The Duke is but a Dream
By: Anna Bennett

This was a fun read, contained some of my favorite tropes: amnesia.
I really enjoyed reading this book, the plot of this story was fast paced and full of surprises and mysteries. The story was romantic, heartfelt, and showcased a lot of family and sisterhood relationships. I recommend this book for a romantic summer read.
Thank You to NetGalley for allowing me to read this novel for an honest review

Lily Hartley writes the column "The Debutante's Revenge" anonymously, delivering her column dressed as a boy. When she is caught up in a tavern brawl and hits her head hard enough to lose her memory, she has no idea who she really is or why she dresses as a boy. The duke that had been present at the brawl feels obligated to help her recover, and with time is more and more drawn to her. While he agrees to help her find out who she is, he's reluctant to let her go that easily.

The Duke is But a Dream is the second novel in the Debutante Diaries series, the first of which was First Earl I See Tonight. It's not necessary to have read that book first, because all we need to know about the column is explained in the opening of this novel. If you've read it, then you know that Fiona Hartley and Gray had their own emotional struggles, so seeing them so obviously in love here is a nice callback. The story is focused on Lily, and then her time as Caroline when she can't recall anything about herself. Nash cares a lot about his sister, especially after losing his twin sister and father years ago. Caroline gets along well with Nash's sister, and she and Nash also gel really well.

Everything between Lily and Nash is a delight to read, even their arguments about how he treats his sister. I think it's because he never once does it in a mean or nasty way, and it's out of concern for those he loves. He can't express his thoughts well and is easily hurt when he feels abandoned. Lily is the wordsmith between the two of them, after all, and Nash had closed himself off for years. She has more influence over the siblings than she realizes, and their happily ever after comes without too much of a struggle after Lily gets her memory back. It's an adorable and quick Regency romance read.

The Duke Is But a Dream by Anna Bennett
Debutante Diaries #2

Well written rather unbelievable story of a young woman in disguise losing her memory and being saved by a Duke. With inserts from “The Debutante’s Revenge” - a gossip column – interspersed this story was fun but definitely not in keeping with the era. Why? What parent or sister would leave an unmarried woman alone unchaperoned and not let the household know even if that were a possibility? What woman of the ton would don a disguise, head out to a bar and think it was okay? What Duke would take a street urchin back to his home with his own unmarried sister in the house? What young woman – even with amnesia – would become involved in the physical side of a relationship without knowing who they were or what their prospects might be? All of that aside...if you are looking for a fairy tale and can leave belief behind perhaps you will enjoy this book.

Thank you to NetGalley anad St. Martin’s Paperbacks for the ARC – This is my honest review.

2-3 Stars

Miss Lily Hartley, is celebrating her latest edition of ‘The Debutante’s Revenge’ to the publisher, when she is embroiled in an argument at a tavern. She finds herself knocked unconscious when Eric Nash, the Duke of Stonebridge, intervenes on her behalf in a fight with other men. Nash soon realises that the young boy that he has tried to save, is in fact a girl. Desperate to protect her, he takes Lily home to be treated. It soon becomes apparent that Lily has lost her memory and that Nash, in caring and spending time with her, finds himself truly happy when he is with her. However, both fear that on regaining her memory, life for them will change forever, and maybe not for the best.
This was a delightful story, if you put aside that Lily is unchaperoned throughout all the events. However, this is all cleverly explained, and it was so easy, to be carried away in the romance of Nash and Lily. Lily’s caring nature, balanced with her independent manner, make her the perfect match for Nash, as he struggles with his demons, which are interwoven with his desire to care for his younger sister. It is his love for his sister and protectiveness of Lily, that make it easy to fall in love with him (even as the reader). The excepts from The Debutante’s Revenge at the beginning of each chapter, was a highlight and very entertaining.
This is another fantastic addition to the series “Debutante Diaries” and I look forward to reading more by Anna Bennett. Whilst this is a standalone book, you must do yourself a favour and read more by this author.
I received an advanced review copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

