Natalie is a free speaking, independent young American woman who has travelled to England to see that the young child in her care finds his home with his grandparents. She has seen a lot in America – from war, to brutality by the British to illness and death. It has changed her views on life and people, including her own family that moved to America from England.

So you can just imagine how Natalie first felt when she met Hadrian – a wealthy Duke on his way to secure a bride that he did not love. But what I think no one was quite expecting was the attraction that bubbled up immediately between the two and their internal struggles with it. Neither wanted to be attracted to the other – he stood for everything she disliked and she was just the complete opposite of what society would expect from a Duchess.

I loved the personalities of our two main characters, they definitely keep you on your toes while you are reading! Natalie is a breath of fresh air – full of her own opinions and not afraid to share it. But she also has this vulnerable side to her, as she has seen and witnessed some horrible things in her time in America at the hands of the British. I loved watching Hadrian grow into his own person, not afraid to make a decision that goes against society.

The novel was a fun and unpredictable ride from start to finish. I enjoyed the plot and our main characters. A great holiday time read!

Good book, but the plot was a little too predictable. I knew much of what was going to happen before it happened, and really only questioned how each problem was going to be resolved. The ending was a bit abrupt, and I would have liked a little more closure on what happened.

Overall, a good read and worth reading if you like historical romance.

Such a great book in a great series, but it can also be read alone. That’s what makes this book so special. I love the characters and the interaction with them. Thank you for writing such a great book book Olivia!

Another great read by Olivia Drake. I was so engrossed in the story I didn't know what was going on around me.
Mr. Duke and Natalie had a good rapport. Little Leo was cute too

**I received an arc in an exchange for an honest review.**
I had such high hopes for this book. There was nothing particularly wrong with the story but there was nothing particularly memorable either.
There were a lot of familiar tropes. A lot of stereotypical characters for this type of story.

Wonderful Regency romance. The characters are entertaining, interesting, snobbish, haughty and loving. Ms. Drake did a wonderful job developing the characters and storyline. Hadrian the Duke changes throughout the story yet at times are unsure of his stance. Natalie is a remarkable woman from the Americas arriving soon after the British/American war concluded. There’s some suspense and angst here and there. I received a complementary copy of this book via Net Galley and chose to write a review. I look forward to reading future books by Ms Drake.

Fabulous story from the very first page, I loved the characters they had a great rapport that made this a pleasure to read.

This one took me a while to get through, because life this school year has just been crazy, but in the end it turned out to be a really enjoyable story with strong characters, a captivating plot, and a multifaceted conflict that kept the story moving well. I really liked it. A stuffy English duke gets his life turned upside down by an outspoken American woman who refuses to curtsy and isn’t afraid to speak her mind. Their love story built slowly and felt real, not rushed, which was really nice. There isn’t anything I didn’t like about this story. Hadrian and Natalie are great together and Leo is just adorable. I definitely recommend this story, whether you have read book one or not, this one does stand on its own really well.

There were things I liked about this book and things I didn't. I liked the Duke, his mother and Leo. I felt all three characters bought something new to the genre and I looked forward to reading what they would say. I liked the heroine Natalie too. She had so much integrity and grit. However, I felt a bit bored and found so much repetition.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher for my honest review.

Forever My Duke by Olivia Drake was a wonderful story. I enjoyed it so much I have read it twice now and will probably read it again and again. It was one of those books that grabs you from the start and doesn't let go until the end. There was so much going on from massacres, family betrayal, kidnapping, friendship, loyalty, family, HEA and so much more. I look forward to reading more stories from Ms Drake.

If vision breaks and my own life had not interfered, I would not have put this book down until the end. I was immediately enthralled by the characters. Family drama, intrigue and an unlikely romance written in an engaging voice made this book a wonderful read.

Hadrian Ames, the eighth Duke of Clayton is on his way to visit his cousins and to see if Lady Ellen has grown into a woman who should become his duchess. He was supposed to have married her older sister, Audrey, but she fell in love with another, and after her father disowned her , they moved to America. His mother would rather he marry for love, but after being raised by his cousin Lord Godwin he doesn't believe in love. However, his plans go array, when he meets American Natalie Fanshaw and little Leo at an Inn.

