One Duke Down (Rogues to Lovers # 2) by Anna Bennett.

Wit, adventure, seduction, and passion blends seamlessly to create this deeply emotional and charming romance. Anna Bennett weaves an intriguing plot with complex characters to provide the perfect sensual escape. There’s nothing I didn’t love about One Duke Down, especially its lush, captivating glimpse into history.

Poppy and Keane’s story is magically delicious from beginning to end. This is a slow burning, always complicated, with a little angst, opposites attract romance. On paper these
characters make zero sense together, with Keane being a duke and poppy being a fisherman’s daughter. But the undercurrent of this whole story is a powerful message about not making unfair assumptions, not passing judgment based on what you think you know about a certain person, and with that comes the glaring reality that they have more in common than they ever could have imagined. Their attraction is fiery and intense as well as sweet and tender. There is no shortage of push and pull and adventures as they hunt for a murderer together, which had me glued to every page. There is also humor and hilarious banter between them. So adorably funny and charming while remaining romantic. A story that entertains and makes you think.

I really enjoyed this book, all the intense feelings, all the charming and swoony moments between Poppy And Keane and all the possibilities. You need this book! Run! Go! Get it now!!

I received an early copy and this is my honest review.

Poppy and Keene are such fun, interesting characters. I enjoyed their romance and the antics that they got up to in this book. Their romance is sweet and romantic, but also an adventure all it’s own. The story has a mystery subplot that I found interesting and a very fitting conclusion. The secondary characters added to the fabric of the story. It was funny getting to see Hazel, Blade and Kitty from a previously connected book. I love catching up with other couples and seeing where they are in their HEA. I’m looking forward to Kitty’s romance and finding out who her nemesis is 😊

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

When Poppy Summers finds a man tangled in a fishing net on her beach, the last person she expected it to be is a Duke.

With a gash on his head and his clothes torn up, Andrew Keane, the Duke of Hawking does not look the part. It takes some convincing for Poppy to agree to seek out his valet for confirmation. Once she's validated his identity, Keane convinces her to help him find his attacker so he can be brought to justice.

Poppy gets to explore some fun activities with him as they work through his list of possible suspects. As the Duke hides in her reading shack, they share meals and discuss many things. The Duke is impressed by her wit and intelligence so it's not surprising to him that he's falling for her.

Poppy's family has always had their eyes wide open with regard to the nobility. Mostly she's found them to be callous and uncaring of anything that doesn't apply to them directly. Not to mention a family that hurt someone she loved dearly.

I love the way this story unfolds. From the beach to the ballroom this was a delightful read. There's even a bit of excitement when the truth comes out.

I can't wait to read the next book in this series.

I really enjoyed this historical romance book because of the likable characters and The Little Mermaid Vibes I got from the storyline.

Poppy is a strong and determined heroine who is working to save her family’s fishing business when she comes across Andrew, the Duke. When Andrew asks for Poppy’s help to hide him away until he figures out who is trying to kill him, she reluctantly agrees. Andrew is the perfect Prince Eric to Poppy’s Princess Ariel.

As Poppy nurses Andrew back to health she grows to believe his fantastic story. The plot gets even more interesting when Poppy and Andrew work together to investigate the mystery of who wants him dead. The couple cannot fight their growing attraction which culminates in a steamy Happily Ever After!

This is my favorite book in the Rogues to Lovers series so far. Plus, just look at that gorgeous cover!

Barbara’s rating: 3.5 of 5 Stars

Let me start by telling you I absolutely loved both Poppy and Keane. They were two lovely, caring, honest, up-front people who didn’t know how to be anyone other than themselves. There were no false fronts, no pretending – just love and acceptance along with wonderfully refreshing spirits.

Poppy Summers, a fisherman’s daughter, has been shouldering all the responsibilities for the care of her father and the family business for quite some time now. Very early every morning she arises to begin her day – she takes their rowboat out and casts the nets for the day’s catch; she makes breakfast for her ill father and serves him; she cleans and salts the fish, then takes them to town to sell. They are barely scraping by and scarcely know where the next meal will come from. She has one, just one, place to relax from the stress, so imagine her shock when she approaches her beach one day and finds a dark, handsome man lying lifeless in the surf. He insists he is a duke, but she doesn’t believe that for a minute. A pirate? Maybe. Whatever he is, he isn’t a duke!

Andrew Keane, Duke of Hawking, has been avoiding taking on his responsibilities since he inherited the title. Part of that avoidance included escaping to the lovely beach village of Bellehaven – where someone coshed him over the head and tossed him in the water. After being washed up on the beach, he regained consciousness to see a most delightful angel was there with him. Oops – how can she be an angel when she is challenging everything he says and demanding to know how he came to be on her beach? She asked if he was a pirate who’d fallen overboard for goodness’ sake!

Keane finally convinces Poppy to help him find out who tried to murder him – and to let him stay on her beach while they do. I love how they deal with each other – no doubt – no mistrust – no navel-gazing – just straight-up honesty. I also loved the Epilogue.

So, with all of this, why didn’t I give it 5-stars? I definitely could have based on the characters. However, there were so very many anachronisms and improbabilities that I couldn’t get past them – and, there wasn’t any reason for them to be there. A little research would have given the information to avoid them. Just one example: In less than twenty-four hours, they made a round-trip to London (100 miles each way – so 200 miles) in a coach that averages about 7-10 MPH, and that trip included hunting down a witness, a visit to Hyde Park, and attending an evening entertainment. I’m not sure I could do that in one of today’s vehicles, much less a horse-drawn carriage. Still, I can recommend this read if anachronisms and improbabilities don’t bother you. NOTE: should you wish to see further examples, you can see more in the SPOILER ALERT in my Goodreads review of the book.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I’m not usually a fan of historical fiction, but I could not put this book down! Absolutely loved Poppy’s character and her relationship with Keane. I appreciated their communication (no third act break up!!) and how much they trusted each other. This book kept me guessing about the murder mystery until the reveal. Great book overall, four stars!

Loved this one! Poppy is collecting her fishing nets one morning and discovers she caught a handsome Duke in her net, The Duke, Keane, had been the victim of foul play and couldnt quite remember what happened. As Poppy helps nurse Keane back to health, together they try and solve the mystery of why he was attacked. I felt the mystery part was very predictable, but overall really enjoyed it anyway because the romance was so sweet! Keane was so romantic!

One Duke Down was one truly delightful and suspenseful romance. I loved so much about it, I'm almost reluctant to start listing things, lest I leave something out, but here goes...

I loved that Poppy was not wilting wallflower of a heroine—she was capable and strong and realistic in her outlook on life. She provides for her family and loves them despite their failings, and even when frustrated by the man moored on her beach, she still does the right thing. She's definitely my kind of heroine.

I loved too that Keane is not a haughty, overly proud hero. He owns his mistakes, knows when he needs to lean on someone for help, and is kind to those around him, despite his past leaving its scars behind. He respects Poppy from the outset, believes in her, and takes to heart what she tells him in order to be a better—the best—man for her.

I loved the strong female friendships on display once again. Set up in Girls Before Earls, Poppy's relationship with Hazel and Kitty is grounded in admiration, love, and a desire to see one another achieve everything they want and need. Supportive, trustworthy, and just the kind of friends every woman should have.

I loved the mystery. Even though I figured it out well before the reveal, I was still on the edge of my seat for a good portion of the book, and it was fun to see Keane and Poppy (with the help of Keane's valet) try to find answers while also finding out that they were more alike than one would first expect. There were some diverting moments, and an added punch at the end, and altogether, it added up to a rom-suspense that didn't skimp on the suspense.

At this point, though I could probably keep listing things, I should wrap it up so you can get to reading, so I will leave you with this thought: One Duke Down was well-written and witty, left me excited for the next book in the Rogues to Lovers series, and the perfect book to curl up with for an adventure.

One Duke Down is the second book in Ms. Bennett's intriguing Rogues to Lovers series. While this is part of the Rogues to Lovers series, it can easily be read as a stand-alone. One Duke Down will sweep you off your feet from the first page. Bennett certainly delivers when it comes to an exciting twist on rogues-to-lovers tales and is guaranteed to leave you with unforgettable memories of its vibrant cast of characters! One Duke Down by Anna Bennett is an engaging, romantic read that left me hooked and craving more.

@annabennettbooks did a great job with this one. Another really enjoyable Historical Romance book from @netgalley.
A Duke washes ashore Miss Summer’s beach and starts to aide him in his healing, then they’re trying to figure out who tried to murder him.
There’s a bit of mystery, romance, and humor all in one. I loved the setting (English coastal town) and that he chose a women “under his station” despite what the ton would think.

This is book 2 in the Rogue's to Lovers series. Poppy is a beautiful, smart, sweet girl trying to do whatever is necessary to support herself and her incapacitated father. Even if it means dealing with smelly fish everyday. After being out on her boat fishing one day, she comes in to find a man, unconscious on her beach. After she does everything she can do, he finally awakens. He tells her that he is the Duke of Hawking and someone tried to kill him.
Staying on the beach and living in a very simple lean-to hut, so that he can investigate his attempted murder is the beginning of a beautiful relationship between him and Poppy.
The difference in classes plays a big part of the story, as Poppy, rightfully has a chip on her shoulder when it comes to the nobility. So the adventure (and romance) begins!
I enjoyed the story. My only criticism would be that I thought the storyline could have ended in 3 different spots. I didn't understand or like the kidnapping at the end. I thought it unnecessary.
So 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I went to thank Netgalley for the opportunity to review this book.

