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The Byronic Book Club #1
Up All Night with a Good Duke: The Byronic Book Club, Book 1
Artemis Jones—respectable finishing-school teacher by day and Gothic-romance writer by night—has never lost sight of her real to open her own academic ladies' college. When she’s unexpectedly called upon by a dear friend, a fellow Byronic Book Club member, to navigate her first London Season, she comes at once—who knows, perhaps she can court the interest of a wealthy patron for her school. It’ll all be fine as long as she can avoid her high-handed aunt's schemes to marry her off…
Dominic Winters, the widowed Duke of Dartmoor, needs a wife—someone who will provide him with an heir and help him manage his spitfire adolescent daughter. The problem is, Society has dubbed him The Dastardly Duke. Rumors are rife that he murdered his mad wife so his choices for a suitable bride are limited. But then he meets the ravishing and passionate Artemis Jones…who might just be everything he needs.
Dominic Winters, the widowed Duke of Dartmoor, needs a wife—someone who will provide him with an heir and help him manage his spitfire adolescent daughter. The problem is, Society has dubbed him The Dastardly Duke. Rumors are rife that he murdered his mad wife so his choices for a suitable bride are limited. But then he meets the ravishing and passionate Artemis Jones…who might just be everything he needs.
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First published June 28, 2022
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About the author
Amy Rose Bennett
35 books603 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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June 3, 2022
Up All Night with a Good Duke
by Amy Rose Bennett is a historical romance set largely in London in 1858. Artemis Jones is a finishing school teacher for young women who is also secretly penning Gothic romances. Her dream is to open her own academic college for women. When her good friend asks her to help her through her first London Season, Artemis quits her job and comes at once. The widowed Duke of Dartmoor, Dominic Winters, needs a wife to help him with his daughter and to provide him with a son. Unfortunately, rumors abound that he killed his first wife. Therefore, he is shunned by most of his peers. When Artemis and Dominic meet, sparks fly.
Dominic is confident, charismatic, charming, forward thinking, and attractive. However, due to the rumors, he is also lonely and tries to avoid dealing with anything that’s difficult or painful (unless it’s business). Artemis is opinionated, difficult, unconventional, pragmatic, beautiful, and intelligent. Celeste, Dominic’s teenage daughter, is bored and lonely. Both characters are likeable, but I had a hard time accepting that Dominic would have let the rumors continue for years without trying to combat them.
While the novel is somewhat predictable, I felt connected to their story and wanted them to work through their issues. Will respect and attraction become more or not? Their dynamic was one of the most compelling aspects of the story. While some of the novel was a little over the top and the romance progressed rather quickly, I went with the flow and enjoyed it. There are several steamy scenes throughout the novel. The author shines a light on some deeper themes including loneliness, how gossip can affect lives, women’s rights, assaults of various types, jealousy, secrets, censorship, and much more.
Overall, this was an entertaining and fun novel. The endearing characters kept me engaged throughout. I also enjoyed the literary references. This is the first book in the Byronic Book Club series and I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca and Amy Rose Bennett provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for June 28, 2022.
Dominic is confident, charismatic, charming, forward thinking, and attractive. However, due to the rumors, he is also lonely and tries to avoid dealing with anything that’s difficult or painful (unless it’s business). Artemis is opinionated, difficult, unconventional, pragmatic, beautiful, and intelligent. Celeste, Dominic’s teenage daughter, is bored and lonely. Both characters are likeable, but I had a hard time accepting that Dominic would have let the rumors continue for years without trying to combat them.
While the novel is somewhat predictable, I felt connected to their story and wanted them to work through their issues. Will respect and attraction become more or not? Their dynamic was one of the most compelling aspects of the story. While some of the novel was a little over the top and the romance progressed rather quickly, I went with the flow and enjoyed it. There are several steamy scenes throughout the novel. The author shines a light on some deeper themes including loneliness, how gossip can affect lives, women’s rights, assaults of various types, jealousy, secrets, censorship, and much more.
Overall, this was an entertaining and fun novel. The endearing characters kept me engaged throughout. I also enjoyed the literary references. This is the first book in the Byronic Book Club series and I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca and Amy Rose Bennett provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for June 28, 2022.
June 27, 2022
Up All Night with a Good Duke by Amy Rose Bennett
Historical romance. 1st book in The Byronic Book Club series.
Artemis Jones is a spinster and has no intention or inclination to get married. But having a season is the only way her Aunt will sponsor a season for her younger sister, so Artemis heads home. She accidentally runs into a man in the rain at the train station. He leaves an impression but each end up going their own direction. Fate’s first meeting?
So much going on in this book. From social events of regency upper class or “ton” to bluestocking views on fiction novels to a missing first wife, and a cad of a brother-in-law. It all flows together as Artemis and Dominic get to know each other and make an impact on the other’s life. The mystery deepens and then isn’t a mystery? There might be a ghost, but no, maybe not. Just a very intuitive woman?
As I said, a lot of plot lines to follow. HEA in the end so I’m happy.
“She chided herself for acting like the caper-witted debutante she used to be.”
I consider myself well educated but this book had me reaching for the dictionary often. When I was only at 17% and looking up yet another word, I started writing them down. I’m sharing because I’m amused when people say you don’t learn anything from reading fiction. Some of these I knew, some could be figured out by the sentence, while others surprised me.
Temerity, Soubriquet, Lorgnette, Parsimonious, Catherine wheel, megrim, Bowling (not the game), Costermonger, Postprandial, Banyan, Miasma.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
Historical romance. 1st book in The Byronic Book Club series.
Artemis Jones is a spinster and has no intention or inclination to get married. But having a season is the only way her Aunt will sponsor a season for her younger sister, so Artemis heads home. She accidentally runs into a man in the rain at the train station. He leaves an impression but each end up going their own direction. Fate’s first meeting?
So much going on in this book. From social events of regency upper class or “ton” to bluestocking views on fiction novels to a missing first wife, and a cad of a brother-in-law. It all flows together as Artemis and Dominic get to know each other and make an impact on the other’s life. The mystery deepens and then isn’t a mystery? There might be a ghost, but no, maybe not. Just a very intuitive woman?
As I said, a lot of plot lines to follow. HEA in the end so I’m happy.
“She chided herself for acting like the caper-witted debutante she used to be.”
I consider myself well educated but this book had me reaching for the dictionary often. When I was only at 17% and looking up yet another word, I started writing them down. I’m sharing because I’m amused when people say you don’t learn anything from reading fiction. Some of these I knew, some could be figured out by the sentence, while others surprised me.
Temerity, Soubriquet, Lorgnette, Parsimonious, Catherine wheel, megrim, Bowling (not the game), Costermonger, Postprandial, Banyan, Miasma.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
June 29, 2022
✨Dartmoor's Titanic Truncheon✨
This was so so so much fun!! It just made me so happy! I knew pretty instantly that the writing style was absolutely up my alley, yet I kept getting surprised by the next line that spoke to my soul. She is an undercover romance author and he's a misunderstood duke so really, I was born to read this book.
Artemis was such a goddess I love her to pieces!! That scene when she flaunted her engagement ring to the maid out of pettiness was MARVELOUS. We deserve petty queens! So many times heroines try to take the high road but she took the fun road and I love that journey for us 💅 I loved her relationship with both Dominic and Celeste. There were so many sweet and endearing moments between them, as well as flaming chemistry with her duke.
- Also for those who aren't a fan of romance authors in books who haven't actually had sex, never fear! Artemis is both an author and someone who enjoys having sex! I don't really mind when the heroines are inexperienced, but I really loved Artemis's dynamic here.
On that note, Dominic was such a fun character for me to read about. I am not normally used to heroes who have 15 year old daughters or who are pretty willing to sleep with the heroines right away. He was DTF and made it very evident. He was also just so hot and cute and sweet and misunderstood. I was rooting for him at all times!
There wasn't really a third act breakup, but the drama was still there! I love when the characters are unwillingly forced apart, rather than of their own volition. The villains got their just deserts and the HEA was just so perfect. There was a sick scene, proper steamy times, and fantastic euphemisms for that length of velvet encased steel we know and love.
The sex we got was hot but it could’ve utilized some longer more frequent scenes. She cotton-mouthed him on a TRAIN after taking off his suspenders and it was so perfect. We also had him use the word pussy once and this is totally personal preference but I LOVE IT in historical romances. I literally have a tag for books that use the words cock and pussy together lol. He was just such an under the radar baddie I love him. The writing was so good during the scenes it’s really just a civic duty to include more. That’s my only qualm really!
I already can't wait for Lucy's book! I went it to this book having never read Amy Rose Bennett before, but I'm definitely a convert now. I have a few of her other books on my shelf and will try to get to them as soon as I can because wow I had such a good time.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶🌶🌶.25/5
CW: loss of a child, death of a spouse, kidnapping
Thanks to the publisher for gifting me an eARC and audiobook via NetGalley! All opinions are honest and my own.
