One Season With the Duke by Addy DuLac is a Regency-style romance featuring Hettie and Finn, who had been childhood friends. Hettie was half African, which really had little bearing on the story, and Finn was a Highland Duke and Laird. The story had a little different plot line with the difficulties coming after their marriage, in a time when there was really no resolution for that except live with it. When Finn first returned to London he discovered that Hettie was engaged, a dilemma he had not anticipated. Her cousin had been his best friend and they had corresponded. Hence, the visit. She didn’t seem to be happy with the engagement, though, and Finn made an effort to find out why. He seems she was being blackmailed, so he offered a solution: marry him, which she did. They took off and went to Edinburgh where he owned a home and jumped into a very satisfying relationship, until several months later when her “fiance” reappeared in Scotland.

It was not an easy road. Finn’s mother was angry and much of the household followed her lead, doing their best to scuttle any successes she attempted to become the proper wife for a duke. She was a charming and cheerful person who only discovered her strength when these bad things began to happen to her. Finn had loved her for years and was thrilled to have her as his wife. His mother was angry that Hettie didn’t love Finn the way he loved her, she said. It all got very messy before it was over with the household staff taking sides although they didn’t know what the argument was. It was a well thought-out story with excellent characters and lots of heart. Quite an enjoyable read.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of One Season With the Duke by Entangled Publishing, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Negalley #EntangledPublishing #AddyDeLac #OneSeasonWithTheDuke

A Historical romance with Henrietta and Findley who had a crush on each other when they where younger.
They get to together again in a unconventional way.
Lots of drama, secrets, scandal, angst,misunderstanding and romance.
Good characters with a difficult mother in law.
Voluntarily reviewed

It did take me a while to get into this book but once I did I was gripped by the story. At first, I couldn’t understand why Hettie would give in to the blackmailer, when her uncle was a powerful marquess. I know she was thinking about the effects of a scandal on the family but where was the proof? I did like the main characters, although they do have a tough time when the full truth comes out. In addition there is a mother in law who isn’t exactly friendly! Overall, this was an entertaining read. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

One Season with the Duke is my first read by Addy du Lac and it was an okay read. In this story we meet Henrietta Monfort an heiress that learns of a secret her cousin plans to use as leverage to force her to marry him. We also meet Lord Findley a family friend from Scotland who has always had a crush on Hettie and once he learns of the blackmail attempt he and Hettie head to Scotland to avoid marriage to Hettie's cousin. Once in Scotland the two learn more about each other and explore the attraction that has grown stronger. Of course there are obstacles they face and Hettie must learn to adapt to the culture while falling harder for Findley.

Overall, the story starts out slow but gathers pace and readers will want to see how well Hettie adapts and Findley trusts his instincts while governing his clan. The characters were well developed.

Heiress Henrietta Monfort would never do anything to hurt her beloved aunt and uncle. But thanks to her cousin—who’s discovered a secret about her parentage that even she didn’t know—she is moments away from ruin…unless she marries him. Findley Phillipson, Duke of Montrose has always had a soft spot for Hettie. Discovering that she’s being blackmailed into marriage is nothing short of appallingly outrageous. So he’ll marry her himself. Now they’re racing for Scotland, praying they can outrun the jilted crook who seeks Hettie’s hand and her fortune.
An interesting & accomplished debut novel, the pace was good & the characters had depth. I really liked both Findley & Hettie & loved their journey to a HEA. Quite an emotional read, which had me shedding a few tears. I found once started it was hard to put down & devoured it in an afternoon. I look forward to more books from the author
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

Bridgerton mets outlander vibes. I enjoyed this book for a quick romancy read. There are definitely a few smut scenes.

When I first read the premise for this novel: blackmail, MMC having fallen first/pining and finally getting to be with her and their racing to Scotland to outrun the jilted blackmailing fiance - I don't think I could have wanted to read a book faster. I was immediately in. And the novel started out just as I expected, I was wholly drawn in. I was instantly in fictional love with Finn & I was cheering for Hettie to get to be loved in a way she didn't believe was possible.

