This unfortunately ended up being a DNF for me at 68%. There aren’t any real obstacles keeping the hero and heroine apart. He proposes to her in the beginning of the book, and she refuses because…he’s not proper enough for her? Even though he’s a duke, and she’s halfway in love with him? It strains credibility, and it never really gets better. I didn’t understand the character motivations at all in this book.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

After weathering the scandal caused by learning that her father was not legally married to her mother, and that the new Duke of Grantham was a gambling hell owner, Olivia Ashton is determined to curb her wild ways and find a respectable man to man. But when she is caught with Ivo Fitzsimmons, the Duke of Northam, she once more finds herself the subject of gossip. She is attracted to Ivo, but he is not in a position to help her family restore their standing in society or replenish their coffers, so when he proposes, she refuses and returns to the country to ride out the scandal. She needs to forget out Ivo and find another man to marry – too bad her heart is set on the roguish Duke.

Ivo Fitzsimmons, the Duke of Northam is in no position to marry, his estate is in debt and his main source of income is derived from smuggling, so he should be overjoyed that Olivia turned him down. But her biting words and accusations have only made him want her more and to win her, things are going to have to change. But changing is easier said than done, especially when his past comes calling and new secrets and scandals will make winning his heart’s desire.

This is a well written story with likable characters, but sadly this book just didn’t work for me. Olivia is illegitimate thanks to her father’s bigamy – but for some reason the author acts like this is no big deal and even continues to address her as if she has an honorific and that she would be welcomed by the ton. Then she is found in a compromising situation – but isn’t ruined, in fact, she has several titled suitors – including a prince vying for her hand – a penniless, illegitimate daughter of a duke with several scandals in her past – I don’t think so. I just couldn’t get past this – it is absurd and unbelievable. I am sure there are readers who won’t care about these things, but for me they ruin the story for me. I didn’t really care for the first book, but wanted to believe that it was just a fluke as I have read and enjoyed other books by this author, but I think I am done with this series.

2, maybe 2.5 stars

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *

This is the second in the Romancing the Duke’s series and begins almost immediately where the previous book ends. There is enough recapping that this can be read as a stand alone novel. The first book covers Gabriel’s romance with Vivienne. The story now turns to his six half sister’s. Unlike many historical romances, this Duke is not well off financially and is still proving himself to the ton. Oldest sister Olivia has already made some missteps in her first season and has caught the attention of Ivo Fitzsimmons, Duke of Northam. But she resists his advances as she needs someone with money and standing to help her sister’s to be able to wed well. There is a lot of maneuvering from Olivia’s grandmother, the dowager Duchess.

This and the previous book are the only ones I have read from the author. She seems to enjoy having several characters and backstories for their connections. Olivia feels the pressure more than her younger sister’s to try and fit in with society. And although Olivia and Ivo are the stars there is more than one romance in this story. Bennett writes very traditional historical romances. There isn’t the feminist heroine or modernisms lurking in the pages. And part of the pleasure is following multiple people and relationships through the books. It reminded me of Bridgerton in that regard. And now I am more familiar with the author. I know what to expect. I liked the first novel, and I enjoyed this one even more. (3.5 Stars)

Sometimes you just want to read a straightforward Regency romance about two idiots falling in love, and My Secret Duke is exactly that.

Olivia Ashton is the eldest of six sisters in a scandalous family. Her father was a duke, but the family recently learned that her father was previously married to another woman before her mother, and her older half-brother is now the duke. Olivia is in her first season, and the family scandal is alredy the talk of the town. When she begins a flirtation with the roguish Ivo Fitzsimmons, Duke of Northam, she's nearly compromised, leading to even more scandal. Ivo proposes, she turns him down, thinking he's only proposing out of duty, and they're both rather relieved. Since her family is in dire financial straits, Olivia needs to find a wealthy, connected husband to help her family and her sister's prospects, and Ivo also has financial issues.

Of course, the two are thrown together over and over again in society and as much as they try to deny it to themselves, they're falling in love. This is a very cute romance. Ivo is a bit of a rogue, but not unredeemably so, he cares deeply for his family, and he's trying to be a better duke than his father was, even if that means being involved in a smuggling ring. Olivia is a classic oldest sister, feeling responsible for her sisters while also finding them very annoying. The two make a good couple, and I enjoyed reading about them falling in love.

This is the second book in a series, and Olivia and Ivo actually meet in the first book, but the book stands on its own. I hope the next book is about the third sister, Roberta, because she's a really fun character.

My Secret Duke is the second book in the Romancing the Dukes series. This is a stand-alone read.

Olivia is drawn to Ivo Fitzsimmons, the Duke of Northam. But after all the family has been through her grandmother is pressing her to marry a prince to redeem and save the family. Olivia wants to do the do what is best for the family despite wanting to be with Ivo.

Ivo Fitzsimmons, Duke of Northam, never planned on finding a bride, but Olivia is e everything he could want. His past is less than stellar, being a smuggler he has little to offer a woman, let alone Olivia. But she will find herself in danger from an enemy of Ivo's. Will he be able to save her and improve his reputation at the same time.

This was a fun story. There are plenty of characters to set up for future books in the series. With the men and their less than upstanding reputations, it should lead to more fun and entertaining dramas.

So good!

The romance was so good! I really enjoyed the tension between Olivia and Ivo. These two were fighting their feeling so hard but they could not be denied! I mean that opening billiards scene really said it all haha. Each character is compelling and fully developed. Plus we also get plenty of family drama to keep the plot entertaining.

This was a quick and entertaining read. Would recommend, especially if you're looking for something similar to Bridgerton. Part of a series but can be read as a standalone.

DNF'ed at 50%

There's a lot to love about this book. The characters are likable. Ivo and Olivia both have good hearts, and I was rooting for them to find one another from the very beginning. Speaking of the beginning, what a hook! We're treated to a very gripping opening scene: two MCs who should NOT feel anything for one another, facing off over a game of billiards that ramps up in intensity as their chemistry sizzles. We were off to the races and I was here for it!

Both of these characters have compelling backstories. The problem for me, however, is that each of these MCs comes with a LOT of side characters: family members, estranged family members, potential family members, all of whom are introduced to us, leaving me feeling like I needed to stop and take notes. At one point a prince is introduced to the plot. There are MANY people, all with things going on in their lives, and everything is simply touched on before going to the next person. I feel like Sara Bennett could make novels upon novels about these charming characters, and I would enjoy it! I like her writing! I just find that the love story is getting drowned out.

I'm really curious to see where this author goes. I would be first in line to see a novella, for example, for every one of these characters. I wish her all the best!

I'd like to thank Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and Netgalley for the eARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

Olivia turns down a proposal from her best friend Ivo because she needs to marry money. When scandal follows her and her family, she starts to rethink her decision. Ivo has scandal and money troubles as well but is determined to convince Olivia to marry him. I received an ARC from NetGalley and Forever for my honest review.