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Unlikely Duchesses #1
The Duke I Once Knew
First love is always the sweetest.
For years, Abigail Linton devoted herself to caring for her parents and her siblings’ 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?
333 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 31, 2018
175 people are currently reading
1878 people want to read
About the author
Olivia Drake
32 books425 followersShortly after graduating from Michigan State University with a degree in journalism, Olivia Drake sold her first novel two weeks after sending it to a publisher. She now lives in Texas in a cozy cottage with two feisty cats and a photographer husband. Her two daughters have flown the nest, but still come back whenever they want a home-cooked meal!
Olivia Drake is the author of 35 romance novels. Her most recent series is called 'Unlikely Duchesses' and began with THE DUKE I ONCE KNEW, followed by FOREVER MY DUKE. The third stand-alone book is WHEN A DUKE LOVES A GOVERNESS.
Her other series include 'Heiress in London' (SEDUCING THE HEIRESS, NEVER TRUST A ROGUE, SCANDAL OF THE YEAR) and 'The Cinderella Sisterhood' series (IF THE SLIPPER FITS, STROKE OF MIDNIGHT, ABDUCTED BY A PRINCE, BELLA AND THE BEAST, HIS WICKED WISH, THE SCANDALOUS FLIRT).
Many of you also knew Olivia as Barbara Dawson Smith. She is a New York Times bestseller and winner of numerous honors, including the Golden Heart Award and the coveted Rita Award for excellence in the historical romance genre.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/olivia...
Olivia Drake is the author of 35 romance novels. Her most recent series is called 'Unlikely Duchesses' and began with THE DUKE I ONCE KNEW, followed by FOREVER MY DUKE. The third stand-alone book is WHEN A DUKE LOVES A GOVERNESS.
Her other series include 'Heiress in London' (SEDUCING THE HEIRESS, NEVER TRUST A ROGUE, SCANDAL OF THE YEAR) and 'The Cinderella Sisterhood' series (IF THE SLIPPER FITS, STROKE OF MIDNIGHT, ABDUCTED BY A PRINCE, BELLA AND THE BEAST, HIS WICKED WISH, THE SCANDALOUS FLIRT).
Many of you also knew Olivia as Barbara Dawson Smith. She is a New York Times bestseller and winner of numerous honors, including the Golden Heart Award and the coveted Rita Award for excellence in the historical romance genre.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/olivia...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 377 reviews
December 11, 2018
Perfect change of pace and sweet romance. 3.5 stars
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This is one book that I had a love/hate relationship with. I loved the theme. Older women in the Regency era definitely were frowned upon when it came time to try and marry. Plus, I love the second chance romance portion too. So sweet!
But I had issues with some of the personality characteristics the author chose to give Abby. Just some of the things that came out of her mouth didn’t sit right. She was bitter that Max was able to live his life in London and have plenty of women friends. Even after the mystery of the letters was solved, she held the fact that he was free to see whomever he wanted against him. She got quite snarky a time or two.
Plus her family was something else. Treating her like an employee instead of a family member. Not cool. So yay that she finally stood up to them all!
I did really enjoy Max's character. He never forgot her and was curious why she was still un-married and why she was even working. You could definitely tell that he still had feelings for her even though she was kind of rude to him off and on. Max definitely made the story come to life and made it a pleasure to read.
This is the first time I have read a book by Olivia Drake. I enjoyed the story in many ways. Traditional Regency style romance with a female character that did have some great redeeming qualities and a hottie, Max, who understood her better than anyone. Sweet and a great change of pace!
Looking forward to reading more from this author.
* copy received for review consideration.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This is one book that I had a love/hate relationship with. I loved the theme. Older women in the Regency era definitely were frowned upon when it came time to try and marry. Plus, I love the second chance romance portion too. So sweet!
But I had issues with some of the personality characteristics the author chose to give Abby. Just some of the things that came out of her mouth didn’t sit right. She was bitter that Max was able to live his life in London and have plenty of women friends. Even after the mystery of the letters was solved, she held the fact that he was free to see whomever he wanted against him. She got quite snarky a time or two.
Plus her family was something else. Treating her like an employee instead of a family member. Not cool. So yay that she finally stood up to them all!
I did really enjoy Max's character. He never forgot her and was curious why she was still un-married and why she was even working. You could definitely tell that he still had feelings for her even though she was kind of rude to him off and on. Max definitely made the story come to life and made it a pleasure to read.
This is the first time I have read a book by Olivia Drake. I enjoyed the story in many ways. Traditional Regency style romance with a female character that did have some great redeeming qualities and a hottie, Max, who understood her better than anyone. Sweet and a great change of pace!
Looking forward to reading more from this author.
* copy received for review consideration.
December 23, 2018
2.5 stars
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Though she loved her family dearly , she yearned for something more. Something of her own choosing.
First in the Unlikely Duchesses series, we have a heroine wanting to make a change. Abby was the surprise baby, her older siblings were already out of the house as she grew up. She ends up taking care of her older parents, missing a debut in London, and eventually landing into a role as caregiver for her nieces and nephews. It is when her family is arguing over who gets to have her that Abby decides she would like some control and freedom in her life. She decides to become a governess for the younger sister of the Duke of Rothwell, who just so happens to be her childhood love.
Her rapt gaze followed the dusting of black hair that narrowed to a line, trailing downward across his flat belly to disappear inside his breeches . He looked every inch the wicked rake that young ladies were warned to avoid.
Thirty-year-old spinsters ought to know better, too.
This story was filled with cliches and tropes that help make up the backbone of romance and while they provided the, somewhat, requisite sweet and romantic moments, it also gave this a been there and done that feel. You won't get a fresh take or be particularly inspired by this story but you will like the heroine, she saves this from getting the mediocre tag and raised the rating from two to three stars. Her family is not malicious in their selfishness or obliviousness to Abby possibly having her own wants and needs but they are still selfish and oblivious. The author did a wonderful job infusing and relaying Abby's emotions to the reader, her quiet determination and fear from stepping out on her own. There wasn't villainous family members or a one eighty change from Abby, she still wanted to be in her family's lives but didn't want theirs to be hers. I thought towards the later half we lost a little bit of Abby as the focus shifted to the hero, Max, and the tired “Don't love because it can weaken you”.
It was an unsettling thing for a man to question the state of his life. Especially when only a few days ago, he’d found it to be perfectly satisfactory.
The cliches I mentioned before, really hit hard on Max. He is the child of a marriage where his father loved his mother more than she loved him and he now feels he has to shun all love connections. There is a Misunderstanding that has him hardening his childhood heart against Abby but other than a quick plot trick, it is discussed (Thank-you!) and while not completely solved, figured out enough to not be a problem between them anymore in the first half. Abby does outshine him but he also doesn't ever break out of the duke, rake, and scared of love mold; he just isn't interesting or memorable. Their sex scenes do come in the second half but as there wasn't much emotional build up to them, they still ended up feeling abrupt. As a consequence, I can't say I was ever too invested in their romance or caught any sparks from them.
Along with the sweet, fun, and romantic cliches and tropes, there were some very tired ones. There is a “villainous” woman who wants Max and plays into the one dimensional social climbing, jealous other woman. This used to be a favorite of romance but it has been tending to move away from it and at this time, I much rather see female friendships or at least villainous women with some depth (in a time period where it was tough for women, this can be written as intelligent and powerful stratagem).
All in all, this had a sweet inspiriting heroine, Basic Ben hero, tired other woman character, and some possible interest in reading their stories secondary characters.