As the story progressed though at one point I was rather upset (okay I was mad) that from everything Finn had showed us of his character that Hettie wouldn't have more trust in him. Would think of him as so cold and unyielding when it came to him wishing to deal with his mother harshly after she had allowed Hettie to be embarrassed and made a fool of. He was standing up for Hettie and she had not been privy to the disagreements between Finn and his mother over her constant disapproval of his marrying Hettie. YET I typed all of this and held all of this internal fictional rage and then Finn ends up becoming the exact person Hettie thought he could be which seemed like a complete character 180 from what he had shown to be like prior. It almost felt as though he had to be written that way in order to amplify the conflict - it just seemed out of character for him. Especially when it came to his love for Hettie. His actions are later explained in the story but it still did not feel like the Finn we had been shown prior in the story.

I found that at times Hettie's character also had some fundamental shifts for me which didn't always align. I found myself cheering her on, being upset for the way she was being treated by his mother and being slightly shocked by her own actions. I did enjoy the point of the story in which she finally stood up for herself and at the end when she protected herself and Finn from her blackmailing cousin. I just really wanted her to feel loved in the way she had always wished to be.

There were so many aspects of this book, so many tropes that I love and I feel like it started out strong, but at some point kind of became disjointed. I know it is paramount for a good story to have character growth, but it felt less like growth and more like they had slipped into a different characters in order to add conflict. That being said, Addy DuLac has such a smooth writing style that I am definitely looking forward to reading more of her novels in the future.

This was a new author for me and I was intrigued by the storyline so didn’t to read it. The story of Hettie and Finn will probably be a favorite for a long time. The story of how their long friendship turns in to a deep and lasting love was so well developed and well written by the author it’ll stay with you. There was a major bump to work through and a mother-in-law meddling that had to be settled but even those were handled beautifully. My heart ached for each of them and then soared as they found their way back to each other. Beautiful story and one well worth reading.

I know Who You Are

Addy Du Lac’s debut historical romance is a delightfully diverse steamy romance about identity, and the strength of family. Heiress Henrietta Monfort’s (Hettie) meddlesome cousin is determined to ruin her with rumors of her parent’s unwed status. The threat to her livelihood and family leaves her with no option but to marry her blackmailer. Until her childhood friend Lord Flindley (Finn), Duke of Montrose and the Laird Mac Gairbheith, attends her engagement ball. All grown up, they find their friendship has turned into fiery passion. If only duty and a scandalous secret did not threaten to keep them apart.

Hettie has all the characteristics of a great romance character. She genuinely cares about her adoptive family. Her Aunt Anastacie and Uncle Gabriel are supportive parents, and their affectionate banter is a lot of fun to read. Despite their clear love for her, Hettie is still terrified that they will disown her if they find out the truth. It is this compassion that is threatened by the manipulative lies of her cousin Phillip Fletchley. Phillip is intensely unpleasant, as he tries to blackmail Hettie into marrying him so he can have her fortune. Hettie’s feelings become even more complicated when her confidant and friend Finn returns, more handsome than she remembers.

Finn adores Hettie, remembering their childhood friendship fondly. He wonders why she has not been swept off her feet yet, since she is kind and intelligent. Burdened by his inheritance at such a young age, he has neglected society, and contact with Hettie. He finds himself too late, as she is now engaged to someone else. Finn knows something is wrong, because she is troubled, and not the fearless women he remembers. He is willing to do whatever it takes to make Hettie laugh again.

As a friends to lovers’ romance, Hettie and Finn have a lot of mutual fondness for each other. As friends Hettie and Finn like to tease each other, as well as “unspoken acceptance and protection.” They were not expecting the sudden attraction after being separated for so long. Though they discuss their desires, needs, and duties before marriage when the real passion begins. They may not know how everything is going to work out between them, but they are willing to learn together. Building a new family and legacy.

For a debut novel, the author has an assured and easy-to-read style that makes "One Season with the Duke" a page turner. I assumed that the novel would be set during the London season based on the title, but the majority of the book actually takes place a secluded escape Scotland (which is fine, just unexpected if you were looking for balls and society intrigue). I found the heroine to be believable and likable, and I really enjoyed the exploration of what the Regency world of the aristocracy would be for a woman of color. My one major nitpick is that the MMC and another major character felt like they became different people in the back third of the book in order to create a third act breakup. I’m excited to read more of the author’s work and the rest of the series, especially as she becomes more fluid with character development. Overall, an enjoyable debut that I recommend!

This is a new author for me.

Henrietta Anastacia Sophia Monfort, Hettie to family, Father and mother, Captain Earnest William Monfort and Miss Letitia Henrietta Monfort née Fletchley, left her in the care of his brother and wife, Aunt Anastacie and Uncle Gabriel, the Marchioness and Marquis of Lindsey. They raised her as one of their own children, although she still felt left behind, like an afterthought, giving her insecurity issues.

