2.5 stars
I don't read many historical romances, but the amnesia plot of this one caught my interest. The story does require a tremendous suspension of disbelief, but I expected some of that just from reading the blurb. What I didn't expect was how eye-rollingly over the top it would turn out to be. It's mostly fluff, and there's nothing wrong with that except it had so much potential to be something more. We have the gruff but redeemable hero, and a strong-willed heroine trying to break free of the bonds of the time period even if she has to do it in secret. But here's the problem, we're never given exactly what time period that is. Judging by several things in the story, I'm assuming sometime in the 1800s, but then some character actions would be better suited to something more current. The amnesia angle that drew me to the book in the first place was interesting, but I don't buy everything that happened in the two weeks that Lily didn't know who she was. Even that fact that she was allowed to stay with the Duke and his sister gave me pause, let alone everything else that happened. Then there's the Duke. I love a redeemable grouch, but the whole too emotionally broken to love anyone has been done and done again. Add to that the sheer amount of personal growth Nash went through in just two weeks, and I give you yet another eye roll. Yes, this pair fell madly in love in two weeks - two weeks that Lily didn't even know who she was or where she came from. And that led to another problem for me. Going on my assumption of setting, Lily's background pushed it over the edge for me. I'll leave those details out to avoid spoilers, but it seems pretty far-fetched. As it turned out, Lily's secret life as a columnist was the most interesting part of this one for me with the rest amounting to a fluffy, instalove story. The book is well-written, and the premise is good, I just really hoped for something more.

It took me some time to get through this one. I’ve never read anything by this author before and I didn’t know this was the second book, but man did it drag in some parts. I pushed through reading it because it’s been forever since I’ve read anything in this genre. For me personally, it was just meh.

For the first little bit of this book, I enjoyed it. I enjoyed watching Lily take a measure of control of her world. I enjoyed the bar fight that brought these two people together. Heck, I even enjoyed the way Nash's sister Delilah welcomed Lily into the family even knowing that the mere fact that she was staying there could bring ruin on the entire family.

What I did not enjoy? Was the way that even without knowing who or what she was, Lily willingly engaged in sexual situations that no well-bred young virgin of the time period should even know about. However, not only did she engage in them, but Nash allowed it to happen (up to an including him potentially impregnating her) when he didn't even know if she was married or not.

All of this just added up to characters that didn't fit whatever time period this novel was supposed to take place in (which was never specified), and a story that while it was okay, did not keep me glued to the pages. And while I do honestly believe this story will appeal to some people, this one could have been better for me.

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

I received a free copy from netgalley in exchange for an honest review. the duke is but a dream was fun. lily disguised as a messenger boy visits a pub which leads to a fight and her having amnesia. nash the duke takes her home during her recovery and of course they fall for each other. sweet book and a relatively quick read.

I enjoyed this book. This is the 2nd book in the series. The story of Lily Hartley.
She is the adopted daughter of a rich merchant and sister in law to an Earl.
She is the writer of the column called the Debutantes Revenge.
The hero in this story is Eric "Nash", Duke of Stonebridge. Nash has become a recluse of sorts. After the deaths of his father and twin sister, he is shaken to the core, so retreats to the country. For 5 years that's where he stays. Until its time for his sister Delilah to make her debut.
Nash and Lily meet quite by accident in a tavern where a fight breaks out. Lily is caught in the middle and knocked out.
Nash, not knowing who she is, takes her home and calls for a doctor.
Lily wakes up and is feeling much improved except for one thing. She can't remember who she is.
In trying to discover who she is, the adventures begin.
You see the relationship build between them. They open up to one another.
I think that's why I liked this book. You can see their bond form. Not just between Nash and Liliy but also with Lily and Delilah, who is starved for love and attention. ( I hope she gets her own story).
The only criticism I have is I thought this book a little too modern in its view on sex. They were making out after knowing each other less than 24 hours. I think this is a trend in Regency books lately.

Miss Lily Hartley wrote a column for the London Hearsay for Debutantes. Her sister, Fiona, Sophia, a friend and herself took care of different aspects of it. Her articles came out on Friday and most of the female population read it. She was suppose to stay with her sister because her parents were going to Bath to take the waters and Fiona's husband had come to get her so they could go to Scotland for a vacation. But that would leave Lily alone.
Lily had an accident in a pub and lost her memory. She ended up at Nash's townhouse. Turned out he was the Duke of Stonebridge and lived in the house with his sister Delilah. Since he felt he was the cause of her injury he had brought her to his house to see a Dr. and recuperate.
I loved this story, she was so saucy and independent but she had a head on her shoulders. He had suffered a great loss and felt he could, not love. He lost his twin sister and his father at the same time. He had been devastated and full of guilt.
A well-written tale, full of surprises and a twist or two. The characters were engaging and entertaining, especially the girls. The duke brooded most of the time. Their relationship grew but he would not admit that he loved her and she needed love, wanted love. The book was hard to put down, but I needed sleep, so sleep won. But I still enjoyed the novel. The author did an excellent job of keeping everything together It was easy to read and moved smoothly. It is very sexy and should be read by people over eighteen.
I received this ARC from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed it.

