I really liked this historical read! Abby was devoted to caring for her parents and her siblings’ children but now she is ready to move forward with her own life. She takes a position as governess on a neighboring estate belonging to the man who once broke her heart. He hadn’t been to the estate in 15 years what will happen when Max returns? Great chemistry and an entertaining story.

Abigail Linton fell in love and got her heart utterly broken at a very young age. Since then she has devoted all her time to taking care of her parents and hew nieces and nephews. With her 30th birth year approaching, she is dangerously close to becoming a spinster and that cannot happen.

She decided to change her own life and takes up the job of a governess of the sister of the Duke of Rothwell who just so happens to be the man who scorned her.

But she can manage because he's never home so she'll never have to see his face again.Then he arrives unexpectedly and everything falls to chaos.

Can Max and Abigail reconcile and move forward from a painful past? Or was their love doomed from the start.

I think I am lowkey in love.

Abigail was an easy character to like. Her character might come off as submissive or naive but I actually thought she was pretty strong and a genuinely good person. I love that she knew how to stand up for herself and then see it through. Whatever she did it was out of the goodness of her heart not because she gave absolute permission to use her. I just adore her.

I didn't really like Max as much as I wanted to. I think I wanted to see more of his love, his desperation and hie yearning for Abigail. He was pretty amazing and I do love a broody, jilted hero but I know it could have been so much more.

This story was really fresh and I didn't know historical second chance romances could be so delicious. I am still getting schooled and this story was just the perfect addiction to my new found love for Historical Romances.

The first book in Olivia Drake’s new series is also the first book I’ve read of this author. I’m a sucker for a second chance romance so reading this blurb had me immediately hitting my request for review button.

This is mostly a sweet, at times frustrating, romance with a pleasant heroine and a hero who I neither loved nor hated. I found Max kind of meh.

When the book opens readers are introduced to Abby and her awful family. I mean for real, they are terrible. She loves them, but after spending her whole life taking care of her parents, and then after their deaths bouncing around from sibling to sibling serving in various capacities within their homes. In a moment of strength she announces that she won’t be passed around anymore and intends to go to work at the neighboring estate as a governess.

The neighboring estate happens to be the home of the Duke of Rothwell, who Abby knows quite well as they were once young and in love. Then Max’s mother died and his father moved him to London and the two lost all contact. Abby had heard of his reputation as a ladies man through the years, and has no desire to actually see him again, but she looks forward to getting away from her family and spending time working as a governess to Max’s younger sister.

Then something happens that forces Max to change his plans and bring his entourage to his childhood home.

While this was a pretty fast read, I can’t say that I was totally in love with either character or enthralled with their relationship with each other. Abby comes across as rather immature at times and I kind of wanted her to stand up to her family a bit more. Max spends most of the book thinking with his penis and allowing his questionable companions to have the run of his estate even while his sister was in residence. He is a cold, at times condescending, man and I just never felt like he fully morphed into the loving partner Abby needed. Their relationship took forever (it felt like anyway) to move along, but their chemistry felt off and I wasn’t fully on board for their HEA.

I may try the next book in the series, or I may try another book on this author’s backlist. I haven’t decided yet.

Abby Linton’s thirtieth birthday is rapidly approaching. Up until the previous year, she spent her time caring for her elderly parents, who have since passed away. Now her four much older siblings are arguing over which of their homes she will live in, and conveniently help with the raising of their children. Abby has learned that a governess is needed for Gwendolyn, the young sister of the neighboring Duke of Rothwell. Anxious for a taste of life on her own, Abby shocks her family by applying for the position. Gwendolyn’s aunt hires Abby, who moves into Rothwell Court, confident that she’ll never run into Maxwell, the duke. Unknown to everyone, Abby and Max were teenage sweethearts, who spent all their time together in their secret glade. When Max’s mother died, his father removed the family to London, never to return. Max vowed to wed Abby as soon as he came of age, but she never heard any word from him since the day he left fifteen years ago.

Max has avoided returning to Rothwell Court, choosing to stay in town except for the brief visit for his father’s funeral. The place brings back disturbing memories of his volatile childhood, and of the betrayal of his first young love. In the intervening years, Max has taken his father’s advice to heart and has determined never to love or marry. He has earned his rakish reputation with his many liaisons. Currently he is pursuing Elise, a delectable young widow, who is determined to become his duchess, while Max is just as determined to make her his mistress. When the plans he and his friends have made for some revelry are forced to change, the group unexpectedly ends up at Max’s country home, Rothwell Court.

Max and Abby are stunned to see each other for the first time in fifteen years, both being overcome by feelings of hurt and betrayal, as well as the echoes of that first young love. Max finds it hard to believe that Abby has never married, and is working as a governess, while Abby is shocked that even Max, with his libertine reputation, would bring his mistress to his home with his young sister in residence. Their meetings are decidedly cool, though Max quickly comes to see that he has made a serious mistake by bringing Elise to his home, and he decides to postpone his seduction until they return to town.

