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Falling on a Duke: Julia Quinn meets Hannah Grace in this swoon-worthy, time-travelling contemporary romance!

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♥️ Slow burn

♥️ Time-travel

♥️ Rom-com


19th-century England. Benjamin Gerard Waldorf, the Duke of Waldorf, has resigned himself to a life of duty and responsibility. But when an antique cameo unexpectedly transports him 200 years into the future, his world is turned upside down.

Isabella Souza Kato, a struggling writer in London, is grappling with creative block after a painful breakup. Just as she’s ready to give up on love, a chance encounter with a man claiming to be from the 1800s alters her life completely.

As they navigate the complexities of time, culture, and their own hearts, Benjamin and Isabella must confront their fears and insecurities if they want to find a future together.

Will Benjamin find a way back to his rightful place, or will he choose to forge a new path with Isabella?



'Very cute and very romantic’ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

'This read like a spicy Hallmark movie and omg, I am obsessed!' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

'So beautiful and unique, it felt like nothing I've ever read before' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

‘The banter and chemistry was so good’ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

293 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 28, 2025

7 people are currently reading
70 people want to read

About the author

Stefany Nunes

64 books11 followers
Stefany Nunes is Brazilian, graduated with degrees in Letters and Law and has been an avid reader for as long as she can remember. A great lover of romance novels, she always created stories in her head without putting them on paper. After moving to London, inspired by the city's atmosphere, she finally found the courage to fulfill her dream of writing.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
Profile Image for Ana.
158 reviews560 followers
April 12, 2025
This was such a lighthearted and cute read. It was everything I needed right now. Quick and incredibly lovely. 

Benjamin, a 19th century Duke of Waldorf, accidentally travels forward in time. He finds himself in the year 2022, where Isabella, a romance writer with a broken heart, hits him with a scooter.
He feels lost in this world and he has to go back to his time, so she offers him her home and help, even do she doesn't really believe he is from the 1800s. But she may find herself unable to deny it for long. 
The more time they spend together, the more their feelings grow and the more difficult it will be to say goodbye. 

I enjoyed this story, I really love time traveling books. I read it in one sitting. 

It was also incredibly unrealistic, but I think most of the time travel stories that happen in the future are.
He adapted far too quickly honestly and there were literally no explanations at the end. I wish the book was a little longer. 

But overall, a great read and a sweet and spicy story. I recommend it. 

*Thank you to Netgalley and to The Book Guild for providing me with an ARC.*
Profile Image for iris [updating reviews].
161 reviews
April 22, 2025
I received an advanced review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

2.5★ — I had originally given this 2 Goodreads stars but I changed it to 3 because I found out this was the author's first English novel and she's a non-native speaker so she did deserve points for that.

I'll start by saying I loved the idea the book was based around. A time travelling Duke from the 1800s?? I'm sat. That being said, this book could've turned out way better than it actually was.

The plot was very rushed. I literally blinked and all of a sudden the main characters are in their POVs being head over heels for each other. It felt like insta-love which is almost always a miss rather than a hit.

Also, the writing lacked emotional depth to it, considering a lot of the scenes had certain emotions surrounding them. The writing just didn't bring out the emotions the author was trying to portray.

When the main characters first had sex, it's like all the plot was sucked from the book. More than half the writing after that first scene was just sex or other kinds of explicit content. It completely took away from the story and the author could've instead prioritized those chapters to make Bella and Ben's bond stronger some other way.

Some of the sentences didn't sit right with me either...and I'm guessing it's just me because the other reviews haven't mentioned anything.

Ben's POV: I can't help it, and I tilt my head to the side as I watch the round, hard arse roll away from me. Isabella's, not the dog's. Always hers.

What- why would you even mention the dog-

Bella's POV: I watch Benjamin walk away from me, and I can't resist staring at his perfect, round arse in his tight trousers.

Well, at least they're both meant for each other.

I know it's a real word and there's nothing with it but I didn't like the use of the word arse. Like, okay, from Ben I can excuse it, since he's ancient. But Bella is from the 21st century...girl just say ass😭

Quotes

“You must know you're handsome—it's no secret.”

“You're beautiful too, Bella. Don't think I haven't noticed.”

“No, I mean you and the woman you are. The woman I admire for her strength and high spirits. The woman I find beautiful, intelligent, kind. Who attracts me to the point of driving me crazy. The woman...” ...that if I could stay here, I would choose to make mine.

“Our love is impossible, but it's real. Every touch, every word, kiss, and look. It's all real, Bella.”

“I'd travel to the end of time if I had to, darling. I love you. I want to make you happy, fill you with love, hear your laughter, and smell your sweet perfume until my last breath.”

Thank you to NetGalley and The Book Guild for this ARC.
Profile Image for Megan O'Brien.
658 reviews5 followers
April 7, 2025
One of my absolute FAVORITE tropes is the fish out of water trope- someone ends up in the modern world and has no idea what is happening around them- and this is a great addition to the genre!!

A 19th century duke accidentally time travels to 2022, leaving behind family and duty, and has to find his way back with his modern guide/romance novelist savior. It’s exactly as cute as you think it’s going to be, has the right amount of lack of comprehension, and is more heartfelt than you would expect in a book less than 300 pages!!

Thanks so much to Stefani Nunes and NetGalley for a chance to read this in exchange for an honest review!
Profile Image for megan.
47 reviews2 followers
May 3, 2025
2.5⭐️
Oh, that was a rush.
A whole rush through the story, and it still managed to be partly boring.
I had pretty high expectations, and I can’t say I’m satisfied with how the story turned out. I almost DNFed it at about two-thirds of the way through. However, I forced myself to finish it, hoping for a better realization of the concept.
The last 30 pages were indeed better than the previous 100, but that didn’t change my overall feelings about the book.

So, we have:
• time travel
• a writer main character
• dual POVs
Those are the only important tropes I can think of.

