Wow, men are terrible hypocrites. ( )

What a quick read! This is the second book in the Debutante Diaries series, but can be read as a stand alone book. I loved the strength Lily (Caroline) has throughout the story, even when she has amnesia. Nash, the crotchety Duke doesn't want to love or even care about anyone except his sister Delilah, comes to care for Lily before he knows who she really is. Interesting twist with Lily's birth mother, can't wait to see if anything more comes from that in future books.

This review is based on an ARC from NetGalley, courtesy of the publisher. All opinions are my own. ( )

Full review posted at Reader's Edyn on 03/22/20

Lily has found her calling. The unknown authoress of the advice behind the wildly popular Debutante’s Revenge, she has gone to great lengths to protect the identity of herself and the two others in cahoots with her. In disguise to deliver the article, she decides to tempt fate to see what life looks like from the perspective of a young lad as her disguise indicates that she is. Unsettled by a stranger who seems to sense something off about her, she stumbles into trouble and ends up getting knocked unconscious, which results in amnesia and being cared for by the mysterious stranger who sets her pulse to racing. She has no idea who she is, but she is certain that the attraction she feels for Nash is like nothing she has ever experienced before and she means to indulge in whatever possible before the reality of her identity comes calling.

Eric Nash - Duke of Stonebridge - is at a loss. He knew something wasn’t right when he first spotted the lad. Coming to the young boy’s rescue, he inadvertently ends up responsible for his memory loss … no, HER memory loss. Having no idea who she is, he is compelled to provide safe shelter during her convalescence. His sister, Delilah, is quite a bit of help and becomes fast friends with their new houseguest in record time. Nash is both looking forward to returning “Caroline” to her home, but also dreads her departure. As the search for her identity continues, the attraction between himself and “Caroline” becomes impossible to ignore. Despite the fact that she could be anyone from any class, even married, they give in to their deepest desires knowing it might only be a fleeting romance. But the heart wants what it wants and once “Caroline’s” true name is revealed it seems there could be hope for them after all. But throughout Lily’s stay with Nash and Delilah, many secrets were revealed and the darkness that clutches at Nash’s heart may be too great a hold for Lily to break through.

Eeeeep! I wasn’t sure I would love this book as much as the first, despite my anticipation! But sheesh! What a fun twist to throw in! In the preceding book, Lily’s sister, Fiona, is offered an anonymous column in the newspaper. Her husband, Gray, had been the one to write the words that accompanied the drawing. Refusing to dabble in poetry for which he never claimed a talent for, Fiona enlists Lily as her authoress. Together, Fiona draws, Lily writes, and their longtime friend Sophie pairs the art and writing together impeccably. The trio has settled into a routine since the conclusion of the first book with their column becoming ridiculously popular. Of course, with such advice being given the members of society either love the column or abhor it; mostly the women seem to embrace it and the men thrust it about as a piece of garbage created with ill intent. God forbid the women think for themselves. *coughs* In any case, these ladies have evolved quite a bit since first we were introduced and I had a blast revisiting with them. The amnesia spin was brilliant and allowed so much more emotion to enter the plot. From the unknown inspiring both fear and hope; to wrestling with feelings as they grew to palpable heights; to the internal struggle of “to do or not to do”; the journey that Nash and Lily embark on is nothing short of enchanting.

True to form from one story to the next, Nash is the ever brooding gentleman, grappling with his internal demons and struggling to keep his head above water until he finds a lifesaver in Lily. She is the light to his darkness; a beacon in his raging storm; ever the optimist and finding the silver lining in every situation. Tragic circumstances thrust Nash into his fiercely protective nature over Delilah, but with Lily’s insight and kind-heartedness, she mends the tentative thread between brother and sister. Also brought to light was the introduction of Lily’s mother. While we had been given hints at parts of her mother’s life in the previous book making the reveal expected, I was pleased with the reunion and Lily’s strength in accepting what was presented to her. Of course, her time with Nash and his unwavering support was paramount to her making it through such an unexpected meeting. But before she has time to fully assimilate the news, she and Nash and whisked away on a new journey to save another. Just when you think you have things figured out, another twist is tossed into the plot. Ms. Bennett kept me guessing and engaged from beginning to end. I enjoyed Lily immensely in the first book, but I absolutely adored her when my time ended with her this time around. I love how Ms. Bennett creates these strong men who are nearly undone by tragic circumstances. Although they have risen above to the best of their abilities, or what they think are the best, they are suddenly poleaxed by the unexpected arrival of their perfect match who sets their axis on tilt. If I had any complaint at all (and this is a bit of a spoiler), it’s that the timing on Lily’s courses didn’t quite work out. Also, that Delilah was so intent on proving Nash wrong, and Nash so fierce with protecting her, that she ends up placing herself in danger. However, I did enjoy how Ms. Bennett worked that debacle out. Well played. I confess I am curious if the series will continue despite beginning with three women. That in and of itself spells trilogy. However, Delilah deserves her own story to be certain!

For those of you who have yet to experience the Debutante Diaries and the fantastic women surrounding it, you are truly missing out. This historical romance series is such a fun and enchanting experience. Those who love HR and HEAs will be in heaven within this book and series. While this setting may be the regency era, the characters (more specifically the females) remain relatable. Despite anything the women may have to endure whether positive or negative, the family that they create together is what endures. A true friendship that allows them the courage to forge ahead in making their own way in the world, always speaking freely to one another, but supportive no matter what. I cannot yet speak to the third book, which is up next, but you can bet I will be continuing my adventure with these delightful debutantes forthwith.

Kindle version provided by NetGalley/St. Martin’s Press in exchange for an honest review. ( )

Lily Hartley is the anonymous author of the Debutante's Revenge, one of the most-discussed and scandalous columns amongst the London ton. However, while Lily regularly dishes out advice to debutantes on how to find true romance while fending one's way through the marriage mart, she has very little personal experience. While disguised as a boy to deliver her latest column, she ends up caught in a brawl, hits her head, and loses her memory. Also involved in the brawl is Nash, Duke of Stonebridge who takes the unconscious and unknown woman home with him. While Lily struggles to remember who she is neither she nor Nash can deny the building attraction between them.

A charming historical romance that takes the cliched amnesia plot and makes it an intriguing obstacle to the romance going on. Lily is a perfectly charming protagonist and the Duke's household is a lovely space for her to recuperate. While there are no surprises in the plot, it's still an enjoyable journey. Also, the epigraphs from the Debutante's Revenge at the beginning of each chapter are often quite funny. Recommended if the plot summary tickles your fancy. ( )

Miss Lily Hartley is the secret columnist behind The Debutante's Revenge. The column offers advice for young women seeking to marry. One night, when delivering her column, Lily is injured in a barroom brawl. She is saved by a handsome stranger, who is the Duke of Stonebridge, Eric Nash. Nash thinks he is saving a boy from being beaten. He quickly realize that it is actually a woman, but not before she is hurt.

He takes her home to the protection of his family, but she begins to panic. She has no idea who she is. Nash does everything he can to help her discover her identity, all while offering her his protection. Lily calls herself Caroline for the duration, and she endears herself to Nash and his sister Delilah.

Just before Lily left home the night she was hurt, her family had gone away, so they have no idea that she is missing. While Nash tries to locate them, they find that they cannot resist one another. This is something really, because Nash has a very good reason for never thinking he could actually find love. Also, Lily and Delilah's friendship is just so touching.

I enjoyed this book and the characters grew on me rather quickly. Lily's need for her memory to return kept my interest and I felt for Gray and his deep sadness. It was a delight to watch Lily warm his heart.

This is the second book in a series and it reads well as a standalone. The other books in the series are First Earl I See Tonight and the upcoming When You Wish Upon a Rogue. That book will be Lily's friend and fellow columnist Sophie's story.

Many thanks to St. Martin's and to NetGalley for this ARC to review. This is my honest opinion. ( )