Miss Lily Hartley is the anonymous mastermind behind the ton’s latest obsession: The Debutante’s Revenge, a tell-all advice column for young ladies. To keep her identity hidden, Lily delivers her columns disguised as a boy, until she decides to shelter from the rain in a tavern & lands in the middle of a brawl. As luck would have it, a devastatingly handsome duke sweeps in to rescue her.
Eric Nash, Duke of Stonebridge, discovers there’s a beautiful woman hiding beneath a lad’s cap, and, before long, he’s falling for the delightfully clever stranger recuperating in his house. He vows to help her find her home. Lily has no idea who she is. She doesn’t even know her name so becomes Caroline.
I liked Lily in the previous book in the series & had been waiting for her story, I thoroughly enjoyed the book, I loved Nash & Caroline/Lily & how their relationship developed, I also loved Delilah & the secondary story surrounding her. However I had difficulty with the setting, I felt as though Lily was too modern & was a twenty first century woman who’s been ‘dropped’ into the nineteenth century no gently brought up woman would have behaved as she did. Also the journey to & from Scotland couldn’t be undertaken in the time span in the book, no way could Lily take some days to recover from her injuries then journey to Gretna & back in a fortnight. If I put these quibbles on the back burner then this was an entertaining read
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

3.5 stars rounded up

This was an entertaining read and I enjoyed it. However, in order to enjoy it, I had to totally suspend my beliefs and any knowledge I might have about this period in history. It is a very modern feminist tale that happens to have carriages rather than automobiles. While it is part of a series, this book can be read and enjoyed as a standalone.

Eric Nash, Duke of Stonebridge inherited his title at the age of eighteen when he lost both his father and his twin sister. He’s blamed himself for his part in their deaths for the last five years and is now a very overprotective brother and guardian to his younger sister Danielle, who is now eighteen. Danielle very much wants to live in London and has finally convinced her brother to bring her there, even though the memories in their townhouse and London haunt him. He and Danielle are arguing more and more as his overprotectiveness keeps her from being able to attend entertainments or even having a suitor. He’ll never marry because his heart is cold and he’ll never, ever love anyone – because love brings pain and suffering.

Lily Hartley is a very wealthy debutant. She, along with her sister Fiona (First Earl I See Tonight) and their best friend Sophia is responsible for a weekly column, The Debutant’s Revenge, in the London Hearsay. Lily is the one who actually writes the column – and there is some very modern advice contained therein. The authoress of the column is kept between just the three of them because if their identities got out, it would ruin them and their families. So, when Lily delivers the column to the newspaper, she dresses as a chimney sweep.

When a set of very unusual circumstances occur, Lily ends up in London without her sister or her parents as a chaperone. Lily decides to take advantage of this newfound freedom and explore a bit of London after she drops off the column at the newspaper. She is enjoying seeing the streets from a different perspective and the male clothing affords her the anonymity to walk freely. At least until it starts to rain and she ducks into the Grey Goose to wait out the rain. Of course, trouble finds her and she’s knocked unconscious and loses her memory. Nash, who is also in the pub rescues her and takes her to his home to recuperate.

While she is at Nash’s home, they give her a new name, Caroline, until they can identify her. She quickly becomes attached to Nash’s sister, Delilah, and they become fast friends. She also works her way under Nash’s skin and begins to tear down all of the walls he’s built around his heart.

The story was entertaining and I liked the characters.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is the second book in the Debutante Diaries Series by Anna Bennett. The first book, First Earl I See Tonight was the first book I had read by Anna Bennett and I really enjoyed it. I can't say that I enjoyed the second book as much as the first.

I loved how independent Lily/Caroline was and that she had beliefs and stood up for herself and her beliefs when they were questioned. The bar scene where Lily and Nash met was a lot of fun to experience. But I just could not feel the passion that these two had for each other. Nash was a bit to closed minded, and Lily still kept on coming back to him.

The book ties in nicely with the first book and some of the mysteries that were discussed in book #1 are tied into this book. Overall I think that it was a good book, but didn't quite live up to the first book in the series for me.