Eric Nash, Duke of Stonebridge , discovers a girl in disguise although Miss Lily Hartley must recall her memory as these two work on a future. Interesting story line and characters. Second in the Debutante Diaries series.
Ebook from Netgalley and publishers with thanks.Opinions are entirely my own.

I found the romance between Eric Nash, Duke of Stonebridge, and the innocent Miss Lily Hartly (undercover author of the Ton's notorious ,"The Debutante’s Revenge" a self help column for young women), who accidentally loses her memory, while secretly delivering her latest article, kept me thoroughly entertained. With the Duke's help, she discovers more about her identity and background, than what she previously knew before the accident. Will this interrupt her life going forward?

The second book in the Debutante Diaries series by Anna Bennett. It was a good story, but I didn't like a couple of things. I am a fan of the amnesia plot, but I am aware that some people don't like it and she doesn't remember who she is for most of the book, so if you don't like it, don't pick this book. The blurb sums up pretty well the premise of the story.

Usually, I am ok with most plots in books, but there is one thing in historical romances that bugs me and I can't let it go. The modern way some characters act. When the story takes place in the first half of the 1800's I expect to see the characters chat about chaperons and how improper it would be for a man and a woman to be found alone in a room and lately this doesn't happen. Lily spent more than a week in Nash's house like it was no big deal. If the book was set in a modern era, I would have believed the story a little bit more. That was the only thing that truly bugged me in the book. I was more willing to let go how brazen and forward Lily was for a woman who didn't even know if she was married or not when she fell into bed with Nash.

The duke is but a dream is not as good as book 1 was, but it wasn't bad. Just not as good as the previous book. I enjoyed most of the story and with a little hesitation, I would recommend it.

Lily Hartley is one of the anonymous masterminds behind the advice column “The Debutante’s Revenge.” To hide her identity, she always dresses as a chimney sweep boy to drop off her column. It usually went without incident until she got herself in the middle of a tavern brawl and Eric Nash, the Duke of Stonebridge, while coming to her aid, accidently knocked one of the ruffians into her causing her to hit her head. That is when her hat came off and they all realized it was a girl. As she was unconscious and he didn’t know the injuries she might have sustained, he took her to his home. When she finally regained consciousness, she had lost her memory and didn’t know who she was. While she was searching to find her identity, she had a strong attraction to Nash and as it grew stronger every day, she did not hold back on expressing her feelings. A great story that I totally enjoyed. I received a copy from Net Galley and this is my honest review.

I read this book in one sitting loved it . It had everything it was funny in places but it also had a bit of suspense .

I received a copy of this book from St. Martin's Press via NetGalley and I am voluntarily reviewing it.

I did enjoy this book. The plot flowed beautifully and was just enough descriptive detail to imagine the book as a movie in my mind. Lily's sister and brother-in-law are going to Scotland for several weeks and her father and step-mother are going to Bath. That leaves Lily in London all by herself for a couple of weeks. She is the author of a controversial column in the newspaper. To protect her identity, she dresses as a chimney sweep to deliver her column. Since she is free to roam, she decided to stop at a tavern to absorb life from a different perspective than as a lady of the ton. She catches the attention of 3 burly men with an unsavory attempt to relieve her of her bag. Enter Nash, he comes to her rescue. In the skirmish, Nash is momentarily distracted by her smile. Lily suddenly changes the direction to come to his aid instead of leaving and Nash throws one of the men in the same direction. Lily is thrown into the table and hits her head. When her cap comes off and reveals that the lad is actually a woman and unfortunately no one knows her identity, Nash this the ultimate gentleman and takes her home.

The journey to Nash and Lily's HEA is one that is a delightful story. It is filled with intrigue and mystery. The scenes of a sexual nature are told in a manner that leaves the reader to their imagination for the most part. The issue that I have with the story is that Lily (Delilah names her Caroline just to give her a name) acts like nothing a young lady of the 1800's would. She is really bold and daring in her pursuit of Nash. Now I realize that this is a fictional story and the author has the right to portray the characters to fit the story but it didn't seem natural in fitting in the period. This is the first story of this author that I have read. Would I read more of her work, yes. Because it is a fictional story and the author does have license to do with what she will with said characters to entertain me the reader.

I did enjoy the dual POV format. Reading the characters' thoughts does help me to understand the direction the character is going in.

If you what a perfect period piece of historical romance, then this story may not be for you. If you enjoy a piece of work that will take you on a mini bookcation, then you may enjoy this story. This is the second in the series but you really don't have to read the first book of the series to enjoy this one.

The Duke Is But A Dream

**received an ARC in exchange for an honest review**

4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A great continuation of the Debutante Diaries series. This time its Lily’s turn to get out of trouble but will she be able to with the assistance of Nash? These two will show how two people who know nothing about one another, can end up falling for each other in the matter of moments. Lily is sassy, smart and daring while Nash is handsome and honorable. One will find out who she is and where she came from, while the other will have to let the past go and live in the present. Together they will find love and happiness.