Oh, hell, why deny it? He was in love with Abby. And nothing in his life had ever shaken him so much.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Though she loved her family dearly , she yearned for something more. Something of her own choosing.
First in the Unlikely Duchesses series, we have a heroine wanting to make a change. Abby was the surprise baby, her older siblings were already out of the house as she grew up. She ends up taking care of her older parents, missing a debut in London, and eventually landing into a role as caregiver for her nieces and nephews. It is when her family is arguing over who gets to have her that Abby decides she would like some control and freedom in her life. She decides to become a governess for the younger sister of the Duke of Rothwell, who just so happens to be her childhood love.
Her rapt gaze followed the dusting of black hair that narrowed to a line, trailing downward across his flat belly to disappear inside his breeches . He looked every inch the wicked rake that young ladies were warned to avoid.
Thirty-year-old spinsters ought to know better, too.
This story was filled with cliches and tropes that help make up the backbone of romance and while they provided the, somewhat, requisite sweet and romantic moments, it also gave this a been there and done that feel. You won't get a fresh take or be particularly inspired by this story but you will like the heroine, she saves this from getting the mediocre tag and raised the rating from two to three stars. Her family is not malicious in their selfishness or obliviousness to Abby possibly having her own wants and needs but they are still selfish and oblivious. The author did a wonderful job infusing and relaying Abby's emotions to the reader, her quiet determination and fear from stepping out on her own. There wasn't villainous family members or a one eighty change from Abby, she still wanted to be in her family's lives but didn't want theirs to be hers. I thought towards the later half we lost a little bit of Abby as the focus shifted to the hero, Max, and the tired “Don't love because it can weaken you”.
It was an unsettling thing for a man to question the state of his life. Especially when only a few days ago, he’d found it to be perfectly satisfactory.
The cliches I mentioned before, really hit hard on Max. He is the child of a marriage where his father loved his mother more than she loved him and he now feels he has to shun all love connections. There is a Misunderstanding that has him hardening his childhood heart against Abby but other than a quick plot trick, it is discussed (Thank-you!) and while not completely solved, figured out enough to not be a problem between them anymore in the first half. Abby does outshine him but he also doesn't ever break out of the duke, rake, and scared of love mold; he just isn't interesting or memorable. Their sex scenes do come in the second half but as there wasn't much emotional build up to them, they still ended up feeling abrupt. As a consequence, I can't say I was ever too invested in their romance or caught any sparks from them.
Along with the sweet, fun, and romantic cliches and tropes, there were some very tired ones. There is a “villainous” woman who wants Max and plays into the one dimensional social climbing, jealous other woman. This used to be a favorite of romance but it has been tending to move away from it and at this time, I much rather see female friendships or at least villainous women with some depth (in a time period where it was tough for women, this can be written as intelligent and powerful stratagem).
All in all, this had a sweet inspiriting heroine, Basic Ben hero, tired other woman character, and some possible interest in reading their stories secondary characters.
Oh, hell, why deny it? He was in love with Abby. And nothing in his life had ever shaken him so much.
December 16, 2018
This review was originally posted on Addicted To RomanceI received this book for free from St. Martin's Paperbacks in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Duke I Once Knew is the first book in the newest series by Olivia Drake. I just love this author because I always know that I can easily get into her books. I was very curious to see how she would handle this book here though. And it was such a great book to read here. I was really fascinated with seeing how this book evolved. It does have some enemies to lovers qualities, but its more over a misunderstanding between Max and Abigail. They fell in love when they were teenagers, but then Max was sent off to school and his father deliberately seperated them because he knew that Max was falling in love and wanted to give him distance.
And now its been many years, both Max and Abigail are older in their early thirties, and when Max comes home, Abigail has taken a position as a governess for Max's sister. We see though that both of them had tried to communicate with each other but somehow the letters never reached their intended destination. We see Max and Abigail reconnect with each other and seeing them get over their past assumptions and hurts and be honest with each other is truly refreshing. I loved seeing them find each other again and the love that has always been there between them. What I really admired about the complexities about their relationship especially since we have other factors involved. With all the distractions that could cause some contention between Max and Abigail we see that they have something vibrant and real that rises above all the negative moments that they have to face and seeing them come together in this book was simply an adventure and a fun filled journey to join them on!!! A true pleasure to read in every way!!
The Duke I Once Knew is the first book in the newest series by Olivia Drake. I just love this author because I always know that I can easily get into her books. I was very curious to see how she would handle this book here though. And it was such a great book to read here. I was really fascinated with seeing how this book evolved. It does have some enemies to lovers qualities, but its more over a misunderstanding between Max and Abigail. They fell in love when they were teenagers, but then Max was sent off to school and his father deliberately seperated them because he knew that Max was falling in love and wanted to give him distance.And now its been many years, both Max and Abigail are older in their early thirties, and when Max comes home, Abigail has taken a position as a governess for Max's sister. We see though that both of them had tried to communicate with each other but somehow the letters never reached their intended destination. We see Max and Abigail reconnect with each other and seeing them get over their past assumptions and hurts and be honest with each other is truly refreshing. I loved seeing them find each other again and the love that has always been there between them. What I really admired about the complexities about their relationship especially since we have other factors involved. With all the distractions that could cause some contention between Max and Abigail we see that they have something vibrant and real that rises above all the negative moments that they have to face and seeing them come together in this book was simply an adventure and a fun filled journey to join them on!!! A true pleasure to read in every way!!
October 26, 2018
First time read by Olivia Drake. The “Duke I Once Knew” was a very nice read that had me turning pages at certain parts of the story. The pacing of the story was very good, and I thought the HEA could have been done a bit better than what was presented in the story. I did feel that the author rushed the ending a bit to get there but I was glad to see the MC’s finding that they still loved one another.
Abigail “Abby” Linton, approaching her 30th birthday is finding herself slowly becoming the spinster that her family see her as and this was due to devoting herself to care for her parents (now recently deceased) with no assistance from her much older siblings. Yet she also has dedicated her life to assisting her older siblings with their housekeeping, children and other things because they see her as nothing more than a pawn to do their bidding. Because of their own shellfish needs, Abby has never had the life that she should have had when she was younger, but they could care less. She finds herself at the family estate having to listen to her bickering siblings try to determine where Abby should live and why her services to them is needed the most. Unfortunate for them, she decides to try to find her own way in life and takes on the position of governess to the sister of an absent Duke…Maxwell Bryce, her first love in the estate neighboring her family.
Maxwell Bryce, now the Duke of Rothwell, at age 15 years found friendship, romance with promises towards Abby when they use to meet by the lake to discuss everything. They secretly pledged devotion and love towards one another each time they met. However, on the day of his mother’s funeral, his father decides to take him and his infant sister to London. Max finding comfort in Abby’s arms was seeking more from her that day, but she never relented her virginity to him. He went away angry, hurt and in the process caused her emotional heartbreak. To patch things between them, they sent several letters but neither receive them. Believing that Abby did not care anymore for him, Max remained in London which accumulated to a 15-year absence from his estate.
After getting comfortable in her role as governess, Abby is surprised to see Max back at his estate and with what she believes is his now mistress. For Max, after seeing Abby he finds himself not wanting to leave his estate ever again. One problem, he must find a way to get rid of the want-to-be Duchess who interferes with his intentions of rekindling his love for Abby.
