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Sex and the Season #1
Lily and the Duke
Lady Lily Jameson is thrilled to attend a house party given by the Daniel Farnsworth, the Duke of Lybrook, but not because he's the most eligible bachelor in the peerage. Her only interest is his famous art collection, which reputedly includes a painting by her favorite artist, Jan Vermeer.
Daniel, duke only by virtue of the untimely deaths of his father and older brother, wants nothing to do with his new duties. He'd rather continue his rakish ways. When he finds the lovely Lily sneaking around the property in search of his art collection, sparks fly. Despite her father's wishes, Lily has no intention of marrying. She wants to travel the world to gain real life inspiration for her painting and writing. And what could be better worldly experience than a passionate affair with the notorious Duke of Lybrook? But circumstances may change the game and the players...and danger lurks, as well.
Daniel, duke only by virtue of the untimely deaths of his father and older brother, wants nothing to do with his new duties. He'd rather continue his rakish ways. When he finds the lovely Lily sneaking around the property in search of his art collection, sparks fly. Despite her father's wishes, Lily has no intention of marrying. She wants to travel the world to gain real life inspiration for her painting and writing. And what could be better worldly experience than a passionate affair with the notorious Duke of Lybrook? But circumstances may change the game and the players...and danger lurks, as well.
354 pages, Paperback
First published August 22, 2014
1201 people are currently reading
4009 people want to read
About the author
Helen Hardt
208 books8,298 followers#1 New York Times, #1 USA Today, and #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author Helen Hardt's passion for the written word began with the books her mother read to her at bedtime. She wrote her first story at age six and hasn’t stopped since. In addition to being an award winning author of contemporary and historical romance and erotica, she’s a mother, an attorney, a black belt in Taekwondo, a grammar geek, an appreciator of fine red wine, and a lover of Ben and Jerry’s ice cream. She writes from her home in Colorado, where she lives with her family.
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Breathless (Steel Brothers Saga Book 10) is AVAILABLE! Get it here👇
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 325 reviews
September 24, 2017
Lily and her family are invited to the Duke's house for two weeks for a gathering, other prominent families in the area are invited as well. On the first night, Lily tries to sneak out of the party to see the Duke's art collection and then she's grabbed in the dark, turned around and kissed passionately. Obviously, this might be considered assault if it wasn't because she started enjoying it and kissing him back.
That's how the story starts.
There is something very comforting about reading romance novels, you know that (most likely) you're going to have a happy ending and that the main characters are going to end up together.
So, what makes this type of novel stand out must be the characters, the dialog, wits, and setting because the ending you already know.
Having clarified that, I found the characters in this novel trite and the anti-heroine vapid and a stereotype with no redeeming qualities. I like my book enemies to have some good qualities that makes you unsure about rooting for the heroine. I don't think all of us are 100% evil or 100% saints, that we are in between, mostly good people with some flaws.
Overall the novel was ok.
That's how the story starts.
There is something very comforting about reading romance novels, you know that (most likely) you're going to have a happy ending and that the main characters are going to end up together.
So, what makes this type of novel stand out must be the characters, the dialog, wits, and setting because the ending you already know.
Having clarified that, I found the characters in this novel trite and the anti-heroine vapid and a stereotype with no redeeming qualities. I like my book enemies to have some good qualities that makes you unsure about rooting for the heroine. I don't think all of us are 100% evil or 100% saints, that we are in between, mostly good people with some flaws.
Overall the novel was ok.
July 19, 2025
So much potential
Because of how spicy it is, but man, I will never understand having an ow scene in a book that isn't the main character 😒.
Lily's (21, aspiring painter and lover of art) out at a ball when she decides to wander around. All of a sudden, she's grabbed and kissed by a man 😬, a man she knows of because of his sexual escapades 😅, and she doesn't know how to react 😬, and then she gives in because he feels too good 🔥. After much groping and kissing 🫣, the man realizes that Lily isn't who he thought she was, because the new Duke, Daniel (late 20s?) was going to meet one of his previous F buddies 🙄 and mistakenly thought it was Lily 😒.
As soon as Daniel tastes Lily, he becomes enthralled 👀. He can't stop thinking about her. In fact, he finagles himself to dance with her at his own party, but because she rejects him, he respects her wishes. You see, Lily doesn't wanna get married- she wants to have her own voice and opinions and she knows that once she marries, that's gonna stop 🤷♀️. The OW he was going to meet earlier finds him and tells him she'll be waiting in his bedroom so they can do what they were supposed to do earlier 😑.
When he goes to his room later that night, the ow is there 😒, but he has difficulty focusing on the ow since his mind is elsewhere. That doesn't stop the ow from trying to convince Daniel 🙄. When the physical part of their "meeting" is starting, he asks her to go, and she does. Now Daniel has to find a way of convincing Lily to continue what they started earlier that night.
What I liked: (potential spoilers)
—the spiiiiiiice was spiiiiicing. Ufff... for a historical romance, I was surprised! I had to check the % to make sure my eyes weren't deceiving me. Their first kiss/making out scene happens at like 6% and by 15% ish, her V is GOOOOONE. Throughout the book, there's A LOOOOT of smeeexy times, in all ways too
—the dirty talk. Mmmmm... okay Daniel. You go on with ya bad self
—the JPness. I LUUUURVE it in the books I read, and Daniels' jealous of any potential men who might want Lily lol which leads to...
