This was sort of middle of the road for me but that very well might be because my expectations and standards for historical romance are quite high. I'm willing to give the author another shot in another genre though.

Full review to come - I love Helen Hardt books! I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review

Ok. Where do I start.

There were moments I really liked them major moments that had me saying FTW.

This is a historical romance that had some steamy scenes that felt super not of the times - but who am I to know what did or did not happen back then?

Thank you Waterhouse Press and Netgalley for an ARC to provide my sassy thoughts.

I liked this book but found the p!it a little slow thought interesting. I found the characters somewhat boring though

Decent book! I enjoyed reading about how a young woman was able to defy her cultural standards and set forth to accomplish what she wanted to. The relationship showed some examples of true love and sacrifice.

As the daughter of an earl, Lily is expected to marry well and produce her husband's heirs. But Lily has other plans. She wants to study art and see the world. A husband would only get in the way.

When a duke mistakes her for his paramour and kisses her in the dark, he awakens her desires. She consents to an affair to satisfy her curiosity. After all, if she has no plans to marry, what difference does it make if she's ruined?

But the duke, Daniel, despite his reputation as a rake, discovers that Lily is like no woman he's met before. Can he convince her that what they have is true love? And what happens when his former paramour takes her revenge?

LILY AND THE DUKE is Book 1 in the SEX AND THE SEASON series by Helen Hardt. As the series name suggests, the heat level is high, and the sexytimes start fairly early in the book. Yet the love scenes never overwhelm the other elements. The plot is intriguing and fast-paced. The characters are relatable and compelling. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

I received a NetGalley ARC, and this is my honest review.

What a terrific historical novel. I usually do not like to read historical novels but am I glad that I took exception to this one. Great story line, great interaction of characters cannot wait to read book 2. This was another great book by Helen Hardt.

This was a fun historical romance. It was quick and easy to read with a satisfying plot. I enjoyed the main characters, but I am excited to read the next book in the series that follows the story of one of the side characters I really enjoyed reading about in this one! Overall, I would recommend this to historical romance fans!

I love a good romance but this was just ridiculous. Lily Jameson attends a house party at the home of the Duke of Lybrook; whom she had met as a child. Lily immediately falls into bed with the duke. The language in the sex scenes was too much and bordered on vulgar. Lily at times was childish and acted like a spoiled and indulged child. The Duke indulges her and placates her whims. This book had promise, but definitely fell short.

Lady Lily Jameson has sworn never to marry. She wants to travel and paint and be independent. A gift artist, she attends a house party hosted by the Duke of Lybrook with the hopes of sneaking around and viewing his art collection. But all that sneaking lands Lily in some trouble when Daniel, the Duke, mistakes her for a current lover and finds her in the dark. All it takes is one kiss and Daniel is infatuated with Lily. They embark on an affair that would be perfect except for the fact that Lily is planning on leaving and Daniel wants her to stay.

I was immediately hooked with this book. I would also like to recommend it as my new favorite set-up: Scoundrel becomes obsessed with heroine, but she thinks all his words of love are just lines, so he must convince her of his sincerity. SO.GOOD. Daniel underwent an almost immediate transformation upon meeting Lily, and if the writer was any less skilled, it would have been too soon-but, in the hands of Helen Hardt, I was simply left swooning with every chapter.

The book finally closes with Lily asking Daniel to get her pregnant AND THEN asking for anal. You know, the classic one-two punch. This was the first in her “Sex and the Season” series and you better believe I’m about to read the second.

Emotionally thrilling, sexy, fun and engaging adventure filled with witty and interesting charters, heart racing twists and exciting passion. Was a great read from beginning to end and so hard to put down. Great reading!

Read this one few years ago and while it's a story that is regency era it is very sexy and full of many sultry moments and some BDSM elements as well.

Lily and the Duke by Helen Hardt
• historical romance

Rating: 3 stars (actual rating 2.5)

This historical romance takes place in Wiltshire, England in the 1800’s

Lady Lily Jameson goes to a party given by Duke Daniel Farnsworth where she stumbles onto his famous art collection.
Daniel doesn’t care to be duke and shirks his responsibilities in favour of parties and bedding women. That is until he finds Lily admiring his coveted art collection and their elicit affair begins!

Thoughts:
I was not a big fan of the story or the characters. It seemed very reminiscent of the bodice-ripper novels from the 80’s and 90’s. I did only just realize that this book is 5 years old so I will definitely try reading some of the author’s newer works.


Interest: 2/5
Romance: 2/5
Heat: 4/5
Would I recommend: No


*** I was given an UNCORRECTED PROOF copy of this book for an honest review by the publisher through Net Galley ***

Thank you NetGalley for the free copy, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
This historical romance is okay, nothing groundbreaking. Took me awhile to complete this since the plot was very obvious.

I don't mind a good bit of steam, but definitely appreciate a plot to go with it. At 1/3 of the way in, there was none to be found. Thanks for the chance to try. I had high hopes!

ABSOLUTELY AMAZING READ!! Loved Daniel and Lily's story, I was completely engrossed right from the start of this book and couldn't put it down! Helen Hardt is an awesome author, I can't recommend this book enough, it's the first in this series and I can not wait to start the next book.

I had never read a historical romance before this book. Once I started it I couldn’t put it down. Lily and her family are on their way to Laurel Ridge. It has been eight years since their last visit. This visit is for a house party to celebrate Daniel as the new duke. Lily can’t wait to get there again to paint in the aclove again and see if Daniel has a Vermeer painting. Daniel is trying to figure out what he needs to do. He is the second son and was not shown how to run the estate and be there for those who needed him. Lily helps Daniel find his way while she she is discovering things about herself.

Thank you Net Galley for a copy of this book by one of my faves Helen Hardt. I hadn't read this one yet, but I certainly had my eye on it. Lily and the Duke is a historical romance that has sizzle. I highly recommend!

Helen Hardt brings us the story of Lily and Daniel. Lily is an unusual lady who wants to travel the world and paint all without being encumbered by a husband. Lily is excited to go to the house party given by the Duke of Lybrook. She isn't excited to go to meet the Duke or an eligible bachelor. She is excited because the Duke owns a Vermeer she is hoping to see while visiting. During the party, Lily goes on the search of the famous painting only to be accosted by the Duke who mistakes her for someone else and kisses her. From that moment, passions are kindled and feelings are challenged. Will Daniel be able to convince Lily that marrying will not keep her from her dreams and passions, but that they can go on this adventure together? Or will Lily be determined not to marry and miss out of what could have been?

I enjoyed going on this adventure with Lily and Daniel. I look forward to more stories from this author. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I would like to thank NetGalley and Waterhouse Press for this privilege.

I loved Lily and the Duke. It had a mix of regency and contemporary feel to the story for me. The characters were well written and the story and romance kept me engaged.