This was so so so much fun!! It just made me so happy! I knew pretty instantly that the writing style was absolutely up my alley, yet I kept getting surprised by the next line that spoke to my soul. She is an undercover romance author and he's a misunderstood duke so really, I was born to read this book.
Artemis was such a goddess I love her to pieces!! That scene when she flaunted her engagement ring to the maid out of pettiness was MARVELOUS. We deserve petty queens! So many times heroines try to take the high road but she took the fun road and I love that journey for us 💅 I loved her relationship with both Dominic and Celeste. There were so many sweet and endearing moments between them, as well as flaming chemistry with her duke.
- Also for those who aren't a fan of romance authors in books who haven't actually had sex, never fear! Artemis is both an author and someone who enjoys having sex! I don't really mind when the heroines are inexperienced, but I really loved Artemis's dynamic here.
On that note, Dominic was such a fun character for me to read about. I am not normally used to heroes who have 15 year old daughters or who are pretty willing to sleep with the heroines right away. He was DTF and made it very evident. He was also just so hot and cute and sweet and misunderstood. I was rooting for him at all times!
There wasn't really a third act breakup, but the drama was still there! I love when the characters are unwillingly forced apart, rather than of their own volition. The villains got their just deserts and the HEA was just so perfect. There was a sick scene, proper steamy times, and fantastic euphemisms for that length of velvet encased steel we know and love.
The sex we got was hot but it could’ve utilized some longer more frequent scenes. She cotton-mouthed him on a TRAIN after taking off his suspenders and it was so perfect. We also had him use the word pussy once and this is totally personal preference but I LOVE IT in historical romances. I literally have a tag for books that use the words cock and pussy together lol. He was just such an under the radar baddie I love him. The writing was so good during the scenes it’s really just a civic duty to include more. That’s my only qualm really!
I already can't wait for Lucy's book! I went it to this book having never read Amy Rose Bennett before, but I'm definitely a convert now. I have a few of her other books on my shelf and will try to get to them as soon as I can because wow I had such a good time.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶🌶🌶.25/5
CW: loss of a child, death of a spouse, kidnapping
Thanks to the publisher for gifting me an eARC and audiobook via NetGalley! All opinions are honest and my own.
June 21, 2022
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot/Storyline: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Humor: Just a bit
Perspective: Third person perspective from both hero and heroine’s heads
(These are all personal preference on a scale of 1-5 (yours ratings may vary depending what gives you feels and how you prefer you sex scenes written, etc) except the Steam Scale which follows our chart from The Ton and Tartans Book Club )
“Lucifer’s love truncheon,” Artemis muttered without thinking. And then her heart did an odd little tumble when she realized that the man had put out a hand to stop her from slipping. His fingers were curled about her elbow, and when she looked up, her gaze collided with his. Caught.
Lingered.
Lucifer’s love truncheon indeed...
Basic plot:
Artemis would love to open her own ladies college where women would be able to learn all subjects. When he friend asks her to return to London to navigate a season with her, she takes up the opportunity to search for a benefactor. Dominic, known to society as the Dastardly Duke after the suspicious death of his wife, is considering taking on a wife to help guide his teenage daughter. Not that anyone would have him with his reputation...but he keeps running into the very unique Artemis Jones and finds her utterly tempting.
Give this a try if you want:
- Bluestocking heroine
- Child in the story – Dominic’s 15 year old daughter has plenty of page time
- Experienced hero – heroine had a relationship before that ended badly, and has studied plenty of books about the subject
- Fake relationship – these two have a fake betrothal for part of the story
- A bit of hero loves first feel – it takes longer for the heroine to come around and admit her feelings
- Heroine nurses hero back to health
- Secret identity
- Compromised (ruined) heroine
- Secret writer (heroine)
- Victorian time period (1858)
- A mix of London setting and country home
- A touch of class difference, though it’s not a big deal in the story – hero is a duke, heroine is the daughter of a vicar (but her aunt is a dowager Baroness)
Ages:
- Heroine is 29, hero is 38
My thoughts:
I am a bit conflicted on this one – I did love so much about it. But I also struggled with a couple things that hindered my enjoyment a bit. Overall though I think it was a great story. It was my first by Amy Rose Bennett and I would definitely try her again.
Artemis is self described as a ‘rebellious bluestocking. Jaded spinster. Almost 30 year old woman who is not virginal or pure or blue-blooded but has a sharp tongue and radical ideas who never want to marry.’ And I really enjoyed her! She’s strong, smart and independent. She goes after what she wants. She doesn’t need anyone to take care of her, but the duke becomes the partner to match her she never knew she needed.
Dominic was just lovely. His back story was heartbreaking and society judges him for it. I enjoyed his relationship with his 15 year old daughter, Celeste. I liked how open and honest he was. I liked that he loved Artemis first. I loved that he didn’t have a problem coming to terms with his feelings or apologizing when needed to. He was just a lovely man and a hero I fell in love with.
My struggles were a bit of the pacing – and I really wanted Dominic and Artemis together more than they were. There was a decent amount of them (especially Artemis) doing their own things and not being together. And it was a good 20%+ before they really spent any time together. So I wanted more of that.
I also wanted just a bit more from some of the issues in the book. Celeste ended up just liking Artemis and getting along with her but I felt like their relationship was kind of glazed over especially after Artemis plays a part in Celeste’s removal to the country.
There also was a bit of instalust feel for me with these two because they weren’t spending a ton of time together but when they were, they were very handsy and steamy. Which I am okay with! But, I just lost a bit of that tension because they didn’t know each other super well before wanting each other so badly.
The ending too was a bit much for me. The book had plenty to go on already so this large combination of ending bombshells was not needed for me personally.
Still, I was really intrigued by Bennett’s writing and will definitely be trying more of her novels! It was a great introduction to her work for me.
A few other notes:
Content Warnings:
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
Plot/Storyline: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Humor: Just a bit
Perspective: Third person perspective from both hero and heroine’s heads
(These are all personal preference on a scale of 1-5 (yours ratings may vary depending what gives you feels and how you prefer you sex scenes written, etc) except the Steam Scale which follows our chart from The Ton and Tartans Book Club )
“Lucifer’s love truncheon,” Artemis muttered without thinking. And then her heart did an odd little tumble when she realized that the man had put out a hand to stop her from slipping. His fingers were curled about her elbow, and when she looked up, her gaze collided with his. Caught.
Lingered.
Lucifer’s love truncheon indeed...
Basic plot:
Artemis would love to open her own ladies college where women would be able to learn all subjects. When he friend asks her to return to London to navigate a season with her, she takes up the opportunity to search for a benefactor. Dominic, known to society as the Dastardly Duke after the suspicious death of his wife, is considering taking on a wife to help guide his teenage daughter. Not that anyone would have him with his reputation...but he keeps running into the very unique Artemis Jones and finds her utterly tempting.
Give this a try if you want:
- Bluestocking heroine
- Child in the story – Dominic’s 15 year old daughter has plenty of page time
- Experienced hero – heroine had a relationship before that ended badly, and has studied plenty of books about the subject
- Fake relationship – these two have a fake betrothal for part of the story
- A bit of hero loves first feel – it takes longer for the heroine to come around and admit her feelings
- Heroine nurses hero back to health
- Secret identity
- Compromised (ruined) heroine
- Secret writer (heroine)
- Victorian time period (1858)
- A mix of London setting and country home
- A touch of class difference, though it’s not a big deal in the story – hero is a duke, heroine is the daughter of a vicar (but her aunt is a dowager Baroness)
Ages:
- Heroine is 29, hero is 38
My thoughts:
I am a bit conflicted on this one – I did love so much about it. But I also struggled with a couple things that hindered my enjoyment a bit. Overall though I think it was a great story. It was my first by Amy Rose Bennett and I would definitely try her again.
Artemis is self described as a ‘rebellious bluestocking. Jaded spinster. Almost 30 year old woman who is not virginal or pure or blue-blooded but has a sharp tongue and radical ideas who never want to marry.’ And I really enjoyed her! She’s strong, smart and independent. She goes after what she wants. She doesn’t need anyone to take care of her, but the duke becomes the partner to match her she never knew she needed.
Dominic was just lovely. His back story was heartbreaking and society judges him for it. I enjoyed his relationship with his 15 year old daughter, Celeste. I liked how open and honest he was. I liked that he loved Artemis first. I loved that he didn’t have a problem coming to terms with his feelings or apologizing when needed to. He was just a lovely man and a hero I fell in love with.
My struggles were a bit of the pacing – and I really wanted Dominic and Artemis together more than they were. There was a decent amount of them (especially Artemis) doing their own things and not being together. And it was a good 20%+ before they really spent any time together. So I wanted more of that.