The MCs in the story were okay and adaptable although I did become irritated with Abby because of her tendency to jump to conclusions and voicing her opinions without thinking first. She had no problem confronting Max when he did something wrong, but never did the same with her family whenever they tried to take advantage of her kindness or had her acting as a servant. I too thought Max was a bit condescending at times and was lacking towards his affections for his sister. He in some ways did the same as Abby’s family when he took advantage of her position as governess because he wanted to devote himself to his prize fighter. Although there were some rough edges in the story, I thought it was well written and presented. I did enjoy the characters and the story ending in a HEA.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley. Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
4- Stars
Abigail “Abby” Linton, approaching her 30th birthday is finding herself slowly becoming the spinster that her family see her as and this was due to devoting herself to care for her parents (now recently deceased) with no assistance from her much older siblings. Yet she also has dedicated her life to assisting her older siblings with their housekeeping, children and other things because they see her as nothing more than a pawn to do their bidding. Because of their own shellfish needs, Abby has never had the life that she should have had when she was younger, but they could care less. She finds herself at the family estate having to listen to her bickering siblings try to determine where Abby should live and why her services to them is needed the most. Unfortunate for them, she decides to try to find her own way in life and takes on the position of governess to the sister of an absent Duke…Maxwell Bryce, her first love in the estate neighboring her family.
Maxwell Bryce, now the Duke of Rothwell, at age 15 years found friendship, romance with promises towards Abby when they use to meet by the lake to discuss everything. They secretly pledged devotion and love towards one another each time they met. However, on the day of his mother’s funeral, his father decides to take him and his infant sister to London. Max finding comfort in Abby’s arms was seeking more from her that day, but she never relented her virginity to him. He went away angry, hurt and in the process caused her emotional heartbreak. To patch things between them, they sent several letters but neither receive them. Believing that Abby did not care anymore for him, Max remained in London which accumulated to a 15-year absence from his estate.
After getting comfortable in her role as governess, Abby is surprised to see Max back at his estate and with what she believes is his now mistress. For Max, after seeing Abby he finds himself not wanting to leave his estate ever again. One problem, he must find a way to get rid of the want-to-be Duchess who interferes with his intentions of rekindling his love for Abby.
The MCs in the story were okay and adaptable although I did become irritated with Abby because of her tendency to jump to conclusions and voicing her opinions without thinking first. She had no problem confronting Max when he did something wrong, but never did the same with her family whenever they tried to take advantage of her kindness or had her acting as a servant. I too thought Max was a bit condescending at times and was lacking towards his affections for his sister. He in some ways did the same as Abby’s family when he took advantage of her position as governess because he wanted to devote himself to his prize fighter. Although there were some rough edges in the story, I thought it was well written and presented. I did enjoy the characters and the story ending in a HEA.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley. Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
4- Stars
nope-not-for-me
March 9, 2019I can't.
See any of the 1 & 2 star reviews if you need more convincing.
See any of the 1 & 2 star reviews if you need more convincing.
September 29, 2021
The h gives up her youth to take care of her family. By the time she is 30yrs old her ungrateful family is arguing who gets to keep her. They all want her bc she's helpful but she wants her own life. She takes a job as a governess for her ex's sister. He hasn't been back in 15 years. Surprise! surprise! He arrives back home the following week with a prizefighter and a potential mistress.
I have to admit, I liked the h but the H was just okay. I didn't feel one way or another about him.
All in all, the book was just a predictable but nice read. Not the author's best work, but still well written.
Sidenote: this book hit a little close to home. I know what it's like to give up your youth for family. So that could have dampered my opinion of the book.
I have to admit, I liked the h but the H was just okay. I didn't feel one way or another about him.
All in all, the book was just a predictable but nice read. Not the author's best work, but still well written.
Sidenote: this book hit a little close to home. I know what it's like to give up your youth for family. So that could have dampered my opinion of the book.
October 16, 2018
A relatively fast read. Abigail Linton finds herself a spinster nearing the age of 30 after years of devoting herself to the care of her parents (now recently deceased) and assisting her older siblings with their housekeeping and children. She decides in a rare self-serving moment of impulsiveness to take on the position of governess to the sister of the absent Duke of Rothwell in the neighbouring estate. Maxwell Bryce has been absent for 15 years in fact, since the death of his mother when his father took him and his baby sister to London. He and Abby became acquainted in the summer before his mother passed on and in fact their friendship turned romantic with promises of love and devotion pledged by both. It all ended acrimoniously and Max left for London after angry words were said - words that he longed to retract almost as soon as they were uttered. But fate and family events conspired against them and before long, fifteen years have flown by. To Abby's shock, Max is no longer the absent lord. He is back, reluctantly so and with a would-be-mistress in tow, but after encountering Abby again he soon finds himself reluctant to leave his estate ever again, although keen to rid himself of the clingy widow.
Abby got to me a bit with her tendency to jump to conclusions as well as her doormat mentality around her family. She also lacked discretion and repeatedly divulged way too much information to random people. Max was rather neglectful of his little sister, which was a strike against him. He also was quite condescending towards various lesser ranked people. The MCs were 15 and 16 years old respectively when they first romanced, and so I'm not quite convinced of the endurance of such a youthful attachment. The writing was okay, if not quite inspiring and just lacked nuances and subtleties I generally prefer. I have read better books by this author, her older books when she went by the name of Barbara Dawson Smith.
This is an ARC provided by NetGalley.
Abby got to me a bit with her tendency to jump to conclusions as well as her doormat mentality around her family. She also lacked discretion and repeatedly divulged way too much information to random people. Max was rather neglectful of his little sister, which was a strike against him. He also was quite condescending towards various lesser ranked people. The MCs were 15 and 16 years old respectively when they first romanced, and so I'm not quite convinced of the endurance of such a youthful attachment. The writing was okay, if not quite inspiring and just lacked nuances and subtleties I generally prefer. I have read better books by this author, her older books when she went by the name of Barbara Dawson Smith.
This is an ARC provided by NetGalley.
January 24, 2019
I am always enchanted with a Regency Romance and Olivia Drake made The Duke I Once Knew a totally enjoyable read. The main characters were written with clarity and were very interesting. The story line was riveting and kept me extremely interested in what would happen between Abigail and the Duke of Rothwell.
Abby considered herself a spinster and felt greatly underappreciated by her family. She sacrificed her youth taking care of her parents and now they feel as though they could count on her to be there for their every need. They never considered that she just may want to do something for herself. They got a rude awakening when she announced that she was taking a position as a governess. She knew it was risky but also assumed that she would never have to run into her employer … the infamous Duke of Rothwell.
Maxwell is an interesting person. Swearing that he is a self-proclaimed bachelor, he lives his life with carefree abandonment. Mistress to mistress, he'll never give his heart to anyone again after Abby just up and ignored him. But, because of circumstances beyond his control, he's back at his childhood home with nothing but bad memories surrounding him. But, with him is the woman who keeps trying to make herself a Duchess. When he finds himself face to face, in a compromising position, with the one woman he never thought he would see in his home, the memories besiege him and he's not really sure how he feels about the situation except for aggravated.
As this story progressed, I wasn't sure if I even liked Max. He was arrogant and blind at times. He ended up being a very reasonable, loving and romantic man but it took a lot to get him there and my heart kind of got a little full when he did. And, as for Abby … she was one feisty female who said what she meant, knew how to shut someone down and knew, in her heart-of-hearts, that she never fell out of love with Max and knew that she could never have him. Ms. Drake also wrote some interesting minor characters that were both funny and infuriating. I loved Finchley … I hated the so-called mistress. I loved Gwen and cringed with Valerie. All in all, the characters were all very well written and extremely interesting.
