Falling on a Duke
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Pub Date 28 Apr 2025 | Archive Date 23 May 2025
The Book Guild | Book Guild Publishing
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Description
Julia Quinn meets Hannah Grace in this swoon-worthy, time-travelling contemporary romance about a duke lost in time and a writer lost in heartbreak.
19th-century England. Benjamin Gerard Waldorf, the Duke of Waldorf, has resigned himself to a life of duty and responsibility. But when an antique cameo unexpectedly transports him 200 years into the future, his world is turned upside down.
Isabella Souza Kato, a struggling writer in London, is grappling with creative block after a painful breakup. Just as she’s ready to give up on love, a chance encounter with a man claiming to be from the 1800s alters her life completely.
As they navigate the complexities of time, culture, and their own hearts, Benjamin and Isabella must confront their fears and insecurities if they want to find a future together.
Will Benjamin find a way back to his rightful place, or will he choose to forge a new path with Isabella?
A Note From the Publisher
Available Editions
| EDITION | Ebook |
| ISBN | 9781835743195 |
| PRICE | £4.99 (GBP) |
| PAGES | 288 |
Links
Available on NetGalley
Average rating from 120 members
Featured Reviews
Reviewer 1666809
A sweet romance with some spice to it! I loved the characters (especially Duke the Corgi!). The pacing was good, I managed to finish the book in a day. Definitely a quick and fun read, gave me Bridgerton meets Outlander vibes. I did wish that the Benjamin spoke more like he was from the 1800s, he sounded a bit too modern.
May P, Reviewer
Benjamin is the Duke of Waldorf who is magically transported 200 yrs into the future. He meets Isabella who is struggling writer with a writer's block....
Love the time travelling story. It's swoony and romantic. Benjamin is terrific. Love Isabella too.
Thanks to the publisher for the arc.
Reviewer 1186695
This was a pleasant enough read. I liked the premise of the MMC jumping into the future vs the FMC falling into the past, which is the more common trope.
It didn’t seem to me that Duke spoke like a man from the 1800s and he seemed to accept far too quickly that he time traveled into the 2020s. It also bothered me that the hospital let him leave under the care of the stranger who hit him with a scooter when they were under the impression that he was under a delusion of being from the past.
Oh my this book was a joy to read! I so happy I finally got to reading this book! Isabella’s and Benjamin’s story was exhilarating, tender, and beautiful! . The storyline got me to fall head over heels in love with both the delightful Isabella and Benjamin! I loved the time travelling aspect in the story it what won me over which is wild because usually I do not enjoy those stories!
This was a really cute story, and I’m always here for a time travel trope. I especially liked the fact that the duke traveled to modern times - I feel like often the opposite happens. The author did a good job of showing how he has to adapt to modern situations with no background, and there was good tension between his desire to return and his desire to be with the female lead.
The only thing that stopped this being a five star read is that it felt like it dragged in parts. I still recommend it though, especially for people who want to curl up and read something happy.
Bookseller 1354092
Spicy, male female, 1st person dual point of view, contemporary romance with some magical realism. Fun premise with a time slip that brings our couple together. I really enjoyed the leads and watching them traverse their unusual circumstance together. There is the dreaded 3rd act breakup due to obvious circumstances, but ultimately we get a happy ending.
Reviewer 617452
This is acharming, time-twisting romance that blends historical elegance with modern heartache.
When a 19th-century duke is flung into the chaotic world of modern London, he doesn’t expect to find love—especially not with a writer nursing a broken heart. But Benjamin and Isabella's journey through time, emotion, and personal growth is as touching as it is whimsical.
The chemistry between the prim-and-proper duke and the contemporary, jaded writer is equal parts sweet and swoony. Their relationship unfolds with humor, warmth, and just the right touch of angst. The novel explores not just romance, but also themes of identity, belonging, and choosing your own destiny—whether in 1825 or 2025.
If you're a fan of time travel, heartfelt slow burns, and characters finding love in the most unexpected of ways, this story is a delightful escape with a timeless message: sometimes, love really can transcend centuries.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.
