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Improper Liaisons #4
An Improper Duke
Having an affair with a heart-stoppingly handsome, much younger duke is all kinds of improper…but when he's also your stepson's best friend, it's positively scandalous.
Bookish Celia Wyndham, the widowed Lady Ashdown, has been half in love—and shockingly in lust—with her stepson's best friend, Hugo Dehavilland, the very eligible Duke of Tremayne for the longest time. When Hugo attends a week-long house party at Ashdown Hall—and then accidentally discovers he's the object of the viscountess's erotic fantasies—he suggests they embark on a passionate affair…a wicked proposition that Celia simply cannot refuse.
Bookish Celia Wyndham, the widowed Lady Ashdown, has been half in love—and shockingly in lust—with her stepson's best friend, Hugo Dehavilland, the very eligible Duke of Tremayne for the longest time. When Hugo attends a week-long house party at Ashdown Hall—and then accidentally discovers he's the object of the viscountess's erotic fantasies—he suggests they embark on a passionate affair…a wicked proposition that Celia simply cannot refuse.
95 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 15, 2024
8 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
About the author
Amy Rose Bennett
35 books645 followersAmy Rose Bennett is an award-winning Australian author who has a passion for penning emotion-packed historical romances and more recently, historical rom-coms with a dash of fantasy. A former speech pathologist, Amy is happily married to her very own romantic hero and has two lovely, exceedingly accomplished adult daughters. When she’s not creating stories, Amy loves to cook up a storm in the kitchen, lose herself in a good book, and when she can afford it, travel to all the places she writes about.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
January 8, 2025
2.5
Short and steamy.
Short and steamy.
January 31, 2024
Unveiling the Truth . . .
Celia Wyndham, Lady Ashdown, is left a widow at the age of 33. She had been attracted to her stepson’s best friend, Hugo Dehavilland, Duke of Tremayne, for some time now but never let it be known. She knows how scandalous and inappropriate it could seem. But when Hugo, who has also had feelings for her he could never act on, inadvertently discovers how she feels, he offers her an affair… which the lady does not want to refuse. Will they pursue their desires? Will they be caught? Would Andrew be appalled at their behavior? Or could there be a HEA waiting for them?
Celia Wyndham, Lady Ashdown, is left a widow at the age of 33. She had been attracted to her stepson’s best friend, Hugo Dehavilland, Duke of Tremayne, for some time now but never let it be known. She knows how scandalous and inappropriate it could seem. But when Hugo, who has also had feelings for her he could never act on, inadvertently discovers how she feels, he offers her an affair… which the lady does not want to refuse. Will they pursue their desires? Will they be caught? Would Andrew be appalled at their behavior? Or could there be a HEA waiting for them?
January 27, 2024
Thanks to BookSprout for a copy of this enovella and this is my freely given opinion.
Wow, this was a short, fiery little story! It packed a lot of romantic yearning and steam into something that was less than a 100 pages.
This is a reverse age-gap, hidden-love/lust historical romance. In this, the widowed Viscountess Ashdown, Celia, documents her unseemly lust for Hugo, the new Duke of Tremayne, in her diary. She is a young widow, of 34, whose marriage was lacking in passion, and she yearns to learn more. Ideally with the object of her lust and longing, Hugo. Unfortunately, this does not seem to be probable, as he is 8 years her younger, a young, handsome wealthy Duke, and also her stepson's best friend.
As she prepares to move to the Dower House, while Celia's stepson returns to the estate and plans his first house party, she and Hugo meet again. They had a friendship for many years, sharing a liking for history, when she helped him with his studies in the past, when he visited with his friend at the Ashdown estate. What Celia did not know though, was that Hugo was likewise attracted to her and developed a love for her for many years that he kept hidden. He was the son of a younger son, and never expected to inherit, and she was married to the Viscount, so out of his reach. When Hugo inadvertently reads her diary, and discovers her yearnings, he is given hope that he can use the opportunity to not just engage in an affair, but perhaps warm the heart of the woman he secretly loves to him.
Their affair is secretive, steamy, and graphic, including some voyeurism, with a core of romantic sweetness as the readers are made aware of Hugo and Celia's real feelings for each other, under their desire and lust for each other.
I wish there was an epilogue because I did not wish their story to end.
4.25 stars out of 5
Wow, this was a short, fiery little story! It packed a lot of romantic yearning and steam into something that was less than a 100 pages.