The Duke I Once Knew is the first in Olivia Drake's new series, Unlikely Duchesses and I am looking forward to reading her again.
April 1, 2019
The Duke I Once Knew was a quick and easy read with a good supporting cast and a second chance at love romance.
Abigail Linton has spent her life taking care of her aging parents and her siblings’ children. Now that her parents have been gone for a year, Abigail is ready to finally have a life of her own. Against her siblings’ wishes, Abigail takes a governess position on a neighboring estate to care for a duke’s younger sister. Abigail is sure she’ll never see her employer, Maxwell Bryce Duke of Rothwell, as he never comes to the estate which is just fine with her considering the man broke her heart fifteen years ago. But when Max unexpectedly arrives, all those old feelings come back to the surface and Abigail will be forced to face the fact she never got over him.
Abby and Max’s relationship is initially full of misunderstandings and past resentments due to what happened between them fifteen years ago. They do clear up what happened back then pretty quickly which I was happy to see, but that doesn’t mean the resentments stop. Due to issues in his parents’ marriage, Max ended up in the camp that love is misery and is best avoided. This got old very quickly and I wanted to shake some sense into him at times. Unfortunately my issues with Max meant I didn’t love Abby and Max as a couple as I just couldn’t get past how much of a jerk he was 90% of the time. It appears that I am in the minority when it comes to Max though, so it may just be that he’s not the kind of hero I prefer in my romances.
Abby’s family were awful and they treated her more like a servant than a family member. And worse, none of them saw anything wrong with the ways they took advantage of her. There’s a scene in the book where Max calls them out for it and I was very happy to see someone give them a dressing down. Ultimately Abby does stand up to them near the end of the book, but she required quite a bit of prodding to do so and I wish she’d done it sooner. Max’s sister was fantastic and I enjoyed the bond she formed with Abby during the course of the book. Max’s friends that arrive at the estate with him were an interesting bunch to be sure. I really enjoyed the prize fighter that accompanied them and his adoration of small animals was delightful.
Despite my issues with Max, I did end up enjoying The Duke I Once Knew and I will be continuing on with the series.
**I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
Abigail Linton has spent her life taking care of her aging parents and her siblings’ children. Now that her parents have been gone for a year, Abigail is ready to finally have a life of her own. Against her siblings’ wishes, Abigail takes a governess position on a neighboring estate to care for a duke’s younger sister. Abigail is sure she’ll never see her employer, Maxwell Bryce Duke of Rothwell, as he never comes to the estate which is just fine with her considering the man broke her heart fifteen years ago. But when Max unexpectedly arrives, all those old feelings come back to the surface and Abigail will be forced to face the fact she never got over him.
Abby and Max’s relationship is initially full of misunderstandings and past resentments due to what happened between them fifteen years ago. They do clear up what happened back then pretty quickly which I was happy to see, but that doesn’t mean the resentments stop. Due to issues in his parents’ marriage, Max ended up in the camp that love is misery and is best avoided. This got old very quickly and I wanted to shake some sense into him at times. Unfortunately my issues with Max meant I didn’t love Abby and Max as a couple as I just couldn’t get past how much of a jerk he was 90% of the time. It appears that I am in the minority when it comes to Max though, so it may just be that he’s not the kind of hero I prefer in my romances.
Abby’s family were awful and they treated her more like a servant than a family member. And worse, none of them saw anything wrong with the ways they took advantage of her. There’s a scene in the book where Max calls them out for it and I was very happy to see someone give them a dressing down. Ultimately Abby does stand up to them near the end of the book, but she required quite a bit of prodding to do so and I wish she’d done it sooner. Max’s sister was fantastic and I enjoyed the bond she formed with Abby during the course of the book. Max’s friends that arrive at the estate with him were an interesting bunch to be sure. I really enjoyed the prize fighter that accompanied them and his adoration of small animals was delightful.
Despite my issues with Max, I did end up enjoying The Duke I Once Knew and I will be continuing on with the series.
**I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
January 17, 2021
Nice story
November 30, 2018
Full review will be posted a month before this book's out. Lili's Blissful Pages
Due to being so devoted to her family, Abigail Linton reached spinsterhood but she's set to change that. She went to the neighboring estate as a governess which is a perfect job for Abby as she spent most of her life caring for her parents and then her sibling's children. The only problem is her absentee employer is her first love, Maxwell Bryce, the Duke of Rothwell. It was the man she used to meet in secret when they were both young and also happened to be the man who seemed forgotten her when he went to London and became the rake that he is. But when they met again, it seemed like Max is as displeased as Abby is. Could it be that they really don't know what went wrong in their relationship?
As much as I love the idea of this book, I can't say I loved every part of it. I love second chance romances and especially misunderstood circumstances between the couple that made their relationship in the past ended. But in this book, I feel like it's lacking some thing or things. Am I gonna make sense if I said, the BEGINNING and the ENDING seemed rush for me?
Let me explain. The book started with Abby kinda annoyed to her siblings fighting as to where Abby should stay, not giving her the chance to decide for herself. Worse, all of her siblings just want her as a slave. No kidding. Her family annoyed me. And then suddenly she's making the announcement of working in the neighboring estate. And again, suddenly she's in the neighboring estate and already a governess. Then there's Max who I was juts told became a rake, why? well, because maybe Abigail just stopped writing to him.
And then the first time I met Max, he's already in his way to his estate for the first time in so many years. For me, there are stuffs in the beginning that just not realistic and too rushed. I think I needed more, or maybe if it's done in other ways, I might've had the chance to get invested in the story and the characters first before fully diving into the plot.
The best redeeming point of this story is Abby. She seemed so real and smart. She's the kind of character you'll find yourself caring and rooting for. And I enjoy all her scenes, and the scenes with Max, I only enjoyed because of her. Max was fine too but i didn't find myself rooting for him or even swooning. And trust me, I only read Historical ROmance for the swoon. haha. (That's not entirely true but still.)
And then there's the ending. Too rushed. The reveal about the letters is okay but could be more. :) The only thing I love about the ending is that because I know Abby is going to be fine from now on because she has Max.
Overall this is a good read but still has a big potential. The beginning and end seemed rushed but everything in between is enjoyable to read. The characters though not really memorable are interesting enough for me to care and root for an HEA.
Happy Reading.
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Due to being so devoted to her family, Abigail Linton reached spinsterhood but she's set to change that. She went to the neighboring estate as a governess which is a perfect job for Abby as she spent most of her life caring for her parents and then her sibling's children. The only problem is her absentee employer is her first love, Maxwell Bryce, the Duke of Rothwell. It was the man she used to meet in secret when they were both young and also happened to be the man who seemed forgotten her when he went to London and became the rake that he is. But when they met again, it seemed like Max is as displeased as Abby is. Could it be that they really don't know what went wrong in their relationship?
As much as I love the idea of this book, I can't say I loved every part of it. I love second chance romances and especially misunderstood circumstances between the couple that made their relationship in the past ended. But in this book, I feel like it's lacking some thing or things. Am I gonna make sense if I said, the BEGINNING and the ENDING seemed rush for me?
