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happily_after_heas's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
I believe this is Addy's debut and what a debut it is. And while it's not what I thought it was going to be--a road trip romance--it's still a wonderful historical romance. Henrietta, "Hettie," is a woman who belongs nowhere, it feels. A mixed race woman in the ton, whose parents died when she young, knows she is loved but doesn't feel she completely belongs anywhere, to anyone--especially when a cousin on her mother's side blackmails her into marriage. Along comes Finn, a Scottish Duke and English peer, who has loved Hattie since they were young adults, unbeknownst to her. When he discovers she is being blackmailed, he offers her a way out but doesn't ask WHY she's being blackmailed. Instead he jumps on the opportunity to finally make her, his. He truly adores this woman for who she is.
I really liked this book. There is a good bit of steam and mild spice well before the 50% mark. The two characters have great chemistry both in and out of the bedroom. Their knowledge of each other and relationship in their youth provides the personal history to make their "falling" believable. Hettie really wants to be the best wife she can be for Finn. And Finn wants to save his estate AND have his wife fall as in love with him as he is her.
There is a "third act breakup" but a reader should be expecting it as Hettie's secret is revealed. I found the revelation and reaction to this to be incredibly believable, natural and realistic. It was not overly dramatic nor did it feel immature. You could feel the pain and angst of the two characters during this time.
At times I felt Hettie's "I'll just ignore this problem and it will go away" annoyed me. But the scope of the problem and her view of the ramifications were quite large and I understand why she chose to ignore it. However, Finn showed his worth time and again through his actions and words--he even has a sweet nickname for her--so when Hettie chooses not to trust him, at times I couldn't understand why. EXCEPT for his mother. His mother is a horrible shrew when she meets Hettie. I don't know if I ever understood her reasons for her dislike of Hettie and kept waiting for the "real reason" to pop up but her reasoning was her own and in her mind made sense. This is a romance and all the conflict is tied up nicely including that with The Dowager, Lady Aofie.
I would highly recommend this to all lovers of historical romance, cinnamon roll heroes, strong heroines, color blind love, he falls first, and meaningful nicknames.
I really liked this book. There is a good bit of steam and mild spice well before the 50% mark. The two characters have great chemistry both in and out of the bedroom. Their knowledge of each other and relationship in their youth provides the personal history to make their "falling" believable. Hettie really wants to be the best wife she can be for Finn. And Finn wants to save his estate AND have his wife fall as in love with him as he is her.
There is a "third act breakup" but a reader should be expecting it as Hettie's secret is revealed. I found the revelation and reaction to this to be incredibly believable, natural and realistic. It was not overly dramatic nor did it feel immature. You could feel the pain and angst of the two characters during this time.
At times I felt Hettie's "I'll just ignore this problem and it will go away" annoyed me. But the scope of the problem and her view of the ramifications were quite large and I understand why she chose to ignore it. However, Finn showed his worth time and again through his actions and words--he even has a sweet nickname for her--so when Hettie chooses not to trust him, at times I couldn't understand why. EXCEPT for his mother. His mother is a horrible shrew when she meets Hettie. I don't know if I ever understood her reasons for her dislike of Hettie and kept waiting for the "real reason" to pop up but her reasoning was her own and in her mind made sense. This is a romance and all the conflict is tied up nicely including that with The Dowager, Lady Aofie.
I would highly recommend this to all lovers of historical romance, cinnamon roll heroes, strong heroines, color blind love, he falls first, and meaningful nicknames.
bubblewombat's review against another edition
emotional
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
When I picked up this book, I was not expecting the PAIN the third act conflict would bring me. I haven't been hurt like that in a while, and that's saying something.
With that said though, I was not a big fan of said conflict. Despite it actually being a good reason, I felt like the characters gave up on each other too easily, and it took them a while to solve it.
But did it make me cry when they fought? Yes. So I can't really be too mad, can I? Clearly the book did its job.
The writing was smooth and the book easy to get into and it made me hungry for more books written by this author. Also, THE COVER!!! That was what drew me in initially and I'm glad the inside matched.
Hettie was a better character than Finn which, if you asked me about at the start of the book, I wouldn't think I'd say. Because at the start Finn was a dream, he treated Hettie so well, they were great together, but that conflict...it felt like Finn wasn't that same sweet guy from the beginning.
In my mind, it didn't seem like something he'd care about at all, or if he did that he wouldn't behave the way he did. Because he's been pining over Hettie for years and then something so silly makes him change his tune? Nahhh.
But yeah Hettie, I think she stayed truer to her starting character than Finn. There were times where she felt a bit different too, but I could still say "yup that's Hettie".
I am so glad they worked it out at the end, and I wouldn't have minded if we got a bit more pages of them being truly happy with no secrets between them. But I also like that this was a shorter read.
I'm looking forward to whatever Addy Du Lac puts out next.
*Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*
With that said though, I was not a big fan of said conflict. Despite it actually being a good reason, I felt like the characters gave up on each other too easily, and it took them a while to solve it.
