3.75 stars rounded up

This historical romance (1890s) retelling of While You Were Sleeping was such a fun romp! It had some fun callbacks to the original (Peter, sister named Jac, references to leaning, she's mistaken for the guy in a coma's fiancee) but also some new aspects that I liked a lot and made the story its own (she meets the love interest before the fiancee situation, she's covering for someone else, etc.).

The romance was great and they were so sweet together but also the situation was hilariously tricky because she was "engaged" to his brother. I liked that she had no emotional connection to his brother.

If you're a fan of While You Were Sleeping and are looking for a fun read, definitely pick this up!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

Remember the 90's Sandra Bullock and Bill Pullman movie "While you were sleeping"? Yes this book is definitely based on that with some added twists along the way! One of my favourite rom com movies of all time, I was very excited when I was offered a chance to read the ARC and continue this series. It has a very loose connection to the rest of the series, which I didn't mind at all, but I figured is good to call out here. Samara Parish had a lot of fun with this one as it is high on the comedy side. The meet cute/disaster is strong here, and the mistaken identity part is cleverly done. I loved Adelaide's character. She had a unique background and had a spirit that matched Rhett's. What I didn't make sense to me about Rhett was why he felt, in 1870, that he only had the clergy and military as an option for work and that he could do that... It didn't quite match the time period as it seems like the Industrial Revolution was well underway and there would have been more opportunities for work... It was also a bit weird to all of a sudden introduce a motor vehicle during this time. It didn't add to the story and is wrong for the time period. I'm usually not a stickler for these but it was a bit jarring and I actually had to look back to see what the time period was when there was no mention of railways or anything when that would have been the common transportation method. Okay back to Della and Rhett. I loved their chemistry, and his struggle with the fact that she is his brother's fiancee despite the circumstances. He also does end up growing a lot, especially with Della's support of him. Della is so competent. Her travels has made her resourceful, and it's a wonderful foil to Rhett since he has also had similar experiences but we aren't sure what he is doing with all his knowledge. I was a bit disappointed in him but he won me over eventually. I really enjoyed the story, their banter, yearning, and how the HEA came about. The pacing was great and I read it all in one sitting. I can't wait to read the next installment.

Steam: 🔥
Heart Flutters: ❤️❤️

3.5 Stars. When Lady Cordelia accidentally knocks out a Duke, lady’s maid Adelaide poses as her, and would have gotten away with it, but the Duke’s family arrives, including Rhett, the man Adelaide encountered a few weeks prior. Adelaide must avoid being found out to protect Cordelia, but her continued attraction to Rhett makes things complicated as she is supposed to be in engaged to the duke.

I’m going to be honest, I don’t think I have ever watched While You Were Sleeping, so I can’t speak to how much this book follows the movie. I love the cover for this book and i liked both Adelaide and Rhett (especially Rhett). I struggled quite a bit with the time period and the setting. The writing was not very descriptive and the language was so modern that there were times where genuinely questioned if we were still in a historical romance. I thought making the book fade to black was an odd choice given how explicit some elements were. I’ll read the next book in the series, but this book just didn’t capture me like I hoped it would.

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

If you’re a fan of historical romance and the movie While You Were Sleeping, you’ll definitely enjoy this book.

There is a lot of romantic tension in this book, between Rhett and Della, and it definitely had that slow burn feel to it.

Rhett’s family was a delight, bringing so much chaos and love to the story. I do hope we get additional books in this series to see the HEA of Rhett’s sisters and Cordelia!

Unfortunately this one just wasn't for me. It's a Victorian retelling of While You Were Sleeping. I get that the whole premise of the book (and movie) is that the FMC is lying about being a comatose man's fiancee, but that you (as the reader/viewer) are supposed to feel sympathy for her for getting in over her head after an initial lie. But there were a lot of elements added here that just didn't tickle my fancy. Parish goes to such great efforts to make Della (the FMC) likable that it felt like I could see the plot strings she was trying to pull. I'd have preferred a more complex, unlikable heroine who slowly begins to appreciate her fake family. There was the addition of a villain that I felt completely unnecessary (why add another plot element?). The ending took everything to an extreme (although I may simply have been over it completely by that point). Also it's closed door, which I understand as a plot element, but which didn't add to my enjoyment.

2.5 stars rounded to 3. This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.

I was on the edge of my seat. Is it weird that I want to see the Duke's story now? He just wants what is best for thefamily. Although he did pull a 'Marry me anyways' that is kind of mad.

While the Duke Was Sleeping is a sweet, fun retelling of the movie “While He Was Sleeping.” Adelaide is a very capable FMC who is juggling a lot of balls at all times. Rhett is a well-worn rake returned from the Continent against his will. Shenanigans of various sorts ensue, leading to much pining and yearning. The basis of both the book and the novel is a lie of identity which some may find very uncomfortable, even when it can be justified or at least resolved with amends. Love scenes are on the mild side with only a couple towards the end.

I enjoyed the story a lot (and I am a longtime fan of the movie) and can see future books with Rhett’s siblings.