**Thank you to St. Martin Press for providing me an ARC in exchange for my honest review**

This was a wonderful story. Nash and Lily were great characters. Lily was so captivating and full of life. Even after her accident she was so strong and determined to live life to the fullest. This was a well developed, well written story, with endearing characters and an intriguing storyline. I would love to read more about Sophie, Delila and the other endearing characters and I would definitely recommend this book.

The Duke is But a Dream
Debutante Diaries #2
Anna Bennett
St. Martin’s Press, Jul 2019
317 pages, Kindle
Historical romance
NetGalley
⭐⭐🌙 2.5

The cover is lovely! The cool grayed blue of the background makes it airy and open. The archway in the background is a nice touch as well. But the piece de resistance is the absolutely luscious ivory gown the lovely lady is wearing front and center. Its lace and flounces and train create an almost angel-like appearance. More earthly would be a bridal look, I suppose. This does not at all reflect the actions of the young woman in the book.

It’s always fun to read a historical romance with a rebellious woman who’s ahead of her times and who bends society’s rules a bit. However, Lily Hartley doesn’t just bend the rules, she breaks them and stomps all over them. She’s so far ahead of her times that she might almost be time-traveling from the future! No duke of his time would have allowed his young, impressionable sister anywhere near this unknown person he’d brought home from a pub brawl. Then when she has no memory of who she is or where she comes from. Huh! Her very behavior speaks loud and clear, no matter what his feelings or wants might be. I know we are supposed to suspend belief when we read these books, but this just seemed so unrealistic that I couldn’t enjoy anything but the lovely picture on the cover.

Even before Lily loses her memory, when she and her sister, Fiona are talking: (quote from unedited ARC may not appear in final pub edition)

“Do you ever worry that one of our readers will find herself in trouble because of our advice?”

Lily considered the question. “I suppose that if a reader was caught doing something improper, her reputation could suffer a bit. There are worse fates”

Fiona nodded, thoughtful, “She could be forced to marry a man she doesn’t love.”

“You have a point,” Lily conceded. “But our readers know the column isn’t meant to be taken as gospel. The advice is on the daring side and a bit tongue-in-cheek. Still, truth lies at the heart of all we say. We should not shy away from the truth”

Fiona pulled Lily into an unexpectedly fierce hug. “You’re absolutely right. Someone needs to champion all the shy debutantes and meek wallflowers out there, and I can think of no one better than you.”

Good Lord! Fiona is a newly married sister who draws pictures for the column. Her art is apparently improving the longer she’s married. Lily writes the column from her position of a virgin, unmarried, uncourted, unkissed. There is a third young woman, Sophie, also unmarried, who is involved in the column. These three are giving advice to the wallflowers of society on how to catch a husband! At least Fiona’s married, but she’s only drawing pictures, which the debutantes don’t need to see at this stage of their courting! Debs in history got in trouble being caught in a clutch with any man. They got married very quickly without being asked if this was the one they wanted or not. Her comment that “her reputation could suffer”? Yes, that reputation she talks about was what all those debs worked day and night to keep spotless. Without that, they were nothing in society, whether high society or something more common. So daring advice is probably not what they should be getting from anyone!

As I said, it all just seemed too unrealistic. Sometimes a story will be a little off, but this one is just too out of kilter with its timeframe to work for me. Too bad, because Lily could have been a good rebellious heroine in another time. Sorry that I can’t recommend it.

I found it a bit hard to connect with the main character, exactly because of her amnesia: we don't actually get to know a whole lot about her besides the fact that she doesn't seem to be the sharpest knife in the drawer. For example, she runs away after an argument. Not only does she have no memory (where would she go?), but, also, she has no money. I also thought that the main characters' physical relationship seemed somewhat rushed, and the motivations, weak. The hero wasn't memorable, either.
I would give this novel two and a half stars, rounded up to 3 because it's not a bad book.