But did it make me cry when they fought? Yes. So I can't really be too mad, can I? Clearly the book did its job.
The writing was smooth and the book easy to get into and it made me hungry for more books written by this author. Also, THE COVER!!! That was what drew me in initially and I'm glad the inside matched.
Hettie was a better character than Finn which, if you asked me about at the start of the book, I wouldn't think I'd say. Because at the start Finn was a dream, he treated Hettie so well, they were great together, but that conflict...it felt like Finn wasn't that same sweet guy from the beginning.
In my mind, it didn't seem like something he'd care about at all, or if he did that he wouldn't behave the way he did. Because he's been pining over Hettie for years and then something so silly makes him change his tune? Nahhh.
But yeah Hettie, I think she stayed truer to her starting character than Finn. There were times where she felt a bit different too, but I could still say "yup that's Hettie".
I am so glad they worked it out at the end, and I wouldn't have minded if we got a bit more pages of them being truly happy with no secrets between them. But I also like that this was a shorter read.
I'm looking forward to whatever Addy Du Lac puts out next.
*Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*
vgdesigns's review
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
I know Who You Are
Addy Du Lac’s debut historical romance is a delightfully diverse steamy romance about identity, and the strength of family. Heiress Henrietta Monfort’s (Hettie) meddlesome cousin is determined to ruin her with rumors of her parent’s unwed status. The threat to her livelihood and family leaves her with no option but to marry her blackmailer. Until her childhood friend Lord Flindley (Finn), Duke of Montrose and the Laird Mac Gairbheith, attends her engagement ball. All grown up, they find their friendship has turned into fiery passion. If only duty and a scandalous secret did not threaten to keep them apart.
Hettie has all the characteristics of a great romance character. She genuinely cares about her adoptive family. Her Aunt Anastacie and Uncle Gabriel are supportive parents, and their affectionate banter is a lot of fun to read. Despite their clear love for her, Hettie is still terrified that they will disown her if they find out the truth. It is this compassion that is threatened by the manipulative lies of her cousin Phillip Fletchley. Phillip is intensely unpleasant, as he tries to blackmail Hettie into marrying him so he can have her fortune. Hettie’s feelings become even more complicated when her confidant and friend Finn returns, more handsome than she remembers.
Finn adores Hettie, remembering their childhood friendship fondly. He wonders why she has not been swept off her feet yet, since she is kind and intelligent. Burdened by his inheritance at such a young age, he has neglected society, and contact with Hettie. He finds himself too late, as she is now engaged to someone else. Finn knows something is wrong, because she is troubled, and not the fearless women he remembers. He is willing to do whatever it takes to make Hettie laugh again.
As a friends to lovers’ romance, Hettie and Finn have a lot of mutual fondness for each other. As friends Hettie and Finn like to tease each other, as well as “unspoken acceptance and protection.” They were not expecting the sudden attraction after being separated for so long. Though they discuss their desires, needs, and duties before marriage when the real passion begins. They may not know how everything is going to work out between them, but they are willing to learn together. Building a new family and legacy.
caldreads's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
What an absolutely GREAT read! Diverse and amazing (and a bit flawed) characters; an exciting story; and a beautiful romance with plenty of spice that grows between childhood friends.
This duel POV historical romance follows the love story of Finn (a Scottish duke) and Henrietta (a young woman of the ton). Their relationship grew from childhood friends (who may have had a little crush on one another) to something so much more; they both understand what it was like to be an outsider and that understanding forged something deep between them.
Will untold secrets, a touch of blackmail, an indignant mother-in-law, and pride get in the way of their love? WOULDN’T YOU LIKE TO KNOW!
You must add this one to your TBR and bring it to the very top! 📚
Thank you so much to Entangled Publishing, Addy du Lac, and NetGalley for the ARC of this book!
This duel POV historical romance follows the love story of Finn (a Scottish duke) and Henrietta (a young woman of the ton). Their relationship grew from childhood friends (who may have had a little crush on one another) to something so much more; they both understand what it was like to be an outsider and that understanding forged something deep between them.
Will untold secrets, a touch of blackmail, an indignant mother-in-law, and pride get in the way of their love? WOULDN’T YOU LIKE TO KNOW!
You must add this one to your TBR and bring it to the very top! 📚
Thank you so much to Entangled Publishing, Addy du Lac, and NetGalley for the ARC of this book!
sophiegrubben's review
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
thank you to netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review!
this book is more of a 3.5 stars or 3.75 but I enjoyed it far too much for it to be a 3 star, so I rounded up :)
One season with the duke revolves around Hettie (Henrietta) as she finds out that she might not be who she always assumed she was and is blackmailed into marrying her cousin. meanwhile Finn (Findley) has returned to London to find his childhood crush betrothed to someone he never expected her to be with. when she expresses doubt, he whiskes her off to London to marry her himself. from there on out the true story starts. both characters (for most of the book) are loveable, loyal, kind people, except one around the end (but this person is redeemed (somewhat)). of course it's Finn. he's the man, of course it's him. he finds out the secret and just becomes this awful man-child, incapable of reason and so fuelled by anger that he lashes out at everyone, to the point that his entire staff is frightened of him. he doesn't calm down until his mother (who did not like Hettie for most of the book) tells him to act right. like, he's being that awful. the fact Hettie forgave him at all is a miracle on its own, goddamn
as for the plot, you will be frustrated. such is the nature of this. both of these idiots will drive you wild in all the ways. you will flush at both the smut and the indignant anger of how stupid they're being.