I really enjoyed the first of this series (“First Earl I See Tonight”). In book #2, we get Fiona’s sister’s story. Lily is a strong-minded character, a published author, and a woman who knows what she wants from love. When she gets hit in the head, and loses her memory, she is rescued by Nash, the man of her dreams. Of course, Nash is a typical restrained Brit, and declares that he is “unable to love her as she deserves to be loved.” Its all a little OTT, as Lily woos him, befriends his sister, and finally recovers her memory. I hope that they have a very happily ever after, after all that effort!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Duke Is But a Dream (Debutante Diaries, #2) by Anna Bennett ...I would like to thank the publisher and #NetGalley for allowing me to preview this book. Miss Lily Hartley is the anonymous author of The Debutante’s Revenge. Eric Nash, Duke of Stonebridge guardian of his sister, he also has hardened his heart after the loss of his twin sister and father. After delivering her columns disguised as a boy she lands in the middle of tavern brawl .. Nash rescues her and takes her home...She can't remember who she is and he vows to help her.. there are secrets, some danger, laughs, tears, adventure, steamy stuff and romance all leading to a very HEA. I sure hope there will be a Debutante Diaries #3.

Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Happily Ever After Witty Easy-to-read Steamy Page-turner Wonderful characters Great world building Romantic Entertaining Funny

Anna is a new author for me and I really enjoyed this story. It is about an wonderful young Lady,
Miss Lily Hartley. She is the adopted daughter of the Hartley's . She was left in a basket by the front door with a note to love her, and wearing one bootie. She has been raised as one of the upper crust.
Lily with her sister, Fiona and best friend Sophie write 'The Debutante's Revenge' which is a scandalized paper for young Debutante's on a different way to act then what proper matron's and chaperones offer. When her sister Fiona and her new husband the Earl Gray get a chance to go to
Scotland for a visit, Lily tells her to go and enjoy herself. She forgets that her stepmother and father are also going to be gone and each think she is with the other. Lily see this as a chance to see the other side of life. When she delivers copies of the sketches and letters for the next two copies of The Debutante Revenge. She is dressed in boy's breeches, shirt and jacket so no one knows who she is.
She looks like a young lad. She ends up in a run down tavern, due to a rain storm. As she waits out the storm, the tavern fills up with workers, dock people ect. Lily knows she is in trouble and tries to leave when she is set upon by a trio of man wanting money. She tries to hold her own.
When The Duke of Stonebridge who has been watching her all evening steps in and fights them off.
Lily gets hit on the head and passes out. The Duke feeling he is partial the cause takes her home to his townhouse, where Anna is a new author for me and I really enjoyed this story. It is about an wonderful young Lady,
Miss Lily Hartley. She is the adopted daughter of the Hartley's . She was left in a basket by the front door with a note to love her, and wearing one bootie. She has been raised as one of the upper crust.
Lily with her sister, Fiona and best friend Sophie write 'The Debutante's Revenge' which is a scandalized paper for young Debutante's on a different way to act then what proper matron's and chaperones offer. When her sister Fiona and her new husband the Earl Gray get a chance to go to
Scotland for a visit, Lily tells her to go and enjoy herself. She forgets that her stepmother and father are also going to be gone and each think she is with the other. Lily see this as a chance to see the other side of life. When she delivers copies of the sketches and letters for the next two copies of The Debutante Revenge. She is dressed in boy's breeches, shirt and jacket so no one knows who she is.
She looks like a young lad. She ends up in a run down tavern, due to a rain storm. As she waits out the storm, the tavern fills up with works, dock people ect. Lily knows she is in trouble and tries to leave when she is set upon by a trio of man wanting money. She tries to hold her own.
When The Duke of Stonebridge who has been watching her all evening steps in and fights them off.
Lily gets hit on the head passes out, The Duke feeling he is partial the cause. Takes her home to his townhouse, where he finds out she has lost her memory.
As Lily, now called Caroline by The Duke/Nash and his sister Delilah. While staying with them,
her and Nash give in to the attraction both feel and have affair.
She is able to get Nash to open up about his father and sister's death, and his feeling on keeping
Delilah safe even if it means not letting her grow up. Nash founds out secrets of her life also.
As the two grow closer and Caroline tries to remember they will need to solve many problems.
There are lots of growing up for both, feelings neither expect and twist and turns.
I don't want to see too much as it's best to find out as you read this very entertaining book.
You just don't want to stop reading it's great.
Be sure and order your copy now, you will not be sorry
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the author for my honest review.

