What a Difference a Duke Makes (School for Dukes Book 1)

Believe it or not, I don’t think this is Lenora Bells best work, but I still loved reading it. The characters were likeable and as always the writing is brilliant. Definitely recommend the whole series.

Didn’t like it at all. Very long winded and the payoff was meh. It was nice to see a heroine who was a bit bolder but I just don’t think it was all that exciting

The plot is full of rather tired old situations, characters and tropes. There are even episodes that seem like borrowings from Jane Eyre. It's also surprisingly dull in places, with bed scenes placed earlier than character or plot warrant, possibly in an attempt to keep the reader interested. If so, it didn't work.

3.5 Stars in my Sky!What a Difference a Duke Makes is a sweet, light and quick read. The writing is good and the story charming.After a serious of unfortunate events, a late arrival and an accidental act of deception (well sort of) Mari not Mary finds herself as the new governess to Edgar Rochester, Duke of Banksford's illegitimate twins.A la The Sound of Music, the twins have driven off numerous previous governesses with their antics but have met their match with Mari who is not easily scared - she really needs this job! The twins are really sweet and made me smile, as did the way Mari handles them and their grumpy father.Mari is always cheerful and she slowly begins to win them all over with her sunny outlook and loyalty. I sometimes find such unyielding positivity irritating but I liked it here and found her to be endlessly charming.I received a review copy

A really great start to Lenora Bell's new series. Mari is a fun, fiesty character who doesn't let anything hold her back and is full of optimism and determination. I know that the book is meant to be loosely inspired by Mary Poppins but I actually found it had more in common with Jane Eyre, which is a huge plus in my eyes. My only criticism is that Mari was a very forward, outspoken person and that seemed to jar with the setting of the story a bit-- a servant who kisses a Duke and then demands more just felt very different to what I am used to in HR! Also this story was an insta-love/lust one which isn't my favorite trope. BUT Lenora Bell writes fun characters and interesting premises that help me forget any niggles I have and I will always keep reading her!

Mari is in London to find work and to discover more about her background. She was raised at an orphanage, but she recently received information about possible family. There's a lawyer who knows more, but she needs to find him first. She's looking for a job as a governess to earn a living. When she arrives at the agency she's being treated appallingly, but Mari knows how to take care of herself and immediately finds an opportunity. The Duke of Banksford is desperate, his twins have chased away all of their governesses so far. Mari is convinced she won't suffer the same fate.Edgar might be a wealthy Duke, but he doesn't know how to make his children listen. When he meets the beautiful Mari he isn't convinced she has what it takes to be their governess, but Mari cleverly changes his opinion. She gets her chance and that means she'll be part of the Duke's household. Being near him proves to be a challenge. Edgar likes his governess, but he's a Duke and her employer, so knows he should keep his distance. Will he be able to resist temptation?What a Difference a Duke Makes is an amazing entertaining romantic story. Mari is fierce, outspoken, confident and kind. I absolutely loved her sparkling personality and had to laugh out loud several times because of all the hilarious little Mary Poppins references in the story. There are some similarities, but definitely not too many and because I'm such a fan of Mary Poppins, reading them was a real treat. I enjoyed every single one of Mari's adventures. She's a practically perfect governess, she's cheeky, smart and amazing with children. She doesn't only change the childrens' lives she also makes sure she tutors their father in matters of the heart. I loved the chemistry between them and their strained conversations filled with Mari's wicked comments are fabulous.Lenora Bell has written a fantastic book. What a Difference a Duke Makes has a huge feelgood factor. I had a big smile on my face while I was reading this book. It's charming, dazzling and dynamic. There's plenty of tension, there's a lot of unconditional love and there are many amusing scenes. Lenora Bell has written such a great book. She balances wonderful heartwarming cheerfulness with serious issues in life and that gives the story the exact right amount of depth. I absolutely loved What a Difference a Duke Makes, it's absolutely delightful.