I unfortunately was not a fan of this book. I could not connect with the characters. Also, for me, the pace was far too slow for me to enjoy this story.

I will not be sharing my opinion on this title outside of NetGalley.

I’ve been a big fan of Historical Romance novels for a while now. But it had been a while since I got a Historical Romance novel in my TBR list. So when I was approached to read and review ‘The Duke Is But A Dream’ I almost immediately said yes. Although this book is the second one in the Debutante Diaries series, it can be read as a standalone.

In ‘The Duke Is But A Dream’ we meet Lily. Lily is the anonymous author of a advice column for young ladies. One evening, Lily finds herself in a lot of trouble and when she accidentally bumps her head she wakes up the next morning not knowing who she is or what happened. The only thing she knows is she really loves watching the handsome duke Nash, who is sitting next to her and apparently saved her life. Nash is determined to help the beautiful Lily figure out who she is. But in the mean time he hopes to spend more time with her.

From the moment I started reading this book I definitely enjoyed it. It had been a while since I read a historical romance novel, and I loved reading about the historical household and the beautiful gowns in this story. But most of all I loved getting to know the main characters Lily and Nash. Lily was this strong woman, who lost herself but never lost hope. I admired her character and her personality. Nash was this ‘angry’ guy who told himself he would never love someone besides his sister. But he really was a good guy and he had so much love in him. I just loved these two characters.

The romance between Lily and Nash was very fun to read about. But it also went a little to fast for my taste. The thing I love most about historical romance novels is the way there is always a long workup to the first kiss etc. In this book it all happened a little fast. Nothing that made me lose interest in the story, but I just think it didn’t fit the genre all that much. There just was a lot in this book that didn’t really fit the etiquette of the time this book was supposedly set. For example the fact that Lily was able to travel alone with Nash without having a chaperone.

But overall I enjoyed the story. I loved the characters and the overall storyline. It was fun to read and made me want to keep on reading till the very last page. I would definitely love to read more books in this series.

I enjoyed this refreshing Regency romance with complex characters and so well written I was completely immersed in all that was happening from beginning to end. I loved Lily Hartley and her dynamic with the other characters especially her immediate attraction and undeniable chemistry with Eric Nash, Duke of Stonebridge. This is a must-read for anyone who enjoys well-crafted period romances with strong females. This is the first book I have read by Anna Bennett but I look forward to reading more from this gifted author. I received an advance reader copy of "The Duke Is But a Dream" from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving my honest review. I enjoyed it so much, I purchased a copy for my keeper library.

A lovely historical Regency romance with Lily an independent sparky women who wants a say in her future and choice of husband. Lily is writing a column The Debutante’s Revenge for the local paper on the quiet to advise other young ladies with their choices. After a night in disguise she ends up at the home of the Duke of Stonebridge. Can she have met the man of her dreams who accepts her with all her modern ideas. This is an enjoyable romance which you will be glad you picked up. I was given an ARC of this book by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

The Duke is But a Dream
by Anna Bennett

I truly enjoyed reading the second book in this series. It’s a perfect summer read. This story flows well and the characters are really likeable, as well as the secondary characters. I enjoyed watching Nash and Lily get to know each other and slowly fall in love.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This my honest unbiased opinion.

This is a wonderfully quick and satisfying read. I thoroughly enjoyed it. A young woman of the Ton; dressed as a boy chimney sweep; unwittingly gets involved in an altercation at a tavern and gets knocked unconscious. As if that wasn't enough drama; she is also the anonymous authoress of a "scandalous" weekly newspaper column and she suffers from amnesia after the knock-out. Intrigued yet?

The characters are well formed and though there is no set time/year mentioned in the book I would guess that it takes place from 1800 - 1825; although there is no mention of wars or the reigning monarchy, the fact that they mostly travel by coach and on horseback and the brief descriptions of their attire make me feel this way. The two main characters are a delightful "couple" and the sub-characters are likable too. I found the story to flow well and keep my interest; there weren't any parts where it ever felt that it dragged on.

All-in-all, if you're someone that enjoys historical romance without any reference to actual historical events; but, just enjoys those time periods, then this is a wonderful reading choice that I would fully recommend.

This is my first Anna Bennett book and I’ll be honest and say it was OK but I was not blown away. I did like Nash and Lily. I liked that he wanted to help her anyway he could.
I always roll my eyes when we have a man who thinks he is not good enough for the heroine of the story only to discovered he could never live without her.
I found Lily to be a little spitfire. She was a bit ahead of her time with the way she behaved and even though see seemed like a young leave headed woman she was a closed romantic at heart.

I liked the plot and banter but something was missing for me. I think what "bothered" me the most was the connection between them. The chemistry didn't feel like that all consuming lust/love, wrapped in each other’s arms like I’m used to while reading HR romance. Maybe that is why I’m giving this one a 3,5* because when I read HR I want to feel that love that is all consuming jumping right of the page for me.

I'm hoping when i start my next Anna Bennett book i won't be miss this anymore.

***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***