Anna Bennett is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors.  I absolutely loved the previous book in this series, First Earl I See Tonight (see review here ) and had similar feelings for this book.  The Duke Is But A Dream also had adventure, humor, and (of course) romance.  This time it focuses on the headstrong and bold Lily Hartley's love adventure following memory loss from a bar brawl injury.  This injury brings her and Nash, the Duke of Stonebridge, together in a unique situation that forces them to show their true character.  Even if Lily can't remember her character, or her own name for that matter.  It then forces the question: Can you truly love someone if you don't even know who you are?
This is not a simple romance.  All characters are dealing with heavy subjects that are not simply resolved by a true love's first kiss (sorry Disney, I still love you).  Grief is an ongoing struggle that cannot truly be resolved, just like the void cannot truly ever be filled in reality.  However, this novel does portray how to cope with the grief in healthy ways and that trying to avoid it just makes you stuck and does not honor their memory well.  Abandonment is another issue that is dealt with as there does not seem to be anyone looking for Lily as she is missing and going by the name Caroline (as she does not remember her own name).  Don't worry, reader, it was a misunderstanding that has a happy ending. 

Additionally, this book briefly catches us up with the characters from the previous book in the series, Sophie, Gray, and her sister Fiona.  However, this book could be read as a standalone as it does not rely heavily on previous events.  Probably because Lily does not have any memory of previous events.  I did like the new characters that were introduced and I hope there are more books in the series.  I would love to see a story about Lily and Fiona's close friend and colleague, Sophie.  I would also love to see a story about Nash's sister, the bubbly and lovely Delilah. 

I would absolutely recommend this book for fans of regency romance novels that have to do with brooding dukes and concerns about the reactions of the ton.  I would also recommend this book for adults as there are graphically sexual scenarios, mild foul language, violence, and alcohol use. 

Please note: An electronic Advanced Readers Copy of this book was generously provided by the publisher via NetGalley for free in exchange for an honest review.  Thank you!

Absolutely stunning! You do not want to miss this one. Obsessed. That’s how i felt while reading this book. Like every page was better than the previous one. This story was a wonderful love story. So expertly written and so beautifully done.

Everything about the storyline and the characters captivated me. Their personalities, their desire, their warmth, their conversations, their chemistry... my my my! Their longing for each other, their breathlessness, as well as their slow kisses, the glorious anticipation and their lingering touches, painted an exquisite story. I was a goner, charmed. Beyond words. I couldn’t put this down. And I cant wait for the next in this series.

I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this story. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I'm sorry, I tried. I really did, but I didn't like this book at all. I don't want to go into to much details. Especially with the plot, and drop any major spoilers, but I will try to give the reasons why this wasn't my jam. First off I have no clue what the time period is. There is no mention of a date, I just know it's historical. That only bugged me a little, but still it would have been nice to have a time frame. My biggest problem with this book, and it was something I just couldn't overlook at all, was that Lily and Nash didn't act like historical English aristocrats at all. This could have been set in 2019 the way Lily acted. Nash too, but his could be overlooked as men got away with more back then. Without saying to much, Lily gets amnesia. With no memory of who she is, and being a lady of (I'm guessing some time in 1800s, because again no timeline) She after 2 days of knowing the duke, is making out with him, going down on him, and willing to ruin herself, by having sex with a total stranger. She didn't know if she was married. Back in a day when women didn't do that, and even when they did it was with very little knowledge of the act going into it. Not Lily, she was going at it like a seasoned pro.

She didn't have any virginal shyness. She was DTF from the start. It was just too much. Even if she was full of passion, and love for Nash, and decided to go all the way she wouldn't have been so bold. Hello, she only knew him for a couple of days! Yet I'm to believe that a sheltered, young virgin, lady of the ton would be giving a handy, a bj, letting him go down on her, and losing her v card riding him. It was just so far out of the norm from that time-ish period that I couldn't stop rolling my eyes. She was like that the whole book. It was unbelievable. If I can't believe in the love, then I can't connect to the couple. This book was just not for me. I found myself bored, annoyed at the ridiculousness of it all, and I was happy to be done with it. I don't think I will be trying this author again, or at least not in the Historical Romance dept. Sorry.