Bookseller 1214645
When I first started this book I thought it was going to end up in my dnf pile, but I stuck it out and I’m glad I did.
I’m not one for period romances, but this is anything from that.
Isabella is trying to get out of her creative block when she stumbles into Benjamin Gerard Waldorf who claims to be from the 18th century. As she shows him round a modern day London and his hometown trying to fiend a way for him to go back or does she want him to stay, can they find anything about his past?
Donna O, Reviewer
A lovely light and fun read. A time travel and romance book. Effectively two genres in one book. I enjoyed this book very much and I think the majority of fans of these genres would also do so.
Sarah B, Librarian
Falling on a Duke weaves together two of my favorite book themes: time-travel and romance! This is a bit heavier than some reads, but this slow burn romance will deliver all the feels as our historical gentlemen and contemporary lady discover themselves on the path to each other. This has a few humorous fish out of water situations that will stick with a reflective reader. Will recommend to the reader who wants a bit more emotional intimacy in their slow build romances.
First of all I would like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was a really fun and lighthearted read and I really enjoyed every second of it! There's time travel, romance and 'gasp' exposed ankles. This is really suited for all romance lovers and even has some spice thrown in too. I feel like the time travel aspect helped to add depth to the characters and made it stand out compared to all the other generic romance stories you seem to get now. The characters were well written and you root for them to have the happy ending they deserve.
I can't wait to see what else Stefany Nunes writes and will be looking out for her next release.
Educator 1319287
I loved reading this book. While time travel romances are not usually my thing, these two main characters made it easy to believe and a lovely read.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I love time-travel novels, so I've read a lot of them. This was one of my favorites. It was so much fun!
Librarian 431790
Cute romance: it made me smile and had fun. Well done
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
THE PERFECT TIME TRAVEL ROMANCE.
Falling on a Duke is a sweet and swoony time-travel novella that completely swept me away! Stefany Nunes blends regency charm with modern-day chaos as Duke Benjamin Gerard Waldorf stumbles into 2022 London—and right into the life (and scooter) of Isabella Souza Kato, a struggling writer with a heart still healing.
Their story is equal parts adorable and emotional. I loved how Ben’s old-world manners clashed (and then synced) with Isabella’s modern sensibilities. Their dynamic was full of witty banter, slow-blooming trust, and a comfort that felt so natural. The forced proximity setup worked beautifully to explore both characters’ emotional growth, and the dual POV let us see how deeply they began to care for each other. The chemistry was so good, the writing kept me hooked, and the story kept me hoping against hope. I hope we also get more novels by Stefany, maybe one about Abigail and Jack next? Pretty please!
It’s a quick, romantic read with a touch of spice and plenty of heart. Let the whimsy take over, and settle in for this comforting ride full of yearning, angst, love, duty, and a well-earned HEA.
✨ If you love time-travel romances, opposites attract, and found healing in unexpected places, this book is PERFECT. Definitely recommend for fans of sweet, slightly spicy historical-meets-modern novellas!
Swoony, playful, and utterly charming 👑💘. Falling on a Duke is a delightful historical romance packed with witty banter, slow-burn tension, and all the regency-era charm you could want. Stefany Nunes crafts lovable characters and irresistible chemistry that made this impossible to put down. Perfect for fans of Bridgerton-style romance with humour and heart.
Reviewer 1775924
Cute story with likable characters.. I enjoyed the supporting characters, especially Duke the Dog This is a recommended quick and easy read.
Thank you to NetGalley, Stefany Nunes, and The Book Guild for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars)
Falling for a Duke is a delightfully romantic time-travel tale that combines Regency charm with modern-day heart. When Benjamin Gerard Waldorf, a duke from the 1800s, is mysteriously transported to present-day London, he quite literally crashes into Isabella Souza Kato, a writer reeling from heartbreak. What follows is part rom-com, part emotional journey, and all-around swoon-worthy.
Stefany Nunes crafts a story full of warmth, humor, and just the right amount of magic. Ben is dashing and surprisingly adaptable (perhaps a bit too quickly), and Isabella is relatable, cautious, and quietly resilient. Their chemistry is instant, if a little fast-moving, but the emotional depth makes it believable and rewarding. Add in a charming supporting cast and a corgi that practically steals the show, and you’ve got the perfect escape read.
