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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The Duke I Once Knew delivers a charming second chance romance with recognizable cliches and tropes of the romance genre. It is refreshing to read a historical romance book that doesn’t try to anything but a historical romance book.
Warning: the heroine is thirty-year-old virgin spinster and the hero is a complete rake. Their first meeting after fifteen years, the hero is getting handsy with his wannabe mistress. But don’t let this dissuade you from taking a chance on this book!
Once upon a time the hero and heroine formed a teenage love and promised to marry each other when the heroine became of age, but due to some unknown force their letters never reached each other. Now, this type of miscommunication/reasoning for a second chance romance is usually one I stay clear of, but Olivia Drake managed to have the couple confront each other early on about the miscommunication. Despite that, they didn’t’ fall head over heels in love with each other again. I liked that. They understood that the past was the past and nothing they could do to change it. However, I did find the resolution concerning why they never received each other’s letters to be anti-climatic. I was expecting something a bit more dramatic. It made the reasoning for their separation minuscule.
The story mainly focused on how the hero and heroine connected again after fifteen years, which was fine by me. I enjoyed seeing how their feelings resurfaced again and bloomed into more mature feelings. The hero especially I think had a lot more growing up to do before he could commit himself to the heroine. He didn’t get much character development unlike the heroine which I would have liked more. He didn’t take much actions towards his character growth until the end and we only got a glimpse of his past what the heroine inferred about it. Their chemistry was sweet with a little heat. I mostly felt the chemistry and angst from the heroine’s POV.
What made this book special was the writing style. The author did a wonderful job of balancing out the internal emotions with the story narration. I’m definitely looking forward to reading about the next couple in this series.
The Duke I Once Knew by Olivia Drake.
A Spectacular 5 Star Read! This is the first novel I’ve read by this author and I have to say, I’m an INSTANT FAN! I LOVED this book! The writing is flawless, witty, and exciting. I was hooked with the perfect amount of descriptive nuance that brought this novel and its complex characters to life. I loved the relatable characters and the intensity of a well thought out plot with twist and surprises that kept me reading until the end!
I recommend this book to anyone who loves a GREAT historical romance of lost loves and a chance at healing. This is one of the best books I’ve read and I will put on my “great books to reread” list. I’m looking forward to more great reads from this author!
This book has some delightful 3.5 flame romantic scenes.
Okay, the beginning of the book was not what I usually expect. In fact, I think this was the first historical romance I have ever read where the main character has much older sisters and brothers and where the heroine is a thirty-year-old spinster. Her family actually pissed me off after couple pages of reading because you can clearly see how they treat her and while that was probably common at the time it still surprised me how snobby her sisters (in particular) were. Downright bitchy at the moment, too.
It was a little slow paced romance for me but nonetheless, the book was greatly written. There were characters (other than brothers and spinsters) that I hated but then again, there’s always at least one character you don’t like in a book.
I wished for Max to be more open in a conversation with Abby because she trusted him and told him a lot but I can see why he was so reluctant.
I was kind of hoping for an epilogue at the end but I didn’t get it. The ending was nicely done but I think it could be better because they made up at almost the last page if not the last. So I think a sentence or two could wrap up their story… or yes, an epilogue since we learn a lot about their history maybe a view in the future would be nice too.
And yes, I know, I’m picky but I usually have some closing in books, especially historical ones…
4-4.5 stars because the beginning actually made me consider giving up reading this book, I was that mad at her siblings.
Slovenian review and full post here: https://slovenianbookworm.wordpress.com/
Don’t we all love a good ‘what might have been’ story?
This is the story of Abby, youngest daughter of aged parents of the landed gentry, and Max, a duke with a reputation for being a notorious libertine. Abby and Max had a brief but intense clandestine relationship 15 years prior to the events of this book, but have not had any contact since. Abby has become a spinster essentially by default, as she missed out on her chance at a London season because she had to be the one of all of her siblings to stay home and care for her aging parents. Meanwhile Max has lived the life of the typical London rake and has not returned to his childhood home, Rothwell Court, other than to bury his father, and chooses to spend all his time in London or at another of his estates, leaving his sister, Gwen, behind at the Court with his spinster aunt. When Gwen’s governess leaves her position suddenly, Abby approaches his aunt for the position in a bid to escape her siblings, who all quarrel over who should have Abby live with them as essentially an unpaid servant. Abby loves her family but wants to finally claim some independence for herself. This works fine until Max and his party of friends, two London rakes, two widows, and a prizefighter descend unexpectedly on the Court for a week and Max is infuriated to find Abby there. As the two inevitably run into each other whilst living under the same roof, it becomes apparent that both were mistaken about the circumstances of their separation all those years ago. After all this time, both have grown up and are much changed. Will they have their second chance at love or will time, jealous lovers, and old grudges keep them apart for good?
Final thoughts: The extent to which Abby’s siblings utterly failed her was just appalling. They believed her to be happy as a spinster, despite the fact that it was a role she was thrust into, largely because of them taking advantage of her and using her as a caretaker for their parents and their own children. Even after their parents’ deaths none of the siblings asked Abby what she wanted to do with her life; they were all just awful and selfish.
I enjoyed the fact that Abby just wanted to make her own decisions and that she didn’t pine insipidly after the hero all the time.
I felt like the ending was a bit rushed; I would’ve liked to see an epilogue or something to wrap things up more completely. While we get our happy ending, in my opinion everything could’ve been expounded on a bit more to make it more satisfying. That said, I really enjoyed this one and would highly recommend it!
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley. Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Unlikely Duchesses #1, First in a new series and a new author for me as well and I was impressed. I loved Abby she is a loveable character what she does and how she finally takes her future into her own hands is admirable. After years of being in service to her family, not maliciously, she finally breaks free. She was a late in life baby her older siblings are all much older, when she got close to the age of coming out her mother suffered an accident and the family decided Abby would help take care of her and then as her parents got older she acted as nursemaid to them both. Now after a year of morning and both parents dead her siblings arguing over where Abby will be most beneficial. Abby feed up with not having a say so in her own future finally stand up and tells them she loves them all but no, and proceeds to take up the governess role at a neighbor’s estate; even if that estate belongs to the one man she gave her heart to and then crushed after all he’s never home.
Maxwell Bryce, the Duke of Rothwell had a horrible childhood the only light in his life was Abby whom he loved beyond measure but after his mother died they argued and then he was gone and none of his letters answered. Max closed off his heart and because a notorious rake. Max never wanted to return to his childhood home if he ever wanted to see his Aunt and sister they would come to him but due to circumstances beyond his control he’s there now and then he finds out his Aunt hired a new governess without his approval and it’s Abby.
Abby and Max have a lot of time to make up for and some misunderstandings to clear up. Once Max understands what happened he is determined not to let Abby slip through his fingers again so easily. Abby isn’t so sure she’s never had a season never been presented at court she doesn’t think she would be good for him and throw in the fact that he brought a would be mistress who was angling for more and Abby has a whole lot of obstacles to overcome.
Overall, I really enjoyed this one. I didn’t like Max at first but I warmed up to him the more he fell back in love with Abby he had some really sweet moments. The story was heartwarming and romantic and I definitely want to read the next books in the series.
Great could not out it down!
ovely second chance story. Abigail and Maxwell were such a joy to read as a couple and as independent characters. They were sweethearts when young but circumstances beyond their control made them part ways. Years later, Abigail is what could be considered long in the tooth. She didn’t even get to enjoy a season because of her love for her aging parents and now that they are dead she’s forced to face her reality of being a spinster with no life of her own. With that in mind, she concocts a plan that would allow her to take the reins of her life and live life on her own terms. Unfortunately for her, Max shows up and ruins all of her plans.
I loved that they didn’t act as if the years hadn’t changed them or made them perfect strangers (that’s actually one of my pet peeves when it comes to this trope) but instead, their relationships builds over time. I mean, it was still kind of fast because it all happened in the span of a week, but I still found it feasible.
The story includes a pugilistic match and I always find that kind of scenes fascinating. I think it keeps the story interesting. I also loved the fact that even though there were more than just a few characters, the story didn’t feel convoluted, on the contrary, each one of them helped the story move forward and feel more real. There might have been a few clichés and the story might not be the most refreshing take on the trope but it was still enjoyable and entertaining.
*I received this book at no cost to me and I volunteered to read it; this is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher*
Sexy Max and sweet Abby. Will they make the most of their second chance at love? I liked these two and definitely rooted for them from the beginning when Max was such a sexy rogue and Abby appeared to be a doormat for her family. Not much to say about Max but…Swoon! Abby grew on me as her personality come through. A peace maker with such a lovely heart. She’s a terrific heroine. The would-be lovers were kept apart by nefarious acts and each blaming the other. They have to work past the hurt feelings to get to the good stuff and when they do it’s hot. A slow build to a heck of a whammy. An entertaining sweet romance with an interesting cast characters thanks to Max’s business and his entourage. I liked the maturity in the characters. Loved Gwen and hope she gets her own story.
The road to happily-ever-after was not easy for Abigail Linton and Maxwell Bryce, who met and fell in love when they were teenagers. Fate separated them, and their letters to each other were waylaid, but that first love remained in their memory.
Fast forward 15 years, and Abigail is a 30-year-old spinster who wants to spread her wings after years spent taking care of her now-deceased parents. Even though her family objects, she resolves to take the position of governess to Max’s young sister.
Max is now the Duke of Rothwell, enjoys quite the rakish reputation in London, and hasn’t been home in fifteen years. Fate, in the form of a measles outbreak at his friend’s estate, brings him home with a party of friends, just as Abigail has taken up her position.
Max and Abigail strike sparks off each other and find their way back together, in spite of past assumptions and the scheming and meddling of Lady Desmond, a widow who is angling to become Max’s Duchess.
The Duke I Once Knew is the first book in Olivia Drake’s Unlikely Duchesses series. It is lovely and well-written, and I would recommend it to anyone looking for an enjoyable second-chance romance.. I look forward to other books in the series.
I received a copy from the St. Martin’s Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is a lovely book with a heroine who isn’t afraid to step away from her comfort zone — and seek a job (horrors!) so she can find some independence from her family, even one she loves. At almost 30, Abigail (Abby) Jane Linton, wants to make her own way and she’ll even risk becoming the governess to the little sister of the man she once loved. Maxwell Bryce, now the Duke of Rothwell, broke Abby’s young heart — but since he never goes home, she figures she will be safe. Of course, it wouldn’t be a love story if the two characters didn’t meet. Max shows up, party in hand including a woman he hopes to make his mistress, and the story takes off from there. There is a misunderstanding from their youth, and the return to trust and understanding is not easy. Olivia Drake pens another satisfying read. (I received an advance copy from NetGalley. Opinions are mine.
I loved Abby’s need for independence. Max was self-absorbed in a way, but he realized how his life affected those around him. With plenty of misunderstandings and assumptions, I did not want to stop reading. My heart and emotions were pulled into this story. I highly recommend this story.
I received an ARC of this story through Netgalley, and this is my unsolicited review.
A second chance story that will warm your heart. Strong characters, great dialog and wonderfully-written situations make this story a great read. Rooting for Abby and Max was easy and I kept saying “just another minute and they will realize their destiny to be together”. When it comes it is beautiful and lovely. A wonderful story that was a pleasure to read.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
I’ve been on a very good historical romance streak lately, reading many enjoyable romances and The Duke I Once Knew by Olivia Drake continued the said streak. I loved both Abby and Max, and I loved their relationship and their chemistry. Abby’s meddling family drove me crazy and they certainly added some drama to the story. Not to mention some of Rothwell’s friends who tried to come between him and Abby. But, of course, this is a romance novel, so Abby and Max got their HEA despite all the interferences. This is the first Olivia Drake’s book that I’ve read but it won’t be the last. I am looking forward to the next book in the series, even though I can’t figure out whose story it will be. Maybe Valerie’s?
One of my favorite tropes, this is a second chance at love story, after 15 years have passed. Abigail has been taking care of her family it seems forever. First her elderly parents and then other family members and they always seemed to make her decisions for her. Determined to set out on her own, she takes a governess position on a estate nearby. What she did not expect was that the man who broke her heart many years ago, would come home after being absent since she had last set eyes on him. Max was really not happy when he saw who the governess was for his sister’s children. His remembered she had pushed him away all those years ago.
But as the two meet again, it seems there are a lot of angst between them they may never be resolved. Can they now find those feelings they had once? I really enjoyed this tale and know you will too! The first in a new series I look forward to the next book!!
I have read most of Olivia Drake’s books and enjoyed the fun of the Cinderella Sisterhood, but I liked this book so much more. I can easily recommend it. 4.5 stars
Abigail Linton is the 5th child and significantly younger than her siblings, who treat her like an unpaid servant. Being the youngest she was friends with the boy next door, Maxwell Bryce, heir to the Duke of Rothwell. When his mother died, the Duke took both Max and his younger sister, Gwendolyn, away. Abigail wrote to Max faithfully for a while but never received a reply. She cared for her parents until they were gone. Each of her four older siblings want her to live with them to help with their children. Abigail wants more than to be an unpaid servant for her family, so she applies to be the governess for Lady Gwendolyn.
