I found the world very fun and reminded me a lot of Bridgerton, which is always a good thing in my opinion! I thought the characters were very strong and each had a unique voice. Dinah in particular was very family-oriented, but also knew her worth and was bold and confident with her love interest, Captain Drake Andrews. I loved the yearning in this story, especially from Drake.

SPOILERS AHEAD**

I did think that their romance went very quickly from purely sexual to being in love, and the timeline was a little confusing for me, because they had already met in the past that we didn't get to read about. I also thought the 'third act breakup' wasn't very solid, the reasons for Drake leaving didn't really make sense. Or they did, but then he didn't really address why he was so hurt by Dinah when he went back to her.

All in all, it was a fun and smutty read, but the insta-love and third act breakup definitely knocked my rating down a bit.

Although a fairly short novella, I enjoyed this romance between two mature people from opposite sides of the great societal divide. Dinah had suffered under her husband's emotional abuse, used as a commodity, and forced to endure her brother-in-law's cruelty when the aged Duke took ill and died. Keeping the family together became her prime purpose until her stepson made an unexpected appearance together with his best friend, Drake Andrews, when a spark of interest between Drake and Dinah was kindled. Returning to London after a voyage, Drake makes it his business to visit Dinah, confirming their interest in one another. However, knowing how the upper echelons of the ton operate, Drake knows there can be no future between them. Despite the potential for scandal, the romance comes to a lovely conclusion, bringing not only Drake and Dinah the happiness they so richly deserve, but the rest of the family too. I received a copy of this book as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

Aah, it's finally Dinah's turn. In the fourth book of the series, Dinah, the dowerage Duchess has sacrificed much of her life doing her duty. When her stepson returned from sea in the first book, he brought Drake, his best friend/brother with him. This is the story I've been waiting for since book one. A quick novella, spicy and a bit heart achy yet worth all of that too see how it ends. From an author, who knows how to make a story come to life, weave in characters from past stories and still keep it less that 30 chapters, this is one of a kind. Don't miss this joyous opportunity.

When Captain Drake Andrews pulls into port in London the only thing he can think about is the widow Lady Dinah. While they both realize nothing permanent can happen between them, they decide to give in to their attraction while Drake is in port. When circumstances change they must be brave enough to grab happiness. I received an ARC from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for my honest review.

I enjoyed this novella. I thought the characters were lovely and the romance was sweet. The dialogue felt a little clunky and that it over explained things but it didn’t take away from the story that much. I would recommend this novella.

The fourth book in the series & it’s Dinah’s story. I’ve liked her throughout the series & so glad that she found the love of her life. Drake Andrews was like a brother to James Strong, they were both pressed into the navy at an early age & became close as they grew with Drake becoming James’ first mate & then a captain. I loved the chemistry between Drake & Dinah but he leaves to captain his first ship but neither forgets the other. Then he returns & sparks fly. But how can someone from Drake’s background be suitable for a Duchess. I loved their journey to a HEA it wasn’t easy & a couple of times I reached for a tissue but it made for a riveting read, which I read in a sitting
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

An entrancing romance so beautifully written.
Captain Drake returns from a long voyage and is still infatuated with the Dowager Duchess Dinah.
They embark on a discreet love affair with plenty of fun steamy kisses!!!
They are far apart in station in the ton which adds to complications as Dinah still has daughters to bring to the marriage mart.
The Strong family series of books is easily read with involved characters but this story is also a read alone.

4 stars

Not a bad read. I'd been looking forward to Captain Drake's romance. Dinah is keen for a romance and some passion.
The Captain doesn't mind that but thinks there's no long term future.
I was a bit disallusioned that a minor character was killed off to give Drake a new position even though we'd been hearing how much he loved to captain of his own ship. It seemed to me that Drake had to give lots up because Dinah had at least a couple of more girls to launch off.

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

This is a fun, entertaining, quick read. Drake and Dina are interesting, complex, wounded, intriguing, entertaining characters. The path to their HEA is not easy but its entertaining to read. I am loving this world and these characters. I especially love that we get to see the other family members – some of whom have already had their romance. The story is easy to read and get into.

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

Dowager Duchess Dinah is finally able to find love after the death of her husband . She married a man 25 years older than her and after given birth to 4 daughters she was left alone to raise them along with her two nieces . So when Captain Drake Andrews returns from his trip she asks him to teach her everything about love . The week they spent together makes them realise that they love each other but will he able he brave for her ?
I received this book from netgalley and the publicer as an ARC . Thank you . All thoughts and opinions are my own .

This novel was fabulous. I love novels that take place at sea. The romance was swoony, and the plot was exciting and lush. I look forward to reading more from them.

Widowed duchess Dinah is back out in the courting scene after the death of her husband, but she’s uninterested in any of the suitors she’s met this season. In the back of her mind, she’s still thinking about her stepson’s captain friend Drake, who had flirted with her upon first meeting. Back from his first journey as captain, Drake’s first stop is the call on Dinah and see if he can arrange a dalliance. Lucky for everyone involved, she’s very much interested. It’s a quick connection for these two, both physically and emotionally, even with their different social stations. This was a pretty quick low-angst steamy romance that was very fun to read.

A Perfect Romance Story for Me: Short, Passionate, Sexy:
The Strong family is at it again. This lovely family has captured my heart and they're not done yet.
This story features Dinah the widow in a loveless forced marriage. She has singularly raised a bevy of girls who are fairly grown up now so it just might be time for Dinah to kick up her heels and discover the feelings of what romance is all about.
Drake the handsome sea captain has returned from first command of the new ship. They had previously met once, and a tiny attraction spark was instilled in each of their thoughts at that time. When they meet again the spark only grows and what charming, delightful passionate love story this turned out to be. I would give it more stars if possible.
Even though this is book 4 in a wonderful series about independent women, handsome men, and a wonderful family this can be a stand-alone read.
👀Dinah's Shocking disclosure that had my eyebrows raising
💖I loved this story and would read it again., and I don't say they lightly.

I am so glad that Dinah got her own and story and Drake is the perfect match for her. After reading the other books in this series I knew that it was going to happen this way. It was a very sweet romance. And it was great catching up with the others from this series too.

Don’t you love when more seasoned couples are featured in books? I do because they are just as passionate and capable of loving as anyone. I am so glad that Drake gets his story and it is so amazing (I was waiting on it). The communicating between Drake and Dinah is so refreshing. No going round and round, just getting to the point. Yes! This story has a lot of my check boxes: longing, wanting, talking, and love overcomes all. Loved loved this story.