I enjoyed reading Lily and Nash’s story in The Duke is but a Dream by Anna Bennett, book two in her Debutante Diaries series. Miss Lily Haritgan is the anonymous author of the ton’s obsession: “The Debutante’s Revenge,” a tell-all advice column for young ladies. Lily is a free-spirit, who enjoys pushing the rules. Thus she sees nothing wrong hiding her identity by dressing as a boy to deliver her columns; at least until she ends up in the middle of a tavern brawl. After being knocked unconscious a handsome duke sweeps in to rescue her. Eric Nash, Duke of Stonebridge, is stunned to find the lad is actually a beautiful woman; one who stirs an interest and attraction within him. Nash brings this woman to his home to recover, as he is reluctant to leave her. Once “Lily” wakes, she realizes she has no idea who she is; duchess or maid; single, betrothed, or married. Lily and Nash share a magnetic attraction as well as a sizzling chemistry they so want to act on. While working together to discover Lily’s true identity their feeling grow, causing them to lose their hearts to each other.

Ms. Bennett wrote a charming, clever, entertaining and sexy story that is not to be missed. She provided a tale rich with humorous escapades, amusing banter, sexual chemistry and endearing characters giving Lily and Nash a chance for happiness, love and a future together. I definitely recommend The Duke is but a Dream to other readers.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

“No matter who you are and no matter where you go when you leave here, I know we’ll find our way back to each other.”

This is an altogether adorable, light story, and one that I’d definitely recommended when it comes to feel good reads. The Duke Is But a Dream is my first Anna Bennett novel, and I’ve already gone ahead and one-clicked the book that preceded it because I enjoyed this one so much.

It’s a simple but sweet story—though the author manages to pack a few tropes within the pages—and it all boils down to this: can you fall in love if you don’t know yourself? I liked the meet-cute of Nash and Lily, and though there were some moments that were a bit of a stretch, I was more than happy to give leeway because Lily was a lovely heroine. Headstrong, resourceful, romantic, and kind—I was very invested in her HEA. (Nash wasn’t so bad himself; I can get behind a Duke who helps someone in need, even if he did fall into the “I can’t fall in love” trap.)

Overall, this is a book worth the investment of your time and money, and a series I can’t wait to continue—first by going back to Fiona and Gray, then waiting to see what happens for Sophie . . . and maybe even Delilah?

This was an interesting read from a new-to-me author. I enjoyed that is not the usual setting between a duke and a wallflower, but there is actually some additional elements the brought a sense of perkiness to the story. The amnesia plot teamed up with the attraction and the individual search each of the characters goes through. I enjoyed both Nash and Lily's honesty and personalities, and how there seemed to be little to no drama originated from their inner conflicts but more from the reality of the time they lived in.
The one thing I would have liked to see in the book was their initial attraction to bloom a little more. Their relationship felt a little rush for me, but it didn't hinder my experience from the book. I really enjoyed the secondary characters, especially Delilah and I hope to see more of her in upcoming books.
*I was given an ARC from the publisher on NetGalley under no obligation*

Right off the bat I was drawn into Lily’s story. Secrets and memory loss bring Lily and the duke together. But it may be the truth that tears them apart. The Duke is but a Dream is not to be missed. I can’t wait for more!!!
5 stars!

I found this book to be quite charming and very entertaining. Lily, her sister and their best friend have been secretly writing and illustrating a column in the paper entitled the Debutante's Revenge. After delivering the latest installment dressed as a delivery boy, Lily is involved in a brawl at a tavern and is knocked unconscious. She is rescued by Nash, a Duke who was nursing his melancholy at the tavern and caused the accident that injures Lily. Upon awakening at the Duke's home the next day, Lily does not remember who she is so she and the Duke's sister choose the name, Caroline. Since Caroline has no memory, the Duke finally decides to have a lawyer friend run a description of her in the paper to see if they can get any answers. In the mean time, Nash and Caroline become intimate, but Nash maintains that there is no way that he will ever fall in love as it only brings misery and heartache. He lost his twin sister and father because of it and might lose his younger sister because of the "love" she feels for a young gentleman. This story includes a daring chase, a fight or two, an awakening of a closed off heart and the revelation of a mother. I hope that there will be more books to go with this one.

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

3.5 stars rounded up

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.*

The Duke Is But a Dream is the second book in Anna Bennett's Debutante Diaries series. If you haven't read the first, don't fret; this one stands on its own perfectly well.

