Reviews

The Governess and the Duke by Lydia Drake

webbsusa's review

4.0

I enjoyed this book very much—much more than the previous book in the series. Viola was a wonderful heroine: smart, caring, and resilient. After meeting James in the previous books in the series, I really appreciated seeing his character fully fleshed out. At times I felt the book moved a little too slowly, but overall, this was a lovely read.

emcroll's review

4.0

Miss Viola Winslow, a governess of discernment and familiarity with societal norms, harbors a profound and unrequited affection for the Duke of Huntington. The Duke, an unwavering bachelor, eschews the tumult of London society in favor of Moorcliff Castle after a failed engagement. This tranquil existence is disrupted by the presence of Miss Viola and her fervent charge, a precocious fourteen-year-old who wants her governess to have a happy retirement.

Compelled by circumstances beyond her control, Miss Viola finds herself inextricably bound to Moorcliff, where evading the Duke's company becomes an insurmountable challenge. Amidst fortuitous encounters and an unconventional faux pas, a reciprocity in their affections blossoms. However, the romance faces jeopardy upon the Duke's revelation of Viola's long-concealed secret, threatening to ensnare them in the clutches of scandal.

Lydia Drake's "The Governess and the Duke" is a delightful historical romance that whisks you away to the early 1800s with its fast-paced and engaging story. The dynamic between the main characters is a perfect mix of slow burn and sizzling chemistry. The supporting characters add a quirky yet realistic flavor to the tale, making it all the more enjoyable.

One of the standout features is the portrayal of strong women characters, with Viola shining as a resilient and captivating protagonist. While the story earns praise for its steamy slow burn, I do wish the author added a deeper exploration of Viola's past traumas to add more layers to her character. Some plot elements were a tad unrealistic, but they didn't detract from the overall fun of the read. In the end, "The Governess and the Duke" secures a solid four-star rating for its captivating narrative, well-drawn characters, and the charming mix of historical romance tropes.

Thank you Entangled Publishing, LLC for providing this ARC for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own and freely given.

freyja_rilo87's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

allyardon's review

emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

ewillis2's review

medium-paced

3.0

amberreadsalot's review

4.0

I don't always love the aristocrat/servant trope but Lydia Drake did it well in "The Governess and the Duke". I like how clear it is that Viola's feelings for James are long-term infatuation that develop into love once she really gets to know the man himself. I love the teenagers managing the lives of their adults and how once James sees who Viola really is, he doesn't expect her to be anything else. The duo have great sexual chemistry and his unwavering support of her truly is lovely.

4 stars. Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for a complimentary ARC of this book. The opinions herein are my own.

ckmoon629's review

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

aldarakamey's review

4.0

It was such an interesting read. The passing was just what I was expecting from the story. My only complaint is that the guy doesn’t fall in love first, he makes up for it but… I am not a big fan of stories when the guy doesn’t fall in love first

andrea_author's review

5.0

Governess Viola has long loved the Duke of Huntington, her employer’s friend. When her young charge unexpectedly plays matchmaker, Viola hopes to win the oblivious duke’s heart. Contented bachelor that he is, the duke finds his stay at Moorcliff Castle disrupted by both charming Viola and a girl in need. Thrown together, Viola and the duke begin to spark a mutual attraction. But a looming scandal threatens to expose their budding romance to ruin.

I loved this book! It’s wonderfully funny with engaging main characters and a quirky supporting cast.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

jocelynereadsromance's review against another edition

hopeful inspiring lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25