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The Rake Chronicles #1
When The Duke Loved Me: Versione Italiana (Rake Chronicles Vol. 1)
Entrambi fingono di essere qualcun altro per una notte...
Quando Catherine Forster chiede a un affascinante sconosciuto di accompagnarla fuori dalla sala da ballo e nei giardini di Tremberley, spera di intravedere le famose rovine romane... E magari di rubare un bacio. Ma quando lei e il suo delizioso accompagnatore vengono scoperti in un abbraccio scandaloso, Catherine è sconvolta nello scoprire che ha baciato John Breminster, l'erede dell'uomo che ha rovinato la sua famiglia.
Dato che i Forster sono suoi nemici giurati, John non ha altra scelta che allontanarsi da Catherine quella notte. Ma non è mai riuscito a dimenticare il loro incontro ravvicinato e, anche a distanza di anni, desidera ancora il suo tocco. Peggio ancora, quando suo padre muore, John, ora duca di Edington, si ritrova con un problema che solo Catherine può aiutarlo a risolvere.
Catherine accetta di aiutarlo nella sua ricerca... Ma a un prezzo. Durante il loro viaggio, i due iniziano presto a cedere alla tentazione, anche se scoprono rivelazioni inquietanti sul passato. John e Catherine riusciranno a superare questa storia comune? O i segreti li separeranno per sempre?
Quando Catherine Forster chiede a un affascinante sconosciuto di accompagnarla fuori dalla sala da ballo e nei giardini di Tremberley, spera di intravedere le famose rovine romane... E magari di rubare un bacio. Ma quando lei e il suo delizioso accompagnatore vengono scoperti in un abbraccio scandaloso, Catherine è sconvolta nello scoprire che ha baciato John Breminster, l'erede dell'uomo che ha rovinato la sua famiglia.
Dato che i Forster sono suoi nemici giurati, John non ha altra scelta che allontanarsi da Catherine quella notte. Ma non è mai riuscito a dimenticare il loro incontro ravvicinato e, anche a distanza di anni, desidera ancora il suo tocco. Peggio ancora, quando suo padre muore, John, ora duca di Edington, si ritrova con un problema che solo Catherine può aiutarlo a risolvere.
Catherine accetta di aiutarlo nella sua ricerca... Ma a un prezzo. Durante il loro viaggio, i due iniziano presto a cedere alla tentazione, anche se scoprono rivelazioni inquietanti sul passato. John e Catherine riusciranno a superare questa storia comune? O i segreti li separeranno per sempre?
361 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 28, 2023
359 people are currently reading
1833 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 180 reviews
May 4, 2023
I’ve made a lot of mistakes in my life but at least I’ve never gotten into so much gambling debt that I try to marry a middle schooler.
August 29, 2023
We really enjoyed this tropetastic debut from Lydia Lloyd. It's clear that she loves historical romance, and if you do, too, you'll recognize a lot of her inspiration. Look, this is an enemies to lovers road trip romance; he's a rake, she's a bluestocking; and the reason they're road tripping? Major inheritance shenanigans. And the back story is a bananas plot worthy of its own romance novel.
We'd have loved just a little more of a previous connection between Catherine and John - they seem to have been gone for each other (but unable to admit it) since their very first meeting years ago. We wish they'd spent more time together and been more invested in the relationship back then to make the drama and angst feel more real in the "present" of the book. That said, we're looking forward to more from Lydia Lloyd!
7-Word Summaries:
Laine: Enemies who have never met use pseudonyms.
Meg: I just met you & this is crazy…
Full disclosure: we are social media contacts with Lydia on Instagram. We received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher.
We'd have loved just a little more of a previous connection between Catherine and John - they seem to have been gone for each other (but unable to admit it) since their very first meeting years ago. We wish they'd spent more time together and been more invested in the relationship back then to make the drama and angst feel more real in the "present" of the book. That said, we're looking forward to more from Lydia Lloyd!
7-Word Summaries:
Laine: Enemies who have never met use pseudonyms.
Meg: I just met you & this is crazy…
Full disclosure: we are social media contacts with Lydia on Instagram. We received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher.
May 12, 2023
I enjoyed the plot, but the romance is basically 100% lust based with practically zero relationship building. If you’re looking for a slow burn, this isn’t it because the couple gets physical in the very first chapter. The speed in which these two get physical was a bit off putting to me, especially since John is pretending to be a poor vicar at the time. I did enjoy the author’s writing style though and given that this is her debut novel, I would be willing to give her another try.
I received a complimentary ARC of this book through Netgalley, but this did not impact my reading or review.
I received a complimentary ARC of this book through Netgalley, but this did not impact my reading or review.
January 8, 2024
First off, I'd like to thank Lydia Llyod and her team for providing me with a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. I really appreciate the opportunity. And please go and follow Lydia on Instagram. Her page is amazing.
"When the Duke Loved Me" by Lydia Lloyd is advertised as a trope-heavy historical enemies-to-lovers romance with lots of spice. The story revolves around Catherine Foster and John Breminister, whose families have been caught up in feud for a long time. When John's father's will dictates him to find Mary Foster, Catherine's aunt, in order to secure his sister's dowry, John has no other option but to team up with Catherine to find the scandalous woman. In exchange for her help, Catherine will receive the money she needs to re-establish her fallen from grace family. When hate turns to lust and lust turns to love and a big secret is revealed, Catherine and John have to figure out if and how they can get their HEA...
Since "When the Duke Loved Me" is the author's debut, I'll review it as such. I don't think debuts have to be perfect or meet the standard of well-established authors. Debuts are the first toe an authors dips in the scene, and as such, I will look at this novel.