Let me explain. The book started with Abby kinda annoyed to her siblings fighting as to where Abby should stay, not giving her the chance to decide for herself. Worse, all of her siblings just want her as a slave. No kidding. Her family annoyed me. And then suddenly she's making the announcement of working in the neighboring estate. And again, suddenly she's in the neighboring estate and already a governess. Then there's Max who I was juts told became a rake, why? well, because maybe Abigail just stopped writing to him.
And then the first time I met Max, he's already in his way to his estate for the first time in so many years. For me, there are stuffs in the beginning that just not realistic and too rushed. I think I needed more, or maybe if it's done in other ways, I might've had the chance to get invested in the story and the characters first before fully diving into the plot.
The best redeeming point of this story is Abby. She seemed so real and smart. She's the kind of character you'll find yourself caring and rooting for. And I enjoy all her scenes, and the scenes with Max, I only enjoyed because of her. Max was fine too but i didn't find myself rooting for him or even swooning. And trust me, I only read Historical ROmance for the swoon. haha. (That's not entirely true but still.)
And then there's the ending. Too rushed. The reveal about the letters is okay but could be more. :) The only thing I love about the ending is that because I know Abby is going to be fine from now on because she has Max.
Overall this is a good read but still has a big potential. The beginning and end seemed rushed but everything in between is enjoyable to read. The characters though not really memorable are interesting enough for me to care and root for an HEA.
Happy Reading.
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April 10, 2021
Nice, sweet, Historical Romance. I loved the older heroine as most HRs have young girls as the heroines and a lot of times their actions are way more mature than their years. This time we have a mature heroine and she acts her age. It is a good book, although the repeating narrative could have been trimmed a bit. I got that the hero was a rake and the two were childhood sweethearts and that when they parted their letters went awry. I didn't need to be reminded every other page.
Abigail Linton is the youngest daughter. A change of life baby, she is seven years younger than her next sibling. She was the one who took care of her elderly parents and as a result, never had a season. Left to rusticate in the country, she has been at her families beck and call, caring for her parents until their deaths and then her nieces and nephews. As he 30th birthday fast approaches, all she wants is to have a life of her own. She grabs the chance and becomes the governess to the neighboring Duke's 15 year old sister all the time hoping never to come in contact with the Duke himself.
Maxwell Bryce, the Duke of Rothwell hasn't been to his country estate since he buried his father and hasn't lived there since his mother died 15 years ago. The past and the girl he left behind, well that is a lot of pain this notorious London rake would just rather not face. Fate conspires to land him and a party of his London cronies at the Rothwell Court and he comes face to face with both the past and Abby.
Abigail Linton is the youngest daughter. A change of life baby, she is seven years younger than her next sibling. She was the one who took care of her elderly parents and as a result, never had a season. Left to rusticate in the country, she has been at her families beck and call, caring for her parents until their deaths and then her nieces and nephews. As he 30th birthday fast approaches, all she wants is to have a life of her own. She grabs the chance and becomes the governess to the neighboring Duke's 15 year old sister all the time hoping never to come in contact with the Duke himself.
Maxwell Bryce, the Duke of Rothwell hasn't been to his country estate since he buried his father and hasn't lived there since his mother died 15 years ago. The past and the girl he left behind, well that is a lot of pain this notorious London rake would just rather not face. Fate conspires to land him and a party of his London cronies at the Rothwell Court and he comes face to face with both the past and Abby.
December 1, 2018
I enjoyed this romance. It was remembering a past romance and a rekindling after a misunderstanding of lost letters from their past. The main characters, Abigail and Max were both very likable. The story was well written and easy to read.
Abby was a strong woman who wanted to be independent. I enjoyed getting to know her. She was quick to make assumptions, although many of them were wrong. She was kind and humble and I rooted her on. I think she made a great protagonist.
Max was an arrogant rogue, but kind and in the end was the type of guy you loved. I knew he would end up there and I rooted him along as well. It was fun to watch them both thinking of the past and feeling the same way even though neither would share with the other.
For a romance, it was well done and not super naughty. A bit of light reading that was thoroughly enjoyable with great characters.
Abby was a strong woman who wanted to be independent. I enjoyed getting to know her. She was quick to make assumptions, although many of them were wrong. She was kind and humble and I rooted her on. I think she made a great protagonist.
Max was an arrogant rogue, but kind and in the end was the type of guy you loved. I knew he would end up there and I rooted him along as well. It was fun to watch them both thinking of the past and feeling the same way even though neither would share with the other.
For a romance, it was well done and not super naughty. A bit of light reading that was thoroughly enjoyable with great characters.
December 10, 2018
This was a new to me author and I love second chance romances coupled with childhood friends. Sadly, I am wondering if 3 stars is too high.
I liked Abby well enough. She wants to be independent and I liked her strength and desire for something of her own. Max is just okay. He was stoic and I never warmed up to him. The scenes between the two of them lacked chemistry.
Plot wise, it was meh. Things felt repetitive and rushed {especially when it came to the letters. And while the ending was good, I wanted something a bit more and would have loved to see an epilogue. There were several snide comments about the personalities and fragility of women. I get that it’s the time period, but this seemed fairly excessive.
Overall, it was an okay story. I’m not entirely sure why I kept reading it and I’m not sure if I’ll continue the series.
**Huge thanks to St. Martin’s Paperbacks for providing the arc free of charge**
I liked Abby well enough. She wants to be independent and I liked her strength and desire for something of her own. Max is just okay. He was stoic and I never warmed up to him. The scenes between the two of them lacked chemistry.
Plot wise, it was meh. Things felt repetitive and rushed {especially when it came to the letters. And while the ending was good, I wanted something a bit more and would have loved to see an epilogue. There were several snide comments about the personalities and fragility of women. I get that it’s the time period, but this seemed fairly excessive.
Overall, it was an okay story. I’m not entirely sure why I kept reading it and I’m not sure if I’ll continue the series.
**Huge thanks to St. Martin’s Paperbacks for providing the arc free of charge**
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May 10, 2022DNF @43%
sorry but this hero is one of my least favorite heroes in a historical ever. Some of the things he said were huge red flags. Also, we are almost 50% through the book and he’s super proud that he’s a rake and has been with sooooo many women. You would think there would be a romance by this point?
Also, the things he said to the heroine when they were younger was horrible. She should have kicked him to the curb for saying those things.
This man was just a walking red flag and I think the heroine deserved way better honestly.
sorry but this hero is one of my least favorite heroes in a historical ever. Some of the things he said were huge red flags. Also, we are almost 50% through the book and he’s super proud that he’s a rake and has been with sooooo many women. You would think there would be a romance by this point?
Also, the things he said to the heroine when they were younger was horrible. She should have kicked him to the curb for saying those things.
This man was just a walking red flag and I think the heroine deserved way better honestly.
December 21, 2018
Series: Unlikely Duchesses #1
Publication Date: 12/31/18
Number of Pages: 336
I enjoyed this well-written book. It is a lovely second-chances love story with flawed but likable main characters and a ‘perfidious peahen’ of a villain. Overall, I loved the story, but I did think that some of the middle section could have been pared down and that space reallocated to flesh out the end because I thought the end was a little abrupt.
Abigail (Abby) Jane Linton is just weeks away from her thirtieth birthday. This upcoming birthday has her considering her life – she is unmarried, has no prospects and is at the beck and call of all of her much older siblings and their families. At this very moment, they are all around her loudly discussing her future – which of them she should live with, what she can do for them, which of them needs her services the most. Not one of them has asked her where she wants to live or what she wants to do. This will be her future – going from one home to the other being the unpaid companion, caregiver, nursemaid – whatever. Now, she loves her family unconditionally – and they love her, but she just has to have at least one adventure in her life. So, amidst all of the family arguments, she interrupts and announces that she is going to apply for the open governess position at Rothwell Court.
