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Her Virgin Duke
Nicknamed Humdrum Tun by society, Bennett Innsworth, Duke of Tunbury is stuffy, awkward, and alas, still a virgin. The festive season is looking bleak—until he loses a wager and must spend an evening at London’s most hedonistic pleasure club.
Delilah Forbes has long reigned as the city’s Mistress of Sin, and when the infamous duke visits her club, she’s soon eager to introduce him to sizzling passion. But even as lust becomes more for two lonely souls, they know a duke and a madam can’t have forever after. Or can they?
This story was previously published in the historical Christmas anthology, Have Yourself a Merry Little Scandal. Please note it contains explicit language and sexual content.
Delilah Forbes has long reigned as the city’s Mistress of Sin, and when the infamous duke visits her club, she’s soon eager to introduce him to sizzling passion. But even as lust becomes more for two lonely souls, they know a duke and a madam can’t have forever after. Or can they?
This story was previously published in the historical Christmas anthology, Have Yourself a Merry Little Scandal. Please note it contains explicit language and sexual content.
124 pages, ebook
First published October 8, 2020
41 people are currently reading
332 people want to read
About the author
Nicola Davidson
38 books727 followersUSA Today bestselling author Nicola Davidson worked for many years in media and government communications, but hasn't looked back since she decided writing erotic historical romance was infinitely more fun. When not chained to a computer, she can be found ambling along one of New Zealand’s beautiful beaches, cheering on the All Blacks rugby team, history geeking on the internet, or daydreaming. If this includes dessert—even better!
Her books have appeared in USA Today, NPR, and Entertainment Weekly.
Keep up with Nicola’s news on Twitter (@NicolaMDavidson) Facebook (Nicola Davidson – Author) Instagram (nicoladauthor) or her website www.nicola-davidson.com
Her books have appeared in USA Today, NPR, and Entertainment Weekly.
Keep up with Nicola’s news on Twitter (@NicolaMDavidson) Facebook (Nicola Davidson – Author) Instagram (nicoladauthor) or her website www.nicola-davidson.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
December 8, 2021
Are you kidding?!?! Only 87 ratings????? Way too many of y’all are sleeping on Nicola Davidson’s amazing erotic historical romances!!!
I knew I was going to love this the second I read the synopsis. A repressed, virgin duke matching up with a pleasure club owner known as “The Mistress of Sin”? YES PLEASE. This was everything I wanted and more.
Delilah is a strong and independent woman who wants more out of life after running her pleasure club for several years, and Bennett is a sweet and shy duke who is trying to find his own way (and maybe love along the way?) now that he’s allowed to run the dukedom on his own. The way Delilah coaxes Bennett out of his shell (both sexually and otherwise) was so fun and satisfying to read about. We love a straight laced man who turns dominant in the bedroom 🔥🔥🔥
As sexy as this book is (Davidson always brings it with the steam), the romance is also so freaking sweet and swoony 😍😍😍 Merry Christmas indeed!
I knew I was going to love this the second I read the synopsis. A repressed, virgin duke matching up with a pleasure club owner known as “The Mistress of Sin”? YES PLEASE. This was everything I wanted and more.
Delilah is a strong and independent woman who wants more out of life after running her pleasure club for several years, and Bennett is a sweet and shy duke who is trying to find his own way (and maybe love along the way?) now that he’s allowed to run the dukedom on his own. The way Delilah coaxes Bennett out of his shell (both sexually and otherwise) was so fun and satisfying to read about. We love a straight laced man who turns dominant in the bedroom 🔥🔥🔥
As sexy as this book is (Davidson always brings it with the steam), the romance is also so freaking sweet and swoony 😍😍😍 Merry Christmas indeed!
May 1, 2023
Heroine is one step above a prostitute, runs a sex club so sex can be degraded and cheapened and just passed around strangers, along with STDs. This kind of normalization of whore culture and depravity by perversion peddlers is like a cancer in romance. Sex isn’t meaningful, isn’t a beautiful and profound bond that should be respected and protected, it’s just an empty exchange of bodily fluids.