While the time-travel mechanics are light and a few modern conveniences are accepted a bit too easily, it’s all in service of a feel-good story that doesn’t take itself too seriously, and that’s part of its charm. Think Bridgerton meets Outlander with a touch of Hallmark.
A cozy, sweet, and heartfelt romance that will leave you smiling. Perfect for fans of whimsical love stories with an emotional core.
Sarah H, Reviewer
This was a sweet read. The premise has been used before, time travel with reasons each can't go to the other's time. I liked that the book addressed this and didn't take themselves too seriously. This is a fun light read.
I had a bit of a hard time getting going on this book, but it was an enjoyable read. There were a few inconsistencies in the story, but I'm wondering if they were just due to this being the author's first translated novel.
Overall, if you like a lighthearted, romantic romp with a bit of spice, give it a try!
Free copy provided by NetGalley.
Surita J, Reviewer
This was a fun and light read. A cute premise, a duke Benjamin who has time travelled into the future and meets, quite abruptly Isabella, a recently heartbroken writer, struggling with major writer’s block.
It was nice to see the instant chemistry, which they try to navigate as well as dealing with the time travelling aspect.
I liked the pace of the book, I really liked the characters and the way they were written. When we get to the spice, it was just the right amount and didn’t throw the book off course.
I wanted to love Falling on a Duke—the premise had so much potential, and I could tell the author poured her heart into the story. However, I found myself struggling to fully grasp the narrative and connect with the characters. The writing felt disjointed at times, and I had difficulty following the flow of the dialogue and plot.
That said, I later learned that English is not Stefany Nunes’ first language, and that context helped me better understand some of the challenges I encountered. I truly admire her for writing and publishing a novel in a second language—no small feat—and I wish I had known that going in, as it might have shifted my expectations.
While this book didn’t quite work for me, I recognize the effort and creativity behind it. I hope to see more from this author as her voice continues to grow and evolve.
Perfect book for a beach day or a day by the pool.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Gia S, Reviewer
Very cute and easy read. A quick, sweet, low angst, time travel romance that can be enjoyed on a beach day.
A hot duke from the 19th century, a corgi puppy, funny dialogue, and spice- what more could you ask for?
I decided to read this as a pick me up after finishing a different book and it was exactly what I needed. The characters were lovable, even those who weren’t featured or focused on much. I loved that there wasn’t a true “villain” or anything complex about the “conflict”. This book is a true cozy romance with a happy ending that is well deserved. I highly recommend to anyone looking for a light and extremely enjoyable read.
If you’re a fan of The Knight Before Christmas or love the charm of Bridgerton-style dukes dropped into the chaos of modern life, Falling on a Duke is a total delight. This book gave me all the cozy, romantic, time-travel magic I was hoping for.
Benjamin, a proper 19th-century duke, suddenly finds himself in present-day London, completely out of his element. Enter Isabella, a heartbroken writer trying to put her life back together. Their worlds collide in the most unexpected (and adorable) way, and the chemistry is instant.
Stefany Nunes blends historical charm with contemporary wit, creating a sweet, swoony romance that feels like Julia Quinn meets The Knight Before Christmas. It’s light, funny, and heartfelt—the perfect feel-good read when you want a little escape and a lot of romance.
Reviewer 1676994
REVIEW FROM GOODREADS
** spoiler alert ** 4.0 ⭐️
[1:00am — 17/04/2025]
First of all I want to start by thanking The Book Guild for choosing me as an ARC, as I send gratitude to the author, Stefany Nunes. And also to NetGalley too!!
I’m truly grateful for the advanced copy, and hope to get more in the future! <3
Now review time :)
Don’t judge the absurd time, it’s peaceful reading at this time. Though at times, I had to hold my laugh in😭. Just Ben adjusting to the way life was in modern day.
It was so romcom coded with fluff, raunchy yet beautiful quick paced book. This book is so very April coded, even if it is mostly taking place during the Winter time. It was so cute and sweet, I nearly sobbed at them not having a happy ending.
