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The Duke Makes Me Feel...
Dukes and their demands are nothing new for Marena Baine-Torres.
Her newfound success has her little apothecary teeming with ill-mannered aristocrats. But as tiresome as they are, she needs the business. When the unflappable Duke of Linley storms into her shop and makes her an offer she'd be a fool to refuse, Marena soon finds herself on the adventure of a lifetime with a man who is as infuriating as he is intriguing.
*******
Note: The Duke Makes Me Feel... was originally published in the USA Today bestselling Duke I'd Like to F... anthology, which is no longer available in electronic form.
Her newfound success has her little apothecary teeming with ill-mannered aristocrats. But as tiresome as they are, she needs the business. When the unflappable Duke of Linley storms into her shop and makes her an offer she'd be a fool to refuse, Marena soon finds herself on the adventure of a lifetime with a man who is as infuriating as he is intriguing.
*******
Note: The Duke Makes Me Feel... was originally published in the USA Today bestselling Duke I'd Like to F... anthology, which is no longer available in electronic form.
120 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 17, 2020
52 people are currently reading
250 people want to read
About the author
Adriana Herrera
46 books1,669 followersUSA Today bestselling author ADRIANA HERRERA was born and raised in the Caribbean, but for the last 15 years has let her job (and her spouse) take her all over the world. She loves writing stories about people who look and sound like her people, getting unapologetic happy endings.
Her debut Dreamers, has been featured on Entertainment Weekly, NPR, the TODAY Show on NBC, The New York Times, The Washington Post and Oprah Magazine.
When she's not dreaming up love stories, planning logistically complex vacations with her family or hunting for discount Broadway tickets, she’s a social worker in New York City, working with survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
Her debut Dreamers, has been featured on Entertainment Weekly, NPR, the TODAY Show on NBC, The New York Times, The Washington Post and Oprah Magazine.
When she's not dreaming up love stories, planning logistically complex vacations with her family or hunting for discount Broadway tickets, she’s a social worker in New York City, working with survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
December 22, 2024
I wanted to, really did but had to push myself to finish and close to DNF, 2 because the spice was pretty good but story line not really believable. Would’ve loved for it to be that way for sure but in that time period…..
February 21, 2023
Marena guarded her real name like a treasured secret. It was a fanciful combination of the words for sand and sea her mother had come up with. The word felt like a tangible connection to the tropical beaches that shaped her childhood. She never uttered it for people she didn’t think would treat it kindly, but somehow for this stranger, she had.
I loved A Caribbean Heiress in Paris, so of course, I had high expectations of this one - diverse historical fiction is my jam, but it's hard to do right. Herrera did such an amazing job with it in Caribbean Heiress, but the magic wasn't really repeated here. Historical romance is always a little bit farfetched, but the magic is to make it seem like it's not... here, it just felt like a little too much. I don't get the duke obsession anyway...
The story is really short and I enjoyed it quite a bit, but... I feel like I could have enjoyed it more. The romance didn't really do it for me, nor did the sex... honestly, I'm not sure what went wrong... But the setting is gorgeous and the writing style pretty. Definitely an enjoyable and fun read, but I feel like there was a lot of room for improvement...
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Original review:
These are very solid three stars, there is nothing wrong with the book, it just didn't vibe with me for some reason (even though the lead is bisexual, yey!)
Proper review to come - I'm sick and unable to form a proper sentence...
May 30, 2022
4.5⭐️
Adriana Herrera doesn’t miss.
Ugh! Arlo and Marena <3 I usually hate insta-lovey stories but I make an exception for this fantastic novella.
It’s short, romantic, passionate, and easily one if my favorite romances of the year. I wish we had gotten to see the more serious side to Arlo and how he was before he met Marena just to get a full understanding of how strong her hold on him is, but I’m obsessed with obsessed with each other they are so I didn’t get too stuck on it.
I can’t wait to throw all my money at the rest of Herrera’s backlist.
CW: explicit sexual content, brief mention of abortion, recurring discussions surrounding sexism and racism, references to dead loves ones
Adriana Herrera doesn’t miss.