This story is a fast, sweet read with no real angst. I am not sure if I like the amnesia plot. Sometimes I read a story where it works but for the most part, it does not. I am on the fence about this one. The characters are likeable (yes, even the brooding Nash, but he is not brooding enough for me). The story flowed well. I thought the ending of the book was the best part. I did get emotional. Overall, a nice read.

The Duke Is But A Dream by Anna Bennett which is the second book in the series Debutante Diaries. I have not read the prior book, so I know this can be read as a stand alone. I did purchase the prior book (First Earl I See Tonight) after I finished this book.

Lily Hartley is a secret contributor to a newspaper with her column called The Debutante’s Revenge. It is a secret that could destroy her life, if anyone found out. Lily dressed as a boy to deliver her column. After delivering her newest column, Lily decided to explore a bit as a male. Eric Nash, Duke of Stonebridge sees a boy getting harrassed by some bullies. He steps in and fights them off. In the middle of his helping, the boy is knocked out and her hat falls off showing her beautiful long hard. Nash grabs her and brings her home. When she wakes up, she did not know who she is or what has happened to her.

I loved Lily’s determination and independence. Writing a column took a great deal of courage. I love how Lily was open to exploring new things. Nash was a hoot as a protector, demanding that his sister and Lily do what he said. How wrong he was!
The Duke is But A Dream by Anna Bennett was a hot, fun read!

A thoroughly modern Lily!

Lily is a delightful character, wise beyond her years, whose insightful romance column is the talk of the town. Having to disguise herself to deliver her latest article to the publisher, she's caught in the midst of a brawl and temporarily loses her memory. Nash, a somewhat cynical duke, rescues her and lets her stay at the home he shares with his sister while she recuperates. Their developing romance challenges each of them to think deeply about what they want, who they are, and what makes a good marriage.

I really enjoyed these characters, especially Delilah (Nash's sister). The resolution to the amnesia part of the story was tastefully done, even while it was heartbreaking. The HEA was splendid, with a touch of humor and hearts held wide open. The story does require that we ignore a few anachronistic behaviors, but that's exactly what fiction is for. It was a lot of fun to read, with just enough steam between Nash and Lily and plenty of girl-bonding with Lily, Fiona, Sophie, and Delilah. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

The Debutante Diaries series is so much fun. I enjoyed the first story about Fiona & Grey & this story about Lily & Nash didn't disappoint. I couldn't put it down. I love that it had the unique twist of how they met & how headstrong & feisty Lily is, even in circumstances where she doesn't really remember who she is. Nash's sister, Delilah, is a delightful character. I enjoyed seeing how Fiona & Grey were doing, & of course Sophie, which I hope will be the next book. Highly recommend reading this book!

Great book! Lily Hartley suffers amnesia and Nash endeavors to help her find out who she is. I would love to see a book about Nash’s sister!

This was a fun romance based around the amnesia trope, which can be hard to accomplish! This was definitely the second book in a series, but even having not read the first it wasn't too hard to follow along. Main couple was very love-at-first-sight and sweet without being too treacly, and the side characters were cute too- here's hoping we'll see Delilah's story in the future! Now I'm looking forward to picking up the first book in the series to catch up!

Okay, but not outstanding.

Amnesia plots are tricky to pull off and there was more contrivance in this than was ideal for me as a reader. Plus there were a LOT of tropes crammed in there: the secret lady columnist, woman disguised as a boy, amnesia, mystery parentage...

