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Her Time Traveling Duke
Magic meets science and sunshine meets grumpy when a love spell whisks a Regency-era duke to modern times.
Rose Novak, a free-spirited museum employee who dabbles in magic, has had her share of disappointments. So when she tries a little spell for a romance with an “old-fashioned gentleman,” she doesn’t really expect it to work…especially literally. And yet, the duke from a painting she admired at the museum is now standing in her apartment, demanding to know who abducted him.
A man of science and truth, Henry Leighton-Lyons, the Duke of Beresford, has searched tirelessly for a way to turn back time and be with his late wife again. Instead, just as he’s about to pose for his portrait, he’s ripped centuries forward by a feckless, scantily dressed—and utterly bewitching—woman who believes in nonsense like magical crystals and astrology.
Unable to immediately reverse her spell, Rose vows to help Henry return to his own century, even though disguises and high jinks are required to get their hands on an enchanted astrolabe and master the art of time travel. But it’s hard not to fall for the irritable yet honorable duke.
Little does she know that he’s starting to did a reckless love spell get it right, after all?
Rose Novak, a free-spirited museum employee who dabbles in magic, has had her share of disappointments. So when she tries a little spell for a romance with an “old-fashioned gentleman,” she doesn’t really expect it to work…especially literally. And yet, the duke from a painting she admired at the museum is now standing in her apartment, demanding to know who abducted him.
A man of science and truth, Henry Leighton-Lyons, the Duke of Beresford, has searched tirelessly for a way to turn back time and be with his late wife again. Instead, just as he’s about to pose for his portrait, he’s ripped centuries forward by a feckless, scantily dressed—and utterly bewitching—woman who believes in nonsense like magical crystals and astrology.
Unable to immediately reverse her spell, Rose vows to help Henry return to his own century, even though disguises and high jinks are required to get their hands on an enchanted astrolabe and master the art of time travel. But it’s hard not to fall for the irritable yet honorable duke.
Little does she know that he’s starting to did a reckless love spell get it right, after all?
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First published December 9, 2025
34 people are currently reading
12246 people want to read
About the author
Bryn Donovan
16 books273 followersAuthor, book editor, blogger, and optimist who lives in Chicago. **no longer active on this platform**
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
December 9, 2025
Museum employee and witch, Rose, doesn't expect much when she does a love spell for an 'old-fashioned gentleman' on the night of her best friend's wedding. However, when she returns to her apartment later that evening, she is shocked to come face to face with Henry, the duke from a painting she admired earlier that day. With Henry desperate to return to his own era, the two must figure out how to send him back home, all while navigating their unexpected connection.
This magical realism rom-com was so fun and sweet! Henry and Rose were wonderful together, and their opposites attract chemistry was so very strong. Both were vibrant, eccentric characters, and it was lovely to see how they fell for each other, even while trying so hard not to. The dual timeline and time-travel plot were unique and refreshing; I loved exploring Henry’s life before he met Rose and watching how everything unfolded across both eras. This quirky and charming romance is well worth the read, with all the magic, steam, and humor one could want!
Read if you like:
💫Grumpy x Sunshine💫
💫Forced Proximity💫
💫Time Travel💫
💫Fish Out Of Water💫
💫Magical Realism💫
~Many thanks to Berkley for an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
This magical realism rom-com was so fun and sweet! Henry and Rose were wonderful together, and their opposites attract chemistry was so very strong. Both were vibrant, eccentric characters, and it was lovely to see how they fell for each other, even while trying so hard not to. The dual timeline and time-travel plot were unique and refreshing; I loved exploring Henry’s life before he met Rose and watching how everything unfolded across both eras. This quirky and charming romance is well worth the read, with all the magic, steam, and humor one could want!
Read if you like:
💫Grumpy x Sunshine💫
💫Forced Proximity💫
💫Time Travel💫
💫Fish Out Of Water💫
💫Magical Realism💫
~Many thanks to Berkley for an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
December 16, 2025
This is like, super cute.
I pretty much always take some enjoyment from a time-travel romance, and this one is no exception.
This is has much of that adorable plot, where the time-traveling partner is learning and adapting to the way of life in a new era, and I just love that so much.
(Englishmen from the past will never stop being shocked about modern women wearing pants. and it will never get old)
Not only does it add a lot of “awww” moments, but it adds some much-needed humor to the story as well.
This book also has some magic themes happening, but more along the lines of astrology and spirituality, if that makes sense.
So, if you’re a crystal-loving, horoscope reader that loves asking people what their sign is- this might be for you.
The writing is quite good, and the main characters Rose and Henry are both likable in their own ways.
(I think it takes a second to warm up to Henry, but I find that is always the case in stories like this one)
But I think once things start progressing, they become a good pair.
One thing I will say, was that I felt overwhelmed at a few points. There is a lot going on.
Magic, time travel, romance, drama, mystery and action. Which I thought made things feel a little bit crowded.
Granted, this is way better than a story being boring and lacking character! But there were times where I felt like there were a lot of plot points taking place, and it was hard for me to keep up.
In all though, I liked it!
Thank you to Netgalley, Berkley Publishing Group and author Bryn Donovan, for providing me with the eARC of “Her Time Traveling Duke”, in exchange for my honest review!
Publication date: December 09, 2025
I pretty much always take some enjoyment from a time-travel romance, and this one is no exception.
This is has much of that adorable plot, where the time-traveling partner is learning and adapting to the way of life in a new era, and I just love that so much.
(Englishmen from the past will never stop being shocked about modern women wearing pants. and it will never get old)
Not only does it add a lot of “awww” moments, but it adds some much-needed humor to the story as well.
This book also has some magic themes happening, but more along the lines of astrology and spirituality, if that makes sense.
