I read this a while back, and unfortunately, struggled to finish it. The cover is pretty, the premise is interesting, but the story fell flat. I couldn't get into the aristocracy of it all, as it doesn't really get the atmosphere right. It felt much too modern, and it made it difficult to really get into the plot.

Rating: 3 Star ⭐️

I enjoy the amnesia trope but this one was ok. The characters were too modern for the time period. It was not a realistic depiction of young ladies during the time period. Also, I found the heroine annoying.

Thank you to the publisher for providing the ARC.

I usually don't enjoy the mistaken identity trope, but this story had a bit of added whimsy that distracted from that a bit. I didn't really mesh with the heroine.

I am a sucker for amnesia stories but this one was just ok. I liked all the women in this book especially Lily and Delilah. They were strong woman who could take care of themselves. Nash was another thing. I was so so about him. He definitely was cocky though. My problem was I felt the story just skated through without much substance. The pair were a bit quick to fall in love after a tragic head injury causing amnesia.

"The Duke is But a Dream" sounded far more interesting than it actually was for me. I just couldn't enjoy this title as much as I wanted to. It definitely could have used some better editing and more consistency in characterization.

What do you get when a writer of a ladies' column goes out to a tavern for research? An unexpected bar brawl, a duke who intervenes, and a bad case of amnesia.

Miss Lily Hartley is the author of The Debutante's Revenge column. While her family and friends are on vacation, she decides to do some research to keep the column interesting. She heads to the Grey Goose dressed as a chimney sweep. Unfortunately, some pirates (yep) decide they want her things.

Eric Nash, Duke of Stonebridge, went to the Grey Goose for some quiet reflection. He has sworn off love, defining it as too dangerous after losing both his twin sister and father in one night. Seeing a young lad in trouble, Nash steps in to assist... Only to discover the lad is actually a lass. One who now has a large bump on her head.

Nash feels responsible and takes her home to see his family's doctor. When she awakens, she cannot remember her name.

Nash and his younger sister Delilah work to help "Caroline" remember her name and her past. Nash even places as ad in the paper to get information quickly. He needs this lady out of his house, because she has awoken feelings that he doesn't want.

This close proximity romance has a few twists and turns about Lily's and Nash's pasts. Secrets are unlocked, and love will conquer. This is a slow burn novel, so things take some time. The steamy scenes are enjoyable and respectful (she has amnesia after all; the duke is trying to be respectable).

The Duke is but a Dream is well-written and part of a series. It is a standalone novel with peaks of characters from the other books. It's a very entertaining read.

I wanted to like this book. I tried REALLY hard to like this book. It had just about every trope I enjoy in historical romance; I should have loved it – but I just couldn’t get past all the ridiculous plot elements, the rose-colored glasses fictional world, and the inconsistent characterization.

I honestly believe this whole book could have been improved with a few key plot and character tweaks. The writing was, frankly, excellent. Which is part of the reason I was hoping I would give it a higher rating. I also love an amnesia plot! Love. But THE DUKE IS BUT A DREAM, sadly, didn’t live up to my expectations, even with one of my favorite tropes.

My biggest gripe with this book ultimately stemmed from the heroine. So you mean to tell me, this sheltered virgin heroine has been writing a column giving out romance and sex advice to all the women in London? I probably would have accepted that if the author hadn’t started each chapter with parts of the column. Some of them were so outrageously modern I just couldn’t suspend my disbelief enough.

In the same vein, the heroine was really, really knowledgeable about sex. Right away. This could have been pretty easily fixed by making her not a virgin (shocker). I love sex-positive heroines. But if I am reading a historical romance, I want to know how/why their views are so contrary to the society they live in. As a positive, her intimacy knowledge made for some fun and steamy scenes! I just wish they made sense in the context of the story.,

Additionally, the world this book just seemed… idyllic. And not in a fun way. But in a “dear lord, there are so few roadblocks where there really should be some.” The hero, a Duke, treating the heroine like a member of his class right off the bat? Umm, okay. It would have made so much more sense to me if he was just a wealthy businessman. Way fewer rules; it would have fit the story so much better.