Poppy Summers is left helping her family's fishing business rather than chasing her own dreams when she finds Andrew Keane tangled up in her nets. She doesn't believe that he's a duke on holiday with someone intent on killing him, but is wrangled into the plan of pretending he died in order to track down who wants him dead. They grow closer, but Poppy might not like what they find out.

One Duke Down is part of the Rogues to Lovers series, as the men start off being considered rogues. In this case, Keane is found near death tangled in one of her fishing nets, so of course Poppy thinks that Keane is a rogue. Then there are rumors about him and the fact that there are a few people he can think of that would want to kill him. He's charming and has money, plus is actually telling the truth about being a duke, so Poppy goes along with the idea of trying to figure out who the attempted murderer is. This keeps the two of them together for an extended period of time, and the intrigue also gives them the opportunity to learn more about each other. The rumors aren't true about Keane, and the fact that he's actually honorable helps prove that he's more than a title.

I really enjoyed the romance between Keane and Poppy. As much as they're from different classes and have different views of the world as a result, they're both open to learning more and can adjust their worldview. Neither is opposed to hard work or earning their happily ever after, which makes it fun for the reader. This is a heartwarming Regency romance, and great for curling up with on a blustery day.

I love this book!

I will expand on this more in a review at a later date since I am in the middle of a medical crisis.

I really enjoyed the adventure and mystery aspect of this book, though I was able to figure out the twist very early in the book. The romance and chemistry between the main characters felt as though they were pushed together, and told to be happy. I didn’t feel their connection.

There were definitely parts of the story where I felt it just didn’t make sense. Randomly going to a ball, dressing up and pretending to be a lord and lady. There was too much acting for a simple fisherwoman to jump into those roles, and it took me out of the story.

There was a lot happening in this book, and I mean that in a good way! Poppy is a smart, resourceful heroine. It was easy to get in her corner. Keane starts off as the damsel in distress, it was fun to watch Poppy rescue him. The intrigue and action begins right away, and the story continues at quite a clip. Very fun read with a lot of elements - fairy tale, action, spy stuff. Really enjoyable book.

*I was provided a free advanced copy in exchange an honest review.

A handsome man is unconscious on the beach with a fishing net hanging on his boot…sounds like a bad joke but this story is no joke. The setting is out of the norm for historical romance and the characters are just amazing and funny. I really like Anna’s style of writing. It is so easy to read and get caught up in the story. It is so interesting. The mystery isn’t terribly hard to figure out but the whys is what gets you. The traipsing around trying to figure it out seemed right of the an old Thin Man story. Another great story in this series.

This was a love at first sight kind of story, with very few obstacles. Poppy is out fishing one day and ends up catching.. a Duke, tangled in her net. She rescues him.
I loved that Poppy has a secret hiding place, it was lovely to read about. I love her friendship with other girls and how light the story was. But it was a bit too straightforward for me and with no humour, I found it a little boring for my tastes.

4.5 stars

Omg this boooook! I'm obsessed!!!

The second book in the Rogues to Lovers series and by far my favorite. Poppy and Keane are so deliciously perfect for each other: their banter!!!! And the book is chock-full of fun tropes that had me so hooked (lol get it, hooked? Cause she's a fisherwoman? wink wink) from the very beginning. Here's what you have to look forward to:

-Nursing back to health
-Naked swims in the ocean
-Disguises!!! Togas!!
-Bathing 😏
-Attempted Murder (multiple)
-Close knit family vibes

This book's main trope is class differences: Poppy being a fisherwoman and Keane being a Duke. I've read a lot of this trope so I wasn't expecting anything different but booooy this book surprised me in such a good way. Let's just say that I love Poppy and Keane's love and from now on every regency romance should have a little attempted murder lol.

I really wanted to love this because the blurb made it seem so good, but it just didn't live up to the hype for me. Too much angst, not enough romance. Not enough relationship building or getting to know the characters. Its all just struggling and trying to figure out who hurt the duke. If I wanted a mystery, I'd choose one, not a romance. Also, I'm sorry, but the sea-related analogies get super annoying and corny. Every sentence doesn't have to relate to the ocean, mermaids, pirates, fish, etc. It almost reads like a DIsney fairytale for kids... but with spicy scenes randomly thrown in. It was just a no for me... sorry. Thanks for the opportunity to try though.

A romantic rags-to-riches tale with lots of drama and intrigue.
Someone has tried to kill the duke of Hawking and Poppy has agreed to provide him with safe shelter until he can find the culprit. There is instant attraction and despite Poppy's wariness, they engage in an affair quite early on in the book. I prefer a bit more sexual tension and a build-up but the pair were very sweet together and there was no doubt how much Keane cared for Poppy.
There are a few tense scenes where Keane's life is in danger and that made exciting reading.
I loved the final scenes at the ball. It was humorous and swoon-worthy.