Firstly, I didn’t connect with the characters. That might be a personal thing, but I felt there wasn’t enough depth. Yes, I read about Bella’s family, her struggles in life, her current job, etc. Yes, I also read about Benjamin’s family, his fears, and the main problem he faced after time-traveling to the future (which I won’t spoil, though it can probably be guessed based on the typical plot in these kinds of stories).
With all that being said, I still didn’t feel enough emotion from the characters to actually care about their fate — even though the book offers dual POVs from both the male and female leads.
It felt like nothing truly happened in the book. Events weren’t explicit and were rushed through, which led me to force myself to keep going.

And lastly, I agree with other ARC readers who shared this opinion: adding intimate scenes at the end felt like a poor choice to show the connection between the characters. Wouldn’t it have been better to add a few throught the book so the it felt more organized?

However, I can still give one quote I liked:
“Because you only see the Benjamin in me. Not the duke, not the rake. Just me, the man.”

Thank you to NetGalley and The Book Guild for sending me an early copy in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Megan.
608 reviews20 followers
April 14, 2025
“I want to be grumpy, but how can I be if the woman keeps smiling at me?”

Thank you to Book Guild Publishing for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

19th-century England. Benjamin Gerard Waldorf, the Duke of Waldorf, has resigned himself to a life of duty and responsibility. But when an antique cameo unexpectedly transports him 200 years into the future, his world is turned upside down.Isabella Souza Kato, a struggling writer in London, is grappling with creative block after a painful breakup. Just as she’s ready to give up on love, a chance encounter with a man claiming to be from the 1800s alters her life completely. As they navigate the complexities of time, culture, and their own hearts, Benjamin and Isabella must confront their fears and insecurities if they want to find a future together. Will Benjamin find a way back to his rightful place, or will he choose to forge a new path with Isabella?

Bella has an incredibly kind heart and creative brain. I loved seeing her express herself without boundaries because it allowed the reader to get to know her quickly - meaning we got background information off the bat and we got to grow with her character. The kindness knows no limits and seeing her be so patient and giving with Ben was so heartwarming. I think nowadays, we are disillusioned to wanting to help others. We offer a little bit and that’s it. I loved that Bella gave all she could to ensure Ben’s comfort - even if it meant she’s be in pain and lose out.
Dear Benjamin… it was certainly interesting watching you integrate into twenty first century life! He’s such a great character who has the slight aloofness that comes with his title, but he is quickly grounded with Bella’s actions. I really liked seeing him enamoured with her, but not rushing anything. With his past - which he has been honest about! - of being a more debauched character, he could have very easily taken advantage. But Ben never even considered it an option. He is such a sweetheart who cares so much for others that he merely wants the best for them and will do anything to achieve it. Can I have a time travelling Duke please?

Having loved Outlander, I am always going to jump at the chance to read a time travel romance - and it is even better when it’s the male main character that gets pulled to the future! Heaven forbid if he sees someone’s ankles! The plot was funny and had a great flow. I found time whizzing by as I read this and was thrilled to be immersed! I like that we saw active efforts to return Ben to his time and that they were both proactive, not just spinning in circles or making dumb comments. The characters felt brilliant. A lot of the focus does remain on our main duo but it works really well. I like that we get little glimpses of other people and then bigger scenes with them too, but there’s something that works so brilliantly about them mainly being in the background! The romance here was incredibly sweet. I liked that there was strong mutual attraction from the beginning but that it wasn’t insta love. My enjoyment with a story drops when we have love at “first sight” because it’s more obsession. But here, oh it’s fantastic seeing the bond between our duo grow and blossom. And the spicy moments reflect that too. There’s some delightful dirty talk and sinful looks, but the emotions win out and they are so soft with each other my heart may have melted. And the ending? Oh, that was absolute perfection. So driven with emotion and fervour, I couldn’t have asked for anything better!

Overall, Falling on a Duke is a book that pleasantly surprised me and I definitely recommend!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Thank you again to Book Guild Publishing for an advanced copy of this book.
Profile Image for Samantha .
201 reviews53 followers
May 17, 2025
My Initial Thoughts

I loved the idea of this book and the cover really drew me in. Straight away I loved the characters, what’s not to love about a Duke and a writer! And the little doggie, aww so cute. It pulled me in straight away. I was invested from the second the time travel happened! I knew I was going to love this one and the plot lines from just a few chapters in.

Plot

The plot is everything. You have parts pulling your heart strings in all different directions and that keeps you invested and hoping that everything will work out. I loved the adventure that Isabella and Benjamin went on and how he discovers how much has changed in the future. The dual pov really adds a lot of feelings into the mix.

Characters

I love the characters! Isabella is the most kind, compassionate person, who does everything in her power to help Ben remember everything while he discovers the future world. Ben is such a gentleman and I loved that he remained just as gentlemanly throughout the story. Duke is a cutie, that I adored when he was mentioned. Who knew a little doggie could steal the show!

Recommend

If you’re a lover of romance, with an aspect of historical and time travel… pick this up!

Favourite Quotes

“It’s kind of hard to be when your heart is being held together with glue and tape.”

“Are you telling me you’re a two hundred – year – old duke?”

“She is the gentleness in all my chaos.”

“Hmm, like Anthony Bridgerton in the series.”

Favourite Chapter/s

My favourite chapters were 5, 10, 11, 14, 16, 19 and 25…. Yep there was a few.

Summed up in one sentence

The perfect mix of time difference and love.

Overall Wrap up

I just adored this, it had me giggling so much and when the spice began, wooh it was getting hot in the bedroom! I loved the flow of the storylines and the slow burn was just the perfect amount!

Stars & Spice – 4.5 stars and 3 chilli’s.
Book Information – Falling On A Duke.

Genre – Romance.

Pages – 264 pages.

Tropes –
Time travel.
Slow burn.
Duke x writer

Available on Kindle Unlimited – Not available on kindle unlimited.

Available Formats – Available on kindle and paperback.

Publishing Information – Published on 28th April 2025 by The Book Guild.

Format in Which I Read – Kindle.

Where my copy come From – Zooloo’s Book Tours and Netgallery.

POVs – Dual POV – Isabella and Benjamin.

Single/Dual/Multiple Timelines – Single timeline – Sometimes multiple when going back to the past.

1st or 3rd Person – Written in 1st person.

HEA, HFN or Cliff hanger – HEA

Series or Standalone – Standalone.

