When I read the blurb for When a Duke Loves a Governess, I knew that I needed to read it. I have read the previous two books in the series and was curious to see what this book would be like. I wasn’t disappointed. It was a fantastic romance.

When a Duke Loves A Governess is the 3rd book of the Unlikely Duchesses series. It can be read as a standalone. But, I would highly suggest that you read the previous two books to get backgrounds on characters that pop up in this book.

When a Duke Loves a Governess has a fast-moving storyline. There was a tiny bit of lag right before the reveal of the bad guy. Other than that, the book flowed amazingly.

I loved Tessa, but I didn’t agree with some of her actions. She was raised by a single mother who was killed when Tessa was 6. After that, she grew up in a foundling home until she was 14 (there was a sad reason why she left). At 14, Tessa became an apprentice to a millinery shop but left there to fake her way into being Guy’s governess. She was a spirited woman who lived life on her terms. Her spirit showcased that over and over in the book, and I loved it. The author didn’t attempt to have Tessa change when she found out about her lineage (a huge substory about that). It made for a refreshing read.

I liked Guy, but I found him a little “meh” while reading. He didn’t scream hero to me during the first half of the book. He was too involved in his studies. But, during the second half of the book, he more than made up for his “meh-ness.” His studies took a backseat to raise Sophy, wooing Tessa, and trying to figure out who stole from him (which lead to who killed 5 “heirs”). I loved it!!

I wasn’t surprised by how the storyline with Tessa and her father was resolved. It was typical, and I called it right from the beginning. But, I was surprised that the author added a whole new element to that storyline.

The storyline with Sophy was sad. The pain and confusion just poured off the page during her scenes. I don’t blame her for acting the way she did. When it came out what Sophy was being told about Guy, I was furious. No wonder she was so afraid of him!!!

The storyline involving Guy, his missing research, and eventually the deaths of the previous heirs was indeed a mystery. This storyline didn’t gain traction until the middle of the book when Guy’s research went missing. Then it snowballed into this huge mystery. The author did a great job at keeping the bad guy in the shadows. So when the big reveal came, I was a little shocked. I honestly thought it was the other person mentioned. Of course, I did pity that person once the story was told.

The romance angle of the book was well written. I liked seeing Tess and Guy falling in love. I did think it was cute. I loved the sex scenes. They were very steamy!!

The end of When a Duke Loves a Governess was interesting. Everyone had their version of a HEA (except the bad guy….lol). The author did a fantastic job of wrapping up all the plotlines. She also left hints for book 4, which I can’t wait to read.

I would recommend When a Duke Loves a Governess to anyone over the age of 21. There is mild violence. There is somewhat graphic sex.

Lindsey Gray

Written on Mar 20, 2021

4.5 Stars!

Born to a noble and a servant out of wedlock then forced into an orphanage when her mother died at age six, Tessa has experienced a rough life. For the last seven years, she’s slave away as a miliner’s assistant with dreams of opening her own shop one day. The only way Tessa can think of to make her dream come true is to find her noble father. All she has to go on is the family crest on a pendant her mother gave her as she lay dying. By pure chance, she hears the new Duke of Carlin is in need of a governess for his unruly daughter. Thinking that being in a noble house will help her find her sire, she quits her job and goes to apply for the governess position.

Guy Whitby, the new Duke of Carlin, was never supposed to inherit. He was the fourth in line for his grandfather’s title when his wife died after giving birth to their daughter. Not believing he could take care of his infant daughter, he leaves her with his in-laws while he travels around the world discovering all kinds of plant life. Upon his return, his grandfather, uncles, cousin, and father have all died and his four-year-old daughter is a holy terror. Becoming a duke and a father at the same time is a difficult road for Guy to travel. Going through six governess’s in less than two months, Guy becomes a little desperate. When Tessa shows up and demonstrates how she will interact with his daughter, Lady Sophy, he hires her. That, my friends, is just the beginning.

Olivia Drake once again creates a world with love, laughter, danger, and intrigue. There are so many facets to this story that draw you in, there is no way you will guess what happens next. Neither Tessa or Guy need or want a relationship at the beginning, but as their spark become a flame, there is no way they can stop their feelings from overflowing. While little Sophy is what we might call a brat, there are definite reasons for her behavior. It takes Tessa working with her and showing Guy the reasons his daughter acts the way she does to find the real Sophy. You know they will make a magnificent family if only things could go their way.

This story will make you laugh and cry all while falling in love with Guy, Tessa, and Sophy. A cast of secondary characters add a little flavor to the tale. Might we see a certain Earl and companion in an upcoming novel? I don’t know, but I sure hope we do. If you need some more Olivia Drake, check out the first two novels in this series, The Duke I Once Knew and Forever My Duke.

I received When a Duke Loves a Governess (Unlikely Duchesses, #3) for free. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.