When a Duke Loves a Governess follows Tessa, who wants more than anything to own her own hat shop. Having lost her mother at a young age and not knowing her father, Tessa lived in an orphanage and has worked hard to achieve her goals. However, she still doesn’t have enough money for a shop. When an opportunity to work as a governess arises, Tessa jumps at the chance. Becoming a governess will give Tessa the funds for her shop and the opportunity to find her father.

With only a locket to prove her aristocratic father’s identity and an unruly child to care for, Tessa’s dream is filled with obstacles. And when she starts to fall for Guy, the duke who has hired her, Tessa’s dreams begin to change. An enemy threatening Guy’s family, a curse, secrets, and many other obstacles stand in the way of their forbidden love, which makes for a captivating and romantic read.

Guy never expected to become duke, but after several deaths in his family, the role is thrust upon him. Guy enjoyed his life abroad as a botanist, and he struggles with the new responsibility. He also now has to care for his young and uncontrollable daughter, who has lived with her grandparents while Guy was away. To top it all off, there is a supposed curse on the family that ends all of the men’s lives too soon.

I so enjoyed the love story between Guy and Tessa. They have great chemistry, and I like how their affection for each other slowly builds. Being an employer/employee and coming from different classes are huge obstacles for them, as are the other more dangerous problems that stand in their way, but Tessa and Guy work through their problems well. They make a great team, and, in addition to the romance, I like how the mysteries of the curse and Tessa’s father unfold. There were a few revelations that I didn’t expect, and I like how solving these mysteries brought Tessa and Guy closer together. They are also connected by their mutual love for Sophy.

Sophy is an out-of-control terror who has run away every other governess she’s had. Poor Sophy! Mad at being taken from her grandparents and feeling unwanted by her father, Sophy is filled with frustration, resentment, and anger. Of course, Sophy acts out and behaves terribly. Luckily, Tessa has a lot of experience with kids, and she is very patient. I love how Sophy and Tessa grow closer and how their relationship strengthens throughout the story. Tessa slowly gains her trust and love, and the feelings are reciprocated. They have a lovely bond, and Tessa is definitely a positive influence on Sophy’s (and Guy’s) life. Other characters like Carlin and Tessa (we need more of them, please!) are fabulous additions to the story as well.

I thought this was a fun historical romance with well-developed and interesting characters. The storyline is intriguing with a bit of mystery, intrigue, and a wonderful love story. Also, though it is the third book in the Unlikely Duchesses series, it can totally be read as a standalone. Thanks so much to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and the author for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

This was an absolutely-delightful, romantic romp through the Regency era. It had all the essential elements that make for a great, historical romance read. The story line was interesting, and the characters were complex and rich with life. I enjoyed this book immensely!

*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.

When a Duke Loves a Governess is an engaging historical romance with a large helping of growing attraction and a dose of intrigue. I love a strong heroine and this one has that too. I’d recommend it.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

When A Duke Loves A Governess, by Olivia Drake. Well I must say that this was a good book to read. The drama and the suspense captivated my attention. I liked that the writer wrote a story of a father and daughter’s bond. It was great to read how Guy was willing to do anything to gain just a little affection from his daughter.
I think that the writer did a great job with the betrayal of a four year olds acting out a temper tantrum. I also have to say that the entertainment was very exciting to read. I give the writer five stars with the wonderful writing in regards to Guy and Tessa’s love affair. The scene in the study was a joy to read. I look forward to reading more great writing from this author.

Oh my goodness! I liked this book so much until the end. It just stopped. Abruptly. With no telling of the wedding or how she dealt with her new relatives or how Sophy felt about gaining a mother. No nothing. Just an intimate interlude, a declaration of love and then it was as if the author forgot to put the ending on the book. There should have been at least 3 more chapters to tie up all the loose ends. It is as if the hero and heroine said "I love you" and then jumped off a cliff and the book ended. This is not good.
The heroine was an orphan who heard about a desperate duke who needed a governess. She quits her job with her abusive boss and was able to finagle a job with the hero. His daughter was a little terror, but the heroine was in charge of the younger girls in the orphanage until she ran away. The hero and heroine fight their feelings for each other until they can't. The heroine is able to connect with his daughter and get to the bottom of her anger. She works with the hero and his daughter so that they can have a relationship.
I enjoyed this book so much and I am so disappointed with the lack of ending. I wish I could recommend it, but be warned. It just abruptly ends. I wish the author could have finished the book with additional chapters so the reader knows what happened and doesn't have to assume it. Just because the agreed to marry, doesn't mean that all of the obstacles have been overcome. I give this book 2.5 stars because of the lack of ending and it is a shame because it was well written, the characters are so delightful and they developed along with the story. The setting is descriptive and the reader can imagine themselves in the setting. But the ending is just jarring.

