The Governess and the Duke – Lydia Drake

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.

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.

Each book in the Renegade Dukes series is STANDALONE:
* Cinderella and the Duke
* The Duchess and the Wolf

My review

Scandalous romances, forbidden love and ghosts. What a wonderful series! I had already read the first two parts of the Renegade Dukes and this one was yet another great addition to the series. Although you can read them all as standalone, it is more fun if you read the previous books as well. Because Miss Viola Winslow is the governess of the duke of Ashworth (from Cinderella and the Duke), who is looking after the Felicity.

James, the duke of Huntington is a dear friend of Rafe (from the Duchess and the Wolf) and of Ashworth. Therefore, you’ll recognize more of the characters in the story, if you have read them all. If not, you’ll still be able to enjoy the budding romance between James and Viola and the marvelous antics of Felicity and Isabelle (Hunt’s younger sister).

So yes, it is a wonderful story. Four out of five stars from me and a special thank you to Netgalley for providing the arc.