Ugh! Arlo and Marena <3 I usually hate insta-lovey stories but I make an exception for this fantastic novella.
It’s short, romantic, passionate, and easily one if my favorite romances of the year. I wish we had gotten to see the more serious side to Arlo and how he was before he met Marena just to get a full understanding of how strong her hold on him is, but I’m obsessed with obsessed with each other they are so I didn’t get too stuck on it.
I can’t wait to throw all my money at the rest of Herrera’s backlist.
CW: explicit sexual content, brief mention of abortion, recurring discussions surrounding sexism and racism, references to dead loves ones
November 7, 2022
Despite the short timeline (only four days) I wasn't as annoyed with this one. Probably because Marena and Arlo spent those days in Paris, and somehow the intensity (and the lust) felt right. Also, with Arlo's background, I can easily see him as champion for Marena's business and the rights to be his partner (a.k.a a duchess).
Oh, and the sexy times are well, sexy. But what matters to me, they have STORY in addition to all those sexy times. So yep, this one is good.
Oh, and the sexy times are well, sexy. But what matters to me, they have STORY in addition to all those sexy times. So yep, this one is good.
December 13, 2024
Marena Baines-Torres agrees to meet Arlo Kenworthy, Duke of Linley, in Paris so he can hunt down his half-sister (who happens to be Marena's bff and/or Marena's sister's partner). Their immediate attraction bursts into flames when stoked by the city of love (and boners).
1. This was a solid novella: while there's instant attraction, there's also a decent balance of like...life-level-setting and communication and liking that really establishes that these two people will work together as partners in life (and in lust).
2. However, both Arlo and Marena are kind of hard to root for because they are both just. Absolutely perfection in human form?? I don't know: I'm tired and cranky and there was just something about how perfect for one another they were that exhausted me.
3. That is going to be one tiny familial unit (it's a circle!).
1. This was a solid novella: while there's instant attraction, there's also a decent balance of like...life-level-setting and communication and liking that really establishes that these two people will work together as partners in life (and in lust).
2. However, both Arlo and Marena are kind of hard to root for because they are both just. Absolutely perfection in human form?? I don't know: I'm tired and cranky and there was just something about how perfect for one another they were that exhausted me.
3. That is going to be one tiny familial unit (it's a circle!).
July 2, 2025
4 ⭐️
Adriana Herrera continues to writes really compelling, strong, and independent women trying to do the damn thing meeting absolute simps for them. Like a well-deserved woman getting worshipped….yes please!!!! Arlo is nearly gone for Marena as soon as they meet, and the further they go on their adventure the harder this man seems to fall. Marena is also not immune to his charms and watching these two flirt and fuck was hot as hell. You can for sure tell this is the blueprints for some of Adriana’s later works, but I’m cool with it bc I love those books and her writing.
Adriana Herrera continues to writes really compelling, strong, and independent women trying to do the damn thing meeting absolute simps for them. Like a well-deserved woman getting worshipped….yes please!!!! Arlo is nearly gone for Marena as soon as they meet, and the further they go on their adventure the harder this man seems to fall. Marena is also not immune to his charms and watching these two flirt and fuck was hot as hell. You can for sure tell this is the blueprints for some of Adriana’s later works, but I’m cool with it bc I love those books and her writing.
December 26, 2024
This is from the SE probably smut advent and I’ve always been curious about regency romance. Not any more I’m definitely a regency girly. The gasp I gusped at the first kiss had me legit NEEDING MORE! Was her reputation safe. Definitely felt like this novella could have made an entire novel though. A perfect introduction to the genre
July 23, 2022
I quite enjoyed this novella.
These characters also appear briefly in the novel, A Caribbean in Paris.
These characters also appear briefly in the novel, A Caribbean in Paris.
