Book Review: The Duke I Once Knew (Unlikely Duchesses #1) by Olivia Drake

Title: The Duke I Once Knew (Unlikely Duchesses #1) 

Author: Olivia Drake 

Stars: 4 stars

Review:
The youngest daughter, with 4 older siblings, finds her life being planned for her as if she had no desires of her own although she is only two weeks from turning  30. Having cared for her aging parents until their demise a year previously she knows she must rebel if she is to have any life to call her own. So she announces her intention to become a governess to a Dukes young sister. This is a Duke that she shared a blossoming romance with 15 years earlier. But the Duke has not been home for 15 years. Will fate intervene and true love find a way to come to the forefront? That is what makes this story a delightful read to enjoy from beginning to end.

I have rated this book 4 stars.

I received an ARC from Netgalley for my unbiased review.

Thank you Frank for your Review!

Synopsis:
For years, Abigail Linton devoted herself to caring for her aging parents and the children of her siblings. Now, eager to make her own life, she takes a position as governess on the neighboring estate. It shouldn’t matter that her absentee employer is Maxwell Bryce, the Duke of Rothwell, the infamous rake who once broke her youthful heart. Surely he’s forgotten her, for he hasn’t set foot on his estate for fifteen years. At least, that is, until he arrives unexpectedly.

Max is incensed to meet his sister’s new governess. But why does Abby appear just as displeased to see him when it was she who’d rejected him all those years ago? Why is he so drawn to the independent spinster she has become? And why is there a sparkle in her beautiful blue eyes that suggests they might have a second chance at love?

Mass Market Paperback, 336 pages

Expected publication: December 31st 2018 by St. Martin's Paperbacks

About The Author:

Shortly after graduating from Michigan State University with a degree in journalism, Olivia Drake sold her first novel two weeks after sending it to a publisher. She now lives in Texas in a cozy cottage with a feisty cat, a loving husband, and two wonderful daughters who still come back whenever they want a home-cooked meal. 

Many of you already know Olivia as Barbara Dawson Smith, author of 24 historical romance novels. She is a New York Times bestseller and winner of numerous honors, including the Golden Heart Award and the coveted Rita Award for excellence in the historical romance genre