The heroine is a skank and essentially a narcissistic sociopath who can spread her legs and let random men use her like a dirty gym sock. Because sex without emotion is sooooo empowering. 🙄🙄🙄
The hero deserved so much better.
The heroine is a skank and essentially a narcissistic sociopath who can spread her legs and let random men use her like a dirty gym sock. Because sex without emotion is sooooo empowering. 🙄🙄🙄
The hero deserved so much better.
June 7, 2022
This was as advertised! He is a duke and a virgin.
I thought this was really cute and fun, but I would have loved it so much more if the sex lessons between the courtesan and the duke were actual lessons. He didn't seem to need any? With barely any instruction at all he was all bawdy talk and deep-voiced commands for acquiescence.
I thought this was really cute and fun, but I would have loved it so much more if the sex lessons between the courtesan and the duke were actual lessons. He didn't seem to need any? With barely any instruction at all he was all bawdy talk and deep-voiced commands for acquiescence.
April 22, 2023
Not one ounce of Romance. Ridiculous storyline.
Not my cuppa. DNF at 45%
Content concerns:
Not my cuppa. DNF at 45%
Content concerns:
February 11, 2023
That wasn't for me...
What is the point of a virgin duke when he is instantly proficient in every love making skill and turns into a Dom right away? Boring...
Plus, the sex scenes made me cringe a bit,..perhaps they just aren't to my liking, but they felt weird to me.
What is the point of a virgin duke when he is instantly proficient in every love making skill and turns into a Dom right away? Boring...
Plus, the sex scenes made me cringe a bit,..perhaps they just aren't to my liking, but they felt weird to me.
November 15, 2022
2.5 stars. This novella just didn’t do it for me. It was a quick read but lacked a good storyline to keep me interested.
December 7, 2025
Tropes: younger MMC/older MFC; virgin MMC
Steam level: 4
3.25 stars. I waffled at one point but ended up not giving 4 stars because a subplot seemed to be emerging that never happened. However, this novella isn't as bad as a few reviews would indicate. Granted, it's heavy on the erotica, so if that's not your thing, not much here will change your mind. But at least it has messages about self-acceptance and body positivity. Plus there's no cheating, relations are consensual, and there's an emphasis on safe sex. The writing is solid and world building is decent.
I get why some people don't like courtesan MFC's, but honestly, after reading so many HR's that feature unrepentant rakes, this was a nice little break.
Steam level: 4
3.25 stars. I waffled at one point but ended up not giving 4 stars because a subplot seemed to be emerging that never happened. However, this novella isn't as bad as a few reviews would indicate. Granted, it's heavy on the erotica, so if that's not your thing, not much here will change your mind. But at least it has messages about self-acceptance and body positivity. Plus there's no cheating, relations are consensual, and there's an emphasis on safe sex. The writing is solid and world building is decent.
I get why some people don't like courtesan MFC's, but honestly, after reading so many HR's that feature unrepentant rakes, this was a nice little break.
December 10, 2021
Sweet and fast romance. I love a Virgin hero and a woman of experience, their chemistry is sizzling. Nicola Davidson’s writing is accessible and sexy, the story is very fast paced and insta-love. I love that the hero never judges the heroine for her experience and career but he is impressed by her mind and business sense. Great for a quick, sexy and delightful read set during the Christmas season.
December 5, 2025
thatttt...was way too steamy 🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵
November 30, 2022
Who doesn’t love the virgin hero trope? This was an especially good version of it because the personalities of the main characters were so fascinating.
Delilah was an excellent business woman, super empathetic, and good at sussing out a person’s character (call me crazy, but she had a hint of Oprah Winfrey vibes?)—she clocked our Duke for a virgin within moments of meeting him.
And Bennett was a potent combination of shy hottie with bedroom bossy-boots potential. He had a strong desire to do the right thing, a hint of insecurity, a past with overbearing guardians, yet an open mind and a good heart.
This story of a pleasure club madam and dignified Duke was more heartwarming and less cheesy than I excepted. And the tropes, the setup, plus these characters made me want to give it five stars. I really enjoyed our hero’s character arc in particular.