Rothwell Court is the property of Maxwell Bryce, the Duke of Rothwell, although he hasn’t lived there for fifteen years. He’s actually only visited there once, very, very briefly in those fifteen years. However, it is the home of the duke’s much younger sister – Gwendolyn (Gwen). Gwen has spent most of her life living at Rothwell Court with only the company of her governess, an old aunt who pays little attention to her and the servants.
Maxwell (Max) Bryce’s father whisked Max and his newborn sister away from Rothwell Court when his wife died. Max was sixteen and he was in love with the girl from the neighboring estate – Abby, who was fifteen. They had a tiff on the day of his mother’s funeral and they never saw or spoke to each other again for fifteen years. Each had promised to write and Max had told Abby that he would come back and marry her when he reached his majority. Each kept their promise about writing letters, but neither received any letters, so each thought the other to be faithless. Max’s father preached at Max constantly about not falling in love because love only made a man weak and brought him nothing but pain and heartache. Max took that advice to heart and became one of the biggest rakes in London.
When Max unexpectedly visits Rothwell Court and finds Abby there – sparks fly – and not necessarily the good kind. Max has brought several friends from London and one of them is the woman he wants to become his mistress. Abby can’t believe it and constantly takes him to task about exposing Gwen to that woman. Max and Abby still feel that strong attraction that was there when they were 15 and 16, but both fight those feelings – especially Abby because she doesn’t want any part of the debauched man Max had become. So, I loved watching the two of them grow and come back to the sweet love they once had for each other. I did think it took a bit too long to get there, but when it happened, it was lovely.
I recommend this book and hope that you will enjoy it as much as I did.
Please check out my reviews at:
Blog: https://flippinpages.blog/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/flippinpages...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlippinPagesRev
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BarbBookReview
"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."
Publication Date: 12/31/18
Number of Pages: 336
I enjoyed this well-written book. It is a lovely second-chances love story with flawed but likable main characters and a ‘perfidious peahen’ of a villain. Overall, I loved the story, but I did think that some of the middle section could have been pared down and that space reallocated to flesh out the end because I thought the end was a little abrupt.
Abigail (Abby) Jane Linton is just weeks away from her thirtieth birthday. This upcoming birthday has her considering her life – she is unmarried, has no prospects and is at the beck and call of all of her much older siblings and their families. At this very moment, they are all around her loudly discussing her future – which of them she should live with, what she can do for them, which of them needs her services the most. Not one of them has asked her where she wants to live or what she wants to do. This will be her future – going from one home to the other being the unpaid companion, caregiver, nursemaid – whatever. Now, she loves her family unconditionally – and they love her, but she just has to have at least one adventure in her life. So, amidst all of the family arguments, she interrupts and announces that she is going to apply for the open governess position at Rothwell Court.
Rothwell Court is the property of Maxwell Bryce, the Duke of Rothwell, although he hasn’t lived there for fifteen years. He’s actually only visited there once, very, very briefly in those fifteen years. However, it is the home of the duke’s much younger sister – Gwendolyn (Gwen). Gwen has spent most of her life living at Rothwell Court with only the company of her governess, an old aunt who pays little attention to her and the servants.
Maxwell (Max) Bryce’s father whisked Max and his newborn sister away from Rothwell Court when his wife died. Max was sixteen and he was in love with the girl from the neighboring estate – Abby, who was fifteen. They had a tiff on the day of his mother’s funeral and they never saw or spoke to each other again for fifteen years. Each had promised to write and Max had told Abby that he would come back and marry her when he reached his majority. Each kept their promise about writing letters, but neither received any letters, so each thought the other to be faithless. Max’s father preached at Max constantly about not falling in love because love only made a man weak and brought him nothing but pain and heartache. Max took that advice to heart and became one of the biggest rakes in London.
When Max unexpectedly visits Rothwell Court and finds Abby there – sparks fly – and not necessarily the good kind. Max has brought several friends from London and one of them is the woman he wants to become his mistress. Abby can’t believe it and constantly takes him to task about exposing Gwen to that woman. Max and Abby still feel that strong attraction that was there when they were 15 and 16, but both fight those feelings – especially Abby because she doesn’t want any part of the debauched man Max had become. So, I loved watching the two of them grow and come back to the sweet love they once had for each other. I did think it took a bit too long to get there, but when it happened, it was lovely.
I recommend this book and hope that you will enjoy it as much as I did.
Please check out my reviews at:
Blog: https://flippinpages.blog/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/flippinpages...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlippinPagesRev
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BarbBookReview
"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."
November 17, 2018
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?
*ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley
*ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley
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January 7, 2019Full review can be found HERE --> https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
*ARC provided for a voluntary honest review.* ~Sonal
*ARC provided for a voluntary honest review.* ~Sonal
February 17, 2019
1.5 stars rounded up to 2.
None of the characters were enjoyable. Except maybe the kittens.
The only thing coming between the protagonists is stupidity; they’re each blessed with an abundance of it.
To me the appeal of Regency & Victorian romance is that the conflict comes from external forces—societal pressure, expectations, finances. I much prefer that to the conflict central to the majority of contemporary romance, which is usually internal. I hate spending hundreds of pages on misunderstandings and pouting that could easily be dispatched if tab a and slot b would just TALK once in awhile.
So of course this particular “regency” romance does away with the societal pressure and focuses entirely on A Series Of Misunderstandings. If it happened once it happened a dozen times. One of them would see the other do a thing and then talk him or herself into a lather. And that’s pretty much the bulk of the novel...apart from a LUDICROUS sex scene.
Honestly the book might have scraped by as 2.5 stars except for the sex scene. It felt shoved in (ha!) as a publisher mandate. (“Steamy sells. Make this steamy.”) So we have a woman who at the beginning of the book is upset that the guy is KISSING a woman he’s not married to while his sister is somewhere in the same gigantic house. A hundred or so pages later the same woman invites the same man to shinny up her drainpipe right by the pond, which is out in front of God & everybody. This is ok because everybody is supposedly asleep on a busy working estate at 5am. (Note: I’ve seen Downtown Abbey. I’ve read a dozen “below stairs” books. I know that at 5am the staff has been up for an hour doing servant crap like “laying the fires” and “blacking the stoop”.)
After the brisk al fresco freak-on the rest of the day has another half-dozen “misapprehension”s and bitchy little snipefests. Then there was some nonsense about a prizefight and the standard “oh you’re sick but it’s olden times so you can’t go the 3 whole miles to your house and have to stay here in my Sex Mansion.” A couple more misapprehensions and the the HEA ending.
Ugh. _I_ am happily ever after because _I_ don’t ever have to read this again.
None of the characters were enjoyable. Except maybe the kittens.
The only thing coming between the protagonists is stupidity; they’re each blessed with an abundance of it.
To me the appeal of Regency & Victorian romance is that the conflict comes from external forces—societal pressure, expectations, finances. I much prefer that to the conflict central to the majority of contemporary romance, which is usually internal. I hate spending hundreds of pages on misunderstandings and pouting that could easily be dispatched if tab a and slot b would just TALK once in awhile.