I also wanted just a bit more from some of the issues in the book. Celeste ended up just liking Artemis and getting along with her but I felt like their relationship was kind of glazed over especially after Artemis plays a part in Celeste’s removal to the country.
There also was a bit of instalust feel for me with these two because they weren’t spending a ton of time together but when they were, they were very handsy and steamy. Which I am okay with! But, I just lost a bit of that tension because they didn’t know each other super well before wanting each other so badly.
The ending too was a bit much for me. The book had plenty to go on already so this large combination of ending bombshells was not needed for me personally.
Still, I was really intrigued by Bennett’s writing and will definitely be trying more of her novels! It was a great introduction to her work for me.
A few other notes:
Content Warnings:
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
July 1, 2022
Artemis is a finishing school teacher by day, Gothic romance writer by night. She dreams of owning a ladies academic college and will do anything to bring that dream to reality.
Dominic, the dastardly Duke of Dartmoor, needs a wife to help bring his 15 year old daughter in line. Brides aren't exactly lining up as it's rumored he killed his mad wife. When the two meet up they agree on a relationship that may be mutually beneficial, as long as neither of them catch feelings.
I really enjoyed this. The story built gradually and then the last 20 percent had me completely riveted. I loved this couple and felt they had great chemistry, and I also enjoyed the mysterious subplot quite a bit.
And how cool is it that our heroine writes Gothic romance? I love it!
The narrator was great and really elevated the reading experience.
I received an audio ARC for review.
Dominic, the dastardly Duke of Dartmoor, needs a wife to help bring his 15 year old daughter in line. Brides aren't exactly lining up as it's rumored he killed his mad wife. When the two meet up they agree on a relationship that may be mutually beneficial, as long as neither of them catch feelings.
I really enjoyed this. The story built gradually and then the last 20 percent had me completely riveted. I loved this couple and felt they had great chemistry, and I also enjoyed the mysterious subplot quite a bit.
And how cool is it that our heroine writes Gothic romance? I love it!
The narrator was great and really elevated the reading experience.
I received an audio ARC for review.
June 25, 2022
What a fantastic start to a new series from one of my favourite historical romance authors, this book has everything in it, a beautiful sensual romance, wonderful characters, it is witty, sigh worthy and a page turner, Amy Rose Bennett never disappoints me with her stories and this one is sure to please readers in so many ways.
Let’s meet our heroine Artemis Jones, she is a finishing school teacher and she also writes steamy gothic romance novels, she is determined to stay single and is convinced that being twenty nine she is firmly on the shelf which all goes towards her plan to open up her own school for young ladies. Life is just about to change for Artemis when one of her Byronic Book Club friends Lucy desperately needs her help in London which means a London season for Artemis as well.
Our hero is the Dastardly Duke of Dartmoor, Dominic Winters, but is he dastardly, and he needs a wife someone to give him an heir and to help with his fifteen year old daughter Celeste, but with the name he is called and the rumours about him this is not going to be easy, a meeting in the streets in the rain with a beautiful redhead, call it fate maybe but this is about to change his life.
The sparks fly and lust grows as Dominic and Artemis come to terms with an agreement that will help both of them with what they want, throw in a ruined sister and a dangerous threat and Artemis soon realises that she is losing her heart to a man something she never thought she would do and Dominic never thought to love again, but they suit each other in more ways than one.
This is a beautifully written story, I loved it from page one, the witty banter between them had me smiling and laughing as Artemis uses phrases from her novels, Dominic knows how to love a woman and their time together sizzles. This is one that I would highly recommend, truly I smiled so much and was cheering them on, a must read book and I can’t wait for book two.
My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my copy to read and review.
Let’s meet our heroine Artemis Jones, she is a finishing school teacher and she also writes steamy gothic romance novels, she is determined to stay single and is convinced that being twenty nine she is firmly on the shelf which all goes towards her plan to open up her own school for young ladies. Life is just about to change for Artemis when one of her Byronic Book Club friends Lucy desperately needs her help in London which means a London season for Artemis as well.
Our hero is the Dastardly Duke of Dartmoor, Dominic Winters, but is he dastardly, and he needs a wife someone to give him an heir and to help with his fifteen year old daughter Celeste, but with the name he is called and the rumours about him this is not going to be easy, a meeting in the streets in the rain with a beautiful redhead, call it fate maybe but this is about to change his life.
The sparks fly and lust grows as Dominic and Artemis come to terms with an agreement that will help both of them with what they want, throw in a ruined sister and a dangerous threat and Artemis soon realises that she is losing her heart to a man something she never thought she would do and Dominic never thought to love again, but they suit each other in more ways than one.
This is a beautifully written story, I loved it from page one, the witty banter between them had me smiling and laughing as Artemis uses phrases from her novels, Dominic knows how to love a woman and their time together sizzles. This is one that I would highly recommend, truly I smiled so much and was cheering them on, a must read book and I can’t wait for book two.
My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my copy to read and review.
May 17, 2022
UNCONVINCING ROMANCE
I was not swept away. I was hardly even entertained. Sadly, this was a let down for me - one, I will have probably forgotten before this review is written.
👎 What I Disliked 👎
Predictable: There were a few contrived twists to this story that didn't manage to take me by surprise. While they were obviously meant to take astonish you, they just fell flat. I saw them all coming a mile away.
Characters: Our two heroes, Artemis and Dominic, did little to engage me either. They didn't speak to me. They didn't make me invested in them. I couldn't connect with them or feel them as characters.
Romance: Perhaps because the characters fell flat, the supposed romance went the same way. I simply could not see how Artemis and Dominic could fall for one another. I didn't get the attraction. It didn't sparkle or leap off the page in any way. Not even a flicker or an ember could I feel.
ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
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I was not swept away. I was hardly even entertained. Sadly, this was a let down for me - one, I will have probably forgotten before this review is written.
👎 What I Disliked 👎
Predictable: There were a few contrived twists to this story that didn't manage to take me by surprise. While they were obviously meant to take astonish you, they just fell flat. I saw them all coming a mile away.
Characters: Our two heroes, Artemis and Dominic, did little to engage me either. They didn't speak to me. They didn't make me invested in them. I couldn't connect with them or feel them as characters.
Romance: Perhaps because the characters fell flat, the supposed romance went the same way. I simply could not see how Artemis and Dominic could fall for one another. I didn't get the attraction. It didn't sparkle or leap off the page in any way. Not even a flicker or an ember could I feel.
ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
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January 23, 2023
There is a touch of mystery, not much but a mystery nonetheless, in this wonderful story about a beautiful redheaded bluestocking and a dastardly duke. I found the premise, that all girls should be educated, and how it was presented a tad forward for an Historical Romance. I realize that this and other issues presented here, were serious for the time, but not quite what I was looking for. The heroine, like many I've seen before, feels that because she is smart, she can't possibly be happy if she marries. I'm not a fan if that trope.
Artimus Jones is smarter that is fashionable in 1850's England. When not teaching, she writes gothic romance novels. She quit her job after receiving a letter from her best friend on the heels of being reprimanded at the finishing school she is employed at. Now, at 29, she is reluctantly participating in her second season. But she isn't interested in securing a husband, she is there to support her sister and her best friend and in securing funding to open a finishing school that would truly educate young ladies.
Dominic Winters, the Duke of Dartmoor, is a member of the ton, but because his wife died under mysterious circumstances, he has earned the nickname of the Dastardly Duke. A chance meeting with a bewitching redheaded woman has brought to the fore his need to find a wife and mother for his 15-year-old headstrong daughter. Miss Jones is an intriguing woman and when she comes to him with an outrageous proposition, he is not sure where things are going, but he wants to be along for the ride.
Artimus Jones is smarter that is fashionable in 1850's England. When not teaching, she writes gothic romance novels. She quit her job after receiving a letter from her best friend on the heels of being reprimanded at the finishing school she is employed at. Now, at 29, she is reluctantly participating in her second season. But she isn't interested in securing a husband, she is there to support her sister and her best friend and in securing funding to open a finishing school that would truly educate young ladies.
Dominic Winters, the Duke of Dartmoor, is a member of the ton, but because his wife died under mysterious circumstances, he has earned the nickname of the Dastardly Duke. A chance meeting with a bewitching redheaded woman has brought to the fore his need to find a wife and mother for his 15-year-old headstrong daughter. Miss Jones is an intriguing woman and when she comes to him with an outrageous proposition, he is not sure where things are going, but he wants to be along for the ride.
January 25, 2023
This was an engaging, witty, and delightful read. I highly recommend this read if you like steamy, witty, and engaging historical romance.
This follows Artimis who is a finishing-school teacher and secretly a gothic romance author. She has dreams to open an acedemic ladies college, which means her future does not have time or room for a husband. Dominic is a widowed Duke who has a 15 year old daughter he is desperately trying to understand. Artimis and Dominic cross paths in the London season. Artimis has an aunt who has different plans for her niece's future and Dominic needs a new wife and help with his daughter. Dominic unfortunately has been labeled "the Dastardly Duke" after his wife's death and rumors are labeling him responsible. Together, they plan a scheme to get Artimis' aunt to stop her meddling that ends up backfiring....