Trigger Warnings – Please check content warnings before reading if necessary and please always remember that your mental health matters.
Profile Image for Josie Bookstagram.
359 reviews31 followers
May 13, 2025
“I’m going to kiss you,” Benjamin warns. It’s not a request, nor is it a question. “But I’m still not sure about anything.” I’m not sure either, but I don’t mind. 💕

I was utterly swept away with Stefany Nunes' Falling on a Duke, it’s not often a story manages to elicit an emotional response from me, but this one did. I think this might be the first time I’ve actually shed happy tears while reading! What struck me was just how wonderfully different and quirky the whole premise felt. It wasn't your typical historical romance, and that's precisely what made it so captivating. The way Stefany Nunes crafted the characters of Ben and Bella was just brilliant. Their individual personalities shone through so vividly, and their interactions were an absolute joy to witness. I found myself completely invested in their journey, laughing at their witty banter and feeling every flutter of their burgeoning connection. Honestly, they had my heart from start to finish.

And it wasn't just the main couple who stole the show. Even though we only got glimpses into the lives of Jack and Abigail, their happy ending felt like the final piece of the puzzle that allowed Ben and Bella to finally find their own joy. It was such a lovely touch, adding an extra layer of sweetness to an already delightful narrative. The pacing of the story was spot on, allowing the relationship between Ben and Bella to develop naturally and believably. There were no rushed moments, no contrived drama just for the sake of it – just a beautifully unfolding connection between two wonderfully imperfect individuals.  

Falling on a Duke isn't just a romance; it's a story about finding happiness in unexpected places and with unexpected people. It’s about embracing your quirks and allowing yourself to be loved for who you truly are. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most unconventional paths lead to the most beautiful destinations. If you're looking for a book that will make you laugh, sigh contentedly, and maybe even shed a few happy tears, then I wholeheartedly recommend picking up Stefany Nunes' Falling on a Duke. It’s an absolute gem of a read, and I can guarantee you’ll fall in love with Ben and Bella just as much as I did.
Profile Image for Naomi.
112 reviews
April 14, 2025
Thank you, Stefany Nunes and NetGalley, for this eARC.

Falling on a Duke oscillates between the past and present, and the real and imagination. It is lighthearted and quirky, yet it addresses the harsh reality of everyday life. With themes of grief, duty, equality and longing for connection, this book tells the story of two lovers set in the romantic landscape of England.

Isabella Souza Kato comes fresh out of a rather toxic relationship and is now struggling with excruciating writer's block. Trying to balance two jobs to afford her small apartment that she shares with her friend and Duke the dog, Isabella lives quite an ordinary life. Until one day, she hits a man with on her scooter and is struck by guilt (and awe). Isabella is kind, romantic, and funny, and her struggles make her relatable to readers.

Travelling to 19th-century England, we're introduced to Benjamin Gerard Waldorf, the Duke of Waldorf. It's like we're transported into the world of Jane Austen, which, to be fair, Benjamin claimed to have known. As a second son, he never had to deal with family duties. Instead, he was a real roke. However, we also get to know his tender side. His love for his family and strong moral compass make Benjamin an ideal love interest. When he finds his grandmother's family heirloom, he gets transported to the future, and that is the moment the love story begins.

Overall, the story is predictable with lots of contemporary references. Not to say that it's boring. Stefany Nunes manages to turn these classic elements gripping enough to read further- Bonus points for the dog. While Isabella helps Benjamin find a way back, Benjamin helps Isabella with her writer's block. At first, I thought that it would be a clean romance, with the light-heartedness and ease with which the story is written. However, as the story develops and romance brews between our main characters, some spicy scenes break certain taboos on sex and lust. Readers like to read smut; no need to feel weird about it!

Aside from romance, there are also some serious themes. Women's inequality in the 19th century is discussed, as well as heartbreak and insecurities.

Overall, I think that this story balances perfectly a swoony rom-com with mature elements of life. It transcends time literally and gives thoughtful insight into modern society and Victorian England society. The pace of the plot, character development and romance all felt stable, making it a pleasurable read.
Profile Image for BookDragonAshh.
217 reviews20 followers
April 22, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

This book was everything to me!

This read like a spicy Hallmark movie and omg, I am obsessed!

First off, the concept of the story really captivated me. A man from the past who magically finds himself in the future and falls in love with the girl who hits him with his scooter. Here for it.

I think what ultimately draws me to these types of stories is the fact that you just know a duke from the 1800s is going to be the ultimate gentleman. Idk, there is just something about a man who is concerned about a woman’s virtue that makes my heart flutter lol.

I will say, had this story been written by anybody else, it would not have been as impactful. The author does a brilliant job of including enough details to make these characters come to life. Despite the author giving us so much, I still couldn’t help but long for more. Not in a bad way of course, I am just so obsessed with this book, I couldn’t get enough.

The conflict in the story definitely wasn’t unusual for the circumstances. Obviously a man from the past is going to want to find a way to get back home. As much as the conflict made sense to me, it still broke my heart. Given everything, I couldn’t wrap my head around how this could possibly end with an HEA. My heart was slowly breaking throughout the entire book the more I fell in love with these characters and realized there was a very real chance these two wouldn’t end up together.

Buuutttt….. without any spoilers, I will say I wasn’t left a sobbing mess after I finished this book. Love always wins.

Plus the pacing was *chefs kiss*

As for the spice… it definitely wasn’t overdone or over the top. I think those scenes flowed beautifully with the storyline. Very tasteful. The smut bits were definitely delicious even if they weren’t kinky.

Personally, I loved this book and can’t wait to read it again.

I recommend to anyone who is a sucker for gentlemen and are looking to fall in love.

I especially recommend to anyone who is obsessed with Hallmark movies and also enjoy a bit of spice. This is the read for you.
Profile Image for Miriam Smith (A Mother’s Musings).
1,806 reviews311 followers
April 8, 2025
Oh my! Who knew so much action could occur between the sheets - sheets of a book that is 😉 - and with an early 19th century Duke too! I was soooo hooked on this romance from the very first page, that I found it exceedingly difficult to put it down once I had invested myself into Isabella’s and Benjamin’s story and ended up flying through this book, intrigued as to how it would conclude.