—breeeeeeding. Daniel wants her for himself, and he knows just the way for it to happen lol
—Lily being feisty (for this time period). I love that she has goals in life, and she doesn't just wanna be a wife and mother (like it's always expected of women)
—“forced" marriage. Meh, is it really forced when they both want each other? LOL plus, it's more like an "arranged" marriage since Daniel "arranges" it behind Lily's back lol
—how sweet Daniel can be. I mean, he gifts her a puppy, finds the perfect ring for her to wear based on the color of his eyes (which she loves and describes as being more than just green), and when she needs taken care of later in the book (because of the ow), he sacrifices his sleep and health for her (he better). He was conscientious of showing her affection in different ways
—Lily throwing Daniel's reputation in his face. Bahahahaha. I also appreciated that Daniel felt guilty for being such a rake and wished he could change his past. At least he has SOME redeeming qualities
—no third act breakup
—the side characters. I looooved her sister! I mean, she DOES punch the ow bahahahaha yay Rose! I don't know if I'll read her book since she's partnered up with a manwhore (just like this one), and I can only stomach so many of that trite trope
—the ow getting some kind of comeuppance. She is the definition of an evil cackling hooooar and fits all the stereotypes of one
What I didn't like/HATED:
—the ow scene after Daniel kissed and groped Lily. Sigh. I seriously, SERIOUSLY, do NOT understand WHY we have to see the hero with another woman, ESPECIALLY after he's been somehow physical with the heroine. Sure, I guess it was to show that nothing MORE happened, BUT, something DID happen. I usually love a "just the tip" scene, but NOT when it's not the heroine. In this case, that's what happened here- Daniel FINALLY decides to kick the ow out, but he needed to do it sooner, like as soon as he walked in and saw her waiting for him in his room. The only good thing about this scene is that he ends their "relationship" after this
—finding out just HOW much Daniel did with the ow. Not only just she continue to pursue him and remind him of things she can do to him, but she also reminisces on the different threesomes they shared in the many years they were together. UUUUUGGGGHHHH
—sexual safety. If I'm going to see a gross "just the tip" scene with the hero and ow, I better see some kind of something being used. Why? Because THE NEXT NIGHT, he takes Lily's virginity. I can't fully appreciate a scene like this KNOWING ow juices were on him the night before. Just... ewww!!!
—the manwhore/virgin trope. I know there are historicals out there that don't have the hero as a manwhore, but man, they're hard to find. In this one, Daniel's reputation is VERY well known. He admits to Lily that he had actually been celibate for a bit before the night he met her (and the ow "just the tip" scene).
—the ow not suffering more. She's EVIL. The ow drama happens throughout the entire book
Overall, this was okay. This is why I am so wary of historical romances.
⚠️safety squad⚠️
-no cheating*/sharing/omd
-deaths of a parent and brother recounted
-mental health/neglected emotions
-maybe miscarriage? The ow pushes the h down the stairs. The h starts bleeding profusely and almost loses her womb. She doesn’t but if she was pregnant, she lost the baby
-virgin h/the H is a well-known rake (manwhore)
-OWD: although its not technically cheating, some might feel differently. After mistakenly thinking the h is the ow he was supposed to sleep with and makes out with the h intensely, the ow approaches him wanting to still be with him even though she saw him making out with h. She sneaks into his room and waits for him, but he asks her to go. She doesn’t and he decides “f it” and proceeds with trying to be intimate with her. He fingers her and she’s dry so she fingers herself and then climbs on top of him. She starts rubbing his d on her v 🥴 and a “just the tip” scene occurs, but then he ends up stopping her because he keeping thinking of the h and basically kicks her out
-no condoms/the H was supposed to prevent pregnancy, but it seems like his “method” is by pulling out and the night before he exchanged fluids with the ow and no protection 😑
-HEA/HFN/it’s not labeled as an epilogue but the last chapter is 6 weeks later
Because of how spicy it is, but man, I will never understand having an ow scene in a book that isn't the main character 😒.
Lily's (21, aspiring painter and lover of art) out at a ball when she decides to wander around. All of a sudden, she's grabbed and kissed by a man 😬, a man she knows of because of his sexual escapades 😅, and she doesn't know how to react 😬, and then she gives in because he feels too good 🔥. After much groping and kissing 🫣, the man realizes that Lily isn't who he thought she was, because the new Duke, Daniel (late 20s?) was going to meet one of his previous F buddies 🙄 and mistakenly thought it was Lily 😒.
As soon as Daniel tastes Lily, he becomes enthralled 👀. He can't stop thinking about her. In fact, he finagles himself to dance with her at his own party, but because she rejects him, he respects her wishes. You see, Lily doesn't wanna get married- she wants to have her own voice and opinions and she knows that once she marries, that's gonna stop 🤷♀️. The OW he was going to meet earlier finds him and tells him she'll be waiting in his bedroom so they can do what they were supposed to do earlier 😑.
When he goes to his room later that night, the ow is there 😒, but he has difficulty focusing on the ow since his mind is elsewhere. That doesn't stop the ow from trying to convince Daniel 🙄. When the physical part of their "meeting" is starting, he asks her to go, and she does. Now Daniel has to find a way of convincing Lily to continue what they started earlier that night.
