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

Print Length: 336 pages

Publisher: St.Martin's Press (December 31, 2018)

From Goodreads.com: First love is always the sweetest. 

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?

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My Rating: 3 stars out of 5

This was one of those stories that really had nothing that stands out, nor is it completely horrid. The author has a flowing writing style (even if she does repeat herself more often than necessary, yes we know who is who and no, I do not need to be reminded every few chapters). I also noticed that she used "paw" to replace "hand" more than once as well. 

I enjoyed watching Abigail and Max navigate their new reality (aka who they are as adults, and how they feel about each other), and I even enjoyed the cast of minor characters (even the "villain" of the story who was a bit one dimensional). I wish there had been a bit more depth to the characters, and some not so obvious plot-lines added, but overall I think this story will appeal to fans of second chance romances, and I would read more from this author.

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

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                         The Duke I Once Knew is available from Amazon.com