This was a lovely story about two people connecting despite class and family complications. I liked the overall hopeful perspective on class in this book. Most of all, however, I liked how the main characters related to each other and to their loved ones.

This one was just cuteness overload, if not a bit unbelievable. I mean, a Duke with zero communication issues is as fantastical as a hyppogryph in Harry Potter.

Summary:
This felt like a twist in the Little Mermaid telling. Poppy, spends her days fishing in order to keep her family afloat, since her older brother is so unreliable. With the death of her mother, her dreams of a better- adventurous- life also died. Life is a predictable hardship until she finds a man, beautiful one at that, unconscious on her beach. Poppy rescues him only to find out that he is a Duke! The nerve!!!! Keane, the Duke of Hawking, is smitten at first glance and does everything in his power to earn Poppy's trust and then her heart. Side note: someone is trying to kill the Duke and they need to find out who it is.

The story is just easy breezy. A ton of L O V E and very little discourse. Their romance was cute and snuggly, like a nice blanket. I would reread this in a heartbeat.

Thank you NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

An absolutely lovely story to read. Andrew Keane is the Duke of Hawking and Poppy Sommers is a fisherman’s daughter. This is a story of a couple from two different sectors of society who accidentally meet and form an attachment. The characters are funny and witty. The story is entertaining and romantic. Keane and Poppy are drawn together despite the differences in their social status. They wind up spending an enormous amount of time together getting to know each other’s deepest secrets and dreams. The story is a page-turning event that is delightful with a happy destination.

One Duke Down is book two in the Rogues to Lovers series by Anna Bennett. If you haven't read book one, I recommend picking it up but I also don't think you miss a ton if you want to read it as a standalone. You just might not get some of the references to things that may have occurred prior to this book.

In this book, Poppy and Keane are our main characters. For context, Poppy is the daughter of a fisherman and Keane is a Duke. When Keane washes up on the beach that Poppy fishes from, she gives him a place to stay and works with him to try to sort out who tried to kill him. At first Poppy is a bit standoffish. She hasn't had great experiences with the nobility but Keane eventually wins her over and they are definitely more than friends. With that said, Poppy is convinced she can't have anything more with Keane while he is doing whatever he can to win her over and understand he will do anything to have her in his life long-term. He just needs to figure out who wants him dead first.

I loved how Poppy and Keane's relationship developed and the storyline allowed them to engage with each other without the societal restrictions which made things a bit easier...if you count hiding out on the beach easier. As the story moves forward, Poppy needs to make some decisions as Keane has already made his.

If you're looking for a new historical romance, I recommend picking this book up. There are interesting characters and a page turning story that will keep you engaged.

I really enjoyed Bennett's Girls Before Earls and was happy to see a new release in the same series. Poppy is a great character, an independent young woman who has been put in the position to essentially run the family fishing business because her brother is unreliable (he seems to have some addiction problems) and her father is ailing with what seems to be something like rheumatoid arthritis. One day she finds a super handsome man washed up on the beach and caught in one of her fishing nets, and when he finally wakes up and claims to be a duke, she doesn't believe him. But Keane really is a duke, and he was in the water because there was an attempt on his life that failed, and he convinces Poppy to help him stay hidden (and presumed dead by his would-be killer) until he figures out who the culprit is. She hides him in her own little personal retreat where she likes to go and read and escape her life, and they quickly become close, with Poppy agreeing to help him with his various plans to identify the attempted murderer. I enjoyed the chemistry between these characters and the adventure that was sort of built in to the whole mystery element. A fun read overall!

I loved this historical "beach" romance!

Poppy rescues a man who washed up on her beach, but she doesn't want to believe his claims that he's a duke, let alone one in danger. Her mother left the aristocracy behind to marry her fisherman father, and those now-distant relatives proved that nobility doesn't automatically mean noble or virtuous.

Keane doesn't know much about his attack, but he knows he's still in danger until he finds out who tried to kill him. He's content to hide out on Poppy's beach as he heals and investigates the events of that night. This leads to a couple very exciting trips into London, allowing him to get to know Poppy better, before an unexpected, very surprising yet brilliant twist sheds light on a whole new angle to the mystery.

I really enjoyed Poppy's relationship with Keane's valet, Diggs. I love when those in the employ of titled men act more as devoted friends, and Diggs certainly has that relationship with Keane. Poppy's frustration with her here-one-day-gone-the-next brother really showed what she had to deal with in her life, and how limited her choices really were.