Thank you to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and NetGalley for the advance reader copy. All opinions are my own.

A turn of the usual fan fiction - it's a Regency retelling of While You Were Sleeping. Know that it might be more enjoyable if you forget about the movie and just go with this as a romance between Adelaide and Rhett, Yes the story is a little convoluted because Parish is trying to fit her characters into the movie and yes there are times when it doesn't quite work for the period, but all of that aside, I liked the characters and the dialogue sparkled. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A fun one.

I loved this book! The story was a perfect combo of nostalgia for the beloved movie and a new twist. I loved how hard the FMC and the MMC tried to resist each other but were unable to. The struggle of both characters trying to figure out who they were and trying to live up to the expectations of those around them was really relatable.

Adelaide impersonates the fiancée of a comatose duke, but the duke’s brother, Rhett, suspects the deception. As Rhett investigates, he finds himself increasingly drawn to the intriguing imposter.

This book is a lot of fun. Adelaide and Rhett are perfectly suited to each other. His sisters add depth and help create a found-family feel.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

DNF at 38%. This was simultaneously very boring (romance wise) and very convoluted (plot wise). Some of it comes with the story it’s based on, but I just wasn’t invested enough to really care.

I was intrigued by the premise of this book. I loved the movie While You Were Sleeping and was incredibly curious how Samara would make it into a Regency romance. I have to say that she did a fairly good job at the adaption. I like the premise of the story, and I enjoyed the characters. I did find there were moments when things felt a bit muddled, and it was hard to focus on what was what. I enjoyed the chemistry between the two MCs and loved the banter that occurred between them. Overall, it was a decent read.

This is my first book by this author, and I was excited to find out after reading it that it is a retelling of the movie, While You Were Sleeping, set in 1893 England. It was full of drama, action, intrigue, suspense, false and mistaken identities, a class difference, a runaway bride, an unfortunate accident, a near drowning, and so many more plot twits, and emotional issues that were very entertaining. The humor, wit, complex, and engaging situations, had me laughing often. The characters and the family dynamics were delightful. The ending was surprising and very happy. I highly recommend reading!

As “While You Were Sleeping” is one of my favorite movies, I was pumped to read this ARC! It did not disappoint! The characters are marvelous and the story stays true to the shape of the movie without copy/pasting into a time where it doesn’t make sense.

Della is a delight and so practical and Rhett is charming and good hearted. Their relationship grows naturally and makes a lot of sense, though it’s all in a weekish. As always, there is a lie that causes issues that could be averted with a single conversation, but it didn’t bother me as much a some books with it being a central plot point.

The side characters are so fun. I wanted to punch Cordelia often, but also liked her. The sisters and Peter (the Duke) are a delight and overbearing, but so loving. It’s just great.

My only deductions are 2 things: the time period was unclear to me. At first I thought regency and then a motor car appeared late in the book making it at least early 1900s or close to it. Also, apparently this book takes place at Christmas. Which makes sense from the movie aspect, but it was not clear until the book was close to over. Neither are terrible things and just caused some minor confusion, but may have been missed by me.

While you were sleeping is a favorite movie.
Any time a book alludes to being a spin on it, I’m going to give it a shot.
I enjoyed the nods to the movie. Overall it was an easy read with cute moments.

Former traveler and journalist, Adelaide Rosebourne now works as a maid to Cordelia, a duke’s daughter. When Cordelia flees her wedding, Adelaide helps with her escape by pretending to be Cordelia. This leads to a series of mishaps, but it also causes Adelaide to meet Rhett Montgomery, brother to a different Duke and a man of scandal and debauchery. When Rhett’s brother goes into a coma while proposing to Cordelia, Adelaide fully immerses herself in her portrayal of Cordelia so that she may secure a solid future for herself. What complicates this is that she also immerses herself with Rhett and his family, and she falls deeply in love with both.

This book is a retelling of While You Were Sleeping but is set in the Victorian era. Like the movie, there are great moments of humor, and it uses many mistaken identity tropes that work well. While You Were Sleeping is not my go-to rom-com, but I can imagine that those who adore this movie will find many allusions in this book. The plot is very much like a romp, and although the plot is fast moving, there are memorable slapstick moments, including Rhett and Adelaide’s meet-cute, which is quirky and fun.

While a certain amount of playfulness works well here, the plot seems a bit forced and even relentless in other moments. The last quarter of the book feels especially rushed, leading to a far too brief resolution between the couple. I also felt like I didn’t have a firm enough grasp of Adelaide’s identity. I would have liked to know her better before the plot twists. Lastly, while the chemistry between the characters seemed promising at first, it didn’t build or fulfill its great beginning. Their coming together seemed rushed, which is too bad since that culmination is a major motivator for romance readers.

Fans of the movie or those who love a fast-paced comedy of errors may love this book. This was the first book by Samantha Parish I have read, and although there are elements in this book that didn’t work for me, I did enjoy her humor and dialogue. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this opportunity. All of these are my opinions alone.

