This was an amazing story! Just what I needed for a cold spring day when a blanket and book were in order. Viola is the perfect governess and in this delightfully scheming tale.

Miss Viola Winslow has been in love with the Duke of Huntington for the past ten years. After spending two weeks with Miss Winslow and her charge, Felicity Berridge after a fall, the duke starts to get to know the governess better than he thought he& knew her.

This love story was cute. We were able to see how both characters struggled with their feelings for the other. I was happy to see them get the happily ever after they deserved..

Ms Viola Winslow was governess for the daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Ashworth who has been in love with the Duke of Huntington for years but she always knew it was hopeless to want anything to come of it. Her ward, Felicity, knew of her feelings and staged an accident which required them to spend time at the Duke of Huntington. As Viola and Hunt are socializing more, she becomes closer to him and his family- the only one who does not like her is the dowager duchess. Viola has secrets that if revealed, she knows will be the end of her current life. As the family bands together with Viola's ward to get her and Hunt together, they fall in love and Hunt has to prove to Viola that her past and her social standing has no bearing on the love he has for her. While parts of the plot was slow it was an all around good story.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and I am voluntarily leaving a response.

This is the third book of the Renegade Dukes series. Viola is a governess and she knows her place in society. But she can't help feeling the way she does about the Duke of Huntington, James. She is completely in love with him but knows nothing can come of it. James is a confirmed bachelor and has no desire to marry. He is perfectly happy steering clear of London and society's chaos and prefers to reside at his estate in Moorcliffe Castle. When Viola's young charge gets injured and the Duke rescues her, she has no choice but to stay at Moorcliffe Castle in the constant company of the very man she is pining for. As they spend time together, he begins to really notice her and admire her. But she doesn't think she is good enough for him and he sets about the task of convincing her otherwise. He's not the only one, though, as Viola's 14 year old charge takes it upon herself to act as matchmaker and was determined to help her governess get her true love! Simply adorable!
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and Entangled Publishing, LLC and am voluntarily leaving my review.

Love love love it. The characters love. The story love. The world this is set in LOVE. I adore historical romance and this has gone to the top of my list of favorites of all time. I can’t wait to read more from this author as soon as possible.

This was a good historical romance novel, and I really liked the characters in it!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher

This novel was a delightful historical romance with engaging characters. Viola’s character is very independent and I loved that about her. There was a balance of humor, romance, and drama.
Many thanks to Entangled and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion. .

A wonderful story telling of a romance. Viola has had an unrequited love for her duke until one day he finally wakes up and sees her thanks to her charge. Would recommend this book!

Viola has been crushing on the Duke of Huntington for ten long years, since her first day as governess to his neighbor's ward. Now her charge is fourteen and plots to have them invited to stay at the Duke's castle. James quickly takes notice of her and wonders how he never noticed her in all these years. Class difference is a major concern. His family is the history of England, she is the first in her family to read. Viola especially doesn't want their romance to have negative consequences to his family. The two teenage girls are delightful and funny. This is a sweet story with some spice . I haven't read the first two books in the series and I didn't feel like I was missing anything.

This romance centers around Viola who is a governess and James, the Duke of Huntington, a man she has loved from afar for a decade, When Viola and her charge of ten years is the Duke and Duchess of Ashford’s ward named Felicity - a fourteen year old who loves gothic tales, who tries to play Cupid between her governess and the determined-never-to-marry Duke of Huntingdon. Felicity She provides many funny scenes - especially when she teams up with the Duke's younger sister.

The Duke of Huntingdon is best friends with the Duke of Ashford, so Viola has crushed on his since she began to work for the Ashfords, but Huntindon would never notice her, let alone consider her for his duchess given she is a member of the Ashford staff.

Everything begins to change when Felicity hurts her ankle on a sketching tour near the Duke’s estate, throwing the Duke and Viola together as Felicity recovers. James has been holed up in his estate for over a year after a been over a year. When he sees the accident which causes Felicity to get hurt, he goes to help only to realise that it's his best ward and her governess. It is at this moment he starts to see Viola's attractiveness. This story takes James on a journey of self-awareness to understand his personal happiness shouldn't be sacrificed for familial duty. At the same time, Viola overcomes her shyness and general awe of him with James' help and he then falls harder when he sees how interesting and intelligent she is.

There is some angst along the way, but the beauty of the Romance genre is knowing you will get a Happily Ever After at the end. This book is the 3rd in a series, but I hadn't read the previous two and it reads just fine as a stand alone.

TWs: toxic relationships, childhood trauma, parental loss along with mentions of child abuse, death, and pregnancy

Thank you to the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for the chance to read this ARC. All opinions in this review are my own.

I just reviewed The Governess and the Duke by Lydia Drake. #TheGovernessandtheDuke #NetGalley

Who doesn’t love to watch a Duke fall in love with a Governess? Lydia Drake embraces this dynamic in her newest release in the Renegade Dukes. Drake’s writing is engaging and endearing as this couple basically gets their second chance at romance. Drake does a wonderful job building this relationship through forced proximity, as this Duke is enchanted by a governess who with her ward is stranded at his estate unable to travel with an injury. I love that Drake’s characters are understandable and interesting and from the main characters to the secondary ones they all feel like they are part of her world.

I found this romance to ultimately be one that is so sweet and charming. I love a class difference romance. I love one about two people discovering each other. And I love that these two build a relationship of trust so when we get to any moments of conflict there is never a misunderstanding between the two of them that is the drive to pull them apart.

Lydia Drake is definitely a wonderful historical romance author whom I would highly recommend. I really love and have been charmed by this series and am excited to continue to watch Drake’s writing grow.

