When two childhood sweethearts find themselves together after years apart, does their romance have a chance to be rekindled now that he’s a duke and she’s a governess? Olivia Drake’s new Unlikely Duchesses series begins with The Duke I Once Knew, where first love is always the sweetest… For years, Abigail Linton devoted herself to caring for her parents and her siblings’ children. Now, eager … children. Now, eager to create a life of her own, Abby seizes upon a position as a governess on a neighboring estate. Unfortunately, her absentee employer is Maxwell Bryce, the Duke of Rothwell, the notorious rake who once broke her youthful heart. But since he hasn’t set foot on his estate for fifteen years, Abby assumes she’ll never have to lay eyes on him ever again. Then, from out of nowhere, Max appears. He is stunned to come face to face with the girl next door he fell for years ago–before he went away, and she stopped writing to him. . .even though Abby swears that he is the one who left her without a word. Could it be that this spirited, witty spinster has won Max’s heart all over again–and that they may have a second chance at love?
Olivia Drake’s novels are:
“Lush.”–Fresh Fiction
“Compelling…filled with intrigue.”–Affaire de Coeur
“Skillful…readers will rejoice.”–RT Book Reviews
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On December 31st Olivia Drake gives us her new book, The Duke I Once Knew. It’s going to give you plenty of pleasure on a cold winter day. A fresh pot of coffee, the phone on mute, and you’re on your way.
Our heroine is Abigale “Abby” Linton. As the whoops child she’s a lot younger than her siblings, who all seem to know what’s best for her. At almost 30 years old she’s decided to take control of her own life. She applies for a governess job at a neighboring estate. She’s stoked to be on her own and having a salary. She may be destined for spinsterhood but it’ll be on her terms.
Our hero is Maxwell Bryce, Duke of Rothwell. His teenage sister is Abby’s charge. He hasn’t been back to his estate is 15 years. Lots of bad memories there. On the way to a prizefight, his party’s plans change and he’s forced to take them all to Linton Manor. Boy he’s not happy.
Seems our couple were an item before Max was taken off to London. They were very serious but fate intervened and crushed their affair of the heart. Of course Max is surprised to see Abby, he doesn’t know she was hired. Neither can get past their hurt but can’t stay away from each other. This causes a problem within his party and you’ll want to savor the cause and effect.
Ms Drake gives us young love, old wounds and an attraction that won’t be denied. You’ll have a good time with this story. As this is a romance there is a happy ending. We’d riot of there wasn’t. Receiving a free ARC is a privilege and I certainly enjoy the honor. Being able to share my opinion is a pleasure. Both are free and without obligation. Happy reading.
#NetGalley #OliviaDrake #thedukeionceknew #thegreycourtseries
Second Chance Love.
Max and Abby haven’t seen each other for fifteen years. Both feel let down by the other and because Max has avoided visiting his estate and Abby never had a Season due to nursing elderly parents, it is not until his unexpected visit that they discover that neither had received the others letters, all those years ago. But Max has changed from the sweet and gawky youth that Abby remembers and an attractive widow has her sights set on becoming Max’s duchess which further muddies the waters. A sweet second chance love story. Would have liked an epilogue as the ending felt a little abrupt.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
“The Duke I Once Knew” by Olivia Drake
I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Abby and Max and the other people in their corner of the world. I was lucky enough to receive an ARC as a gift via NetGalley. It is good when the story moves along at just the right tempo… not to fast making you feel like you missed out on something,,, and not so slow you feel like you are never going to get to the meat of the story. Like I said… this story was a pleasure to read. Just right in all the ways that count.
The duke she once knew refuses to be foolish enough to fall in love.
Abby and Max enjoyed a brief but meaningful teenage romance that ended when Max’s life took a tragic turn. Years later, he’s convinced himself that love is for fools and he’ll never give anyone the chance to break his heart like Abby did.
Abby has devoted her young adulthood to caring for her aging parents, but after their death she wants some semblance of independence from her dear but demanding older siblings. The only option she sees is to become the governess to Max’s young sister, which shouldn’t be a problem since Max hasn’t returned to the family estate in more than a decade.
Ah, but of course their paths will cross, and all the emotions of their youth – the affection, the intense attraction, the anger and bitterness – all come into play as they try to make sense of the past in order to move on with their futures. Realizing how they’ve been manipulated – and continue to be manipulated – forces Max and Abby to look deep into their hearts, past their hurts and prejudices, to discover the happiness that lies before them.