There were just a few moments, like when Delilah was feeling overwhelmed by the tedium of her business or when our weasel-y villain was being annoying, that this novella felt a tad putdownable so I’m going with a four stars instead.
A really really cute story, though!
Delilah was an excellent business woman, super empathetic, and good at sussing out a person’s character (call me crazy, but she had a hint of Oprah Winfrey vibes?)—she clocked our Duke for a virgin within moments of meeting him.
And Bennett was a potent combination of shy hottie with bedroom bossy-boots potential. He had a strong desire to do the right thing, a hint of insecurity, a past with overbearing guardians, yet an open mind and a good heart.
This story of a pleasure club madam and dignified Duke was more heartwarming and less cheesy than I excepted. And the tropes, the setup, plus these characters made me want to give it five stars. I really enjoyed our hero’s character arc in particular.
There were just a few moments, like when Delilah was feeling overwhelmed by the tedium of her business or when our weasel-y villain was being annoying, that this novella felt a tad putdownable so I’m going with a four stars instead.
A really really cute story, though!
December 1, 2021
highly improbable that our hero goes from a virgin to a sex god the first time he actually has penetrative sex with a woman. I was so hoping that this would be a hot for teacher scenario where we see sexual awakening that feels genuine, in all of it’s awkward glory. I also HATE insta-love in these type of stories; it’s even more annoying that it happens after they have sex maybe twice and spend one full afternoon together. I read regency romance mostly for the witty banter and because the better writers in this genre tend to be Anglophiles with large vocabularies and ready wit. Do not expect to find any of that here; I was sorely disappointed in this novella and will not be seeking out more of her work.
May 14, 2022
3 Stars
I really liked Nicola Davidson’s other novellas but this one didn’t do it for me unfortunately
I really liked Nicola Davidson’s other novellas but this one didn’t do it for me unfortunately
November 12, 2022
soooo sweet for historical romance lovers🤍
May 19, 2022
I really enjoyed this story and like all the books by this author, it's bold, clever and very very dirty.
April 9, 2022
Why Haven’t I Read This Sooner?
What a fantastic novella! Technically it’s a Christmas romance but can be read anytime of the year since the holiday isn’t important to the story.
The characters were so good. Delilah is definitely a modern woman and I loved how smart, kind and funny so was. Bennett was sweet, protective and a surprisingly dirty talker. They were great together.
This was sexy as well as hilarious. I was laughing so much.
The length is perfect too.
Would recommend!
What a fantastic novella! Technically it’s a Christmas romance but can be read anytime of the year since the holiday isn’t important to the story.
The characters were so good. Delilah is definitely a modern woman and I loved how smart, kind and funny so was. Bennett was sweet, protective and a surprisingly dirty talker. They were great together.
This was sexy as well as hilarious. I was laughing so much.
The length is perfect too.
Would recommend!
January 13, 2021
I just finished this rather very interesting and different story/book. I liked reading it.
June 27, 2021
It was an enjoyable read. Some good bits with lots of sex. I was waiting for the Duke to grow a backbone, which he did, but it came late in the story. 4☆
November 19, 2022
Ahhh such a fun and cute christmas novella!
August 3, 2023
This is the second Nicola Davidson novel I find the hero and heroine to be corny and dull.
December 19, 2023
Good - I was expecting a bit more uncertainty from the duke in question, but he seems to have taken to sex and being just the right sort of dominating with very little communication.
December 11, 2021
Very entertaining Christmas story of Bennett Innsworth, Duke of Tunbury, nicknamed Humdrum Tun because he's lived such a circumspect life, and Delilah Forbes named the Mistress of Sin because she owns a pleasure club. Definitely opposites attract, but oh how they attract. Loved these two and Bennet's sister as well. Wonderful quick read.
April 30, 2022
2.75⭐️
August 14, 2023
Did not realize it was Christmas novella!
Spicy and fun.
Spicy and fun.
February 13, 2021
Reviewed on my blog, Becky on Books, on 2/13/21.
I loved this book so hard!
OK, even though it's called Her Virgin Duke and it stars a wildly successful madam and...well, a virgin duke, the duke's virginity isn't *really* the main problem of the book, for either Bennett or Delilah. Yeah, he was one, and of course she helps him resolve that teensy problem, but honestly it was a deep sense of shame and severe insecurity that was Bennett's real issue.