What I liked: (potential spoilers)
—the spiiiiiiice was spiiiiicing. Ufff... for a historical romance, I was surprised! I had to check the % to make sure my eyes weren't deceiving me. Their first kiss/making out scene happens at like 6% and by 15% ish, her V is GOOOOONE. Throughout the book, there's A LOOOOT of smeeexy times, in all ways too
—the dirty talk. Mmmmm... okay Daniel. You go on with ya bad self
—the JPness. I LUUUURVE it in the books I read, and Daniels' jealous of any potential men who might want Lily lol which leads to...
—breeeeeeding. Daniel wants her for himself, and he knows just the way for it to happen lol
—Lily being feisty (for this time period). I love that she has goals in life, and she doesn't just wanna be a wife and mother (like it's always expected of women)
—“forced" marriage. Meh, is it really forced when they both want each other? LOL plus, it's more like an "arranged" marriage since Daniel "arranges" it behind Lily's back lol
—how sweet Daniel can be. I mean, he gifts her a puppy, finds the perfect ring for her to wear based on the color of his eyes (which she loves and describes as being more than just green), and when she needs taken care of later in the book (because of the ow), he sacrifices his sleep and health for her (he better). He was conscientious of showing her affection in different ways
—Lily throwing Daniel's reputation in his face. Bahahahaha. I also appreciated that Daniel felt guilty for being such a rake and wished he could change his past. At least he has SOME redeeming qualities
—no third act breakup
—the side characters. I looooved her sister! I mean, she DOES punch the ow bahahahaha yay Rose! I don't know if I'll read her book since she's partnered up with a manwhore (just like this one), and I can only stomach so many of that trite trope
—the ow getting some kind of comeuppance. She is the definition of an evil cackling hooooar and fits all the stereotypes of one
What I didn't like/HATED:
—the ow scene after Daniel kissed and groped Lily. Sigh. I seriously, SERIOUSLY, do NOT understand WHY we have to see the hero with another woman, ESPECIALLY after he's been somehow physical with the heroine. Sure, I guess it was to show that nothing MORE happened, BUT, something DID happen. I usually love a "just the tip" scene, but NOT when it's not the heroine. In this case, that's what happened here- Daniel FINALLY decides to kick the ow out, but he needed to do it sooner, like as soon as he walked in and saw her waiting for him in his room. The only good thing about this scene is that he ends their "relationship" after this
—finding out just HOW much Daniel did with the ow. Not only just she continue to pursue him and remind him of things she can do to him, but she also reminisces on the different threesomes they shared in the many years they were together. UUUUUGGGGHHHH
—sexual safety. If I'm going to see a gross "just the tip" scene with the hero and ow, I better see some kind of something being used. Why? Because THE NEXT NIGHT, he takes Lily's virginity. I can't fully appreciate a scene like this KNOWING ow juices were on him the night before. Just... ewww!!!
—the manwhore/virgin trope. I know there are historicals out there that don't have the hero as a manwhore, but man, they're hard to find. In this one, Daniel's reputation is VERY well known. He admits to Lily that he had actually been celibate for a bit before the night he met her (and the ow "just the tip" scene).
—the ow not suffering more. She's EVIL. The ow drama happens throughout the entire book
Overall, this was okay. This is why I am so wary of historical romances.
⚠️safety squad⚠️
-no cheating*/sharing/omd
-deaths of a parent and brother recounted
-mental health/neglected emotions
-maybe miscarriage? The ow pushes the h down the stairs. The h starts bleeding profusely and almost loses her womb. She doesn’t but if she was pregnant, she lost the baby
-virgin h/the H is a well-known rake (manwhore)
-OWD: although its not technically cheating, some might feel differently. After mistakenly thinking the h is the ow he was supposed to sleep with and makes out with the h intensely, the ow approaches him wanting to still be with him even though she saw him making out with h. She sneaks into his room and waits for him, but he asks her to go. She doesn’t and he decides “f it” and proceeds with trying to be intimate with her. He fingers her and she’s dry so she fingers herself and then climbs on top of him. She starts rubbing his d on her v 🥴 and a “just the tip” scene occurs, but then he ends up stopping her because he keeping thinking of the h and basically kicks her out
-no condoms/the H was supposed to prevent pregnancy, but it seems like his “method” is by pulling out and the night before he exchanged fluids with the ow and no protection 😑
-HEA/HFN/it’s not labeled as an epilogue but the last chapter is 6 weeks later
March 3, 2022
DNF after chapter 6.
This is garbage. If I could rate this zero stars, I really would. It was honestly that bad.
There are two big things that keep me reading:
1) Author's writing technique
2) Good characters that I can make a connection with
Lily and the Duke failed my criteria and then some. Terrible writing is what honestly kills a book for me the fastest. Not to mention that her characters were complete idiots and sex crazed with nothing in their mind other than how many times they can squeeze in a quickie. The dialogue was so bland that I questioned how this book got such high ratings.
I’m also very wary of instalove and super cheesy lines. This book had an abundance of this just in the first 6 chapters and it had me rolling my eyes constantly. Daniel was cheesy and he would say the most random things. Here's an example.
"Lily, I want you. I've never wanted a woman this much." He crushed her to him and inhaled. "God, you smell good. What scent is that? I've never smelled anything like it before."