This is a reverse age-gap, hidden-love/lust historical romance. In this, the widowed Viscountess Ashdown, Celia, documents her unseemly lust for Hugo, the new Duke of Tremayne, in her diary. She is a young widow, of 34, whose marriage was lacking in passion, and she yearns to learn more. Ideally with the object of her lust and longing, Hugo. Unfortunately, this does not seem to be probable, as he is 8 years her younger, a young, handsome wealthy Duke, and also her stepson's best friend.
As she prepares to move to the Dower House, while Celia's stepson returns to the estate and plans his first house party, she and Hugo meet again. They had a friendship for many years, sharing a liking for history, when she helped him with his studies in the past, when he visited with his friend at the Ashdown estate. What Celia did not know though, was that Hugo was likewise attracted to her and developed a love for her for many years that he kept hidden. He was the son of a younger son, and never expected to inherit, and she was married to the Viscount, so out of his reach. When Hugo inadvertently reads her diary, and discovers her yearnings, he is given hope that he can use the opportunity to not just engage in an affair, but perhaps warm the heart of the woman he secretly loves to him.
Their affair is secretive, steamy, and graphic, including some voyeurism, with a core of romantic sweetness as the readers are made aware of Hugo and Celia's real feelings for each other, under their desire and lust for each other.
I wish there was an epilogue because I did not wish their story to end.
4.25 stars out of 5
January 31, 2024
This is the 2nd book I read by Amy Rose 🌹 Bennett. I loved ❤️ this book's storyline. I loved ❤️ the hot 🔥 & steamy scenes. I loved ❤️ Celia. I loved ❤️ Hugo. I loved ❤️ the ending. Awesome job Ms. Bennett.
May 21, 2025
mild 19th century cougar energy??? but not really
February 17, 2024
This short original Novella was unpredictable and extremely full of steam throughout. The characters were delightful. It was an entertaining page-turner which ended with a romantic and very happy ending! I definitely recommend reading this!
February 6, 2024
A fast paced read. I enjoyed it from the start. Hugo and Celia are perfect for each other. I enjoyed reading their story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 5, 2024
Too Short
Yes, too short but ever so delightful tale of a windowed older woman and a young man who have loved each other for a very long time. They come together in a sensual affair declaring their devotion to each other. Wonderfully written and very sexy. Totally enjoyed it.
Yes, too short but ever so delightful tale of a windowed older woman and a young man who have loved each other for a very long time. They come together in a sensual affair declaring their devotion to each other. Wonderfully written and very sexy. Totally enjoyed it.
February 1, 2024
I'm not usually a fan of age gap romances, so I wasn't really sure what to expect from this book. What I got was an exceptional story that I really loved. I am actually looking forward to the next book in the series, it was just that good. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book.
January 25, 2024
I really enjoyed this novella by Amy Rose Bennett. It was delightfully lighthearted and low angst with lots of steam. It appeared first in an anthology and is being released as a standalone novella. Thanks to BookSprout for the review copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
January 23, 2024
Surprise Ending!
The Widow Celia and Hugo, her stepson's best friend, light up the pages with this fascinating age-gap-with-a-difference story and although I had read it once before (in the 'I Like Big Dukes, And I Cannot Lie Anthology') I read it again and have enjoyed it just as much, if not more, this time around.
It is hot, romantic, has an ending which I would never have guessed and the characters are also 'just lovely'!
I read an ARC (Advance Reader Copy) supplied by Booksprout and am happy to leave my review.
The Widow Celia and Hugo, her stepson's best friend, light up the pages with this fascinating age-gap-with-a-difference story and although I had read it once before (in the 'I Like Big Dukes, And I Cannot Lie Anthology') I read it again and have enjoyed it just as much, if not more, this time around.
It is hot, romantic, has an ending which I would never have guessed and the characters are also 'just lovely'!
I read an ARC (Advance Reader Copy) supplied by Booksprout and am happy to leave my review.
January 18, 2024
A light hearted romance , an older woman (34) and younger man (26) Celia and Hugo. They make a great couple but there may be an issue with Andrew, her stepson and Hugo’s best friend. It’s a fun read that is entertaining and definitely worth reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and are voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and are voluntarily leaving a review.