As I mentioned, the hero was characterized as a broody, mad Duke… which lasted all of two pages. He was just a really nice man with sad boi elements. Every time the author tried to add “dark” aspects to his character, he just ended up groveling two pages later. It happened multiple times! The heroine had similar inconsistencies and even the Duke’s sister made odd decisions based on how she was portrayed to readers.

Overall, I can see myself continuing with the series – book three sounds really good! And as I mentioned, the writing was good. I hope it was just this particular book that didn’t work for me!

**I received a free copy of this book in order to provide an honest review**

I enjoyed this, but it was not quite what I'd expect from a regency romance. I love that Lily writes an advice column and, of course, has to hide it. I love that her solution was to disguise herself as a boy to deliver her column! Add a bit of memory loss for some spice and then enter the dashing and heroic duke. Some of the situations with Lily and Nash did end up striking me as not authentic for the times, but I still really enjoyed the story overall.

THE DUKE IS BUT A DREAM - Anna Bennett

#2 The Debutante Diaries

SWEET - 4 stars

Plot - 4 stars - Lily and Fiona write and illustrate the shocking newspaper column that is all the rage for young women in society. She'll need to deliver her article while in disguise, but when she is injured and loses her memory, she is rescued by the Duke of Stonebridge, and their feelings begin to develop for each other.

Writing - 4 stars - I was drawn into the story right from the first page. We remember Fiona with fondness from the previous book, so it was good to revisit with her right at the beginning, thereby introducing us to her sister Lily. The action happens fast, then we are caught up in Lily trying to rediscover herself.

Characters - 4 stars - Lily is a strong and resilient character, and I particularly liked her intelligence. When she sees something she wants (someone), she figures out how to go after it. Nash, as well, is a strong man, but he's been broken by the loss of his father and twin sister. He is attracted to Lily, but he resists because of his guilt. I loved their tenderness towards each other, and I was definitely rooting for their success.

Title - 4 stars - This follows along with the previous book in this series, including a rank within a familiar childhood saying.

Cover - 4 stars - This is a gorgeous cover, a little dreamy and featuring a beautiful woman and dress.

Overall - 4 stars - Sweet, nice, very pleasant Regency romance read. I enjoyed the first in this series, and this book continues along nicely with strong and attractive characters, and an interesting plot. Once in a while I felt that Lily didn't quite run true to the time period, but since her actions moved the story along, it didn't bother me too much. I will definitely continue with this series.

A secret authoress dressed as chimney sweeper and met an unfortunate accident and met a dashing Duke. It was like their destiny was written in the stars or in one of Lily’s articles. She found absolutely everything she was looking for in those two weeks while her sister and parents were away on holiday. Her own little adventure. I can only imagine her laughter as she plotted her evening out. Definitely a delightful story!

This book was written well and I enjoyed it so much I think you should read it too. Nice imagery and I was excited for the action scenes.

I loved the characters and the storyline development of this book. It was absolutely one of my favorites so far and I can't wait to delve in to the next one that this author writes. The storyline was simple, enjoyable, and entertaining.

This is a cute story about a woman suffering from amnesia.

I enjoyed the relationship between the characters. There were many moments that made me chuckle and smile.

This story is on the steamy side. It was more graphic than my usual comfort level.

Lily Hartley’s life is turned upside down by what she thought was an opportunity for adventure. Lily along with her sister, Fiona and their friend, Sophie are responsible for the popular column “The Debutante’s Revenge” in the London Hearsay paper – Lily has just settled into her sister’s house for a visit when Fiona’s new husband wants to whisk her away for a romantic trip, Lily insists that Fiona go and then remembers that her parents are also away – she decides to use the time and freedom to do things she would normally never have a chance to do – so dressed as a boy, she delivers her column and sets out to have an adventure. But instead of adventure, she ends up in a tavern brawl and is knocked out cold!!

Eric Nash, the Duke of Stonebridge is at the tavern after a fight with his sister Delilah trying to calm down when he sees the young lad being accosted by thugs, he didn’t come to the tavern for a fight, but maybe it is just what he needs – it isn’t until he realizes the “lad” accidentally gets knocked out that he realizes “he” is a “she” – he takes her back to his home and calls for a doctor – but when she wakes, she has no memory of who she is or why she was dressed as a boy and in the tavern.

