Elements of this book were strong, however for me the plot was a little disjointed and I struggled to root for Lily. The rakish duke and young virgin plot has been overdone and for me this didn't feel like a fresh take. The bedroom scenes were very well written tho, phew! Overall a book that for me didn't reach its potential.

I enjoyed this book. The rake and a virgin plot will always get me to read it. The start of the romance was a little far fetched but I got over it. The main characters had a lot of chemistry and I liked the ending. I will be reading more books from Helen Hardt.

I voluntarily read this ARC for an honest review
All thoughts and opinions are mine

I love this author and hadn't realised she wrote other genres so was really interested in reading this

Absolutely loved it !!

Look forward to reading more

I’ve been on an odd historical romance kick, and Lily and the Duke caught my eye during my search. Unfortunately, this maintains the thinnest of plots and utilizes every romance trope possible - impossibly handsome duke, unconventional heroine, jealous lover, troubling secrets - which is typical for most romances, but this lacks the clever dialogue and decent writing to carry the tropes. It didn’t entertain nor did it hold my interest.

This was a very fun and quick historical romance! I hadn't known that Helen Hardt wrote historical romances and I'm now excited to read more of them by her!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for providing me with a copy for an honest review!

LILY AND THE DUKE (A Sex and the Season Novel) By Helen Hardt
I always know when I pick up a Helen Hardt novel I will get the complete deal. A solid well developed story line, great characters, drama, hot chemistry, banter and intrigue. This story has all of this, it is set in the 1800’s England with Daniel, a 2nd son who ends up being the Duke after the death of his father and brother. Lily is a young free spirited artist, who does not want to ever marry and just wants to focus on her art. Daniel is entranced with her as soon as he meets her. Can he sway her to his side? Read and see. This is a 5 star story.

Hot. Hot. Hot. The story was great! Lily was a great character with an attitude all her own. I have went on to but the other books in this series!!

Ugh, a bodice ripper that failed to....rip my bodice.

Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review.

I'm usually a big fan of Helen Hardt but her latest Lily and the Duke just didn't work for me. I love bold and daring female heroines willing to defy convention but Lily was a bit over the top. The entire story line was rather week and could have been developed much more. I do have to give props to Ms. Hardt ....she sure knows how to write a steamy bedroom scene. WOW!

Lily and the Duke by Helen Hardt is the First book in the Sex and the Season Series. This is the story of Daniel Farnsworth and Lily Jameson. Lily does not wish to marry but instead to travel and continue her love of art. But of course her parents have other ideals for her which include marriage. So when her parents get the chance to attend a 2 week house party given by the Duke the hope to change Lily's mind. Lily only wants to see the Art Collection that the Duke has so her mind is set on seeing that. But when she sneaks off to do that at the party she is snared by the Daniel who at first mistakes her for someone else but soon can't think of anything but her after their shared kiss. Lily taken back by such desire she never expected to feel. But things aren't smooth for the young lovers as we read their story. Enjoyed this hot read.

FIVE STARS! Oh my goodness! I am an absolute sucker for heroines like Lily - brilliant, bold, and relatable. It's a glorious, addictive romance, and I was so taken with it. Stunning! Highly recommended!

I wasn't the biggest fan of the one and only Helen Hardt book I read before this one, but I think she's roped me in! I thoroughly enjoyed the setting and the character development throughout. I cannot wait to read Rose in Bloom next, although I do foreshadow a possible love triangle type situation. My imagination is already running wild. We shall see though!

Lily and the Duke is such a great read that got me sucked into the story right away and I just didn't want to put the book down.

I do highly recommend.

I love the idea of this story: strong-willed female, rakish Duke, temptation and love. But this story tried to be too much. Lust at first sight was too fast. Sex scenes were too bold. The dialogue was too modern. The heroine was too willing to lose her virginity. The villain was too obvious. It had a lot of potential, but just felt way over the top.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.