Series: Rogues to Lovers #2
Publisher: St. Martins Press
Release Date: Jan. 24, 2023
Order Link: Amazon
Many thanks to St. Martins Press for an arc of this book.
Review:
One Duke Down is the second book in Bennett's delightful Rogues to Lovers series. The stories and characters are unique, interesting and highly emotional. Poppy Summers is truly a fisherman's daughter, and now the sole provider for her ill father. She spends her days on the water, hauling in her nets and selling her fish at market. Imagine her shock to find a gorgeous injured male tangled in her nets one morning - one who claims to be a Duke. Right . . . that head wound obviously has made him delusional. Andrew Keane is the Duke of Hawking, and he's having a devil of a time convincing the fiery haired fishing beauty that he's telling the truth. He does, however, convince her to hide him away on her beach allowing him time to heal and figure out who wants him dead. Poppy may not believe him, but she can't turn down the large sum of money he offers her to help him. Never mind the sparks that are flying between the pair. It's just a business arrangement, right?
One Duke Down is an apt title as Keane finds himself questioning his place in life and the way he's lived it as he learns more about Poppy and the hard row she hoes every single day just to put food on the table. As the story unfolds, the pair grow closer and while Poppy may dream of what a life with Keane would be like, she's convinced there's no way she'd ever fit in a Duke's world nor would she be accepted. Keane is determined to gain her trust as he falls head over heels for her. Meantime, they work as a team to determine who tried to kill Keane.
I enjoyed the grit and determination displayed by both Poppy and Keane and the emotional turmoil felt by both as they seek an impossible way forward together. These characters are well developed and believable. While this is the second book in this series, this story stands alone as the author includes all pertinent past information. However, it would be beneficial to read Girls Before Earls as it introduces this charming town and the trio of women who form friendships that will carry them through life. One Duke Down explores family ties and loyalty, love between social classes and earning trust in this charming historical romance and mystery. Highly recommended to fans of historical romance.
Synopsis:
A FISHERMAN’S DAUGHTER
Miss Poppy Summers is determined to keep her family’s fishing business afloat. Her poor widowed father has fallen ill, and her foolhardy brother has moved to London, leaving her precious little time to read or pursue her own dreams. But she’ll do anything for her family, so she cheerfully spends mornings in her rowboat, casting her nets. The very last thing Poppy expects or wants to find tangled in them is a dangerously attractive man. Especially one with a head wound—who’s convinced he’s a duke.
AND A DUKE OUT OF WATER
Andrew Keane is the Duke of Hawking, but he’s having the devil of a time convincing his wary, fiery-haired rescuer of that fact. The truth is he came to the seaside resort of Bellehaven Bay to escape his life in London. Unfortunately, someone in Bellehaven wants to kill him—and he intends to find out who. He implores Poppy to tend to his injuries and hide him on her beach, reasoning it will be easier to find his attacker if that man assumes Keane is already dead. She wants no part of the scheme but can’t refuse the generous sum he offers in exchange for food and shelter while he recovers. It’s a mutually beneficial business arrangement…nothing more.
ARE ABOUT TO MAKE WAVES
Under Poppy’s care, Keane regains his strength—and a sense of purpose. As they work together to solve the puzzle of his would-be murderer, he’s dazzled by her rapier wit and adventurous spirit; she’s intrigued by his mysterious air and protective streak. Though Poppy’s past gives her every reason to mistrust someone like Keane, the seawalls around her heart crumble in the storm of their passion. But when clues hint at the prime suspect in Keane’s attempted murder, Poppy must decide where her loyalties lie. Torn between the world she’s always known and the one she’s always dreamed of, she’ll need true love for a shot at her fairytale ending.
Miss Poppy Summers is determined to keep her family’s fishing business afloat. Her poor widowed father has fallen ill, and her foolhardy brother has moved to London, leaving her precious little time to read or pursue her own dreams. But she’ll do anything for her family, so she cheerfully spends mornings in her rowboat, casting her nets. The very last thing Poppy expects or wants to find tangled in them is a dangerously attractive man. Especially one with a head wound—who’s convinced he’s a duke.
AND A DUKE OUT OF WATER
Andrew Keane is the Duke of Hawking, but he’s having the devil of a time convincing his wary, fiery-haired rescuer of that fact. The truth is he came to the seaside resort of Bellehaven Bay to escape his life in London. Unfortunately, someone in Bellehaven wants to kill him—and he intends to find out who. He implores Poppy to tend to his injuries and hide him on her beach, reasoning it will be easier to find his attacker if that man assumes Keane is already dead. She wants no part of the scheme but can’t refuse the generous sum he offers in exchange for food and shelter while he recovers. It’s a mutually beneficial business arrangement…nothing more.
ARE ABOUT TO MAKE WAVES
Under Poppy’s care, Keane regains his strength—and a sense of purpose. As they work together to solve the puzzle of his would-be murderer, he’s dazzled by her rapier wit and adventurous spirit; she’s intrigued by his mysterious air and protective streak. Though Poppy’s past gives her every reason to mistrust someone like Keane, the seawalls around her heart crumble in the storm of their passion. But when clues hint at the prime suspect in Keane’s attempted murder, Poppy must decide where her loyalties lie. Torn between the world she’s always known and the one she’s always dreamed of, she’ll need true love for a shot at her fairytale ending.
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