I have to admit, it started out with potential. I always love the idea of childhood romance developing into more when they get older. The second chapter fast forwards to a few years later when Lily and Daniel are older. They meet again under weird circumstances of mistaken identity where Daniel thinks Lily is someone else that he had planned to meet and have sex with outside in open site.
Of course when he realizes Lily isn't the women he had planned on meeting, he keeps on kissing her and gets a big urge to have sex with her because of the plain fact that she's so beautiful. Yeah... Hard to swallow, I know. Lily eventually gains some common sense after some more groping and kissing before she runs off. Daniel from this point on is obsessed with Lily and doesn't want anyone but her.
Just a few chapters later, Lily is in Daniel's bedchamber going goo goo eyes for a painting that she has been dying to see. Daniel uses this opportunity of being alone with her to his advantage. So a few kisses and more groping goes on before Lily is on her back on Daniel's bed. Lily thinks to hell with it all, "carpe diem" she says and BAM! She loses her virginity then and there to the Duke.
Gag me. It's at this point that I'm wondering what the hell I just read. Carpe diem doesn't justify losing your virginity to someone when you've known them for only 24 hours. You could argue they knew each other during childhood but that’s still a far stretch. I tried to go forward but I was forcing myself and not enjoying any of it.
This is garbage. If I could rate this zero stars, I really would. It was honestly that bad.
There are two big things that keep me reading:
1) Author's writing technique
2) Good characters that I can make a connection with
Lily and the Duke failed my criteria and then some. Terrible writing is what honestly kills a book for me the fastest. Not to mention that her characters were complete idiots and sex crazed with nothing in their mind other than how many times they can squeeze in a quickie. The dialogue was so bland that I questioned how this book got such high ratings.
I’m also very wary of instalove and super cheesy lines. This book had an abundance of this just in the first 6 chapters and it had me rolling my eyes constantly. Daniel was cheesy and he would say the most random things. Here's an example.
"Lily, I want you. I've never wanted a woman this much." He crushed her to him and inhaled. "God, you smell good. What scent is that? I've never smelled anything like it before."
I have to admit, it started out with potential. I always love the idea of childhood romance developing into more when they get older. The second chapter fast forwards to a few years later when Lily and Daniel are older. They meet again under weird circumstances of mistaken identity where Daniel thinks Lily is someone else that he had planned to meet and have sex with outside in open site.
Of course when he realizes Lily isn't the women he had planned on meeting, he keeps on kissing her and gets a big urge to have sex with her because of the plain fact that she's so beautiful. Yeah... Hard to swallow, I know. Lily eventually gains some common sense after some more groping and kissing before she runs off. Daniel from this point on is obsessed with Lily and doesn't want anyone but her.
Just a few chapters later, Lily is in Daniel's bedchamber going goo goo eyes for a painting that she has been dying to see. Daniel uses this opportunity of being alone with her to his advantage. So a few kisses and more groping goes on before Lily is on her back on Daniel's bed. Lily thinks to hell with it all, "carpe diem" she says and BAM! She loses her virginity then and there to the Duke.
Gag me. It's at this point that I'm wondering what the hell I just read. Carpe diem doesn't justify losing your virginity to someone when you've known them for only 24 hours. You could argue they knew each other during childhood but that’s still a far stretch. I tried to go forward but I was forcing myself and not enjoying any of it.
October 30, 2014
I enjoyed the story very much. The characters were likable and it had a satisfying conclusion. My big problem is that the book seemed to be written in language that was too contemporary. I don't think the author did enough work on historical accuracy.
dnf
September 14, 2025 sigh
Immature MCs that I have no interest in reading about.
DNF @ 14%.
Immature MCs that I have no interest in reading about.
DNF @ 14%.
June 7, 2018
Challenged to read a "bodice ripper", I picked this one based on the description, and it's terrible. Just horrible. It's like if aliens tried to write a book about people, or an AI tried to write a romance novel. The characters are flat and dimensionless, and as far as the "bodice ripping", the author can't decide whether to be vague ("debauch" and such) or cringe-worthily specific. I was going to try to slog through all the way to the end, but I've been told it only gets worse. I can't imagine it getting any better.
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July 11, 2019EBOOK VERSION
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June 13, 2024
Smutty historical romance? HELL YES!!
July 21, 2025
lighthearted, cute, and spicy w some crazy ow drama peppered in, surprisingly believable insta love at a house party with a FMC and her sisters and cousins. other books in series follow supporting characters. free on Amazon.
January 6, 2018
Really?
Spoilers ahead:. Really? I liked the first half of the book. A little far fetched, but whatever..
For me,, it was DNF at 54%. The heroine pitches a fit because her lover, the Duke, who was her first lover, arranges to marry her, making a deal with her with her father. It was just stupid.
Spoilers ahead:. Really? I liked the first half of the book. A little far fetched, but whatever..
For me,, it was DNF at 54%. The heroine pitches a fit because her lover, the Duke, who was her first lover, arranges to marry her, making a deal with her with her father. It was just stupid.
September 28, 2015
DNF Chapter 3.
This is confirmed, I am in a book slum. 4 DNF books back to back, I am starting to feel pathetic about myself.
Flat wooden characters, unbelievable plot, cringe worthy dialogue...sorry I didn't enjoy the book at all....