one gripe I had with the book was the modern use of the word cuz and the public displays of affection. I did google when the word cuz was first in use (1889, so fifty some years after the epilogue) but it didn't gain popularity until well into the 90's so that was extremely jarring to read. another thing was the public displays of affection, a big no-no in victorian England. at one point Hettie is kissed by someone publicly and it's written that people cheer. I very much beg to differ. also, later on the story Hettie and Finn get handsy in public and I had to put the book away for a bit. it's small things like this that took me out the story multiple times.
other than those gripes, I did like the book, especially Hettie. Hettie is my darling. I want all the good things for her, no more hardships ever, thank you very much.
this book is more of a 3.5 stars or 3.75 but I enjoyed it far too much for it to be a 3 star, so I rounded up :)
One season with the duke revolves around Hettie (Henrietta) as she finds out that she might not be who she always assumed she was and is blackmailed into marrying her cousin. meanwhile Finn (Findley) has returned to London to find his childhood crush betrothed to someone he never expected her to be with. when she expresses doubt, he whiskes her off to London to marry her himself. from there on out the true story starts. both characters (for most of the book) are loveable, loyal, kind people, except one around the end (but this person is redeemed (somewhat)).
as for the plot, you will be frustrated. such is the nature of this. both of these idiots will drive you wild in all the ways. you will flush at both the smut and the indignant anger of how stupid they're being.
one gripe I had with the book was the modern use of the word cuz and the public displays of affection. I did google when the word cuz was first in use (1889, so fifty some years after the epilogue) but it didn't gain popularity until well into the 90's so that was extremely jarring to read. another thing was the public displays of affection, a big no-no in victorian England. at one point Hettie is kissed by someone publicly and it's written that people cheer. I very much beg to differ. also, later on the story Hettie and Finn get handsy in public and I had to put the book away for a bit. it's small things like this that took me out the story multiple times.
other than those gripes, I did like the book, especially Hettie. Hettie is my darling. I want all the good things for her, no more hardships ever, thank you very much.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Incest, Misogyny, Racism, Kidnapping, Grief, Stalking, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Abandonment, and Classism
marylinaris's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Ultimate Regency friends to marriage of convenience to lovers.
Childhood friends Hattie and Finn haven’t seen each other in several years and nearly miss their chance at happiness when Hattie’s cousin blackmails her into accepting his proposal. But when Finn comes along and convinces Hattie to run away to Scotland to get married - out of pure friendly, platonic reasons, of course - they are faced with new challenges as they try and build a life and marriage together.
Out main characters had an amazing relationship, that showcased their long friendship. I loved them both as individual characters and together, who made for great leads in a story with a lot of romance and intrigue.
I loved the third act break up. This is such a rarity for me but DuLac did incredibly well building up the reason for the break up throughout the book. It’s not over and forgotten within pages and the characters really have to emotionally work through the reasons it got to this point, reflect and learn to properly communicate with each other to get their HEA.
I’ve spend so much of the book going to the author’s profile on Goodreads to see if they have written something -anything- else because so many of the side characters felt like cameo appearances from characters of previous books in a series and I was disappointed that their love stories don’t exist in full length book formats.
I was provided an ARC by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
butterbrioche's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Thank you to Entangled for giving me an arc of this!
When I saw the cover, I knew I HAD to get this and read it. It’s so lovely to see women who look like me on historical romance novels and it means a lot to me, even at my age.
One of my favorite things about this book is that we get the source of conflict at the very beginning and we are able to see the way it unfurls. I really loved the way these characters were fleshed out, especially Hettie and Finn. I do think that perhaps I would’ve liked to see Phillip fleshed out a bit more but other than that I found this book to be enjoyable.
I loved the tension between Hettie and Finn, it felt palpable. Whether it was part of the conflict or the desire that they had for one another.
I also really enjoyed how the situation between Finn’s mother and Hettie was resolved.
I’ll definitely be recommending this to others!
When I saw the cover, I knew I HAD to get this and read it. It’s so lovely to see women who look like me on historical romance novels and it means a lot to me, even at my age.
One of my favorite things about this book is that we get the source of conflict at the very beginning and we are able to see the way it unfurls. I really loved the way these characters were fleshed out, especially Hettie and Finn. I do think that perhaps I would’ve liked to see Phillip fleshed out a bit more but other than that I found this book to be enjoyable.
I loved the tension between Hettie and Finn, it felt palpable. Whether it was part of the conflict or the desire that they had for one another.
I also really enjoyed how the situation between Finn’s mother and Hettie was resolved.
I’ll definitely be recommending this to others!
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