January 24, 2024
Big thanks to Booksprout for a copy of this book. This review is written entirely of my own free will :)
Well.... this was a rather nice read wasn't it?! I mean, who wouldn't love a Duke who's a little younger than you, willing to do whatever the chuff you want him to do and is hot to boot? Sign me up please!
Hugo and Celia share a passion for each other, and have done for years but neither have acted on it, or shown to each other their feelings. Cue her step son (and Hugo's BFF) asking her to move out following the death of her husband a year ago (there's nothing like a house move to potentially misplace a smutty diary where everyone can see after all).
Lovely amount of smut (although I always want more, I have issues) and the detail was just mwah *chef's kiss*. In all seriousness though (and smut aside) it really is a lovely read. The characters are adorable, the plot is fun and kinky and I don't really have a bad word to say about it.
Highly recommended, no doubt I'll re-read again, just for the smut alone, and I'm definitely placing Amy Rose Bennett on my followers list on here & Amazon.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Well.... this was a rather nice read wasn't it?! I mean, who wouldn't love a Duke who's a little younger than you, willing to do whatever the chuff you want him to do and is hot to boot? Sign me up please!
Hugo and Celia share a passion for each other, and have done for years but neither have acted on it, or shown to each other their feelings. Cue her step son (and Hugo's BFF) asking her to move out following the death of her husband a year ago (there's nothing like a house move to potentially misplace a smutty diary where everyone can see after all).
Lovely amount of smut (although I always want more, I have issues) and the detail was just mwah *chef's kiss*. In all seriousness though (and smut aside) it really is a lovely read. The characters are adorable, the plot is fun and kinky and I don't really have a bad word to say about it.
Highly recommended, no doubt I'll re-read again, just for the smut alone, and I'm definitely placing Amy Rose Bennett on my followers list on here & Amazon.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 22, 2024
Hero: Hugo Dehavilland, late twenties, best friend of H stepson. A little bookish, risen from commoner to Duke.
Heroine: Celia Wyndham, 34, dowger viscountess, stepmama to Hugo best friend Andrew. Has had feelings and lusted after Hugo for years.
Her marriage to Andrews' father, who was significantly older, was good but lacked passion.
Now, a widow, the 2 get to explore their feelings and passion. Hugo finds Celias list of experiences that she would like to have with him, and so he offers to fulfill it when he's at Andrew's house for a house party. He loves her and wants to use this opportunity to show it can be more than the just the physical. Both are afraid of Andrew's reaction, but decide in the end they just have to deal with the fallout.
Given the length of this book, the focus is somewhat on the sex and not on character development, but that did not take away, making it a decent read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Heroine: Celia Wyndham, 34, dowger viscountess, stepmama to Hugo best friend Andrew. Has had feelings and lusted after Hugo for years.
Her marriage to Andrews' father, who was significantly older, was good but lacked passion.
Now, a widow, the 2 get to explore their feelings and passion. Hugo finds Celias list of experiences that she would like to have with him, and so he offers to fulfill it when he's at Andrew's house for a house party. He loves her and wants to use this opportunity to show it can be more than the just the physical. Both are afraid of Andrew's reaction, but decide in the end they just have to deal with the fallout.
Given the length of this book, the focus is somewhat on the sex and not on character development, but that did not take away, making it a decent read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 14, 2026
Kobo+ HRBC Mad About Series Challenge 2026. Novella. Tropes: Regency Romance, Love at First Sight, Forbidden Love, Best Friends stepmother, MILF, Erotica, Friends to Lovers, Widow.
h. Celia Wyndham, Lady Ashdown, 34, widow. Husband was an older man and passed away a year ago. He has a son, Andrew, now the Viscount. He asks her to move into the Dower house.
H. Hugo Dehavilland, Duke of Tremayne, 26. Best Friend, Andrew Wyndham, Viscount Ashdown, also six and twenty.
Hugo has secretly been in love with Celia since he was 21 and she assisted him in his Greek studies, and when he unwittingly sees her diary open and reads it, he knows he has a chance at winning her love.
This was an erotic romance filled with tender moments and many lust filled fantasies from Celia's diary. It was well written for a short romance just focusing on the two main characters. If you have widow fantasies with a younger man, this could be a book for you. I enjoyed it. I gave it 4 stars.
h. Celia Wyndham, Lady Ashdown, 34, widow. Husband was an older man and passed away a year ago. He has a son, Andrew, now the Viscount. He asks her to move into the Dower house.
