Early Review: The Duke I Once Knew by Olivia Drake

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?

4 STARS

The Duke I Once Knew is a very interesting read. It's a historical romance filled with pain from the past, intermingled with the attraction of the present. Abby and Max are a curious couple. Their story is riddled with their banter, humorous at times. Drake does a splendid job of bringing these two characters to life. I feel they finally became a pair but I connected much more with Max than I did with Abby. At times I felt as if something was missing from the story. I'm not quite sure if it was the lack of potential given to Abby's character or the lack of a true ending. I hope to read more in this series. 

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Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Pub Date: Dec. 31, 2018

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