Firstly, I liked Lloyd's writing style. It's very easy and casual. Great for international readers. I especially enjoyed parts of the inner monologue and dialogue between the characters. They were funny yet revealed a lot about the characters as people. John and Catherine had (at parts) great chemistry, though it didn't wove through the entire novel. Secondly, every plot line that was introduced was eventually resolved, aka no loose ends when finishing the book. Thirdly, many aspects of the story were interesting and fun. There was lots of potential there, but not everything executed in a way that made me jolt from my seat. I enjoyed the rakish friend group of John and how they interacted with John's sister. The loyalty and bromance among those four was very cute, though they had a tendency to talk about women as if they were kettle which I did not appreciate.
Back to John and Catherine as a couple. I think the idea of them is better than what you get. Their whole romance is based on insta-lust, which I don't hate, but I didn't really feel the transition from lust to love. It as more like one moment to the next they were in love. I missed heart-felt conversations, the feeling that they truly started to get to know each other and learn to properly communicate. It was simply a finger snap, and they wanted to get married. John didn't even have to convince Catherine that they should. Whether it was based on the fact they slept together or that they were in love, Catherine was just cool with it when John announced their engagement. No inner turmoil whatsoever. And when Catherine left unannounced, she sat in her home waiting for John because "he had to come back to her." It wasn't like she ran away without a word...
Plot wise, the novel felt a bit messy. Like the story started off as Catherine and John having to go on a road trip to find Catherine's aunt and then suddenly Catherine was posing as John's sister governess and until some random lady at a masquerade mentioned Mary Foster, it was almost irrelevant that they had to find this woman. The whole set up of John's father's will was silly enough, but when everything else got put on top, it just got sillier and sillier. And I don't hate silly romances. (I love Tessa Dare), but it just lost its ties to something that felt real.
This book suffered from something that Tessa Bailey's book often suffered from: writing books about tropes rather than writing a story. "When the Duke Loved Me" is a perfect example of this flaw. I know Lydia is known on Instagram for her posts about tropes, and this book fits her social media personality, but looking at this book without any of this context, it's just not working so well. You can't pack a book with fun tropes and hope a story starts forming because it doesn't. It simply felt jumpy and not thought through because it appeared she just wanted to make certain tropes happen instead of telling a proper story.
Then there was Catherine's hot girl hobby of writing stories about historical landmarks which was just there give her a bit more of a personality and give a little bit "that was something one could have as a hobby in regency times" but nothing else.
Overall, I see potential with Lydia. Everything that can turn into a great series is here, even though her craft still needs some filing, which is fine. For a historical romance debut, I think it is worth a try, and I'll definitely keep an eye on her next publication in 2024 because I think Lydia has much potential as an author. This is her first novel, which I feel is written for her following on social media, and for that, I think it does what she wanted it to do. But I hope that I'll see something more from her in the future than writing about tropes. Well deserved 3 stars.
"When the Duke Loved Me" by Lydia Lloyd is advertised as a trope-heavy historical enemies-to-lovers romance with lots of spice. The story revolves around Catherine Foster and John Breminister, whose families have been caught up in feud for a long time. When John's father's will dictates him to find Mary Foster, Catherine's aunt, in order to secure his sister's dowry, John has no other option but to team up with Catherine to find the scandalous woman. In exchange for her help, Catherine will receive the money she needs to re-establish her fallen from grace family. When hate turns to lust and lust turns to love and a big secret is revealed, Catherine and John have to figure out if and how they can get their HEA...
Since "When the Duke Loved Me" is the author's debut, I'll review it as such. I don't think debuts have to be perfect or meet the standard of well-established authors. Debuts are the first toe an authors dips in the scene, and as such, I will look at this novel.
Firstly, I liked Lloyd's writing style. It's very easy and casual. Great for international readers. I especially enjoyed parts of the inner monologue and dialogue between the characters. They were funny yet revealed a lot about the characters as people. John and Catherine had (at parts) great chemistry, though it didn't wove through the entire novel. Secondly, every plot line that was introduced was eventually resolved, aka no loose ends when finishing the book. Thirdly, many aspects of the story were interesting and fun. There was lots of potential there, but not everything executed in a way that made me jolt from my seat. I enjoyed the rakish friend group of John and how they interacted with John's sister. The loyalty and bromance among those four was very cute, though they had a tendency to talk about women as if they were kettle which I did not appreciate.
Back to John and Catherine as a couple. I think the idea of them is better than what you get. Their whole romance is based on insta-lust, which I don't hate, but I didn't really feel the transition from lust to love. It as more like one moment to the next they were in love. I missed heart-felt conversations, the feeling that they truly started to get to know each other and learn to properly communicate. It was simply a finger snap, and they wanted to get married. John didn't even have to convince Catherine that they should. Whether it was based on the fact they slept together or that they were in love, Catherine was just cool with it when John announced their engagement. No inner turmoil whatsoever. And when Catherine left unannounced, she sat in her home waiting for John because "he had to come back to her." It wasn't like she ran away without a word...
Plot wise, the novel felt a bit messy. Like the story started off as Catherine and John having to go on a road trip to find Catherine's aunt and then suddenly Catherine was posing as John's sister governess and until some random lady at a masquerade mentioned Mary Foster, it was almost irrelevant that they had to find this woman. The whole set up of John's father's will was silly enough, but when everything else got put on top, it just got sillier and sillier. And I don't hate silly romances. (I love Tessa Dare), but it just lost its ties to something that felt real.
This book suffered from something that Tessa Bailey's book often suffered from: writing books about tropes rather than writing a story. "When the Duke Loved Me" is a perfect example of this flaw. I know Lydia is known on Instagram for her posts about tropes, and this book fits her social media personality, but looking at this book without any of this context, it's just not working so well. You can't pack a book with fun tropes and hope a story starts forming because it doesn't. It simply felt jumpy and not thought through because it appeared she just wanted to make certain tropes happen instead of telling a proper story.
Then there was Catherine's hot girl hobby of writing stories about historical landmarks which was just there give her a bit more of a personality and give a little bit "that was something one could have as a hobby in regency times" but nothing else.