April 28, 2022
this novella packed the perfect punch. from the beautifully diverse cast of lovable characters to the ending that literally had me telling my friends around me “I was so looking forward to the train sex. The Duke Makes Me Feel has gotten me so excited for Heiress and it’s just further proof that Adriana is one of the greats in the romance world. Now if you’ll excuse me I’ll be booking a trip to Paris and hopefully stumbling upon someone…
November 3, 2022
Paperback
Adriana Herrera is a new to me Author.
Marena and Arlo
Inclusive 🌟
Love a Brown Eyed girl 👧!
Grumpy Sunshine, she is the grump!
Marena is very independent and every time she turns around, Arlo is there. It drives her nuts.
She argues with him about doing anything for her, then she says 'You're lucky I'm in a compliant mood'
Adriana Herrera is a new to me Author.
Marena and Arlo
Inclusive 🌟
Love a Brown Eyed girl 👧!
Grumpy Sunshine, she is the grump!
Marena is very independent and every time she turns around, Arlo is there. It drives her nuts.
She argues with him about doing anything for her, then she says 'You're lucky I'm in a compliant mood'
June 7, 2025
This was cute. It was similar to A Tropical Rebel Gets a Duke but I didn't mind: he's a hot duke, she's a medicine woman of some sort (in this case an herbalist), strong and independent and he eats it up. He is down bad. Also I enjoyed that part of it was set in Paris and we got to see the city through the characters' eyes. And it was hot. I just wish this was a bit longer, I think the ending could have been wrapped up better.
June 21, 2022
The Duke Makes Me Feel… begins in London in 1879. Marena Baine-Torres is a biracial, Latinx, Caribbean immigrant who runs an apothecary. One day a duke strolls into her shop to make an unusual request: help in finding the half-sister he only just discovered he has. His father has died, and his sister deserves her inheritance and all that comes with being part of a noble family. Marena doesn’t entirely trust the Duke of Linley, but she decides to help him out. His half-sister – her best friend – is in Paris with Marena’s sister.
I enjoyed this backdrop story, and though it’s only a novella, it could have easily been expanded into a full-length novel. Readers get a sweet glimpse of family dynamics, friendship, and the value of (non-romantic) love. Even though Arlo only recently learned he even has a half-sister, he’s eager to connect with her and fully welcome her into his life.
There is also some discussion of politics and social issues, including colonialism, class differences, and racism. Being a duke, Arlo has to contend with some problematic roles his family and ancestors have played in harming other people and lands. However, he’s a good one, and he has some background of more enlightened thinking thanks to some in his family. He’s ready and willing to learn more in his interactions with Marena, her sister, and his half-sister.
Now let’s get to the relationship between Marena and Arlo. This is a romance, after all! And as you can guess from the anthology from which it originated, it’s a spicy one at that. Marena and Arlo have an instant attraction to each other. Thankfully, it’s not portrayed as insta-love… that’s not something I ever find believable. But the lust is there, and it’s mutual.
It’d be easy enough for them to pursue a brief, mostly physical relationship with each other. But feelings have a way of sneaking in, and for Marena in particular, that’s scary. She’s a black, Latinx, working class woman; she can’t possibly have a happily ever after with a duke! She would never fit in his world, and he would never consider her for anything more than a mistress… something her pride wouldn’t allow.
What I liked most was those concerns and feelings. However, we also get plenty of spice, even in this shortened format. I’m fine with sex scenes in general, though I will say that I was surprised at how much focus that side of their relationship got here. Personally, I would have liked a bit more time for Marena and Arlo to develop an emotional and mental connection. The romance ratios felt wrong, and I would have preferred more balance between the spicy scenes and some more foundational scenes. But of course, the anthology is called Duke I’d Like to F…, so it’s not like it went against expectations!
One final note: The Duke Makes Me Feel… does features some LGBTQIA+ characters and relationships. I don’t see that much in historical romances, so I was happy for the representation here. Marena is bisexual, and there is also a sapphic relationship between two other characters. More diversity in historical romances, please!