This had me laughing at multiple points and I found myself fully obsessed with the story from start to finish. I loved the two characters and I loved how Artimis and his daughter grew close. I listened to the audiobook and I also loved the narrator. Amy Rose Bennett is a new to me author and I am excited to pick up more from her.
A huge thank you to netgalley and the publishers for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest thoughts.
This follows Artimis who is a finishing-school teacher and secretly a gothic romance author. She has dreams to open an acedemic ladies college, which means her future does not have time or room for a husband. Dominic is a widowed Duke who has a 15 year old daughter he is desperately trying to understand. Artimis and Dominic cross paths in the London season. Artimis has an aunt who has different plans for her niece's future and Dominic needs a new wife and help with his daughter. Dominic unfortunately has been labeled "the Dastardly Duke" after his wife's death and rumors are labeling him responsible. Together, they plan a scheme to get Artimis' aunt to stop her meddling that ends up backfiring....
This had me laughing at multiple points and I found myself fully obsessed with the story from start to finish. I loved the two characters and I loved how Artimis and his daughter grew close. I listened to the audiobook and I also loved the narrator. Amy Rose Bennett is a new to me author and I am excited to pick up more from her.
A huge thank you to netgalley and the publishers for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest thoughts.
June 11, 2022
Miss Artemis Jones returns to London to help a friend navigate the season, and hopes to find a patron to help make her dreams of opening a women's college a reality. Dominic Winters, widowed Duke of Dartmoor, is looking for a wife to help guide his teenage daughter, but ugly rumors about his past have limited his options. Will a chance meeting between Artemis and Dominic turn into exactly what they both need?
This is the first book in a new series, The Byronic Book Club. As the story opens, Artemis Jonesis is working as a finishing-school teacher by day and Gothic romance writer by night. She quits her position when a friend asks for her help, and returns to town with a plan: thwart her aunt's attempt to manage her life and find a backer for her academic academy. But a meet-cute with a handsome duke was not in her plans.
I thought this story was fun and I enjoyed the playful relationship between Dominic and Artemis. Some secrets took longer to come out than others, but I do like that they confided in each other and built a relationship with trust and substance. I also enjoyed the development of the relationship between Artemis and Dominic's daughter, Celeste.
Tropes: Spinster, Bluestocking, Working Heroine, Secret Job, Widower, Fake Relationship, Compromised
Steam: 4
* I received an ARC and this is my honest review. #UpAllNightWithAGoodDuke #NetGalley
This is the first book in a new series, The Byronic Book Club. As the story opens, Artemis Jonesis is working as a finishing-school teacher by day and Gothic romance writer by night. She quits her position when a friend asks for her help, and returns to town with a plan: thwart her aunt's attempt to manage her life and find a backer for her academic academy. But a meet-cute with a handsome duke was not in her plans.
I thought this story was fun and I enjoyed the playful relationship between Dominic and Artemis. Some secrets took longer to come out than others, but I do like that they confided in each other and built a relationship with trust and substance. I also enjoyed the development of the relationship between Artemis and Dominic's daughter, Celeste.
Tropes: Spinster, Bluestocking, Working Heroine, Secret Job, Widower, Fake Relationship, Compromised
Steam: 4
* I received an ARC and this is my honest review. #UpAllNightWithAGoodDuke #NetGalley
July 5, 2023
I had so much fun with this historical! The heroine is a secret gothic romance author and I loved how that played into the storyline. She meets the hero, who is taking care of his daughter (who happens to be a moody teenager who loves reading the romance novels he detests). The heroine has to enter London society to help her friend and literally runs into the hero and cannot forget him. There were a few slow moments throughout the story, but I loved how he was a single father and how his daughter was a bit older and had an important part to the plot. It was fun reading about a romance author and watching the characters fall in love!
June 28, 2022
4.5 stars, rounded up
After a disastrous first season that ended in heartbreak, Artemis Jones swore off marriage and set her site on a new goal, opening an academic college for women and she spends the next 10 years pursuing that goal by working as a teacher in a finishing school by day and writing the wildly popular gothic novels by Lydia Lovelace at night, she is close, but still doesn’t have the funds necessary to quit her jobs and open the school. But when she gets a letter begging for help from her dear friend and fellow Byronic Book Club member, Lucy, she quits her job and heads to London. She hopes to help Lucy and secure a wealthy patron to fund her school all while sidestepping her aunt’s attempts to marry her off. But never did she imagine that her first day in the city would have her crossing paths with the first man in ages to capture her interest.
Dominic Winters, the Duke of Dartmoor, is a widower raising his 15-year-old daughter, he knows she needs a mother figure, but with nasty rumors started by his late wife’s family have society calling him the Dastardly Duke and whispering that he killed his wife, he is finding that remarrying is not as simple as he had hoped, not to mention, he can’t seem to forget the intriguing woman who collided with him. Soon their paths cross again and the magic is still there, too bad she isn’t “duchess material” – or is she? When they met yet again, it is at a ball and they share a waltz and a spectacular kiss. Dominic is smitten and so when Artemis proposes a mutually beneficial arrangement, he agrees and wonders if it is possible to change her mind about marriage, but before that can even be considered, a shared foe must be dealt with otherwise, there will be no chance of a HEA for anyone.
What a great start to a new series! This well-written nicely paced love story is sure to become a fan favorite. I loved Artemis and Dominic, they aren’t perfect, but they are perfect for each other. The book has secrets, good friends, a lonely 15-year-old, a nasty villain, steamy love scenes, instant chemistry, and finally a well-deserved HEA. This is the first book in the series and I highly recommend it and am really looking forward to Lucy and Jane’s stories!
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*
After a disastrous first season that ended in heartbreak, Artemis Jones swore off marriage and set her site on a new goal, opening an academic college for women and she spends the next 10 years pursuing that goal by working as a teacher in a finishing school by day and writing the wildly popular gothic novels by Lydia Lovelace at night, she is close, but still doesn’t have the funds necessary to quit her jobs and open the school. But when she gets a letter begging for help from her dear friend and fellow Byronic Book Club member, Lucy, she quits her job and heads to London. She hopes to help Lucy and secure a wealthy patron to fund her school all while sidestepping her aunt’s attempts to marry her off. But never did she imagine that her first day in the city would have her crossing paths with the first man in ages to capture her interest.
Dominic Winters, the Duke of Dartmoor, is a widower raising his 15-year-old daughter, he knows she needs a mother figure, but with nasty rumors started by his late wife’s family have society calling him the Dastardly Duke and whispering that he killed his wife, he is finding that remarrying is not as simple as he had hoped, not to mention, he can’t seem to forget the intriguing woman who collided with him. Soon their paths cross again and the magic is still there, too bad she isn’t “duchess material” – or is she? When they met yet again, it is at a ball and they share a waltz and a spectacular kiss. Dominic is smitten and so when Artemis proposes a mutually beneficial arrangement, he agrees and wonders if it is possible to change her mind about marriage, but before that can even be considered, a shared foe must be dealt with otherwise, there will be no chance of a HEA for anyone.
What a great start to a new series! This well-written nicely paced love story is sure to become a fan favorite. I loved Artemis and Dominic, they aren’t perfect, but they are perfect for each other. The book has secrets, good friends, a lonely 15-year-old, a nasty villain, steamy love scenes, instant chemistry, and finally a well-deserved HEA. This is the first book in the series and I highly recommend it and am really looking forward to Lucy and Jane’s stories!
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*
June 7, 2022
Amy Rose Bennett is a new to me author. I was honored to be invited by the publisher through Netgalley to receive an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
The writing was witty and engaging. I definitely plan to continue this series and may go back and catch up on some of the author's previous works. The theme was very woman empowering, which is appreciated.
The tone felt reminiscent of the gothic melodrama the heroine Artemis Jones wrote. She was very strong and independent. However, she didn't seem very wise. She reacted based on her life experiences like we all do. Unfortunately, that sometimes meant hiding and other times meant being too impulsive. Overall, she was a fine main character.
Dominic Winters, the widowed Duke of Dartmoor, was my favorite. He was respectful and supportive. Although not perfect and still mourning his first wife, I think he deserved more credit than his daughter or Artemis gave him in the beginning. I appreciated his honesty and ability to trust. He was very relatable and the perfect match for Artemis.
The story itself was quite erotic with descriptive and well written sex scenes. This author (or at least this book) has more than the average amount of sex. There is also some revenge and well rounded secondary characters. Overall a very enjoyable hot HR.
The writing was witty and engaging. I definitely plan to continue this series and may go back and catch up on some of the author's previous works. The theme was very woman empowering, which is appreciated.