This is confirmed, I am in a book slum. 4 DNF books back to back, I am starting to feel pathetic about myself.
Flat wooden characters, unbelievable plot, cringe worthy dialogue...sorry I didn't enjoy the book at all....
March 19, 2020
Another fist time author and listen for this reader. The story was okay but on the hinge of boredom although there were some hot intimate scenes. I almost put it down but decided to finish.
In summary the narrator was a first and narration not to my liking...lacked something but not sure what.
2.5-Stars
In summary the narrator was a first and narration not to my liking...lacked something but not sure what.
2.5-Stars
May 4, 2023
Stars: 5
Overall: Lily and her family are going to The Lybrook estate for 2 week long house gathering. Lily's only interest is to paint and to view the Duke's art because he is suppose to have some famous paintings. Her mother and father on the other hand are hoping that Lily will change her mind about marriage and meet someone. The first night there the family attends the ball and just when Lily sneaks off in search of the art gallery, she is pulled into a shadowy corner and a man starts to kiss her and she can't help to kiss him back. When they break the kiss, she finds out that it is none other than The Duke of Lybrook and he is a notorious skirt chaser. When she goes to the bathroom to calm her nerves she runs into a woman Amelia who tells her to stay away from the Duke because she already has a claim over him. Daniel isn't sure of what he wants but there was something about Lily's kiss that he can't get off his mind and he breaks things off with Lady Amelia. After that Lady Amelia decides that she is going to get her hooks into the Duke no matter what she has to do. At the same time, Lily and Daniel start to become closer and even though both of them don't want marriage or commitment, they can't seem to stay away from each other. After this point there is a lot sex, very meaningful moments and also a bit of drama, but in the end Lily & Daniel get a wonderful HEA and the books also sets up the next story for Lily's sister Rose and her romance.
Pros: First I would like to say that this is the first book that I've read by this author and I'm hooked by her writing. She had a way of making you really connect with the characters and writing about details that made it easy to picture what everything looked like. The beginning of the story real set the tone for the book and what was to play out in their future and I think it's one of my favorite parts. I really liked that Lily was her own person and she danced her to her beat. She did have the lady like side, but I loved it more when the naughty side came out. I liked that when Daniel gave Lily all of those gifts he picked things that meant something to her. I also loved the part when he caught Lily, her sister and cousins in the hot springs. Overall this was just a wonderful well written story that had so many laughs and enough drama to even out the over whelming love fest.
Cons: I personally didn't have any cons with this story.
Characters: Lily & Daniel
Page Turner: Yes, I couldn't put the book down!
Series Cont: Yes
Recommend: I Highly Recommend This Book!!
Overall: Lily and her family are going to The Lybrook estate for 2 week long house gathering. Lily's only interest is to paint and to view the Duke's art because he is suppose to have some famous paintings. Her mother and father on the other hand are hoping that Lily will change her mind about marriage and meet someone. The first night there the family attends the ball and just when Lily sneaks off in search of the art gallery, she is pulled into a shadowy corner and a man starts to kiss her and she can't help to kiss him back. When they break the kiss, she finds out that it is none other than The Duke of Lybrook and he is a notorious skirt chaser. When she goes to the bathroom to calm her nerves she runs into a woman Amelia who tells her to stay away from the Duke because she already has a claim over him. Daniel isn't sure of what he wants but there was something about Lily's kiss that he can't get off his mind and he breaks things off with Lady Amelia. After that Lady Amelia decides that she is going to get her hooks into the Duke no matter what she has to do. At the same time, Lily and Daniel start to become closer and even though both of them don't want marriage or commitment, they can't seem to stay away from each other. After this point there is a lot sex, very meaningful moments and also a bit of drama, but in the end Lily & Daniel get a wonderful HEA and the books also sets up the next story for Lily's sister Rose and her romance.
Pros: First I would like to say that this is the first book that I've read by this author and I'm hooked by her writing. She had a way of making you really connect with the characters and writing about details that made it easy to picture what everything looked like. The beginning of the story real set the tone for the book and what was to play out in their future and I think it's one of my favorite parts. I really liked that Lily was her own person and she danced her to her beat. She did have the lady like side, but I loved it more when the naughty side came out. I liked that when Daniel gave Lily all of those gifts he picked things that meant something to her. I also loved the part when he caught Lily, her sister and cousins in the hot springs. Overall this was just a wonderful well written story that had so many laughs and enough drama to even out the over whelming love fest.
Cons: I personally didn't have any cons with this story.
Characters: Lily & Daniel
Page Turner: Yes, I couldn't put the book down!
Series Cont: Yes
Recommend: I Highly Recommend This Book!!
July 16, 2015
Wow! I read this in a day! (yep fast reader) And this book was amazing. So sweet & sexy. I fell in love immediately with Lily n Duke. Never read a romance set in the late 1800s and suggest it to everyone.
July 16, 2021
I loved this one so much! I loved Daniel!
February 28, 2021
Είναι μικρό, ευκολοδιάβαστο και αυτό που λέμε page turner. Δεν σε αφήνει να βαρεθείς, μπαίνει κατευθείαν στο θέμα, χωρίς να φλυαρεί, και ακριβώς λόγω του όγκου του δεν αφήνει περιθώρια να κάνει κοιλιά.