The Duke Makes Me Feel… packs a lot into its shortened format: family complexities, discussions of political and social issues, some LGBTQIA+ representation, and plenty of steamy romance. I think I would have liked it more as a full-length novel; the novella format made some aspects feel rushed, at least for me. But I did like it overall, and I’m still quite exited to read Adriana Herrera’s upcoming novel, A Caribbean Heiress in Paris, due out at the end of May. I will also have to read her other short stories featured in the Rake I’d Like to F… and Villain I’d Like to F… anthologies (the latter of which comes out at the end of this year), as well as her contribution to Amor Actually, which is currently waiting for me in my Kindle. Stay tuned for reviews of all those and more!
* Please read my full review on my blog, Amanda's Book Corner! *
I enjoyed this backdrop story, and though it’s only a novella, it could have easily been expanded into a full-length novel. Readers get a sweet glimpse of family dynamics, friendship, and the value of (non-romantic) love. Even though Arlo only recently learned he even has a half-sister, he’s eager to connect with her and fully welcome her into his life.
There is also some discussion of politics and social issues, including colonialism, class differences, and racism. Being a duke, Arlo has to contend with some problematic roles his family and ancestors have played in harming other people and lands. However, he’s a good one, and he has some background of more enlightened thinking thanks to some in his family. He’s ready and willing to learn more in his interactions with Marena, her sister, and his half-sister.
Now let’s get to the relationship between Marena and Arlo. This is a romance, after all! And as you can guess from the anthology from which it originated, it’s a spicy one at that. Marena and Arlo have an instant attraction to each other. Thankfully, it’s not portrayed as insta-love… that’s not something I ever find believable. But the lust is there, and it’s mutual.
It’d be easy enough for them to pursue a brief, mostly physical relationship with each other. But feelings have a way of sneaking in, and for Marena in particular, that’s scary. She’s a black, Latinx, working class woman; she can’t possibly have a happily ever after with a duke! She would never fit in his world, and he would never consider her for anything more than a mistress… something her pride wouldn’t allow.
What I liked most was those concerns and feelings. However, we also get plenty of spice, even in this shortened format. I’m fine with sex scenes in general, though I will say that I was surprised at how much focus that side of their relationship got here. Personally, I would have liked a bit more time for Marena and Arlo to develop an emotional and mental connection. The romance ratios felt wrong, and I would have preferred more balance between the spicy scenes and some more foundational scenes. But of course, the anthology is called Duke I’d Like to F…, so it’s not like it went against expectations!
One final note: The Duke Makes Me Feel… does features some LGBTQIA+ characters and relationships. I don’t see that much in historical romances, so I was happy for the representation here. Marena is bisexual, and there is also a sapphic relationship between two other characters. More diversity in historical romances, please!
The Duke Makes Me Feel… packs a lot into its shortened format: family complexities, discussions of political and social issues, some LGBTQIA+ representation, and plenty of steamy romance. I think I would have liked it more as a full-length novel; the novella format made some aspects feel rushed, at least for me. But I did like it overall, and I’m still quite exited to read Adriana Herrera’s upcoming novel, A Caribbean Heiress in Paris, due out at the end of May. I will also have to read her other short stories featured in the Rake I’d Like to F… and Villain I’d Like to F… anthologies (the latter of which comes out at the end of this year), as well as her contribution to Amor Actually, which is currently waiting for me in my Kindle. Stay tuned for reviews of all those and more!
* Please read my full review on my blog, Amanda's Book Corner! *
August 12, 2025
What I liked
Pretty much everything. This author has a knack for good storytelling, excellent worldbuilding (there were notable differences between London, Paris, and the Caribbean), an interesting premise, and two MCs you most deffo want to see get together. The intimate scenes are hot and fun as well.
What I'm on the fence abt
OTOH, the MCs were pretty into each other from Chapter 1 (since this is a dual POV, the readers are made aware of the fact that their attraction is mutual.) I hesitate to call it love--though, it's pretty clear that's where things are heading toward by the end of the book.
So I had to keep reminding myself that the author was working within the constraints of the format and that's why everything felt sped up.