Exhilarating, tender, remarkable and beautiful are only a few words to describe this story along with thought provoking - creating a brilliant topic for discussion amongst book club readers. I myself struggled throughout to come to a satisfactory conclusion for both parties, so I thought the denouement was very appropriate because if I’d been the author myself, I’d have still been struggling today to decide the best outcome. There was never going to be an ending that didn’t involve a tear shed - whether happy or sad - and I’m pleased to say that I kept to expectations and shed a tear (or two).

Being mesmerised by the storyline meant I instantly fell head over heels in love with both the delightful Isabella, the ‘hot’ Duke of Waldorf and of course the other Duke, a corgi dog - who played as much a part in the romance as the adults. My emotions (and senses) were certainly stirred and I truly felt the story in my heart which just proves how talented this author is.

“Falling on a Duke” is a uniquely themed adult romance with a time travelling aspect but still staying predominantly modern, with a challenging decision for the protagonists to make.

#FallingOnADuke - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
133 reviews1 follower
April 26, 2025
This book does exactly as its described. A lighthearted, fast paced romance, easy to read with a happy ending.

I like the fact that this time it's the man who time travels instead of the woman. The whys and hows of the time travel arn't really explained into detail, but that's fine as that is not the main focus of the story.

I enjoyed reading this book, but at points everything went a little too fast for me. The romantic feelings were almost instant and I was hoping for more of a buildup in the romance. And in some places of the book the phrasing of certain words/things threw me off a little bit, which got me a bit out of the reading flow.

Overall still a fun story. If you're looking for an easy, fast paced romance to read you should check this book out.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing an arc of thid book in exchange for writing an honest review.
Profile Image for KP.
140 reviews3 followers
April 25, 2025
I loved the idea and the concept of a time-traversing Regency romance, but, unfortunately, this just wasn’t an enjoyable read for me.

The way it was written came across quite strangely; I just could not get into it at all. Consistently, there were massive chunks of unnecessary info-dumping; I don’t need to know that you already have the app downloaded which means you can hire this scooter, do I?

The odd phrasing and jolting flow along with the awkward, unrealistic dialogue made it a distractingly jarring read.

I do seem to in the minority, however, in my perception so do give it a go!

*ARC kindly provided by NetGalley

Profile Image for Megan Rang.
1,092 reviews14 followers
May 18, 2025
*****I received this ebook free from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

This book felt to me a bit like the movie Enchanted with added in spice. It was an enjoyable book but very predictable. It took over halfway through the book to get to the spicy parts if that is what you are looking for.
Profile Image for Sonja Charters.
2,818 reviews141 followers
May 16, 2025
Being one for never reading the blurbs before I read a book, I was totally taken by this gorgeous front cover.

I loved the bright colours which stand out on the shelf, but it also looked like a nice romance read for my summer tbr.

 

I absolutely loved the whole premise of this storyline right from the start.

I've read a few books recently where the main character time slips into the past, so this was a refreshing fun take on that idea, but with our MMC travelling ahead 200 years into the future.

 

I loved this idea and it was fun to see the Duke trying to navigate all of the strange things around him in this totally alien world.

It really made me think about just how much changes over time and even society's courtesies and the way that we talk and behave with others.

 

I loved our main characters and it was great to watch as their relationship developed through the course of the book - I couldn't work out how things could come to a satisfactory conclusion really - I enjoyed the way this played out in the end though.

 

I have to say that I did fall in love whilst reading....sorry Benjamin.....it was sactually with Duke the corgi!

I'm a sucker for a book pet!!

 

This was my first read from this author and I raced through to the end - I'm looking forward to reading more soon!

 
Profile Image for Aimz.
169 reviews1 follower
January 21, 2026
4.0 ⭐️

[1:00am — 17/04/2025]

First of all I want to start by thanking Netgalley, The Book Guild, and the author for choosing me as an ARC. I’m truly grateful for the advanced copy, and hope to get more in the future! <3

Now review time :)

Don’t judge the absurd time, it’s peaceful reading at this time. Though at times, I had to hold my laugh in. Just Ben adjusting to the way life was in modern day.

It was so romcom coded with fluff, raunchy yet beautiful quick paced book. This book is so very April coded, even if it is mostly taking place during the Winter time. It was so cute and sweet, I nearly sobbed at them not having a happy ending.

This conversation between Isabella and Cinthia:

"I love it! It's going to be great. But there's a happy ending, right? For God's sake, don't separate the two of them."

"Of course, I'm not an evil author. It has a happy ending; I just don't know how yet."

I LOVED IT!!

It was like the author was reassuring, and talking to us and I personally found that extremely cool. It’s like she’s writing but informing, I’m not sure how to explain it or what the literary device would be [would it be foreshadowing or pathetic fallacy? I swear pathetic fallacy is for bad omen. Never mind, I got my 6 in English Language, I’m good].

The mention of actual modern stuff in London such as: Underground, Oyster Cards, Waterstones, Bank Street, Green Park, Abbey Road and BRIDGERTON etc, I loved it. Usually I don’t but in this book it made sense and I loved the mentions. Adding to the fact that I am a Londoner myself, this felt like a hug in a way.

It was cute, fast paced. Nothing wrong with it except, the ending felt like the Epilogue had a big jump. I know it’s just a book but I kept thinking about this all legally. Like does Ben have a passport??? I know odd question but it kept circling in my head.

I am practical as I am a dreamer. Please :(

Overall a 4.0 stars!! Now. I’ll be going to Tower Bridge in the morning in hopes of finding a stranded 19th century man, in cute boots. Wish me luck girls x

[1:23am — 17/04/2025]
Profile Image for Bookshortie.
870 reviews61 followers
May 4, 2025
Benjamin Gerard Waldorf, the Duke of Waldorf lives in the 1800s until an antique cameo locket transports him to 2022 and into the path of Isabella. Can Isabella help Benjamin to find his way back and if she does will Benjamin want to leave?