H. Hugo Dehavilland, Duke of Tremayne, 26. Best Friend, Andrew Wyndham, Viscount Ashdown, also six and twenty.
Hugo has secretly been in love with Celia since he was 21 and she assisted him in his Greek studies, and when he unwittingly sees her diary open and reads it, he knows he has a chance at winning her love.
This was an erotic romance filled with tender moments and many lust filled fantasies from Celia's diary. It was well written for a short romance just focusing on the two main characters. If you have widow fantasies with a younger man, this could be a book for you. I enjoyed it. I gave it 4 stars.
January 23, 2024
I was so excited to see Amy had a new book out and was inviting ARC readers that I pushed buttons before I realised that I had already read 'An Improper Duke' in the I Like Big Dukes and I cannot Lie' book. I had marked it as 5 stars when I first read it and decided that I wanted to read it again as I enjoyed it so much the first time.
This book has a feel-good factor and makes me smile. I love that she is older than him. I love that he has loved her for longer than she has loved him and I love that her stepson saw what they both denied before they did. But the best bit is how perfect he is for her and how great they are together. Amy writes her steam with the right amount of heat and her characters are likable and believable. I would have happily read more about these two.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book has a feel-good factor and makes me smile. I love that she is older than him. I love that he has loved her for longer than she has loved him and I love that her stepson saw what they both denied before they did. But the best bit is how perfect he is for her and how great they are together. Amy writes her steam with the right amount of heat and her characters are likable and believable. I would have happily read more about these two.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 25, 2024
It’s not often that you can think of a book as both fiery and adorable, but that’s what An Improper Duke is! This novella warms the heart and fires up other parts of the anatomy in equal measure.
A lot of its charm lies in the fact that both Hugo and Celia are mad for one another. Sure, there are complications, like Celia being Hugo’s best friend’s stepmother, Hugo being a highly eligible duke, or Celia being eight years older than him. But this novella shows that the course of true love can be highly creative when both parties are willing to explore one another’s dreams and fantasies.
If you’re looking for a novella that is both sensual and appealing, An Improper Duke will fit the bill. I found myself smiling reading about this couple who reveal their love at the same time they reveal what they most desire.
A lot of its charm lies in the fact that both Hugo and Celia are mad for one another. Sure, there are complications, like Celia being Hugo’s best friend’s stepmother, Hugo being a highly eligible duke, or Celia being eight years older than him. But this novella shows that the course of true love can be highly creative when both parties are willing to explore one another’s dreams and fantasies.
If you’re looking for a novella that is both sensual and appealing, An Improper Duke will fit the bill. I found myself smiling reading about this couple who reveal their love at the same time they reveal what they most desire.
January 31, 2024
Widow Celia Wyndham and Hugh Dehavilland, a newly minted duke, have secretly admired each other from afar. Hugh is her stepson’s best friend whom Celia tutored when she was 28 and married and Hugh was still at university. They shared a joy of the classics in literature and an unvoiced attraction, given the circumstances. Hugh is attending a party given by his best friend, Andrew, but happens upon Celia before she leaves for her dower house. He also happens upon her diary, which reveals her explicit erotic desires…ones that she hopes will be bestowed upon her by “H”. Despite its brevity, the story will capture a reader’s heart with a little steam along the way. Read how a plump sweet woman is the heart’s desire of a young man 8 years younger. It is simply lovely.
I have received an ARC via Booksprout and I am leaving an unbiased review voluntarily.
I have received an ARC via Booksprout and I am leaving an unbiased review voluntarily.
January 30, 2024
Celia Wyndham, the widowed Lady Ashdown, has had deliciously naughty dreams about her stepson’s best friend for quite a while. When Hugo Dehavilland, Duke of Tremayne, arrives for Andrew’s house party at Ashdown Hall, he is more than willing to make Celia’s dreams come true. They have a steamy affair during the house party, at the Dower house, away from the other party goers. Hugo wants more. This is a delightful age-gap romance. It is a bit different in that the heroine is a few years older than the hero. Celia and Hugo definitely have chemistry, but are wary of upsetting Andrew. Andrew is cagey, and his reaction to their relationship is an unexpected surprise. Short, steamy, and enjoyable.