So of course this particular “regency” romance does away with the societal pressure and focuses entirely on A Series Of Misunderstandings. If it happened once it happened a dozen times. One of them would see the other do a thing and then talk him or herself into a lather. And that’s pretty much the bulk of the novel...apart from a LUDICROUS sex scene.
Honestly the book might have scraped by as 2.5 stars except for the sex scene. It felt shoved in (ha!) as a publisher mandate. (“Steamy sells. Make this steamy.”) So we have a woman who at the beginning of the book is upset that the guy is KISSING a woman he’s not married to while his sister is somewhere in the same gigantic house. A hundred or so pages later the same woman invites the same man to shinny up her drainpipe right by the pond, which is out in front of God & everybody. This is ok because everybody is supposedly asleep on a busy working estate at 5am. (Note: I’ve seen Downtown Abbey. I’ve read a dozen “below stairs” books. I know that at 5am the staff has been up for an hour doing servant crap like “laying the fires” and “blacking the stoop”.)
After the brisk al fresco freak-on the rest of the day has another half-dozen “misapprehension”s and bitchy little snipefests. Then there was some nonsense about a prizefight and the standard “oh you’re sick but it’s olden times so you can’t go the 3 whole miles to your house and have to stay here in my Sex Mansion.” A couple more misapprehensions and the the HEA ending.
Ugh. _I_ am happily ever after because _I_ don’t ever have to read this again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 2, 2019
The Duke I Once Knew will delight readers who are fans of historical romance novels that are light, entertaining, and simply about two people falling in love. There's no deep angst, dark deadly secrets, or hardline stance of any kind. Just good story-telling. Sometimes that's what I'm looking for. And it's all right.
Abby and Max reunite after fifteen years and the return of their love for each other is utterly believable and quite obviously inevitable. The forces that are trying to keep them apart (misunderstanding about the lost letters, Lady Elise, Max's poor example of a father) are addressed one by one and in a timely manner.
I love reading an older heroine in Abby. There are so few of them in historical romance that when I find one, I gravitate towards it right away. It was fine for me to read teenagers when I was younger, but not when I'm middle-aged and can't relate. I also love her taking control of her own life and not letting herself be pushed around anymore. And when she and Max had their intimacy, she proved her strong will once more.
I also loved that the characters are flawed, but still sympathetic. Especially Max. It makes the book as close to reality as it could get.
If I have minor complaints (villainess with no redeeming factor, some repetition in the PoVs, so many named characters some of whom never got fully developed), they're overshadowed by the positives.
Abby and Max reunite after fifteen years and the return of their love for each other is utterly believable and quite obviously inevitable. The forces that are trying to keep them apart (misunderstanding about the lost letters, Lady Elise, Max's poor example of a father) are addressed one by one and in a timely manner.
I love reading an older heroine in Abby. There are so few of them in historical romance that when I find one, I gravitate towards it right away. It was fine for me to read teenagers when I was younger, but not when I'm middle-aged and can't relate. I also love her taking control of her own life and not letting herself be pushed around anymore. And when she and Max had their intimacy, she proved her strong will once more.
I also loved that the characters are flawed, but still sympathetic. Especially Max. It makes the book as close to reality as it could get.
If I have minor complaints (villainess with no redeeming factor, some repetition in the PoVs, so many named characters some of whom never got fully developed), they're overshadowed by the positives.
January 8, 2019
3.5 stars
February 21, 2019
I enjoyed this first book in Olivia Drake’s Unlikely Duchesses series. This is a second chance at love story between a duke and the girl who grew up as his next-door neighbor. Max and Abby fell in love when they were teenagers, but tragedy tore them apart. When Max‘s mother died, his father took him away to London and they never heard from each other again.
The thing is, this is also a Big Misunderstanding story. Because both Abby and Max wrote to each other. They both hoped for a future together, but someone intercepted their letters and they have not spoken to each other in 15 years. Max went on to be a rake of the first order. Abby ended up taking care of her aging parents and evolved into a spinster. Nearing her 30th birthday, she decides to take a job as governess to Max’s sister rather than be a glorified domestic servant for her siblings. She never expects to see Max, since he has lived so long away from his sister.
Of course, Max comes back, just weeks after Abby takes the job. He has his friends and a potential mistress with him. But thoughts of her, or really anything, go out the window when he and Abby come face to face again. Thankfully, it does not take too long for the misunderstanding to be revealed. But there is still mistrust there. Especially from Abby, since Max swears he will never fall in love and his reputation makes him sound like he’ll sleep with anything that moves.
I liked both characters well enough. Abby was a woman who was finally finding her independence after doing for others her entire life. I liked that she was willing to venture out on her own to seek out the future she wanted. Max probably wasn’t the greatest guy while he lived in London, but I could see him evolving over the course of the book. They did kind of pick back up with their feelings for each other very easily after a 15 year break, but if you are willing to put that aside, the romance is generally satisfying.
Max’s would-be mistress is a decent foil, although I felt like the subplot with his friend Ambrose kind of got dropped along the way. Maybe he will show up in a later book in the series. Abby’s family was pretty hard to like, but I did enjoy Max’s staff, his boxer friend, and his younger sister as secondary characters.
I’m curious to see how the series will move forward and I am willing to give the next book a try.
Overall, I found this and easy and pleasant read.
*ARC provided by publisher
The thing is, this is also a Big Misunderstanding story. Because both Abby and Max wrote to each other. They both hoped for a future together, but someone intercepted their letters and they have not spoken to each other in 15 years. Max went on to be a rake of the first order. Abby ended up taking care of her aging parents and evolved into a spinster. Nearing her 30th birthday, she decides to take a job as governess to Max’s sister rather than be a glorified domestic servant for her siblings. She never expects to see Max, since he has lived so long away from his sister.
Of course, Max comes back, just weeks after Abby takes the job. He has his friends and a potential mistress with him. But thoughts of her, or really anything, go out the window when he and Abby come face to face again. Thankfully, it does not take too long for the misunderstanding to be revealed. But there is still mistrust there. Especially from Abby, since Max swears he will never fall in love and his reputation makes him sound like he’ll sleep with anything that moves.
I liked both characters well enough. Abby was a woman who was finally finding her independence after doing for others her entire life. I liked that she was willing to venture out on her own to seek out the future she wanted. Max probably wasn’t the greatest guy while he lived in London, but I could see him evolving over the course of the book. They did kind of pick back up with their feelings for each other very easily after a 15 year break, but if you are willing to put that aside, the romance is generally satisfying.
Max’s would-be mistress is a decent foil, although I felt like the subplot with his friend Ambrose kind of got dropped along the way. Maybe he will show up in a later book in the series. Abby’s family was pretty hard to like, but I did enjoy Max’s staff, his boxer friend, and his younger sister as secondary characters.
I’m curious to see how the series will move forward and I am willing to give the next book a try.
Overall, I found this and easy and pleasant read.
*ARC provided by publisher
November 4, 2018
I really wanted to love this one! It had two tropes that I love. Duke needing a governess and second chance romance. However, it didn’t win me over as I hoped.
I expected a bit more angst and romance. These two did a dance around each other that could have ended a bit sooner if they would have spoken about the past.
Abigail became a pushover in her family by being the youngest and going along with whatever her family wanted her to do. It was good to see her get a backbone and take charge of her life. While she was a bit on the prudish side, I did like her character.
”He had grown too cynical, too hard-hearted from a life of dissipation.”
Max, Max, Max. There were so many times that I wanted to shake him. He really wanted to make himself believe that he loved his lifestyle as it was without love. However, He knew he loved Abigail. He just kept fighting it.
