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melfierro's review
4.0
Max has been absent from home for quite some time. He is surprised to find Abby not only not married, but also working.
Old feelings are rekindled, old hurts and misunderstandings are brought to light.
This is a refreshing take on the period romance.
ssantil2's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
shelbyday's review
3.0
iskanderjonesiv's review
4.0
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 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
*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?
wallflowerreader_l's review
5.0
Absolutely loved it.
Childhood sweethearts reunited after 15 years of separation because of a misunderstanding in a historical romance ? I could ONLY adore this story.
Max was dreamy and Abby a perfect match to him.
Detailed review to come.
kayladbruns's review
3.0
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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shannon_cocktailsandbooks's review
3.0
rebeccacider's review
Drake is a competent writer with a decent handle on her historical setting, and overall this is a perfectly serviceable, fluffy romance. I enjoyed the premise of a young woman whose life has been caretaking and emotional labor and wants more.
But man, these characters did not appeal to me! Maxwell is an aimless, pussy-grabbing weirdo whose main attributes are "brief moments of charm" and "not being a total monster"—although as a counterpoint to the latter, we have the "exposure therapy means grabbing you and slinging you onto a horse" scene. If Tess of the D'Urbervilles taught me anything, a horse is never just a horse, and this scene was basically the contemporary equivalent of a 1970s "no means yes" bodice-ripping sequence. Oh, and let's not forget the "birth control hasn't been invented yet, I literally have one job, but oops too horny" scene. Girl, just NO.
Abby, alas, is pretty boring as well and her relationships with the family, which define her character, aren't compelling on the page. I began mildly invested in the story and relationship with (ding-ding) Maxwell('s silver hammer) but just lost interest.
This book wasn't bad. If you're here for steamy make-out scenes, pretty gowns, silly intrigue, questionable Cockney accents, and kittens, Drake will satisfy. It just wasn't my thing.
ETA: I totally forgot to complain about the slut-shaming! Would read alternate ending where Max's lady-friend (forget her name) and Abby actually become BFFs and start a village bakery.
kbranfield's review against another edition
3.0
The first installment in the Unlikely Duchesses series, The Duke I Once Knew by Olivia Drake is an engaging historical romance.
Abigail "Abby" Linton is the youngest of five children and the only one who is unmarried. Having taken care of her now deceased parents for many years, her siblings use her as unpaid help with their families. Without any input from Abby, they are making the decision for where she will live next. Fed up with being taken for granted, she makes an impetuous decision to become the governess for Lady Gwen.
Gwen is the teenage sister of Maxwell Bryce who just happens to be the man who broke Abby's heart fifteen years earlier. Since the Duke of Rothwell does not visit the estate where Gwen resides, Abby is certain she will not cross paths with her former love. Needless to say, she is rather dismayed when Max unexpectedly shows up with his mistress and three other friends in tow. The sparks soon fly between Abby and Max as they discover their simmering attraction burns hotter than ever. But with both of them hurt and angry over how their relationship ended, will this pair of star-crossed lovers find their way back to one another?
Abby is a kind-hearted and compassionate woman who has no regrets about the years she dedicated to caring for her parents. She is devoted to her nieces and nephews but with her thirtieth birthday fast approaching, she realizes it is time to forge her own path in life. She is even hopeful a romantic prospect will appear on her horizon. But not even in her wildest imaginings does Abby believe she will ever see Max again. The way he ended their romance broke her fragile heart and she is somewhat stunned by his reputation as an infamous rake.
Although he deeply cares for Gwen, Max lives a fairly carefree life. After circumstances beyond his control leave him and his group of friends without a place to say, he does not think twice about taking them to his country estate. Without giving much thought to his actions, Max carries out his plan to make the widowed Elise his mistress.
Needless to say, Abby is outraged at Max's behavior and the two are soon swapping pointed barbs. With her family, Abby is a doormat, but she does not hesitate to stand up to Max. Their unresolved past is huge source of conflict that could easily be solved if they would just talk to one another. Abby's irritating habit of jumping to conclusions leads to some very heated discussions as she confronts Max with her unwarranted accusations. Elise creates some very predictable drama as she stoops to underhanded behavior to rid herself of her rival for Max's affections.
The Duke I Once Knew is a sweet second chance at love historical romance. The novel is well-written, the dialogue is snappy and the setting is the perfect backdrop for the unfolding story. The characters are a little frustrating but they do learn from their mistakes and they are quick to admit when they are wrong. The pacing is a little slow and the plot is somewhat predictable. Rife with historical details, Olivia Drake brings the time period vibrantly to life. Despite some flaws, this first installment in the Unlikely Duchesses series is an enjoyable read that I recommend to fans of historical romances.