Max has never returned home until a nearby boxing match brings him to the area. He sponsors a fighter and planned to stay with a friend who unfortunately was ill. So, Max, his fighter, and some “friends” arrive at his estate. Gwen, and their aunt, are thrilled to have Max home. Abby, now Gwen’s governess, doesn’t know what to think as Max seems to have greatly changed.
Eventually, they discover neither of them received any letters and their friendship starts to rekindle. Max is determined to find out what happened to the letters. I won’t say any more as I don’t like to spoil the HEA. I hope there is another book or two in this new series.
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?
Misunderstandings abound in this lovely second chance romance. Communications between our hero and heroine were misdirected so when neither one heard from the other they rightly or wrongly decided that there was nothing to be pursued.
Now they are grown and he has come into his title as Duke. Far from what they were as childhood sweethearts this interesting pair are still very attracted to each other.
His sister needs a new governess and she wants the position. Her family takes her for granted and making her own way is just the ticket to get her out of that mess and as they say from the frying pan right into the fire!
This book is well written and the characters are engaging. Olivia Drake has done a masterful job with this second chance romance title.
I gave this book 4.5 (rounded up to 5) of 5.0 stars for storyline and character development. It contains some sizzling intimate scenes and gets a medium intimate rating.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this book through NetGalley to read. This in no way affected my opinion of this title which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. A historical coupled with a second chance romance – sold!
I loved both Max and Abby. He was proud, arrogant, and yet, beneath that haughty exterior was the vulnerable boy of his youth looking for comfort in his long ago friend. Abby, such a smart and feisty character she is. She’s not afraid to speak her mind or follow her dreams. I admired her because she was able to see how her family was using her and instead of accepting her lot in life, she chose to do something about her unhappiness.
The sparks flying off these two were so hot and obvious that you couldn’t help but root for them to overcome their differences.
All in all, I found this to be an enjoyable read.
I’ve read a few books by Olivia Drake, but I particularly enjoyed this one. It was, in a nutshell, a fun book. Abby and Max were childhood sweethearts. When they were parted, both sent the other letters, but neither one received them. Hurt and unhappy, they hadn’t seen or heard from each other in years. Max went on to become quite the rake who never returned home. Abby remained unmarried, used by all her family as basically a nanny. Then Abby rebels and takes a job as a governess to Max’s sister, since he didn’t live there. But then he returned home…
I really enjoyed the chemistry between Abby and Max. Even when they thought they hated each other you could feel the chemistry. This story has humor (especially when Max came home with his almost-mistress and Abby was stuck in the library with them, hidden), angst, heartbreak and passion. These two stubborn people were meant for each other; you can’t help but root for them. I look forward to the next book in this fun new series.
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
Outstanding regency romance. During their teenage years Abby and Max grew close until tragedy struck and he was taken away. Years later he returns as a fake who is the Duke of Rothwell. The story has twists and turns which keeps the reader interested to see where the couples lives go especially when plotting is taking place behind the scenes. Ms. Drake did a wonderful job developing the characters with all the angst and restrictions of the period. I received a complementary copy via Net Galley and chose to write a review. I look forward to reading future books by this author.
On the cusp of thirty, Abigail Linton is sick of the role as the unpaid servant to her four siblings. So she applies for the post of governess to the Duke of Rothwell’s adolescent sister Gwendolyn, who lives on the neighbouring estate. Although Abby has never forgiven Maxwell Bryce, the Duke of Rothwell, for a terrible betrayal in their youth, he hasn’t returned to the estate. However a couple of days after Abby starts her new job the Duke & a small party arrive at the estate.
Max & Abby both feel aggrieved that their budding romance fifteen years earlier came to an abrupt end when they both wrote letters but neither received them & each thought the other had rejected their love. This is the first book I’ve read by the author & I’ll certainly be reading more. The pace of the book is good & kept my interest throughout although I felt some of the middle was a little drawn out & the ending could have had more substance as it was a little abrupt. I would have liked an epilogue. The characters are well fleshed. I liked both Max & Abby, the chemistry was apparent between them but trust had disappeared along with the letters. The secondary characters also have depth with a conniving widow, a couple of rakes, a shy teenager & a precocious debutante. I enjoy this second chance / reunion romance the banter between Max & Abby was entertaining & they were perfect for each other.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read