My very favorite thing about this story is that Max and Abby discover fairly soon that neither one of them betrayed or forgot the other. They discover that someone did know about their secret romance, and made sure that they were kept apart, though they don’t immediately find out who. Discovering that their years of feeling that they were just dismissed from each other’s mind does cause a thawing in their relationship now, but it seems that they have grown too far apart for any type of reconciliation.

THE DUKE I ONCE KNEW is a perfect title for this novel, as Abby can’t seem to find any trace of the young boy she loved in this rakish stranger. Max is truly a good man, who loves his sister and his aunt. He is dutiful, charming, and kind, just determined never to be hurt as his father was. I love how he started to fall for Abby all over again – there’s a particular scene where he remembers her birthday that is just heartwarming. It hurts him that Abby, who once could hold her own on horseback, is now afraid of them. I love his intelligence and his caring nature.
Abby was happy to care for her parents, though that meant she never had a season of her own. Her amiability led her siblings to believe she had no backbone, and would be content to shuffle from home to home. I relished how Abby decided to take charge of her own life, and made the decision to experience passion, then was strong enough to not accept anything less than a full commitment of fidelity. She is the epitome of a woman who embodies kindness and empathy, while at the same time isn’t weak or scheming or shrewish. I adore Abby as a heroine.

THE DUKE I ONCE KNEW was a fantastic read for me. I love second chance at love stories, in particular where the hero and heroine aren’t snarling enemies. I did regret that Abby and Max had to be parted for so long, but their reunion ended up being passionate and so sweet. I truly couldn’t put this well written book down once I started it, and I was left with a happy heart and a smile. I highly recommend THE DUKE I ONCE KNEW to those who enjoy historical romances with well developed characters, genuine romance, and a second chance at love.

Abby and Max meet at the age of 15 and 16 and share a summer romance in a secret glade that no one knows about. They become each other's first love.
It all comes crashing to an end when Max's mother dies after giving birth. His father the Duke, is heartbroken and takes Max and his new daughter to London never to return.
Max and Abby write to each other but unbeknownst to them their letters are intercepted, never to be received.
It is now 15 years later. Max, now the Duke, is a hard, uncaring rake. The only person he cares for is his sister Gwen.
Abby, a spinster, has taken care of her parents for years. Now that they have passed, she decides to take a job as a governess. A governess to Gwen, Max's sister.
When Max is forced to visit his ancestral home, he is surprised to find Abby there.
The sparks immediately fly.
There are some very touching scenes.
It wasn't a riveting story. But it was a very pleasant and enjoyable story.

Absolutely loved it.

Childhood sweethearts reunited after 15 years of separation because of a misunderstanding in a historical romance ? I could ONLY adore this story.

Max was dreamy and Abby a perfect match to him.

This is a fun romance. I enjoyed the main characters. It was interesting to read about how the fights were handled back then. I really liked Abby and grew to like Max. I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

The Duke I Once Knew is a delightful introduction to author Olivia Drake and I'm thrilled to find she has a vast catalog from which to explore. But first to share my thoughts on this story about young love, miss communication and missed opportunities between near spinster Abby Linton and the apparent libertine Maxwell Bryce.

When Abby finds herself tired of living the life prescribed by her family, she strikes out on her own to become the governess to the neighboring Duke of Rothwell's young sister, Lady Gwendolyn. She fears not that her once upon a time beloved Maxwell Brice (said Duke Rothwell) would return to this estate as he hasn't been there for years. But fate has other things in mind for Abby and Max and circumstances throw the two together again. The story is rich with interfering companions made up of friends and also would be lovers who are spiteful and at times villainous.

I loved the tension brought on by the "what ifs" that both Abby and Max share. Their history is complicated by traditional social standings and propriety but Abby is independent and a bold thinker. Despite this, her misgivings for Max bear weight:

"Tears overflowing her eyes, she sank back onto the bed and buried her face in her hands. It was best to face the truth. Maxwell Bryce, the Duke of Rothwell, did not love her. Nor would he ever. He would always be an incorrigible rake."

He doesn't deny his rakish way, but Max is also very broken and distrustful and the fact he surrounds himself with nefarious people does nothing to endear himself to Abby. Nevertheless Max is a redeemable character and I held out hope that he's see his way understanding what he always knew and now denies, his love for Abby. He proves himself a romantic and I felt myself swoon at his grand gesture to secure Abby's trust.

The Duke I Once Knew is another example of why I love reading Regency romance and Olivia Drake has found a new fan in me. I'm excited to read her earlier works but most to have found her at the beginning of this series. I very much look forward to the future books in this series. 5 Stars and recommendation!