I received an ARC of this book via BookSprout and voluntarily reviewed it.
I received an ARC of this book via BookSprout and voluntarily reviewed it.
January 28, 2024
The author provides a hot, steamy, and enjoyable read featuring two lovable characters, Celia and Hugo. After a year of widowhood, Celia realizes she wants more out of life. After discovering her aspirations and sexual fantasies, Hugo is delighted to give her a luscious week. Their connection revolves around mutual respect. What a great idea, and a refreshing variation from the typical romance, to present this age-gap story with a heroine older than the hero. The story is enthralling and well-written, with a good mix of warmth, romance, and sensuality.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 1, 2024
It feels like Amy Rose Bennett is writing this series of novellas just to show that people found ways of getting up to fun even way back in history despite what historians and historical romances use to present. Which of course they did because they were human beings with human appetites just like we have now. I enjoyed reading about the adventures that widow Celia and her stepson’s best friend Hugo get up to. The way they discover their common interests is well plotted and let’s just say that most of the book is about them discovering common ground. Very fun read if you like this kind of thing.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 1, 2024
The diary thoughts of the heroine become real life incidents played out by the hero in this fun and sexy novel! Our heroine finally gets to live her best life and experience the love she desires in the arms of the hero while relegated to the Dowager House during her step-son's house party. His best friend is her object of fantasy come true life lover. Will they be caught? Will they fall in love or part ways? And just how many of her fantasies do they play out in real life??? Pick up this fabulous book to find out!!
January 30, 2024
An erotic, steamy read!
Hugo and Celia had a secret passion for each other for years yet it was only now they could indulge what they had both wanted.
The steam oozes of the pages from the beginning of the storyline.
The emotions and excitement they both have for each other is felt throughout the book.
This is one hot sizzling novella with a HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Hugo and Celia had a secret passion for each other for years yet it was only now they could indulge what they had both wanted.
The steam oozes of the pages from the beginning of the storyline.
The emotions and excitement they both have for each other is felt throughout the book.
This is one hot sizzling novella with a HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 8, 2024
This is a short and quick read that is just delightful. The story is about Celia, Lady Ashdown, and Hugo, Duke of Tremayne. At thirty three she is a widow and has been attracted to Hugo for some time. The problem is that Hugo is her stepson's best friend. A scandalous temptation she would never think to indulge in. However, at a week long house party he finds out about her deserves he sets into motion an affair. I enjoyed this story and love what was on his list.
February 28, 2024
Short story about Hugh and Celia, a widow. Hugh is Celia's stepson's best friend and young than her. She has always fantasized about him. He was always in love with her but they were both afraid to admit their feelings until one day when Hugh read Celia's diary and they were some steamy things she imagined doing with him. Turns out they both agreed to have some stolen time together when her stepson was hosting a house party. This was a good short story and a bit steamy.
January 20, 2024
This was a very quick raunchy steamy easy read novella. I did enjoy the Dukes effort towards ticking off the erotic wish list that was written by Lady Ashdown. Really well written intimacy scenes with a romantic tension and a happily ever after ending.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 31, 2024
The title is apt .The story was intriguing seeing that a young man fell for a lady 8 years senior to him and maybe the story is becoming common with a famous man in late 40'smarrying a lady in early60's.A nice story and the necessary sexual scenes have been cleverly weaved in the story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 1, 2024
Lady Celia’s naughty list… Oh, this is a fun one. A short, steamy, wish fulfillment novella. In which 34 year old, widowed Celia embarks on an adventure with Hugo, her stepsons friend, who happens to be a most handsome Duke, eight years younger than her. Hugo is only too happy to help Celia check off her list. Highly recommend.
February 7, 2024
An impetuous affair between an older woman and her stepson’s best friend? So much can go wrong, but when Hugo finds Celia’s naughty list and proposes to cross off each item, everything goes right. What follows is tawdry love affair, plenty of sneaking around, steam and tender affection. This story is short and sweet but oh so naughty. A delightful blend.
February 24, 2026
HOT HOT HOT!! My new favourite spicy HR author next to Scarlett Scott! This book is like a short rendition of Sophie Jordan’s The Scandal of It All due to their similarities : younger MMC with an older widow FMC, FMC is MMC’s bestfriend’s stepmother, MMC had lusted after FMC for years, basically this hits all my favourite tropes haha so an instant 5-star!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews