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.

This is a fun romance. I enjoyed the main characters. It was interesting to read about how the fights were handled back then. I really liked Abby and grew to like Max. I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

The Duke I Once Knew is a delightful introduction to author Olivia Drake and I'm thrilled to find she has a vast catalog from which to explore. But first to share my thoughts on this story about young love, miss communication and missed opportunities between near spinster Abby Linton and the apparent libertine Maxwell Bryce.

When Abby finds herself tired of living the life prescribed by her family, she strikes out on her own to become the governess to the neighboring Duke of Rothwell's young sister, Lady Gwendolyn. She fears not that her once upon a time beloved Maxwell Brice (said Duke Rothwell) would return to this estate as he hasn't been there for years. But fate has other things in mind for Abby and Max and circumstances throw the two together again. The story is rich with interfering companions made up of friends and also would be lovers who are spiteful and at times villainous.

I loved the tension brought on by the "what ifs" that both Abby and Max share. Their history is complicated by traditional social standings and propriety but Abby is independent and a bold thinker. Despite this, her misgivings for Max bear weight:

"Tears overflowing her eyes, she sank back onto the bed and buried her face in her hands. It was best to face the truth. Maxwell Bryce, the Duke of Rothwell, did not love her. Nor would he ever. He would always be an incorrigible rake."

He doesn't deny his rakish way, but Max is also very broken and distrustful and the fact he surrounds himself with nefarious people does nothing to endear himself to Abby. Nevertheless Max is a redeemable character and I held out hope that he's see his way understanding what he always knew and now denies, his love for Abby. He proves himself a romantic and I felt myself swoon at his grand gesture to secure Abby's trust.

The Duke I Once Knew is another example of why I love reading Regency romance and Olivia Drake has found a new fan in me. I'm excited to read her earlier works but most to have found her at the beginning of this series. I very much look forward to the future books in this series. 5 Stars and recommendation!

Witty, engaging and engrossing, The Duke I Once Knew is a captivating Regency charmer that kicks off Olivia Drake’s enchanting new series, Unlikely Duchesses.

As the youngest daughter of elderly parents, Abigail Linton’s life has been entirely dedicated to looking after her family. After the death of her parents, Abigail’s responsibilities hadn’t lessened but merely shifted to looking after her siblings’ children. Nobody in her family seems to much care about Abigail’s wants, needs or desires, but they treat her as an unpaid servant whose sole purpose is to cater to their every whim. No longer willing to be the family’s drudge anymore, Abigail decides to be the mistress of her own destiny at long last and to apply for a job as a governess on a neighboring estate where she can earn her own living, have her own money and be the one calling the shots. However, there is a catch: her employer is going to be the man who broke her heart fifteen years ago whom she has never quite managed to forget: Maxwell Bryce, the Duke of Rothwell.

Not having clapped eyes on Maxwell for all these years, Abigail knows that the likelihood of seeing him again are extremely slim. Her new absentee employer probably does not even remember her after fifteen years, so Abigail is looking forward to her fresh start and to being her own woman, however, her plans for autonomy fly out of the window when Maxwell shocks everyone by coming home and reappearing – and the one thing he has certainly not done is forget Abigail! That old spark kindles immediately and with first love being the sweetest, will it be second time lucky for Maxwell and Abigail? Or has too much water flown under the bridge for the two of them to even contemplate a future together?

Maxwell had been madly in love with Abigail fifteen years ago, but when their relationship had ended suddenly and with no explanation, he thought that Abigail did not reciprocate his feelings for her. As Abigail insists that it was Maxwell who had called time on their relationship, will they find the courage to right old wrongs and admit the truth about the depth of their feelings for one another? Or are they going to let this second chance at happiness slip through their fingers?

The Duke I Once Knew is a terrific Regency romance written with flair, panache and plenty of heart. Deliciously witty and wonderfully moving, The Duke I Once Knew is a historical tale that sparkles with stylish prose, red-hot passion, searing emotion and uplifting romance. Abigail and Max are delightful characters whose chemistry is off the charts and readers are sure to be completely and utterly mesmerized by their powerful love story and will be kept awake way past their bedtime eagerly turning the pages desperate to find out what happens next.

An outstanding reunion romance fans of the genre are simply going to adore, Olivia Drake’s The Duke I Once Knew is not to be missed!