Lily becomes Caroline and begins to help Nash and Delilah find some common ground, she also learns of Nash’s greatest pain, the reason he is so protective of Delilah and why he never plans on falling in love. But as they grow closer, Lily wonders if Nash’s heart is available and gives hers without pause, but when Lily’s advice in the column tears the family apart and Nash once again erects walls around his heart, is all lost or will love find a way?

I thought this was a cute story, however, it was a little predictable, formulaic and I thought Lily’s behavior bordered on TSTL on more than one occasion – especially for someone who was so concerned about her “reputation”. But overall it was an entertaining read with great characters, warm love scenes and a HEA. It is the second book in the series, but it can easily be read as a stand alone title.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an uncorrected e-ARC that was provided to me by NetGalley, Edelweiss and the publisher.*

This is another entertaining historical romance from the Author - just right for a lazy days reading .

Our heroine , Miss Lily Hartley , is the anonymous writer of the 'Ton's 'latest obsession - 'The Debutante’s Revenge ', a tell-all advice column for young ladies. Whilst delivering her latest submission she becomes caught up in a brawl and receives a head injury .
The Duke of Stonebridge , Eric Nash , rescues what he thinks is a young boy from the brawl , but soon comes to realise that what he has in his keeping is a young woman .
There is a major problem , Lily , has lost her memory - is she a Lady or just a Commoner , is she married or single??
There quest is to find the truth and keep her safe- whilst their attraction grows , makes for a thoroughly enjoyable story .

I was given an arc of the book by NetGalley and the Publisher in exchange for an honest review .

Lily is the author of a rather scandalous newspaper column and dresses in disguise in order to deliver her writings. But after one such delivery, she gets accosted by thieves and has to be rescued by the dashing duke of her reams. Unfortunately, during the scuffle, she hits her head and loses her memory, winding up in the duke's home while she convalesces and tries to remember who she is.

I am a huge sucker for amnesia plots, so it was only natural that I pick up this book. However, I could not get into this one. The writing is very direct and formal, and all of the characters feel like they're spouting off exposition more than talking to each other. Everyone's so in a hurry to get the plot out there that it seems horribly distant and false. I didn't feel any chemistry between Lily and Nash. It was just "Well, here's the story of how I found you." "Huh. Well, here's how I feel about that." "You're hot, should we kiss now?" "Yes, quite, let's have sex, too, while we're at it."

For a set up with so much drama potential, there's just too much sanguine acceptance and not enough emotion, and I couldn't get on board with any of it. DNFed at about 30%.

Quite a nice easygoing read. The main characters are quite likeable and this made an unusual plot from the ones I usually read. The memory loss aspect was intriguing which kept me interested in how the story will evolve.

As always, I appreciate the opportunity to read and review your titles. I have chosen to DNF this title...actually, I did a while ago but wanted to wait (although I didn't intend to wait this long) to post this so it didn't impact review decision for other reviewers.

I look forward to the next title from your authors/company.

Thanks,
Laura

Guest Review by Joann Maggio
The Duke Is But A Dream⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
by Anna Bennet

This is not my first read from this author. I definitely like her style and would certainly seek her out.

That being said. Miss Lily Hartley is the anonymous author of a famous advice column The Debutante’s Revenge. As such, it is imperative for her to keep her identity a secret.

When she delivers her column she always wears a disguise of a chimney sweep and as such she enters a tavern to further her research. During the visit to the tavern she is somewhat involved in a brawl and knock unconscious. She finds herself rescued by the handsome Duke of
Stonebridge.

It is when she wakes up in the Duke’s townhouse that she discovers she has amnesia. This is the beginning of a journey for the two of them. I tho

I received an ARC from Edelweiss & NetGalley and St. Martin's for an honest review.

Delightful fun read.

I do have a problem with a newspaper or a book that doesn't have a historical date in mind, none of the books in this series do. I know it is a historical romance, but the History teacher in me wants a time or a period. With that, there was nothing in the book to place the story, which means a lot was vague or not discussed.

I also found the amnesia storyline a tad problematic. All the liberties with someone who doesn't remember who they are - pushing it. I get it is a historical romance, but still, it bothered me.