Overall, I see potential with Lydia. Everything that can turn into a great series is here, even though her craft still needs some filing, which is fine. For a historical romance debut, I think it is worth a try, and I'll definitely keep an eye on her next publication in 2024 because I think Lydia has much potential as an author. This is her first novel, which I feel is written for her following on social media, and for that, I think it does what she wanted it to do. But I hope that I'll see something more from her in the future than writing about tropes. Well deserved 3 stars.
May 28, 2025
Update listened to the Audiobook for a 2nd read.
Oh I really enjoyed this historical romance debut from Lydia Lloyd. It has scandals, enemies to lovers, I need your help, rakes/bluestocking, and a few other tropes. I just think some could have been taken a step back with them. John's father had an affair with Catherine's aunt in which they didn't know upon their first meeting...which had a major snowball effect with both families. The writing was good in which Lydia intwined a story that will keep the reader engaged. Pretty steamy scenes between Catherine and John, I think I would've like a bit more buildup between them. I think this also has a great cast of side characters too. I look forward to reading more. I think this is a great new to you author to take a chance on.
I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Oh I really enjoyed this historical romance debut from Lydia Lloyd. It has scandals, enemies to lovers, I need your help, rakes/bluestocking, and a few other tropes. I just think some could have been taken a step back with them. John's father had an affair with Catherine's aunt in which they didn't know upon their first meeting...which had a major snowball effect with both families. The writing was good in which Lydia intwined a story that will keep the reader engaged. Pretty steamy scenes between Catherine and John, I think I would've like a bit more buildup between them. I think this also has a great cast of side characters too. I look forward to reading more. I think this is a great new to you author to take a chance on.
I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
August 28, 2023
I was so excited to see that one of my favorite historical romance bookstagramers had a book releasing soon. Lydia Lloyd is the Queen of compiling research on historical romances and the history aspect of them. So I was pleased to read that her heroine, Catherine is a bit of a history buff herself. Our book has a promising opening with John and Catherine each secretly seeking something outside of their normal lives (John pretends to be a vicar to break from his duties as a Duke, Catherine too conceals her identity). Amidst their instant attraction and beginning of a make out session, their identities are revealed and they are none other than family rivals. Why rivals? John’s married father had an affair with Catherine’s aunt and was caught in flagrante. This destroyed John’s parents’ marriage and also the reputation of Mary Forster, Catherine’s aunt who by association destroyed her family’s name. Seem a little confusing? It was at first for me too.
The story then book then jumps to 7 years in the future. Both John and Catherine have secretly been lusting over one another (which I found to be a LOOOOONG time for feelings of lust without interaction to exist) and they must pair up due to a stipulation in the late Duke’s will. For me this is where the chemistry really started to take off. If you take enemies-to-lovers and forced proximity, spiciness is bound to happen, right? There seemed to be many plot points driving this novel and I think it confused me initially, but I really enjoyed the time John and Catherine had to spend together. There is a scene where Catherine is at the modiste that is 🔥🔥🔥, and several hot intimate scenes between them—you always want what you can’t have right?
I appreciated Catherine as a heroine who has had to do a LOT on her own to live past her family’s tainted scandal. She is still generous and thoughtful even though if anyone deserves a break, it’s her. As a hero, John ran hot and cold to me. He seemed a bit like a man unsure of himself which translates into him not being my favorite type of hero. There are so many tropes and I loved coming across recognizable ones, but maybe they distracted from the story just a bit. I think this is an enjoyable debut and know there is bound to be more interesting stories from amongst John’s friends, The Rank Rakes. I look forward to reading more from Lydia Lloyd.
I received this Advanced Copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
The story then book then jumps to 7 years in the future. Both John and Catherine have secretly been lusting over one another (which I found to be a LOOOOONG time for feelings of lust without interaction to exist) and they must pair up due to a stipulation in the late Duke’s will. For me this is where the chemistry really started to take off. If you take enemies-to-lovers and forced proximity, spiciness is bound to happen, right? There seemed to be many plot points driving this novel and I think it confused me initially, but I really enjoyed the time John and Catherine had to spend together. There is a scene where Catherine is at the modiste that is 🔥🔥🔥, and several hot intimate scenes between them—you always want what you can’t have right?
I appreciated Catherine as a heroine who has had to do a LOT on her own to live past her family’s tainted scandal. She is still generous and thoughtful even though if anyone deserves a break, it’s her. As a hero, John ran hot and cold to me. He seemed a bit like a man unsure of himself which translates into him not being my favorite type of hero. There are so many tropes and I loved coming across recognizable ones, but maybe they distracted from the story just a bit. I think this is an enjoyable debut and know there is bound to be more interesting stories from amongst John’s friends, The Rank Rakes. I look forward to reading more from Lydia Lloyd.
I received this Advanced Copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
August 20, 2023
3.5 stars. Not quite light enough for the bananas directions, and perhaps a few too many tropes without plot. But I look forward to Lydia Lloyd's next book, because her research and ideas are there and are really interesting.
This one didn't work for me (instalust very rarely does) but I hope it works for other readers!
Genre: historical romance
England, 1815
The dark cloud of scandal has loomed over Catherine Forster for many years. She’s now debt-ridden and scraping by with the family who took her in upon the death of her father. So when John Breminster, newly minted Duke of Edington, reappears in her life seven years after their own near scandal, with an offer of ten thousand pounds, she’s shocked, but in no position to say no. Her task: locate her aunt who went into hiding after her own scandal with the former Duke of Edington. The stakes: a sixty thousand pound dowry for John’s younger sister is on the line, and he’ll pay her handsomely for her help. The sparks between John and Catherine from seven years prior haven’t faded, though, and proximity will surely lead them down a path of their own mistakes.
For anyone who follows Lydia Lloyd on instagram, you know her as a purveyor of microtropes. She’s known for detailed research and sharing recommendations to match. So it’s no surprise that her debut novel is a trope driven adventure. Unfortunately for me as a reader, it starts with instalust that then spans seven years, which is rarely going to work for me as a reader. And while I love a good scandal, I wasn’t convinced this one would span generations.