Findley Lachlann Yves Phillipson, Finn to family and friends, Duke of Montrose and Laird of clan Mac Gairbheith. His mother, Lady Aoife, prides herself on all Scottish traditions and family legacy. Finn is trying very hard to bring his mother's clan and his together and prosper. This started with his father and he is trying to finish it.

Mr. Phillip Fletchley, cousin of Hettie, is self-indulgent, selfish, arrogant, and vile.

Her first season and Hettie is excited until Phillip shows up. He has always made her uneasy. Not he is demanding and threatening her into marriage. She is afraid to say anything to her Aunt and Uncle, thinking it will bring shame on them and all their children. Not wanting an repercussion she goes along with him until her uncle wants the truth. Which she tells him only to be given help.

Finn receives an invitation to spend the season in London from Her there cousin and his friend Alastair Montfort, oldest child to Lord and Lady Lindsey. He accepts hoping he can persuade Bettie to marry him if not to find a wealthy bride that will appease his mother.

When Hettie and Phillip announce their engagement it surprises all until her uncle had the talk with her. Finn was happy she came to ask him for his help also.

What does Phillip hold over Hettie? How does her uncle and Finn help? What does Phillip do after said help? What does Finn do when he finds out the full extent of what Phillip was doing? What does Lady Aoife do to Hettie? How does Hettie respond to Finn's anger? What compromise does Hettie ask of Lady Aoife?


Join in the dash to save Hettie, thwart Phillip, and view Scotland from different ways as Hettie navigates what to do and how best to help Finn and his clan. Great suspense, family drama, characters that are well rounded, witty banter, and imagery that has you right in the thick of it all is what you have in this story.

Rating: 4/5
I received an eARC for my honest opinion.

I thought this book was a great read, I loved that it was diverse and exciting yet sweet too. I thought the characters were well done and the story was well written. I enjoyed the differences of having the main characters being different yet wanting for the same thing.

I really enjoyed the Friends to Lovers’ part of this book and that is not one of my favorite tropes, but it was done in a way that I really liked. I thought the MFC was easy to connect with and showed how even strong headed women can put aside what they want for the greater good. I really enjoyed getting to know Finn and watching his character development. At one point in the book, I was like “OO, I don’t think you, pull your head out of your butt” then he did, and I was filled with enjoyment. I really liked how you got to see Finn, use his English ways mixed in with his Scottish ones and the way that he would use Scottish words of endearment to Henrietta.

I loved and hated the breakup scene, I wanted to cry for Henrietta. However, I loved the way that DuLac wrote it. So, I ended up not hating it at all, the way that we learned how to communicate with each other. You get to see the characters, both of them, really grow and learn more about themselves and each other. I thought having Henriette’s cousin and Finn’s mother being the bad guys in the book really helped level this book up; on top of the way it was written. I thought the way the author wrapped this book up was done well and did not leave anything out and I thank you for that.

I cannot wait to see what else this author will write and this will not be the last at all.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading: historical romances, friends to lovers, marriage of convenience, interracial romance.

I want to thank NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for the opportunity to review this book.

Love finding a new author! Well written romance between Hettie a women who doesn’t quite fit in with the Ton. A her dear friend Lord Findley who happens to be a Duke from Scotland that also never felt like he fit in with the English aristocrats. So when Hettie fortune hunter cousin blackmails her into marriage. Finn offers a solution, she should runaway and marry him. They have their friendship and the bond of not fitting in being Scottish and of mixed race. He always fantasized of Hettie and him being together and with such a good foundation love will surely come. But her cousin doesn’t give up and puts a strain on their happiness.
Started off at a good paced, liked that Hettie being of mixed race wasn’t that real issue in the story. Was addressed in a believable way. Looking forward to reading the next book. Thank you NetGalley for this eARC. I am voluntarily posting an honest review after reading an Advance Reader Copy of this story. #NetGalley #OneSeasonWithTheDuke

What an absolutely GREAT read! Diverse and amazing (and a bit flawed) characters; an exciting story; and a beautiful romance with plenty of spice that grows between childhood friends.

This duel POV historical romance follows the love story of Finn (a Scottish duke) and Henrietta (a young woman of the ton). Their relationship grew from childhood friends (who may have had a little crush on one another) to something so much more; they both understand what it was like to be an outsider and that understanding forged something deep between them.

