Review: The Governess and the Duke by Lydia Drake

Synopsis

Governess Miss Viola Winslow is quite familiar with the rules of society, and her place in it. Still, it hasn’t stopped her from being horribly in love with the Duke of Huntington for years. But while the duke knows little of her foolish passions, the same cannot be said of Viola’s charge—a precocious fourteen-year-old obsessed with her governess’s secret romance.

A hilariously engaging romp of a romance, where a sensible governess must learn how to defy the rules…

As a confirmed bachelor with no interest in marriage, the Duke of Huntington prefers his estate at Moorcliff Castle to the hustle, bustle, and utter nonsense of London society. He’s far more content with a glass of excellent whiskey and the calm of the country. Until his peace is shattered by the enchanting Miss Viola, and her injured young charge.

Unable to travel or leave, Miss Viola has no choice but to remain at Moorcliff—where avoiding the duke is all but impossible. Somewhere between late night run-ins and a fake date in the most unlikely of places, their chemistry stops feeling one-sided. But when he discovers the secret she’s been hiding all along, there’s nothing that will save them from scandal.

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Review

A beautifully crafted historical romance with some of the best fictional characters I have encountered. As an avid reader of historical fiction, it has become difficult to come across original novels, and I'm so glad that this book is an exception. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it to all romance fans. It's a slow-burn romance between a governess and a duke, a close friend of her employer. There are enough fun moments to make you smile. I especially loved the two young girls, always looking for their next adventure.

Miss Viola Winslow has resigned herself to love the Duke of Huntington from afar. After all, their circumstances are so far apart that imagining a union between them would be stupid. That is until her charge, Felicity, decides to play the matchmaker. Suddenly, the class difference doesn't seem as big of a problem, and she begins to hope for a happy ending. But some things just aren't meant to be...

After being rejected, Hunt hasn't left his castle. It's less because of the heartbreak and more because of the embarrassment. He is beginning to believe there is no happily ever after for me until Miss Viola Winslow appears at his doorsteps along with Felicity. The unexpected guests might be just the thing to take his mind off his problems. What he doesn't expect is to fall for the prim and proper governess who never says what's on her mind and only what she thinks others want to hear. Can he ruffle her feathers enough to make her speak the truth? Only time will tell.

Overall, it's an enjoyable read, and I'm glad I picked it up. I received a complimentary copy of the books via NetGalley, and the review is my personal opinion, left willingly.