Review of What a Difference a Duke Makes

What a Difference a Duke Makes

 by Lenora Bell

About the Book
Wanted: Governess for duke’s unruly children
Edgar Rochester, Duke of Banksford, is one of the wealthiest, most powerful men in England, but when it comes to raising twins alone, he knows he needs help. The only problem is the children have chased away half the governesses in London. Until the clever, bold, and far-too-enticing Miss Mari Perkins arrives.

Lost: One heart to an arrogant duke
Mari knows how to wrap even the most rebellious children around her finger. But their demanding, wickedly handsome father? He won’t be quite so easy to control. And there’s something else she can’t seem to command. Her heart. The foolish thing beats so wildly every time the duke is near.

Found: A forbidden passion neither can deny
As his employee, Mari is strictly off-limits. But what if she’s the one breaking all his rules? In the game of governess versus duke, how can Edgar maintain his defenses when the only thing he wants to do is let the tempting beauty win . . .?

What a Difference a Duke Makes by Lenora Bell is the story of a novice governesses foray into the world of the Banksford household in London. Mari is a young lady with a good head on her shoulders and a strong backbone. She was raised in an oppressive charity school and there is some mystery regarding her parentage. Down to her last chance, Mari boldly seizes an opportunity and finds herself in the household of the Duke of Banksford. The Duke has recently acquired two children who excel at running off governesses. Mari may not be the governess that Edgar wants but she is definitely the governess his family needs.

Edgar and Mari are charming and sympathetic characters. I loved their scenes together as they met, struggled with attraction and fell into something more. They lit up the page with their conversations.The Banksford household is a terrific place to spend time in with excellent secondary characters and interesting insights into the beginning of industrial change in England.

Lenora Bell has written a fun, poignant and truly heartfelt book with nods to Mary Poppins and other literary classics. I highly recommend this book to readers who like clever humor, witty dialogue and a household of lively and unusual folk who seem to leap off the page. What a Difference a Duke Makes is a joy to read. This is the first book I have read written by Lenora Bell, but I know it won't be the last. I'm looking forward to the follow-up in this series For the Duke's Eyes Only.

I received What a Difference a Duke Makes from Lenora Bell as a random winner at Night Owl Romance Chat. I recently started attending the chats at Night Owl Romance after I met some of the featured authors at The Historical Romance Retreat in Spokane. I met Lenora Bell at last years retreat, but we didn't actually talk about books, primarily we had a conversation about her bonnet, which was fabulous! 

Review by Kixcatmom aka Gayle Cochrane