Forever My Duke by author Olivia Drake is a vibrant, well-told story of an American woman, Natalie Fanshawe, who loved her best friend Audrey enough to fulfill her dying wish. She asked Natalie to accept the responsibility of traveling to England to take Audrey's young son Leo to his English relatives after Leo's parents' deaths. Natalie is a very strong character with very strong opinions about British aristocracy. She believes in equality of all and scorns the aristocracy. When she meets Hadrian Ames, Duke of Clayton she slams right up against her views and her attraction to the Duke. I enjoyed all the interactions between Natalie and the Duke as they traveled along the road to their HEA.

Review by 2shay...............

I love Natalie to pieces! She has a severe attitude about British royalty, an attitude I personally share! But her attitude, and..ahem...mine...aren’t always right. There may be times when it’s best to just forget your personal opinions, and follow the local customs.

Then there is Leo, the orphan son of Natalie’s best friend, a friend who was killed in America during a raid on their outpost. Leo is a precious little thing, full of mischief and devoted to Natalie. By her friend’s request, Natalie is delivering him to relatives in England. Relatives who may not accept him.

Hadrian Ames, the eighth Duke of Clayton, was swept off his feet by the beautiful and completely unpretentious Natalie when she entered his room while looking for her charge, Leo. Being smitten, he forgives her annoying insistence on ignoring his title. That was a big plus for me.

This author has done  beautiful job of highlighting the obvious fallacies of birthright status while eventually conceding that some, particularly one, handsome Duke works hard and is supportive of the many he employ.

If you’re a fan of well-done historical fiction, you’ll love this one. If you aren’t, the significant ways that current culture makes this book relevant today will change your mind. Pick up a copy and...

Enjoy! ARC graciously provided by St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for an honest and voluntary review.

Natalie Fanshawe is on a quest to honor her best friend's request to take Leo to his family in England after a horrific massacre where Audrey, Leo's mother, and his father were murdered. Being an American in England so soon after the War of 1812, Natalie knew she wasn't going to be well-received, especially by anyone in the aristocracy. But she had hope that Leo would be taken in by his grandparents who were aristocratic, and be loved and raised properly. She was met with doubt of Leo's lineage and outright hostility.

Hadrian is the Duke of Clayton and quickly becomes an advocate of her and Leo, much to the chagrin of his uncle (Audrey's father). But he's got a quest of his own. He isn't getting any younger and he needs a wife and an heir. He and Audrey were promised when they were still in the cradle, but when Audrey marries a commoner and flees to America with her minister husband, she is disowned from the family. That leaves the lovely Lady Ellen for him to court. But there's nothing between them. He's much older than she is. She thinks he's a stuffy old man that's a stick in the mud. She has another interest somewhere else. Hadrian is a man of honor and doing the right thing as far as society goes. He doesn't want to do anything to embarrass himself of his family and is going to pursue Lady Ellen. It's his duty.

Leo is a real pistol. He's curious and often runs off while Natalie isn't looking. He hides and makes her look for him. It irritates her--it irritated me--but she never punished him. He'd witnessed his parents' murder and she figured he'd been through enough. That boy needed some discipline, but his antics and questions were endearing at the same time. He was who brought Natalie and Hadrian together.

This was a tough situation for both Hadrian and Natalie. In addition to Leo being caught in the mess of his questionable lineage, Natalie refused to curtsy or call anyone by their proper title (Your Grace, Milady, etc.) She shook hands with everyone instead, an outrage to the aristocracy but she had nothing but disdain for it anyway. Hadrian is a Duke and has aristocratic friends and family who saw or would see Natalie's actions as an insult. So, here is a Duke and a commoner trying to take care of six-year-old boy who was born and raised on the American frontier and trying to fight an intense attraction between themselves. Interesting, indeed!

I love a lot of tension in the books I read and this was spot on. There were a few instances of some steam, but it wasn't over the top. I liked how Natalie wasn't afraid to tell Hadrian what she wanted. She lived for the moment and she was wildly in love with him. He exercised a lot of self-control. I could feel his pain and agony resonating from the pages. She was beautiful, smart, and brave. He wanted her as badly as she wanted him. I loved how he teased her and flirted with her. She wasn't shocked or appalled and gave it right back. The way these two worked was simply magnificent. They had a common goal with Leo and fell in love along the way to attaining that goal. It was wonderful to feel them falling for each other and for him to open not only his mind, but his heart.

So many good feels, a great amount of tension, and a feel good ending made this book a must-read. It is part of a series, but can easily be read as a stand-alone novel.

Oh, one more thing. I liked how Hadrian called Leo "brat" all the time. He didn't do it in a mean way and I could see him calling Leo that for the rest of his life. It fit.