Miss Lily Hartley is the anonymous author of "The Debutante's Revenge", an advice column for young ladies. She is assisted in her effort by her sister and best friend. When her sister, brother-in-law and parents are all out of town and Lily is home alone, she dons her chimney sweep boy disguise to deliver her column to the publisher. She decides to stop for an ale and becomes involved in a bar brawl. When Eric Nash, the Duke of Stonebridge, sees a young "lad" being accosted, he steps in. When Lily is knocked out and Nash sees the lad is actually a young lady, he brings her to his home. After all, she was inadvertently hurt because of his actions in the brawl. When she awakens, she has no idea who she is or what has occurred.

The amnesia romance trope is always entertaining. I also really enjoyed the relationship between Nash and his sister Delilah. Nash is still grieving from the loss of his twin and from the guilt for his role in her death, which causes him to be overprotective of Delilah. The friendship between Lily and Delilah was very sweet. What I was a bit disappointed in was the relationship between Nash and Lily. They did have good chemistry; however, they seemed a bit wishy-washy to me. First Lily felt she had to leave Nash, even though she was crazy about him. Then Nash believed he couldn't love Lily like she wanted him to, though it was obvious he was crazy about her! If you can suspend belief that a duke would bring home a totally unknown woman to a house where he lived with his younger sister, you will find this to be a fun romance. On a matter totally unrelated to the story, I found the cover of the book to be absolutely gorgeous!

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

THE DUKE IS BUT A DREAM is the second title in Anna Bennett’s Debutante Diaries series. I had such fun with this addition to the series, a hidden identity is always a hook for me, yet when amnesia is added into that mix it simply ratchets up the enjoyment level. To be frank, that amnesia twist can go either way in the end, either furthering the enjoyment, suspense of discovery or becoming trite and unnecessary to the story. For Lily and Nash’s romance the fact that Lily truly did not know who she was but that she certainly instinctively felt enough that she shouldn’t let Eric discover her identity was an intriguing part of their story – and it worked for me.

In every book, there are points that will give me a moment’s pause, and then I make the choice to move beyond because it’s not my tale to tell but the author’s imagination at work. There were several of those pauses with Nash, and to explain why would, or could be considered spoilers. Nothing that made me stop liking him or the book, but enough to make me wonder how a Duke could actually do some of these things considering the importance of reputation in the time period (or at any time really).

I really want Nash’s sister, Delilah to have her own story or be part of a series one day. She’s strong-willed, and an interesting secondary character that I would enjoy knowing more about.

In all, I enjoyed THE DUKE IS BUT A DREAM. Sure, there were pauses for me, yet those things that I’d never expect to fly with the ton were an important part of their story. Now, it’s time to wait for WHEN YOU WISH UPON A ROGUE, the next title in this series about three very unique friends and the men who will be charmed by them… eventually. I’d not hesitate to recommend this Romance to any reader who enjoys a good love story, can suspend belief on some things, and simply settle in to enjoy the story – for that is the whole point of reading any Romance.

THE DUKE IS BUT A DREAM releases on July 30, 2019.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

This is the second romance I've read this week with amnesia as a plot point, and oddly, this unbelievable historical felt like the more realistic portrayal. I guess that's a point in its favor. Lily dresses as a male street urchin as she delivers her secret column to a newspaper. She's caught up in an altercation and saved by Nash, who at first thinks he's saving a boy, but then discovers he has rescued a young woman with no memory of who she is. This is a romance, so we can all see where this is heading. I liked the banter between Lily and Nash and the way in which they figure out how to be together, but there's so much oddness about how Lily acts and writes. She is promoting a fuller life for women but she doesn't really seem to understand the consequences of the time or have any personal knowledge from which she's giving advice.

The Duke is but a Dream is book 2 of a series but I read it as a stand alone. I do not feel I missed out by not having read the first.

I loved the idea of young ladies writing a scandalous column in the newspaper. This novel is the story of the author of that column and a Duke. The story of Lily accidentally involved in something which leads to a bout of amnesia and being rescued by a dashing Duke was a fun read.

Overall this was a very light hearted read. I did find myself wanting to skim at times as it was a bit drawn out. But I would still read more by this author. And I would continue with this series as well.

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