This conversation between Isabella and Cinthia:
"I love it! It's going to be great. But there's a happy ending, right? For God's sake, don't separate the two of them."
"Of course, I'm not an evil author. It has a happy ending; I just don't know how yet."
I LOVED IT😭
It was like the author was reassuring, and talking to us and I personally found that extremely cool. It’s like she’s writing but informing, I’m not sure how to explain it or what the literary device would be [would it be foreshadowing or pathetic fallacy? I swear pathetic fallacy is for bad omen. Never mind, I got my 6 in English Language, I’m good😭].
The mention of actual modern stuff in London such as: Underground, Oyster Cards, Waterstones, Bank Street, Green Park, Abbey Road and BRIDGERTON (🤭) etc, I loved it. Usually I don’t but in this book it made sense and I loved the mentions. Adding to the fact that I am a Londoner myself, this felt like a hug in a way😭.
It was cute, fast paced. Nothing wrong with it except, the ending felt like the Epilogue had a big jump. I know it’s just a book but I kept thinking about this all legally. Like does Ben have a passport?😭😭😭 I know odd question but it kept circling in my head.
I am practical as I am a dreamer. Please.😭😭😭😭
Overall a 4.0 stars!! Now. I’ll be going to Tower Bridge in the morning in hopes of finding a stranded 19th century man, in cute boots. Wish me luck girls 🤭🩷 x
[1:23am — 17/04/2025]
Falling for a Duke was a pleasurable read that kept me engaged from start to finish. It offered an enjoyable escape, especially for fans of time-travel romance.
The main characters were genuinely likable, and their chemistry made the journey all the more fun. Isabella is a Brazilian romance author living in London when she runs Ben over with her scooter. Turns out he’s a time-traveling duke…how lucky is she? This book doesn't take itself too seriously, which makes it a perfect light, silly, and sweet read—ideal to bring along to the beach this summer.
Nicole C, Reviewer
This was a super cute story. It reminded me of the movie "Kate & Leopold" which is actually mentioned in this book. I liked the dynamic of the characters and the connection they had from the beginning.
The Duke of Waldorf—also known as Benjamin—unexpectedly finds himself catapulted 200 years into the future after discovering his grandmother’s cameo, a mysterious necklace she once gifted him with a cryptic warning. Moments after his arrival in modern-day London, he's struck by a scooter, ridden by a Brazilian woman named Bella. Feeling responsible, she takes him in, and together they try to unravel the mystery of his return, while also, inevitably, falling in love.
I love this premise—it blends two of my favorite things: the Regency era and time travel. There are some truly charming elements here: the dog (and its absolutely perfect name), the heroine’s multicultural background, and the overall arc of the story all drew me in.
That said, the writing style occasionally pulled me out of the narrative. The language felt stilted—not in the delightfully formal way you'd expect from a historical character, but in a way that made the dialogue and pacing feel awkward at times. The romantic “steam” also felt a bit clunky and could benefit from a smoother buildup.
Still, this book has heart and will likely appeal to fans of time-slip romance and anyone who swoons for a man in riding boots.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Paige R, Reviewer
Rating: ★★★
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Summary: Falling for a Duke is a charming, slow-burn rom-com with a touch of spice, lovable characters (including a standout dog), and a cozy happily-ever-after. While it took a bit to get going and didn’t quite leave a lasting impact, it’s a fun, light read—especially for fans of historical romance with a modern twist.
This was a sweet, light-hearted rom-com with—of course—a happy ending. It took me a little while to warm up to it, but once I did, I found myself attached to the characters and genuinely felt the connection between them. The yearning? Ooft.
Benjamin is a total gentleman, but with just the right amount of cheek—particularly when it comes to his obsession with Bella’s arse (no complaints). His interactions with Duke, the dog, made up about 90% of his charm, and honestly, I was here for it.
Falling for a Duke is the kind of read that leaves you warm inside while still delivering just enough spice to keep things interesting.
The beginning felt a bit shaky for me—it read more like a sitcom than a rom-com—but you can really feel the author finding her groove as the story progresses. Once it hit its stride, the pacing worked well. I was briefly worried the book might end on a sad note, but Stefany reeled it back in just in time.
This was my first foray into a period-piece romance, and I wasn’t sure what to expect. That said, I was impressed by how much research clearly went into it. The characters visit Big Ben, and Stefany even pauses to question whether the MMC would be familiar with the landmark. I hadn’t even considered that—but it was such a clever touch. Kudos to her for the attention to detail.
What didn’t quite work for me:
There’s something I can’t quite put my finger on that felt missing. I liked the book, and I’ll admit I was fully invested in certain chapters, but overall, some parts of the story didn’t really propel the rest forward. There’s nothing I strongly disliked, but there’s also nothing I’m dying to rave about either.
For readers who love a light rom-com with a slow burn and a satisfying HEA, this one will definitely tick the right boxes. I’m just not sure I’m the target audience this time around.
Thank you Netgalley and the book guild publishing, for this arc.
Once again I forgot about it for weeks. I am a weird netgalley user, I love books, but forget about them.
Anyyway. This book is great.
Is it a new abselute fave book? No.
Is it entertaining? yes defently.
Is it spicy? yes.
Is it funny? yes defenty.
Is it original? yes defently, original.
A little gripe. I felt the romance could have been done better. But I did belive it when it happened. It just took some time.
Loved both narration voices, the book is dual pov.
A book I would recomend.
Reviewer 1723933
❤️🔥Falling On A Duke❤️🔥
By Stephany Nunes
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Star Review
4/5 Spiciness Level 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Falling On A Duke is a Time-Travel Romantasy with dual POV. The MMC is Benjamin Gerard Waldorf, the Duke of Waldorf. The FMC is Isabella Souza Kato, a Brazilian writer living in London.
Ok, I absolutely adore this book! It is the sweetest story I have read in a long time. It’s not too long, so much angst, and when the spice kicks in… it kicks in hard. I love these two characters together!! They have a well deserved HEA.
Ben is a Duke from 19th century England. After enduring two great losses in his family, he has now inherited the title of Duke of Waldorf. His sister Abigail is the only family he has left and they are both suffering greatly from the loss of their father and brother. Ben never expected to be the Duke as he was not the oldest son. He gave up the life of a rake to be responsible as the Duke and to take care of his sister. In a moment of frustration, he wishes for a break at the same time he is picking up his desk. When he picks up the pendant his grandmother gave him…. Well he ends up in the year 2022 and literally runs into Bella being knocked unconscious.
Bella is a romance writer with writers block. She recently endured a bad breakup and isn’t quite over it yet. Her family is spread out all over the world, so she lives in London with her roommate and her dog… Duke, AKA Your Grace. She is an endearing FMC and very much a romantic at heart.
When Bella decides to leave the house to try and gain inspiration to write, she never imagines when she rents a scooter that she would run straight into someone knocking him unconscious. Feeling responsible for this strangely dressed man with his blatant confusion of who he is, where he is, and what year it is (or so she thinks) she brings him home with her. The connection is rather immediate between the two. However, the feelings are slow to grow… a true slow-burn.
This book is such a wonderful read. I fully recommend this book!
The author is actually Brazilian and there are parallels to the story and her real life which is super cool to read about at the end in the About The Author section!
Read this book as an ARC via NetGalley. Thank you NetGalley!
Happy Reading! 🥰
This is definitely for those who watched the 2001 masterpiece Kate & Leopold as a kid and have been chasing that high ever since.
This book felt to me a bit like the movie Enchanted with added in spice. It was an enjoyable book but very predictable. It took over halfway through the book to get to the spicy parts if that is what you are looking for.
My Initial Thoughts
I loved the idea of this book and the cover really drew me in. Straight away I loved the characters, what’s not to love about a Duke and a writer! And the little doggie, aww so cute. It pulled me in straight away. I was invested from the second the time travel happened! I knew I was going to love this one and the plot lines from just a few chapters in.
Plot
The plot is everything. You have parts pulling your heart strings in all different directions and that keeps you invested and hoping that everything will work out. I loved the adventure that Isabella and Benjamin went on and how he discovers how much has changed in the future. The dual pov really adds a lot of feelings into the mix.
Characters
I love the characters! Isabella is the most kind, compassionate person, who does everything in her power to help Ben remember everything while he discovers the future world. Ben is such a gentleman and I loved that he remained just as gentlemanly throughout the story. Duke is a cutie, that I adored when he was mentioned. Who knew a little doggie could steal the show!
Recommend
If you’re a lover of romance, with an aspect of historical and time travel… pick this up!
Favourite Quotes
“It’s kind of hard to be when your heart is being held together with glue and tape.”
“Are you telling me you’re a two hundred – year – old duke?”
“She is the gentleness in all my chaos.”
“Hmm, like Anthony Bridgerton in the series.”
Favourite Chapter/s
My favourite chapters were 5, 10, 11, 14, 16, 19 and 25…. Yep there was a few.
Summed up in one sentence
The perfect mix of time difference and love.
Overall Wrap up
I just adored this, it had me giggling so much and when the spice began, wooh it was getting hot in the bedroom! I loved the flow of the storylines and the slow burn was just the perfect amount!
Stars & Spice – 4.5 stars and 3 chilli’s.
Book Information – Falling On A Duke.
Genre – Romance.
Pages – 264 pages.
Tropes –
Time travel.
Slow burn.
Duke x writer
Available on Kindle Unlimited – Not available on kindle unlimited.
Available Formats – Available on kindle and paperback.
Publishing Information – Published on 28th April 2025 by The Book Guild.
Format in Which I Read – Kindle.
Where my copy come From – Zooloo’s Book Tours and Netgallery.
POVs – Dual POV – Isabella and Benjamin.
Single/Dual/Multiple Timelines – Single timeline – Sometimes multiple when going back to the past.
1st or 3rd Person – Written in 1st person.
HEA, HFN or Cliff hanger – HEA
Series or Standalone – Standalone.
Trigger Warnings – Please check content warnings before reading if necessary and please always remember that your mental health matters.
“I’m going to kiss you,” Benjamin warns. It’s not a request, nor is it a question. “But I’m still not sure about anything.” I’m not sure either, but I don’t mind. 💕
I was utterly swept away with Stefany Nunes' Falling on a Duke, it’s not often a story manages to elicit an emotional response from me, but this one did. I think this might be the first time I’ve actually shed happy tears while reading! What struck me was just how wonderfully different and quirky the whole premise felt. It wasn't your typical historical romance, and that's precisely what made it so captivating. The way Stefany Nunes crafted the characters of Ben and Bella was just brilliant. Their individual personalities shone through so vividly, and their interactions were an absolute joy to witness. I found myself completely invested in their journey, laughing at their witty banter and feeling every flutter of their burgeoning connection. Honestly, they had my heart from start to finish.
And it wasn't just the main couple who stole the show. Even though we only got glimpses into the lives of Jack and Abigail, their happy ending felt like the final piece of the puzzle that allowed Ben and Bella to finally find their own joy. It was such a lovely touch, adding an extra layer of sweetness to an already delightful narrative. The pacing of the story was spot on, allowing the relationship between Ben and Bella to develop naturally and believably. There were no rushed moments, no contrived drama just for the sake of it – just a beautifully unfolding connection between two wonderfully imperfect individuals.
Falling on a Duke isn't just a romance; it's a story about finding happiness in unexpected places and with unexpected people. It’s about embracing your quirks and allowing yourself to be loved for who you truly are. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most unconventional paths lead to the most beautiful destinations. If you're looking for a book that will make you laugh, sigh contentedly, and maybe even shed a few happy tears, then I wholeheartedly recommend picking up Stefany Nunes' Falling on a Duke. It’s an absolute gem of a read, and I can guarantee you’ll fall in love with Ben and Bella just as much as I did.
Falling On a Duke
Stefany Nunes
The setting is England in the 1800s, the Duke of Waldorf, Benjamin Gerard Waldorf is a man with responsibilities and duties. His life is boring until he is transported 200 years into the future by an antique cameo. He meets Isabella Souza Kato, and she changes his world. Isabella is a frustrated writer; after a painful break-up she wants no part of men, love, dating, etc. However, that changes when she meets an unusual male purporting to be from the past. He claimed to be from the 1800s. Life in the present. 2022 is hard for him to comprehend, airplanes, cell phones, television, and automobiles; they all seemed strange to Benjamin.
Isabella was on her scooter when they accidentally met…she was on her scooter and ran into him. The present is so strange to him, he wants to return to his time, his world. Isabella invites him to stay with her, and she offers her assistance; she doesn’t believe he is really from the past at first. Isabella and Benjamin are falling in love. If he finds a way back will he go?
The author’s first language is not English and that does show in the text; this is her first English novel. Some of the sentences are read in a strange manner. The premise behind this tale is a good one. Unfortunately, the timing was off; the characters fell in love too fast. It needed emotional complexity, instead it was rushed and there was little true passion. Once Isabella and Benjamin were intimate the book lost its direction. There was a lot of sex in this tale which isn’t surprising since it is considered erotic. This could have been a passionate love story but that got lost along the way. I love time travel novels and this could be a good one with some tweaking.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.
Elizabeth M, Reviewer
First, I would like to thank NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book.
"I'd travel to the end of time if I had to darling. I love you." We all need a man like Benjamin Waldorf.
This book EXCEEDED all expectations. I loved it. Left me giggling, kicking my feet, gasping. Wow. Ben and Bella's relationship was definitely NOT a slow burn, but it left me so excited to read the next chapter... and finish the book!
Stefany Nunes did AH-MAZE-ING at writing this book. Making you feel like you were in the 1800s, but also in the 21st century. What a writer.
This book deserved every single star it was given.
Personally. 4.5 stars!
Megan P, Reviewer
2.5⭐️
Oh, that was a rush.
A whole rush through the story, and it still managed to be partly boring.
I had pretty high expectations, and I can’t say I’m satisfied with how the story turned out. I almost DNFed it at about two-thirds of the way through. However, I forced myself to finish it, hoping for a better realization of the concept.
The last 30 pages were indeed better than the previous 100, but that didn’t change my overall feelings about the book.
So, we have:
• time travel
• a writer main character
• dual POVs
Those are the only important tropes I can think of.
Firstly, I didn’t connect with the characters. That might be a personal thing, but I felt there wasn’t enough depth. Yes, I read about Bella’s family, her struggles in life, her current job, etc. Yes, I also read about Benjamin’s family, his fears, and the main problem he faced after time-traveling to the future (which I won’t spoil, though it can probably be guessed based on the typical plot in these kinds of stories).
With all that being said, I still didn’t feel enough emotion from the characters to actually care about their fate — even though the book offers dual POVs from both the male and female leads.
It felt like nothing truly happened in the book. Events weren’t explicit and were rushed through, which led me to force myself to keep going.
And lastly, I agree with other ARC readers who shared this opinion: adding intimate scenes at the end felt like a poor choice to show the connection between the characters. Wouldn’t it have been better to add a few throught the book so the it felt more organized?
However, I can still give one quote I liked:
“Because you only see the Benjamin in me. Not the duke, not the rake. Just me, the man.”
Thank you to NetGalley and The Book Guild for sending me an early copy in exchange for my honest review.
Reviewer 1384928
This was such a sweet book. Isabella, the FMC, is a writer living in London while working in a cafe and fighting writers block. When one day she hits someone with her scooter. That someone is Benjamin, the MMC. Benjamin has found himself in a whole new timeline by some freak incident. Isabella and Benjamin are both characters I truly enjoyed. Benjamin especially, as he brought a whole other level to the story with his historical aspect. And of course you can't forget Your Grace, Duke, the sweetest dog! Overall this book was cute and kept me reading and wanting to know what was going to happen!
Falling on a Duke offers a fresh take on the time-travel romance genre, combining historical charm with contemporary sensibilities. Stefany Nunes crafts a narrative that explores love across time, cultural differences, and personal growth. Readers looking for a heartwarming and imaginative romance may find this novel to be a delightful read.