Witty, engaging and engrossing, The Duke I Once Knew is a captivating Regency charmer that kicks off Olivia Drake’s enchanting new series, Unlikely Duchesses.

As the youngest daughter of elderly parents, Abigail Linton’s life has been entirely dedicated to looking after her family. After the death of her parents, Abigail’s responsibilities hadn’t lessened but merely shifted to looking after her siblings’ children. Nobody in her family seems to much care about Abigail’s wants, needs or desires, but they treat her as an unpaid servant whose sole purpose is to cater to their every whim. No longer willing to be the family’s drudge anymore, Abigail decides to be the mistress of her own destiny at long last and to apply for a job as a governess on a neighboring estate where she can earn her own living, have her own money and be the one calling the shots. However, there is a catch: her employer is going to be the man who broke her heart fifteen years ago whom she has never quite managed to forget: Maxwell Bryce, the Duke of Rothwell.

Not having clapped eyes on Maxwell for all these years, Abigail knows that the likelihood of seeing him again are extremely slim. Her new absentee employer probably does not even remember her after fifteen years, so Abigail is looking forward to her fresh start and to being her own woman, however, her plans for autonomy fly out of the window when Maxwell shocks everyone by coming home and reappearing – and the one thing he has certainly not done is forget Abigail! That old spark kindles immediately and with first love being the sweetest, will it be second time lucky for Maxwell and Abigail? Or has too much water flown under the bridge for the two of them to even contemplate a future together?

Maxwell had been madly in love with Abigail fifteen years ago, but when their relationship had ended suddenly and with no explanation, he thought that Abigail did not reciprocate his feelings for her. As Abigail insists that it was Maxwell who had called time on their relationship, will they find the courage to right old wrongs and admit the truth about the depth of their feelings for one another? Or are they going to let this second chance at happiness slip through their fingers?

The Duke I Once Knew is a terrific Regency romance written with flair, panache and plenty of heart. Deliciously witty and wonderfully moving, The Duke I Once Knew is a historical tale that sparkles with stylish prose, red-hot passion, searing emotion and uplifting romance. Abigail and Max are delightful characters whose chemistry is off the charts and readers are sure to be completely and utterly mesmerized by their powerful love story and will be kept awake way past their bedtime eagerly turning the pages desperate to find out what happens next.

An outstanding reunion romance fans of the genre are simply going to adore, Olivia Drake’s The Duke I Once Knew is not to be missed!

I really wanted to review this based on the synopsis and the romantic cover. I found the beginning similar to many historical romances, a family with opinions and mealtime views. I found they did force their ways onto Abigail too much and was glad when she spoke up and said she wanted to do what she wanted to do- be a Governess and get away from the estate where she had grown up and spent a life caring for her younger siblings and family. It did seem unfair to me that that responsibility fell on her as she was the youngest. I was annoyed that responsibilities were not shared more.
I wanted more of an insight into Abigail’s childhood and life in the house rather than just the fact that she looked around and felt the walls closing in. I did feel like the family manipulated and ignored her, expecting her to act in certain ways at all times.
I must admit, I took awhile to get into this but as soon as Abby stated her intention to leave the house, I was rooting for her. I did want more about her feelings and the actual process of leaving. More emotions perhaps, memories or more detail when getting ready to leave. I was sure she would have felt more, despite she left the place on a difficult note with her family.
There was not enough of a transition for me between the house and the arrival at Max’s. I know it was nearby but felt that could be more atmospheric.
I enjoyed how she and Max met again and much of the book. The romance was romantic as was the awkwardness at them meeting again. Thr ending was too rushed. I wanted more time taken over the letters.
Good points I will take away from this are: The development of Abigail’s character and I was rooting for her constantly. Max was a little rude and irritating at times but represented well.
I felt drowned in the language of the era and was struggling to unserstand her family’s way of talking but I did see them as self-absorbed. Clarity in the dialogue was needed and I felt more description rather than dialogue would have helped. It was important in the beginning when Abby’s family were putting across their point of view.
Thanks to Olivia Drake and St Martin’s Press for my ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review and a blog tour slot.

Previous love becomes the governess of former love's estate since he is never there, but he reappears. It was the standard fare of a second chance love. I enjoyed it.

Sexy Max and sweet Abby. Will they make the most of their second chance at love? I liked these two and definitely rooted for them from the beginning when Max was such a sexy rogue and Abby appeared to be a doormat for her family. Not much to say about Max but...Swoon! Abby grew on me as her personality come through. A peace maker with such a lovely heart. She's a terrific heroine. The would-be lovers were kept apart by nefarious acts and each blaming the other. They have to work past the hurt feelings to get to the good stuff and when they do it's hot. A slow build to a heck of a whammy. An entertaining sweet romance with an interesting cast characters thanks to Max's business and his entourage. I liked the maturity in the characters. Loved Gwen and hope she gets her own story.

This was a second-chance romance with the governess. I really liked Abby. She was selfless and devoted to her family who didn’t deserve her. I liked how Max changed. When he first arrived at his estate, he was arrogant and a jerk. As he grew closer to Abby, he reclaimed his old self that had been shoved behind a society mask.

The one thing I wished there was less of was Abby’s family. They were so selfish and and arguing over who she got to act as an unpaid house maid to next! They didn't think to give her the season she missed out on.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher.

I really had trouble getting into the book initially and getting caught up in the emotions of the characters. The storyline was good, but it just didn’t stand out in my mind amongst other books in the genre. The blurb was great, but overall the book just fell flat for me.

“The Duke I Once Knew” is such an amazing work! It has the power to draw the reader into that beautiful England atmosphere when ladies were properly educated and had to abide certain rules. What the author did was to give us a movie in words on pages. Her descriptions, the tone of her writing fit that time perfectly. I loved it and I cannot say it more openly!

Abigail Linton has been at the beck and call of her family, always there when any of them needed her. She always put her own interests second, because nothing is more important than family. Until one day when she decides to put an end to it and start living her own life instead of living in the shadows for them. She takes a position as a governess for her first and only love’s sister, knowing he, Duke of Rothwell, was out of town, with no intention of returning very soon. Still, life has other plans for our sweet Abby and they are reunited once again. Fifteen years apart has done little to send her feelings into oblivion, but his lack of response at her letters broke her heart. She is not willing to fall down that road, especially taking into account his reputation.

I loved our main characters so much. I loved Abby’s quick mind, her manners, her way of avoiding conflict and always being friendly. She quickly wins the heart of the duke’s sister and also the employees at the manner. Always having a proper behavior, she sets a good example for the young Gwen. As for Max, our duke, he has had to deal with heartbreak as well and for the same reason. Something brought them apart, but can they stay that way? Or will feelings reappear? With envy, enemies and fifteen years between them, Max and Abby will have to learn once again to trust.

Olivia Drake brings us yet another beautiful, beautiful story, with two main characters with an interesting background. The writing style is so fitting and it has an enticing charm to it. I was mesmerized by the world, the chatter, the laughter and society rules. If you are in the mood of a great regency romance, this is the book for you! 5 stars and all my appreciation for the author for this amazing work!

I usually love Olivia Drake's book but I found this one to be my least favourite so far. The story was decent but it wasn't one that I just couldn't put down.

It was still enjoyable though but not one I would read again but I will read the next book in the series though.



This is a light and easy read.



I am giving this 3 out of 5.

Abigaile Linton had lost both her parents to influenza last year. So her four siblings kept her busy watching their children, helping her niece get ready for her first seeason and other sundry things. She had been forced to give up her first season to take care of everyone. soon she would be a spinster and she had never been anywhere or done anything. Maxwell Bryce, the Duke of Rothwell, had not been home in fifteen years. He still didn't want to be going home. But circumstances required he and his four friends go home. They, Max and Abby, had a past. together. He said he would be back, to marry her, but hadn't.
There are some strong emotions in this story. I have to admit I really enjoyed reading it. Their first kiss since he left, he had a hard time not touching her. He wanted to help her get over not riding anymore due to her mother's fall. So many twists to the tale, the author did a great job of keeping it all together, it was smoothly written, and a delight to read. The characters were charming and so different from each other..I was rooting for her dreams to come true and his also.
I received this ARC from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed.. .

What a lovely novel! Steamy love, an enemy to overcome, a lifetime of joy to be had - Olivia Drake is proving herself to be an excellent romance writer.

The Duke I Once Knew will delight readers who are fans of historical romance novels that are light, entertaining, and simply about two people falling in love. I love reading an older heroine in Abby. There are so few of them in historical romance that when I find one. I also loved that the characters are flawed, but still sympathetic. Especially Max. It makes the book as close to reality as it could get.
I enjoyed their story a lot and the plot and conflict worked steadily to keep the story going from start to finish. There were not a lot of slow moments and I liked the villain being the woman who wanted him for herself. Enjoyable all around and a beautiful love story.

Did you know that Olivia Drake is actually Barbara Dawson Smith? Well, don’t feel bad. I didn’t know for a long time either. I did know that I liked her writing voice and when I found out who she was, I knew why.

This is the first story in her Unlikely Duchesses series and if all the books in that series come even close to this story, I am going to really love it.

Max and Abigail were such an unlikely duo, and yet I could see the attraction and feel their feelings toward each other evolve with the story.

If you’re a fan of second chance romances then I highly recommend you pick this one up. You’ll have a lot of fun reading it.

Melanie for b2b