When the Duke Loved Me has some very funny moments (Ariel, for example, is funny in the way an earnest ten-year-old never means to be) and some very passionate moments. But the hot/cold relationship the hero has with the heroine doesn’t work for me, and ultimately John and Catherine lacked the romantic chemistry I look for and the plot twists relating to John’s sister and her dowry overshadowed true relationship growth.
I truly look forward to the next book from Lydia Lloyd though, because there are strong elements in this debut, even if the book didn’t work for me. I know it will work for other readers, especially ones who enjoy a trope driven narrative!
Thank you to Tule Publishing and NetGalley for an eARC for review. When the Duke Loved Me is out 8/28/23.
This one didn't work for me (instalust very rarely does) but I hope it works for other readers!
Genre: historical romance
England, 1815
The dark cloud of scandal has loomed over Catherine Forster for many years. She’s now debt-ridden and scraping by with the family who took her in upon the death of her father. So when John Breminster, newly minted Duke of Edington, reappears in her life seven years after their own near scandal, with an offer of ten thousand pounds, she’s shocked, but in no position to say no. Her task: locate her aunt who went into hiding after her own scandal with the former Duke of Edington. The stakes: a sixty thousand pound dowry for John’s younger sister is on the line, and he’ll pay her handsomely for her help. The sparks between John and Catherine from seven years prior haven’t faded, though, and proximity will surely lead them down a path of their own mistakes.
For anyone who follows Lydia Lloyd on instagram, you know her as a purveyor of microtropes. She’s known for detailed research and sharing recommendations to match. So it’s no surprise that her debut novel is a trope driven adventure. Unfortunately for me as a reader, it starts with instalust that then spans seven years, which is rarely going to work for me as a reader. And while I love a good scandal, I wasn’t convinced this one would span generations.
When the Duke Loved Me has some very funny moments (Ariel, for example, is funny in the way an earnest ten-year-old never means to be) and some very passionate moments. But the hot/cold relationship the hero has with the heroine doesn’t work for me, and ultimately John and Catherine lacked the romantic chemistry I look for and the plot twists relating to John’s sister and her dowry overshadowed true relationship growth.
I truly look forward to the next book from Lydia Lloyd though, because there are strong elements in this debut, even if the book didn’t work for me. I know it will work for other readers, especially ones who enjoy a trope driven narrative!
Thank you to Tule Publishing and NetGalley for an eARC for review. When the Duke Loved Me is out 8/28/23.
August 15, 2023
"I love you. I will always love you. Since that night in the Tremberley gardens, since I was a boy, I have loved you and only you."
4.5 stars!
As much as I enjoyed this story, I admit that I didn't like the hero very much when we first meet him. He came off as a callous and irredeemable rake, and I hated the way he handled things with Catherine when they were discovered in the gardens. However as the story goes on and we slowly learn more about the hopeless situation that both John and Catherine find themselves entangled in, I really became enraptured in their tragic yet undeniable romance.
The characters were beautifully written and complex as they fought to overcome the betrayals of their past in order to achieve a modicum of happiness for their future. Lydia successfully created such an elaborate obstacle for John and Catherine to unravel, and I loved watching as they struggled in vain to deny their feelings for each other. There were some truly steamy scenes in this novel which only helped to solidify the connection between John and Catherine as they grow closer, and I cannot wait for the other Rake's stories🖤
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, hate-to-love-you, tortured hero, scorned heroine, forced proximity, secret pining, forbidden love, band of brothers, STEAMY🔥
*ARC provided by Netgalley, and I voluntarily reviewed it*
November 20, 2023
3.5 🌟's
i really loved the first half ish of the book - the angst, the tension, the hURTTT put it in my veins!! sadly, i hated the constant hot/cold between them as it got pretty toxic and repetitive by the end. i also didn't really enjoy the underlying plot of finding mary forster/the family drama stuff .. that's just a personal qualm tho (it was effectively written! but not for me)
overall, a solid debut :0
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to the publisher Tule for the e-ARC via Netgalley!*
pls forgive my horrendously late ARC reading and review i beg (you will see a few more sadly come as well SORRY SOBS)
i really loved the first half ish of the book - the angst, the tension, the hURTTT put it in my veins!! sadly, i hated the constant hot/cold between them as it got pretty toxic and repetitive by the end. i also didn't really enjoy the underlying plot of finding mary forster/the family drama stuff .. that's just a personal qualm tho (it was effectively written! but not for me)
overall, a solid debut :0
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to the publisher Tule for the e-ARC via Netgalley!*
pls forgive my horrendously late ARC reading and review i beg (you will see a few more sadly come as well SORRY SOBS)
May 9, 2023
full review to come
May 2, 2023
Thank you to the publisher & Net Galley for the ARC of this little beauty!!!💕 it was wonderful - Very strong debut from the author!
September 17, 2023
This was a great debut novel and the love that the author has for the romance genre is palpable in every sentence.
When the duke loved me, was one of my most anticipated of the year and it did not disappoint, it was super fun and it hooks you since the first chapter. I loved all the tropes and also that it was really steamy!
Can't wait for the second book in the series.
When the duke loved me, was one of my most anticipated of the year and it did not disappoint, it was super fun and it hooks you since the first chapter. I loved all the tropes and also that it was really steamy!
Can't wait for the second book in the series.
August 26, 2023
Rating: 4/5
Spice: 3/5
Lydia Lloyds debut novel When the duke loved me is a feast of tropes!
This has so many elements that I love in my historical romances and that is also where my biggest issue of this book lay. Let’s get the elephant in the room out right away before I talk about the rest of this lovely story.
Family thrown in scandal and the mmc got away with it because he’s the heir to a duke: check.
Fmc getting pretty much ruined by the scandal and now has no money: check.
Mmc and fmc both disguised and kissing and getting caught when true identities are revealed: check.
Mutual pining: check.
The group of ‘rake’ friends: check.
A road trip: check.
Only one room: check.
I mean don’t get me wrong I love all of these tropes, but in this instance it felt somehow disconnected. There was a lot of tell and not much showing. It felt like there was a list of tropes that had to be crossed off and the way they were crossed off was like ‘let’s throw it in because Romance Reasons!’
Unfortunately using ‘romance reasons’ only works so many times and it felt like it was overused.
I think this book probably would’ve really benefitted from another round of editing regarding this.
Now that we got that out of the way let’s go onwards to when we are in the middle of the story and it finally felt as if the book was on its way and it was getting in a flow.
The sexual tension between Catherine and John was SO GOOD. I was so here for it! And I mean.. John just having to get himself off before going into the roadtrip was the best (and hottest!) thing ever. Especially when he finds himself still in a tight (*winkwink*) spot right after.
The letter from Ariel to John! Gosh this just had me. I wanted to melt on the spot. And then John letting Catherine read his reply to the note?! I mean.. that was the moment I was totally gone for John. Even though he does act like a dumbdumb a couple of times and he really needs Catherine to be the voice of reason here.
The communication between John and Catherine was something I very much enjoyed after they finally get to Edington house. They actually talked to each other about what was bothering them and they also trusted each other! I love when this kind of thing happens in romance.
The only thing at the end that left me a bit wanting more was how we didn’t get to see a lot of Henrietta in the last part of the book and I was waiting for that to happen. It did make sense though! This is John and Cathy’s story, not Henrietta’s.
Overall I enjoyed this debut a lot after a little bit of a rocky start and I can’t wait to read what comes next! Especially Tremberly has gotten me curious!
Thank you to Netgalley and Tule Publishing for providing an ARC.
Spice: 3/5
Lydia Lloyds debut novel When the duke loved me is a feast of tropes!
This has so many elements that I love in my historical romances and that is also where my biggest issue of this book lay. Let’s get the elephant in the room out right away before I talk about the rest of this lovely story.
Family thrown in scandal and the mmc got away with it because he’s the heir to a duke: check.
Fmc getting pretty much ruined by the scandal and now has no money: check.
Mmc and fmc both disguised and kissing and getting caught when true identities are revealed: check.
Mutual pining: check.
The group of ‘rake’ friends: check.
A road trip: check.
Only one room: check.
I mean don’t get me wrong I love all of these tropes, but in this instance it felt somehow disconnected. There was a lot of tell and not much showing. It felt like there was a list of tropes that had to be crossed off and the way they were crossed off was like ‘let’s throw it in because Romance Reasons!’
Unfortunately using ‘romance reasons’ only works so many times and it felt like it was overused.
I think this book probably would’ve really benefitted from another round of editing regarding this.
Now that we got that out of the way let’s go onwards to when we are in the middle of the story and it finally felt as if the book was on its way and it was getting in a flow.
The sexual tension between Catherine and John was SO GOOD. I was so here for it! And I mean.. John just having to get himself off before going into the roadtrip was the best (and hottest!) thing ever. Especially when he finds himself still in a tight (*winkwink*) spot right after.
The letter from Ariel to John! Gosh this just had me. I wanted to melt on the spot. And then John letting Catherine read his reply to the note?! I mean.. that was the moment I was totally gone for John. Even though he does act like a dumbdumb a couple of times and he really needs Catherine to be the voice of reason here.
The communication between John and Catherine was something I very much enjoyed after they finally get to Edington house. They actually talked to each other about what was bothering them and they also trusted each other! I love when this kind of thing happens in romance.
The only thing at the end that left me a bit wanting more was how we didn’t get to see a lot of Henrietta in the last part of the book and I was waiting for that to happen. It did make sense though! This is John and Cathy’s story, not Henrietta’s.
Overall I enjoyed this debut a lot after a little bit of a rocky start and I can’t wait to read what comes next! Especially Tremberly has gotten me curious!
Thank you to Netgalley and Tule Publishing for providing an ARC.
June 4, 2023
I love the author’s histrom Instagram content and was excited to read her debut. Unfortunately, insta-lust is not my thing. John lusts after Catherine and then shames her for it. I found him impatient and cruel. He runs hot and cold and only likes her because she’s beautiful. And she lets him use her agin and again no matter how many times he walks away from her. By the time we got to the contrived third act breakup, I couldn’t care if they got back together.
If you want enemies to lovers with steam and minimal relationship development, grab this one. I like the writing style and even the plot. I just loathed the hero and the lack of feels. I will try her next book in the hopes that there’s more affection and respect and less lust for her next couple in the series.
I received an arc from NetGalley
If you want enemies to lovers with steam and minimal relationship development, grab this one. I like the writing style and even the plot. I just loathed the hero and the lack of feels. I will try her next book in the hopes that there’s more affection and respect and less lust for her next couple in the series.
I received an arc from NetGalley
August 29, 2023
4.5⭐️
When the son and niece of two warring families meet at a party under aliases, sparks fly until the masks come off and they recognize their sworn enemies!
Years after that disastrous meet, cute and the Duke of Edington needs to solicit Catharine’s assistance to enact the last wishes, and his father’s will in order to save his sister’s inheritance.
Brought low by the family scandal, Catharine excepts this proposal from the Duke and embarks on a wild road trip to find her long lost aunt, 1/2 of the scandal that broke her family!
This book was an absolute delight with these two characters fighting against so much chemistry, attraction, admiration and interest in each other as they travel across country for their mission. Lydia Lloyd brings out all the best classic historical romance tropes (one bed, roadtrip, enemies to lovers) in a fun and fresh way. Her love and knowledge of history and historical romance really adds another dimension to this story.
The Rake Chronicles series is based around a male friend group, with three other friends of the Duke still in need of an HEA and I can’t wait to read their escapades into love! This was an excellent debut, and I will definitely be adding Lydia Lloyd to my must read others list!
Thanks to NetGalley and Tule Publishing for my e-book review copy. Opinions are my own.