So, if you’re a crystal-loving, horoscope reader that loves asking people what their sign is- this might be for you.
The writing is quite good, and the main characters Rose and Henry are both likable in their own ways.
(I think it takes a second to warm up to Henry, but I find that is always the case in stories like this one)
But I think once things start progressing, they become a good pair.
One thing I will say, was that I felt overwhelmed at a few points. There is a lot going on.
Magic, time travel, romance, drama, mystery and action. Which I thought made things feel a little bit crowded.
Granted, this is way better than a story being boring and lacking character! But there were times where I felt like there were a lot of plot points taking place, and it was hard for me to keep up.
In all though, I liked it!
Thank you to Netgalley, Berkley Publishing Group and author Bryn Donovan, for providing me with the eARC of “Her Time Traveling Duke”, in exchange for my honest review!
Publication date: December 09, 2025
October 8, 2025
really cute time travelling romance!
this reminded me so much of one of my favorite movies - Kate & Leopold.
Endearing & fast paced
Things to know:
- She accidentally does a spell to bring a handsome Duke from 1818 into the future
- He isn’t happy about it
- Chaos ensues
this reminded me so much of one of my favorite movies - Kate & Leopold.
Endearing & fast paced
Things to know:
- She accidentally does a spell to bring a handsome Duke from 1818 into the future
- He isn’t happy about it
- Chaos ensues
December 13, 2025
Bryn Donovan's Her Time Traveling Duke proves that lightning can indeed strike twice in the same enchanted place. Following her delightful debut Her Knight at the Museum, Donovan returns to the Art Institute of Chicago with another impossibly charming romance that asks: what happens when a love spell goes spectacularly right in the most inconvenient way possible?
Rose Novak, a social media manager at Chicago's Art Institute, never expected her Friday night love spell to work quite so literally. After attending her best friend's wedding to a formerly-stone medieval knight, Rose decides to try a little magic of her own. Her request for an "old-fashioned gentleman" manifests in the form of Henry Horatio Leighton-Lyons, the fifth Duke of Beresford, yanked from his 1818 portrait just moments before it was completed. What begins as mutual shock and wine-throwing quickly evolves into a race against time as Rose and Henry must navigate modern Chicago, steal back a magical astrolabe, and confront the reality that their connection might transcend centuries.
The Chemistry of Opposites
Donovan excels at crafting relationships built on genuine tension and gradual understanding. Rose embodies modern spirituality with her crystals, tarot cards, and unapologetic belief in magic. She's refreshingly self-aware about her patterns in relationships, having been burned by men who expected her to accommodate their needs while neglecting her own. Her work at the museum showcases her creative intelligence and passion for making art accessible to everyone, a detail that feels authentic to the character and adds depth beyond the romantic plot.
Henry, meanwhile, is beautifully rendered as a man of rigid scientific principles whose grief over his late wife Charlotte has calcified into intellectual isolation. His initial pomposity and condescension toward Rose's magical practices create genuine friction, yet Donovan skillfully peels back layers to reveal a man capable of profound growth. The duke's journey from dismissing everything he doesn't understand to embracing mystery and magic provides one of the novel's most satisfying character arcs.
Their verbal sparring crackles with wit. When Rose teases Henry about his ignorance of modern conveniences, or when Henry expresses scandalized horror at her "scandalous" yoga pants, Donovan demonstrates her gift for dialogue that advances both plot and character development. The authenticity of their miscommunications and gradual understanding creates a believable foundation for romance.
A Love Letter to Chicago
The city itself functions as more than mere backdrop. Donovan's Chicago pulses with specificity, from the food trucks between the museum and Millennium Park to the neighborhood of Pilsen with its vibrant murals and Mexican restaurants. Rose's Chicago is textured with cultural references that ground the fantasy elements in tangible reality. The Harold Washington Library, Maxwell Street markets, and Cubs games become part of Henry's education in modern life, each location chosen with care to showcase different facets of the city.
The Art Institute serves as the story's beating heart, and Donovan clearly knows this institution intimately. Details about paintings conservation, social media management for cultural institutions, and the behind-the-scenes workings of museum operations demonstrate research that never feels like research. Rose's job isn't window dressing; it's integral to who she is and how the plot unfolds.
Where Magic and Science Intersect
The novel's magical system deserves particular praise for its internal consistency. The time travel mechanics involving moonstones, astrolabes, tarot cards, and specific astronomical alignments create a framework that feels both whimsical and structured. Donovan wisely avoids over-explaining every detail while providing enough information to make the magic feel consequential rather than convenient.
The subplot involving Henry's search for meaning in his displacement and Rose's journey to master her considerable magical abilities weaves seamlessly with the central romance. Supporting characters, particularly Rose's ex-convict brother Ryan and her best friend Emily from the previous book, add emotional weight and complication without overwhelming the primary love story. The inclusion of FBI agent Aaron Coleman, Rose's sort-of-ex who still harbors feelings for her, creates realistic external pressure without devolving into manufactured drama.
Moments That Resonate
Several scenes stand out for their emotional authenticity. Henry's first encounter with a public library, his wonder at democratized knowledge, captures both his character and a universal truth about education's transformative power. The sequences where Rose teaches Henry about modern Chicago while he shares his perspective on history create genuine moments of connection. Their collaborative problem-solving, whether deciphering clues hidden in Henry's portrait or executing an elaborate heist at a charity gala, showcase partnership rather than one character rescuing the other.
The intimate scenes balance passion with character revelation. Donovan writes physical connection that serves emotional development, making these moments feel earned rather than obligatory. The vulnerability both characters display in these scenes parallels the emotional risks they're taking throughout the narrative.
