MY SECRET DUKE
Historical Romance
AUTHOR:
Sara Bennett
RELEASE DATE:
April 01, 2025
PUBLISHER:
Forever (Grand Central Publishing)
ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781538723838
RATING:
4.5
AUTHOR LINK:
https://sara-bennett.com/
SERIES: Yes, the second book in Sara Bennett’s historical
romance series ROMANCING THE DUKES
Olivia Ashton’s family is no stranger to scandal. Even
she has weathered her own. Olivia wants to improve her family’s future by
marrying a wealthy gentleman. She knows that Ivo Fitzsimmons is the wrong man
for her. However, Olivia cannot seem to stay away from him or resist his
reckless wagers. When their paths continue to cross, she finds her resolve wavering.
Can Olivia make the ultimate sacrifice for her family’s sake? Or will she find
herself enmeshed in another scandal?
Ivo Fitzsimmons, Duke of Northam, pretends to be an
insouciant nobleman to hide his smuggling activities. He needs to marry an heiress
to keep his dukedom afloat. Ivo accidentally involves Olivia in a scandal. When
he tries to make things right between them, she rejects his proposal and
distances herself. Ivo realizes that Olivia is the only woman for him. Can Ivo
convince Olivia to take a chance with him? Or will his smuggling business
destroy any possibility between them?
I like how Ivo and Olivia have much in common. They both
have the heavy weight of their families’ livelihood on their shoulders. There
were moments when Olivia really annoyed me. I understand her desire to better
her sisters’ lives and offer them a brighter future. However, even when her
sisters absolved her from that, Olivia still believed she had to sacrifice herself
for them.
Ivo pleasantly surprised me. At first, he is carefree and
devil-may-care, accepting any wager or dare. However, Ivo starts to change
after his and Olivia’s scandal. Her harsh words cause him to self-reflect and
become aware of his flaws.
I recommend starting with DREAMING OF A DUKE LIKE YOU
before starting this one. MY SECRET DUKE can stand alone. DDLY introduces the
Ashton family along with touching on their dire circumstances. Gabriel and
Vivienne, the couple from the first book, do play a supporting role in the
story. It is good to see how their relationship progresses.
I do have a few nitpicks. Justina and Charles and Annette
and Harold. I had hoped that both couples would eventually have their own books
– there was potential there. Sadly, that does not seem to be the case. Their
romances take place in the background. That realization is what dampened my enjoyment
of the book.