What I didn't like
As cool as I thought the MCs were, neither of them had any flaws. Which, in turn, made them a bit dull to me. The majority of the conflict was external with some hesitation from Marena that made a lot of sense. But, all in all, the two characters were rather perfect? Especially Arlo. IDK, I kept looking for weak points in both of them and came up empty.
Trigger/Content Warnings:
TL;DR: I've had a great time reading yet one more of this author's books. It's not the kind of story I'll be shouting abt everywhere, BUT it's deffo worth picking up for a good historical romance that centers POC characters and even has queer ones too!
I borrowed this novella from the library.
Pretty much everything. This author has a knack for good storytelling, excellent worldbuilding (there were notable differences between London, Paris, and the Caribbean), an interesting premise, and two MCs you most deffo want to see get together. The intimate scenes are hot and fun as well.
What I'm on the fence abt
OTOH, the MCs were pretty into each other from Chapter 1 (since this is a dual POV, the readers are made aware of the fact that their attraction is mutual.) I hesitate to call it love--though, it's pretty clear that's where things are heading toward by the end of the book.
So I had to keep reminding myself that the author was working within the constraints of the format and that's why everything felt sped up.
What I didn't like
As cool as I thought the MCs were, neither of them had any flaws. Which, in turn, made them a bit dull to me. The majority of the conflict was external with some hesitation from Marena that made a lot of sense. But, all in all, the two characters were rather perfect? Especially Arlo. IDK, I kept looking for weak points in both of them and came up empty.
Trigger/Content Warnings:
TL;DR: I've had a great time reading yet one more of this author's books. It's not the kind of story I'll be shouting abt everywhere, BUT it's deffo worth picking up for a good historical romance that centers POC characters and even has queer ones too!
I borrowed this novella from the library.
June 15, 2024
This was a perfect novella, with a really tight timeline, insta-lust that turns into more, and an ending that feels authentically hopeful, even when it can't tie off every bow (and shouldn't, honestly!). Our female main character is a Black herbalist and our male main character is a new aristo (one of those unlikely Dukes) raised by his practical Quaker mother and grandmother (his dad's there too but he sucks). He needs her help to track down his half sister, who has fled legal trouble in England to live with her partner (also our female main character's sister) in Paris. This is a whirlwind trip for a Duke and an herbalist, and the Paris setting makes sense for the suspension of reality that we feel. If you love on-page birth control use in histrom (she wears a cervical cap and he carries French letters), lots of laughing during sex, women who know what they want and demand it, and the pretty rogues who preen for them, this is for you. Also note, our female main character is bi/pan.
September 17, 2024
Ahhh it’s too short😭😭 the way I wanted their story to keep going and actually see their marriage, problems, and children😭😭 like they’re so perfect, especially for each other . ARLO DESERVES THE WORLD FOR HOW HUMBLE HE IS🫵😫 the way he was so attentive towards Marena when she was shopping and explaining the work she does😭😭 he literally said he’ll slay dragons for her😭😭 and QUEEN MARENA??!? So lovely, but she needs to stop her thoughts of doubt, like arlo fell in love at first sight, literally. She deserves the world. They have perfect chemistry🤷♀️🤷♀️
I think the book was a bit short to actually feel for each character tho, like sure I love the characters, they’re perfect but I need more time, emotionally, with them😭😭😭
I think the book was a bit short to actually feel for each character tho, like sure I love the characters, they’re perfect but I need more time, emotionally, with them😭😭😭
August 30, 2025
This is one of my first dives into a historical romance and I did really enjoy it. The characters were great, there was spice, some swoon worthy lines, and lots of representation.
I'm going with closer to 3.5 stars (and then I round up) since I kept putting it down and picking it up. I think I was just missing a bit of action to keep me engaged.
I was perfectly fine with this one being a novella give the softer vibes and good feelings! Definitely a quick read and a great way to get into a different romance genre!
I'm going with closer to 3.5 stars (and then I round up) since I kept putting it down and picking it up. I think I was just missing a bit of action to keep me engaged.