Η ιστορία είναι τοποθετημένη στη Βικτοριανή Αγγλία και αυτό από μόνο του είναι ένα πολύ μεγάλο συν. Η εποχή αυτή είναι ιδανική για μυθιστορήματα του είδους, με την συγγραφέα να έχει αποτυπώσει πολύ καλά το κλίμα και το πνεύμα της, και υπάρχει μεγάλη μερίδα του αναγνωστικού κοινού που κυνηγάει βιβλία που εξελίσσονται σε αυτό το χρονικό πλαίσιο.
Οι ερωτικές σκηνές είναι καλογραμμένες, αρκετά έντονες και hot, και juice τόσο όσο πρέπει για να διατηρήσουν το ενδιαφέρον του αναγνώστη, αλλά να μην βγουν κι εκτός κάποιων ορίων που θέτει η εποχή που διαδραματίζονται τα γεγονότα μας.
Υπάρχει πολύ καλή ισορροπία ανάμεσα στο ρομαντικό στοιχείο, στο δράμα αλλά και στο κωμικό στοιχείο, που δεν μπορεί ν' απουσιάζει από τέτοιες ιστορίες, αλλά που πολύ συχνά δεν είναι σωστά τοποθετημένο -πράγμα που σε καμία περίπτωση δεν ισχύει στην προκειμένη.
Πολύ καλή η χημεία ανάμεσα στη Lily και στον Daniel -και το γεγονός πως ο δεύτερος δίνει σημασία στις μικρές λεπτομέρειες όσον αφορά την πρώτη, είναι που τον καθιστούν ακόμα πιο ενδιαφέρων και άξιο της προσοχής μας. Δεν προσπαθεί απλά να ρίξει μια γυναίκα που του αρέσει, αλλά να κερδίσει μια γυναίκα που θεωρεί πως αξίζει και οι γυναίκες τσιμπάμε με αυτά.
Εντάξει, σίγουρα δεν υπάρχει κάποιο στοιχείο έκπληξης ή κάποια τεράστια ανατροπή, αλλά στα βιβλία αυτού του είδους, όταν δεν εμπεριέχουν περιπέτεια, δεν έχεις και πολύ μεγάλες απαιτήσεις. Λίγο πολύ ξέρεις πως θα εξελιχθούν τα πράγματα και ότι θα έχεις happy end -και αυτό ψάχνουν άλλωστε και οι αναγνώστριες στην πλειοψηφία τους.
(Αναλυτικό review αν τελικά κυκλοφορήσει...)
Η ιστορία είναι τοποθετημένη στη Βικτοριανή Αγγλία και αυτό από μόνο του είναι ένα πολύ μεγάλο συν. Η εποχή αυτή είναι ιδανική για μυθιστορήματα του είδους, με την συγγραφέα να έχει αποτυπώσει πολύ καλά το κλίμα και το πνεύμα της, και υπάρχει μεγάλη μερίδα του αναγνωστικού κοινού που κυνηγάει βιβλία που εξελίσσονται σε αυτό το χρονικό πλαίσιο.
Οι ερωτικές σκηνές είναι καλογραμμένες, αρκετά έντονες και hot, και juice τόσο όσο πρέπει για να διατηρήσουν το ενδιαφέρον του αναγνώστη, αλλά να μην βγουν κι εκτός κάποιων ορίων που θέτει η εποχή που διαδραματίζονται τα γεγονότα μας.
Υπάρχει πολύ καλή ισορροπία ανάμεσα στο ρομαντικό στοιχείο, στο δράμα αλλά και στο κωμικό στοιχείο, που δεν μπορεί ν' απουσιάζει από τέτοιες ιστορίες, αλλά που πολύ συχνά δεν είναι σωστά τοποθετημένο -πράγμα που σε καμία περίπτωση δεν ισχύει στην προκειμένη.
Πολύ καλή η χημεία ανάμεσα στη Lily και στον Daniel -και το γεγονός πως ο δεύτερος δίνει σημασία στις μικρές λεπτομέρειες όσον αφορά την πρώτη, είναι που τον καθιστούν ακόμα πιο ενδιαφέρων και άξιο της προσοχής μας. Δεν προσπαθεί απλά να ρίξει μια γυναίκα που του αρέσει, αλλά να κερδίσει μια γυναίκα που θεωρεί πως αξίζει και οι γυναίκες τσιμπάμε με αυτά.
Εντάξει, σίγουρα δεν υπάρχει κάποιο στοιχείο έκπληξης ή κάποια τεράστια ανατροπή, αλλά στα βιβλία αυτού του είδους, όταν δεν εμπεριέχουν περιπέτεια, δεν έχεις και πολύ μεγάλες απαιτήσεις. Λίγο πολύ ξέρεις πως θα εξελιχθούν τα πράγματα και ότι θα έχεις happy end -και αυτό ψάχνουν άλλωστε και οι αναγνώστριες στην πλειοψηφία τους.
(Αναλυτικό review αν τελικά κυκλοφορήσει...)
June 1, 2025
Enjoyable Steamy Historical!
Lily and Daniel
This was my first historical romance book by the author and I have to say that I really enjoyed it! Lily is a beautiful and independent young lady.
The first time she met Daniel she was a young girl painting in his estate ruins. He compliments her paintings and tells her to come back in a few years.