Audra B, Educator
A delightful historical romance with a modern day twist. A charming duke and a strong-willed heroine along with plenty of drama. The story is engaging and full of heart, making it a great read.
Thank you NetGalley for an ARC of Falling on a Duke by Stefany Nunes
Overall I enjoyed this book. I think it could have gone through more editing just to help clarify some of the sentences. I found out this is their first English novel and it’s pretty good, especially with that fact. The characters are like able and again overall it was an enjoyable read.
3.5/5 🌟
I pick up Falling on a Duke thinking I’m in for a cozy, time-traveling rom-com instead it was like Bridgerton met a scooter accident in 2022. A time-travelling 19th-century Duke? Say less. I was hooked. The romance was sweet, the spice was there, and the idea? Chef’s kiss. But also – hella unrealistic. Dude adapted to smartphones faster than I adapt to Monday mornings. Insta-love hit a bit too fast, and after the first spicy scene, the plot kinda dipped into just… vibes. Still, I read it in one sitting, no regrets. Cute, chaotic, horny...solid three and a half stars.
I’d recommend it for a lazy afternoon read with a cup of chai and low expectations.
Thank you The Book Guild and Netgalley for an eARC.
#Fallingonaduke #netgalley
Jessie G, Reviewer
3.5⭐️⭐️⭐️
oh this was so sweet! short, cute, the romance was fricken adorable, i liked this alot! lower rating due to the many, many pop-culture references, not my favorite thing in a book. nothing against the author tho, just my preference. the romance was romance-ing, the spice was spice-ing, and the conflict at the end made me cry. i was way more emotional about their relationship than i realized lol
may this kind of love crash into me please💚💚
thank you so much to the author and netgalley for the arc! all opinions are my own
I really like time travel romances so I had high hopes for this and Falling on a Duke definitely didn’t let me down. This was very cute and very romantic. Some of the out of time elements were a little wonky but I was really rooting for these two. I loved the FMC the most. Anyone who likes regency era stuff or wants to self insert into their own Pride & Prejudice fantasy will definitely enjoy this.
Falling on a Duke completely surprised me in the best way. The concept of a time-traveling duke is already a win, but what made this story shine was how grounded and emotional it was too. Benjamin, the Duke of Waldorf, is charming and bewildered in the 21st century in the most adorable way, but also carries this deep sense of duty that makes him feel so real and layered. And Isabella? I felt for her. She’s a writer who's gone through heartbreak and burnout, and I think a lot of us can relate to her feeling lost and unsure of herself.
Their chemistry was slow-building but delicious. I loved watching Benjamin try to navigate modern life and how Isabella helped him adapt while healing in her own way. It’s romantic and funny, but also really thoughtful about grief, identity, and second chances. That said, I did wish that Benjamin spoke more like he was actually from the 1800s. At times, his dialogue felt a bit too modern, which pulled me out of the story just a little. I would’ve loved to see more of that regency flair in his speech to match the time period he came from. Still, the story was sweet, fun, and full of heart.
Reviewer 1276359
okay this was admittedly a cute read. I just hoped he was speaking far less modern and more like his era. some plot holes like some parts, that why isn't he asking what that is, oi don't think they have that in his time, and honestly this also turned me hypochondriac, what of the modern viruses that he don't have the vaccine of (lol i was thinking so far ahead). I never liked the timetravel stories but was instrigued and wanted a good laugh as it seems this was marketed as rom-com, though admittedly this was not that funny, there are some instances that made me smile. when he went back and realized that his friend and sister will be together for a long time, that was honestly so heartwarming, and the way she just accepted that her brother will go away and never be back and him knowing she will be loved and cared for, that was lovely part of the book. the spice was honestly so-so but considering, this was more focused on plot and my my the duke the dog was adorable.
thanks netgalley and publisher for the e-arc ♥
J R, Reviewer
4 stars. really fun and really well written romance with some strong ideas. the idea, with the writer and the time-traveling duke, works well. tysm for the arc.
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