This was a cute story, and Tessa and Guy were a sweet couple. There are two main mystery plots, and both had semi-unexpected outcomes, which was refreshing. I look forward to reading the other entries in this series.

This was a fun read. Tessa James is a millinery assistant with aspirations to open her own shop selling hats of her own design that will appeal to a younger clientele. She is saving as much of her wages as possible, but to achieve her dream will require her to discover the identity of her father and seek a loan. Her father is a noble who took advantage of her mother, who was a servant, and then cast her aside when she became pregnant. Her mother is dead and the only clue to her father’s identity is a pendant with a coat of arms on it. When she overhears two customers talking about the Duke of Carlin losing another governess for his young daughter, Sophy, she realizes that working as a governess will give her more opportunity to try to locate the coat of arms and the lord to whom it belongs.

Guy Whitby never wanted to be the Duke of Carlin. Following the death of his wife in childbirth, he left his newborn daughter in the care of her grandparents (not feeling fit to be a father) and set off on a botanical voyage, sailing around the world exploring the flora in various tropical locations, collecting samples, and doing research. Four years into the journey, he received news that his grandfather, the Duke of Carlin, had died, and Guy was the heir; his father, uncles, and cousin had all died in accidents over the years. He returns home to take up his duties as a duke and to reunite with his daughter. However, Sophy, having been poisoned against him by her grandparents, and upset at having her life disrupted, is scared of him and bad-mannered. She has chased off six governesses so far.

Tessa is just the person that Guy and Sophy need, but her service as a governess almost comes to a quick end when Guy discovers that Tessa told multiple lies to gain the position. However, Tessa is feisty and determined, convincing Guy to give her a week to prove herself. The story focuses on Tessa's efforts to reform Sophy, repair the relationship between Sophy and her father, and discover the identity of her father. However, her efforts are complicated by her growing feelings for Guy and his for her, which she knows cannot work out, as she is a mere governess and he is nobility. Numerous other complications arise, which the readers will have to discover for themselves. Tessa's search for her father has some rather surprising results. The interactions between Tessa and Sophy and Tessa and Guy are well done. The love scene between Tessa and Guy is enjoyable, with a perfect mix of her innocence and fiery spirit. The overall plot is creative, with plenty of twists and turns. I would certainly recommend this book.

I received a copy of the e-book from NetGalley in exchange for a review.

Secrets and suspense abound in Ms. Drake's third novel, WHEN A DUKE LOVES A GOVERNESS, in the Unlikely Duchesses series. The Duke of Carlin, Guy Whitby, hires a governess for his unruly four year old daughter. He spent years overseas and returns home to find his four year old daughter, Sophy, extremely spoiled and disobedient. Tessa James appears at his doorstep one day, applying for the job as governess. Guy hires her, even though her past is sketchy and doesn't have any references. Despite his apprehension, he is at wit's end, after the other governesses left swiftly after dealing with undisciplined Sophy. There's something alluring about Ms. James, her quiet beauty and reserved manner that attracts him. He gives her a chance to prove herself, despite his instincts that she's embellishing her qualifications. She intrigues him like no other woman. Is this a mistake having lovely Tessa nearby?

Tessa James, a pretty young lady, grew up in an orphanage. Making her way in the world has been very tough. She is currently employed at a milliner's shop. She is undeterred in establishing her own hat shop. When she hears gossip at her current employment that the Duke of Carlin is in critical need of a governess, Tessa immediately makes plans to make more money and maybe in the process hope to discover the identity of her noble father. Her dying mother left a pendant with her that has a family crest on it. Tessa hopes that by working in a Duke's manor she will be able to learn where her father lives. She tells lies to earn herself the position. Never in her wildest dreams does she fathom falling for the desirable, devilish Duke and his adorable daughter. Will a ravishing romance blossom between the gorgeous Guy and tempting Tessa?

Mystery and romance are in the air in Ms. Drake's latest novel, WHEN A DUKE LOVES A GOVERNESS. A bold, young lady inquires about a position as governess at the forbidding manor of the Duke of Carlin. What lies therein is schemes, untruths and more. Mystery is afoot and hidden desires are flowing. The Duke, Guy Whitby, an attractive gentleman, is in dire need of a companion for his rambunctious daughter. The Duke is an alluring and intense fellow, the opposite of Tessa's shy beauty and confident bravado. Guy didn't count on his attraction to a governess, or how her presence would tempt him beyond reason. Tessa also didn't count on her traitorous heart falling for a nobleman. What a wondrous plot the author weaves! This is first rate historical romance at its finest. Multidimensional characters, sweeping drama, and a meticulous plot beautifully tell a powerful love story. I couldn't put the book down until the very last page! WHEN A DUKE LOVES A GOVERNESS is a dazzling gem of a story!

All her life, Tessa Jenkins has had two goals: find the man who fathered her and open her own millinery shop. In order to do the latter, she needs to do the former because buying a shop takes money. Money she doesn't have. When she happens to overhear two patrons at the shop she's working at discussing that the Duke of Carlin, Guy Whitby, has gone through yet another governess, she lands on an idea -- present herself as a prospective governess for his unruly and ill-behaved daughter. After all, living in a duke's household will allow her a better opportunity to discover who her father might be. She never plans on caring about the duke's daughter or the duke himself.

Guy Whitby never expected to be duke. After all, he was fifth in line to the title, but after a spate of accidents and illnesses, that's just what he is. He wanted to be a scientist, traveling the world, not an elite member of society with matchmaking mamas throwing their daughters at him. Speaking of daughters, he has to do something with her. She's been horribly spoiled and has managed to scare away every single agency-vouched governess in less than a week. He is, quite frankly, desperate. Which is why he's willing to give the singularly unsuitable Miss Jenkins a chance. It has nothing to do with his attraction to her. No, not at all...

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This was a charming romance with a hint of mystery behind it. As you might expect, there is definitely conflict when it comes to the class difference between Tessa and Guy, but it's not the only conflict. There's the mystery of who Tessa's noble father is. As well as the Carlin Curse to deal with. Then there's the needs of a child who has been traumatized and used as a pawn against her father. There's a lot going on here, even if the conflict on the surface doesn't seem great, that changes as the story goes on.

Tessa is an absolutely lovely character. Smart, funny, and kind. She's good with children because growing up in an orphanage she had to be. Think Dickensian conditions and you won't be far off. She's got trauma and a history, but it's tempered her. Made her kind and considerate. At the same time, she's not TSTL. Sure, she makes some missteps but she also gets herself out of them. It's refreshing.

Guy is an interesting character. Complex. At times he's kind and gentle while at others he's didactic and overbearing. When he wants something, he manipulates circumstances to get what he wants. And I didn't always like that. What I did love was his interest in the natural world and his scholarly bent. It was neat to see and it was wholly appropriate for the time period.

The book isn't perfect. There's some clunky exposition in the beginning and some other stuff later that's too spoilery for a review that had me shaking my head. But all said, the book really is a lovely light read.

Four stars.

I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley

Some years ago, I went through a phase of intense romance novel-reading. It passed and I rarely read them anymore, but it left me with an appreciation and understanding of the genre.

When a Duke Loves a Governess departs from the typical Regency romance mold in that the heroine is *not* a lady - she's a milliner who grew up in the slums of London, with dreams of owning her own hat shop, and she fakes her qualifications to get her into a position as a governess in a nobleman's house so that she can look for her father, who she believes to be an aristocrat as well. (Her mother was seduced and abandoned by him.) A significant amount of time is also given to her care for the duke's daughter, Sophy, and how she brings her around from being a spoiled brat - it's not an afterthought or just a way to get them together. In addition, there is a plot far beyond Tessa's relationship with her duke, involving theft and murder. Scandalous!

There's no point in my getting into issues of historical accuracy - these days, I try to look at Regency romances as being set in a fantasy version of Regency England, much like the way that the show Once Upon A Time had discrete universes called "Victorian England" or "1920s England".

A delightful tale about a young woman whose only ambition is to own her millinery shop. Lack of capital leads to her portraying herself as a governess, though she has neither the education nor experience to back this up, and insinuating herself into the household of a Duke with a headstrong four year old. There are several twists and shocks before the HEA.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was a great historical romance full of mystery and suspense. I loved the action, and the development of the love between the two main characters. The heroine was strong and independent. She refused to be coddled and subordinate. The hero loved her for how different she was from other society maidens. The thing that made it a 4 star read was that I felt the ending was too quick. I wanted an epilogue showing them happily together in the future. I still would love to read the next book in this series. I received an advanced reader's copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Interesting take with multiple twists and a growing love affair.
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This was definitely a fun twist on typical historical romance. Falling for the governess is definitely a no-no although there are many men that kept them on the side. Typically a higher class than regular staff, a governess was still working class.

Drake has crafted her character, Tessa, with sharp wit and the wherewithal to handle the tough spitfire she is charged with. Deep understanding from her own circumstances make her effective and understanding. But her attraction to Guy is another thing completely.