The main characters are strong and very attracted to each other! From that first kiss a steamy relationship begins between them. They have so much in common but Daniel is a bit complicated. I loved this storyline and the fast paced of this romance. Revelations revealed and how the secondary characters were such a great addition to the story. Lily and Daniel’s love is so beautiful and. I enjoyed this sexy and steamy historical romance!
Lily and Daniel
This was my first historical romance book by the author and I have to say that I really enjoyed it! Lily is a beautiful and independent young lady.
The first time she met Daniel she was a young girl painting in his estate ruins. He compliments her paintings and tells her to come back in a few years.
The main characters are strong and very attracted to each other! From that first kiss a steamy relationship begins between them. They have so much in common but Daniel is a bit complicated. I loved this storyline and the fast paced of this romance. Revelations revealed and how the secondary characters were such a great addition to the story. Lily and Daniel’s love is so beautiful and. I enjoyed this sexy and steamy historical romance!
September 8, 2020
Thank you NetGalley and Waterhouse Press for the free copy. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
It's been awhile since I last read historical romance, a genre that I used to be crazy head over heels with.
And it's such a delight to read one again and real treat when it's as good as this one. For me, historical romance needs to be charming and ooze with chemistry. Lily and the Duke certainly fits the bill.
I love Lily and Daniel from the first moment they met when Lily was just 13. Their first meeting was innocent and cute. And when they meet again years later, I love the fact that their attraction was almost instant; or at least it was on Daniel's part. I also like the fact that while Lily knows what she wants, she is not stubborn which can be off-putting in a female lead.
It's been awhile since I last read historical romance, a genre that I used to be crazy head over heels with.
And it's such a delight to read one again and real treat when it's as good as this one. For me, historical romance needs to be charming and ooze with chemistry. Lily and the Duke certainly fits the bill.
I love Lily and Daniel from the first moment they met when Lily was just 13. Their first meeting was innocent and cute. And when they meet again years later, I love the fact that their attraction was almost instant; or at least it was on Daniel's part. I also like the fact that while Lily knows what she wants, she is not stubborn which can be off-putting in a female lead.
August 8, 2020
I haden't from this author in a loooong time and I am going on remembrance thinking I had liked the books I have read from this author, I think I either had a wrong author or her books when down hill, because this one was, really I mean really. Things I disliked he kisses her thinking it is his mistress but decided liked lily and decides to continue after. Why did lily stop the kiss, in this era that would have been scandalolous. There is a good amount of sex or shall I say excessive. Then when the Duke gets permission from her dad she is upset (yeah) and they for seem reason think that she could be pregnant in three day.
April 5, 2017
This book was a great quick read, it is fun and romantic as well as an easy read. Based in the past where a woman has little to no power in shaping her own future.
The main character is Lily, we meet her first when she is a child in the Duke's home painting, he asks for her to return when she is older. And so she does eight years later as an adult looking to start her season with her father urging her to find a husband. She meets the Duke again as she tries to seek a peak at some of the artwork in the house, he mistakes her for another and kisses her, not wanting the kiss to stop there he searches her out and the two engage in a sexual relationship.
There are a lot of secondary characters in this book but the most noteworthy for me are Daniel (the Duke) and Rose (Lily's sister). Daniel is a well known womaniser and this is made known throughout the book with various people calling him a scoundrel but he seems to be sincere and care for Lily. Rose is a proper woman of the era throughout this book unlike Lily who argues against convention, she is looking for a husband of her own but seems unsure as to what she wants.
The storyline is not the most original as there are lots of books similar to this but it is enjoyable to read and I really did like the characters. The pacing is great and I found myself interested to find out what happens to the couple next, I look foward to reading the next book in the series and finding out more about Rose and her romance.
4.5 stars a great read
The main character is Lily, we meet her first when she is a child in the Duke's home painting, he asks for her to return when she is older. And so she does eight years later as an adult looking to start her season with her father urging her to find a husband. She meets the Duke again as she tries to seek a peak at some of the artwork in the house, he mistakes her for another and kisses her, not wanting the kiss to stop there he searches her out and the two engage in a sexual relationship.
There are a lot of secondary characters in this book but the most noteworthy for me are Daniel (the Duke) and Rose (Lily's sister). Daniel is a well known womaniser and this is made known throughout the book with various people calling him a scoundrel but he seems to be sincere and care for Lily. Rose is a proper woman of the era throughout this book unlike Lily who argues against convention, she is looking for a husband of her own but seems unsure as to what she wants.
The storyline is not the most original as there are lots of books similar to this but it is enjoyable to read and I really did like the characters. The pacing is great and I found myself interested to find out what happens to the couple next, I look foward to reading the next book in the series and finding out more about Rose and her romance.
4.5 stars a great read
February 17, 2019
Thanks to Team Wild who gave me this book in exchange of an honest review. I'm usually not a fan of history romance. I couldn't put this book down read it in 2 days. After I finished it I couldn't wait into getting into the next book.
I love Lily with all her spunk and how she goes after what she wants. She meets the Duke at a young age. Years later they both haven't forgotten about the other. I loved how Lily kept calling Amelia Amanda lol. I was so happy someone finally smacked her. Amelia tried her very best to get the Duke but she wasn't good enough.
Daniel was such a sweet and loving man. I couldn't not fall for him. He was willing to give Lily the world and he did. This is another great series by this author that I love.