Natalie grew up in Pennsylvania, the daughter of a senator, raised by her father after her mother died (in childbirth ?). After her father's sudden death, Audrey invited her to join them to teach in a mission in a fenced compound in the wilderness. There she found a purpose. But the compound was invaded by a group of renegade British soldiers, who massacred most of the inhabitants. Natalie had managed to hide the children, and made a deathbed promise to Audrey to bring Leo back to his family. While Natalie would have been happy to raise Leo herself, she reluctantly has brought him back to England. When they miss the mailcoach, Hadrian who is already intrigued by Natalie, who refuses to pandor to Nobility and charmed by Leo, offers them a ride, not realizing that they are going to the same place. When Lord Godwin, doesn't believe Natalie, Hadian decides to adopt Leo himself and realizes that he no longer is interested in a loveless marriage. Can he convince Natalie to stay in England and forgo her dream to open her own school in Pennsylvania?

I read an ARC provided by NetGalley.com. This is my unbiased and voluntary review.

Forever and a Duke is the second book in the Unlikely Duchesses series by Olivia Drake. Although part of a series it can be read as a standalone book. If you are anything like me though, you will enjoy this one so much that you will want to go back and read the first book in the series before continuing when the next new books are released.

Hadrian Ames, the Duke of Clayton is fed up of the marriage mart, fed up of eager mothers pushing their eligible daughters at him. With that in mind, he thinks the perfect way to stop them and to uphold a family arrangement would be to marry his second cousin, a young woman much younger than himself. He is on his way to visit that cousin, to decide if a marriage would work for them when he meets Natalie.

Natalie, an American, has no love for England or the aristocracy. She is in the country to fulfil her promise of taking her charge, Leo, to his Grandfather. Leo's mother was estranged from her father but it was her dying wish that Leo was to be kept safe and given the best start in life by being brought up by family.

Practically from the first moment that they met Hadrian was intrigued by Natalie especially as she didn't curtsy to him as his station demanded. She was one to shake hands, to feel and be equal to every person regardless of their station in life. When he realises that the young boy in her care is actually the grandson of the man he is heading off to see he offers them a lift to the estate.

From there the story turns to one where Natalie finds herself having to prove Leo is indeed a member of the family. None of the family seems willing to accept him except for Hadrian that is. During the time it takes for investigations to take place a firm bond develops between Hadrian and Leo, and an immense attraction takes place between Hadrian and Natalie. It's one that both try to ignore, but the minute they give in to that first kiss there are veritable fireworks! Can they have a future together when they are from such different backgrounds and both want different things from life? What of Leo, can his identity be proven?

This certainly wasn't a quick read, you definitely get your money's worth. When I saw the length of the book I hoped that I wouldn't find it to be full of stuff and nonsense, anything to just pad out the story. I am happy to report that every word, every paragraph was essential to the story. The story was well thought out, the characters believable, the passionate scenes were beautifully written and most importantly for me, there was a happy ending.

Do I recommend this book, yes I do. It's not for those that fancy a quick read, but if you don't then you should love this story.

I love historical romances and this book was a good one. There is a wonderful interaction between the main characters Natalie and Hadrian. Natalie, a stanch American has promised her friend on her deathbed that she will bring her son Leo back to England to meet his family. On the way, she meets Hadrian, a died in the toll English Duke. This Duke is going to the same place to meet what he thinks might be his future bride. The electricity between the two characters is instant. She doesn't care for his arrogance and he thinks she is a bit common. I especially enjoyed the interaction between them. This story has an excellent plot and eventually an happy ending. An excellent read.

Based on the synopsis and my previous enjoyment of this author’s work, I had high hope for this story. Unfortunately for me the overall storyline fell flat. The pacing was slow making it difficult to keep my interest.

Book Title: Forever My Duke
Author: Olivia Drake
Pub Date: December 31, 2109

***ARC was provided to me by Net Galley and the Publisher for a fair and honest review***

Overall rating: 4/5

Heroine (Natalie Fanshawe): 4/5 Natalie comes from America with Hadrian’s young cousin in tow. She has strong protective instincts for the boy and would love to go back and start a school.

