Reviews

One Duke Down by Anna Bennett

lesseraliterary's review

review withheld due to smp boycott

akolb51's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious slow-paced

 Miss Poppy Summers is determined to keep her family’s fishing business afloat. Her poor widowed father has fallen ill, and her brother has moved to London, leaving her precious little time to pursue her dreams. So, she spends mornings in her rowboat, casting her nets. Andrew Keane is the Duke of Hawking, and he came to the seaside resort of Bellehaven Bay to escape his life in London. Someone wants to kill him, and he intends to find out who. He implores Poppy to tend to his injuries and hide him on her beach, reasoning it will be easier to find his attacker if that man assumes Keane is already dead. Under Poppy’s care, Keane regains his strength―and a sense of purpose. As they work together to solve the puzzle of his would-be murderer, they realize that together they can have a fairytale ending.
This was a really good suspenseful historical romance. I enjoyed the main characters; they were well suited to each other. This author took the best things I like about a historical romance and combined it with the best things I love about mysteries. The only drawback was I felt it was too wordy which made the story drag a bit. Otherwise, I thought it was great. I definitely will read other stories from this author. Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the honor of reading this advanced reader's copy. This review is my unbiased opinion. 

mostlyfated's review

3.0

The beginning of this book was so promising and I actually liked this one more than “Girls Before Earls.” But the conflict of Poppy not trusting Keane because he’s an aristocrat got pretty stale fast for me. The culprit who attacked Keane was pretty quick to figure out. Overall, it was just fine. Not great but not bad either.

givemaribooks's review against another edition

3.0

Withholding my review due to the SMP marketing boycott. 

amberreadsalot's review

5.0

I loved Poppy and Andrew's love story! Andrew is a duke who someone recently tried to kill and Poppy is the daughter of a local fisherman who has fallen ill, leaving Poppy to take over the family business. Poppy has dreams but her love for her family and her friends enables her to accept and even be somewhat content with her existence. I visited Bellehaven Bay in Bennett's prior entry in this series and I was happy to return and see some familiar faces amongst the new characters (Diggs!). Poppy agrees to help Andrew hide out while he investigates the attack upon him - for a price. Understandable since taking care of her family is her responsibility. As Andrew and Poppy spend more time together, their relationship grows in a lovely and organic way. Andrew takes the time to actually know Poppy, to understand her, and it is rather beautiful.

This story is fairly low angst but decently steamy and is just a fun, enjoyable read. I cannot wait for Kitty's story.. A nemesis, she says? 5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book. The opinions herein are my own.

jcmbank's review

emotional lighthearted slow-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

3.5

andrea_author's review

5.0

Fisher Poppy finds an injured duke washed up on her family's beach. At least, he claims to be a duke. Can she help him find who's trying to kill him?

This fun, heartwarming, witty romance is full of intrigue and playful banter. Poppy and Keane are clever, strong-willed, and adorable together. Loved it!

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

books_and_more_books_byt's review

4.0

Review to come

jesssa_rae's review

4.0

3.5/4

bookishmya's review

4.0

A beautiful adventure! Compelling characters, surprising mystery and explosive chemistry. Poppy Summers is an ideal heroine. She is unbelievably strong, self-sufficient and compassionate. She not only stands on her own two feet but singlehandedly supports her family all with a smile. It is no wonder Keane is so quickly drawn to her. His firm and undeniable believe in them is such a strong point, it melts your heart. Nothing can turn him from securing his future. Indeed, the way they bring out the best in each other is an absolute delight. Keane is unbearably sweet and tender in his affections. Aside from the fiery romance, the mystery of this story keeps you in the edge of your seat and truly is unpredictable. This story is an entertaining page-turner, with many endearing moments of support. The supporting cast is as as delightful as the MC’s. A definite must read!