Areas for Growth
While the novel succeeds on multiple levels, certain elements could have been strengthened. The reincarnation subplot, while adding mystical weight to the romance, occasionally feels underdeveloped. The connection between Rose and Charlotte receives hints and implications rather than full exploration, leaving some emotional threads dangling. This hesitation to fully commit to either a reincarnation narrative or a fresh love story creates moments of narrative uncertainty.
The pacing stumbles occasionally in the middle section, where the mechanics of time travel and magical objects receive extensive attention that temporarily stalls emotional momentum. While the details about astrolabes and moonstone properties demonstrate Donovan's research, some readers might find these explanations interrupt the narrative flow.
Additionally, the resolution of certain conflicts, particularly involving the FBI investigation and the recovered astrolabe, arrives with surprising ease. The tension Donovan carefully builds sometimes deflates too quickly, sacrificing opportunities for deeper exploration of consequences and difficult choices.
Themes Worth Pondering
Beyond the romance, Donovan explores substantive themes about grief, second chances, and the courage required to release control. Henry's journey from trying to reverse time to embracing an uncertain future resonates with anyone who has struggled to let go of what was. Rose's arc about deserving love without constantly accommodating others speaks to relationship patterns many readers will recognize.
The novel also examines how we balance respecting the past with living in the present, a theme that works both literally through time travel and metaphorically through the characters' emotional growth. The question of whether some connections transcend time and circumstance provides philosophical depth without becoming heavy-handed.
The Verdict
Her Time Traveling Duke succeeds as both standalone romance and series continuation, offering readers the comfort of familiar world-building with fresh characters and conflicts. Donovan's voice carries genuine warmth and wit, her Chicago setting feels lived-in and authentic, and her central romance earns its happily-ever-after through genuine character development rather than magical convenience.
While not without minor flaws in pacing and thematic follow-through, the novel delivers what it promises: a charming, sexy, emotionally satisfying romance that respects both historical detail and contemporary sensibilities. Rose and Henry's journey from antagonism to partnership to love unfolds with humor, heart, and just enough magical impossibility to remind us why we read romance in the first place.
For fans of Donovan's debut or newcomers to her work, this offers an enchanting escape into a world where museums hold secrets, love transcends centuries, and sometimes the most scientific mind needs a little magic to find its way home.
Rose Novak, a social media manager at Chicago's Art Institute, never expected her Friday night love spell to work quite so literally. After attending her best friend's wedding to a formerly-stone medieval knight, Rose decides to try a little magic of her own. Her request for an "old-fashioned gentleman" manifests in the form of Henry Horatio Leighton-Lyons, the fifth Duke of Beresford, yanked from his 1818 portrait just moments before it was completed. What begins as mutual shock and wine-throwing quickly evolves into a race against time as Rose and Henry must navigate modern Chicago, steal back a magical astrolabe, and confront the reality that their connection might transcend centuries.
The Chemistry of Opposites
Donovan excels at crafting relationships built on genuine tension and gradual understanding. Rose embodies modern spirituality with her crystals, tarot cards, and unapologetic belief in magic. She's refreshingly self-aware about her patterns in relationships, having been burned by men who expected her to accommodate their needs while neglecting her own. Her work at the museum showcases her creative intelligence and passion for making art accessible to everyone, a detail that feels authentic to the character and adds depth beyond the romantic plot.
Henry, meanwhile, is beautifully rendered as a man of rigid scientific principles whose grief over his late wife Charlotte has calcified into intellectual isolation. His initial pomposity and condescension toward Rose's magical practices create genuine friction, yet Donovan skillfully peels back layers to reveal a man capable of profound growth. The duke's journey from dismissing everything he doesn't understand to embracing mystery and magic provides one of the novel's most satisfying character arcs.
Their verbal sparring crackles with wit. When Rose teases Henry about his ignorance of modern conveniences, or when Henry expresses scandalized horror at her "scandalous" yoga pants, Donovan demonstrates her gift for dialogue that advances both plot and character development. The authenticity of their miscommunications and gradual understanding creates a believable foundation for romance.
A Love Letter to Chicago
The city itself functions as more than mere backdrop. Donovan's Chicago pulses with specificity, from the food trucks between the museum and Millennium Park to the neighborhood of Pilsen with its vibrant murals and Mexican restaurants. Rose's Chicago is textured with cultural references that ground the fantasy elements in tangible reality. The Harold Washington Library, Maxwell Street markets, and Cubs games become part of Henry's education in modern life, each location chosen with care to showcase different facets of the city.
The Art Institute serves as the story's beating heart, and Donovan clearly knows this institution intimately. Details about paintings conservation, social media management for cultural institutions, and the behind-the-scenes workings of museum operations demonstrate research that never feels like research. Rose's job isn't window dressing; it's integral to who she is and how the plot unfolds.
Where Magic and Science Intersect
The novel's magical system deserves particular praise for its internal consistency. The time travel mechanics involving moonstones, astrolabes, tarot cards, and specific astronomical alignments create a framework that feels both whimsical and structured. Donovan wisely avoids over-explaining every detail while providing enough information to make the magic feel consequential rather than convenient.
The subplot involving Henry's search for meaning in his displacement and Rose's journey to master her considerable magical abilities weaves seamlessly with the central romance. Supporting characters, particularly Rose's ex-convict brother Ryan and her best friend Emily from the previous book, add emotional weight and complication without overwhelming the primary love story. The inclusion of FBI agent Aaron Coleman, Rose's sort-of-ex who still harbors feelings for her, creates realistic external pressure without devolving into manufactured drama.