#WhenTheDukeLovedMe #LydiaLloyd
When the son and niece of two warring families meet at a party under aliases, sparks fly until the masks come off and they recognize their sworn enemies!
Years after that disastrous meet, cute and the Duke of Edington needs to solicit Catharine’s assistance to enact the last wishes, and his father’s will in order to save his sister’s inheritance.
Brought low by the family scandal, Catharine excepts this proposal from the Duke and embarks on a wild road trip to find her long lost aunt, 1/2 of the scandal that broke her family!
This book was an absolute delight with these two characters fighting against so much chemistry, attraction, admiration and interest in each other as they travel across country for their mission. Lydia Lloyd brings out all the best classic historical romance tropes (one bed, roadtrip, enemies to lovers) in a fun and fresh way. Her love and knowledge of history and historical romance really adds another dimension to this story.
The Rake Chronicles series is based around a male friend group, with three other friends of the Duke still in need of an HEA and I can’t wait to read their escapades into love! This was an excellent debut, and I will definitely be adding Lydia Lloyd to my must read others list!
Thanks to NetGalley and Tule Publishing for my e-book review copy. Opinions are my own.
#WhenTheDukeLovedMe #LydiaLloyd
December 24, 2024
Thank you NetGalley for the chance to read and review this book!
For some time, I’d given up on the regency romance category. I read a lot of them last year and they got boring.
It’s a fun read that does not rely on the miscommunication trope as much which I liked. Not sure I like his friends.
For some time, I’d given up on the regency romance category. I read a lot of them last year and they got boring.
It’s a fun read that does not rely on the miscommunication trope as much which I liked. Not sure I like his friends.
July 4, 2023
4.25 ⭐️ Wow…what a debut!! This book was so damn sweet, enjoyable, and the spice was 🥵🥵🥵 This book felt like a warm sensual historical hug that drew me in more and more as the story went on! Catherine and John aren’t meant to be together with their family history but doesn’t that make getting together all the more enticing?? This was pretty low angst in terms of their relationship so we really get to enjoy the development and the push and pull without too much anxiety lol which I appreciate right now 😂 There is an element of insta-lust and extreme horniness for each other but I love that ish 🥵😂
Please go out and get this book if you love - light enemies to lovers, only one bed, road trip, carriage stuff 🥵, and just an enjoyable story ♥️
Please go out and get this book if you love - light enemies to lovers, only one bed, road trip, carriage stuff 🥵, and just an enjoyable story ♥️
November 14, 2023
This a new author for me. I saw her on one of my favorite authors FB author takeover posts. I researched Lydia a bit and saw she did write steamy books so thought I'd give her a try.
I loved this book. I read it in one sitting. I couldn't put it down.
I loved Catherine and John. I loved their personalities, their story and their chemistry. They practically sizzled on the page. It was such a great read and I'm so glad I picked up this book. I can't wait for book 2.
I would definitely recommend.
I loved this book. I read it in one sitting. I couldn't put it down.
I loved Catherine and John. I loved their personalities, their story and their chemistry. They practically sizzled on the page. It was such a great read and I'm so glad I picked up this book. I can't wait for book 2.
I would definitely recommend.
December 29, 2024
Why does the cover have to look like that though? 😂
August 23, 2023
With a love of the genre, Lloyd makes her debut writing a historical romance that includes a multitude of tropes and a story within a story that is at the heart of a decades long feud.
Catherine Forster and John, the Duke of Edington, have grown up under the shadow of a scandal that rocked both of their families and caused them to become adults who loathed one another. Yet, as Lloyd beautifully crafts a story that puts Catherine and John in the same space for a significant amount of time, prejudices are tested and all that they thought they knew is toppled to the ground.
This was an absorbing tale and I thought that the author did a wonderful job with both protagonists. I experienced moments of frustration and loathing, as well as empathy and understanding, as I came to know these characters better, and experience their interactions.
Lloyd was masterful in how she crafted the cast of characters, pacing of the story, and the cadence of the romance between John and Catherine. There was a nice touch of complexity to characters that caused me to see them as nuanced beings, some of whom I adored (i.e.; Ariel, Lady Wethersby), and some who I did not (i.e.; Aunt Mary). Although, the intricate characterization of the players in this story ultimately caused me to step back and understand that people are like icebergs and the author will-and can-only reveal so much.
If I had one piece advice to give the author, it would be to develop a sleight of hand when integrating tropes into a story. Less is more when you can include a few tropes masterfully, and in a way that immerses your reader further into the plot and characterization.
Overall, I am highly impressed by Lloyd's debut as an author. She writes in a beautiful manner that took me effortlessly through this exquisite story. If you are a reader of historical romance, or interested in picking up this genre for the first time, I highly recommend this author be towards the top of your list.
I read and reviewed a DRC of this book thanks to Tule Publishing via NetGalley. All honest opinions are my own.
Catherine Forster and John, the Duke of Edington, have grown up under the shadow of a scandal that rocked both of their families and caused them to become adults who loathed one another. Yet, as Lloyd beautifully crafts a story that puts Catherine and John in the same space for a significant amount of time, prejudices are tested and all that they thought they knew is toppled to the ground.
This was an absorbing tale and I thought that the author did a wonderful job with both protagonists. I experienced moments of frustration and loathing, as well as empathy and understanding, as I came to know these characters better, and experience their interactions.
Lloyd was masterful in how she crafted the cast of characters, pacing of the story, and the cadence of the romance between John and Catherine. There was a nice touch of complexity to characters that caused me to see them as nuanced beings, some of whom I adored (i.e.; Ariel, Lady Wethersby), and some who I did not (i.e.; Aunt Mary). Although, the intricate characterization of the players in this story ultimately caused me to step back and understand that people are like icebergs and the author will-and can-only reveal so much.
If I had one piece advice to give the author, it would be to develop a sleight of hand when integrating tropes into a story. Less is more when you can include a few tropes masterfully, and in a way that immerses your reader further into the plot and characterization.