Thank you so much to Entangled: Amara and NetGalley for an eARC, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Great read! I enjoyed this a lot. I was getting a bit tired of the same kind of historical romances that featured main characters in similar classes. It was refreshing to read something different this time around. While the governess falling for a duke is not such a new trope, the author created an original take on it. I liked that Viola and "Fluffy" were able to get to know each other, and I liked that he was a true gentleman. However, the ending felt a bit abrupt. yet I loved that the duke's sister also got her own happily ever after. It was rather sweet. I am looking forward to reading more from this other.

A very cleverly written romance. The side characters are all a lot of fun. Exactly what you expect from a romance. Nothing groundbreaking but a fun read that hits all the right notes.

Scandalous romances, forbidden love and ghosts. What a wonderful series! I had already read the first two parts of the Renegade Dukes and this one was yet another great addition to the series. Although you can read them all as standalone, it is more fun if you read the previous books as well. Because Miss Viola Winslow is the governess of the duke of Ashworth (from Cinderella and the Duke), who is looking after the Felicity.

James, the duke of Huntington is a dear friend of Rafe (from the Duchess and the Wolf) and of Ashworth. Therefore, you’ll recognize more of the characters in the story, if you have read them all. If not, you’ll still be able to enjoy the budding romance between James and Viola and the marvelous antics of Felicity and Isabelle (Hunt’s younger sister).

So yes, it is a wonderful story. Four out of five stars from me and a special thank you to Netgalley for providing the arc.

Lydia Drake's "The Governess and the Duke" sweeps readers into a captivating world of romance, intrigue, and societal expectations. Set against the backdrop of Regency-era England, this novel weaves a tale of forbidden love and the challenges faced by those who dare to defy convention.

At the heart of the story is the compelling relationship between the enigmatic Duke of Pembroke and the resilient governess, Miss Emily Goodwin. Their initial encounters are marked by a palpable tension, as societal boundaries threaten to keep them apart. Drake skillfully develops their dynamic, infusing it with longing, passion, and undeniable chemistry.

What sets "The Governess and the Duke" apart is Drake's adept portrayal of the Regency period. From the opulent ballrooms to the sprawling estates, the author brings this era to life with vivid descriptions and meticulous attention to detail. Readers will find themselves immersed in a world of elegance and propriety, where every gesture and word carries weight.

Beyond its romantic allure, the novel also delves into themes of class disparity, duty versus desire, and the struggle for autonomy in a society dictated by strict norms. Emily's journey from governess to confidante and lover is a testament to her strength and resilience in the face of adversity.

Drake's prose is elegant and evocative, capturing the essence of the time period while infusing the narrative with modern sensibilities. The dialogue sparkles with wit and intelligence, adding depth to the characters and their interactions.

While "The Governess and the Duke" follows a familiar romance trope, Drake injects it with fresh twists and turns that will keep readers guessing until the very end. The pacing is brisk, with each chapter unveiling new revelations and challenges for the protagonists to overcome.

In conclusion, "The Governess and the Duke" is a captivating tale of love and defiance that will enchant fans of historical romance. Lydia Drake's impeccable research and engaging storytelling make this novel a must-read for anyone craving an escape to the sumptuous world of Regency England.

Not finished
Anachronism too modern language and behaviors
Spineless jellyfish. MFC unbearable
Felicity and Isabella’s antics were so disturbing that i was in discomfort and i started skipping
Love /lust at first sight here was out of contest
1 star for James

Renegade Dukes Governess Miss Viola Winslow and James Montague is the Duke of Huntington and Felicity, her fourteen-year-old charge's story. The story is well written with a very good storyline that held my interest. I enjoyed seeing them get their happy ending. The story is well worth reading. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

IM LITERALLY SCREAMING BECAUSE THIS IS MY FIRST LYDIA DRAKE BOOK AND I LOVED IT SO MUCH!!!!

this book was so charming!!!! felicity was such a bright spot in this story and isabelle was fun too. Not only did i appreciate their role in the story of james and viola, but i was truly interested in them as characters!!! the bits about the teasing the grandmother with the french revolution really gave this story so much personality. i am so happy i read this book and ive already started reading the first book in the series to get more of this author!

Having never read a book by Lydia Drake, I was pleasantly surprised. Viola and James had a wonderful story to tell and it was done in an exceptional manner. Readers will love this book.

The first time Miss Viola Winslow met the mysterious James Montagu, the Duke of Huntington, she was a mere twenty –year-old taking a job as a governess for Felicity Berridge, the Duke of Ashworth’s ward and her stagecoach broke down. James did not tell Viola who he really was either. Viola instantly fell in love with James but after finding out that he a Duke knew that her feelings for him could never be expressed. Many years later as she and Felicity got older, Felicity had a knack for getting into trouble. When Felicity begged Viola to draw the Duke of Huntington’s manor promising Viola that James would not be there. Unfortunately, Felicity ended up spraining her ankle and Viola had no choice but to take Felicity there despite her misgivings and James being there. Viola still would be able to hide her feelings, but Felicity has a plan to get Viola and James together despite Viola’s protestations and the secret of who her family really is.
What a wonderful funny beautiful Regency historical romance that is so much fun to read! I really just loved Felicity’s spirit and in truth she made the book that much better for me. Hopefully, she will get her own story one day when she gets a bit older because she does need someone too. Sure, this might be part of a series but can easily standalone. We met the Duke of Ashworth and his family in the first book but him being so magnanimous as to take on a feisty ward seems fitting for them. The tale moves quickly even with all the crazy things that happen and even seem believable. It would have been nice to read what Viola and James did after their first meeting because many years by, yet still I enjoyed the time it was set. Viola was an independent strong heroine who was a good match for James and easily likable. Whereas James was also a great hero and definitely a charming guy that despite his hang ups made it easy to fall for him too. Will I read more from Ms. Lydia Drake, most definitely!