And the men who did that to him, the trustees who were supposed to have prepared him for dukedom? Every single one of them deserved to be horsewhipped. But this is a, erotic romance novella and we don't have time for that here, so I'll just have to imagine that part.
And smile.
Evilly.
Probably while cackling.
Again, evilly. Obviously.
But I digress...
Bennett and Delilah's love story is sweet and sexy and OMG super hot. There honestly wasn't a thing about it I didn't love, except for the lack of aforementioned horsewhipping, but again, it's a novella so space is at a premium and we have to stick to the good parts. Since they were so OMG, YES! good, I wouldn't want to skip a single one anyway. ;)
Nicola Davidson is quickly becoming my go-to author when I'm looking for a super sexy historical romance--she hasn't disappointed me yet! <3
Rating: 4 1/2 stars / A
I loved this book so hard!
OK, even though it's called Her Virgin Duke and it stars a wildly successful madam and...well, a virgin duke, the duke's virginity isn't *really* the main problem of the book, for either Bennett or Delilah. Yeah, he was one, and of course she helps him resolve that teensy problem, but honestly it was a deep sense of shame and severe insecurity that was Bennett's real issue.
And the men who did that to him, the trustees who were supposed to have prepared him for dukedom? Every single one of them deserved to be horsewhipped. But this is a, erotic romance novella and we don't have time for that here, so I'll just have to imagine that part.
And smile.
Evilly.
Probably while cackling.
Again, evilly. Obviously.
But I digress...
Bennett and Delilah's love story is sweet and sexy and OMG super hot. There honestly wasn't a thing about it I didn't love, except for the lack of aforementioned horsewhipping, but again, it's a novella so space is at a premium and we have to stick to the good parts. Since they were so OMG, YES! good, I wouldn't want to skip a single one anyway. ;)
Nicola Davidson is quickly becoming my go-to author when I'm looking for a super sexy historical romance--she hasn't disappointed me yet! <3
Rating: 4 1/2 stars / A
April 13, 2021
I purchased this as part of a multi author bundle called HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE SCANDAL.
The H came across as two different personalities. He has been very sheltered because his 3 old overseer's are very straight laced. We know by the title he is a virgin - 25 year old one at that. What bothered me is one of the overseer's has a son who is rude and runs wild, but the rules are different for the H? Where the second personality comes into play, he has one time with the h and he starts talking crudely and acts so differently. I did like how he took control near the end of the story concerning some men.
You will have to suspended what you know of this time period. Because how things played out would not have happened. But, I did enjoy some of the journey.
The story at times was very sensual - heat level 5 out of 5 - very descriptive too (outside of marriage). There is crude language and Lord's name used.
No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, lustful, little on romance and plenty of sensual steam. (ljb)
The H came across as two different personalities. He has been very sheltered because his 3 old overseer's are very straight laced. We know by the title he is a virgin - 25 year old one at that. What bothered me is one of the overseer's has a son who is rude and runs wild, but the rules are different for the H? Where the second personality comes into play, he has one time with the h and he starts talking crudely and acts so differently. I did like how he took control near the end of the story concerning some men.
You will have to suspended what you know of this time period. Because how things played out would not have happened. But, I did enjoy some of the journey.
The story at times was very sensual - heat level 5 out of 5 - very descriptive too (outside of marriage). There is crude language and Lord's name used.
No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, lustful, little on romance and plenty of sensual steam. (ljb)
December 6, 2021
I went in expecting the usual delightful banter, sex-positive vibes, and holiday enjoyment that was advertised - and I got so much more! Really though!
It is not overly holiday-themed but it is so about sexual enjoyment and sex positivity and the trauma that can come from being raised within purity culture. Ben is a good person - legit. A kind, wonderful, good man who wants to do what is right and honestly has gotten the shit end of the stick repeatedly. He also happens to be a virgin. Delilah is wildly impressive and independent and brilliant and also so wants to help Ben learn to be comfortable with his sexuality. It is a gorgeous connection and their deep emotions totally sold me on the relationship. Not to mention that they converse, have some shared competence kink and it is appropriately sexy!