Overall rating: 3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars

What an hilarious , witty, whirlwind of a book this is! I adore the movie this is parroting and have not laughed that hard in a while! Poor Della is caught between a rock and a hard place when dealing with her less than adult employer-Lady Cordelia. Rhett has always felt second best and lives the life of a scoundrel to hide his pain. From the very first meeting, I laughed and it never stopped as I got introduced to the sisters! Their antics alone were well worth reading. I could feel the chemistry just burn off the pages and the pain of separation was heartbreaking. Frank is just an oily troublemaker and trouble he does make. I will say, the f-bomb is used liberally here and I DO NOT. Enjoy that. At. All! (Thus the 4 stars). The story did seem a little longer than it needed to be, but was delightful .

I received this story for free and these are my own views.

Miss Adelaide “Della” Rosebourne, wants nothing more in life than a home and a family, but since the death of her father, she has had neither and when her work as an author of travelogues was no longer profitable, she decided to go into service until she could afford a cottage of her own, which is how she came to be the lady’s maid to Lady Cordelia Highwater, daughter of the Duke of Thirwhestle and fiancée of the Duke of Hornsmouth. When Lady Cordelia bolts on her wedding day, she drags Della into an adventure that will change her life. Cordelia demands that Della help her escape London, which leads to Della taking a dip in the Thames and meeting a man named Rhett, who affects her like no man ever has. When they are not able to secure passage to France, Della and Cordelia decide to lay low in the country until the scandal of Cordelia’s wedding dies down. But that plan is shot when Peter Montgomery, the Duke of Strafford proposes to Cordelia and she pushes him, causing him to trip and fall, hitting his head and falling into a coma. Cordelia insists that Della pose as her and makes the duke retract his proposal, offering her enough money to make her dream of a home of her own come true if she is successful. It seems pretty cut and dry, but that was before she meets his family, including his brother Rhett and falls in love.

Lord Everett “Rhett” Montgomery, the younger brother and heir presumptive to the Duke of Strafford has been summoned home from the continent, where he has been trying to find his purpose in life and having a very good time doing it. His return to England is marked by a dip in the Thames and a kiss from a beautiful woman named Della. Imagine his shock when a week later he comes face to face with the woman who has haunted his dreams and learns she is his brother’s betrothed! Rhett is sure she is not who she claims to be, but he can’t prove it. And the more time he spends with her, the more he wants her for himself. Rhett wants to trust her, but he has been used before and doesn’t know if he can risk his heart again.

While you were sleeping is hands down one of my favorite romantic comedies, so I was really looking forward to this Victorian Era retelling and unfortunately, I have mixed feelings about it. Overall, it was a cute retelling, that doesn’t follow movie exactly, although, there are key similarities such as “you are leaning” and “I object”. I found it disappointing that the author didn’t stay true to the era, the verbiage is very modern, the era’s etiquette is virtually ignored, and she incorporates things that didn’t even exist in 1893, like a car that has a clutch and needs keys. And despite the incredible attraction and sexual tension between Della and Rhett, this book was a very slow burn romance almost to the point of being frustrating to the reader. I did enjoy Della’s attempts to wake the Duke and his sisters were a delightful addition to the story – I hope to read Meg’s story at some point. So, while this book wasn’t everything I had hoped for, it did have some amusing moments and was a quick read with a happy ending. If you are an historical purist, this book will annoy you, but if you can ignore the inaccuracies, this could be a fun read

3.5 stars, rounded up

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *

This is such a fun read!
Cordelia, a duke's daughter and her maid Adelaide run away from Cordelia's wedding and switch identities. When they try to book passage on a ship, Adelaide runs into Rhett, the brother of a Duke.
After Cordelia and Adelaide rent a cottage in a small far away village, the duke who owns the cottage states that he and Cordelia are to be married. She knocks him over the head, and he accidently ends up in a coma. Cordelia begs Adelaide to switch places with her again, and Adelaide is surprised when she finds out that Rhett is the duke's brother.
The chemistry was great between Rhett and Della. There were a lot of interesting secondary
characters and a lot of laugh out loud moments.

This regency rendition of While You Were Sleeping was such a fun historical twist on a classic 90s romcom. I loved the quick connection between Rhett and Della, the found family aspect and Rhett’s lovable siblings, and the pacing of the book was perfect. I love a reformed rake trope and Rhett’s arc throughout the book was executed really well. He just needed someone (Della) to believe he could do the job of Duke as well as his brother could, and once he had that encouragement he did so well. I thought the scenes between him and his siblings at the end were heartwarming. I think my favorite part of the book were the scenes of Della and Rhett trying to wake poor Peter up… They were hilarious.

There were a few random scenes (namely re: the marble figurine) that didn’t really land for me, but most of the time I was enjoying myself thoroughly and really at this book up. I wish we learned more about Della’s background and her history other than just her job. I also would have liked to see more of Cordelia and Adelaide’s relationship because it brought another layer to the story.

Thank you NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for this eArc. This is my honest review and all thoughts are my own!!