Will untold secrets, a touch of blackmail, an indignant mother-in-law, and pride get in the way of their love? WOULDN’T YOU LIKE TO KNOW!

You must add this one to your TBR and bring it to the very top! 📚

Thank you so much to Entangled Publishing, Addy du Lac, and NetGalley for the ARC of this book!

One Season with the Duke. I am such a believer of true love. That’s why I loved reading this book. I’m sure you have read in the past my feelings about books that reads like a movie. How that story has the ability to take my imagination and run away with it until I’m completely spent after reading the book to the last word.
Readers this book falls under that category. I felt that the writing was phenomenal from how the writing reaches to the depth of loyalty forgiveness and love. I was very impressed from the fact that the book was getting better page after page. The writing is on point. I felt that the dialogue between the characters is very clear and real to the emotions of the of the story.
Is this because the story has a terrific plot? My answer is yes. Readers the plot was amazing to follow by. The characters uses the logic of the plot to help them accomplish their goals. Both characters, Hettie and Finn were perfect for the story.
Their goals, interesting as they are moved In tandem with the plot. Finn sought to rescue his best friend from a fate that truly was disastrous for Hettie and possibly those around her. Hettie, who felt that the walls are closing in around her sought no way out of this one hell of nightmare that she’s living. Then one day that dear childhood friend reappeared and the romance began. Well up until mom inserts her opinion and boy can she pack a punch.
Can I say “Ice Queen Dowager Duchess?” I believe that they should create a title for mothers like them. This Dowager has the ability to stare you down with cold dead eyes, as well as slap you in the face with a ice cold remark that leaves you frozen from the shock of her words. Threats of sending her to the Dowager house does not phase this woman. I say put her in a boat and push her out to sea.
Hopefully she will find her own little island where she can command locals to her heart contents. Let’s not even begin with the many outbursts from cousin Philip. I can only say read the book. For me this story was an amazing page turner that has great entertainment from every level that a romance story can take you. There are many moments that feels so real for the reader.
From the descriptive details of how Finn rubs his fingers along Hettie’s cheek or how he embraces her with his strong sensual kisses. Many of those times are during some explicit passionate caressing and fondling between the couple. And let me say that a number of these intimate moments leads to a whole lot of panting. I’m just saying. Stop me before I get carried away.
I loved Finn and Hettie the most. My reasoning is that they both fought battles that continuously challenged them. Separately the two applied tactics to face those challenges head on and later used those tactics as a force of one together. I definitely loved how the two characters Finn and Hettie were able to explore their desire for one another so freely without any limits. This lead me to believe that their story is a candidly sweet and an incredibly romantic love story.
I give this story two snaps and a, “Harold get me a pistol. I have a unwanted houseguest on my property.” Until next time my fellow readers. Read on!I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this book. Finn and Hettie were childhood friends that became married. The story was a beautiful one it was so full of details and emotions. There were portions of this story made me really irritated but it was worth it as it added to the storyline. I loved their relationship and how they both communicated with each other. When they finally learned to trust each other.

Raised with love by her aunt and uncle as their own, heiress Henrietta Monfort finds herself blackmailed into marriage by an odious, fortune hunting cousin. He threatens her with a secret about her birth - a scandal that would ruin her and harm to her loved ones.
Findley Phillipson, Duke of Montrose and Laird MacGairbheith, has always had a soft spot for his childhood friend. Learning of her desperation and hoping she might love him one day, he steps in and offers for her hand.

Hettie and Finn elope. A marriage based on friendship and trust is soon infused with undeniable attraction. A dream! But reality calls. His castle and his late father’s legacy in the Highlands. A heavy burden he must bear in honour of his name, and a burden she’s willing to share even if his very Scottish mother is dead set against her. And just when love is starting to bloom, her blackmailer rears his ugly head. Fear sets in, trust is broken, the bubble bursts and all seems lost. Unless love, frail and unspoken, overcomes all…

📚 This road to love is paved with strong friendship, sweet romance, steamy passion, intrigue, determination and an extremely well-written third act break up. An emotional rollercoaster each of the MCs works through in their own way. He's stubborn and she's no push-over. Hurt, anger, insight, regret and some beautiful grovel on his part. This is my kind of romance: flawed and imperfect, but real. Truly a most captivating, sometimes heartbreaking, and definitely delicious, witty and colourful tale! A wonderful debut I highly recommend!
📚 Childhood friends, unrequited love, marriage of convenience, interracial romance, steamy, open door

Thank you to the author for this eARC! All opinions are entirely my own.

