Forever My Duke (Unlikely Duchess #2)

Title: Forever My Duke (Unlikely Duchesses #2)
Author: Olivia Drake
Publication Date: December 31, 2019
Genre: Historical Romance

Rating: 3.5 out 5 stars

Available:  Amazon  ~  B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  Kobo

ABOUT THE BOOK:

“I find Miss Fanshawe to be quite charming—for an American.”—The Prince Regent 

Hadrian Ames, the Duke of Clayton, needs a bride. He even has the perfect one picked out. That is, until he meets the lovely, free-spirited Natalie Fanshawe. She’s the opposite of what a man of his high rank should desire in a wife—an outspoken American who has never even set foot in a London ballroom.

But Natalie doesn’t have time to be swept off her feet by a handsome duke who must be a spoiled scoundrel like every other British lord. And she couldn’t care less about Hadrian’s title. After all, it’s not as if he actually worked to attain his wealth and status. He surely can’t understand what it’s like to be a busy woman, planning to open a school while trying to reunite a six-year-old orphan with his English relatives. Nevertheless, Hadrian launches his campaign to win her heart. Can the utterly delightful American beauty ever find a way to love him…despite his being a duke?

Review

It is useful when reading that the story's characters fall into their proper place. Not only should characters fall into their designated roles, but they should be memorable. In the second installment of Olivia Drake's Unlikely Duchesses series titled Forever My Duke, the heroine and hero fit their character rolls well. As the adventurous yet principled American young lady, Natalie Fanshawe plays her role well. This post-war American Miss goes beyond what is expected of any young woman of the period to fulfill a dying friend's request. The heroine's journey is designed to show her strength and her dedication to those that she loves or loved. Also, the author does well to highlight the supposed unconventional personality traits between American and English young women of the time. Natalie Fanshawe is an all-round likable character. As for the hero, the Duke of Clayton - Hadrian Ames, pulls off the snotty, misunderstood gentleman very well. His character makes a seamless transition from stand-offish boar to a loving suitor/guardian. The secondary characters fit expected personality traits for the period, but some outshone others. Overall, this is an easy afternoon read for fans of historical romances.

Thank you to the St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

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.