Moments That Resonate
Several scenes stand out for their emotional authenticity. Henry's first encounter with a public library, his wonder at democratized knowledge, captures both his character and a universal truth about education's transformative power. The sequences where Rose teaches Henry about modern Chicago while he shares his perspective on history create genuine moments of connection. Their collaborative problem-solving, whether deciphering clues hidden in Henry's portrait or executing an elaborate heist at a charity gala, showcase partnership rather than one character rescuing the other.
The intimate scenes balance passion with character revelation. Donovan writes physical connection that serves emotional development, making these moments feel earned rather than obligatory. The vulnerability both characters display in these scenes parallels the emotional risks they're taking throughout the narrative.
Areas for Growth
While the novel succeeds on multiple levels, certain elements could have been strengthened. The reincarnation subplot, while adding mystical weight to the romance, occasionally feels underdeveloped. The connection between Rose and Charlotte receives hints and implications rather than full exploration, leaving some emotional threads dangling. This hesitation to fully commit to either a reincarnation narrative or a fresh love story creates moments of narrative uncertainty.
The pacing stumbles occasionally in the middle section, where the mechanics of time travel and magical objects receive extensive attention that temporarily stalls emotional momentum. While the details about astrolabes and moonstone properties demonstrate Donovan's research, some readers might find these explanations interrupt the narrative flow.
Additionally, the resolution of certain conflicts, particularly involving the FBI investigation and the recovered astrolabe, arrives with surprising ease. The tension Donovan carefully builds sometimes deflates too quickly, sacrificing opportunities for deeper exploration of consequences and difficult choices.
Themes Worth Pondering
Beyond the romance, Donovan explores substantive themes about grief, second chances, and the courage required to release control. Henry's journey from trying to reverse time to embracing an uncertain future resonates with anyone who has struggled to let go of what was. Rose's arc about deserving love without constantly accommodating others speaks to relationship patterns many readers will recognize.
The novel also examines how we balance respecting the past with living in the present, a theme that works both literally through time travel and metaphorically through the characters' emotional growth. The question of whether some connections transcend time and circumstance provides philosophical depth without becoming heavy-handed.
The Verdict
Her Time Traveling Duke succeeds as both standalone romance and series continuation, offering readers the comfort of familiar world-building with fresh characters and conflicts. Donovan's voice carries genuine warmth and wit, her Chicago setting feels lived-in and authentic, and her central romance earns its happily-ever-after through genuine character development rather than magical convenience.
While not without minor flaws in pacing and thematic follow-through, the novel delivers what it promises: a charming, sexy, emotionally satisfying romance that respects both historical detail and contemporary sensibilities. Rose and Henry's journey from antagonism to partnership to love unfolds with humor, heart, and just enough magical impossibility to remind us why we read romance in the first place.
For fans of Donovan's debut or newcomers to her work, this offers an enchanting escape into a world where museums hold secrets, love transcends centuries, and sometimes the most scientific mind needs a little magic to find its way home.
December 6, 2025
While reading I was wondering why this book felt familiar and now I realize why. This is the same author who wrote Her Knight at the Museum which I loved last year! In this one, Rose tries out a spell asking for “an old-fashioned gentleman” and it HAPPENS! Enter Henry the Duke of Beresford. Henry seems to have time traveled to the future and is met with a quirky woman whose life is much different than he could have ever dreamed. You see, Henry being from the regency era means he’s much more proper. The way he felt about certain things (like her apartment) made me laugh out loud! He is the epitome of “a fish out of water” and Donovan writes him PERFECTLY. I adored this silly book, and I think anyone who needs a pick me up and can suspend belief will really enjoy this one!
𝗠𝗬 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝗠𝗬 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
December 10, 2025
I really enjoyed this second installment in this fun creative series. It's just so entertaining to see these men from hundreds of years ago dropped into modern times. It's hilarious!
There is some real sizzle in this one. It's 🔥This installment also has some extra time travel and I loved that aspect.
The audio was another phenomenal production by @prhaudio with the unmatched Brittany Pressley
There is some real sizzle in this one. It's 🔥This installment also has some extra time travel and I loved that aspect.
The audio was another phenomenal production by @prhaudio with the unmatched Brittany Pressley
August 7, 2025
What a delightful read! I love a Grumpy/Sunshine romance, and the two main characters, Rose (bubbly Wiccan) and Henry (indignant man of science) are so appealing. In this follow-up to "Her Knight at the Museum," another museum employee, Rose, casts a love spell that gives her wish for "an old fashioned gentleman" a completely new meaning. I enjoyed Henry's confusion upon finding himself in the modern world—and his dialogue, mannerisms, and reactions were spot on. If you like a romance with spice, humor, a compelling mystery, adventure, and genuinely tender moments, you'll have fun reading this one. I sped through it.
December 25, 2025
Thank you, @berkleyromance and @prhaudio for the #gifted digital and audio copies! Last year, I found Her Knight at the Museum absolutely charming (and it sounds like it is being adapted to the screen!) so I was very excited to jump back into this world that is both a magical realism rom-com and a love letter to all that Chicago has to offer!
When Rose Novak, who dabbles in magic and spells, wishes for an old fashioned gentleman, she didn’t anticipate the universe would quite literally pull Henry Leighton-Lyons, the Duke of Beresford through time. She’s familiar with Henry from his portrait at the Art Institute of Chicago (where she works) and this whole situation would have been infinitely more shocking if not for the fact that last year the statue of a knight came to life, fell in love with her best friend, and she just attended their wedding. But, there’s still some serious stuff to figure out: First, when she asked for an old fashioned gentleman to fall in love with, why did the universe send her this infuriating man? Second, how can they get him home? (And third…how not to fall in love with I’m along the way)
I loved last year’s Knight at the Museum for several reasons that made it an excellent rom-com - it was fun, funny, and full of heart. So much so that it has been optioned for the screen! Also, I love books where the author sets them in a city and you can feel that particular city as part of the story. If you love Chicago, you will love these books as the city is such a presence. For this book, it was fun to see Rose and Henry’s relationship evolve, their hijinks, and their tender moments. I loved the twists Donovan put into their love story, with Henry’s unrelenting search for a way to turn back time to reunite with his wife before her death launched him hundreds of years into a future he cannot comprehend but soothes his loneliness in a unique way both with Rose and the unlikely cast of characters at the museum. I’m hoping there will be more in this charming series.
