie is an American and has no desire to be in England any longer than necessary. Disgusted by the separation of classes based on titles people are born to, she assumes the ton is nothing more than a bunch of soft dandies. If it were not for the final wish of her best friend, she would not be here. Would not be delivering the young Leo to a family he has never known. Would not have accidentally stumbled into Hadrian’s room at the inn, searching for her young charge. Would not be questioning everything she thought she knew about the upper classes of England. Would not be falling hard for the haughty Duke. Would not allow herself to entertain the slightest fantasy about what life might or could be like with Hadrian at her side. And yet, here she is. But her promise has yet to be fulfilled and in the face of unexpected complications and danger lurking around the corner, there is quite a lot left to sort out before she can hash things out with Hadrian. Her worst fear, previously surrounding the safe delivery of Leo, has now undergone a complete transformation and now has everything to do with losing Hadrian due to their glaringly opposing beliefs.
Hadrian is captivated by the opinionated Natalie from the very beginning. She challenges him at every opportunity and shows no fear in expressing her severe dislike for the very fabric of the society in which he was bred to thrive in. Wanting to prove her wrong, he suddenly finds himself struggling with the callous beliefs of the society that produced him. The family who raised him to be the Duke that he is now turn out to be strangers; people he no longer wishes to align his life with despite his father’s wishes. Plans he had made suddenly seem unfathomable. In what seems like an instant, Natalie shakes his very foundation. Hadrian quickly adapts to scenarios as they occur in ways he never would have prior to his meeting with the beautiful Miss Fanshawe. Weaker men would have crumbled with the revelations Hadrian uncovers, but his strength of character sculpt him into an even better person when everything is said and done. With any luck, his transformation will be enough to convince Natalie that their differences are not as disparaging as they had originally seemed and that there is a happily ever after in their future – if only she will agree to this journey of love and happiness at Hadrian’s side – an equal to be loved and cherished as demanded by her American upbringing.
The title of this series pretty much says it all. Unlikely duchesses. Natalie for sure fits this bill. For a Duke of the English aristocracy to fall for an American of the untamed wilderness would be one heck of a faux pas. Luckily, once the lust bug strikes (which is pretty much immediately), both Hadrian and Natalie begin to break from their lifelong beliefs and let their feelings lead them along their path as they work together to solidify a positive future for Leo. The trick is to find a place in which they can happily co-exist without giving up too much of themselves in order to accommodate the other one. I completely adored this book and could not put it down once I began it. While it wasn’t a story of mystery in the sense that you weren’t sure what would happen next, it still continued to move at a quick pace and kept me engaged with all of its quirky characters – even the ones I strongly disliked. Just about the time I had reached my limit of the wretched Godwin family, a wonderful change of location was provided in which Hadrian’s lively mother and sister were introduced. Both Millie and Lizzy added the perfect amount of light-hearted joviality and mischievous matchmaking to this tale. I thoroughly enjoyed them both and would be thrilled to encounter them again in a future book. Hadrian is initially presented as haughty with an inability to bend. However, we glimpse the slightest crack in the façade with his first interaction with Leo. From there the cracks continues to spread until he is full-on courting Natalie – a fact to which she was shockingly oblivious for a rather long amount of time. One interesting aspect here is that for every bit of Hadrian’s arrogance, Natalie is even more so with her American pride; almost to the point of taking things too far. While I could relate to her ingrained beliefs given her background, there were times that allowances needed to be made. When Prinny showed up, I almost thought things would go the other way. In the end, this becomes a story of love overcoming differences and two people who couldn’t be more opposite attracting one another. At the end of the day, pride makes for a lonely bedfellow and so Natalie and Hadrian find a place in which they can continue to be true to self, but also operate better together as a unified couple.
