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Book Review of Secrets of an Accidental Duchess (Donovan Sisters, Bk 2)

Secrets of an Accidental Duchess (Donovan Sisters, Bk 2)
I-F-Letty avatar reviewed on + 73 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1


Secrets of an Accidental Duchess by Jennifer Haymore
This is the second book in the Donovan Sister Series. I didnt realize this when I began reading but fortunately Ms. Haymore gave enough of the back story that I didnt feel like I came into the middle of a movie. Secrets of an Accidental Duchess; is just what a romance novel should be. There is the sweet love story, danger, revenge, passion likable characters and a villain to despise. Just the thing I like to curl up with and let the world stay outside.

Olivia Donovan is the second to the youngest of the Donovan sisters, raised in Antigua they have come back to England and have just spent their first season amongst the Ton. Olivia has sparked some interest firstly from Marquis Fenwicke, and the suave (at least in his mind) married Fenwicke , pulls the virginal Miss Donovan into an alcove and tells her in no uncertain terms what he wants to do to her, so certain is he of his charms. When she rejects him in no uncertain terms he starts calling her frigid or a slut (is that possible?). But still he burns for her none the less. Enter Max Lord Hadley heir to the Duke of Wakefield and long time rival of the dastardly Fenwicke, he too is a rake but in a charming way unlike the Marquis. Max is enchanted by the beautiful Miss Donovan and in a moment of anger makes a bet with Fenwicke that he will bed the comely beauty before the first of the year, more to get Fenwicke to stop his pursuit than to actually despoil a virgin, he is a gentleman after all. Having been invited to a hunting party at Olivias brother-in-law the Earl Stratford country house, Max accepts the invitation if only to make the acquaintance of Miss Donovan.
Olivias family is protective of her as she contracted Malaria as a child and is prone to attacks of fever with very little warning. As Max comes to know Olivia he is more and more drawn to her fragile beauty and surprised by her strength. Over the next weeks, the attraction deepens
Now what I like most about Jennifer Haymore is that she writes a classic romance, it has everything lovers of this genre want. I read romances as an indulgence; there is nothing I like better than settling into a book that will take me away. I turn off the ringer on the phone and just enjoy. 4 stars, I thoroughly enjoyed it and have already ordered the first book. The Accidental Bride and I believe I will enjoy it just as much.
I would like to thank the publishers and the folks at Net Galley for making this advance copy available to me for review.