*I received this book from NetGalley

An American, Natalie Fanshawe, is entrusted with the care of a little boy, Leo, whose grandfather happens to be an English Lord. How does a woman that has been taught by her father to distrust the British aristocracy come to terms with bringing a young boy into its world? Natalie Fanshawe is a strong-willed, opinionated, and fiercely protective woman. Natalie made a promise to her dying friend that she would bring Leo to his grandfather. On their journey to England and Lord Godwin; the precocious little Leo, keeps things interesting with his antics. One such time brings Natalie into contact with Hadrian, the Duke of Clayton and things become a little complicated....

I really enjoyed this story. It was interesting to throw an American woman into the mix; not long after the end of the Revolutionary War, to have to go to England. The characters are well written and believable. I always enjoy a strong female lead and this definitely has that. The journey of discovery between Natalie and Hadrian is a joy to watch unfold.

Regency-era romances have always been a favorite of mine to read. I love immersing myself in those types of novels. So, when I saw that Forever My Duke was up for review, I jumped on it. I couldn’t wait to read about the American who captures the Duke. While I enjoyed the book, the female main character got on my nerves. I wasn’t a fan of how the six-year-old was treated by the Earl and his family.

Forever My Duke is the second book in the Unlikely Duchesses series. It can be read as a stand-alone. I did enjoy that. I am not a fan of picking up a book mid-series and then realizing I have to read the previous books. But, at the same time, I wish that there was more of a tie in to the first book. There was no mention of Abby and Max in this book. So, yeah, complete opposite reactions from me.

I did like Natalie. She had gone through a lot before arriving in England. My heart broke for her when she revealed what happened on the day of the massacre. What she did to protect the children. My pity for her did wane a little when she opened her mouth. She was abrasive and defensive. Her opinions on England’s hierarchy, while right, made her even harsh. There were points in the book where I wanted to reach in there and shake her. It got that bad. Plus, she wasn’t a perfect childminder. Leo disappeared several times while in her care. Drove me nuts.

I had to agree with a comment made during the book about Hadrian being uptight. He was very uptight. I loved seeing him gradually unbend. He became an interesting person to read about because of that. I did think it was creepy that he wanted to a) marry his 2nd cousin and b) marry her knowing she was barely 17. I know that is how it was done back then, but it didn’t lessen the ick factor for me. I loved how gentle he was with Natalie and Leo. Made my heart swoon. Of course, I never doubted his feelings for Natalie (who did). His actions at the end of the book with Leo spoke volumes.

I LOVED Leo. For a child who had undergone an extremely traumatic experience, he didn’t act like it. He acted like a typical six-year-old boy. I loved it. I loved that the author didn’t try and make him act like a miniature adult. Instead, he got into situations that a child his age would typically get into. Well, except for the end, with his uncle. But how that ended was flipping hilarious.

I didn’t get a romantic connection between Natalie and Hadrian until halfway through the book. Hadrian was focused on wooing his cousin (which resulted in an amusing secondary storyline). The romance didn’t start until they were at his house in London. Even then, I wouldn’t describe it as an immediate thing. It took some time for Hadrian and Natalie even to acknowledge their feeling. But once they did, it took off.

There were several intertwined storylines in Forever My Duke. The main storyline, Natalie delivering Leo to his maternal grandfather, was intertwined with Hadrian and Natalie’s romance. Intertwined with both storylines was the secondary storyline with Leo’s uncle and Natalie’s mysterious parentage. All of these storylines did make for an engaging read.

The end of Forever My Duke was one of the best I have read to date. Leo was hilarious. I liked that Natalie made amends with certain people from her past. I do wonder who the next book will be about.

Copy received via Netgalley for an honest review

Forever My Duke is my first Olivia Drake read, so it is good to say that as this is book 2 in the series, it can be read as a standalone.

This story did start out a little slow, however it did pick up the pace after a while.

I am a big fan of Natalie - she feels very progressive compared to the other ladies in the story. She won't be bullied, she won't take being insulted, and she couldn't give a stuff about what everyone expects her to do - she does it and she owns it.

Now, Clayton. I wanted to love him, I really did. However he came across as a bit of a bully, an arrogant ar$e and a bit of a flibbertigibbet. I mean, one minute he was off to propose to one lady, then next he was all about someone else. I did like things that he did for Natalie and her charge for the most part, but still, not so much at times.

This book just didn't seem, to me, to fit in with the time period. Something just felt a bit off about it - however this could just be me.

So, whilst I did like Forever My Duke, I wasn't exactly blown away by it. I am sure it will be a favourite for many readers, just not for me.

Forever My Duke by Olivia Drake

After tragedy takes the life of her best friends, Miss Natalie Fanshawe must cross the ocean to fulfill their last requests…

If Natalie though crossing the Atlantic was an adventure, she’s in for a surprise when she must maneuver through British society… Dukes and Earls and viscounts , oh my!