This was a charming, outstanding Regency romance. Max comes across like any debauched rake of the time, until we get to know him on a private level that he keeps well-hidden from society. Abby surprises herself with her unrealized depth of emotions and begins to think about life’s possibilities in far grander terms than she’s ever dared before.
The writing is beautifully lyrical, instantly captivating, and effortlessly draws the reader back in time. The vividly-described setting and genuine, multi-faceted characters make this a memorable love story that I’ll read again and again. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Almost a year after her parents’ deaths, Abigail Linton finds herself the subject of her siblings’ discussion to decide where she’s going to live next. Distraught by this, she informs them of their decision to seek a position as a governess in the nearby estate of the Duke of Rothwell.
Maxwell Bryce, Duke of Rothwell, hasn’t set foot in Rothwell Court for the past ten years and that was only overnight. When he comes unexpectedly to find his nearby neighbor and childhood friend working as his sister’s governess and being that she was hired without his consent, he’s fast to dismiss Abby.
A looming prizefight, a handful of unsavory guests to keep away from the young innocent Lady Gwendolyn, quite a few schemes and glimpses of first love will be the backdrop to the story of Max and Abby.
This was my first read by Ms. Drake and I came of it quite satisfied. I really enjoy historical romances, but I’ve recently been plagued by stories that miss the mark from their period which was not the case with this book. Ms. Drake is a great storyteller and knows her chosen craft well meeting the mark for the period she’s writing about. Further to that, she gives a great plot with engaging characters and the result is a very nice, hard to put down read.
The Duke I Once Knew (Unlikely Duchesses, #1) by Olivia Drake Can I only give this beginning to a new series by Olivia Drake five stars? Thanks to the publisher and #NetGalley for allowing me to preview this book. This a second chance love story between Maxwell Bryce (Duke of Rothwell) and Abigail Lenton (Abby..his first love and governess to his sister Gwen) His is a now the Duke and a Rake … she is turning thirty and tired of being use by her family(but she loves them all) When the meet again she is in his home and they both feel betrayed as the letters they wrote each other were held from them…… They both have a hard time denying their feelings… there are laughs, tears, treachery, misunderstanding, and steamy sex all leading to a very HEA. I am looking forward to FOREVER AND A DUKE the next book in the series.
A beautifully written story. Max and Abby get a second chance at love. As teenagers they are torn apart by his father and now they once find themselves in each other’s company. This time they have to deal with a conniving woman and their fears of being hurt. The more time they spend in each other’s company the more they are able to recapture the friendship and feelings they had shared before. Love overcomes all fears and is enough to remind them of the important things and set them on the path of forever together.
Enjoyable story of Abigail, a spinster whose family takes advantage of her, and her first love Max, whom is now a Duke. I am not always a fan of second chance stories but this one worked well.
Exciting and entertaining, this book had my full attention.
Abby is a spinster who has been helping her family since she was old enough to do so. On the verge of thirty, she realizes she wants more out of life. So, she decides to become a governess at the disproval of her family.
Her charge is Maxwell Bryce, the Duke of Rothwell’s, sister. Max is also her former friend and flame.
She believes she is content with her new lot until, to her dismay, Max returns to Rothwell Court.
Max is entitled and his reputation precedes him. He is known as a libertine and a rake, taking his pleasures where he may. When he must reluctantly detour home, he is not happy to see Abby. She brings back memories of past hurts. She also brings fond memories that are better left in the past.
Will these two be able to let go of past hurt and finally grasp the love that was meant to be theirs?
This is a second chance as well as a friends to lovers romance that I enjoyed.
Abby was meek in the beginning, accepting her lot. However, as the story progressed, she gained strength and started creating the life she wanted. She was, however, frustrating with her prejudices against Max.
Max was a wonderfully caring character if not a little hard headed. He changed ever so slowly, realizing his mistakes and then making amends.
The passion between these two was a slow burn and it suited this story. As a personal preference however, I would’ve enjoyed more intimate scenes with this couple. Not just the carnal but time spent together alone. In my opinion, their scenes with only each other are too few. I also would have loved an epilogue. The end felt a little bit abrupt without it.
I received an ARC via NetGalley of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I wanted more angst and romance. While I wasn’t in love with it, I did enjoy it and will be reading the next book in this series.
eARC provided for honest review.
