Reviews

One Duke Down by Anna Bennett

rainelle_barrett's review

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4.0

I found a lady character to be very intriguing. I think that she is the main character who leads the story the most. Keane is very intrigued by her. Their story is romantic in some ways. The story focuses mostly on the mystery that surrounds Keane and how he has landed at Poppy’s feet, rather beach. While Keane, Poppy and Keane’s, valet become, detective sleuths, I felt that the story supplied entertainment for me as the reader. The book has a wonderful happy ending that was written so beautiful. I enjoyed the interesting characters that Poppy came into contact with. In some ways these characters brought some humor to the story. I absolutely loved the cover of the book. The writer did a splendid job of combining the colors and the choosing of the couple.

erinarkin20's review

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4.0

One Duke Down is book two in the Rogues to Lovers series by Anna Bennett. If you haven't read book one, I recommend picking it up but I also don't think you miss a ton if you want to read it as a standalone. You just might not get some of the references to things that may have occurred prior to this book.

In this book, Poppy and Keane are our main characters. For context, Poppy is the daughter of a fisherman and Keane is a Duke. When Keane washes up on the beach that Poppy fishes from, she gives him a place to stay and works with him to try to sort out who tried to kill him. At first Poppy is a bit standoffish. She hasn't had great experiences with the nobility but Keane eventually wins her over and they are definitely more than friends. With that said, Poppy is convinced she can't have anything more with Keane while he is doing whatever he can to win her over and understand he will do anything to have her in his life long-term. He just needs to figure out who wants him dead first.

I loved how Poppy and Keane's relationship developed and the storyline allowed them to engage with each other without the societal restrictions which made things a bit easier...if you count hiding out on the beach easier. As the story moves forward, Poppy needs to make some decisions as Keane has already made his.

If you're looking for a new historical romance, I recommend picking this book up. There are interesting characters and a page turning story that will keep you engaged.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the copy in exchange for an honest review.

corsetreads's review

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4.0

Sometimes you just need some sweetness and this book is it. There’s a fun little mystery and twists and turns to keep the reader guessing and all along the protagonists are wonderful and sweet and falling in love. I am on the edge of my seat to know who Kitty will end up with, who I’m assuming is the next heroine in the series!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

kerryanndunn's review

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5.0

“He was intensely curious about her, and not solely because she was beautiful, although there was that. Far more intriguing to him were her confidence, her honesty, and her passion. He needed to find the sources of those traits within her. Maybe, then he’d have a shot of finding them within himself.”⁣

This is a rollicking good romance, filled with intrigue, adventure, a hidden cove, and two people thrown together by fate who just might be meant for one another. I love how Keane works so hard to prove to Poppy that she can trust him with her heart. I love how Poppy stays true to herself to the very end, showing everyone she is worthy of Keane’s devotion by just being her authentic self. Their happily ever after is satisfying and dear.

cappyreads's review against another edition

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3.0

One Duke Down – Anna Bennett

Poppy has worked hard for her life. While her brother is away trying to make money for the family. She takes care of her ailing father and keeping the family business afloat. When she comes across a stranger claiming to be a Duke in need of help. Duke of Hawking; Andrew must find out who is attempting to kill him. With the help of his Valet and the beautiful Poppy, he is close to figuring out who is behind the attack. It doesn’t help that his mind is distracted where Poppy is concerned… can they accomplish their mission?

This is a second book in the series Rogues to Lovers #2. I haven’t read the first one yet but this book can also be a standalone. I really liked Poppy’s character; she is strong, realistic and driven. There was an instant attraction from the start but it doesn’t help that they come from two different worlds which is majority of the conflict. I really enjoyed seeing Andrew attempting to spoil Poppy with everything she desires to cut through her icy barrier. While this is mostly a romance, there was some action and intrigue near the end.

Hope you enjoy this book!

vpalmer0508's review against another edition

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adventurous lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

ashn31's review

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2.0

I really wanted to love this because the blurb made it seem so good, but it just didn't live up to the hype for me. Too much angst, not enough romance. Not enough relationship building or getting to know the characters. Its all just struggling and trying to figure out who hurt the duke. If I wanted a mystery, I'd choose one, not a romance. Also, I'm sorry, but the sea-related analogies get super annoying and corny. Every sentence doesn't have to relate to the ocean, mermaids, pirates, fish, etc. It almost reads like a DIsney fairytale for kids... but with spicy scenes randomly thrown in. It was just a no for me... sorry. Thanks for the opportunity to try though.

serena1787's review

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5.0

4.5

This is the second Anna Bennett book I have read that has left me sighing with content. Keeping spots open for more of her books on my tbr.

What a delightful and unique package of all these great tropes- part-mystery, part-masquerade, part- only one bed, part-class difference - all wrapped up in one. Slap on a low-angst swoony romance, and the characters on the cover aren't the only ones who will be smiling!

Thank you to the author/publisher for providing me an e- copy of the Advanced Reader Copy through NetGalley. All opinions in the review are honest and my own.

iggyebab's review

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3.0

*Received a copy for review.*
Book 2 focuses on Poppy and a wayward Duke.
What does a fisherwoman do when she finds a handsome man passed out on her beach, tangled in her net? Assume he’s a pirate and drag him out of the surf of course.
I loved how determined Poppy is. She is capable and does not need a man to complicate things.
I also love a book where the man falls first.
This book was an easy read with great chemistry & the perfect amount of steam.

nush2's review

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dnf @ 30%

bored. don't feel the chemistry between the characters, i can't do this anymore