REVIEW & RELEASE: The Duke I Once Knew

The Duke I Once Knew

(Unlikely Duchesses #1)

Author: Olivia Drake

Genre: Historical Romance

Pub Date: Dec 31, 2018 

First love is always the sweetest.

For years, Abigail Linton devoted herself to caring for her aging parents and the children of her siblings. Now, eager to make her own life, she takes a position as governess on the neighboring estate. It shouldn’t matter that her absentee employer is Maxwell Bryce, the Duke of Rothwell, the infamous rake who once broke her youthful heart. Surely he’s forgotten her, for he hasn’t set foot on his estate for fifteen years. At least, that is, until he arrives unexpectedly.

Max is incensed to meet his sister’s new governess. But why does Abby appear just as displeased to see him when it was she who’d rejected him all those years ago? Why is he so drawn to the independent spinster she has become? And why is there a sparkle in her beautiful blue eyes that suggests they might have a second chance at love?

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MY REVIEW

Exciting and entertaining, this book had my full attention.

Abby is a spinster who has been helping her family since she was old enough to do so. On the verge of thirty, she realizes she wants more out of life. So, she decides to become a governess at the disapproval of her family.

Her charge is Maxwell Bryce, the Duke of Rothwell’s, sister. Max is also her former friend and flame.

She believes she is content with her new lot until, to her dismay, Max returns to Rothwell Court.

Max is entitled and his reputation precedes him. He is known as a libertine and a rake, taking his pleasures where he may. When he must reluctantly detour home, he is not happy to see Abby. She brings back memories of past hurts. She also brings fond memories that are better left in the past.

Will these two be able to let go of past hurt and finally grasp the love that was meant to be theirs?

This is a second chance as well as a friends to lovers romance that I enjoyed.

Abby was meek in the beginning, accepting her lot. However, as the story progressed, she gained strength and started creating the life she wanted. She was, however, frustrating with her prejudices against Max.

Max was a wonderfully caring character if not a little hard headed. He changed ever so slowly, realizing his mistakes and then making amends.

The passion between these two was a slow burn and it suited this story. As a personal preference however, I would’ve enjoyed more intimate scenes with this couple. Not just the carnal but time spent together alone. In my opinion, their scenes with only each other are too few. I also would have loved an epilogue. The end felt a little bit abrupt without it.

I received an ARC via NetGalley of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

What do you think?  Do you like historical romance?  Have you read this already?  Let me know!  I love to connect with people and talk books!