This was a sweet and cute read that gave me Kate and Leopold vibes. As that is one of my favourite films I couldn’t wait to read this book and to see it referenced in the story made me smile. The storyline had romance and time travel and it was just perfect.

Isabella finds herself more than she bargained for when she hits Benjamin with a scooter. Due to the accident she wants to help Benjamin especially because he appears to be having memory problems as he says that he is a Duke from the 1800s. Isabella initially is sceptical and doesn’t believe him until she sees proof and realises that he has travelled from the past.

What I loved about Isabella and Benjamin is that they had this connection from the very beginning. After the accident Isabella finds herself drawn to Benjamin and vice versa. Isabella writes historical romances and it’s like Benjamin has just stepped out of a historical romance book. He is everything she would imagine in a main character but also everything that she would want in a partner. As Isabella and Benjamin grow closer so do their feelings for each other which are intense. As for the spicy scenes they were off the chart. It was so cute when Isabella would call Benjamin Your Grace and he would call her My Lady. The more time that Benjamin and Isabella spend together the more they learn not only about each other but also the era that they are from. Benjamin learns about 2022 through Isabella’s eyes and Isabella learns about the 1800s through Benjamin’s eyes.

I had so many favourite scenes in this book from Benjamin’s first experience of the underground to when they go to Winter Wonderland and Benjamin wins a Unicorn for Isabella. When Benjamin says that he knew Jane Austen Isabella has a complete fan girl moment. I certainly would have reacted in the same way.

Towards the end of the story Benjamin does find himself torn between returning to his duties back home and starting a new life with Isabella. He has responsibilities at home and a sister that depends on him. She is the only relative he has after the death of his father and older brother. Benjamin was never meant to inherit a title or any responsibility but then his life changed. I found myself cheering Isabella and Benjamin on and hoping that they would have their happily ever after. To find out what happens to them you’ll have to read the book.

This was a feel good read that made me smile and one that I will be revisiting again.
Profile Image for Amy Kay ♥️ Books are my daily therapy ♥️.
110 reviews17 followers
May 18, 2025
❤️‍🔥Falling On A Duke❤️‍🔥
By Stephany Nunes

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Star Review
4/5 Spiciness Level 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Falling On A Duke is a Time-Travel Romantasy with dual POV. The MMC is Benjamin Gerard Waldorf, the Duke of Waldorf. The FMC is Isabella Souza Kato, a Brazilian writer living in London.

Ok, I absolutely adore this book! It is the sweetest story I have read in a long time. It’s not too long, so much angst, and when the spice kicks in… it kicks in hard. I love these two characters together!! They have a well deserved HEA.

Ben is a Duke from 19th century England. After enduring two great losses in his family, he has now inherited the title of Duke of Waldorf. His sister Abigail is the only family he has left and they are both suffering greatly from the loss of their father and brother. Ben never expected to be the Duke as he was not the oldest son. He gave up the life of a rake to be responsible as the Duke and to take care of his sister. In a moment of frustration, he wishes for a break at the same time he is picking up his desk. When he picks up the pendant his grandmother gave him…. Well he ends up in the year 2022 and literally runs into Bella being knocked unconscious.

Bella is a romance writer with writers block. She recently endured a bad breakup and isn’t quite over it yet. Her family is spread out all over the world, so she lives in London with her roommate and her dog… Duke, AKA Your Grace. She is an endearing FMC and very much a romantic at heart.

When Bella decides to leave the house to try and gain inspiration to write, she never imagines when she rents a scooter that she would run straight into someone knocking him unconscious. Feeling responsible for this strangely dressed man with his blatant confusion of who he is, where he is, and what year it is (or so she thinks) she brings him home with her. The connection is rather immediate between the two. However, the feelings are slow to grow… a true slow-burn.

This book is such a wonderful read. I fully recommend this book!

The author is actually Brazilian and there are parallels to the story and her real life which is super cool to read about at the end in the About The Author section!

Read this book as an ARC via NetGalley. Thank you NetGalley!

Happy Reading! 🥰
Profile Image for Nessa’s Book Reviews.
1,469 reviews67 followers
June 2, 2025
3.5 Stars

What happens when a brooding 19th-century duke faceplants (quite literally) into 21st-century London?

You get Falling on a Duke, a time-slip romance that’s equal parts swoony, sweet, and sharply modern.

Stefany Nunes gives us a delightful blend of historical elegance and contemporary sass, and it works like magic (cameo pendant magic, to be exact).

Benjamin Gerard Waldorf (yes, the name is as noble as it sounds) is the Duke of Waldorf. He’s all duty, waistcoats, and quiet longing… until an antique cameo sends him tumbling two centuries forward into modern-day London. It’s jarring, hilarious, and somehow totally believable thanks to Nunes’s deft hand with tone and detail.

Enter Isabella Souza Kato, a struggling writer fresh off heartbreak, who definitely wasn’t expecting a Regency-era gentleman to crash into her very ordinary life…..or her heart.

Things I adored:
* The fish-out-of-water humour: Benjamin adjusting to cell phones, escalators, and contemporary slang is pure gold. And Isabella’s reactions to his old-school manners? Even better.
* The emotional depth: Beneath the laughs and longing, this story deals with real themes, identity, healing after heartbreak, and figuring out where (and when) you belong.
* The romance: Benjamin and Isabella have instant chemistry, but the real magic is in how they grow together. Their relationship feels earned, especially as they wrestle with the very real tension between past and present.
* Cultural nuance: Isabella’s Brazilian-Japanese heritage adds texture and uniqueness to the story, grounding it in the beautifully diverse fabric of London life.

What to expect:
💫 Time-travel that’s light on sci-fi, heavy on charm

📚 A writer heroine with real warmth

🎩 A duke who quotes Byron and blushes in supermarkets

❤️ Slow-burn tension with satisfying payoff

📍 Settings that leap from Georgian ballrooms to gritty coffee shops

Falling on a Duke is the perfect read for fans of time-travel love stories like Outlander (minus the trauma) or Kate & Leopold (but with more depth).
Profile Image for Sara.
323 reviews79 followers
April 18, 2025
𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ★★★★★
𝗥𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗘 𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘: April 28 2025
𝗔𝗥𝗖 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪:

This book completely stole my heart. it feels like I just experienced something truly special. It was ethereal.

First off, I need to say how incredibly lucky I feel to have gotten an ARC of this book. Stefany's writing is just...magic. The whole story is just so beautiful and unique, it felt like nothing I've ever read before, I felt completely immersed in the world Stefany created, both past and present.

What I really really loved was Benjamin. He's this proper, duty bound Duke, but underneath that, he's so wonderfully curious. Imagine being ripped from your own time and thrown into the 21st century! His fascination with everything, his genuine desire to understand this strange new world, was so endearing. I was totally invested in his journey, his confusion, and his slow, hesitant steps towards understanding.

And then there's Isabella. She's been hurt, she's struggling with writer’s block and then BAM, a Duke from the past crashes (literally) into her life. I loved how she took him under her wing. She didn't treat him like a crazy person, but instead was kind and patient. She helped him navigate this confusing time, figuring out everything from smartphones to slang, and trying to help him find a way back home. Watching their connection grow was so sweet and natural.

Stefany did such a wonderful job of developing the connection between Isabella and Benjamin. Even though they come from completely different timelines, their love felt so real, so deep and so beautifully inevitable.

I was on the edge of my seat, wondering how they would overcome the impossible distance between them. Would Benjamin stay? Could Isabella leave everything behind? Stefany made me genuinely care about their happiness and I was a blubbering mess by the end!

Huge thank you to Stefany Nunes and Netgalley for giving an arc for this book!!!

𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗦: Time travel romance, forbidden romance, fantasy romance, regency era duke mmc/romance author fmc, friends to lovers, forced proximity, opposite attract
Profile Image for Christine.
168 reviews8 followers
April 20, 2025
I absolutely adore a good time travel romance, and this book fits the bill. I loved Bella and Ben together and their story was adorable. I thought it was a nice touch that they research time travel by watching lots of time travel movies.

What I Liked:
- Despite being from 200 years ago, Ben was surprisingly willing to accept lots of changes in the modern world compared to what he’s used to.
- The humor throughout this book was great, especially the times that Bella says “Duke” or “my lord” and her dog, named Duke, responds instead of Ben.
- Bella as a character is resilient. She leaves her home and travels across the world to a country where the language that’s spoken isn’t her first language and she knows no one. Ben is also resilient because he time travels to a world that is so different from what he’s familiar with and he takes everything that’s happened to him with grace.

What I Didn’t Like:
- I would have liked to seen more of the connections between Bella and her family. I feel like we got to know more about Ben’s family, even though they’re basically only mentioned in flashbacks. Bella’s grandparents are mentioned almost as afterthoughts and we don’t even learn her stepfather’s name until the very end of the book.
- I recognize that this is the author’s first english language book, however there were some sections that would have benefitted from revision. At parts the language felt stilted and awkward, which made it harder to feel immersed in the story. Other parts of the story read smoothly, so I’m not sure if this was intentional or not, but it didn’t really land with me.

Overall, this is a lovely time travel romance with humor and heart. Fans of the trope will enjoy it, and I appreciated how quick and easy it was to read.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of this book!
Profile Image for Debra Gaynor.
695 reviews8 followers
May 14, 2025
Falling On a Duke
Stefany Nunes

The setting is England in the 1800s, the Duke of Waldorf, Benjamin Gerard Waldorf is a man with responsibilities and duties. His life is boring until he is transported 200 years into the future by an antique cameo. He meets Isabella Souza Kato, and she changes his world. Isabella is a frustrated writer; after a painful break-up she wants no part of men, love, dating, etc. However, that changes when she meets an unusual male purporting to be from the past. He claimed to be from the 1800s. Life in the present. 2022 is hard for him to comprehend, airplanes, cell phones, television, and automobiles; they all seemed strange to Benjamin.
Isabella was on her scooter when they accidentally met…she was on her scooter and ran into him. The present is so strange to him, he wants to return to his time, his world. Isabella invites him to stay with her, and she offers her assistance; she doesn’t believe he is really from the past at first. Isabella and Benjamin are falling in love. If he finds a way back will he go?
The author’s first language is not English and that does show in the text; this is her first English novel. Some of the sentences are read in a strange manner. The premise behind this tale is a good one. Unfortunately, the timing was off; the characters fell in love too fast. It needed emotional complexity, instead it was rushed and there was little true passion. Once Isabella and Benjamin were intimate the book lost its direction. There was a lot of sex in this tale which isn’t surprising since it is considered erotic. This could have been a passionate love story but that got lost along the way. I love time travel novels and this could be a good one with some tweaking.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.
Profile Image for (っ◔◡◔)っ  ★ Paige ★.
46 reviews3 followers
May 29, 2025
Rating: ★★★
Spice: 🌶️🌶️

Summary: Falling for a Duke is a charming, slow-burn rom-com with a touch of spice, lovable characters (including a standout dog), and a cozy happily-ever-after. While it took a bit to get going and didn’t quite leave a lasting impact, it’s a fun, light read—especially for fans of historical romance with a modern twist.


This was a sweet, light-hearted rom-com with—of course—a happy ending. It took me a little while to warm up to it, but once I did, I found myself attached to the characters and genuinely felt the connection between them. The yearning? Ooft.

Benjamin is a total gentleman, but with just the right amount of cheek—particularly when it comes to his obsession with Bella’s arse (no complaints). His interactions with Duke, the dog, made up about 90% of his charm, and honestly, I was here for it.

Falling for a Duke is the kind of read that leaves you warm inside while still delivering just enough spice to keep things interesting.

The beginning felt a bit shaky for me—it read more like a sitcom than a rom-com—but you can really feel the author finding her groove as the story progresses. Once it hit its stride, the pacing worked well. I was briefly worried the book might end on a sad note, but Stefany reeled it back in just in time.

This was my first foray into a period-piece romance, and I wasn’t sure what to expect. That said, I was impressed by how much research clearly went into it. The characters visit Big Ben, and Stefany even pauses to question whether the MMC would be familiar with the landmark. I hadn’t even considered that—but it was such a clever touch. Kudos to her for the attention to detail.