I liked Lily and felt bad for her (okay, really bad for her because she was missing for weeks with amnesia and no one seemed to notice.) For me Eric was a little overbearing and hypocritical - he was obsessed with his sister behaving correctly while he was, of course, doing all kinds of things a nobleman shouldn't.

All in all, this was perfectly fine but didn't wow me.

Excellent story! Lily is headstrong and daring. Nash is wary and reclusive. Their paths cross in a tavern and their lives become intertwined. Saved from danger by a hunky protector the fairytale journey begins. A page turning story filled with wit and romance. The characters are beautiful and brilliantly created. You will enjoy the journey of watching Lily recover old memories and create new ones as she falls in love with her handsome Duke.

How much trouble can a young lady get herself into by dressing as a boy to go deliver the weekly article she writes under an assumed name? After delivering the articles she stops in a tavern for a bite to eat. She gets hit and loses her memory and a duke who is there takes her home to recover.. Very simple and could happen to anyone. It happened to Lily Hartley and now she can't remember who she is. Nash, the Duke of Stonebridge does need her help though he doesn't realize it. In the process of helping him and his sister she falls in love with him. Can he let go of his past ot love her?

What a way to meet! And the loss of memory is such a part of the story. I liked the characters and their relationships. I wonder if she had not lost her memory would she had acted differently? A bit of steamy for those days and times. I enjoyed the book.

I would not change a thing! The Duke of Stonebridge, nicked named the duke of stoneheart, is a gentleman at heart. Yes, he has closed himself off to his sister Delilah, and the world in general, due to the hurt in his past. Then, he meets Lily Hartley/Caroline who knocks the breath out of him with her kindness, gentleness, courage and sweet nature, in addition, to her strength and outspokenness. His character would be a challenge for any young lady to try to break through to reach his heart.

While waiting for Caroline to remember who she is, love blossoms. No, Nash cannot admit it to himself, but it is there. As Lily, Caroline has a lot of freedom. Her parents are very trusting. They took her in when she was left on their doorstep in a basket with very little to go on except her name and the one bootie she wore. The way in which Caroline finds out she is Lily is sweet and endearing. I loved her openness to Serena, although nothing was the way she had imagined it. Nash even had a welcoming heart in this situation.

The amnesic part of this romance was handled well and felt real. Caroline could remember some things just because they felt natural. She and Nash were careful to keep in mind that she could be affianced or even married – well-done.

This is such a sweet, charming story that warms your heart and leaves you feeling the love and kindness that, I believe, Ms. Bennet wants us to see. The Duke is But a Dream is a great weekend read to lighten your days. As the second in the Debutante Diaries series, both can be standalone novels; I enjoyed reading them in sequence.

(I found it a bit ironic that Nash is so very strict with his sister while Nash and Caroline’s relationship becomes more sensual – pot and kettle . . . )

What a lovely book! Nash wasn’t your typical brooding Duke. He was really quite charming. Lily was wonderful! Brave, daring, everything you wish to be. Together, they were amazing.

The Duke Is But a Dream was a solid four-star read that I enjoyed immensely. This was one of those books where I was so irritated with every interruption I had to suffer through. I loved Lily from the moment I met her in the first pages of the book and her relationship with her sister was so endearing. I liked Nash as soon as he stepped in to help Lily when he thought her only a lad. The chemistry between those two was immediate and crackling. I loved them together and they were such a perfect fit. Even when Lily did not remember her own name or past, she was still the strong, bold, independent woman she always was and Nash still was attracted to her and liked those features about her. That's what made me actually like him more. I also loved Delilah so much. She was a breath of fresh air and I loved how sweet she was. I think the dynamic of the three of them was written splendidly and worked for them. They all got along so well and formed a bond with each in the weeks that passed after meeting.

I loved the backstory of this one as well. It was easy to sympathize with Nash over his tragic history and having to deal with his sister in the aftermath. This was such a well-written story that was sweet, steamy and such a great historical romance. I enjoyed everything about this one and the adventure the author took us on in the process was amazing.