Hero (Hadrian Ames, Duke of Clayton): 4/5 He is in need of a wife but has his ideal image of what he thinks should be picked out in the form of his uncle’s daughter. He is kind, focused, and driven to get what he wants.

Plot: 4/5 Hadrian thinks he knows what he wants in a wife until Natalie shows up during a visit to his uncle’s house with his cousin’s young orphaned son. The family is slow to recognize him and Hadrian takes the pair under his wing. Will his image of his ideal wife change due to an American?

Personal Review: I liked seeing the ton from Natalie’s perspective and watching as Hadrian jumps through hoops to convince her that it was a life that she may be able to live.

I love any regency romance or anything with a duke. This was my first read from Olivia Drake, and I would definitely read more from her in the future.

The Duke of Clayton needs a bride and has the perfect one picked out until he meets Natalie Fanshawe. She’s the opposite of what wants in a wife plus she’s American.
Natalie doesn’t particularly like the handsome duke who must be spoiled just like every other British lord. He didn’t work for his wealth and status. He can’t understand what it’s like to be a busy woman, planning to open a school while trying to reunite her dying best friend’s son with his English relatives.

This story is well written and a fairly standard historical romance. The heroine is very judgmental toward the hero even as he helps her with her mission to reunite Leo with his family. It didn’t endear her to me at all.

Hadrian Ames, age 29 and the eighth Duke of Clayton, has been delayed by bad weather as he travels to have dinner with the family of his prospective bride, Lady Ellen Godwin, age 18. When his father died, Hadrian was just 6-years-old and at the behest of his late father, went to live with the Earl of Godwin, the man’s cousin. His mother was furious as she only got to see her son a couple times a year. His father and Lord Godwin had made a contract years ago that Hadrian would marry Godwin’s daughter, Ellen, and he has decided it is time to honor his father’s request. His mother is against the match because she feels that while they grew up together, there is no love between them. This does not bother Hadrian as he feels that Ellen would be a good duchess.

At the inn where he staying overnight, Hadrian meets a beautiful young woman caring for a young boy named Leo. Natalie Farshawe, age 26, has brought the boy from America to live with his grandfather now that his parents have passed away. As Leo tends to be a rascal running off and such, Hadrian ends up helping Natalie to find him. It turns out that the grandfather is Lord Godwin. At the man’s house, he is reluctant to recognize Leo as he had disowned his daughter when she married a minister and moved to America. While they wait for proof from Lord Godwin’s solicitor that Leo is actually his grandson, Natalie stays there and she and Hadrian enjoy getting to know one another. Even though Natalie is unused to the respect given the English aristocracy, she soon learns what it all means. Natalie is the daughter of the late senator from Pennsylvania in America and was used to entertaining many people in America’s government. In addition, there are hints that she may have even higher ranked relatives.

Is there a way for Natalie to remain in England and not have to leave Leo? Could she and Hadrian had a future together?

Totally delightful book! I loved the creation of the plot and the characters and all quite real and intriguing. There is romance and intrigue both in this book so enjoy!! Both Natalie and Hadrian are strong people and I think they would make a perfect couple.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I love Natalie Fanshawe. She is a no nonsense person. She plans on being a school teacher when she returns to America. She needs to honor the final request of her friend. Bring her son home to his grandparents in England. You will love Leo from the very beginning. He is so much like a little boy. Always curious about everything. Always getting into mischief. Duke Hadrian Clayton is on his way to visit the man who raised him and a possible engagement. Leo got under his feet while playing. From the very beginning, Leo reminded him of his younger self. Natalie is always going on about how Americans believe that everyone is equal. No need to curtsy all the time. They clash in the nicest way. Both are fighting their feelings. Luckily Clayton has a friend in Natalie's grandfather. She doesn't stand a chance. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.

This was a cute story, however I felt there was some discrepancies with the time period. It was not what I expected for a book of this genre. I was looking for a book with more stock to it but instead got a cute book that did not hold my attention.




** I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for a honest review**