3.25*
I’ve received an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
So… I’m not the biggest fan of the second chance trope, but this book handled it well. I really enjoyed how the author turned it around, maybe because the thing that had separated the couple the first was handled… well, not right away, but almost. Which meant they didn’t really had much stopping them from getting back together.
Abigail reminded me of… me, in a way. And I liked how she finally took the reins of her life and started making her own decisions. Go Abby! You can’t let your family make all the decisions – especially if they’re bad for you.
Max, on the other hand, is our typical moody, secret-y hero. Because talking never helped anyone, right? Abigail is good for him. She tries to keep her distance, but she really likes her new job as Max’s sister’s governess, so it’s hard to be away from him for a long time.
The love they once shared is still there, even if different, since they are now changed people.
I just didn’t like that Max didn’t really consider his sister – he always says he’s worried about her, and cares for her, but he rarely sees her, and then takes a group of strangers – with bad reputations – to his house, where his sister lives. The excuse he uses is okay in the beginning, but… it wasn’t credible enough for me.
Apart from that, I enjoyed this book, it was romantic and sweet, I just wished it had a more developed plot.
It was a pretty quick read. I like Abby when she finally got a little backbone and stood up to her family as well as when her sister came to visit. I loved Max and how some things change when it’s pointed out that his sister is at the house and how his actions would affect her standing. The only part I wished was different was that we could see what was done to the person who hurt Abby in the end. Thank you NetGalley for the advanced readers copy!
“For what are star-crossed lovers but a soul for another soul meant.” –R A I N
Rating: MA: mature, due to sexually explicit scenes
Our story opens with 29-year-old Abigail Linton cloistered in the bosom of her family. Abby was the youngest child of five, born late to her parents, whom she lovingly cared for until their deaths. At a family gathering, Abby watched her sibling in a heated debate as to which family Abby should live. Her eldest brother [heir to the estate] needed a companion for his wife. Her other brother, the vicar with the living on the estate, needed help [secretary] transcribing his notes and sermons. A sister needed help [a nanny] with her rowdy children. Abby’s other sister’s daughter, making her curtsey in the spring, needed help [governess] preparing for her coming out. Everyone needed Abby’s help with one thing or another.
Abby, suddenly seeing the rest of her life as an unpaid servant to her siblings, took matters into her own hands and applied for the governess position to Lady Gwendolyn Bryce. At least this way she would be paid. Rothwell Court, the neighboring estate was his estate. Since Maxwell Bryce, the Duke of Rothwell, had not set foot on the property in fifteen years, she felt like she would be safe. Famous last words.
“I’d lost myself in the abyss of someone else’s tyranny… again.” –Cassandra Giovanni, Love Exactly
During flashbacks, we learn of young love between our main characters. At the tender age of sixteen and fifteen, they pledged their love to each other and he asked her to marry him and to wait until he reached his majority when he would come for her so they could wed. They promised to write to each other in the meantime. Neither would receive a single letter.
“She’s my best friend, and I’m hers. Nothing needs to change between us.” He was afraid, not because he thought she wasn’t the one. He was terrified, because he knew she was.” –Mirella Muffarotto, Every Boy is a Book
You can only guess what happened to those lost letters. This was a story of enduring love and redeeming the life of a confirmed bachelor and rake. ‘Max’ was tortured with lost love and family secrets he had been forced to keep since he was too young to be under such a mandate. He compensated by riotous living, multiple mistresses, rakish ways, women, gaming, women, prizefighting, and… did I mention women?
Lady Elise Desmond reminded me of Blanche Ingram from ‘Jane Eyre’ and Caroline Bingley from ‘Pride & Prejudice.’ While His Grace might consider the widow Desmond as mistress material, that brass strumpet had one goal in mind, and one only, Duchess of Rothwell. Once Max was reacquainted with Abby, he had another thought entirely.
It is not very often that we see romance stories with an older heroine. I found this very refreshing.
I volunteered to read an uncorrected digital galley from the publisher St. Martins Paperback via NetGalley. The views expressed are my own. Projected publication date: Dec 21, 2018.
Although the plot was predictable, the characters themselves were decently entertaining with their family squabbling. I think the beginning and ending had the most interesting tidbits, while the middle of the book sort of plodded along. Considering this is the first book of a series, I’d say it was an okay read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I struggled a bit reading this. It was very stiff and formal for me. I know it was historical, but Abby was such an uptight prude I had a hard time believing she was 30. I like my heroine a bit more feisty. And her family was filled with self centered jerks. Max was all right but I felt like he could use some starch to his spine!