The tone felt reminiscent of the gothic melodrama the heroine Artemis Jones wrote. She was very strong and independent. However, she didn't seem very wise. She reacted based on her life experiences like we all do. Unfortunately, that sometimes meant hiding and other times meant being too impulsive. Overall, she was a fine main character.
Dominic Winters, the widowed Duke of Dartmoor, was my favorite. He was respectful and supportive. Although not perfect and still mourning his first wife, I think he deserved more credit than his daughter or Artemis gave him in the beginning. I appreciated his honesty and ability to trust. He was very relatable and the perfect match for Artemis.
The story itself was quite erotic with descriptive and well written sex scenes. This author (or at least this book) has more than the average amount of sex. There is also some revenge and well rounded secondary characters. Overall a very enjoyable hot HR.
January 3, 2023
Read: 12/31/22
3 stars
Okay to good
This book was way too modern for a hr! That writing style is just not my cup of tea. If this hadn't been my BOTM group read of the month, this book would probably be a dnf. The first half of the book was hard to keep reading but the 2nd half was very good. I very much enjoyed their relationship finally making sense. In the end, I rooted for those crazy liberals!
My problem is deciding how many stars to give this book 🤔. If the 1st half was as good as the last half it would be 4 stars but unfortunately it wasn't. I can honestly say that this is a book that I will never reread, though I am a little tempted to try the next book in the series.
3 stars
Okay to good
This book was way too modern for a hr! That writing style is just not my cup of tea. If this hadn't been my BOTM group read of the month, this book would probably be a dnf. The first half of the book was hard to keep reading but the 2nd half was very good. I very much enjoyed their relationship finally making sense. In the end, I rooted for those crazy liberals!
My problem is deciding how many stars to give this book 🤔. If the 1st half was as good as the last half it would be 4 stars but unfortunately it wasn't. I can honestly say that this is a book that I will never reread, though I am a little tempted to try the next book in the series.
November 1, 2023
This book was fabulous and would've gotten 5 stars had the last 20 percent not stressed me out (I'll get to that later lol) This was my first by Amy Rose Bennett and I'm confident that it won't be my last. Dominic and Artemis's romance was glorious! Dominic was an amazing hero, he was dashing, sweet, and incredibly misunderstood-HIS TRASH BROTHER-IN LAW SPREAD RUMORS THAT HE MURDERED HIS FIRST WIFE AND EVERYONE IN THE "TON" JUST TAKES HIS WORD FOR IT WTF- and the way he tried to fix his relationship with his teen daughter Celeste was heartwarming. He was also so understanding when it came to Artemis's past and when the truth about her side-hustle came out (she's a gothic romance author), he continued to be supportive. Artemis was a fantastic heroine! I will always love a heroine who's a writer and she was kind, intelligent and unafraid to stick up for herself. I loved her romance with Dominic, they were both grown and sexy and COMMUNICATED; even though she had a secret side hustle they were so open with each other. She was ten toes down for Dominic (even in their "engagement for convenience" era) and wouldn't even entertain the rumors about him. I also loved seeing her make a genuine effort with Celeste. They really grew to care for each other.
So, what kept me from giving this lovely book a full 5 stars?!? Well...SPOILERS BELOW
I hate when romance novels have more than one villain. Dominic's horrid brother-in-law (who also happens to be Artemis's former lover) was the villain. Not only does he spread damaging rumors about his sister's husband but also ruins both Artemis AND her sister's reputations. HE SUCKS. We only needed one villain. But later we get a lesser villain in the form of Celeste's uptight governess Miss Sharpe! A woman who has the audacity to BLACKMAIL HER EMPLOYER'S FUTURE WIFE? HUH? And I'm more irritated that Artemis allows her to blackmail her! Like you've stood up for yourself throughout this entire book, but you let this woman bully you? GIRL. Seeing Miss Sharpe get her comeuppance was nice (Dominic making her sign an NDA was so sexy of him) but adding another person to try to keep them separated was unnecessary. It was like Bennett needed to come up with another obstacle to keep them apart.
Another thing that bugged me was having Dominic's brother-in-law evade arrest and try to kidnap Artemis because it was wrapped up so quickly lmao I guess we needed an "action" scene (But we really didn't)
In conclusion, my main issue was that too much was happening within the last 20 percent of the book: Villainous brother-in-law, near-death experience for the hero, blackmailing governess and an attempting kidnapping all within like...the last 20-30 pages. It was exhausting, Amy Rose Bennett has no compassion for my poor nerves.
Despite my gripes with the chaotic ending this was an exceptional romance. Would highly recommend.
*As of 10/30/2023 this book is currently free on Kindle*
So, what kept me from giving this lovely book a full 5 stars?!? Well...SPOILERS BELOW
I hate when romance novels have more than one villain. Dominic's horrid brother-in-law (who also happens to be Artemis's former lover) was the villain. Not only does he spread damaging rumors about his sister's husband but also ruins both Artemis AND her sister's reputations. HE SUCKS. We only needed one villain. But later we get a lesser villain in the form of Celeste's uptight governess Miss Sharpe! A woman who has the audacity to BLACKMAIL HER EMPLOYER'S FUTURE WIFE? HUH? And I'm more irritated that Artemis allows her to blackmail her! Like you've stood up for yourself throughout this entire book, but you let this woman bully you? GIRL. Seeing Miss Sharpe get her comeuppance was nice (Dominic making her sign an NDA was so sexy of him) but adding another person to try to keep them separated was unnecessary. It was like Bennett needed to come up with another obstacle to keep them apart.
Another thing that bugged me was having Dominic's brother-in-law evade arrest and try to kidnap Artemis because it was wrapped up so quickly lmao I guess we needed an "action" scene (But we really didn't)
In conclusion, my main issue was that too much was happening within the last 20 percent of the book: Villainous brother-in-law, near-death experience for the hero, blackmailing governess and an attempting kidnapping all within like...the last 20-30 pages. It was exhausting, Amy Rose Bennett has no compassion for my poor nerves.
Despite my gripes with the chaotic ending this was an exceptional romance. Would highly recommend.
*As of 10/30/2023 this book is currently free on Kindle*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 17, 2022
If you love HR, this is your jam. Great hero & heroine. Lots of fun shenanigans and breaking of societal expectations.
Uses a lot of typical HR tropes but not in the wrong way! It was a super enjoyable read. It gets spicy. It never had me entirely at the edge of my seat though.
The only minus was the authors complaining of corsets and clothing. That’s a pet peeve for me in HR.
Uses a lot of typical HR tropes but not in the wrong way! It was a super enjoyable read. It gets spicy. It never had me entirely at the edge of my seat though.
The only minus was the authors complaining of corsets and clothing. That’s a pet peeve for me in HR.
May 23, 2022
Up All Night with a Good Duke was my first experience reading a book by Amy Rose Bennett and I was delighted. Artemis Jones is a bluestocking who teaches at a finishing school and moonlights as a gothic novelist. Artemis's aunt tells her that she won't allow her younger sister to get married until Artemis is engaged. Artemis leaves the finishing school to have a season and try to steer men toward her sister. Artemis ultimately finds herself taken with the Dastardly Duke Dominic and hatches a plan to be compromised. In a twist, Dominic proposes instead. Artemis agrees to be fake engaged and Dominic will fully fund her women's college. Dom and Artemis find it hard to separate what is fake and what is becoming real in this engagement.
I LOVED Artemis! She was strong willed and smart. I loved that she cursed in ridiculous phrases. She made no excuses for how she wanted her life to turn out. Her relationship with Celeste was sweet and genuine. Dominic was taken almost immediately with Artemis. He wanted to give her space to figure out her feelings and didn't pressure her. I'm really happy the "secret" that needed to come out didn't droll on and on. Dominic immediately believed Artemis and took her side.
I'm looking forward to the next books in the series!
Tropes included: fake engagement, compromised, bluestocking heroine, tortured hero, single father, widower, spinster
Thank you to NetGalley, Amy Rose Bennett, and Sourcebooks Casablanca
I LOVED Artemis! She was strong willed and smart. I loved that she cursed in ridiculous phrases. She made no excuses for how she wanted her life to turn out. Her relationship with Celeste was sweet and genuine. Dominic was taken almost immediately with Artemis. He wanted to give her space to figure out her feelings and didn't pressure her. I'm really happy the "secret" that needed to come out didn't droll on and on. Dominic immediately believed Artemis and took her side.
I'm looking forward to the next books in the series!
Tropes included: fake engagement, compromised, bluestocking heroine, tortured hero, single father, widower, spinster
Thank you to NetGalley, Amy Rose Bennett, and Sourcebooks Casablanca
June 21, 2024
Historical Romance
Favorite Book Cover.
Review I liked https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Favorite Book Cover.
Review I liked https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
June 30, 2022
Lovely story. Review after work day ends!
July 10, 2022
I received an advance ebook copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for review.
Up All Night with a Good Duke by Amy Rose Bennett is the first book of the Byronic Book Club. Artemis Jones is a finishing school teacher and secretly a Gothic romance novelist. She dreams of opening her own academic ladies’ college where women are free to learn everything a man is allowed to learn. When a friend from her book club asks her for help during her London Season, she leaves her post at the school immediately with the hopes that she can find a wealthy patron or patroness for her school. Artemis’ aunt is putting pressure on her to marry, but Artemis is reluctant to do so after being wronged during her debut years ago. Dominic Winters, the Duke of Dartmoor, is widowed and finally looking for a new wife to provide him with an heir. He also needs his wife to help manage his fifteen-year-old daughter Celeste. Society knows Dominic as “The Dastardly Duke”. Rumors have spread that he is responsible for the death of his wife. This leaves his choice of bride very limited. When Dominic and Artemis cross paths, sparks fly and deals are made.
This book was so much fun. I loved Artemis and Dominic. I loved the relationship between Artemis and Celeste. I am looking forward to the next book in this smart and romantic series!
Up All Night with a Good Duke by Amy Rose Bennett is the first book of the Byronic Book Club. Artemis Jones is a finishing school teacher and secretly a Gothic romance novelist. She dreams of opening her own academic ladies’ college where women are free to learn everything a man is allowed to learn. When a friend from her book club asks her for help during her London Season, she leaves her post at the school immediately with the hopes that she can find a wealthy patron or patroness for her school. Artemis’ aunt is putting pressure on her to marry, but Artemis is reluctant to do so after being wronged during her debut years ago. Dominic Winters, the Duke of Dartmoor, is widowed and finally looking for a new wife to provide him with an heir. He also needs his wife to help manage his fifteen-year-old daughter Celeste. Society knows Dominic as “The Dastardly Duke”. Rumors have spread that he is responsible for the death of his wife. This leaves his choice of bride very limited. When Dominic and Artemis cross paths, sparks fly and deals are made.
This book was so much fun. I loved Artemis and Dominic. I loved the relationship between Artemis and Celeste. I am looking forward to the next book in this smart and romantic series!
December 24, 2022
Hmm… Boring af. Bring back the bodice ripper angsty good times. I skimmed a lot!
April 14, 2022
Another fantastic read by Amy Rose Bennett. She never disappoints.
January 28, 2023
What a hoot! Artemis Jones, secret author of lurid gothic novels and giddy aspirations to found a Ladies Academy, smacks into a tall dark and handsome stranger outside of Paddington Station. This is not going to be the last time they see each other nor the last time we hear the refrain, “Lucifer’s Love Truncheon.”
Amy Bennett has won through with this series. I’ve already enjoyed #1 and #2. Am looking forward to #3.
Huzzah 🙌
Amy Bennett has won through with this series. I’ve already enjoyed #1 and #2. Am looking forward to #3.
Huzzah 🙌
April 4, 2025
| HRBC | 2023 | January |
“Up All Night with a Good Duke” was my first novel by Amy Rose. Unfortunately, it wasn’t able to win me over. The plot itself wasn’t really the issue. The whole “woman who seeks independence and goals outside matrimony falls in love” with the addition of the fake engagment trope and a duke with an unfortunate reputation wasn't something I haven't read before. Honestly, storywise it was nothing special.
My biggest problem was the main characters, especially Artemis. Even though Artemis is presented as this bluestocking, feminist character with a very modern mind of her own, she just was very stereotypical and unlikable. First off, Artemis is passionate about the idea of women being independent and receiving the same education as men. In the same breath, she instantly bashes most women that are not like her. She belittles her younger sister Phoebe who is traditionally feminine strives for a traditional life, goes on a verbal match with the governess even though apparently it’s so below her and so on. Honestly, I think Artemis suffered a bit of the “not like other girls''-trope…and nothing screams internalized misogyny than this trope. Artemis wants women to have options, yet she doesn’t have much respect for women who want a traditional life nor does she have any kind of understanding that most women around her are victims of their time. She totally lacks compassion for other women who weren’t as fortunate as her to read about women’s rights, science and philosophy.
Secondly, Artemis apparently has issues with the dress of her time, because she is not like other girls. She doesn’t like fashion or nice dresses and doesn't get me started on the whole “corsets are evil” thing that’s going on here. I don’t think a character who is supposed to be bluestocking/feminist has to always reject femininity in order to be modern or forward thinking. And according to a bunch of texts by women’s rights activists from the 1850s which have survived to this day, they liked the advances of fashion (especially whoop skirt as they allowed women more movement in comparison to wearing lots and lots of petticoats) during their time and encouraged fellow suffragettes to dress well, so they have entry to the fine society and spread their ideas. Very early on, suffragets knew that the way they presented themselves was important to their cause, because during Victorian England how you dressed was everything. Artemis complains about having to wear nice dresses and only starts wanting to dress nicely when she wants to be liked by the Duke…That’s just meh. Don’t get me wrong FMC do not have to be perfectly likeable or traditionally feminine etc., but Artemis just enforces certain stereotypes which I desperately wish would die out.
Dominic was just a bit too one-dimensional for me aka I thought he was boring. He had the least character development and basically no personality. Where were his likes/dislikes, his wants and his needs? There was barely anything there when it came to him. He didn’t even seem to be interested in clearing his name. Like a big plotpoint was his bad reputation, but it’s never resolved nor does it really bother him. He is upset that his daughter doesn’t have friends, but that only concerns him because Celest is creating problems for him to solve. Dominic just works and that’s it.
Another thing that kind of bothered me was Artemis’ friend group. Maybe I am a bit spoiled by reading too much Lisa Kleypas, but there was no chemistry whatsoever between those three women. Their friendship was barely of importance to the story, even though Artemis only went to London to help Lucy, but they barely spent time together. Sometimes their whole friend group gave me toxic friends vibes which is weird becasue those three had been friends for years and share very similar lifestyles and goals. Jane seemed to be an interesting character, but the author gives no information about her whatsoever. Like no teasing in order for the readers wanting to pick up the next book in the series. Absolutely nothing and that’s for a series revolving around this group of women…
Additionally, I didn’t really enjoy the writing style. I just found it weird. Maybe it’s my autism, maybe it’s just a weird writing style, but it didn’t work for me. There are so many sentences I highlighted just because I thought they sounded strange or were cringe. The novel has this weird wannabe quirky writing style which I honestly can’t stand in most cases, because it has to fit the mood as well as the characters of the story which I don’t think it did in this case.
Overall, I can’t recommend this book. Like it’s not bad bad, but it’s overwhelmingly underwhelming. A bunch of stereotypes, well known tropes, lacking main characters and a weird writing style.
Having said all that, I might pick up Jane’s book, because she as a character could be potentially enjoyable as her story seems interesting, but otherwise I have to think twice if I will pick up this author again.
“Up All Night with a Good Duke” was my first novel by Amy Rose. Unfortunately, it wasn’t able to win me over. The plot itself wasn’t really the issue. The whole “woman who seeks independence and goals outside matrimony falls in love” with the addition of the fake engagment trope and a duke with an unfortunate reputation wasn't something I haven't read before. Honestly, storywise it was nothing special.
My biggest problem was the main characters, especially Artemis. Even though Artemis is presented as this bluestocking, feminist character with a very modern mind of her own, she just was very stereotypical and unlikable. First off, Artemis is passionate about the idea of women being independent and receiving the same education as men. In the same breath, she instantly bashes most women that are not like her. She belittles her younger sister Phoebe who is traditionally feminine strives for a traditional life, goes on a verbal match with the governess even though apparently it’s so below her and so on. Honestly, I think Artemis suffered a bit of the “not like other girls''-trope…and nothing screams internalized misogyny than this trope. Artemis wants women to have options, yet she doesn’t have much respect for women who want a traditional life nor does she have any kind of understanding that most women around her are victims of their time. She totally lacks compassion for other women who weren’t as fortunate as her to read about women’s rights, science and philosophy.
Secondly, Artemis apparently has issues with the dress of her time, because she is not like other girls. She doesn’t like fashion or nice dresses and doesn't get me started on the whole “corsets are evil” thing that’s going on here. I don’t think a character who is supposed to be bluestocking/feminist has to always reject femininity in order to be modern or forward thinking. And according to a bunch of texts by women’s rights activists from the 1850s which have survived to this day, they liked the advances of fashion (especially whoop skirt as they allowed women more movement in comparison to wearing lots and lots of petticoats) during their time and encouraged fellow suffragettes to dress well, so they have entry to the fine society and spread their ideas. Very early on, suffragets knew that the way they presented themselves was important to their cause, because during Victorian England how you dressed was everything. Artemis complains about having to wear nice dresses and only starts wanting to dress nicely when she wants to be liked by the Duke…That’s just meh. Don’t get me wrong FMC do not have to be perfectly likeable or traditionally feminine etc., but Artemis just enforces certain stereotypes which I desperately wish would die out.