Thanks to Net Gally for this advanced readers copy of One Season with the Duke by Addy du lac. This was a Friends to Lovers, Historical Romance set in Vicotrian England. Hattie and Finn's relationship was based on the early foundation as childhood friends. Hattie, a Biracial daughter of a second son was left to be raised by her father's brother, the Marquis of Lindsey. Finn grew up as the next heir to the Duke of Montrose. The plot focused on Hattie being blackmailed by a cousin, and being forced to marry him. Finn came in and offered her another option, Marry him instead. The conflict became will she tell him why she was being blackmailed. Of course the 3rd act conflict dealt with this. I really enjoyed this story. The cultural element in this story could have been explpored more. Race relations in Victorian England should have been a side plot. Hattie and Finn's relationship/friendship was the heart of this story. Of course the 3rd act conflict made me want to punch Finn, but I understood the underlying issue. I gave this book 4 Stars and would recommend this book.

ONE SEASON WITHE DUKE was a good debut that brought a bit of uniqueness to the regency romance genre. We start off with our MC’s both in unsavory positions — the Duke is looking for a wife, Hettie has been betrothed to a squicky troll of a man, and through circumstances, they manage to find themselves in a position to agree to marry each other. Once childhood friends, they both enter in to this marriage of convenience not knowing they they each harbor a deep love for the other. Of course it’s a match made in Heaven, but outside forces and meddling family members make sure that their road to happiness is paved with gigantic, almost immovable boulders.

I really enjoyed this one and the different conflicts that both the Duke and Hettie have to work through. Hettie keeps quite a secret from the start, and this secret plays a pretty big role through the course of the story. I also liked how Finn stood up to his mother, who frowned upon his love for Hettie for years. I liked the inclusion of different cultures included in the ton and society and how hard some families, like Hettie’s, work to ensure inclusion and the same respect afforded to the white families, and that added quite a bit of depth to Hettie’s backstory and character.

The requisite conflict was well done, and I loved how they worked it through and eventually make their way back to one another. Of course said conflict could have been avoided with some communication, but that’s the joy of regency romance conflicts — simple things were much more complicated back then, relationships included. All told, a good debut and I’ll certainly be watching for more from this author. 4 stars.


*Digital arc received via NetGalley and the publisher.

I was sent an unsolicited copy of this book from the publisher and I couldn't help but accept because I'm a sucker for historical romances. Before I had even read the synopsis, I was enchanted by the cover design. The rich colors, beautiful heroine, and the harmonious composition all culminated into a spectacular book just begging to be read. Unfortunately, my fondness for the outside didn't match my enjoyment of the inside. The inside was a confusing mess. Everyone happened to be cousins, including the main romantic couple. The author really took the term "kissing cousins" to a whole new level. Yuck. I understand that was common practice back then, but do you really want to continue that trend for modern readers? I guess they're really using that Karen Smith logic for picking your future spouses.

One Season With The Duke certainly ran with the cousin concept and even made the villain her cousin too, separate from the hero of course. I can't imagine the monkey puzzle of a family tree between these two characters. The villain was barely featured and his plot was easily foiled within the first quarter of the book. Despite the uncomfortably close blood relations between our couple, they were very sweet. They were very tender towards each other and I would have been more supportive of their union if they didn't share similar relatives. It gave me big Queen Charlotte vibes. Our couple was interracial, with the heroine being biracial and the hero was Scottish. I haven't read too many interracial romances, especially historical ones. I loved how natural it felt and I would love to see interracial romance flourish in the publishing industry.

I'm very grateful for the free unsolicited copy of One Season With The Duke. I wasn't expecting it and it's always a nice surprise when I receive ARCs in my inbox. My biggest problem was honestly that the couple was related. Incestuous plots are taboo for a reason. I couldn't fully root for them knowing that they were literal kissing cousins. I had no problem whatsoever with their interracial status and fully supported that aspect of the novel. I just beg for future books to have couples be oceans away from the same gene pool. I don't believe I'll continue with this author, but it was neat to know we're from the same city. I appreciated her tenderness and gentleness between her characters, but I'd prefer One Season With The Duke to not share any branches on the family tree.