🎧 Audiobook Thoughts: Narrated by Brittany Pressley, who as we all know is an absolute legend, this one is loads of fun on audio! (10 hrs and 31 mins)
Book: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
🎧 Audio performance: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
When Rose Novak, who dabbles in magic and spells, wishes for an old fashioned gentleman, she didn’t anticipate the universe would quite literally pull Henry Leighton-Lyons, the Duke of Beresford through time. She’s familiar with Henry from his portrait at the Art Institute of Chicago (where she works) and this whole situation would have been infinitely more shocking if not for the fact that last year the statue of a knight came to life, fell in love with her best friend, and she just attended their wedding. But, there’s still some serious stuff to figure out: First, when she asked for an old fashioned gentleman to fall in love with, why did the universe send her this infuriating man? Second, how can they get him home? (And third…how not to fall in love with I’m along the way)
I loved last year’s Knight at the Museum for several reasons that made it an excellent rom-com - it was fun, funny, and full of heart. So much so that it has been optioned for the screen! Also, I love books where the author sets them in a city and you can feel that particular city as part of the story. If you love Chicago, you will love these books as the city is such a presence. For this book, it was fun to see Rose and Henry’s relationship evolve, their hijinks, and their tender moments. I loved the twists Donovan put into their love story, with Henry’s unrelenting search for a way to turn back time to reunite with his wife before her death launched him hundreds of years into a future he cannot comprehend but soothes his loneliness in a unique way both with Rose and the unlikely cast of characters at the museum. I’m hoping there will be more in this charming series.
🎧 Audiobook Thoughts: Narrated by Brittany Pressley, who as we all know is an absolute legend, this one is loads of fun on audio! (10 hrs and 31 mins)
Book: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
🎧 Audio performance: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
July 16, 2025
A full five stars. If you're open to time travel and romance, I think you'll love this story as much as I did. It brings both these elements together & mixes them into a fun & spicy emotional story. Here you'll meet Henry, a Regency-era duke with a passion for scientific discoveries and human progress who is one day, without warning, propelled forward in time and space to the Art Institute of Chicago present day. There he meets Rose, a museum employee who dabbles in white magic. How they fall in love even as Henry finds his way back to Regency England is the heart of this well-told novel. I won't give away the twist that occurs near the end, but I will say, the end of their story is emotional and beautiful in a way that you won't forget.
This is a spicy love story, and the attraction between the two lovers may make some readers blush even as they become immersed. The author's gift for banter and witty dialogue is equally unforgettable.
I think if you enjoyed A Witch's Guide to Fake Dating A Demon by Sarah Hawley or the The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood, or really most any of the best Fantasy and/or Romance novels out there, you’ll love this book, too.
This is a spicy love story, and the attraction between the two lovers may make some readers blush even as they become immersed. The author's gift for banter and witty dialogue is equally unforgettable.
I think if you enjoyed A Witch's Guide to Fake Dating A Demon by Sarah Hawley or the The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood, or really most any of the best Fantasy and/or Romance novels out there, you’ll love this book, too.
August 21, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley & Berkley Publishing Group for the early copy in exchange for an honest review. Sadly, I DNF'ed 20% of the way through.
First, this is actually the SECOND book in a series. The author does a pretty decent job of explaining what happened in the first book but I am so confused by this world's worldbuilding. So magic exists but...witches don't? But the protagonist is a witch? It's just like casual magic that's part of the world? IDK.
I didn't really like the protagonist, she felt like a "uwu I'm so quirky" girl and her love interest was meh. The pop culture references that I usually like were WAY overused here too.
Might not just have been for me, though I loved Kate & Leopold.
First, this is actually the SECOND book in a series. The author does a pretty decent job of explaining what happened in the first book but I am so confused by this world's worldbuilding. So magic exists but...witches don't? But the protagonist is a witch? It's just like casual magic that's part of the world? IDK.
I didn't really like the protagonist, she felt like a "uwu I'm so quirky" girl and her love interest was meh. The pop culture references that I usually like were WAY overused here too.
Might not just have been for me, though I loved Kate & Leopold.
December 9, 2025
I always love a book with a little magic. This did not disappoint. I loved the characters—Rose, a quirky, intelligent woman who has to deal with a little faux pas she made with her witch skills and Henry, the grumpy duke. Watching their journey will make you laugh and warm your heart, and the twists in the plot will keep you turning the pages until the end. I was given an ARC of this book.
June 13, 2025
Super cute, fun read!
November 23, 2025
4.75 rounded up! Her Time Traveling Duke is part of an interconnected standalone with Her Knight at the Museum, and having read the second one first, I definitely recommend reading them in order - because you clearly spoil the general gist of the story otherwise. The author does a great job connecting books so you don't have to read one without the other though. Granted, I plan to go back anyway because I enjoyed Bryn Donovan's writing!