What didn’t quite work for me:
There’s something I can’t quite put my finger on that felt missing. I liked the book, and I’ll admit I was fully invested in certain chapters, but overall, some parts of the story didn’t really propel the rest forward. There’s nothing I strongly disliked, but there’s also nothing I’m dying to rave about either.

For readers who love a light rom-com with a slow burn and a satisfying HEA, this one will definitely tick the right boxes. I’m just not sure I’m the target audience this time around.

╭──────────── ༺♡༻ ────────────╮
This was an Advanced Reader Copy; thankyou
to the author for letting me read this in
exchange for an honest review.
╰──────────── ༺♡༻ ────────────╯
Profile Image for Laura Nelson (Tangents and Tissues).
777 reviews73 followers
December 31, 2025
4 stars – What’s a little time travel when it comes to love?

Okay, peeps … let’s talk fantasies!

Now, now, hear me out *waves hand*. We romance readers have very active imaginations. Am I right or am I right?! *snorts*

I’m sure I’m not the only reader to have fantasied about having a starring role in their very own regency romance with a duke (or insert partner of choice). Spicy, of course… duh!

What can I say? I’m a sucker for those breeches and riding boots as much as the next person *smirks*.

Soooo, let’s flip that slightly by adding a scoop of magical realism to the mix and imagine said duke landed in your present-day lap (sort of!) courtesy of a little time travel. Say whaaa!??

I loved the whole premise of this story; a regency historical romance author struggling with heartbreak induced writer’s block and the unintentional time-travelling 19th century duke she literally stumbles upon. (I’ll take author’s muse for one, please!)

*sighs* Some girls (aka Bella) have all the luck!

This book was all about the feels for me; the hilarity of Ben being faced with the 21st century (I cackled at the bath scene!), the sorrow and worry over Ben’s sister Abby alone back in 1817 (I totally needed more goods on Jack!), the mutual pining, the worry over the HEA and if it was even possible (I was stressing!). And let’s not forget the spice coz when the spice started spicing… *mwah* is all I’m going to say. Our Benny Boy has some skiiills! *winks*

FoaD is a heartwarming and touching romcom in which I once again lost my heart to the characters within. Most especially a very lazy Corgi named Duke (cute, right?).

“You don’t always have to be travelling through time to feel lost.”

What’s a little time travel when it comes to love?
Profile Image for Farida  Yasser .
467 reviews17 followers
April 8, 2025
Every once in a while, I get hit with how inconsistent I'm when rating books.
Falling on a Duke had a lot of my bookish pet peeves; unrealistic interactions, too perfect characters, and overall nonsense when it comes to plot line.
But what made the book work for me was the vibe, to be honest.
First of all, it read like a fanfic. Instead of Harry Styles or your favorite K-pop idol, we have Benjamin, a regency era duke who accidentally time traveled to the present time.
Now, I'm a fan of the time travel trope. But only from present to past. It makes more sense! A person from the present can adapt to the past easier because, while the living circumstances are hard, they already have a semblance of knowledge about how it was back then.
The idea that someone from the 1800s can adapt to today's technology and fast-paced life is just farfetched.
However, the romance and comedic reactions from Ben made for it.
I spent the first half laughing over how surprised, and sometimes horrified, he was over everything. It was actually really amusing. I have to say though, him being "progressive" enough to not only accept but like the new societal norms was really a big stretch. I understand making it easier for him to exist in the present, but it didn't make sense!
That being said, although some parts were just repetitive on-and-off, I couldn't help feel giddy over the fantasy the book represented.
I mean, he calls her my lady and waits for her to sit first!
The swoon factor held the bigger chunk of the book's appeal.
Definitely recommend it to someone in for a light, heartwarming read.
*I received an ARC of this book through netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
2,392 reviews87 followers
April 23, 2025
📖 Title: Falling on a Duke-read as a standalone

✍🏾 Author: Stefany Nunes-new to me author

📅Publication date: 4/28/25 | Read 4/22/25

📃 Format: eBook 288 pgs.

Genre:
*Adult Fic
*Contemporary Romance
*Time Travel

Tropes:
*writer's block
*slow burn romance
*close proximity
*male/female friendship
*mental health
*pet- friendly-Duke, Bella's dog
*Loosely based on the movie Kate and Leopold

👆🏾POV: dual 1st person-Bella and Ben

⚠️TW: depression/grief/death of family/explicit s*x

🌎 Setting: London 1817 and 2022

Summary: Attempting to get over her writer's block, Isabella goes for a ride on her scooter and hits Benjamin-a duke transported to 2022 from the 19th century. Feeling sympathy for him, Isabella takes him into her life to help him with his confusion. She doesn't believe he is from the past, but he helps heal her broken heart.

👩🏾 Heroine: Isabella "Bella" Souza Kato-works at a cafe and has self-published novels

👨🏾 Hero: Duke Benjamin "Ben" Gerard Waldorf-owns Daily newspaper

🎭 Other Characters:

*Matheus-Bella's ex- boyfriend
* Abigail + Barney-Ben's younger sister and deceased twin brother
*Jack Spencer-Ben's BFF
*Laura + Pierre-Bella's sister and brother-in-law
*Cinthia-Bella's roommate
*Tadeu Kato-Bella's father
*Janete Souza-Bella's mother

🤔 My Thoughts: I loved the movie Kate and Leopold, and this was a cute re-telling. Ben and Bella's relationship was much steamier.

Rating: 4/5 ✨
Spice level 4/5 🌶️

🙏🏾Thanks to NetGalley, The Book Guild |Book Guild Publishing, and Stefany Nunes for this ARC! I voluntarily give my honest review, and all opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Cathy.
453 reviews6 followers
April 3, 2025
4 stars!

”Our love is impossible,” he tells me, ”but it’s real.”


What a lovely book! Time travel is always interesting. Writer Isabella lives in London and one day while driving a scooter she crashes with a man who is dressed in Regency clothes. Benjamin seems to believe that he is indeed from 19th century. Could that be true?

In this lovely book everything is possible, and everything falls perfectly in place. I really enjoyed this book. It made me smile! Such a sweet and spicy romance story.