The gradual revealing of all the secrets in the third act was exquisitely done; even after we knew who the villain was we still weren't sure of where the story was going to go or what the end goal was going to be. Of course we get a splendid HEA at the end, and I loved how all the secondary characters were handled in the wrap-up.

I loved this book as much as the earlier one in this series, and I highly recommend both for anyone who loves smart and sexy historical romances. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

This was a big suspension-of-disbelief romance for me. We’re supposed to believe that a duke is in hiding after a murder attempt on his life and he decides to hide out while falling in love with the fisherman’s daughter who rescued him. There didn’t seem to be much of a mystery as to who the culprit was, but maybe that’s because I read a lot of mysteries and I know what to look for. Everything just seemed to be contrived so that there would be enough time for Poppy and the duke to fall in love. Once that had happened, he suddenly decided to come out of hiding. I just didn’t buy any of the plot and I found that rather annoying.

One quibble I had is that nowhere is there a mention of the heroine’s accent. You don’t have to be a fan of “My Fair Lady” to know that an ordinary fisherman’s daughter would have a recognizable accent that would be different from an upper class woman, yet Poppy is able to attend a ball and pass as an aristocrat. Maybe that is because of the local school she attended, but it’s not explained. And the duke never wonders why she talks like an aristocrat. We bet a bit of an explanation in the later part of the book and it wasn’t a surprise from earlier hints. I just wanted this to be addressed at some point.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.

This was a lovely story and the second in the series. Poppy is a fisherwoman who rescues Keane after the Duke has been attacked and left for dead on the beach. I enjoyed their interaction and the romance between the couple. There is a lot going on in the story with the mystery of who attacked the duke, the romance, and Poppy’s own family trials but they are all somehow resolved with a happily ever after.

I recieved a free copy from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
While this is the second in the series, it can absolutely be read as a stand alone.
Poppy has taken over her family business of fishing since her father is too ill and her brother has left to work on the London docks. What she never expected was to find a half drown duke on the beach.
Someone tried to kill Keane and he decides the best way to find out who is to pretend the the killer succeeded only he will need Poppy's help.
I liked the relationship between Keane and Poppy even through there was definitely insta lust which is usually a big no from me but they spend a lot of time together and the relationship does feel more developed. I like the Keane never hesitates at the fact that Poppy fishes for a living even though he is a duke.
The adventure and the mystery of the killer was well done.
I can't wait for the next book.

Plot: I was happy when I saw that this next book in the series would be about Poppy, because she was a character I really liked in GIRLS BEFORE EARLS. And I'm happy to say it did not disappoint! The plot was interesting, and I was intrigued about finding out who had attempted to murder Keane. While I did guess part of it, I didn't figure out it all, and was surprised by the reveal towards the end.

Characters: As previously mentioned, I really like Poppy as a main character! And Keane was an unexpected delight! My heart broke for Poppy and everything she had been through, and reading about her finding happiness was wonderful. I loved seeing glimpses of characters from book one, and I also liked the addition of new people who were introduced.

The Cover: It's good!

Overall: The Rogues to Lovers series has become one of my favorites, and I can't recommend it enough! Overall, this was a fantastic book that I highly recommend

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

I love a good historical romance novel. I only started reading them a couple years ago, and while I have read some clunkers, there are way, way more good books than bad out there. I took forever to pick them up because I tended to think the covers were embarrassing or just plain ridiculous looking. Now, I will be the first to happily admit that the reason I wanted to read One Duke Down was because of that absolutely gorgeous cover. How rare is it to see both characters on the cover smiling? Especially on a photo-realistic cover like this one?

Thankfully, One Duke Down lives up to its cover. Keane, the Duke of Hawking, is absolutely head over heels for Poppy, a fisherman’s daughter. They meet in unusual circumstances (when don’t characters in romance novels meet in weird ways??), but it’s easy to see how they click together right away. I love it when a hero is just a total simp for their love, and Keane fits the bill perfectly. He’s willing to stand up for her almost immediately, and once he finds out about certain things in her past, he’s just raring to go beat someone’s head in for her. It’s amazing, it’s perfect, it’s what we want to see in a romance hero.

Poppy is independent, but fiercely loyal to her family. She’s very easy to like, and I loved that she wasn’t willing to bend to The Duke’s needs right away — she got what she wanted and then she decided to help him. She falls for him in a slower manner, but it’s still a joy to read.

Some parts of this book were a little eye-rollingly cringey, but to be quite honest, I’ve come to expect that with romance novels. Overall, though, I really enjoyed this one and do recommend that you pick it up. Poppy and Keane are adorable together, and I wish we got slightly more of an epilogue, honestly. But! No big deal — this one comes in at a solid 4 stars.

Finding a battered man washed up on her beach, fisherwoman Poppy decides to help him. Andrew, a duke, knows someone tried to kill him, so he convinces Poppy to hide him till he can uncover who it was. Forming a friendship, they must decide if their difference in social status will hinder their happiness. I received an ARC from NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for my honest review.

A steamy, suspenseful love story that has plenty of mystery and intrigue. Love can conquer all but you have to work for it.

Andrew Keane, the Duke of Hawking, doesn't remember how he ended up tangled in a fishing net in the bay, but even though he's fuzzy because of a head wound, he knows beauty and kindness when he sees it. Miss Poppy Summers works hard for her family's fishing business, and when she finds an unconscious man in her fishing net, she's stunned not only by his masculine beauty but why he ended up in the bay in the first place. Poppy agrees to help Hawking regain his memory, although she thinks he's delusional when he tells her he's the Duke of Hawking. She thinks the blow to his head has rattled his brain. Can these two work together to unravel the mystery of who attacked him, or will they succumb to the growing attraction between them?

This was a cute story about two people in love overcoming a number of obstacles standing in their way to true happiness. The plot moves along well as they try to unravel the mystery of Hawking's attack. Along the way, secrets are revealed, and friendships are broken. There are a number of twists and turns in the story that keeps the story moving forward. I loved Poppy's feistiness and Hawking's drive to convince Poppy that they could make a life together. There are enough clues to guess who the villain is, but the full extent of his reasoning is slowly revealed. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and look forward to Kitty's story next.

"One Duke Down" by Anna Bennett was enjoyable and highly entertaining historical romance. From the moment the Duke of Hawking washed ashore on Poppy Summers beach I was hooked. Keane and Poppy were likeable, strong and well written characters. When reading historical romance novels I always appreciate when the female lead is somewhat independent and fights for what she wants. Poppy was head strong and fierce without being obnoxious about it. The reader could infer these things about Poppy by her actions and priorities rather than the author having to repeat over and over that she was a strong female. Keane's character oozed charm and charisma and I found him completely likeable. I struggle when Regency romances feature a high ranking member of the Ton marrying a commoner (purely for believability sake) but in this case it did not bother me because the way Keane and Poppy interacted in the novel you could believe that they really would make a match in real life and find away to work around their social constraints. It also helped that the novel was set in a small beach resort town outside of London where the social hierarchy was not as prevalent and they could develop their relationship without being under a social microscope.
Anna Bennett is skilled in writing angsty-slow burn romance scenes and this book did not disappoint in that department. Its steamy and swoony but remained classy. In addition to a beautiful love story 'One Duke Down' also delivered a very strong plot with a few twists and turns which will keep me coming back to Anna Bennett novels. If you love historical romance with a little mystery and intrigue then buy this book!

Plot- 4 Stars
Romance- 4 stars (This is NOT a closed door romance novel)
Characters and Setting- 4 Stars

*This is the 4th Novel I have read by Anna Bennett and I would highly recommend her writing to lovers of Regency Era Romance novels!

Thank you Net Galley and St. Martins Publishing House for allowing me to read an advanced copy of 'One Duke Down' by Anna Bennett in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

Wow! Lots going on in this book, but oh boy is it a good one. Poppy and Keane teach each other that there is so much more to life then they know. The story is not rushed and keeps you entertained all the way through. Mystery and romance make this a great story.

A self reliant fisherman's daughter. A duke in peril. An attempt at murder. An idyllic hideaway. A growing attraction. And a mystery. Who could ask for more?

Rating 3 stars. Not in the mood right now to read historical romance. I will update when I have read some of this book.

This was a new-to-me author, and I really liked this book! I did feel the pacing dragged a bit at times, and it was pretty obvious from the beginning who the villain was going to be. But Poppy and Keane were an appealing couple; Poppy was especially great. I’m looking forward to reading more by this author!

Enjoyed this low angst story with a heroine who knows her mind and a hero who falls in love pretty much immediately. Was really interested to see how the author would resolve the social/economic class differences between Poppy and Andrew - and it was done pretty well as long as you’re able to suspend *some* disbelief. It was interesting how the external conflicts were not really challenging them as a couple but more their actual *lives*.
Thanks NetGalley for this ARC