There is gossip aplenty in the millinery shop where Tessa James works. Today's is about the new Duke of Carlin. Apparently his daughter is a terror and has chased away several nannies, the most recent left just this morning and had lasted only four days. As Tessa is listening to the conversation she gets an idea. She's been trying to locate her father, the only clue she has is a gold pendant engraved with a coat of arms. Her mother gave her the pendant as she was dying and she never removes it. If she could get the position of governess she would make more money and put her goal of owning her own shop closer to reality. She would also have a better chance of finding out who the coat of arms belongs to.

Her boss Madame Blanchet startles her out of her musings and she pricks her finger. Unknowingly getting a tiny spot of blood on the brim. When Madame spots it, she immediately says Tessa will forfeit her wages to pay for it. For Tessa that was the last straw and she quits.

We meet her friend Orrin who works for the newspaper as a typesetter, as he catches her packing up. She has a plan and she hopes everything falls into place. Being the governess to Lady Sophy is her goal.

Guy Whitby never expected to become the Duke of Carlin, his father was not the heir, his uncle was. There were a series of unfortunate occurrences that led to him holding this position. His Uncle Sebastian and his son Charles died when their yacht capsized in the Isle of Wight. Following that, his father came down with a deadly stomach ailment and now Guy's grandfather died of a heart attack, leaving him all the responsibilities of the Dukedom. His Aunt Delia, Lady Victor her son Edgar and her companion Avis Knightly also reside in his home. Providing a stream of visitors he really doesn't care about. He didn't have the heart to tell her he has no intention of marrying again.

Guy's daughter Sophy is in desperate need of discipline and he was having a great deal of difficulty administering it. The guilt of having left her for so long with her grandparents a burden he feels he needs to compensate for. When Tessa arrives he is desperate for someone to take her in hand. He doesn't like that she is young but finally agrees to a trial week.

From the start Lady Sophy puts Tessa through her paces, with tantrums and trying behavior at bath time as well as throwing bedclothes to the floor at bedtime. An exhausted Tessa doesn't get to find paper to forge a letter of reference falling asleep instead. She almost loses her position but manages to convince the duke she's the best choice as she can give Sophy the transition she needs.

The first hint of attraction between Tessa and Guy comes after Sophy throws a rock through a conservatory window, that act of destruction also comes with a revelation into why Sophy appears to hate her father.

Some flirting as Tessa is caught eyeing him and he realizes just how beautiful she is. Now things are going to get interesting. Tessa encourages the duke to explain the origins of the plants and birds. Combining a sort of biology and geography lesson. We are introduced to Jiggs here as well, he's the duke's valet as well as a jack of all trades.

There's just so much going on even in the background. We have some interesting characters there. Lady Victor is petrified something will happen to her son Edgar now that he's the Duke's heir. Her companion Avis Knightly becomes a friend to Tessa. It's from Avis that Tessa learns a more of what Lady Victor calls the Carlin Curse and also that there are books on English Heraldry.

This is a cleverly written tale, with many twists and turns revolving around Guy and Tessa. There's mystery, laughter, tears and so many surprises. I couldn't put this book down.

I just love historical romances, and this one has everything in it…a bit of mystery, a bit of “class deception” so to speak, love amongst the mixed classes and suspense. I mean, seriously, it has it all! And I loved it! This was my first read by this author, but won’t be my last. This is also the 3rd book in the series (which I did t know), but does not interfere with your reading at all. It’s completely engrossing, gives you all the feels and will literally be one of your top reads this year.

Tessa James has a goal of opening her own millinery shop. She is currently working in a millinery shop for a little bit of nothing for a mean owner. She has saved and with what she has, plans on finding her father and seeking a loan for the rest she needs, She doesn’t know who it is only that he is part of the noble ton. She has a necklace her mother gave her as she lay dying after an accident which should lead her to him but has it hidden so no one thinks she stole it. After quitting her job, she has applied to Guy Whitby, Duke of Carlin, as governess to his young daughter under false pretenses. By the time he finds out that she isn’t everything she said she is, his daughter has grown attached to her. This story has drama, betrayal, lies brought to light, and a kidnapping. A happy ending makes this story complete. I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.

She steps in as governess.

Tessa has plans, but needs funding for said plans. She steps in a says she is a governess, which is a device to get her close to the duke, Guy but really felt like a giant stretch. I think I would have much rather Tessa had not been a governess in order to find her biological father and to fund her business. Felt like it was a misstep. Guy, the father to said hellion is pretty shallow.

3.5

A Cinderella rags to riches story where an orphaned hat maker dreams of opening her own shop one day and uses a governess gig for a Duke to find her long lost aristocratic father in the hopes that he will loan her capital for her venture…

At fist glance I thought that I would’d find the characters or the story real enough to enjoy, but I was pleasantly surprised by this book!

I got into the mystery of the unknown aristocrat father. The grumpy Duke, who had no clue how to deal with his child he abandoned and now wants back in his pulled me in too and as for Tessa James, our plucky milliner is willing to do anything to get a leg up in the world? I just loved her spunk! The child Sophy won me over as well and I felt for her and her need for a mother figure.

Lastly, what is a Cinderella story without a spark? Tessa and our Duke definitely have a spark and their chemistry played well on the page. Obviously from different backgrounds and status’s these two know that their attraction can’t go on, but they do make the best of their time together… I don’t want to get readers worried; there is a good HEA at the end and everyone ends up happy.

Overall, this was a fun read!

When a Duke Loves a Governess by Olivia Drake is scheduled to release July 27th, 2021.

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

#WhenaDukeLovesaGoverness #OliviaDrake #NetGalley #pinkcowlandreads

Tessa James works long hours for a milliner and the woman treats her badly. When she overhears that yet another governess has left the employ of Guy Whitby, the Duke of Carlin, she decides she is going to apply for the position. The duke’s daughter, Lady Sophy, age 4, is a known hellion in need of discipline. She had been raised by her grandparents who obviously let her run wild.

Tessa’s mother died in an accident some years ago. Before the passed away, she gave Tessa a necklace with the picture of a man with a coat of arms around it saying it was her father. Her wish is to find him and hopes that working for the duke will help her find out who he is.

Tessa brazenly presents herself to the duke and applies for the position. She admits that she has not been an actual governess before but her life in an orphanage working with other children has certainly given her a lot of experience. Thus, the duke hires her.

The story shows Tessa’s patience with this young, feisty child and her work in gaining the child’s confidence and trust. Of course, Tessa and Guy are attracted to one another which results in a naughty evening. Here is where I roll my eyes. They barely know one another but…well..I guess that’s what sells books. Onward, there are some interesting characters, some subterfuge going on, and lots of action. A good book and I’m sure historical romance readers will enjoy it.

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

This book has just enough twist to be very enjoyable. It’s a part of a series but can be read as a standalone. So if you like mystery, love, a curse, a killer and enough twist to keep your attention to the end this ones for you. I enjoyed tTessa and Guys story and I’m sure you will too.

This was my first book from this author. I had a little trouble with the premise. Getting a job with a child without reference seemed odd and on top of that she didn't know much about the actual job.
After I pushed thru this particular topic the book was interesting. I did like her determination of being independent and finding a solution to the problem. The romance it self was fine.

This is one Fantastic story! I love when a book grabs you right from the start and takes you on a heart-stopping journey as in When a Duke Loves A Governess. It's a rollercoaster ride as a web of a devious mind will spin, but most times will not prevail over its prey. Olivia Drake weaves a story from beginning to end with threads of intrigue, secrets, and danger. It's a well-writtenl romance that brims with tension-building twists and turns, remarkable emotions, characters that come off the pages and pull you into their emotional ride that keeps you involved until the very end, passion, and with one fantastic plot that brings this read together perfectly!

When A Duke Loves A Governess threw me for a loop. It was nothing I expected and that was refreshing but also frustrating at times. I liked both Tessa and Guy, however as a couple I wasn't obsessed like I normally am.

It was obvious the Ms. Drake took time in setting the scene and with the emotions of each character which made it worth reading.

I however felt the ending was rushed and sudden and could have been spaced out much better.

Tessa James wants to open a millinery shop, and she needs a loan from the lord that had sired and abandoned her. She has no idea how to find him, but if she's a governess at least will have access to the ton. Guy Whitby is the new Duke of Carlin and needs a governess that his daughter Sophy won't scare away. The two meet and are attracted to one another. Guy has enemies, however, and their forbidden romance must end.

When a Duke Loves a Governess is the third book in the Unlikely Duchesses series, following The Duke I Once Knew and Forever My Duke. Here, Tessa has never met Guy before and has no interest in being part of the nobility past whatever loan she can possibly get. She finagles her way into an interview and uses her past as a child in a workhouse to realize that Sophy is acting out because she felt abandoned and unloved. She gives Sophy structure and reasons to behave better and points out her observations to Guy. While he was well within his rights to dismiss her for lying to him, and nearly did so, Sophy needed stability and he was busy trying to figure out what the dukedom needed when he never expected to inherit the title.

The inevitable baddy driving Tessa and Guy apart isn't obvious at first glance, as there are stolen diaries, Tessa's lies, complicated family ties, and Sophy's tantrums to deal with. The two are attracted and intermittently act on it; Guy has been away from London long enough he doesn't care about whispers or propriety. Once everything comes together in the final third of the book, we see how much they care for each other, and that they're willing to face the world as long as they have each other. It's a great happily ever after, with both meeting as equals emotionally. It does help that there is a deus ex machina to make the marriage more "acceptable" to society, but that isn't the part that actually matters to either of them. The important part is love and family, exactly what they both needed.

Tessa James was a resourceful woman and she was determined to open her own millinery shop. Tessa had a difficult childhood but it seemed to make her a stronger person. Guy Whitby, now Duke of Carlin, has a deep interest in botany. He also has 4 year old Sophy, who is in need of an understanding person to help with her behaviour. There is a mystery about Tessa’s father that she is trying to solve. Tessa and Guy are attracted to each other but they are both aware of the differences in their stations. There are a few surprises and dangerous moments. This was an enjoyable read but the answer to one of the mysteries was a little obvious quite early on in the book. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

When Tessa James overhears insightful gossip about the Duke of Carlin, she immediately sees it as a sign to improve her own situation. As a milliners assistant, her dream is to save up and one day open her own hat shop to showcase her own designs. However, the duke needs a governess for his four-year-old daughter and she's not a suitable candidate for the job. As a woman determined not to let such an obstacle get in her way, she applies for the job…

When Guy Whitby returned from his research trip, he's dismayed his late wife's parents didn't follow his advice to hire someone suitable to look after his young daughter. The resulting consequence is a troublesome child and no subsequent governess has stayed in his employment long enough to change her behaviour. When Tessa James talks her way into taking on the task of becoming his daughter's governess, he knows she is lying about her past, only, he is desperate and takes a chance anyway, with unexpected results.

Tessa is a heroine who knows her mind and goes after what she wants. She's feisty and determined yet displays compassion and understanding regardless of whether others are fortunate or less fortunate than herself. Luckily for the duke, she is a woman who can make his life better, if only he could disregard his determination of not marrying again.

Guy Whitby isn't instantly likeable, but as we get to know more about him, we learn why he behaved as he did. I adore flawed characters and he plays this part very well. Both he and Tessa are well suited, as they both get used to their new ways of life, far different from what either expected, so it's no surprise these two make quite an exceptional couple, in a positive way.

Ms Drake is a new to me author and reading this third instalment of The Unlikely Duchesses series was a delight. The murder-mystery side plot provided an enticing twist and added an extra layer of drama to the well-written and thought out narrative.

Overall, this is a wonderful novel with a feel-good ending that's both satisfying and happy.

***arc received courtesy of St Martin's Paperbacks via NetGalley***

Title: When a Duke Loves a Governess
Author: Olivia Drake
Genre: Romance
Rating: 4 out of 5

Tessa James has worked and planned tirelessly to open her own millinery shop. All she needs now is a loan from the lord who sired and abandoned her. The only problem is, she doesn’t even know his name. What’s a woman to do to find him but enter the aristocratic world by becoming a governess?

Guy Whitby, the new Duke of Carlin, has returned to London after years abroad to discover that his young daughter Sophy has become a wild-child known for scaring away every governess who's crossed his doorstep. When Tessa James applies for the job, he hires her in desperation despite his misgivings that she’s too bold and beautiful–and that she might be fibbing about her qualifications.

Their blooming attraction leads them on a completely unexpected path to love that neither wants to deny. But when an old enemy threatens Guy's family, their forbidden romance goes up in flames. Can they still learn to love and trust each other as forces try to tear them apart?

This was a quick, easy read. Sophy was quite the brat to start with, and Guy’s blindness to that was almost enough to make me put the book down, despite the accuracy of the situation (Wealthy absentee father now trying to be involved, thinks his daughter is an angel). This was a solid read, but not an unexpected one. If you’re looking for an HEA-ending, Tessa and her struggles are a good way to spend a few hours.

Olivia Drake is an award-winning author. When a Duke Loves a Governess is her newest novel.

(Galley courtesy of St. Martin’s Press in exchange for an honest review.)

Blog link live 7/29.)

Tessa James sees a chance to realize her dream of finding her father and owning her own millinery shop when she applies to be a governess. Guy, the Duke of Carlin, never expected to inherit preferring instead his travels and botanical study. He returns to England to sort out his affairs including his now 4-year-old daughter Sophy. Both Guy and Tessa will need to deal with their pasts if they are to find a way forward.

The story drew me in right away. This is an opposites attract/forbidden romance with some light steam and a mystery element. It's a fast-paced read with great banter. Tessa is a bit naive but a determined woman. Guy is a good man and I enjoyed seeing him learn to reconnect with Sophy. Tessa and Guy made a good couple. This is part of the Unlikely Duchesses series but can be read as a stand alone. Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for my ecopy of this book.

I have mixed feelings on this one.
I enjoyed the character of the heroine. She was resourceful and smart. She has her own agency. The hero was likeable as well. He just wants to be a good dad to his daughter but struggles with how to go about it.
The plot and romance were a little lackluster in my opinion. I was a little confused by the mystery element of the story. The forbidden romance wasn't as angsty or sweeping as I wanted it to be.
Despite these qualms, there were parts that I liked. I enjoyed watching the hero, heroine and his daughter interact. Those scenes were cute and heartwarming.
If you're looking for a governess romance, give this one a try.

This lovely book is a classic romance novel in the very best sense of the word. We've got two very different individuals who feel an almost instantaneous connection but have to fight it because they come from two different worlds. But in true romance fashion, there's so much more to be revealed.
It's well-paced and written, with variations on the theme to feel fresh while still evoking all that makes reading this genre such a pleasure.
Both Tessa and Guy are distinct, memorable characters that are easy to engage with and root for, and they're not even the only solid characters, so it's not just reading the boring bits while you get to the good parts. It's all good parts.

Very happy thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the lovely read.

I think this was my first book by the author and I enjoyed it.

I rarely find children in books likable and here the duke’s daughter is a higher challenge for everyone, but in the end I got to see her as a significant addition to the book and maybe a necessary one because of Tessa’s job description.

The romance story between Tessa and Guy was an interesting one, to say at least. There were enough intriguing and suspenseful moments to keep me interested, and I felt the chemistry between Tessa and Guy throughout the chapters.

An enjoyable read and an author to look out for in the future.

The characters are interesting and quirky, but when the romance starts their compelling qualities disappear. The chemistry is forced and the romance is generic. The mystery is not mysterious and the big reveal ends up with a silly conclusion. The ending is abrupt and unfulfilling. Disappointing.

This was a really good read by one of my favorite authors. Ms Drake writes historical romance with a flair for the dramatic. I feel the flow of words make this an interesting book from start to finish. The characters seemed real with thoughts an feeling of their own. Lots of clever and witty dialog between the Duke and the governess.
Guy Whitby, the new Duke of Carlin, has found out that his daughter has scared away more governess than he could imagine. He doesn't know how to act with his little girl who wants to get into trouble and act like a hellion.
Guy is a his wits end and and decides to hire the newest woman who crosses his door. She's very beautiful and bold to be a governess.
Tessa James wants to open a hat shop of her own but can't seem to get a loan on her own. She ls really a good hat make but needs her fathers support if only she knew who he is.
She finds herself hired by Guy to be his little Sophy's governess and figures she can search among the ton for her father.
There is an attraction that builds towards love but when an old enemy threatens his family, their new love ends before it can begin.
I know there is a happy ending, but it will take trust for Guy and Tessa to believe in fate.
I appreciate Net Galley for this ARC title in which I gave an hones review.