Rcvd an ARC at no cost to author..(netgalley) This title was the Duke I Once Knew and after reading I wondered why she would want to know him again. So we meet Abby who is a doormat and allows her family to do whatever, she in an act of rebellion (yeah shocked me) decides to work as a governess and ends up working for her long lost love’s family. At a young age Abby fell in love with Max and promises were made but unfortunately they broke up after some miscommunications and shade from others. Max goes on to become a manwhore literally after professing his love, like really quickly (yeah that’s love) anyhoo he comes home years later and discovers that the woman whom he had loved and did him wrong is now working for him and his family and he comes with a mistress in tow. More misunderstanding, judgements all over and honestly I didn’t care for any of them, not Abby, not Max and not her family. I wont continue with the rest of the series.
Abigail Linton has known no other life beyond that of caring for her ill and aging parents and helping raise her numerous nieces and nephews. But when her parents pass on, she becomes the topic of discussion amongst her siblings as to who will take her into their home. Each demands her attention for various reasons of need, but not once asking what Abigail wishes. Having arrived to the conclusion that she should embrace her spinsterhood, Abigail shocks her family when she announces she will become the governess of the Duke of Rothwell’s sister. But Abigail hides a secret she has long held close to her heart, years ago, before Maxwell Bryce became the notorious Duke of Rothwell, Abigail and Max were young and in love, but something happened that she could never bring herself to forgive…he broke his promise to her.
Maxwell Bryce, Duke of Rothwell, has learned to spurn love, considering the emotion weak and easily confused with lust. But when he returns to his family’s country estate, he is shocked to discover the one that broke his heart so many years ago is now working for him as his sister’s governess. Max is furious but also curious as to why she never answered his letters all those years ago.
Abigail and Max have spent the better part of 15 years apart, but when they are offered a second chance at love, can they put time and petty emotions to the side to make it work, or will they allow their stubborn constitutions cost them a chance at true love.
While I enjoyed this second chance romance, I had a few problems with Abigail’s character. In one chapter she’s upset over how her family is dismissing her feelings and treating her like an unpaid servant, yet when Max attempts to defend her, she gets mad at him for berating her family. I thought the beginning and end were the best parts of the story, and I figured out the secret of the letters long before our couple. Overall, The Duke I Once Knew was an enjoyable historical romance, and I would read more from this author.
*Received ARC from NetGalley for honest review*
The Duke I Once Knew is a phenomenal historical romance by Olivia Drake. Ms. Drake is treating readers to a well-written book populated with an outstanding cast of characters. Abigail is tired of her family making her decisions for her without asking what she wants. She decides to take a governess position instead of what her family decides is best for them. Max is now the Duke of Rothwell and is shocked to discover his childhood sweetheart, Abby, acting as his sister’s new governess. Max and Abby’s story is loaded with drama, humor, sizzle and action. I enjoyed reading The Duke I Once Knew and look forward to reading more from Olivia Drake in the future. The Duke I Once Knew is book 1 of the Unlikely Duchesses Series but can 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.
This review is for an ARC and is my unbiased, honest opinion.
Abigail Linton is reaching thirty years of age. Back in this time, being thirty years old and unmarried equal spinsterhood. Abigail is the youngest of five children and the caretaker of the family. Her siblings are much older so she’s helping take care of their children and even grandchildren for some. Abigail previously was taking care of her elderly parents but lost them both to influenza.
Abigail aka Abby doesn’t have any independence in her life. She’s basically the unpaid help for her family and that leaves no room for her to pursue her wants and dreams. When her parents pass away, Abigail decides to apply to be a governess for the girl next door. There’s a past with the family in that Abigail once loved the girl’s older brother, Maxwell. Maxwell hasn’t been around in years so Abigail deems it safe to be employed there.
This being a romance, we all know what’s coming. Maxwell aka Max arrives home to find his childhood sweetheart living there caring for his sister Gwendolyn. This stirs up lots of memories for both Max and Abby. Max has a bit of a reputation for being lady’s man and even brought a lady home with him. This makes for a lot of interesting scenes for us to enjoy.
This story is a second chance romance, I really enjoyed seeing the two main characters relive old memories whilst also making new ones. The side characters in this story were also fun to read about. I looked forward to scenes that included several different ones. The writing did get a bit too detailed at times but it was something that got better as the story progressed. Overall, I enjoyed the story. It was quite entertaining and I can’t wait to read more from this author.
Great book!