I love Lily with all her spunk and how she goes after what she wants. She meets the Duke at a young age. Years later they both haven't forgotten about the other. I loved how Lily kept calling Amelia Amanda lol. I was so happy someone finally smacked her. Amelia tried her very best to get the Duke but she wasn't good enough.
Daniel was such a sweet and loving man. I couldn't not fall for him. He was willing to give Lily the world and he did. This is another great series by this author that I love.
October 3, 2019
If I wasn't already a fan of Helen Hardt, this book would've made me one for sure. I love how Lily isn't the typical young girl who's only dream is finding a husband. Even though the book is set in the 1800s, Lily is very much a modern woman who does whatever she wants with whoever she wants, not caring what society has to say about it.
Her plan is to forget about marriage altogether & travel the world. Those plans change just a bit when she runs into Daniel, who's questionable past makes Lily think he is far from the settling down type himself. As you can probably guess, this friends with benefits arrangement doesn't last for long. Read this book for yourself and see how it all plays out. 😊😊
Her plan is to forget about marriage altogether & travel the world. Those plans change just a bit when she runs into Daniel, who's questionable past makes Lily think he is far from the settling down type himself. As you can probably guess, this friends with benefits arrangement doesn't last for long. Read this book for yourself and see how it all plays out. 😊😊
July 18, 2019
I recieved a copy of Lily and the Duke from Bare Naked Words in exchange for my honest opinion.
I wasn't the biggest fan of the one and only Helen Hardt book I read before this one, but I think she's roped me in! I thoroughly enjoyed the setting and the character development throughout. I cannot wait to read Rose in Bloom next, although I do foreshadow a possible love triangle type situation. My imagination is already running wild. We shall see though!
I wasn't the biggest fan of the one and only Helen Hardt book I read before this one, but I think she's roped me in! I thoroughly enjoyed the setting and the character development throughout. I cannot wait to read Rose in Bloom next, although I do foreshadow a possible love triangle type situation. My imagination is already running wild. We shall see though!
July 10, 2021
First attempt to read was DNF, then saw positive comments on fb so tried again. I finished but did not like the h or H. She's spoiled, and rude with some improvements towards the end. He seemed childish and not even a beta hero to me. Both were irredeemable, but they got their HEA. Doubt I would buy more from this author.
May 17, 2019
Wow! Why did I take so long to read this series!? This steamy, sexy book is first in the Sex and the Season series and I have to say I very much enjoyed Daniel and Lily. A historical romance filled to the brim with drama and tragedy with a perfect HEA. I highly recommend! You really can't go wrong with any of Helen's books.
May 1, 2021
Believe me, it had so much potential. All of it was lost when at around 50 pages.
The characters are all so superficial. I'm also not a big fan of the writing considering that this is a historical fiction. Did not push through the ending, I just don't care about Lily and Daniel anymore.
Also, they're both annoying and have meh personalities.
The characters are all so superficial. I'm also not a big fan of the writing considering that this is a historical fiction. Did not push through the ending, I just don't care about Lily and Daniel anymore.
Also, they're both annoying and have meh personalities.
October 10, 2019
What can I say about this book?? So full of action and wittiness throughout. An unexpected love story with denial and modern era beliefs. Loved it! Definitely ready to jump into the next book in this series!
June 11, 2020
Lady Lily Jameson was an author, painter, and all-around nice girl. She and her family were spending two weeks at Laurel Ridge at the Lybrook estate. They were very excited about it. Lily didn't want to get married. She planned on finding a match for both her sister, Rose, and her brother, Thomas. So they would be to busy and she could paint and write to her heart's content.
Lord Daniel Farnsworth, The Duke of Lynbrook, was handsome, newly arrived from the continent, and a new duke. Both his father and his brother died about a year ago. She was going up an incline and someone grabbed her and kissed her deeply. Then he found out it was the wrong person. So he grabbed her again and kissed her a second time. The kiss was glorious.
The way their relationship started was quick, exciting, and sexy. I was able to read this in one sitting. I found it funny and very sad toward the end. There was a lot of action, entertaining, and was interesting. The characters are engaging and so full of life. It was delightful. I highly recommend this wonderful book.
I received this ARC from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed it.
Lord Daniel Farnsworth, The Duke of Lynbrook, was handsome, newly arrived from the continent, and a new duke. Both his father and his brother died about a year ago. She was going up an incline and someone grabbed her and kissed her deeply. Then he found out it was the wrong person. So he grabbed her again and kissed her a second time. The kiss was glorious.
The way their relationship started was quick, exciting, and sexy. I was able to read this in one sitting. I found it funny and very sad toward the end. There was a lot of action, entertaining, and was interesting. The characters are engaging and so full of life. It was delightful. I highly recommend this wonderful book.
I received this ARC from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed it.
February 21, 2019
Helen Hardt has fast become one of my favorite authors, and rightly so with writing books such as, Lily and the Duke.
Lily and Daniel's story was epically one for the books, literally...
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and am looking forward to Rose in Bloom, next. I no doubt give this book 5 amazing stars.
Lily and Daniel's story was epically one for the books, literally...
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and am looking forward to Rose in Bloom, next. I no doubt give this book 5 amazing stars.
October 15, 2020
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!
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