It is not overly holiday-themed but it is so about sexual enjoyment and sex positivity and the trauma that can come from being raised within purity culture. Ben is a good person - legit. A kind, wonderful, good man who wants to do what is right and honestly has gotten the shit end of the stick repeatedly. He also happens to be a virgin. Delilah is wildly impressive and independent and brilliant and also so wants to help Ben learn to be comfortable with his sexuality. It is a gorgeous connection and their deep emotions totally sold me on the relationship. Not to mention that they converse, have some shared competence kink and it is appropriately sexy!
December 28, 2022
cw: livelihood threatened, grief, childhood trauma, sexuality shaming
So good! The heroine is an experienced widow and the owner of a sex club, the hero is a virgin who has been sexually repressed due to being shamed as a boy by older men who were supposed to guide him but instead did harm. Due to this, he is ashamed of his urges so he’s never had sex and even feels shame when he pleasures himself by his own hand. The chemistry that the hero and heroine had was very well written, as were the very erotic sex scenes. I loved that the heroine tried to make the hero comfortable from the very beginning when she learned about his lack of experience and his trauma. It made their relationship much more beautiful. She was just a great character in general. She had previous lovers and was someone who enjoyed sex without guilt. The hero was great too, of course. He was a gentleman who once he was comfortable with the heroine during sex, was very hot to read about. This dynamic is something that I wish I could see more in Historical Romance. More experienced heroines and the heroes who worship them unabashedly.
So good! The heroine is an experienced widow and the owner of a sex club, the hero is a virgin who has been sexually repressed due to being shamed as a boy by older men who were supposed to guide him but instead did harm. Due to this, he is ashamed of his urges so he’s never had sex and even feels shame when he pleasures himself by his own hand. The chemistry that the hero and heroine had was very well written, as were the very erotic sex scenes. I loved that the heroine tried to make the hero comfortable from the very beginning when she learned about his lack of experience and his trauma. It made their relationship much more beautiful. She was just a great character in general. She had previous lovers and was someone who enjoyed sex without guilt. The hero was great too, of course. He was a gentleman who once he was comfortable with the heroine during sex, was very hot to read about. This dynamic is something that I wish I could see more in Historical Romance. More experienced heroines and the heroes who worship them unabashedly.
February 5, 2021
I have been in a mood for historical romance lately, and this novella hits the sweet spot of sexy, low angst and adorable that I want.
Firstly a stuffed shirt awkward duke - yes pls and thank u. He has a great character arc, in which his virginity really isn’t that big of a deal, but overcoming his shame and lack of confidence is.
Secondly a heroine who is strong but avoids the Strong Female Character trap.
My only complaint is that the villains were a little meh, but in a novella that can be overlooked.
Firstly a stuffed shirt awkward duke - yes pls and thank u. He has a great character arc, in which his virginity really isn’t that big of a deal, but overcoming his shame and lack of confidence is.
Secondly a heroine who is strong but avoids the Strong Female Character trap.
My only complaint is that the villains were a little meh, but in a novella that can be overlooked.
February 16, 2023
I like this one! It has been awhile since I really liked a book.
This guys is damaged and a virgin and of course it takes the perfect kind of woman to make him comfortable and happy.
His virginity is a large part of the story. They take their time and he learns. He doesn’t magically dispense orgasms as he thrusts into her. She teaches and he learns. They are perfect together.
Innocence of virgin hero: 4/5
Innocence in losing it: 4/5
Build up to losing it: 3/5
Hotness of losing it: 4/5
Busted touching himself: no
POV of losing it: male
This guys is damaged and a virgin and of course it takes the perfect kind of woman to make him comfortable and happy.
His virginity is a large part of the story. They take their time and he learns. He doesn’t magically dispense orgasms as he thrusts into her. She teaches and he learns. They are perfect together.
Innocence of virgin hero: 4/5
Innocence in losing it: 4/5
Build up to losing it: 3/5
Hotness of losing it: 4/5
Busted touching himself: no
POV of losing it: male
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews