What a gem of a historical romance with a delightful, strong heroine and earnest, passionate hero. I gobbled this up on one sitting because the rapport between the main characters and pace was so compelling.

Poppy, a fisherman's daughter, finds an unconscious man, who calls himself Keane, with a headwound on the beach one morning while hauling in her fishing nets. She doesn't initially believe his claims that he's a Duke, but agrees to give him shelter in a little cabin while he recovers from his injury and tries to figure out who attacked him and threw him into the ocean. Poppy assists in Keane's sleuthing and they grow close along the way to a stunning reveal of his attacker.

The storytelling here is tight, but detailed. There are several subplots and the romantic one is so delightful that when Poppy and Keane finally get together, you are pleasantly surprised that there's still about 100 pages to go in the story.

This is the second book in a series and while this story stands alone, Poppy's friend Hazel's role makes you want to circle back to the first book to read her story.

I don't think I've ever commented on a cover in a review, but this one is beautifully done and fits the characters.

Late last year I picked up Anna Bennett’s Girls Before Earls romance and fell in love with the way she writes both her leads, settings and supporting characters. Poppy was just a stand out in book one that when I found out she was getting her own book, your honor, I was very excited.

I am so happy to be able to share my advance review of this soft and cosy strangers to friends to lovers romance between a proud fisherman’s daughter and a duke who washes right up on her beach.

As always a huge heartfelt thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Paperbacks for the advance copy, mostly spoiler free thoughts below are my own, enjoy!

First things first, THIS COVER though?! How insanely gorgeous is the styling, art direction layout and the SMILES?!?!? Look at how stinking happy they are just to hold and look at each other. Publishers, take note: more of this please.

I feel like it’s no secret that I loved this book and I have a suspicion that it’s going to be a stand out for folks in 2023. It was equal parts, soft and tender, with lots of personality, kindness, and the steadfastness that I love in a historical when the guy is deep in his feelings and you know that they aren’t going to change.

Poppy is an excellent self realized heroine to cast opposite Keane and readers are going to fall head over heels for the insanely swoony moments these two share. For example…

As they are leaving a masquerade ball:

She faced Keane and found him staring at her strangely.
“Did the mask leave a mark?” she asked, skimming her fingertips beneath her eyes.
“No, no.” He looked away quickly, as though embarrassed.
“What is it then?”
He shook his head. “I was just thinking that while you looked lovely in your costume, I missed your freckles. I missed your face."



When they are on the beach and he’s trying to explain how much he loves her the way she is (knowing her lower society status):

“It’s the easiest choice I shall ever make,” he said solemnly. “I choose this moment. I’d choose it over a hundred portraits, over a thousand other happy memories. I choose now… with you.”


The plot, pacing, and low-angst was exactly what I was looking for and Anna did not disappoint at all! I loved watching Keane love Poppy for who she was (both for her brain and her heart), and seeing the two of them just defend the sh*t out of each other to small minded idiots at every turn was like reading a hug. I loved it. Also the daily questions, my goodness be still my heart.

If you’re wondering about potential lack of bedroom stuff, don’t! The steaminess was present and sweet, with a few fully open door scenes which added to the tenderness that kept growing and blossoming between them through each chapter. Are you convinced you need to pre-order this already?

One Duke Down is a delight of a historical romance and reminded me why I love this sub-genre so damn much.

I am beyond certain that folks will fall in love with both Poppy, Keane, and will be eagerly awaiting Kitty’s book (who do we think is her nemesis?!). What more can I say than you need to add this to your TBR, pre-order it, ask your library to order it in, and or grab it when it hits shelves Jan 24th 2023.

A big thank you to Anna Bennet, St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review. One Duke Down comes out January 24, 2023!

One Duke Down is a historical romance about Poppy, a fisherwomen who is doing everything to help her family and keep the afloat. One morning when she is going to check her nets for fish she finds a drowned man on her beach, this man turns out to be Keane, the Duke of Hawking. He was attached on his way home from the bar, he doesn't know who tried to kill him. In a scheme to find it out with out alerting them to him still being alive Keane offers Poppy a big sum of money in exchange for hiding him on her beach. During this time the two continue to grow close, and after a series of adventures and quite nights spent on the beach together the two have to find out is they can get past the differences of their births to have a chance for an amazing future.

One Duke Down is a heartwarming and romantic historical romance. The character growth the two went through was amazing, I thought they both grew into very loveable characters. Poppy is strong and generous, she picked up all of the slack when her father cant work anymore and her brother moves away. I loved the plot twist that happened even though I felt bad for Keane. I also like that in the end both characters had a lot of faith in each other and their relationship. If you are looking for a historical romance with a lot of heart One Duke Down is for you.

Anna Bennet just keeps delivering. This story has no dramatic 3rd act break up which I thought would annoy me but really ended up being charming. The idea that he’s found washed up on a beach is so far fetched and fabulous. The plot against him was resolved a little strangely, and some what incoherently, but the love story was so charming that it didn’t matter.

I LOVED this story. The characters were fantastic, the story was engaging, the writing was gorgeous. Overall, it was quite charming. Also, that cover! Stunning!

One Duke Down follows the story of Poppy, the daughter of a fisher in a small seaside town, who is home in place of her wayward brother to help their widowed father keep his fishing business afloat as he heals from illness. One day, she finds a handsome man washed ashore on her beach, who claims to be a duke and that someone attacked him and attempted to murder him. Keane clearly being in need of help, Poppy agrees to help him in exchange for a fee and secrecy. Keane and Poppy set out on an entertaining and emotional adventure from Poppy's small seaside town to London masquerade balls and horse races and further, to discover the mystery of who wanted Keane dead and what passional Poppy and Keane might share between their friendship.

This is the 2nd story in a series but remains a fantastic standalone.

I loved these characters. Even side characters were fleshed out, but Poppy and Keane were particularly engaging and endearing. Poppy's independence and strong-willed spirit were a delight. She knew she could handle anything that came her way, and truly stood for herself and her family. She had her struggles with getting what she really wanted out of life and her opinions of nobility to overcome. I loved Keane and his charmingly roguish personality. He had such a great character development from a man who resigns himself to being considered rakish and unworthy, to revealing himself as a good man who can and will do better. I found it interesting that Poppy needed to reevaluate how she looked at others, while Keane needed to reevaluate how he viewed himself.

The writing was also gorgeous. I highlighted so many passages that stuck out as touching and well-composed. The dialogue was also superb. It was very easy to read for hours on end without losing interest. I was very interested in following the mystery and finding out the truth of all the matters that came up - because nothing was ever as it first seemed!

If you like your historical romance charming and steamy with a dash if mystery that doesn't overshadow the couple, this book is for you!

Thank you to the author and publisher for providing an ARC for an honest review.

Watch for this gem on January 24th, 2023!

What a delightful story. Poppy is a fabulous character that finds happiness in small things. She is stretched thin with a sick father, wayward brother and trying to keep the fishing business afloat. When she meets Keane he is hurt and she thinks he is delusional. He says he is a duke. But she helps him survive and start to heal. As the friendship develops we learn more about these 2 main characters. Why does someone want to kill Keane? A mystery and a romance. It is a good book that I totally enjoyed.

One Duke Down
by Anna Bennett
Pub Date: 24 Jan 2023

A lovely swoon worthy historical romance and the second in the Rogues to Lovers series from Anna Bennett

A FISHERMAN’S DAUGHTER
Miss Poppy Summers is determined to keep her family’s fishing business afloat. Her poor widowed father has fallen ill, and her foolhardy brother has moved to London, leaving her precious little time to read or pursue her own dreams. But she’ll do anything for her family, so she cheerfully spends mornings in her rowboat, casting her nets. The very last thing Poppy expects or wants to find tangled in them is a dangerously attractive man. Especially one with a head wound—who’s convinced he’s a duke.

AND A DUKE OUT OF WATER
Andrew Keane is the Duke of Hawking, but he’s having the devil of a time convincing his fiery-haired rescuer of that fact. The truth is he came to the seaside resort of Bellehaven Bay to escape his life in London. Unfortunately, someone in Bellehaven wants to kill him—and he intends to find out who. He implores Poppy to tend to his injuries and hide him on her beach, reasoning it will be easier to find his attacker if that man assumes Keane is already dead. She wants no part of the scheme but can’t refuse the generous sum he offers in exchange for food and shelter while he recovers. It’s a mutually beneficial business arrangement…nothing more.

ARE ABOUT TO MAKE WAVES
Under Poppy’s care, Keane regains his strength—and a sense of purpose. As they work together to solve the puzzle of his would-be murderer, he’s dazzled by her rapier wit and adventurous spirit; she’s intrigued by his mysterious air and protective streak. Though Poppy’s past gives her every reason to mistrust someone like Keane, the seawalls around her heart crumble in the storm of their passion. But when clues hint at the prime suspect in Keane’s attempted murder, Poppy must decide where her loyalties lie. Torn between the world she’s always known and the one she’s always dreamed of, she’ll need true love for a shot at her fairytale ending.

A strong second book in the series, and a fun romp of a read! A nice mix of mystery and romance. It did stretch the bounds of my suspension of disbelief, but then most fun books do. I look forward to the next one.

This was such a sweet, fun historical romance and the second in the Rogues to Lovers series from this author.

Poppy Summers is a young woman trying to keep her family afloat (her mother died, her father is ill and her brother is too undependable) by selling her fishing catch at the local community market. She discovers an injured man on her beach who claims he was attacked and also claims to be a duke. As a bid to find his enemy, Poppy agrees to hide him (for a fee, of course), and thus begins a friends-to-lovers adventure which leads eventually to London.

While this was not extraordinary nor the mystery hard to solve, I enjoyed both mains very much. Poppy was strong, intelligent and resilient, and Keane is a charming and lovable rogue.

Looking forward to more from Ms. Bennett. One personal note…I love when the cover exactly matches how I pictured the characters.

My sincere thanks to the author, NetGalley and St. Martin’s for providing the free early arc of One Duke Down for review.

This was such a great historical romance. I loved Poppy and Keane and their clandestine romance. The story begins as Poppy, a fisherwoman who works hard to provide and care for her father, finds an unconscious, injured man trapped in her fishing net. Little does she know she has caught a duke. When Easton awakes, he is smitten by the woman who rescued him, and concerned that his life might be in danger, he asks Poppy to hide him until he recovers and figures out who targeted him. As the pair works together to uncover the truth, Keane also determines to show Poppy that even though they are from very different worlds and social classes, they have a future together.

Much of the story takes place in the seaside resort of Bellehaven Bay, and like the first book, it sounds like a unique town. If you read Girls Before Earls, you will recognize some of the characters and locations from that story, but several new places are also introduced. My favorite is the secret place where she hid Keane. Here is where they fall in love, and it is a magical and little hiding spot. They have a mix of sweet, fun, and steamy moments there, all of which are lovely and swoon-tastic.

Poppy and Keane are such compelling protagonists! Poppy is a strong and capable woman who works hard to care for her ailing father. She has some strong, negative feelings about the upper class that prevent her from opening her heart to Keane. Though Keane is a duke, he is struggling to find his place in the world. However, the more time he spends in Bellehaven Bay and with Poppy, the more he finds a sense of purpose. I like the emotional depth of each character as they deal with their pasts, their growing feelings for each other, the target on Keane’s back, and Poppy’s reservations about being in Keane’s life and all the obstacles they would face, especially from the judgmental ton. Their story has some strong messages about love, life, prejudice, taking changes, finding adventure, and forgiveness.

Though a lot of trials and tribulations stand in their way, Poppy and Keane have incredible chemistry, and their feelings for each other are undeniable. They have such a wonderful and unconventional love story, and I love that Keane falls first! He is so taken by Poppy, and he does not hide his feelings. It’s pretty swoon-worthy to see him fall so head-over-heels in love with her.

I also enjoyed the mystery surrounding Keane’s attack. It was dramatic, and there were a couple of twists that challenged Keane and Poppy’s relationship. I would definitely recommend One Duke Down to readers who enjoy a low-angst historical romance with great characters and a bit of intrigue.

Special thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Publishing for providing me a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.

I am posting an honest review after reading an advance readers copy of this story.

A plot I haven't run into in a historical romance novel before, how unique. Only in a small, understanding and forgiving, town could this have worked. The circumstances are far fetched and a delight to read. A murder mystery, a romance, and a story of forgiveness all rolled into one. I like hardworking Poppy, she's a girl who deserves a break & a good looking duke. The duke, Andrew, does a good bit of growing up during the story and turns out to be a nice guy and a good duke.

#OneDukeDown #AnnaBennett #Netgalley #Rogues to Lovers #StMartin'sPaperbacks #historicalromance #romance

Anna Bennett is a new to me author who’s books I found just before I got access to this ARC. I’m so happy I got to go in with a taste of her writing style and pacing and it shines so clearly in this story. Poppy Keane’s story is sweet and romantic, with just enough mystery and plot to keep the story moving forward, enough twists and turns to keep the reader engaged but also so much fluffy goodness from the main couple. It really feels like they are the center of the story, which is what a romance should be. Though sometimes I’ve found in some books that have a heavy mystery element, that plot can sometimes take over and the romance gets relegated to a side story. I was so happy to see the perfect balance of romance and mystery solving and drama in this. Anna Bennett really takes a simple plot point and writes the heck out of it. You think “ok a mysterious duke washes ashore and a girl finds him”. And then she just keeps going with so many fun surprises. I can safely say I was really not expecting who the villain turned out to be but the way we kept getting led to the answer and the book’s conclusion was super fun and well crafted.
I’m already looking forward to the next book in this series which, I’m assuming, will be Kitty’s story! Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a chance to read this!

Great book! I thought the book was a bit on the short side but packed with a great story! It was a fast read, the characters were great and interesting and loved the mystery! A must read!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book via NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Rating: 4/5 Stars
Publishing: January 12, 2023
Series: Rogues to Lovers #2
Pages: 352

I’ve read other books by Anna Bennett which were pretty good reads, however “One Duke Down”, the second in the series was okay. It started off a bit slow in the beginning but picked up as the story went along. I do believe that the H/h chemistry/attraction moved a bit too fast and I would have like a little slow burn to the romance.

What I did like was seeing the heroine, Poppy in a non-traditional role…who would have believed her a fisherwoman who catches Duke Andrew in the process (smiling). Love tropes of social class where the ones who have a leg up really understands the lower classes. There is mystery, romance, and passion between the two characters. I do love a bit of steamy in the historical romances I read, and it was represented in this story. Well-written and very enjoyable. Looking forward to reading the first and taking “considering” off that one in my TBR. Recommend the read.

A cozy and adorable, pleasurable read to curl up with my blanket and warm cup of tea. Poppy has some great luck when she catches a Duke in her fishing net, though she doesn't believe him at first. Keane and Poppy just had the cutest interactions and dialogues. Keane was just perfect. He knew what he wanted and was determined to pursue his goals. He didn't care about status or what the ton thought. And Poppy worked so hard for her family, she was keeping her household together and had such a beautiful confidence about herself. If you're looking for something with steamy romance, emotional moments, and even some suspense, then look no further! I definitely recommend giving this a read.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this e-ARC.

This was a bright, cheerful, and romantic read. Occasionally I found myself grinning while reading this book, just like the models in that gorgeous cover!

I enjoyed the first book in this series, and One Duke Down was just as enjoyable. It's always refreshing to see protagonists in nontraditional roles in historical romance novels. The heroine, Poppy Summers, is a resourceful and intrepid fisherwoman. As luck would have it, Poppy catches a handsome, albeit injured, Duke in her fishing net! Now, that’s one big fish; and yes, I was hooked!

There is mystery, romance, and sizzling passion to keep you turning the pages. This book is full of romantic moments and good communication. Furthermore, there is a heart-touching scene near the end involving Poppy and her aunt, which made me emotional.

I adored Poppy and Keane. Fans of historical romance would definitely want to check out this feel-good, heartwarming story.

Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing me with an e-ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Excellent!!! Poppy is so adventurous, brave, practical and a true friend. It was a pleasure getting to know her. Her encounters with the Duke were captivating and entertaining. I think the Duke is a great catch, he knows what he wants and knows how to tap into her adventurous side in order to give him an opportunity to properly woo her. I was glued to the pages with excitement and angst because they're the type of characters that grip and pull you right into their story. Enjoyed this immensely. I think that danger to the Duke was a little long-winded. I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to read and leave a review.

I was thrilled to receive an ARC from St. Martin's Press, as I quite enjoyed Bennett's writing in the past.

This one was cute, and quite enjoyable. The downside is it was a little too insta-lovey for my taste - I enjoy slow burns a little more, so Girls Before Earls was more my speed. But I'll still read whatever Bennett puts out next, and I'm excited to do so.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press for providing me an ARC via Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

ONE DUKE DOWN is a dazzling and dangerous story starring a dashing duke who is found on a beach tangled in a fishing net and is severely injured. Poppy Summers, a pretty pearl of a girl is out fishing to feed her family. She takes care of her ailing widowed father, because her brother is currently working in London. As she nears shore, she spies a large unconscious man on the beach tangled in her net. After he comes to, she finds out his name is Keane and he is incredibly a duke. Keane believes that someone tried to kill him, but is sketchy as to who or why.

Andrew Keane, the Duke of Hawking, is having a hard time convincing his ravishing, red-haired, rescuer that he is indeed a duke. He came to Bellehaven Bay to leave his mundane life in London. Regrettably, he finds out someone intends to kill him and he is determined to find the dastardly devil. He asks Poppy to help him and hide him somewhere, so his attacker assumes he perished. Poppy is aghast at his generous offer to pay her for her services while he recovers. She accepts, reasoning that it will help with her bills and her dad's medicines. However, time spent with Poppy while Keane heals and gains his strength back, he develops feelings for the feisty, cagey lady.

Poppy's past fueled her mistrust in people of society and Keane is undoubtedly a duke. To her dismay, Keane's gallant and gentle ways win her heart. Although, it will take a lot for Poppy to let him into her life. Keane implores her to help him find his murderer. Poppy helps as much as she can, but her life is with her father. As Poppy and Keane get closer to unraveling the mystery, their attraction towards one another heats up. Does Poppy give her heart to Keane? Will they find who is out to banish him?

ONE DUKE DOWN is a twisty, sparkly, rousing romance. An injured duke and a strong fisherman’s daughter fortuitously meet on a windswept wet shore. Sparks fly and love blossoms. Ms. Bennet crafts crispy characters with warmth, heart and soul. However, there is one out for blood and Keane asks for Poppy's help. The interactions between Poppy and Keane are exquisite and melted my heart. The author perfectly blends suspense, friends, family, steamy romance and more into a stellar story. This story is addictive and hard to resist!

✨“Have I mentioned how beautiful you look today?”✨

If you love low angst, absolutely SMITTEN from first sight heroes, and multiple sex scenes may present my most recent personality trait book because I SWEAR it’s one of the cutest things I've read in so long. No third act breakup! Mysterious murder attempts! Hiding a duke in a shack on the beach and you're the only one who knows he's there! Making love to said duke in said shack and on said beach!

One Duke Down was one of the best books I’ve read this year. From the stunning cover to the charming characters, this book will have you smiling like an absolute fool. You’ll be smiling while idling at red lights, standing in line at the DMV, and at the dentist getting critiqued on your flossing abilities. I already can’t wait for my audiobook reread because it’s going to be even better!

This first read had me so cautious because I thought the low angst was going to be snatched away due to a fight or misunderstanding. I was hiding in the shrubbery, using a mirror to peer around corners because I couldn’t trust that a book could be THAT perfect. But I’m so happy to report that it can, in fact, be that perfect and all that is good in the world.

There were so many quotes that were just utterly romantic and so sweet. Keane and Poppy listened to each other and actually gave the relationship their faith and trust. There were so many opportunities for one to walk away, get scared of change, or believe the worst in the other but they were always so rational about it!!

There was a scene where Poppy expressed how Keane could understand her head but not her heart because they were of different social classes. He took that to heart and really tried to understand her world and what she held dear. At the end of the book, these thoughts come back full circle and he does something so meaningful for her and I truly had to take a moment for myself.

That’s all I’m going to say because I don’t want to spoil anything else but just pay attention to how they communicate and understand each other because this book was written for hopeless romantics and people who want to stare at large bodies of water to feel things.

If you loved Kate Bateman’s most recent series or How to Be a Wallflower by Eloisa James, I think this book was meant for you. Top it all off with his refrain of “have I mentioned how beautiful you look today?” and I lost my entire mind.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️.25*/5

*There were around four explicit scenes with a few different locations and positions! He was blindfolded during one scene and there was a glorious bathtub moment. He was down so bad for her and honestly that bumped the spice scale up a notch.

Thanks so much to the publisher for an eARC via NetGalley. All opinions are honest and my own 🧡