Dominic was just a bit too one-dimensional for me aka I thought he was boring. He had the least character development and basically no personality. Where were his likes/dislikes, his wants and his needs? There was barely anything there when it came to him. He didn’t even seem to be interested in clearing his name. Like a big plotpoint was his bad reputation, but it’s never resolved nor does it really bother him. He is upset that his daughter doesn’t have friends, but that only concerns him because Celest is creating problems for him to solve. Dominic just works and that’s it.
Another thing that kind of bothered me was Artemis’ friend group. Maybe I am a bit spoiled by reading too much Lisa Kleypas, but there was no chemistry whatsoever between those three women. Their friendship was barely of importance to the story, even though Artemis only went to London to help Lucy, but they barely spent time together. Sometimes their whole friend group gave me toxic friends vibes which is weird becasue those three had been friends for years and share very similar lifestyles and goals. Jane seemed to be an interesting character, but the author gives no information about her whatsoever. Like no teasing in order for the readers wanting to pick up the next book in the series. Absolutely nothing and that’s for a series revolving around this group of women…
Additionally, I didn’t really enjoy the writing style. I just found it weird. Maybe it’s my autism, maybe it’s just a weird writing style, but it didn’t work for me. There are so many sentences I highlighted just because I thought they sounded strange or were cringe. The novel has this weird wannabe quirky writing style which I honestly can’t stand in most cases, because it has to fit the mood as well as the characters of the story which I don’t think it did in this case.
Overall, I can’t recommend this book. Like it’s not bad bad, but it’s overwhelmingly underwhelming. A bunch of stereotypes, well known tropes, lacking main characters and a weird writing style.
Having said all that, I might pick up Jane’s book, because she as a character could be potentially enjoyable as her story seems interesting, but otherwise I have to think twice if I will pick up this author again.
March 9, 2023
I really enjoyed this book but some incidences were just too convenient and logically could have been avoided. Full review to follow.
August 14, 2024
⭐⭐⭐
3 stars.
➕ What I liked :
Somewhat “older” heroine (29) 👍
Somewhat interesting main characters.
Interesting side characters.
(The heroines friends.)
Kind of OK romance/romantic build-up and chemistry.
Good and supportive hero….. that also saw the heroine as a whole person and was intrigued by her.
(He of course admired/appreciated her looks… but he was also almost more appreciative about her intelligence, bravery, humor, strength…..and lots of her other traits etc. than just her looks.)
Some funny/witty parts.
A experienced heroine.
A strong heroine.
OK plot.
OK steam.
➖ What I disliked:
The character description/visual appearance for the heroine was a little bit on the vague side.
The character description/visual appearance about the hero was repetitive and formulaic.
(The hero is tall... muscular… and very handsome.)
Too much focus from the heroine on how handsome the hero was …. it was very repetitive.
(The heroine was rather obsessed with the heroes looks and body… so much so that it felt very shallow and almost like she just saw him as an object and not as a real person with feelings and problems etc.)
The ending was a little too over-dramatic and predictable.
Some issues were resolved a little too fast and easily.
(The issue with the heroes daughter…. The issue with the heroines sister and aunt and their problems issues etc. etc.)
A little verbose in some places of the story.
The main characters spent too little time together alone.
A little too lust focused (especially from the heroines side)…. And a little too little focus on the main characters romance.
Some of the heroines illogical behavior.
Some of the heroines behavior towards the hero.
Some parts were a little too modern/anachronistic.
The heroines aunt.
3 stars.
➕ What I liked :
Somewhat “older” heroine (29) 👍
Somewhat interesting main characters.
Interesting side characters.
(The heroines friends.)
Kind of OK romance/romantic build-up and chemistry.
Good and supportive hero….. that also saw the heroine as a whole person and was intrigued by her.
(He of course admired/appreciated her looks… but he was also almost more appreciative about her intelligence, bravery, humor, strength…..and lots of her other traits etc. than just her looks.)
Some funny/witty parts.
A experienced heroine.
A strong heroine.
OK plot.
OK steam.
➖ What I disliked:
The character description/visual appearance for the heroine was a little bit on the vague side.
The character description/visual appearance about the hero was repetitive and formulaic.
(The hero is tall... muscular… and very handsome.)
Too much focus from the heroine on how handsome the hero was …. it was very repetitive.
(The heroine was rather obsessed with the heroes looks and body… so much so that it felt very shallow and almost like she just saw him as an object and not as a real person with feelings and problems etc.)
The ending was a little too over-dramatic and predictable.
Some issues were resolved a little too fast and easily.
(The issue with the heroes daughter…. The issue with the heroines sister and aunt and their problems issues etc. etc.)
A little verbose in some places of the story.
The main characters spent too little time together alone.
A little too lust focused (especially from the heroines side)…. And a little too little focus on the main characters romance.
Some of the heroines illogical behavior.
Some of the heroines behavior towards the hero.
Some parts were a little too modern/anachronistic.
The heroines aunt.
June 24, 2022
I enjoyed this story about a bold bluestocking and a Byronic hero finding love. This is the first book in Amy Rose Bennett’s new historical romance series The Byronic Book Club, and it is an interesting and romantic story. I enjoyed the layered protagonists, the strong commentary about women’s rights, and the swoon-worthy romance!
Artemis is a smart and self-assured bluestocking, and I love that she challenges the status quo. A finishing school teacher by day and a Gothic romance writer by night, Artemis is a strong protagonist that knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to reach for her goals. And some of the swears she uses are hysterical. I feel like I need to integrate them into my daily conversations just for fun.
Dominic is a dark and brooding Byronic hero, much like the heroes in the books Artemis writes. Secrets surround his past and the death of his wife, and he seems like a man shrouded in mystery. His story definitely has some Jane Eyre vibes, and I liked the nods to classic British and Gothic literature throughout the story. However, the more Artemis gets to know him and his daughter, the more she realizes he is nothing like the gossip mill suggests. He is such a swoon-worthy hero, and the way he feels about Artemis is everything I love in a romantic hero.
The romance between Artemis and Dominic is so good! They have fantastic chemistry, and their intellectual conversations about literature and life are as wonderful as their more romantic scenes. Their relationship has several tropes that I enjoy, especially the fake dating and opposites-attract elements. However, the pair soon realizes they have much more in common than Artemis originally thought, and they are drawn to each other from their first meeting. The biggest problem for their relationship is that Artemis’s future plans don’t include marriage, and with her writing secret, Artemis doesn’t see how she can have everything. However, Dominic is super supportive of Artemis. He doesn’t judge or discredit her, and he is one of her biggest allies. They make a great team, and their love story is wonderful.
Strong commentary on the inequities women faced and how restrictive societal rules were for women, especially in comparison to men. From the books they read to how they behave to what they wear and who they spend time with, everything is judged and judged harshly. Artemis’s dream is to open up a women’s college where women can gain an education similar to men, which is unheard of. She is a woman ahead of her time in a society that is rich in tradition and social conformity. Celeste, Dominic’s daughter, is reprimanded for reading books that are deemed inappropriate, though many of these books are considered classics today. It’s eye-opening to see how easily a person could be vilified in this judgmental and unforgiving world. There are also some strong assertions about the validity and enjoyment of romance novels, which I loved.
I would definitely recommend this book to historical romance readers, and I look forward to reading the next book in the series. Artemis’s friends seem as compelling as her, and I’m eager to learn more about them and their love stories. Thanks so much to Sourcebooks Casablanca and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
Artemis is a smart and self-assured bluestocking, and I love that she challenges the status quo. A finishing school teacher by day and a Gothic romance writer by night, Artemis is a strong protagonist that knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to reach for her goals. And some of the swears she uses are hysterical. I feel like I need to integrate them into my daily conversations just for fun.
Dominic is a dark and brooding Byronic hero, much like the heroes in the books Artemis writes. Secrets surround his past and the death of his wife, and he seems like a man shrouded in mystery. His story definitely has some Jane Eyre vibes, and I liked the nods to classic British and Gothic literature throughout the story. However, the more Artemis gets to know him and his daughter, the more she realizes he is nothing like the gossip mill suggests. He is such a swoon-worthy hero, and the way he feels about Artemis is everything I love in a romantic hero.
The romance between Artemis and Dominic is so good! They have fantastic chemistry, and their intellectual conversations about literature and life are as wonderful as their more romantic scenes. Their relationship has several tropes that I enjoy, especially the fake dating and opposites-attract elements. However, the pair soon realizes they have much more in common than Artemis originally thought, and they are drawn to each other from their first meeting. The biggest problem for their relationship is that Artemis’s future plans don’t include marriage, and with her writing secret, Artemis doesn’t see how she can have everything. However, Dominic is super supportive of Artemis. He doesn’t judge or discredit her, and he is one of her biggest allies. They make a great team, and their love story is wonderful.