I was perfectly fine with this one being a novella give the softer vibes and good feelings! Definitely a quick read and a great way to get into a different romance genre!
January 2, 2023
My first 2023 book, it wasn’t that great, just OK, too instalove or instalust for me, i understand its a novella, so they need to make it fast.
Love a good solid love story interracial couple, now i understand why everyone is raving about Adrianna Herreira, im so excited to read A Caribbean Heiress in Paris & Dripping (cos i just love a bodyguard romance but when you throw a plus size MC, im all in)
Love a good solid love story interracial couple, now i understand why everyone is raving about Adrianna Herreira, im so excited to read A Caribbean Heiress in Paris & Dripping (cos i just love a bodyguard romance but when you throw a plus size MC, im all in)
August 2, 2023
this is a quintessential "quick and dirty" novela. it's a love at first sight, everyone falls in love in Paris type book. I loved the modern ideals from the Duke and His constant love of the 🐱. Adriana definitely has other fantastic books with far more plot and character development but that's not really what this book was for. I fell in love with Arlo and Marena just as fast as they fell for each other.
July 31, 2024
Oh, la, la, the Duke made me feel 2
What a wonderfully written love story that is amazing and refreshing. Love or lust at first sight is powerful and packed with anticipation from the beginning. Arlo, Duke of Linley , wasted no time trying to convince Marena of his desire for her. Fast paced, sexy , sensual, and steamy hot sex. I am in love. Oh by the by, did I mention she is mixed race?
What a wonderfully written love story that is amazing and refreshing. Love or lust at first sight is powerful and packed with anticipation from the beginning. Arlo, Duke of Linley , wasted no time trying to convince Marena of his desire for her. Fast paced, sexy , sensual, and steamy hot sex. I am in love. Oh by the by, did I mention she is mixed race?
June 25, 2024
Mixed-race bisexual Marena is a botanist and apothecary. Arlo, Duke of Linley, brings her an offer she can't turn down. And storms into her life with passion - both physical and intellectual. Very steamy - this was originally published as a part of the Duke I'd Like to F anthology. I find that Herrera shines in shorter form, especially in historical romances.
July 20, 2025
Total fantasy instead of believable romance. A duke no matter how unconventional plans to make a POC his duchess in Regency England and let her stay a shopkeeper? It's cultural appropriation and doesn't work. Biracial mistress on the side while he marries for duty would be somewhat more feasible but that's not the standard HEA.
September 17, 2022
I love strong women and Marena was all of that. Strong, independent, business owner and very much attracted to the Duke. The Duke, seeks out Marena as he is looking for his half-sister. His attraction is insta. This was fun, sweet, very sexy and I just want to know more about this couple.
October 7, 2022
DNF at 50%. I love historicals that talk about real issues. I don’t like historicals that say the same thing in detail every 5 pages. Really got into the first 25% or so and then lost interest and found I was not wanting to pick it up again. Life is short, so DNF.
December 15, 2023
A delightful interracial historical romance. Marena was down to earth, beautiful and knowledgeable and Arlo was funny, intelligent and rich. They met their match in each other and it was entertaining to experience.
December 23, 2024
I feel like this novella was trying to play off of the success of Bridgerton…but only watched the Netflix show and didn’t read the books.
I am not a fan of period pieces to begin with, and this one felt really forced.
I am not a fan of period pieces to begin with, and this one felt really forced.
March 27, 2022
Read as part of Duke I’d Like to F… anthology.
May 22, 2022
Usually I love Adriana Herrera, but this one just infuriated me. Very instalove (or, more accurately, instalust), and yet the characters didn't have all that much chemistry.
December 14, 2022
3 stars
January 18, 2023
It's more 2 stars and half, to be honest.
This book doesn't have any problems with grammar, but the plot isn't interesting.
This book doesn't have any problems with grammar, but the plot isn't interesting.
February 25, 2023
4.5 rounded up!
My second favourite in this anthology includes the location of France, and shenanigans in a wine cellar.
My second favourite in this anthology includes the location of France, and shenanigans in a wine cellar.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews