WHEN A DUKE LOVES A GOVERNESS
by Olivia Drake
(St. Martin’s Paperbacks, July 27, 2021, $7.99).
Tessa James has worked and planned tirelessly
to open her own millinery shop. All she needs now is a loan from the
lord who sired and abandoned her. The only problem is, she doesn’t
even know his name. What’s a woman to do to find him but enter the
aristocratic world by becoming a governess?
Guy Whitby,
the new Duke of Carlin, has returned to London after years abroad to
discover that his young daughter Sophy has become a wild-child known
for scaring away every governess who's crossed his doorstep. When
Tessa James applies for the job, he hires her in desperation despite
his misgivings that she’s too bold and beautiful–and that she
might be fibbing about her qualifications.
Their blooming
attraction leads them on a completely unexpected path to love that
neither wants to deny. But when an old enemy threatens Guy's family,
their forbidden romance goes up in flames. Can they still learn to
love and trust each other as forces try to tear them apart?
When
Tessa James overhears insightful gossip about the Duke of Carlin, she
immediately sees it as a sign to improve her own situation. As a
milliners assistant, her dream is to save up and one day open her own
hat shop to showcase her own designs. However, the duke needs a
governess for his four-year-old daughter and she's not a suitable
candidate for the job. As a woman determined not to let such an
obstacle get in her way, she applies for the job…
When
Guy Whitby returned from his research trip, he's dismayed his late
wife's parents didn't follow his advice to hire someone suitable to
look after his young daughter. The resulting consequence is a
troublesome child and no subsequent governess has stayed in his
employment long enough to change her behaviour. When Tessa James
talks her way into taking on the task of becoming his daughter's
governess, he knows she is lying about her past, only, he is
desperate and takes a chance anyway, with unexpected results.
Tessa
is a heroine who knows her mind and goes after what she wants. She's
feisty and determined yet displays compassion and understanding
regardless of whether others are fortunate or less fortunate than
herself. Luckily for the duke, she is a woman who can make his life
better, if only he could disregard his determination of not marrying
again.
Guy
Whitby isn't instantly likeable, but as we get to know more about
him, we learn why he behaved as he did. I adore flawed characters and
he plays this part very well. Both he and Tessa are well suited, as
they both get used to their new ways of life, far different from what
either expected, so it's no surprise these two make quite an
exceptional couple, in a positive way.
Ms
Drake is a new to me author and reading this third instalment of The
Unlikely Duchesses series was a delight. The murder-mystery side plot
provided an enticing twist and added an extra layer of drama to the
well-written and thought out narrative.
Overall,
this is a wonderful novel with a feel-good ending that's both
satisfying and happy.
***arc
received courtesy of St Martin's Paperbacks via NetGalley***
Olivia Drake is a New York Times bestselling author who lives in Texas. Her novels have won critical acclaim and numerous industry awards, including the prestigious RITA. Olivia is the author of Scandal of the Year, Never Trust a Rogue, and If the Slipper Fits among others.
