Blog Tour: Review - Falling on a Duke by Stefany Nunes

Falling on a Duke by Stefany Nunes 

Publisher: The Book Guild
Publication Date:  April 28, 2025 

 

About the Book: 

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?

Rating: 

 

This lighthearted, time-travel romance was a charming escape with a fun premise and a steady pace that kept me turning pages. Benjamin, the Duke of Waldorf, accidentally stumbles into the modern world via an antique cameo/ pendant, and the outcome is an entertaining fish-out-of-water story full of sweet moments and cultural clash.

Benjamin (Ben) is a likable and surprisingly adaptable MMC ... maybe too adaptable at times. It was a bit hard to believe that someone from the 1800s would accept modern norms (and smartphones!) so quickly, but I get that it helped the story keep moving. Isabella (Bella), our FMC, a kind-hearted writer recovering from heartbreak, meets Benjamin and just… lets him stay in her flat. No big deal. Her immediate trust felt a bit unrealistic, but she’s so warm and hopeful that it’s hard not to root for her. 

The romance between them is sweet and sincere, and I especially enjoyed the “book within a book” element as Bella navigates her writer’s block. That added a fun, meta twist.

Where it fell a little short for me was in the time travel mechanics and emotional depth. For the time travel elements - there wasn’t much explanation of how the cameo worked, or how Ben’s family came to have such a powerful trinket (there was some, but not a lot). This left the ending feeling a bit rushed and vague. I wanted just a bit more substance and resolution there. 

It also fell a little short for me in the emotional depth area. There were plenty of moments that should have packed more of a punch—especially considering the time travel, the clash of worlds, and both characters’ personal struggles—but they often felt glossed over. The story stayed on the lighter side, which made it fun and easy to read, and there was even a nice spicy bit, but it also meant that some of the more emotional beats didn’t fully land. A bit more character development and vulnerability could have made their journey feel richer and more impactful.

Overall, though, this was an enjoyable and whimsical read. If you’re looking for a cozy, low-angst romance with a touch of magical realism and a bit of spice, this one delivers.

About the Author

Stefany Nunes is a Brazilian writer with degrees in Letters and Brazilian law. She’s been an avid reader for as long as she can remember, and with her passion for romance novels, she often created stories in her mind without ever putting them on paper. After moving to London with her husband, inspired by the city's atmosphere, she finally found the courage to fulfil her dream of writing.

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