The Duke Is But a Dream: A Debutante Diaries Novel

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.

I give 4 stars as I really "liked it." This was the first I've read by Anna Bennett and judging from this I will read more of her work. Easy read. Entertaining story with a happy ever after ending. While the trope of a young lady secretly writing a book or for a newspaper is not new, this was done very nicely with a quote from Lily's column heading each chapter. A bit was predictable - both Lily's sister as well as her parents have left town and the reader can easily guess what role that situation may play. I received a free advance copy from netgalley and voluntarily post this review.

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.