The very formal Hadrian Ames, the Duke of Clayton is on his way to claim his bride. For a busy and serious minded man, this has been one of the easiest decisions of his life, for it has been made for him. It was decided by his late father and his former guardian that he would marry his Lady Elle, has second cousins and daughter of said guardian. What could go wrong?

When a snowstorm stops all travellers in their paces, all of Hadrian tidy plan blow away like fluttering snow and Natalies future becomes just as uncertain. Can mutual attraction and connection unit these vastly different personalities?

I enjoyed this story immensely, the Duke of Clayton was a perfect, his transformation tugged at your heartstrings… Natalie was a little repetitive in her belief the she could not waiver from her plans, when they were easily transferable to London or Britain. In general a fun read!

I absolutely loved this quote that is in the book description. “I find Miss Fanshawe to be quite charming—for an American.”—The Prince Regent. After reading, it will definitely make you laugh!

Forever My Duke by Olivia Drake is scheduled to release December 31st, 2019.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from St. Martin’s Press through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

#ForeverMyADuke #OliviaDrake #NetGalley #pinkcowlandreads

Forever my Duke portrays how important it is for some people to keep a promise, but it's daunting not knowing what awaits after making a long journey to honour that promise.

Hadrian is a Duke bent on doing his duty. As far as he is concerned, marriage is just an arrangement. Love only exists in romance novels.

Natalie isn't use to the British customs. Especially, how nobility is revered, even though their fame and fortune are inherited, not earned.

Hadrian is on his way to consolidate a marriage arrangement made over a decade ago, when he meets Natalie, the guardian to his second cousin. His expectations of a perfect wife are derailed as he is instantly attracted to Natalie who loathes British nobility. They end up travelling together since they have the same destination in common.

Natalie has learnt from a young age about British snobbery. She is independent and has been brought up without a class system. She has already formed her own opinion and this is reinforced by the reception she receives when she reaches her destination. Hadrian appears to be the stuck up Duke, but surprises Natalie when he shows that there is more to him that meets the eyes. There is a definite connection between them. The class division dictates that they are so wrong for each other, but does love discrinate between nobility and the common people?

This is a charming story although some of the contents does not reflect the historical period. It's a fun story with a good concept and steady pace. The characters are lovable and little Leo portrays a character of his age very well. A pleasant read.

I was kindly issued with an eARC from Netgalley and the views expressed are my personal opinion.

Natalie is an American, with little liking or respect for the class system in England. But she promised to deliver her dying friend's son his family in England. While travelling, they meet the Duke of Clayton. Although they have very different backgrounds and opinions, they also respect each others' thoughts, and, of course, are attracted to each other. This was a fun romance to read, and I'm glad that netgalley gave me the opportunity.

I enjoy a good story about a duke and this one didn’t disappoint. Natalie Fanshawe has come from America to return her ward to his family. Not very welcoming because Leo’s mom was estranged from them, the only person who does take a liking to the boy is Hadrian, the duke raised by the boy’s grandfather when his own father died at 5. Looking for a wife, he is shocked to find he is drawn to Natalie, a woman who does not like Britain’s hierarchies.

The romance is good and there is some intrigue as well. I like strong leading characters and Hadrian and Natalie are both strong and a good match for each other.

Thanks to the publisher for a review copy via NetGalley.

Hadrian Ames, the Duke of Clayton, has decided to do his duty, and marry. He's already picked out his bride. All Hadrian has to do is set his plans in motion to secure her, but everything changes when he meets the enchanting American, Natalie Fanshawe.

Natalie is in England for one reason only, to honor her best friend, Audrey's, dying wish. She must reunite Audrey's son with his family. Natalie knows parting with her young charge isn't going to be easy. Leaving behind Hadrian may prove difficult as well once she realizes how desperately she's fallen for him.

Author Olivia Duke's charming UNLIKELY DUCHESSES series continues with FOREVER MY DUKE. It is the second installment and is a real page-turner. Natalie makes a very refreshing heroine. I love her pride, strength and compassionate nature. Hadrian didn't know he needed Natalie until he met her. FOREVER MY DUKE is a great regency romp.

ARC via Edelweiss & NetGalley (I got two copies from two sources)

Trope: American falls for a British Duke

Unexpected Twist/Subplot: Bringing the son of her Friend back to England to live with his titled Grandfather. What could go wrong?

Overall I enjoyed the slight differences in tropes within having an American woman who doesn't have time for the ways of the Ton and is only doing what the dying wish of her Best Friend to return her son to his ancestral home was. No matter the drama. Recommend.

