Title: The Duke I Once Knew by Olivia Drake
Unlikely Duchesses Series Book One
Publisher: St. Martin’s Paperbacks
Genre: Historical, Romance
Length: 333 pages
Book Rating: C+
Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley
Summary:
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?
Review:
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.