The mystery surrounding Tessa continues to eat at Guy but together they form a great bond that allows the child to thrive. I love the connection that Drake builds in and the spark of romance that begs for your attention. Best of all is the discovery about Tessa that allows for that happily ever after these two deserve and maybe her dream come true too.

Unique and loaded with heart, When a Duke Loves a Governess is a feel good romance that includes a host of intrigue, mystery, action, and of course, sweet love.

When A Duke Loves A Governess is a phenomenal historical romance by Olivia Drake. Ms. Drake has provided readers with a well-written book. I love the characters in this story, they make it hard to put the book down. Tessa supports herself making hats for an ungrateful shop owner and saving to open her own shop...until she quits. Guy is the seventh Duke of Carlin, with estates to manage and a hellion of a daughter to care for. Tessa masquerades as a governess and gets the job but expects to be unmasked every minute. Guy and Tessa's story is packed with drama, humor, spice, action and suspense. I enjoyed every page of this book and look forward to my next book by Olivia Drake. When A Duke Loves A Governess is book 3 of the Unlikely Duchesses Series but can easily be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliffhanger.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

When a Duke Loved a Governess Olivia Drake 5 stars

The Duke of Carlin left for a world tour seeing unusual plants and left his daughter, Sophy (4),
with her grandparents. Her mother had died. Tessa was working in a hat shop but was fired and thought being a governess would pay more. She never knew her father and grew up in a foundling home after her mother died.

Carlin is home now and wants harmony. No tantrums, screaming and mischief. Sophy was to
stay in the nursery. Tessa informed him that children need fresh air and attention. He finally agreed to some outings. There is a lot going on in this book and I refuse to spoil anything. I loved it!

3.5 stars rounded to 4 for this light, enjoyable romance between a lower-class orphan and the unexpected heir to a dukedom. Guy has been absent for the past 4 years while his daughter remained in England. Now he's back and his child is monstrously spoiled - and his search for an appropriate governess has been absolutely unfruitful. After hearing about his predicament from her post as a milliner's assistant, Tessa gives notice and shows up at his townhouse, pretending to be the governess sent by the agency.

While Guy and Tessa navigate their inconvenient attraction to each other, they are also trying to unravel several mysteries of their own: Tessa is looking for the highborn father who abandoned her and her mother, while Guy's journals have been stolen, a crime which may relate to the recent untimely deaths in his family. This is a solid enjoyable romance that doesn't break new ground - but also doesn't backtrack to problematic romances of lore.

I really enjoy regency romance and especially a rags to riches story. From the title you can guess that this book has both. Tessa has a dream to open her own millinery shop. To do this she must find her father. The only way to find him is by the crest on a necklace her mother gave her before she died. Tessa talks her way into a governess position for a Duke who has a young daughter. He hires her despite her lack of credentials and soon Tessa has become a member of the household. There is a bit of intrigue when Tessa finds out she is in fact royal, though she doesn’t want it. The Duke also finds out who killed the other members of his family. This was a good story and you were rooting for Tessa and Guy to get together.

This was a wonderful book. Olivia Drake weaves a romantic plot with enough twists to keep you guessing and enough heat to keep you blushing. A wonderful novel with the perfect amount of sass, smiles and sighs to keep you entranced. I enjoyed reading this novel and look forward to reading more by this talented author. I appreciate being given the opportunity to read a copy of this book before release in exchange for my honest opinion and unbiased review.

When a Duke Loves a Governess just feels too wishy-washy and outlandish for me to truly enjoy. While I enjoy a good "Cinderella" story, Tessa can't seem decide what she wants, and despite all that happens to her can't foresee a future where she isn't running a millinery shop. Which seems a bit ridiculous after she convinces the Duke of Carlin that her previous experience managing small children (carefully worded to avoid disclosing that it was as a young girl in an orphanage) makes her well suited to taking care of his surly and spoiled daughter Sophy. This employment is desperately needed as she quit her job and is looking for a way to find her noble father - to give her money to start her millinery shop, of course. Naturally she reforms Sophy, although that plot line falls away as the story moves along, and falls into bed with Carlin. Mix in the Duke's propensity to prefer to be out of society researching plants, a map to buried treasure he finds during his adventures and a curse that has led to the deaths of all the other men in line to the title of Carlin before him and you have a fully fledged and wholly complicated mess on top of Tessa and Carlin both wanting and not wanting to be together. A romance novel just really doesn't feel like it should be this complicated to sort out, and admittedly I glazed over and skimmed through parts because it was hard to stay interested. This book isn't bad, or written particularly poorly, it just felt overdone to me.

This was a delightful read, but it did feel rushed. The characters had an instant attraction that didn't feel exactly authentic. Regardless, the world and plot were well done.