Her Time Traveling Duke is perfect for those yearning for a little bit of historical romance, but prefer a contemporary setting. Time travel romance, when done well as it is here, can be fun and leave the reader wondering how the story will settle. I think most of the elements in this story tied it all together well, and made it possible to see how the main characters could ultimately end up together. The story is both emotional and spicy, which will appeal to both historical romance and contemporary romance readers. There are a lot of funny moments and great banter that actually had me laughing out loud. I certainly cannot imagine living in 1818 and all of a sudden have to get used to any concept from the 21st century. The line about hot dogs and "you eat dogs?" had me sitting up in bed I was laughing so hard.
Perfect for fans of Bridgerton - I truly pictured Henry as plucked right out of the series. I also appreciated all the homages to Chicago in this story. It's a little cheesy, and there is a third act break up, but I still had a great time reading the story. The secondary cast of characters is also really well developed, and I would definitely be interested in reading books about Jason, Ryan, and Aaron. I have a feeling Aaron's book could be next.
I came for the cover, but stayed for the heartfelt romance! I give it two peppers for spice.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for an ARC and finished copy in exchange for my honest review.
Her Time Traveling Duke is perfect for those yearning for a little bit of historical romance, but prefer a contemporary setting. Time travel romance, when done well as it is here, can be fun and leave the reader wondering how the story will settle. I think most of the elements in this story tied it all together well, and made it possible to see how the main characters could ultimately end up together. The story is both emotional and spicy, which will appeal to both historical romance and contemporary romance readers. There are a lot of funny moments and great banter that actually had me laughing out loud. I certainly cannot imagine living in 1818 and all of a sudden have to get used to any concept from the 21st century. The line about hot dogs and "you eat dogs?" had me sitting up in bed I was laughing so hard.
Perfect for fans of Bridgerton - I truly pictured Henry as plucked right out of the series. I also appreciated all the homages to Chicago in this story. It's a little cheesy, and there is a third act break up, but I still had a great time reading the story. The secondary cast of characters is also really well developed, and I would definitely be interested in reading books about Jason, Ryan, and Aaron. I have a feeling Aaron's book could be next.
I came for the cover, but stayed for the heartfelt romance! I give it two peppers for spice.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for an ARC and finished copy in exchange for my honest review.
Read
December 21, 2025Her Time Traveling Duke is a charming, magical, and fun romance that feels like a cozy blend of Kate & Leopold with a modern twist. I loved the premise right away, a Regency duke pulled out of his portrait and dropped into a modern Chicago apartment after Rose accidentally casts a love spell. Their dynamic is adorable from the start: Rose is warm, bold, and easy to root for, while Henry arrives confused, grumpy, and completely out of his depth in the modern world. Watching him adjust, and slowly fall for Rose, was such a delight.
The mix of magic, light humor, time travel chaos, and sweet romance kept me turning the pages. While a few plot points felt a little uneven, the chemistry between Rose and Henry more than made up for it.
Overall, this is a cute, heartwarming, escapist read perfect for anyone who loves fate, soulmates, and a touch of enchantment.
Very grateful to the publisher @berkleyromance for my #gifted copy through @netgalley , opinions are my own
The mix of magic, light humor, time travel chaos, and sweet romance kept me turning the pages. While a few plot points felt a little uneven, the chemistry between Rose and Henry more than made up for it.
Overall, this is a cute, heartwarming, escapist read perfect for anyone who loves fate, soulmates, and a touch of enchantment.
Very grateful to the publisher @berkleyromance for my #gifted copy through @netgalley , opinions are my own
December 14, 2025
Like Her Knight at the Museum, this is a fluffy silly piece of nonsense with lots of good fish-out-of-water comedy. Unlike the first book in the series, though, this one had a plot that I hated sooooooooo much. It's okay to love more than one person in your life! I know that was not the intent, and this is a trope I can enjoy, but as deployed here, it gave me the ick.
Also on what planet is the woman on the cover the plus-size heroine of this story?
But I will probably read the next one.
For the possibly one other person in the universe who cares, side-character spoilers:
Also on what planet is the woman on the cover the plus-size heroine of this story?
But I will probably read the next one.
For the possibly one other person in the universe who cares, side-character spoilers:
January 8, 2026
Quick Summary: A love out of time romance
My Review: Her Time Traveling Duke by Bryn Donovan is a 2025 release. It is a fantasy romance.
About the Book: "Magic meets science and sunshine meets grumpy when a love spell whisks a Regency-era duke to modern times."
In My Own Words: A man crosses a temporal plain and is reunited with his lady love.
My Final Say: This was a very entertaining read. It reminded me of the Meg Ryan/Hugh Jackman movie from 2001 called Kate and Leopold. It had humor, romance, and a very light air of suspense to it. The grumpy x sunshine trope was evident.
Rating: 3/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Status: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Level: 🌶️
Audiobook: Yes
Narration: +/-
My Review: Her Time Traveling Duke by Bryn Donovan is a 2025 release. It is a fantasy romance.
About the Book: "Magic meets science and sunshine meets grumpy when a love spell whisks a Regency-era duke to modern times."
In My Own Words: A man crosses a temporal plain and is reunited with his lady love.
My Final Say: This was a very entertaining read. It reminded me of the Meg Ryan/Hugh Jackman movie from 2001 called Kate and Leopold. It had humor, romance, and a very light air of suspense to it. The grumpy x sunshine trope was evident.
Rating: 3/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Status: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Level: 🌶️
Audiobook: Yes
Narration: +/-
December 10, 2025
The second in the series and maybe even better than the first!?!? I loved Her knight at the museum but Her time traveling Duke was just as excellent!! There's a grumpy widowed Duke who gets sent forward in time when a modern day witch casts a spell to find her love one drunken night on her birthday. What she doesn't realize is that she's the Duke's late wife reincarnated. Together they have to see if they can make this weird, complicated, magical situation work. Narrated by Brittany Pressley and as with everything she voices it was WONDERFUL! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy and @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review!
January 1, 2026
Thank you to the publisher and Goodreads for a copy of this book!
Following up Her Knight at the Museum, Bryn Donovan takes a decidedly more fantasy approach (not that a knight from the 15th century being trapped as a statue for centuries is all that realistic) in this tale involving magic, reincarnation, and that most valuable of all commodities, a Regency duke. Rose is a much more engaging character than I recall from the first book - and conversely, Griffin is less so now that he's a side character - and while the big plot twist isn't all that difficult to figure out, it really doesn't matter. This is simply sweet, fluffy fun.
Following up Her Knight at the Museum, Bryn Donovan takes a decidedly more fantasy approach (not that a knight from the 15th century being trapped as a statue for centuries is all that realistic) in this tale involving magic, reincarnation, and that most valuable of all commodities, a Regency duke. Rose is a much more engaging character than I recall from the first book - and conversely, Griffin is less so now that he's a side character - and while the big plot twist isn't all that difficult to figure out, it really doesn't matter. This is simply sweet, fluffy fun.
December 16, 2025
Her Time Traveling Duke is a fun, sexy 5-star read with a Grumpy/Sunshine romance and a lovable cast of characters. I was really hoping Rose would get her happily ever after reading Her Knight at the Museum, and Donovan more than delivered!
If you love Mr. Darcy and witty banter, this book should be your next read! It’s perfect for fans of Bridgerton and early 2000s rom coms!
If Bryn Donovan writes it, I’m reading it. Highly recommend!
If you love Mr. Darcy and witty banter, this book should be your next read! It’s perfect for fans of Bridgerton and early 2000s rom coms!
If Bryn Donovan writes it, I’m reading it. Highly recommend!
January 9, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Read if you like:
💥 time travel❣️❣️❣️
💥 dual POV
💥 3rd person POV
💥 single timeline
💥 banter 🩷🩷🩷
💥 spice 🌶️🌶️
💥 a little bit of ✨magic✨
💥 HEA
I love that this one started from the guy’s POV❣️❣️❣️We rarely get the male character’s POV in a romance and it’s always really fun when we do get it 💥
The banter in this one was NEXT LEVEL🩷🩷🩷 With his old-style way of talking and her sarcasm it just made for the absolute perfect back-and-forth.
I really like going into books blind… obviously based on the title I knew there would be time traveling, but I did not know there would be ✨magic✨ I love books about magic❣️❣️❣️
This one was just a teeeeeeeny bit spicy 🌶️ and that is perfect for me because I am not too much of a fan of spice.
I really loved these characters❣️ I loved Henry immediately, with his old-school style of talking and thinking and all his questions about modern things 🤪 His POV was really, really fun❣️ I obviously liked Rose as well 🤣 I loved her don’t give a **** attitude and her sarcasm and her humour. She very much reminded me of myself 😁
I was a little worried this was going to be the ultimate 3rd act break-up, but I knew a romance book would never do us like that 🤪🤪
This was a very, VERY enjoyable read; I read it straight through in 1 day 🩷🩷 A little bit mystery, a little bit romance, a little bit history❓❓ Throw in some magic and this was literally a perfect read for me. 5⭐️ for sure ❣️❣️
Thank you so much to Bryn Donovan and Berkley Publishing for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review 💕💕
Read if you like:
💥 time travel❣️❣️❣️
💥 dual POV
💥 3rd person POV
💥 single timeline
💥 banter 🩷🩷🩷
💥 spice 🌶️🌶️
💥 a little bit of ✨magic✨
💥 HEA
I love that this one started from the guy’s POV❣️❣️❣️We rarely get the male character’s POV in a romance and it’s always really fun when we do get it 💥
The banter in this one was NEXT LEVEL🩷🩷🩷 With his old-style way of talking and her sarcasm it just made for the absolute perfect back-and-forth.
I really like going into books blind… obviously based on the title I knew there would be time traveling, but I did not know there would be ✨magic✨ I love books about magic❣️❣️❣️
This one was just a teeeeeeeny bit spicy 🌶️ and that is perfect for me because I am not too much of a fan of spice.
I really loved these characters❣️ I loved Henry immediately, with his old-school style of talking and thinking and all his questions about modern things 🤪 His POV was really, really fun❣️ I obviously liked Rose as well 🤣 I loved her don’t give a **** attitude and her sarcasm and her humour. She very much reminded me of myself 😁
I was a little worried this was going to be the ultimate 3rd act break-up, but I knew a romance book would never do us like that 🤪🤪
This was a very, VERY enjoyable read; I read it straight through in 1 day 🩷🩷 A little bit mystery, a little bit romance, a little bit history❓❓ Throw in some magic and this was literally a perfect read for me. 5⭐️ for sure ❣️❣️
Thank you so much to Bryn Donovan and Berkley Publishing for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review 💕💕
November 27, 2025
I absolutely loved this book. Rose casts a spell to find an old-fashioned gentleman to fall in love with, and somehow she pulls an actual Duke out of 1818 and into her Chicago living room. I had so much fun with this. Rose is such a great FMC — bold, strong, and just really enjoyable to read. Henry shows up terrified, a little stuck-up, and definitely not used to being the one who doesn’t know anything, and his character arc is so good.
Their romance is sweet and romantic and has that magical, fate-feels-real vibe. If you believe in soul mates, this is the perfect book. And the ending? Truly the sweetest. I am officially a Bryn Donovan fan.
Thank you NetGalley and Berkley for a copy of this arc.
Their romance is sweet and romantic and has that magical, fate-feels-real vibe. If you believe in soul mates, this is the perfect book. And the ending? Truly the sweetest. I am officially a Bryn Donovan fan.
Thank you NetGalley and Berkley for a copy of this arc.
January 11, 2026
Fun read, a bit spicy, but more just romantic. Lots of witty dialog. Rose is a wonderful heroine, with many layers to her character. Henry is kind of a pain in the butt, which made this story less enjoyable than Her Knight at the Museum (which I loved and gave five stars to). I also found the time travel in this story less believable than in Knight. It might be interesting to read more about the side characters like Ryan, Jason, and Aaron in future Bryn Donovan novels, with or without the time travel aspect.
Read
January 8, 2026DNF 60% in. Such a bummer because I thought I would love this being a huge fan of historical romance and fantasy and I felt it would be similar to My Roommate is a Vampire by Jenna Levine but I just feel like it fell flat, didn’t charm me at all, and I would probably give 2 stars except I don’t rate DNF :(
December 28, 2025
A sweet romance with enough spice to satisfy a romance reader. Yet without the angst of a possible sad ending and too much magic / time travel/ secret society left vague, the story has no depth beyond the adorable FMC and the upstanding MMC.
December 15, 2025
I really enjoyed this book! The only reason I'm not giving it 5 stars is because the third act breakup felt unnecessary and ridiculous.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 12, 2025
5⭐️
3🔥
Quick Breakdown
Magical Realism
He’s an English Duke
Age Gap - 200+ Years
Grumpy x Sunshine
Forced Proximity
Love After Loss
Dual POV
Open Door - Moderate
Thank you @berkleyromance for the gifted eARC & @prhaudio for the gifted ALC in exchange for my honest opinion #berkleypartner #prhaudiopartner
Rose is a free spirited museum social media manager who dabbles in magic. In a lonely moment after watching her best friend get married, she casts a spell for an “old fashioned gentleman.” Next thing she knows, Henry Leighton-Lyons, the Duke of Beresford, who Rose has seen before in an old painting at the museum, has appeared in her apartment.
This was so incredibly fun - I had a 𝗕𝗟𝗔𝗦𝗧! You’ll have to suspend your disbelief as this deals with magic & time travel along with other things, but IMO, it’s worth the ride. There was so much to love - for one, the plot! Gimme all the regency era time travel romances please, whether jumping forward or back. This brought all humor & hinjks you’d expect from an academic, grumpy widower from the early 1800’s suddenly showing up in 2026. Then pack in some mystery, espionage & heists.. I’m sold.
Mostly though, I loved Rose & Henry together. They were grossly different yet somehow quite similar, complementing each other in a way that just 𝗺𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗲. It was a smidge insta-love, but in a way that worked for me. It translated into the spice as well 🫠
Definitely recommend this one for anyone looking for a fun escape read. I can’t wait for my preorder to arrive so I can properly hug this gem!
3🔥
Quick Breakdown
Magical Realism
He’s an English Duke
Age Gap - 200+ Years
Grumpy x Sunshine
Forced Proximity
Love After Loss
Dual POV
Open Door - Moderate
Thank you @berkleyromance for the gifted eARC & @prhaudio for the gifted ALC in exchange for my honest opinion #berkleypartner #prhaudiopartner
Rose is a free spirited museum social media manager who dabbles in magic. In a lonely moment after watching her best friend get married, she casts a spell for an “old fashioned gentleman.” Next thing she knows, Henry Leighton-Lyons, the Duke of Beresford, who Rose has seen before in an old painting at the museum, has appeared in her apartment.
This was so incredibly fun - I had a 𝗕𝗟𝗔𝗦𝗧! You’ll have to suspend your disbelief as this deals with magic & time travel along with other things, but IMO, it’s worth the ride. There was so much to love - for one, the plot! Gimme all the regency era time travel romances please, whether jumping forward or back. This brought all humor & hinjks you’d expect from an academic, grumpy widower from the early 1800’s suddenly showing up in 2026. Then pack in some mystery, espionage & heists.. I’m sold.
Mostly though, I loved Rose & Henry together. They were grossly different yet somehow quite similar, complementing each other in a way that just 𝗺𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗲. It was a smidge insta-love, but in a way that worked for me. It translated into the spice as well 🫠
Definitely recommend this one for anyone looking for a fun escape read. I can’t wait for my preorder to arrive so I can properly hug this gem!
January 5, 2026
This was a sweet and fun romance. I had no problems suspending disbelief for the things that arose in the story. I enjoyed it from start to finish, and I liked the fun little twists it took along the way.
December 19, 2025
BANGER LOVED IT FR
December 18, 2025
Listen. If this author keeps writing crazy banana pants, time traveling romances, set in Chicago, I will keep reading them.
September 15, 2025
While not mentioned currently on Goodreads or Amazon, this novel is a direct sequel to Donovan's Her Knight at the Museum. This novel follows Rose, Emily's witch friend who works at the museum where Emily's knight came to life.
After attending a wedding, Rose goes home and does a love spell to manifest the right guy for her. She never expects the spell to work, but a duke from the 1800s suddenly shows up in her apartment. His travel is tied to an astrolabe now in the hands of a private collector, and Rose agrees to try anything to send the duke back to his own time.
But once the time comes for him to go home, they may both be surprised to discover that their goals have changed...
Recommended for fans of the first novel and readers who enjoy time-travel romance.
I received an electronic ARC of this title from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
After attending a wedding, Rose goes home and does a love spell to manifest the right guy for her. She never expects the spell to work, but a duke from the 1800s suddenly shows up in her apartment. His travel is tied to an astrolabe now in the hands of a private collector, and Rose agrees to try anything to send the duke back to his own time.
But once the time comes for him to go home, they may both be surprised to discover that their goals have changed...
Recommended for fans of the first novel and readers who enjoy time-travel romance.
I received an electronic ARC of this title from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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