Strong commentary on the inequities women faced and how restrictive societal rules were for women, especially in comparison to men. From the books they read to how they behave to what they wear and who they spend time with, everything is judged and judged harshly. Artemis’s dream is to open up a women’s college where women can gain an education similar to men, which is unheard of. She is a woman ahead of her time in a society that is rich in tradition and social conformity. Celeste, Dominic’s daughter, is reprimanded for reading books that are deemed inappropriate, though many of these books are considered classics today. It’s eye-opening to see how easily a person could be vilified in this judgmental and unforgiving world. There are also some strong assertions about the validity and enjoyment of romance novels, which I loved.
I would definitely recommend this book to historical romance readers, and I look forward to reading the next book in the series. Artemis’s friends seem as compelling as her, and I’m eager to learn more about them and their love stories. Thanks so much to Sourcebooks Casablanca and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
July 28, 2022
so fun and very enjoyable. i didn’t expect to rate it this high but it turned out to be quite entertaining.
May 10, 2022
Up All Night with a Good Duke is the first book in a new series by Amy Rose Bennett and I adored this book so much! All I knew before going in was that the heroine was a “respectable” finishing school teacher by day, gothic romance writer by night and the hero was a widowed, single father Duke and I was sold!
Miss Artemis Jones is 29 when the story starts off and has been working at the Avon Academy for Young Ladies of Quality in a teaching position at the exclusive young ladies’ finishing school in Bath. Born the daughter of a vicar, her only real ties to society is her Aunt who is a dowager baroness. Artemis has been writing her scandalously delicious gothic romance novels for years and saving the money from those to one day open her own academic ladies’ college. When her childhood friend Lucy writes saying she’s in desperate need of Artemis’ help with her season, Artemis heads off to London to help. When she arrives in town, she meets Dominic Winters, the widowed Duke of Dartmoor, and sparks fly right away between the two. They end up going separate ways but run into one another again and again in the next few days.
Dominic is 38 and in need of a wife—someone to provide him an heir and help him in managing his spitfire, 15-year-old daughter Celeste. The problem is society has dubbed him “The Dastardly Duke” with rumors swirling that he murdered his late wife years ago. Because of this, his prospects aren’t as easy to come by. After having a few, fun run-ins with Artemis, she comes to him with a proposition. She wants his help in staging her own ruination to get her aunt off her back about marrying and so she can focus on opening her women’s college, in exchange she will help him with his daughter. But things don’t go quite as planned and in the moment he ends up proposing an “engagement of convenience” instead!
I loved everything about this read! Artemis and her friends Byronic Book Club, Artemis’ growing friendship/relationship with his daughter Celeste, Artemis and Celeste bonding over gothic romance novels (including the ones Artemis writes under her pen name), lots of time at bookshops, Artemis offering up Jane Austen book recs for his daughter, his country estate trip, the moors. I loved seeing Artemis’ frank conversations with Celeste about men, love versus being ready for the consequences that come with engaging in relations with men, contraception, diseases, and all things relating to “the talk” that Celeste missed out on by having a mother. I liked seeing Celeste’s own complicated relationship with her sister Phoebe and their aunt, things don’t go smoothly but I liked how it was handled. And of course, I loved the chemistry and banter with Dominic and Artemis! Their conversations and interactions were so fun to see, I loved how honest they were with one another and really share so much of themselves with one another. Plus this book is hot and delivered on all the steamy times! 🔥 I just really believed in them as a couple, loved their romance and passion, and their story so much! Can’t wait to check our more from this author in the future!
Thank you to the publisher (Sourcebooks) for an e-ARC via NetGalley. All thoughts in this review are my own. Up All Night with a Good Duke has a publish date of June 28, 2022.
Miss Artemis Jones is 29 when the story starts off and has been working at the Avon Academy for Young Ladies of Quality in a teaching position at the exclusive young ladies’ finishing school in Bath. Born the daughter of a vicar, her only real ties to society is her Aunt who is a dowager baroness. Artemis has been writing her scandalously delicious gothic romance novels for years and saving the money from those to one day open her own academic ladies’ college. When her childhood friend Lucy writes saying she’s in desperate need of Artemis’ help with her season, Artemis heads off to London to help. When she arrives in town, she meets Dominic Winters, the widowed Duke of Dartmoor, and sparks fly right away between the two. They end up going separate ways but run into one another again and again in the next few days.
Dominic is 38 and in need of a wife—someone to provide him an heir and help him in managing his spitfire, 15-year-old daughter Celeste. The problem is society has dubbed him “The Dastardly Duke” with rumors swirling that he murdered his late wife years ago. Because of this, his prospects aren’t as easy to come by. After having a few, fun run-ins with Artemis, she comes to him with a proposition. She wants his help in staging her own ruination to get her aunt off her back about marrying and so she can focus on opening her women’s college, in exchange she will help him with his daughter. But things don’t go quite as planned and in the moment he ends up proposing an “engagement of convenience” instead!
I loved everything about this read! Artemis and her friends Byronic Book Club, Artemis’ growing friendship/relationship with his daughter Celeste, Artemis and Celeste bonding over gothic romance novels (including the ones Artemis writes under her pen name), lots of time at bookshops, Artemis offering up Jane Austen book recs for his daughter, his country estate trip, the moors. I loved seeing Artemis’ frank conversations with Celeste about men, love versus being ready for the consequences that come with engaging in relations with men, contraception, diseases, and all things relating to “the talk” that Celeste missed out on by having a mother. I liked seeing Celeste’s own complicated relationship with her sister Phoebe and their aunt, things don’t go smoothly but I liked how it was handled. And of course, I loved the chemistry and banter with Dominic and Artemis! Their conversations and interactions were so fun to see, I loved how honest they were with one another and really share so much of themselves with one another. Plus this book is hot and delivered on all the steamy times! 🔥 I just really believed in them as a couple, loved their romance and passion, and their story so much! Can’t wait to check our more from this author in the future!
Thank you to the publisher (Sourcebooks) for an e-ARC via NetGalley. All thoughts in this review are my own. Up All Night with a Good Duke has a publish date of June 28, 2022.
April 16, 2022
Thank you to the author and the publisher, SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca, for letting me an ARC of this enchanting romance book through NetGalley!!
“Yes, remove your hand from Miss Jones’ person before I remove it for you”
“Oh, oh … Beelzebub’s ballocks, and Mephistopheles’s member, and Lucifer’s love truncheon”
“A Byronic hero in the flesh”
This book was … GREAT !!! I honestly think that I have a thing for tutors or governess and their employers in regency romance … especially if he is a widower and looking for a wife !!!!
Artemis is as wild and as untamed as her namesake and I honestly couldn’t love and respect her more for everything she went through and overcame !!!
And Dominic is as much a Byronic Hero as he is a perfect gentlemen !!!
I loved every second of their relationship and their banter, their mutual attraction that by a certain point becomes unbearable to hide !!!!
How they came to a mutual understanding where both parties would have satisfied !!!!
And when books are involved … I’m in for a ride !!!!
But do we want to talk about the spice ??? Well let’s say that I felt “enchanted”, “enthralled” and “enraptured” !!!!
I’m so glad I could read this book and I’m sure even the other novels in this series will promise big surprises and a huge entertainment!!
“Just like a certain flame-haired siren who had the ability to make him forget about his all-too-painful past whenever he was with her”
“Truth to tell, I’ve been having fantasies about kissing you all day”
“I find that a little teasing makes the pleasure sweeter”
“Impatient minx”
“Yes, remove your hand from Miss Jones’ person before I remove it for you”
“Oh, oh … Beelzebub’s ballocks, and Mephistopheles’s member, and Lucifer’s love truncheon”
“A Byronic hero in the flesh”
This book was … GREAT !!! I honestly think that I have a thing for tutors or governess and their employers in regency romance … especially if he is a widower and looking for a wife !!!!
Artemis is as wild and as untamed as her namesake and I honestly couldn’t love and respect her more for everything she went through and overcame !!!
And Dominic is as much a Byronic Hero as he is a perfect gentlemen !!!
I loved every second of their relationship and their banter, their mutual attraction that by a certain point becomes unbearable to hide !!!!
How they came to a mutual understanding where both parties would have satisfied !!!!
And when books are involved … I’m in for a ride !!!!
But do we want to talk about the spice ??? Well let’s say that I felt “enchanted”, “enthralled” and “enraptured” !!!!
I’m so glad I could read this book and I’m sure even the other novels in this series will promise big surprises and a huge entertainment!!
“Just like a certain flame-haired siren who had the ability to make him forget about his all-too-painful past whenever he was with her”
“Truth to tell, I’ve been having fantasies about kissing you all day”
“I find that a little teasing makes the pleasure sweeter”
“Impatient minx”
Displaying 1 - 30 of 497 reviews