I have not had the opportunity to read the first book in this series, but I do not believe that it is imperative to read the series in order. I am unaware if the preceding story had anything to do with any of the characters in this book, but neither did I feel that I was receiving a bit of back story in which to catch me up to where I needed to be. A positive trait for a reader, like myself, who has not begun at the beginning. That said, I will more than likely make sure to read book one at some point in the future. Based on my recollection, this is my first read with Ms. Drake. As a historical romance author, she is wonderful. Ms. Drake skillfully crafts an engaging tale with the perfect balance of details essential for a delightful historical romance read that is guaranteed to bring readers back for more. If I wasn’t a fan before, I definitely am now. Everything from the description to the cover to the writing style draws the reader in. I, myself, was happily caught. I can’t say as I had many complaints within this book besides the couple of characters I truthfully couldn’t stand. However, such traits were intentional, so cannot be held in the negative toward this piece of work, which leaves only one thing. I felt like Hadrian was willing to give up far more than Natalie was when it looked like it was going to be love or loss. Yes, everything works out, but Hadrian did effectively undergo a fundamental change while Natalie really didn’t. I would have liked to see her give just a bit more in the name of love. The few scenes of intimacy were descriptive without crossing the threshold of risqué. For my personal taste, it was just enough and yet not enough. A perfect combination. That said, this book was good enough that the scenes could easily have been omitted or cut much shorter and it wouldn’t have had the slightest impact on the story. With or without those particular scenes, the book was still very well written. For those who enjoy easily read and immensely enjoyed HR books with a slight twist as within this UNLIKELY DUCHESS series, I highly recommend giving Ms. Drake a shot at compatibility.
Kindle version provided by NetGalley/St. Martin’s in exchange for an honest review.
Such a great book in a great series, but it can also be read alone. That’s what makes this book so special. I love the characters and the interaction with them. Thank you for writing such a great book book Olivia!
Forever My Duke by Olivia Drake was a wonderful story. I enjoyed it so much I have read it twice now and will probably read it again and again. It was one of those books that grabs you from the start and doesn’t let go until the end. There was so much going on from massacres, family betrayal, kidnapping, friendship, loyalty, family, HEA and so much more. I look forward to reading more stories from Ms Drake.
If vision breaks and my own life had not interfered, I would not have put this book down until the end. I was immediately enthralled by the characters. Family drama, intrigue and an unlikely romance written in an engaging voice made this book a wonderful read.
Hadrian Ames, the eighth Duke of Clayton is on his way to visit his cousins and to see if Lady Ellen has grown into a woman who should become his duchess. He was supposed to have married her older sister, Audrey, but she fell in love with another, and after her father disowned her , they moved to America. His mother would rather he marry for love, but after being raised by his cousin Lord Godwin he doesn’t believe in love. However, his plans go array, when he meets American Natalie Fanshaw and little Leo at an Inn.
Natalie grew up in Pennsylvania, the daughter of a senator, raised by her father after her mother died (in childbirth ?). After her father’s sudden death, Audrey invited her to join them to teach in a mission in a fenced compound in the wilderness. There she found a purpose. But the compound was invaded by a group of renegade British soldiers, who massacred most of the inhabitants. Natalie had managed to hide the children, and made a deathbed promise to Audrey to bring Leo back to his family. While Natalie would have been happy to raise Leo herself, she reluctantly has brought him back to England. When they miss the mailcoach, Hadrian who is already intrigued by Natalie, who refuses to pandor to English Society and charmed by Leo, offers them a ride, not realizing that they are going to the same place. When Lord Godwin, doesn’t believe Natalie, Hadian decides to adopt Leo himself and realizes that he no longer is interested in a loveless marriage. Can he convince Natalie to stay in England and forgo her dream to open her own school in Pennsylvania?
I read an ARC provided by NetGalley.com. This is my unbiased and voluntary review.
Hadrian Ames, age 29 and the eighth Duke of Clayton, has been delayed by bad weather as he travels to have dinner with the family of his prospective bride, Lady Ellen Godwin, age 18. When his father died, Hadrian was just 6-years-old and at the behest of his late father, went to live with the Earl of Godwin, the man’s cousin. His mother was furious as she only got to see her son a couple times a year. His father and Lord Godwin had made a contract years ago that Hadrian would marry Godwin’s daughter, Ellen, and he has decided it is time to honor his father’s request. His mother is against the match because she feels that while they grew up together, there is no love between them. This does not bother Hadrian as he feels that Ellen would be a good duchess.
At the inn where he staying overnight, Hadrian meets a beautiful young woman caring for a young boy named Leo. Natalie Farshawe, age 26, has brought the boy from America to live with his grandfather now that his parents have passed away. As Leo tends to be a rascal running off and such, Hadrian ends up helping Natalie to find him. It turns out that the grandfather is Lord Godwin. At the man’s house, he is reluctant to recognize Leo as he had disowned his daughter when she married a minister and moved to America. While they wait for proof from Lord Godwin’s solicitor that Leo is actually his grandson, Natalie stays there and she and Hadrian enjoy getting to know one another. Even though Natalie is unused to the respect given the English aristocracy, she soon learns what it all means. Natalie is the daughter of the late senator from Pennsylvania in America and was used to entertaining many people in America’s government. In addition, there are hints that she may have even higher ranked relatives.
Is there a way for Natalie to remain in England and not have to leave Leo? Could she and Hadrian had a future together?
Totally delightful book! I loved the creation of the plot and the characters and all quite real and intriguing. There is romance and intrigue both in this book so enjoy!! Both Natalie and Hadrian are strong people and I think they would make a perfect couple.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I love Natalie Fanshawe. She is a no nonsense person. She plans on being a school teacher when she returns to America. She needs to honor the final request of her friend. Bring her son home to his grandparents in England. You will love Leo from the very beginning. He is so much like a little boy. Always curious about everything. Always getting into mischief. Duke Hadrian Clayton is on his way to visit the man who raised him and a possible engagement. Leo got under his feet while playing. From the very beginning, Leo reminded him of his younger self. Natalie is always going on about how Americans believe that everyone is equal. No need to curtsy all the time. They clash in the nicest way. Both are fighting their feelings. Luckily Clayton has a friend in Natalie’s grandfather. She doesn’t stand a chance. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.
I received this book as an ARC from Netgalley – this is my honest review.
I thought this was a fun read – I always like a twist on a Regency romance and throwing an American in was interesting, especially since she had a very negative impression of the English. I also liked that for once the term “blue stocking” wasn’t continually used. There was definitely chemistry between Hadrian & Natalie and little Leo was truly a delight.
This is part of a series (Unlikely Duchesses), but definitely not a requirement to read the other books.
I thought this was an interesting story filled with entertaining characters, romance, and humor, It did start out a bit slow, but it picked up pace nicely and ended well.
This is the second book in the Unlikely Duchesses series. It can be read as a stand-alone.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or favor.
Forever My Duke by Olivia Drake
Unlikely Duchesses #2
Mixed feelings on this one…it is well written and characters are developed so I could see and know them but I didn’t feel there was anything new and thus it was rather predictable. The gorgeous duke is off to meet the woman he is supposed to (maybe) marry and meets a beautiful woman on the way. She is taking a young boy to meet his grandfather and the handsome duke provides a ride.
There is the romance, the dastardly bad guy, a young boy that reminded me of the one in O’Henry’s Ransom of Red Chief, a rather dysfunctional family, mention what war was maybe like and a bit more.
What I liked:
* Natlie: good friend to Audrey and unwilling to bow to anyone – she was American to the core and all for equality
* Hadrian: a man I grew to like – he was able to take charge and get things done and was also likable
* Leo: a boy with a lot of heart…but one who liked to disappear a lot
* There was a HEA
What I did not like:
* The uncaring family that were related to Leo
* The predictability
Thank you to NetGalley an dSt. Martin’s Paperbacks for the ARC – This is my honest review.
3-4 Stars
Natalie Fanshawe is a proud American. She doesn’t care much about the class system in England or the arrogance of the Aristocracy. She is in England because she promised her dying best friend to return her son to his grandfather in England. While traveling, she and Leo meet Hadrian Ames, Duke of Clayton. Hadrian is not at all what she thought an aristocrat would be. They are opposites, to be sure, but they like and respect each other, and Hadrian likes Leo. Their arrival is less than pleasant, and Natalie isn’t sure she and Leo are welcome. What will happen if Leo is not accepted by his grandfather?
This is an entertaining story with healthy doses of drama, humor, and romance. There is some danger, and it is a little unpredictable. It is well-paced and holds your attention. Natalie and Hadrian are fun to watch and perfect for each other. Leo is a delightful little boy. Lady Ellen, who does not want Hadrian to court her (long story) is absolutely charming. I really enjoyed and recommend Forever My Duke.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.
Highly entertaining, witty, fun and action packed journey filled with intriguing charters, witty dialog, heart racing excitement and emotionally thrilling adventure. Really enjoyed this excellent read!
A delightful story of opposites attracting in the most marvelous of circumstances!
Our hero, Hadrian Ames, the eighth Duke of Clayton was on his way to visit his uncle and the woman he was to marry when he was caught at an inn due to the weather. As he was eating a young lad ran in to hide under his table and then she walked in.
“His heart rocked in his chest. The world faded as he stared at the vision standing before him.” Natalie was taking her charge, Leo to his grandfather and would you just know it? It was the same home that Clayton was headed to visit his potential bride. His uncle was grandfather to Leo. Of course she is an American and has a disdain for the entire class distinctions of the elite!
A rocky journey to a happy ending that was engaging and spirited. Clayton seemed really stiff and proper but it was his upbringing that he tried to loosen up with spirited Natalie. She had her own convictions to help others and was independent. Yes, she was an unlikely Duchess, but love always wins in the end!
Unexpected love…Hadrian, the duke, is ready to settle down and knows exactly the woman that he wants to marry. When he unexpectedly meets American Natalie, she starts to shake up his ideas. Due to a promise made to her dying best friend Audrey, Natalie brings Audrey’s son Leo to England to meet his grandfather. Not so surprisingly, Natalie and Hadrian end up traveling to the same estate. Now Hadrian can really see the difference between Natalie and his ideal. His biggest obstacle to a romance is Natalie’s prejudice to the British upper class. I received a free copy of this book through Netgallery. This is my honest and voluntarily given review. I really liked Natalie because she wasn’t afraid to express her opinions and wasn’t intimated by anyone. Her prejudice against the British upper was totally believable since the book is set soon after the War of 1812. I liked that Hadrian wasn’t as stuffy as his appearance and grew throughout the story. Leo was a delight. I really enjoyed this regency romance.
I usually really like historical’s with plot’s like this one but this one just didn’t draw me in like I was hoping. Plot wise it was really good. The writing was also fairly good. I was just kinda bored while trying to read this story. Natalie did make me laugh in spots and I liked her spunky attitude. Hadrian seemed like the typical man of rank. And they are completely opposite of each other but the sparks fly? I don’t know, something just didn’t ring true for me with their relationship and how it all comes about. Other’s might absolutely love it, but it wasn’t for me unfortunately.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Forever My Duke, by Olivia Drake, is available at booksellers on December 31, 2019. Forever is book 2 in the Unlikely Duchesses series. I like the premise that a commoner can be just as elegant and well mannered as an lady of the ton. Good manners are good manners in any century.
In Forever we’re given Hadrian Ames, 8th Duke of Clayton. He’s been raised to be a dutiful overseer of his estates, family, and fortune. He’s so good at it that he’s considered a stick-in-the-mud. He is. His plan to marry a well bred lady who fits his ideal of a Duchess is, of course, thwarted. He’s led kicking and screaming into examining his feelings. His journey is handled well, a nice medium pace. I like him.
Miss Natalie Fanshawe, of America, was a little harder to like. She’s not a bad person but she’s really stuck in her dislike for the nobility. It takes her longer to come around than he does. It’s not that anyone told her horrid tales of England either, it’s more her interpretation of these stories. She still has family in England so between all the English characters being very, very nice, she comes around. Boy is she slow about it. Anyway, there’s a nice HEA and I was happy for them. Hope they have a long literary life together.
#OliviaDrake #Netgalley #UnlikelyDuchesses #ForeverMyDuke #StMartin’sPress #HistoricalRomance
I liked this book but it was not without any issues. I did think the book had a promising story line, I liked the heroine, Natalie because she was sassy, spunky and felt very original to me and I thought that Leo was quite the little scene stealer. As for the rest, I wish I could say I loved Hadrian but even though he grew on me, it never got past the liking stage. So, in total not a bad read but in my opinion, a slow start and an only OK hero hindered the level of enjoyment I could get from this book.