I really wanted to review this based on the synopsis and the romantic cover. I found the beginning similar to many historical romances, a family with opinions and mealtime views. I found they did force their ways onto Abigail too much and was glad when she spoke up and said she wanted to do what she wanted to do- be a Governess and get away from the estate where she had grown up and spent a life caring for her younger siblings and family. It did seem unfair to me that that responsibility fell on her as she was the youngest. I was annoyed that responsibilities were not shared more.
I wanted more of an insight into Abigail’s childhood and life in the house rather than just the fact that she looked around and felt the walls closing in. I did feel like the family manipulated and ignored her, expecting her to act in certain ways at all times.
I must admit, I took awhile to get into this but as soon as Abby stated her intention to leave the house, I was rooting for her. I did want more about her feelings and the actual process of leaving. More emotions perhaps, memories or more detail when getting ready to leave. I was sure she would have felt more, despite she left the place on a difficult note with her family.
There was not enough of a transition for me between the house and the arrival at Max’s. I know it was nearby but felt that could be more atmospheric.
I enjoyed how she and Max met again and much of the book. The romance was romantic as was the awkwardness at them meeting again. Thr ending was too rushed. I wanted more time taken over the letters.
Good points I will take away from this are: The development of Abigail’s character and I was rooting for her constantly. Max was a little rude and irritating at times but represented well.
I felt drowned in the language of the era and was struggling to unserstand her family’s way of talking but I did see them as self-absorbed. Clarity in the dialogue was needed and I felt more description rather than dialogue would have helped. It was important in the beginning when Abby’s family were putting across their point of view.
Thanks to Olivia Drake and St Martin’s Press for my ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review and a blog tour slot.

Previous love becomes the governess of former love's estate since he is never there, but he reappears. It was the standard fare of a second chance love. I enjoyed it.

Sexy Max and sweet Abby. Will they make the most of their second chance at love? I liked these two and definitely rooted for them from the beginning when Max was such a sexy rogue and Abby appeared to be a doormat for her family. Not much to say about Max but...Swoon! Abby grew on me as her personality come through. A peace maker with such a lovely heart. She's a terrific heroine. The would-be lovers were kept apart by nefarious acts and each blaming the other. They have to work past the hurt feelings to get to the good stuff and when they do it's hot. A slow build to a heck of a whammy. An entertaining sweet romance with an interesting cast characters thanks to Max's business and his entourage. I liked the maturity in the characters. Loved Gwen and hope she gets her own story.

This was a second-chance romance with the governess. I really liked Abby. She was selfless and devoted to her family who didn’t deserve her. I liked how Max changed. When he first arrived at his estate, he was arrogant and a jerk. As he grew closer to Abby, he reclaimed his old self that had been shoved behind a society mask.

The one thing I wished there was less of was Abby’s family. They were so selfish and and arguing over who she got to act as an unpaid house maid to next! They didn't think to give her the season she missed out on.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher.

“The Duke I Once Knew” is such an amazing work! It has the power to draw the reader into that beautiful England atmosphere when ladies were properly educated and had to abide certain rules. What the author did was to give us a movie in words on pages. Her descriptions, the tone of her writing fit that time perfectly. I loved it and I cannot say it more openly!

Abigail Linton has been at the beck and call of her family, always there when any of them needed her. She always put her own interests second, because nothing is more important than family. Until one day when she decides to put an end to it and start living her own life instead of living in the shadows for them. She takes a position as a governess for her first and only love’s sister, knowing he, Duke of Rothwell, was out of town, with no intention of returning very soon. Still, life has other plans for our sweet Abby and they are reunited once again. Fifteen years apart has done little to send her feelings into oblivion, but his lack of response at her letters broke her heart. She is not willing to fall down that road, especially taking into account his reputation.

I loved our main characters so much. I loved Abby’s quick mind, her manners, her way of avoiding conflict and always being friendly. She quickly wins the heart of the duke’s sister and also the employees at the manner. Always having a proper behavior, she sets a good example for the young Gwen. As for Max, our duke, he has had to deal with heartbreak as well and for the same reason. Something brought them apart, but can they stay that way? Or will feelings reappear? With envy, enemies and fifteen years between them, Max and Abby will have to learn once again to trust.

Olivia Drake brings us yet another beautiful, beautiful story, with two main characters with an interesting background. The writing style is so fitting and it has an enticing charm to it. I was mesmerized by the world, the chatter, the laughter and society rules. If you are in the mood of a great regency romance, this is the book for you! 5 stars and all my appreciation for the author for this amazing work!

I usually love Olivia Drake's book but I found this one to be my least favourite so far. The story was decent but it wasn't one that I just couldn't put down.

It was still enjoyable though but not one I would read again but I will read the next book in the series though.



This is a light and easy read.



I am giving this 3 out of 5.

Abigaile Linton had lost both her parents to influenza last year. So her four siblings kept her busy watching their children, helping her niece get ready for her first seeason and other sundry things. She had been forced to give up her first season to take care of everyone. soon she would be a spinster and she had never been anywhere or done anything. Maxwell Bryce, the Duke of Rothwell, had not been home in fifteen years. He still didn't want to be going home. But circumstances required he and his four friends go home. They, Max and Abby, had a past. together. He said he would be back, to marry her, but hadn't.
There are some strong emotions in this story. I have to admit I really enjoyed reading it. Their first kiss since he left, he had a hard time not touching her. He wanted to help her get over not riding anymore due to her mother's fall. So many twists to the tale, the author did a great job of keeping it all together, it was smoothly written, and a delight to read. The characters were charming and so different from each other..I was rooting for her dreams to come true and his also.
I received this ARC from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed.. .

The Duke I Once Knew will delight readers who are fans of historical romance novels that are light, entertaining, and simply about two people falling in love. I love reading an older heroine in Abby. There are so few of them in historical romance that when I find one. I also loved that the characters are flawed, but still sympathetic. Especially Max. It makes the book as close to reality as it could get.
I enjoyed their story a lot and the plot and conflict worked steadily to keep the story going from start to finish. There were not a lot of slow moments and I liked the villain being the woman who wanted him for herself. Enjoyable all around and a beautiful love story.

Did you know that Olivia Drake is actually Barbara Dawson Smith? Well, don’t feel bad. I didn’t know for a long time either. I did know that I liked her writing voice and when I found out who she was, I knew why.

This is the first story in her Unlikely Duchesses series and if all the books in that series come even close to this story, I am going to really love it.

Max and Abigail were such an unlikely duo, and yet I could see the attraction and feel their feelings toward each other evolve with the story.

If you’re a fan of second chance romances then I highly recommend you pick this one up. You’ll have a lot of fun reading it.

Melanie for b2b

This is a classic second-chance historical romance, embellished with an overbearing family and a jealous rival. Max and Abby were childhood sweethearts, cruelly separated by time and circumstance. When they finally meet again (in one of the most awkward remeetings ever), it seems too much has passed for them to rekindle what once was.

The characters were varied and interesting, even if a few were a bit stock standard. In fact, this was my main quibble with this novel. I enjoyed the read overall, but I didn't find it particularly memorable.

If you like historical romance, this is a decent read. I would recommend it, but wouldn't call it unmissable.

I received an ARC through St Martin's Press; all opinions are my own.

Abigail Linton and Maxwell Bryce had romantic feelings for each other when young, but Max and his infant sister were brought to London after his mother's death. Fifteen years later, Abigail had gotten fed up with her older siblings perpetually using her to soothe their lives with no consideration for her wants. She accepts the post of governess for Max's younger sister, thinking that he would be away from the estate. Circumstances send him back to the estate along with his libertine friends, and the two meet again for the first time in fifteen years.

The Duke I Once Knew is part of the Unlikely Duchesses series of romance novels. This stands alone, and we see the relationships that Abby and Max have with everyone around them, not just with each other. The history between Abby and Max is laid out slowly as they remember and discuss it, and the details of their past are revealed naturally. This does mean the romance part starts off relatively slowly, though the attraction and romantic feelings had been simmering for the fifteen years they were apart. They fixate on their misunderstandings and their feelings, and reluctantly let go of them in time. There are a number of romance novel tropes that play into this novel so some plot points can be accurately predicted.

I liked Abby and Gwendolyn, her teenage charge that had been isolated for such a long time. Max's friends were irritating every time they made an appearance, and I certainly shared Abby's frustration with her much older siblings dictating her life without even consulting her. Of course, Abby and Max ultimately reveal their true feelings and come together again. The journey to get there was a fun one to follow.

2.5 Wine Glass #Review of The Duke I Once Knew by Olivia Drake
Kimberly's Thoughts:

"Though she loved her family dearly , she yearned for something more. Something of her own choosing."

First in the Unlikely Duchesses series, we have a heroine wanting to make a change. Abby was the surprise baby, her older siblings were already out of the house as she grew up. She ends up taking care of her older parents, missing a debut in London, and eventually landing into a role as caregiver for her nieces and nephews. It is when her family is arguing over who gets to have her that Abby decides she would like some control and freedom in her life. She decides to become a governess for the younger sister of the Duke of Rothwell, who just so happens to be her childhood love.

"Her rapt gaze followed the dusting of black hair that narrowed to a line, trailing downward across his flat belly to disappear inside his breeches . He looked every inch the wicked rake that young ladies were warned to avoid.
Thirty-year-old spinsters ought to know better, too."

This story was filled with cliches and tropes that help make up the backbone of romance and while they provided the, somewhat, requisite sweet and romantic moments, it also gave this a been there and done that feel. You won't get a fresh take or be particularly inspired by this story but you will like the heroine, she saves this from getting the mediocre tag and raised the rating from two to three stars. Her family is not malicious in their selfishness or obliviousness to Abby possibly having her own wants and needs but they are still selfish and oblivious. The author did a wonderful job infusing and relaying Abby's emotions to the reader, her quiet determination and fear from stepping out on her own. There wasn't villainous family members or a one eighty change from Abby, she still wanted to be in her family's lives but didn't want theirs to be hers. I thought towards the later half we lost a little bit of Abby as the focus shifted to the hero, Max, and the tired “Don't love because it can weaken you”.

"It was an unsettling thing for a man to question the state of his life. Especially when only a few days ago, he’d found it to be perfectly satisfactory."

The cliches I mentioned before, really hit hard on Max. He is the child of a marriage where his father loved his mother more than she loved him and he now feels he has to shun all love connections. There is a Misunderstanding that has him hardening his childhood heart against Abby but other than a quick plot trick, it is discussed (Thank-you!) and while not completely solved, figured out enough to not be a problem between them anymore in the first half. Abby does outshine him but he also doesn't ever break out of the duke, rake, and scared of love mold; he just isn't interesting or memorable. Their sex scenes do come in the second half but as there wasn't much emotional build up to them, they still ended up feeling abrupt. As a consequence, I can't say I was ever too invested in their romance or caught any sparks from them.

Along with the sweet, fun, and romantic cliches and tropes, there were some very tired ones. There is a “villainous” woman who wants Max and plays into the one dimensional social climbing, jealous other woman. This used to be a favorite of romance but it has been tending to move away from it and at this time, I much rather see female friendships or at least villainous women with some depth (in a time period where it was tough for women, this can be written as intelligent and powerful stratagem).

All in all, this had a sweet inspiriting heroine, Basic Ben hero, tired other woman character, and some possible interest in reading their stories secondary characters.

"Oh, hell, why deny it? He was in love with Abby. And nothing in his life had ever shaken him so much."


TO BE POSTED 01.07.19

What should have been a bright future for two young people in love became a nightmare that both endured in their own way. Promised letters between them, contact to keep the dreams alive were never received… by either. Each believed the other had set them aside, that their love wasn’t enough, and they each changed from what they might have been… to what they are today. One rake out for his own enjoyments, and one spinster at the beck and call of her family. Until Abby said no. Finally said no. She’s quickly approaching her thirtieth birthday without once experiencing anything remotely exciting or adventurous… it was time she did. Even if that was only taking a governess position with the sister of the man she once believed to hold her future. At least it was an adventure, and not one she’d soon forget.

The letters that were to be a lifeline between Abby and Max were never delivered… to either of them. And that means there is a mystery afoot that needs to be solved before they have even a remote possibility of a second chance at love or their future.

Fifteen years is a long time to allow discontent and bitterness to take over one’s life but it is what has happened. Now they are faced with not only finding out what happened but also with the feelings that never went away… but did change in some ways.

There are interesting twists in “The Duke I Once Knew” that kept me on my toes. I cannot say that I really liked the people Abby and Max are today or what we are presented with as their personalities. They each are stubborn, bull-headed and believe they are in the right, even when truths come to light. I enjoyed their story, yet I never felt like I was in their corner fighting for them.

I would recommend this story, it’s a good tale just not one that I was deeply invested in. (My take may be vastly different than yours so you should always make up your own mind.) I will continue the series for I enjoy Ms. Drake’s work and look forward to the next story.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

It took me a while to get into this book, in fact, I’ll go as far as to say I didn’t really enjoy the first part of the novel. Fortunately, that just made the happily ever after sweeter in the long run. The Duke I Once Knew combines all the fun romance novel tropes including second chance romance, a governess heroine, a libertine hero, and a crazy house party.

Once the hero and heroine had worked out their misunderstandings, I really started to enjoy their relationship. Abby was a great heroine. I loved that she was a caretaker at heart, but didn’t let her need to take care of the hero stop her from standing up to him. She was multidimensional and I was completely engaged in her from the beginning. As I mentioned, the fact that the first part of the book didn’t really flow for me made the last part of the book where everything “clicked” that much better.

The main two reasons I didn’t enjoy the first part of the story were the more formal historical romance writing style and the hero’s indolent attitude. I would compare Olivia Drake’s writing style to that of a Mary Balogh or Eloisa James. Lovely prose, it just takes a while to get used to. I also think Ms. Drake added a few too many unnecessary plot elements.

The hero was so dissolute at the beginning of the book, I had a hard time believing his redemption arc, especially because it happened so quickly. I disliked him a little too much. While I understood his motivations by the end, he often came off as spoiled and entitled.

Overall, I think setting up a new series can be difficult and the great ending, as well as the hero’s eventual redemption, made this book palatable. I will probably end up continuing the series depending on which characters get their own book next.

**I received an ARC of this book in order to provide an honest review**

This is a lovely book with a heroine who isn't afraid to step away from her comfort zone -- and seek a job (horrors!) so she can find some independence from her family, even one she loves. At almost 30, Abigail (Abby) Jane Linton, wants to make her own way and she'll even risk becoming the governess to the little sister of the man she once loved. Maxwell Bryce, now the Duke of Rothwell, broke Abby's young heart -- but since he never goes home, she figures she will be safe. Of course, it wouldn't be a love story if the two characters didn't meet. Max shows up, party in hand including a woman he hopes to make his mistress, and the story takes off from there. There is a misunderstanding from their youth, and the return to trust and understanding is not easy. Olivia Drake pens another satisfying read. (I received an advance copy from NetGalley. Opinions are mine.

Part of a charming series called the Cinderella Spinsterhood, The Duke I Once Knew tells the story of a pair of innocent teenagers forced apart by circumstances and denied the comfort even of friendship. Abigail is left behind with her family, needed to be a support to her mother after a disabling fall, while Max is swept off to London with his ducal father.

Fast forward fifteen years and Abigail is trapped in an endless cycle between relatives, needed to be a support to siblings and their children of various ages. When the opportunity arises to become a governess to the Duke of Rothwell’s teenage sister, she jumps at it, safe in the knowledge that Max himself hasn’t set foot in Hampshire since that long-ago summer.

She’s barely been in the house a few days when Max arrives, though… with his latest paramour and a group of less-than-reputable friends! Abigail can’t abandon Lady Gwen in the face of such company, and soon the old fire is sparking to life between her and Max again.

Anyone who’s ever chafed under the weight of family duty will feel sympathy for Abby, who was essentially cheated of a chance to marry by years spent caring for her parents, and feel anger at her siblings who not only permitted it but perpetuated it with their expectations that she continue her position as unpaid assistant to the family.

As a rake, Max’s behaviour was both reprehensible and hypocritical, but to his credit being confronted with the truth of his actions and his feelings for Abigail made him realize the error of his ways. It was fairly hilarious when Abby turned the tables on him after a passionate interlude, treating him to a taste of his own medicine and making him see how badly he’d behaved.

This was a very enjoyable story, though I did spot a few anachronisms such as a Regency-era governess having a clock on her bedside table, and Lady Elise’s name mysteriously changing to Evelyn at one point, but these are errors I hope would be corrected before release of the final version for publication, since I was reading an advance release copy. I have no hesitation in awarding this five stars as an excellent read.