Lydia Drake | A Precocious Teenage Girl Conspires to Get Her Governess and a Duke to Fall in Love

What is the title of your latest release?

THE GOVERNESS AND THE DUKE

What’s the “elevator pitch” for your new book?

When a precocious teenage girl conspires to get her governess and the nation’s most eligible duke to fall in love, everything goes spectacularly wrong and then oh-so-right.

How did you decide where your book was going to take place?

I’ve always loved Gothic novels set in the north of England, so I knew I wanted that setting rather than London. I’m also partial to a castle, so a Gothic castle in Northumberland just had to be the choice.

Would you hang out with your heroine in real life?

Absolutely! Viola is kind and very intelligent. She might be a little reserved at first, but I’m sure she’d loosen up with time.

What are three words that describe your hero?

Brooding, sexy, kind.

What’s something you learned while writing this book?

There’s a talking raven in this book, so I spent way too much time watching raven videos on YouTube. I’ve learned that ravens are not only intelligent but can also be quite petty. If you’re mean to one, they’ll remember and tell all their friends. Good to know!

Do you edit as you draft or wait until you are totally done?

I try to only go back and rewrite when I’m finished. I don’t know the scope of a book until it’s fully drafted.

What’s your favorite foodie indulgence?

Right now I’m addicted to the freshly baked chocolate chip muffins from the diner down my street!

Describe your writing space/office!

I have a corner set up in the living room. I can see the bridge from out my window, and it’s very pretty at night!

Who is an author you admire?

Charlotte Bronte. I read Jane Eyre so many times as a teenager, and this book is very much inspired by that novel.

Is there a book that changed your life?

Like I said above, I think it has to be Jane Eyre! Every bookish, shy kid goes through a phase where she dreams of going to Thornfield and meeting Mr. Rochester. Even though he’s got issues!

Tell us about when you got “the call.” (when you found out your book was going to be published)

I just remember feeling really dazed. I tried calling people on the phone afterward to tell them but I just made kind of gasping, laughing noises.

What’s your favorite genre to read? 

Now that fantasy/romance has an official hybrid name, romantasy, I’m very pleased!

What’s your favorite movie?

Since it’s Christmastime, I’m starting my annual rewatch of A Christmas Story. That’s pretty high on my list.

What is your favorite season?

Summer!

How do you like to celebrate your birthday?

With some champagne, cake, and good company.

What’s a recent tv show/movie/book/podcast you highly recommend?

If you like a slow burning murder mystery/courtroom drama, Anatomy of a Fall is very good.

What’s your favorite type of cuisine?

Either Italian or Thai.

What do you do when you have free time?

I’m so tired, these days I kind of just stare at the ceiling!

What can readers expect from you next?

I’m working on a book about a bluestocking who blackmails an earl. We’ll see how it goes!

THE GOVERNESS AND THE DUKE by Lydia Drake

Things go disastrously wrong when a young girl plays matchmaker between her governess and a duke in this romantic and funny Regency.

For ten long years, Miss Viola Winslow has had a tragic secret—she’s been utterly in love with the Duke of Huntington. Viola may be intelligent and sensible, but as a governess to a wealthy family of the ton, she knows her love can only be forever unrequited. Still, she can dream of a different life, one where a man like him could possibly notice a woman like her.

James “Hunt” Montagu, Duke of Huntington, has come to believe that love itself is a sham. He left London for his family seat at Moorcliff Castle after a single marriage season confirmed the matter. He spends his days near the Scottish border hunting, riding, and managing his estates as disheveled as he pleases.

When Viola’s charge suffers an ankle injury near Moorcliff Castle, they’re all under the same roof until she heals. Hunt may have been acquainted with Viola, but somewhere between accepting love advice from a 14-year-old girl and painting trips to his local cemetery he realizes he’s never truly noticed her before. And just when he’s convinced himself that love might in fact be real, he discovers a secret that will change everything.

Romance Historical [Entangled: Amara, On Sale: December 26, 2023, Mass Market Paperback / e-Book, ISBN: 9781649374981 / eISBN: 9781649374486]