Overall, I am highly impressed by Lloyd's debut as an author. She writes in a beautiful manner that took me effortlessly through this exquisite story. If you are a reader of historical romance, or interested in picking up this genre for the first time, I highly recommend this author be towards the top of your list.
I read and reviewed a DRC of this book thanks to Tule Publishing via NetGalley. All honest opinions are my own.
August 17, 2023
I voluntarily read and reviewed this advanced copy from Net Galley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Before I even began this book, I was aware of the author's dedication to her craft. I follow her on Instagram and she creates the most exciting content. She matches tropes to historical romances while educating her followers. She talks about the history of undergarments, cultural significance, and what life was really like in my favorite Victorian bodice rippers. I adore her account and I can see how much research she puts into her slideshows. I preferred her Instagram account to this book, but it was by no means terrible. It just happened to feature tropes that don't make me stand up and cheer. Second Chance Romance and Enemies to Lovers (aka Childish Bickering) won't make this reader break out my pompoms.
When The Duke Loved Me had some great elements, but I wasn't fully invested in the couple. The duke was such a chump who wasn't willing to commit. He didn't want his title and just wasted his daddy's money before he inherited his dukedom. It took a long time for him to accept responsibility and I can't support a lazy daisy hero. On the other hand, the heroine was all that and a bag of potato chips. She was a girl boss to the extreme and the hero didn't deserve her. They had some history together behind a Sims Woohoo Bush, but nothing to necessitate a Victorian pregnancy test.
When the Duke Loved Me didn't live up to my expectations, but I will still continue to support the author online. I love her Instagram page and learn something new with every post. I don't believe I will finish The Rake Chronicles, but I figured I'd give it a chance. The hero was a weenie to the max, but the heroine definitely wore the pants in the relationship. It was honestly just another evening at Weenie Hut Jr.'s When the Duke Loved Me.
Before I even began this book, I was aware of the author's dedication to her craft. I follow her on Instagram and she creates the most exciting content. She matches tropes to historical romances while educating her followers. She talks about the history of undergarments, cultural significance, and what life was really like in my favorite Victorian bodice rippers. I adore her account and I can see how much research she puts into her slideshows. I preferred her Instagram account to this book, but it was by no means terrible. It just happened to feature tropes that don't make me stand up and cheer. Second Chance Romance and Enemies to Lovers (aka Childish Bickering) won't make this reader break out my pompoms.
When The Duke Loved Me had some great elements, but I wasn't fully invested in the couple. The duke was such a chump who wasn't willing to commit. He didn't want his title and just wasted his daddy's money before he inherited his dukedom. It took a long time for him to accept responsibility and I can't support a lazy daisy hero. On the other hand, the heroine was all that and a bag of potato chips. She was a girl boss to the extreme and the hero didn't deserve her. They had some history together behind a Sims Woohoo Bush, but nothing to necessitate a Victorian pregnancy test.
When the Duke Loved Me didn't live up to my expectations, but I will still continue to support the author online. I love her Instagram page and learn something new with every post. I don't believe I will finish The Rake Chronicles, but I figured I'd give it a chance. The hero was a weenie to the max, but the heroine definitely wore the pants in the relationship. It was honestly just another evening at Weenie Hut Jr.'s When the Duke Loved Me.
August 28, 2023
3.4 Stars
When Catherine Forster asks a handsome stranger to lead her out of the ballroom and into the Tremberley gardens, she hopes to glimpse its renowned Roman ruins…and maybe steal a kiss. But when she and her delectable escort are discovered in a scandalous embrace, Catherine is horrified to learn that she has been kissing John Breminster, heir to the man who ruined her family. Given that the Forsters are his sworn enemies, John had no choice but to walk away from Catherine that night. But even seven years later, still longs for her touch. Worse, when his father dies, John, now the Duke of Edington, finds himself with a problem that only Catherine can help him solve.
A debut novel & an interesting read, which was heavy on tropes & so the story suffered. I almost gave up after the first couple of chapters & put it to one side for a couple of weeks. However I did go back to it & finished it. I liked the author’s writing style but would like more character development & more concentration on the story rather than a trope led book. An interesting debut & I’ll certainly read more from the author as she hones her craft
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
When Catherine Forster asks a handsome stranger to lead her out of the ballroom and into the Tremberley gardens, she hopes to glimpse its renowned Roman ruins…and maybe steal a kiss. But when she and her delectable escort are discovered in a scandalous embrace, Catherine is horrified to learn that she has been kissing John Breminster, heir to the man who ruined her family. Given that the Forsters are his sworn enemies, John had no choice but to walk away from Catherine that night. But even seven years later, still longs for her touch. Worse, when his father dies, John, now the Duke of Edington, finds himself with a problem that only Catherine can help him solve.
A debut novel & an interesting read, which was heavy on tropes & so the story suffered. I almost gave up after the first couple of chapters & put it to one side for a couple of weeks. However I did go back to it & finished it. I liked the author’s writing style but would like more character development & more concentration on the story rather than a trope led book. An interesting debut & I’ll certainly read more from the author as she hones her craft
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
May 12, 2023
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Lydia Lloyd, miss girl, what kind of drug did you put in this? because I was unable to put this book down. I made the mistake of starting it during a busy week, and honestly? I couldn’t bring myself to put it down.
I’ve been following this author on Instagram for a while now, and when she announced this book, it is safe to say that I was thrilled.
As far as debut novels go, this one was great. I was pleasantly surprised by how good of a writer Lydia Lloyd is. Her writing, as well as the plot had me hooked, and that plot twist at the end? It really caught me off guard. The characters were well structured and the novel was well-paced. If you’re into historical romance, I highly recommend this, it’s one of the good ones.
I absolutely loved Catherine and John’s relationship. The chemistry was on point and the spice, the spice was definitely there. The only issue I had with them is that it all happened a little too fast, I would’ve preferred a little more development. However, I’m not the biggest “insta-love” trope fan, so this might just be a me problem.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll just be here, not so patiently waiting for this author to publish more books, because I am officially a fan.
Big thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read it early ✨
Lydia Lloyd, miss girl, what kind of drug did you put in this? because I was unable to put this book down. I made the mistake of starting it during a busy week, and honestly? I couldn’t bring myself to put it down.
I’ve been following this author on Instagram for a while now, and when she announced this book, it is safe to say that I was thrilled.
As far as debut novels go, this one was great. I was pleasantly surprised by how good of a writer Lydia Lloyd is. Her writing, as well as the plot had me hooked, and that plot twist at the end? It really caught me off guard. The characters were well structured and the novel was well-paced. If you’re into historical romance, I highly recommend this, it’s one of the good ones.
I absolutely loved Catherine and John’s relationship. The chemistry was on point and the spice, the spice was definitely there. The only issue I had with them is that it all happened a little too fast, I would’ve preferred a little more development. However, I’m not the biggest “insta-love” trope fan, so this might just be a me problem.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll just be here, not so patiently waiting for this author to publish more books, because I am officially a fan.
Big thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read it early ✨
July 11, 2024
I loved this book. The characters, the plot, the flow, and the details all meshed well to create a rather realistic story. Characters were complex, the plot was developed rather than “A to B”, and minute details were adhered to throughout the book.
I did find that the two protagonists read each other’s minds really well. It was uncanny. One might say unbelievably so. Their pivot from enemies to lovers was abrupt, with few growing pains in the adjustment. Additionally, there were a couple of times when some events happened to be too coincidental. And if I’ve learned anything reading Regency, it’s that servants see and hear anything. For the love of all that is good in the world, please consult your housekeeper for the juicy gossip.
Despite the somewhat minor nitpicky details, I absolutely loved this story, the characters both main and minor, and the rather mature way most situations were handled (even if John ran like Usain Bolt from communication at times). I will definitely be looking to read about the rest of the Rank Rakes. And soon.
I won this in a Goodreads Giveaway.
I did find that the two protagonists read each other’s minds really well. It was uncanny. One might say unbelievably so. Their pivot from enemies to lovers was abrupt, with few growing pains in the adjustment. Additionally, there were a couple of times when some events happened to be too coincidental. And if I’ve learned anything reading Regency, it’s that servants see and hear anything. For the love of all that is good in the world, please consult your housekeeper for the juicy gossip.
Despite the somewhat minor nitpicky details, I absolutely loved this story, the characters both main and minor, and the rather mature way most situations were handled (even if John ran like Usain Bolt from communication at times). I will definitely be looking to read about the rest of the Rank Rakes. And soon.
I won this in a Goodreads Giveaway.
May 11, 2023
I skimmed most of this book because I kind of wanted to know what happens but also didn’t want to read it. I just didn’t care about these characters or plot. The romance was physical attraction and I was so tired of hearing how the characters wanted to kiss each other. The plot with the hero’s father and heroine’s aunt was okay but not compelling enough to keep my interest. The duke and his friends boasting about how many and often they have had different women was gross. I love a good Rake character but no thanks. Sad to say I didn’t care about this book at all.
*Received via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
*Received via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
February 16, 2024
REVIEW
Score: 3/5
POV: Dual
Heat Level: 2/5
Tropes: Enemies to Lovers; Neighbors; Just One Bed in the Inn; Road Trip
Overall this was cute but it wasn't as spicy as I was expecting based on the authors posts from her instagram page. It was full of good drama and good side characters however it still felt like it was missing something? I still haven't figure out what it is. I don't feel like it's a book I would reread though. It was just purely an average story. I will definitely still read the next book in the series.
3/5
Score: 3/5
POV: Dual
Heat Level: 2/5
Tropes: Enemies to Lovers; Neighbors; Just One Bed in the Inn; Road Trip
Overall this was cute but it wasn't as spicy as I was expecting based on the authors posts from her instagram page. It was full of good drama and good side characters however it still felt like it was missing something? I still haven't figure out what it is. I don't feel like it's a book I would reread though. It was just purely an average story. I will definitely still read the next book in the series.
3/5
September 5, 2023
John Breminister and Caroline Foster are considered enemies. Not from anything they did, but a scandal attached to his father and her aunt years ago. On his father's death, John, now the Duke of Edington, must carry out the last request of his father's will. He needs Caroline's help. The two that were suppose to be enemies become lovers and more, but a secret still stands between them. Very hot!
I voluntarily read and reviewed advanced copy of this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed advanced copy of this book.
March 2, 2024
Content warnings: death of a parent (in the past), cheating (in the past), mental health, death of a child (in the past), death in childbirth (in the past), grief
This was delightful and a lot of fun and I have left it so long to write a review that I have forgotten all of my specific thoughts like an absolute buffoon. I can tell you that I liked the characters and the romance, but that's about all I've got because I read this nearly a month ago WHOOPS.
This was delightful and a lot of fun and I have left it so long to write a review that I have forgotten all of my specific thoughts like an absolute buffoon. I can tell you that I liked the characters and the romance, but that's about all I've got because I read this nearly a month ago WHOOPS.
June 26, 2024
This was just ok for me. I don’t have any major complaints or anything, but it just wasn’t very memorable. I had fun reading it but don’t quiz me on specifics because I was truly just vibing haha. I will say the romance was engaging and the smut was written well so there’s that lol.
March 30, 2025
3 🌶️/5
Second chance romance
Childhood friends
Families are enemies
On the desk in the study
I enjoyed this book! It was a fun and enjoyable journey. I wish it was a tad shorter. The audiobook narrator is fantastic! I’m definitely reading the next book. Brothers best friend is my favorite trope.
Second chance romance
Childhood friends
Families are enemies
On the desk in the study
I enjoyed this book! It was a fun and enjoyable journey. I wish it was a tad shorter. The audiobook narrator is fantastic! I’m definitely reading the next book. Brothers best friend is my favorite trope.
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