WHAT I LIKED: It was such cute and sweet and happy little book! I loved Ben and Bella, and Duke the dog of course!

WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE: Ben adapted surprisingly well to modern time - maybe a bit too well?

WHAT TO EXPECT:

Pov: dual, 1st person
Heat: open doors, spicy!
Pacing: slowburn
Communication: healthy communication
Third act:
Ending:

Main characters:
* She's a writer from modern day London, he's a Regency lord from 19th century
* Cinnamon roll hero

What?
* Dirty talk
* Forbidden love
* Forced proximity
* One night stand turned more

Where?
* London / Bath

Drama?
* Difficult past

Other vibes:
* Adorable animal companions
* Book about books
* Mental health rep (Ben's sister)
* Time traveling

--
I received this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Miriam Smith (A Mother’s Musings).
1,806 reviews311 followers
April 8, 2025
Oh my! Who knew so much action could occur between the sheets - sheets of a book that is 😉 - and with an early 19th century Duke too! I was soooo hooked on this romance from the very first page, that I found it exceedingly difficult to put it down once I had invested myself into Isabella’s and Benjamin’s story and ended up flying through this book, intrigued as to how it would conclude.

Exhilarating, tender, remarkable and beautiful are only a few words to describe this story along with thought provoking - creating a brilliant topic for discussion amongst book club readers. I myself struggled throughout to come to a satisfactory conclusion for both parties, so I thought the denouement was very appropriate because if I’d been the author myself, I’d have still been struggling today to decide the best outcome. There was never going to be an ending that didn’t involve a tear shed - whether happy or sad - and I’m pleased to say that I kept to expectations and shed a tear (or two).

Being mesmerised by the storyline meant I instantly fell head over heels in love with both the delightful Isabella, the ‘hot’ Duke of Waldorf and of course the other Duke, a corgi dog - who played as much a part in the romance as the adults. My emotions (and senses) were certainly stirred and I truly felt the story in my heart which just proves how talented this author is.

“Falling on a Duke” is a uniquely themed adult romance with a time travelling aspect but still staying predominantly modern, with a challenging decision for the protagonists to make.

#FallingOnADuke - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for Rizza.
27 reviews
April 20, 2025
ARC Review: Falling on a Duke by Stefany Nunes
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

Summary:
Falling on a Duke by Stefany Nunes follows a Duke (Benjamin) from the Regency era who unexpectedly finds himself in the modern world, confused, out of place, and soon entangled with a woman (Bella), who challenges everything he thought he knew. As the two navigate their undeniable chemistry, cultural clashes, and the mystery behind his time jump, sparks fly in the most unexpected ways.

Review:
As a fan of time travel romance, I was immediately intrigued by the role reversal—it’s the male main character who travels into the future, which gave the story a fresh spin. The concept was fun and delivered several entertaining moments as the Duke adjusts to modern life.

The book is fast-paced and easy to read, with a medium spice level that fits naturally into the story. The banter between the leads is enjoyable, and their dynamic has a nice balance of tension and playfulness.

That said, I felt the romance between the two characters was a bit rushed, and I would’ve liked more emotional buildup to really connect with their journey. A little more depth and development could’ve taken the story to the next level.

Also, I have to say—I absolutely loved Duke the dog! He added a sweet, heartwarming touch to the story and quickly became one of my favorite parts.

Overall, it’s a light and entertaining read that puts a unique spin on the time travel trope.

Thank you to Stefany Nunes, The Book Guild, and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Kristyn Hammond.
31 reviews6 followers
April 21, 2025
Falling on a Duke by Stephany Nunes is a cute time travel romance about Ben and Bella. Ben is a 19th century gentleman, a Duke, while Bella is a 21st century woman and a writer. The story is cute, but it has heart and you can't help falling in love with Ben and Bella's story. Or, at least, I couldn't. I enjoy time travel and the time travel in this book was light and fun, with a lovely happy ending.

🚀 Time Travel
🛏️ Forced Proximity
✨ Fantasy Romance
💖 Friends to Lovers
☀️ Golden Retriever MMC
💍 Happily Ever After

The characters in this book are lovely. Both of them are appealing and have heart. Isabella (Bella) is a writer suffering a broken heart. Her bad relationship with her ex is a nice foil for her relationship with Ben. Ben is proper and loyal, and you feel for his struggle over his sister's well being. Their romance is paced just right and though they try to fight it, they fall in love.

The plot is fairly simple. He accidently travels through time using a trinket his grandmother has given him before her death and he doesn't know how to get home. Bella, having caused an accident that she believes harmed him, takes him in and cares for him while he recovers. Eventually, through a series of events, she comes to believe he is who he says he is and helps him try to get home. I won't spoil it, but the book does have a happy ending, though Nunes leaves you in doubt of that for a little bit.

Overall, very cute story! I would definitely read more from this author. I recommend this book for anyone who enjoys cozy romances and time travel.
Profile Image for Kristen Thomas.
142 reviews4 followers
April 23, 2025
Falling on a Duke is my first arc. I was so excited to start reading this book! I love reading romance, and liked the description of Julia Quinn meets present day. After reading the book, I feel it is Julia Quinn meets Ashley Poston. I loved the magical realism in this book!

Isabella is a struggling writer living in London. She is on the London Tower bridge one day, and runs into a guy with her scooter. The guy is hurt, and dressed in regency clothes! Benjamin is a duke. He was sitting in his study in Bath, England in 1817 holding a cameo necklace from his grandmother. The next minute, he is in a hospital wearing a gown and the world is VERY different. He has no idea how he did it, but once the pieces come together he realizes he is 200+ years into the future.

At first Isabella doesn’t believe that he is from the past, but she is kind and gives him a place to stay. The romance is sweet, a little unbelievable but sweet. The slow burn and friendship tropes, along with the fish out of water trope, are great combinations. I enjoyed reading this book and even though it was very predictable, I like books that I know will have HEA endings. I like warm hugs, and I like HEA. I like how Isabella used her knowledge of the past and present to figure out how Ben got to 2022. The spice was nice too!

Thank you to Stefany Nunes and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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