A delightful addition to Ms Drake's book series. Enjoyed the characters, loved the heroine was an American that could hold her own.

Oh I so loved this book. Nothing like a strong willed woman to bring a man to his knees. She was everything he thought he didn't want in a woman, but she turned out to be his every hearts desire. She thought her life was going down a certain path when Love through a kink in her plans.. total page turner love a good old fashioned love story..

I adore Olivia Drake's stories and this one was different and yet still wonderful! A down-to-earth American heroine and a lofty English duke clash but he soon sees he needs and wants her. The story of how it all works out is an emotional one.... Sexy, too! Loved it!

I totally enjoyed this one! A bit like Cinderella, it follows the story of an American young woman who journeys to England to keep a promise to her dying best friend to return her son, Leo to his English grandfather.

The hero/heroine were the stars here...I adored them both! Natalie is independent, brave, and fiercely loyal...as is Hadrian (who is also very swoon-worthy). And they make a perfect match!

I had not read the first in series here, but I didn’t feel that I had missed out on anything. However I definitely plan to go back to read it! Happy to add Drake to my TBR!

Thanks to #NetGalley and #StMartinsPress for providing the ARC. The opinions are strictly my own.
Out 12/31

This is the first series I have read by Olivia Drake and I am so glad I found her work. I loved this book and The Duke I Once Knew (the first book in the series) and I am excited to read more of her books. Even though these are in a series, they are stand alone books so can be read out of order without a problem. The characters are great! I love a heroine with a different outlook on life and when she isn't afraid to stand up for herself and others. Great books!

This is exactly the kind of Regency romance I like! The writing is very well done and the story flows well. The author did a great job at pacing the romance and not having unbelievable road blocks to their romance. As a Duke it is believable that Hadrian would be taken aback by a very American woman who is so unlike what he thought he was looking for in a wife. Hadrian is very proper but not written like so many romances as if he needs to be reformed. Natalie is a wonderful heroine and such a fun change of expectation as thoroughly American instead of an English lady. I enjoy banter in these type of stories and while there wasn’t really any of that as the couple didn’t have the slow warm up love/hate relationship found in so many of these novels I still really enjoyed the characters and story. I have to say I don’t enjoy the tedious bodice ripping moments and deflowering the virgin scenes that seem to be required in Regency romances and I skim through them but there were only a couple of those in this book and they did feel natural in the scenes leading up them and not contrived. My favorite Regency authors are Julia Quinn and Eloisa James and this author reminds me of them in how well written this novel is. It does lack the humor and banter of my favorite writers in this genre but this was a more serious story given the elements involved with Natalie having faced danger in America and villains afoot in England as she is trying to provide for an orphaned little boy. I am definitely interested in reading more by this author. I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The second book of the Unlikely Duchesses series, this one was utterly delightful.
The story, the characters are all well written and thought of. One can't help but love the romance.

I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

For me, Olivia Drake's novel laid the foundation for a really interesting story of class and political tensions but dropped the ball in the execution. 'Forever My Duke' attempts to reconcile issues that our current culture is wrestling with such as inequity, reconciliation, and the aftermath of harm. Drake's novel follows Natalie, an accomplished event planner and educator, to the countryside of England where she is bringing her best friend's orphaned child to grandparents that he has never met. Drake plays with a familiar romance trope--- the aristocratic child who defies their parent and is excommunicated from the family-- by having Natalie bring this American child to grandparents with the full expectation that the child will be cherished. Unfortunately, Natalie is disappointed. However, Natalie finds a champion for herself and her best friend's child in a Duke.

Drake's Duke is initially an interesting character. Immediately upon meeting Natalie and her charge, he begins to question deeply held beliefs that he has about class, forgiveness, family, the responsibility of the aristocracy, and equality. Unfortunately, I believe that Drake fails to provide the Duke with the tools necessary to confront his own privilege in a meaningful way. This failure in developing a meaningful character in the Duke, also fails to provide romance readers by with an example of how one can analyze their own privileges.

One example of an opportunity that Drake introduced into the story but failed to capitalize is the early reveal that the Duke is indirectly responsible for the violence that killed Natalie's best friend, and thus orphaned the little boy Natalie is caring for. As a member of parliament, the Duke voted in favor of the war of 1812 because "He'd always shared the Englishman's contempt for the former colonies for having had the cheek to launch a successful revolt against their mother country nearly forty years ago." However, it wasn't until he meets Natalie and her orphaned charge that became curious about the Americans and their experiences.

It's possible that I am asking too much from a romance novel, but I take this genre seriously and I believe that if an author is going to take on such large topics as reconciliation, then I expect to see some sort of conclusion reached. However, the novel is pleasantly written and the story is enjoyable (if you don't care about the clumsy rape subplot).