Since it was a first in a series, I’ll round up to three stars. While I wasn’t in love with it, I did enjoy it and will be reading the next book in this series.
** ARC provided for an honest review. The quote was taken from an ARC and is subject to change upon publication.
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I expected a bit more angst and romance. These two did a dance around each other that could have ended a bit sooner if they would have spoken about the past.
Abigail became a pushover in her family by being the youngest and going along with whatever her family wanted her to do. It was good to see her get a backbone and take charge of her life. While she was a bit on the prudish side, I did like her character.
”He had grown too cynical, too hard-hearted from a life of dissipation.”
Max, Max, Max. There were so many times that I wanted to shake him. He really wanted to make himself believe that he loved his lifestyle as it was without love. However, He knew he loved Abigail. He just kept fighting it.
Since it was a first in a series, I’ll round up to three stars. While I wasn’t in love with it, I did enjoy it and will be reading the next book in this series.
** ARC provided for an honest review. The quote was taken from an ARC and is subject to change upon publication.
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October 24, 2018
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.
December 23, 2018
4.5 Stars
THE DUKE I ONCE KNEW by Olivia Drake is book One in the Unlikely Duchesses series. This is the story of Maxwell Bryce, the Duke of Rothwell and Abigail Linton.
Max and Abby were young when they feel in love but Max had to leave with his father and sister. Both making promises to write letters and that he would come back for her. But a misunderstanding from someone wanting them to stay apart kept them apart. Now several years later they are once facing each other. Abby had taken to helping her parents and then her older sibling with their children. Now nearing 30 years of age she wants something for herself even if it means working for Max's sister as a governess. Max hasn't returned home in several years but he comes home with some friends and a future mistress but he is shocked to find Abby there. Sparks fly between the two along with harsh words until they both start to figure out what happened and what they still want.
Really enjoyed this book.
THE DUKE I ONCE KNEW by Olivia Drake is book One in the Unlikely Duchesses series. This is the story of Maxwell Bryce, the Duke of Rothwell and Abigail Linton.
Max and Abby were young when they feel in love but Max had to leave with his father and sister. Both making promises to write letters and that he would come back for her. But a misunderstanding from someone wanting them to stay apart kept them apart. Now several years later they are once facing each other. Abby had taken to helping her parents and then her older sibling with their children. Now nearing 30 years of age she wants something for herself even if it means working for Max's sister as a governess. Max hasn't returned home in several years but he comes home with some friends and a future mistress but he is shocked to find Abby there. Sparks fly between the two along with harsh words until they both start to figure out what happened and what they still want.
Really enjoyed this book.
November 4, 2018
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!
January 2, 2019
Part of a charming series called the Cinderella Spinsterhood, The Duke I Once Knew tells the story of a pair of innocent teenagers forced apart by circumstances and denied the comfort even of friendship. Abigail is left behind with her family, needed to be a support to her mother after a disabling fall, while Max is swept off to London with his ducal father.
Fast forward fifteen years and Abigail is trapped in an endless cycle between relatives, needed to be a support to siblings and their children of various ages. When the opportunity arises to become a governess to the Duke of Rothwell’s teenage sister, she jumps at it, safe in the knowledge that Max himself hasn’t set foot in Hampshire since that long-ago summer.
She’s barely been in the house a few days when Max arrives, though… with his latest paramour and a group of less-than-reputable friends! Abigail can’t abandon Lady Gwen in the face of such company, and soon the old fire is sparking to life between her and Max again.
Anyone who’s ever chafed under the weight of family duty will feel sympathy for Abby, who was essentially cheated of a chance to marry by years spent caring for her parents, and feel anger at her siblings who not only permitted it but perpetuated it with their expectations that she continue her position as unpaid assistant to the family.
As a rake, Max’s behaviour was both reprehensible and hypocritical, but to his credit being confronted with the truth of his actions and his feelings for Abigail made him realize the error of his ways. It was fairly hilarious when Abby turned the tables on him after a passionate interlude, treating him to a taste of his own medicine and making him see how badly he’d behaved.
This was a very enjoyable story, though I did spot a few anachronisms such as a Regency-era governess having a clock on her bedside table, and Lady Elise’s name mysteriously changing to Evelyn at one point, but these are errors I hope would be corrected before release of the final version for publication, since I was reading an advance release copy. I have no hesitation in awarding this five stars as an excellent read.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review through NetGalley at the publisher’s invitation.
Fast forward fifteen years and Abigail is trapped in an endless cycle between relatives, needed to be a support to siblings and their children of various ages. When the opportunity arises to become a governess to the Duke of Rothwell’s teenage sister, she jumps at it, safe in the knowledge that Max himself hasn’t set foot in Hampshire since that long-ago summer.
She’s barely been in the house a few days when Max arrives, though… with his latest paramour and a group of less-than-reputable friends! Abigail can’t abandon Lady Gwen in the face of such company, and soon the old fire is sparking to life between her and Max again.
Anyone who’s ever chafed under the weight of family duty will feel sympathy for Abby, who was essentially cheated of a chance to marry by years spent caring for her parents, and feel anger at her siblings who not only permitted it but perpetuated it with their expectations that she continue her position as unpaid assistant to the family.
As a rake, Max’s behaviour was both reprehensible and hypocritical, but to his credit being confronted with the truth of his actions and his feelings for Abigail made him realize the error of his ways. It was fairly hilarious when Abby turned the tables on him after a passionate interlude, treating him to a taste of his own medicine and making him see how badly he’d behaved.
This was a very enjoyable story, though I did spot a few anachronisms such as a Regency-era governess having a clock on her bedside table, and Lady Elise’s name mysteriously changing to Evelyn at one point, but these are errors I hope would be corrected before release of the final version for publication, since I was reading an advance release copy. I have no hesitation in awarding this five stars as an excellent read.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review through NetGalley at the publisher’s invitation.
February 6, 2019
Lovely 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**
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**
January 1, 2019
I don't know how I was able to continue reading the book after the first 30%. The story begins with the heroine been treated horribly by her siblings. The whole vibe I was getting when I was reading that scene was that Abby was a burden and each sibling had his own life to live. Abby had some attitude and self esteem which was good, but she didn't get a guy who was good enough for her and made me think that he actually cared for her. Wanna know why? Because we are first introduced to Max when he is in the library kissing another woman whom he plans to have as his mistress. Isn't that the best way to introduce your "hero" in a historical romance novel? After that, we got reminded a few times that Max was busy sowing his oats while the heroine was living a boring, virginal life. The book got slightly better after that, but I didn't like how the wanna-be mistress was around the whole time. She is there for like 85% of the story.
April 27, 2022
I enjoyed this storyline more than I thought I would.
The heroine and hero were both flawed but clearly very much still in love with each other. It was cute seeing how they tried to go around their attraction for each other.
I could have done without the other woman because she had no use in the overall plot and was just vindictive for the sake of being pushed in the story. I never really got the hero's lack of action when it came to her either, but it never truly dulled my appreciation for this couple's story.
A cute story all in all.
3 stars
The heroine and hero were both flawed but clearly very much still in love with each other. It was cute seeing how they tried to go around their attraction for each other.
I could have done without the other woman because she had no use in the overall plot and was just vindictive for the sake of being pushed in the story. I never really got the hero's lack of action when it came to her either, but it never truly dulled my appreciation for this couple's story.
A cute story all in all.
3 stars
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