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Big Duke Energy
When bestselling romance author Ellie Aarons finds herself with chronic writer’s block, she’s pretty sure all she needs is a change of scenery. A beautiful lakeside cottage with her cat seems like a good idea.
She’s wrong. She needs more than a change of scenery—she needs a muse.
Which is why it’s so irritating that she’s drawn to the enigmatic but grumpy Duke of Windermere who owns the estate she’s staying on.
They don’t get along—not in the slightest. They could not be more different, which is why it’s so irritating that Max seems to be the muse she’s been looking for. No matter how hard she tries, she can’t help but picture him as the hero in her next book.
Oh, well. There’s really not a lot she can do about it. The muse wants what the muse wants.
Except Sir Winston Purrchill keeps exploring the goat barn, and Max’s delivery of him for the fiftieth time means he sees her manuscript open on her laptop.
He knows instantly that she’s writing about him. The story she’s written reflects their entire relationship until now, but that spicy scene?
That hasn’t happened. Yet.
Max is ready to compromise—he’ll give her the inspiration she needs for her novel, but she has to stop asking why he’s so against the relationship his grandmother desperately wants him to have.
With her deadline looming, Ellie has no other option but to agree.
She just hopes that she won’t do what her heroine is doing.
And fall in love with the duke.
She’s wrong. She needs more than a change of scenery—she needs a muse.
Which is why it’s so irritating that she’s drawn to the enigmatic but grumpy Duke of Windermere who owns the estate she’s staying on.
They don’t get along—not in the slightest. They could not be more different, which is why it’s so irritating that Max seems to be the muse she’s been looking for. No matter how hard she tries, she can’t help but picture him as the hero in her next book.
Oh, well. There’s really not a lot she can do about it. The muse wants what the muse wants.
Except Sir Winston Purrchill keeps exploring the goat barn, and Max’s delivery of him for the fiftieth time means he sees her manuscript open on her laptop.
He knows instantly that she’s writing about him. The story she’s written reflects their entire relationship until now, but that spicy scene?
That hasn’t happened. Yet.
Max is ready to compromise—he’ll give her the inspiration she needs for her novel, but she has to stop asking why he’s so against the relationship his grandmother desperately wants him to have.
With her deadline looming, Ellie has no other option but to agree.
She just hopes that she won’t do what her heroine is doing.
And fall in love with the duke.
518 pages, Paperback
Published October 23, 2022
About the author
Emma Hart
101 books7,512 followersEmma Hart is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over twenty novels and has been translated into several different languages. She first put fingers to keys at the age of eighteen after her husband told her she read too much and should write her own.
Four years later, she's still figuring out what he meant when he said she 'read too much.'
She prides herself on writing smart smut that's filled with dry wit, snappy, sarcastic comebacks, but lots of heart... And sex. Sometimes, she kills people. (Disclaimer: In books. But if you bug her, she'll use your name for the victims.)
You can find her online at www.emmahart.org, www.facebook.com/emmahartbooks, or join her reader group at http://bit.ly/EmmaHartsHartbreakers.
Four years later, she's still figuring out what he meant when he said she 'read too much.'
She prides herself on writing smart smut that's filled with dry wit, snappy, sarcastic comebacks, but lots of heart... And sex. Sometimes, she kills people. (Disclaimer: In books. But if you bug her, she'll use your name for the victims.)
You can find her online at www.emmahart.org, www.facebook.com/emmahartbooks, or join her reader group at http://bit.ly/EmmaHartsHartbreakers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 199 reviews
October 26, 2022
This book had a lot of energy. It was fun, comical and the madness really came to life. The animals really tickled me.
Ellie is a writer and needs to produce her next book. But what happens when the words don’t flow? Ellie decides to find a special place to write. Little does she know she’ll be finding more than the end of her book.
This has the usual charm of an Emma Hart book but it also had a chaotic energy deserving of the title. Will the Duke win more than the spot of Ellie’s muse?
Ellie is a writer and needs to produce her next book. But what happens when the words don’t flow? Ellie decides to find a special place to write. Little does she know she’ll be finding more than the end of her book.
This has the usual charm of an Emma Hart book but it also had a chaotic energy deserving of the title. Will the Duke win more than the spot of Ellie’s muse?
October 27, 2022
Favorite Quotes:
I just like calling them naughty books because it drives my grandson crazy. He thinks I’m too old to read about two people bonking, but it’s not like I’m getting any myself, so here we go.
That’s what my brain was like, though. A back and forth with myself until I’d boarded the mental train at one station and gotten off on another planet. That pretty much summed up my entire life, actually.
“You, tooting your own horn.” I shrugged. “Someone has to toot my horn. Until I’m a billionaire and can buy my own band to do some tooting, I have to do it all myself.”
“Every dress should have pockets.” “What for?” “Snacks and weapons of mass destruction, obviously. What else would a woman put in her pockets?”
“You’ve got a face like a pornstar’s arse,” Grandma said, walking into the living room. “I beg your pardon?” I blinked at her. “Spanked far too many times to be comfortable.” “You could have just gone with a smacked arse, you know.” “That’s boring. I wanted to spice it up. You were supposed to laugh, you miserable sod.”
I told her that her dress was far too tight, and she looked like a stuffed sausage in a vacuum bag.
There’s no possible way for there to be someone else on this Earth who I could ever love the way I love you.
My Review:
I’ve only recently discovered the massively talented jottings of Ms. Emma Hart and of those of her tales I’ve had the delightful pleasure to peruse, this is the best yet. Her characters were endearing, well-nuanced, and adorable while ranging from drama llama siblings to sassy and brassy upper-crust senior citizens discussing porn. I haven’t had this much fun in ages!
The plot was shrewdly paced and smartly written and laced together with a writing style that was deliciously witty and hilariously funny with snarky rib-tickling humor that kept me smirking as well as giggle-snorting and laughing aloud. Even the secondary characters’ dialogues sparkled with next-level banter par excellence! I need more of this in my life and as I see she has a treasure trove of books I have yet to obtain, I must devise a plan to amass her body of works even if I have to shake down my couch cushions, check under my car seats, and crack open all my piggy banks to find enough coin to achieve my goal.
I just like calling them naughty books because it drives my grandson crazy. He thinks I’m too old to read about two people bonking, but it’s not like I’m getting any myself, so here we go.
That’s what my brain was like, though. A back and forth with myself until I’d boarded the mental train at one station and gotten off on another planet. That pretty much summed up my entire life, actually.
“You, tooting your own horn.” I shrugged. “Someone has to toot my horn. Until I’m a billionaire and can buy my own band to do some tooting, I have to do it all myself.”
“Every dress should have pockets.” “What for?” “Snacks and weapons of mass destruction, obviously. What else would a woman put in her pockets?”
“You’ve got a face like a pornstar’s arse,” Grandma said, walking into the living room. “I beg your pardon?” I blinked at her. “Spanked far too many times to be comfortable.” “You could have just gone with a smacked arse, you know.” “That’s boring. I wanted to spice it up. You were supposed to laugh, you miserable sod.”
I told her that her dress was far too tight, and she looked like a stuffed sausage in a vacuum bag.
There’s no possible way for there to be someone else on this Earth who I could ever love the way I love you.
My Review:
I’ve only recently discovered the massively talented jottings of Ms. Emma Hart and of those of her tales I’ve had the delightful pleasure to peruse, this is the best yet. Her characters were endearing, well-nuanced, and adorable while ranging from drama llama siblings to sassy and brassy upper-crust senior citizens discussing porn. I haven’t had this much fun in ages!
The plot was shrewdly paced and smartly written and laced together with a writing style that was deliciously witty and hilariously funny with snarky rib-tickling humor that kept me smirking as well as giggle-snorting and laughing aloud. Even the secondary characters’ dialogues sparkled with next-level banter par excellence! I need more of this in my life and as I see she has a treasure trove of books I have yet to obtain, I must devise a plan to amass her body of works even if I have to shake down my couch cushions, check under my car seats, and crack open all my piggy banks to find enough coin to achieve my goal.
July 9, 2023
This book was utterly delightful . I loved Ellie from the get go . She was so sweet and funny. I especially loved her verbal sparring with Max. There’s something so satisfying about a witty back and forth between characters. The way their romance developed was so lovely and well paced. I loved watching them come together and the stellar communication is what I love to see 👏🏽 They had a startling amount of awareness during particularly immature moments.
I adored Esme. Her cooky hurricane energy is what I live for. Winston and the goats are my children and shall be referred to as such henceforth.
It is commendable how grief was portrayed. Combined with the anger Max felt was heartbreaking to read but ultimately wonderful to see being worked through in a positive manner. Overall, a thoroughly enjoyable read 🩵
I adored Esme. Her cooky hurricane energy is what I live for. Winston and the goats are my children and shall be referred to as such henceforth.
It is commendable how grief was portrayed. Combined with the anger Max felt was heartbreaking to read but ultimately wonderful to see being worked through in a positive manner. Overall, a thoroughly enjoyable read 🩵
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 23, 2023
This was a fun romcom! With a grumpy Duke, a sunshine romance writer and an errant cat who can’t seem to stay indoors 😆
I have to say thou I didn’t like how the male narrator played Max. The tone of his voice made him sounds like a caricature of a Duke. It took me some time to warm up to him because of that.
Read this if you like:
✓ Enemies to Lovers
✓ Grumpy vs Sunshine
✓ Royality
☞ Available on Kindle Unlimited
I have to say thou I didn’t like how the male narrator played Max. The tone of his voice made him sounds like a caricature of a Duke. It took me some time to warm up to him because of that.
Read this if you like:
✓ Enemies to Lovers
✓ Grumpy vs Sunshine
✓ Royality
☞ Available on Kindle Unlimited
March 7, 2023
I really liked the concept of this book. It's something so enjoyable and fun when a romance books follows a romance author trying to write their next big hit. It's meta and it allows some pretty good inside jokes for romance readers. A book with classic tropes talking about books with classic tropes? Sign me up! Sadly the story fell apart for me after the first half. It was just too long. And I didn't like how the hero and heroine started to fall for each other and how their relationship developed. The tension and chemistry wasn't there in my opinion.
Ellie was a fun character. And her Houdini cat! Max on the other hand I had a hard time liking. He was in so much manpain and emotionally constipated. And maybe manpain is a bad word to use because I don't want to make fun of men struggling with hard feelings. But it's a good word for describing when the emotional pain doesn't seem real or just like they dealt with it in a way that's just meant to make them "hot and grumpy". If there is any other word to use or if I can express that in another way I'm very open to change my wording. (This isn't my fist language so I don't have the same range as I do in swedish obviously).
Ellie was a fun character. And her Houdini cat! Max on the other hand I had a hard time liking. He was in so much manpain and emotionally constipated. And maybe manpain is a bad word to use because I don't want to make fun of men struggling with hard feelings. But it's a good word for describing when the emotional pain doesn't seem real or just like they dealt with it in a way that's just meant to make them "hot and grumpy". If there is any other word to use or if I can express that in another way I'm very open to change my wording. (This isn't my fist language so I don't have the same range as I do in swedish obviously).
July 11, 2023
There's just something so fun (and trippy) about reading a book about an author. This one is super cute, as it centers on a historical romance author and a hot (grumpy) duke she meets.
Some points I definitely love: a cute cat, a quirky dowager duchess grandma, witty banter, heartwarming scenes, and fun adventures!
Some points I definitely love: a cute cat, a quirky dowager duchess grandma, witty banter, heartwarming scenes, and fun adventures!
March 9, 2024
4.5⭐️
When the main character is both a writer and plays sims, I’m in. Is it because this is me? Maybe!
I will not forget the scene where Ellie crates Max as a sim and then uses a mod to make it winter, put him in a pool, and then built a wall around the pool. A true sims player.
Alright.
This book is an enemy to lovers novel. I love how they bonded over Winston the cat. Winston was the true shining star of this novel.
It’s also grumpy/ sunshine! Max is a def grump. Although, I guess in some ways Ellie is a grump too. But more sunshine than Max for sure.
I also love that Ellie is plus size. I love a good plus size heroine! Let’s normalize all bodies.
Overall I loved this book. I will admit… it took about 30% for me to be truly convinced of this novel which is what kept me from 5 stars.
Regardless, I highly recommend this if you’re looking for a novel that will make you LOL-OL-OL! Happy reading!
When the main character is both a writer and plays sims, I’m in. Is it because this is me? Maybe!
I will not forget the scene where Ellie crates Max as a sim and then uses a mod to make it winter, put him in a pool, and then built a wall around the pool. A true sims player.
Alright.
This book is an enemy to lovers novel. I love how they bonded over Winston the cat. Winston was the true shining star of this novel.
It’s also grumpy/ sunshine! Max is a def grump. Although, I guess in some ways Ellie is a grump too. But more sunshine than Max for sure.
I also love that Ellie is plus size. I love a good plus size heroine! Let’s normalize all bodies.
Overall I loved this book. I will admit… it took about 30% for me to be truly convinced of this novel which is what kept me from 5 stars.
Regardless, I highly recommend this if you’re looking for a novel that will make you LOL-OL-OL! Happy reading!
October 20, 2022
This book was highly anticipated and like usual
Emma Hart
did NOT disappoint.
Who doesn't love a grumpy, hot as hell Duke? Well that would be Ellie. For the first part of the book at least. She came to his estate to find inspiration for her book, and he was not all that thrilled. But as they spent time together, whether due to her cat or his meddling grandmother, who was a hot, they started to see each other in a different light, and soon were all over each other.
The push and pull between Max and Ellie was so much fun to read. The banter was on point and didn't disappoint for sure. I think this was is the funniest I've read so far by Emma Hart . She really knows how to pull you into a story, because when I read the words THE END, I was not ready for them and wanted this to keep going and going.
If it's not clear I highly recommend this book - 100%!!
Who doesn't love a grumpy, hot as hell Duke? Well that would be Ellie. For the first part of the book at least. She came to his estate to find inspiration for her book, and he was not all that thrilled. But as they spent time together, whether due to her cat or his meddling grandmother, who was a hot, they started to see each other in a different light, and soon were all over each other.
The push and pull between Max and Ellie was so much fun to read. The banter was on point and didn't disappoint for sure. I think this was is the funniest I've read so far by Emma Hart . She really knows how to pull you into a story, because when I read the words THE END, I was not ready for them and wanted this to keep going and going.
If it's not clear I highly recommend this book - 100%!!
March 5, 2023
This is probably the dullest book that I have come across that has over 4 stars. I'm in London on a trip, and I still cannot get into the mood.
It's a single genre book, and that being a light and fun bad-encounters-to-lovers kind of romance story, there's really not much to offer beyond that.
I think the main reason that I did not get into the book was because of the male protagonist. I don't find him attractive, let alone sexy. He swears a bit too casually, which is a pet peeve of mine. He cares and whines about the tiny things. And I didn't get that he was into the main character through his behaviour. If he's a real person, I would think he's a bit annoying. If I were the main character, I would try to avoid him after the first few unpleasant interactions.
There are a lot of things incorporated into the story that did not put any weight on the plot. Things like the main character being curvy and not that comfortable with the image, the meta analysis of a book about the process of writing a book, animal rescue, and even the fact that the male protagonist is a Duke. The story would have been fine if he was just a regular landlord.
There was a point in the story, quite early on, where the main character is having writer's block. And she had to submit two chapters by a certain deadline, and eventually she submitted it. All the really great stories that I've read felt like the author knew where the story was going from the beginning. And this felt like the author was made to push out chapter by chapter in order to meet a publishing deadline.
It's a single genre book, and that being a light and fun bad-encounters-to-lovers kind of romance story, there's really not much to offer beyond that.
I think the main reason that I did not get into the book was because of the male protagonist. I don't find him attractive, let alone sexy. He swears a bit too casually, which is a pet peeve of mine. He cares and whines about the tiny things. And I didn't get that he was into the main character through his behaviour. If he's a real person, I would think he's a bit annoying. If I were the main character, I would try to avoid him after the first few unpleasant interactions.
There are a lot of things incorporated into the story that did not put any weight on the plot. Things like the main character being curvy and not that comfortable with the image, the meta analysis of a book about the process of writing a book, animal rescue, and even the fact that the male protagonist is a Duke. The story would have been fine if he was just a regular landlord.
There was a point in the story, quite early on, where the main character is having writer's block. And she had to submit two chapters by a certain deadline, and eventually she submitted it. All the really great stories that I've read felt like the author knew where the story was going from the beginning. And this felt like the author was made to push out chapter by chapter in order to meet a publishing deadline.
May 6, 2023
3.5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐.5🎧
This is completely a grumpy sunshine vibe and I loved it. I loved that Max is the Duke and he has a lot of past trauma he has to work out if he ever wants to have a normal life. I didn’t obviously love that but I like that he was flawed. But that once Ellie makes him see he doesn’t have to keep living the way he has been. It opens him up.
It was a great story for both of them to open up and see that they don’t have to keep living a mediocre life.
Fantastic narration.
This is completely a grumpy sunshine vibe and I loved it. I loved that Max is the Duke and he has a lot of past trauma he has to work out if he ever wants to have a normal life. I didn’t obviously love that but I like that he was flawed. But that once Ellie makes him see he doesn’t have to keep living the way he has been. It opens him up.
It was a great story for both of them to open up and see that they don’t have to keep living a mediocre life.
Fantastic narration.
March 9, 2023
Let me say it again, I am a sucker for quick wit and good banter. Also for 2 people who know exactly how to push the others buttons and a person who will apologize even when they really do t want to.
Max & Ellie are so much fun together. He is such a grumpy, high handed ass and she is having none of it.
His grandma and her animals are absolutely fantastic.
This book had the perfect mix of funny, sexy, and emotion.
I’m hoping there are books for some of the side characters too.
Max & Ellie are so much fun together. He is such a grumpy, high handed ass and she is having none of it.
His grandma and her animals are absolutely fantastic.
This book had the perfect mix of funny, sexy, and emotion.
I’m hoping there are books for some of the side characters too.
August 1, 2023
Great plot, but too long.
February 29, 2024
5 laugh out loud stars ⭐️
I laughed out loud at several occasions while reading this book. The names of the animals, the personalities and interactions between the characters were so good. Romcom at its finest
I laughed out loud at several occasions while reading this book. The names of the animals, the personalities and interactions between the characters were so good. Romcom at its finest
October 24, 2022
4.5 Star Review of Big Duke Energy (The Aristocrat Diaries #4) by Emma Hart
Book four in the Aristocrat Diaries series and was a good addition. This is romance author Ellie Aarons and Max, the Duke of Windermere’s story which had me hooked from the first chapter to the last. With a serious case of writer’s block, Ellie is desperate, so she packs up her wandering cat Sir Winston Purrchill and rents a cottage in the country.
Estate owner Max is a grump but that doesn’t stop Ellie from being attracted to him. These two could not be more different and from the moment they met, the sparks flew and not in a good way. Learning that Ellie is using him as her muse to write her book, Max offers to be her inspiration.
What follows is an entertaining, witty read with characters who you cannot help but fall for, particularly Max’s grandmother.
Book four in the Aristocrat Diaries series and was a good addition. This is romance author Ellie Aarons and Max, the Duke of Windermere’s story which had me hooked from the first chapter to the last. With a serious case of writer’s block, Ellie is desperate, so she packs up her wandering cat Sir Winston Purrchill and rents a cottage in the country.
Estate owner Max is a grump but that doesn’t stop Ellie from being attracted to him. These two could not be more different and from the moment they met, the sparks flew and not in a good way. Learning that Ellie is using him as her muse to write her book, Max offers to be her inspiration.
What follows is an entertaining, witty read with characters who you cannot help but fall for, particularly Max’s grandmother.
October 24, 2022
This book was kindly sent to me by the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
A love letter to romance books where fiction takes inspiration from reality and reality feels like the plot of a romance novel...
Romance author Ellie Aarons should have more written for her new book than just “chapter one”, so in an attempt to overcome her writers block and find some fresh inspiration, she hightails it out of dreary London and to the Lakes District, specifically Windermere. Turns out, the change of scenery immediately works wonders, and it’s not long before the words start flowing again. Unfortunately, she also can’t help crafting her hero after the grumpy duke whose cottage she’s renting for the next three months – apparently Max is the muse she didn’t know she needed, and it’s infuriating because she can’t understand what she’s done during their few interactions to warrant his attitude towards her. Max has learned to keep people at a distance, especially women – he’s sworn off relationships, marriage and children in an effort not to have a repeat of his parent’s extremely messy and heartbreaking relationship. But he can’t help but be drawn to the ball of sunshine that is Ellie, and it’s not long before his walls start breaking down where she’s concerned. When he accidentally sees her manuscript and that she’s writing about him and writing spicy scenes involving him and a heroine that definitely resembles Ellie, he realises the attraction is mutual. Ellie might be taking inspiration from the world around her, but it’s not long before her own life in mirroring that of the many romances she’s written, except she has no idea how this story will pan out...
The newest installment in Emma Hart’s British Aristocracy universe is hands-down her best book yet – the wait has been 100% worth it because this was everything I love about Emma’s books and so much more! It’s got the swoony romance, the fun friendships, and the hilarious grandma whose equal parts kooky and animal-loving.
With Ellie being a romance author, this book felt very meta and like Emma really poured her romance-writer soul into this story. It truly is a love letter to romance books, romance authors and romance readers everywhere, and that alone is reason enough to read this beauty – it definitely feels like this book was made for long-time romance readers.
I’ve been really loving Emma’s recent books focusing on the British Aristocracy, and Ellie & Max’s story was no different – there’s just something about being in the gorgeous English countryside and getting an insight into the lives of the British upper-class that is so fun, even if it’s just fictional characters. Ellie and Max’s story is equal parts, sweet, swoony and hilarious, and I definitely laughed out loud more than I ever have while reading a book. There is of course, a little heartbreak, especially when it comes to Max’s story. I really enjoyed how Emma slowly hinted at and revealed his backstory, keeping you guessing and wondering as to what tragic event occurred as the story progressed. There were some beautifully touching moments, especially between Max and his grandmother Esme. Speaking of Esme, she was a hoot and a half, and I honestly wouldn’t mind reading a whole book about her antics and her pool noodle-wearing herd of goats.
With Emma hinting that there are at least two more books set in this world, I can’t wait to see what stories she has in store for both of our upcoming heroes, one of whom has been referenced and/or seen in all five books set within the aristocracy. The EHBAU (Emma Hart British Aristocracy Universe) is one of my favourite places to be, and I know she has some amazing characters, romances and stories still to add to it.
Romance readers everywhere need to add this book to the top of their TBR, which will have you booking a flight to England to find your own swoony duke with a crazy but loveable grandmother.
A love letter to romance books where fiction takes inspiration from reality and reality feels like the plot of a romance novel...
Romance author Ellie Aarons should have more written for her new book than just “chapter one”, so in an attempt to overcome her writers block and find some fresh inspiration, she hightails it out of dreary London and to the Lakes District, specifically Windermere. Turns out, the change of scenery immediately works wonders, and it’s not long before the words start flowing again. Unfortunately, she also can’t help crafting her hero after the grumpy duke whose cottage she’s renting for the next three months – apparently Max is the muse she didn’t know she needed, and it’s infuriating because she can’t understand what she’s done during their few interactions to warrant his attitude towards her. Max has learned to keep people at a distance, especially women – he’s sworn off relationships, marriage and children in an effort not to have a repeat of his parent’s extremely messy and heartbreaking relationship. But he can’t help but be drawn to the ball of sunshine that is Ellie, and it’s not long before his walls start breaking down where she’s concerned. When he accidentally sees her manuscript and that she’s writing about him and writing spicy scenes involving him and a heroine that definitely resembles Ellie, he realises the attraction is mutual. Ellie might be taking inspiration from the world around her, but it’s not long before her own life in mirroring that of the many romances she’s written, except she has no idea how this story will pan out...
The newest installment in Emma Hart’s British Aristocracy universe is hands-down her best book yet – the wait has been 100% worth it because this was everything I love about Emma’s books and so much more! It’s got the swoony romance, the fun friendships, and the hilarious grandma whose equal parts kooky and animal-loving.
With Ellie being a romance author, this book felt very meta and like Emma really poured her romance-writer soul into this story. It truly is a love letter to romance books, romance authors and romance readers everywhere, and that alone is reason enough to read this beauty – it definitely feels like this book was made for long-time romance readers.
I’ve been really loving Emma’s recent books focusing on the British Aristocracy, and Ellie & Max’s story was no different – there’s just something about being in the gorgeous English countryside and getting an insight into the lives of the British upper-class that is so fun, even if it’s just fictional characters. Ellie and Max’s story is equal parts, sweet, swoony and hilarious, and I definitely laughed out loud more than I ever have while reading a book. There is of course, a little heartbreak, especially when it comes to Max’s story. I really enjoyed how Emma slowly hinted at and revealed his backstory, keeping you guessing and wondering as to what tragic event occurred as the story progressed. There were some beautifully touching moments, especially between Max and his grandmother Esme. Speaking of Esme, she was a hoot and a half, and I honestly wouldn’t mind reading a whole book about her antics and her pool noodle-wearing herd of goats.
With Emma hinting that there are at least two more books set in this world, I can’t wait to see what stories she has in store for both of our upcoming heroes, one of whom has been referenced and/or seen in all five books set within the aristocracy. The EHBAU (Emma Hart British Aristocracy Universe) is one of my favourite places to be, and I know she has some amazing characters, romances and stories still to add to it.
Romance readers everywhere need to add this book to the top of their TBR, which will have you booking a flight to England to find your own swoony duke with a crazy but loveable grandmother.
October 28, 2022
RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
SPICE: 🔥🔥🔥
This was a fantastic grumpy/sunshine romance that incorporated an Inception-like premise.
Bestselling romantic author Ellie Aarons cannot seem to shake her writer's block, so when her bestie recommended taking a working vacation away from London, she takes a chance at a nice stone lakeside cottage on the Windermere estate.
Unfortunately, the current young Duke of Windermere had a disposition that is diametrically opposite his own peaceful land. He is broody and grumpy; if a dark cloud were human, he would be it. He always has a frown on his face, especially when it comes to Ellie and her precocious cat who is the second coming of Houdini.
Can Ellie get her goal of finishing her latest book and finding some peace without shoving the Duke into the lake? Or is the Duke's constant frown a mask to something more?
This read was incredibly fun. I definitely enjoyed the life-imitating-art (or is it the other way around) play around Ellie's livelihood and the process around it. The connection between her and Max was spot-on; I love, love, love the enemies-to-friends-to-lovers arc. Their banter was charming, and the shenanigans around the estate, especially with the quirky animals and dear Esme (the dowager duchess), were comedy gold.
While their interactions were humorous and charismatic, there is an underlying tension that just sizzles between the two. There is nothing more satisfying than the main character trying so hard to maintain control only to be wound up and around by that one person they cannot shake, and when they finally give in, holy moly, I need a fan and a tall glass of water.
This book is a standalone, but there are references to some of Emma Hart's past books. We also meet Fred, Earl of Coventry, who will be featured in the next installment in Hart's aristocratic universe.
** I am voluntarily reviewing an advance copy of this book. Thank you to Emma Hart and Social Butterfly PR for providing an ARC. **
SPICE: 🔥🔥🔥
This was a fantastic grumpy/sunshine romance that incorporated an Inception-like premise.
Bestselling romantic author Ellie Aarons cannot seem to shake her writer's block, so when her bestie recommended taking a working vacation away from London, she takes a chance at a nice stone lakeside cottage on the Windermere estate.
Unfortunately, the current young Duke of Windermere had a disposition that is diametrically opposite his own peaceful land. He is broody and grumpy; if a dark cloud were human, he would be it. He always has a frown on his face, especially when it comes to Ellie and her precocious cat who is the second coming of Houdini.
Can Ellie get her goal of finishing her latest book and finding some peace without shoving the Duke into the lake? Or is the Duke's constant frown a mask to something more?
This read was incredibly fun. I definitely enjoyed the life-imitating-art (or is it the other way around) play around Ellie's livelihood and the process around it. The connection between her and Max was spot-on; I love, love, love the enemies-to-friends-to-lovers arc. Their banter was charming, and the shenanigans around the estate, especially with the quirky animals and dear Esme (the dowager duchess), were comedy gold.
While their interactions were humorous and charismatic, there is an underlying tension that just sizzles between the two. There is nothing more satisfying than the main character trying so hard to maintain control only to be wound up and around by that one person they cannot shake, and when they finally give in, holy moly, I need a fan and a tall glass of water.
This book is a standalone, but there are references to some of Emma Hart's past books. We also meet Fred, Earl of Coventry, who will be featured in the next installment in Hart's aristocratic universe.
** I am voluntarily reviewing an advance copy of this book. Thank you to Emma Hart and Social Butterfly PR for providing an ARC. **
November 29, 2022
“I just wanted inspiration when I came here. That’s all I hoped to find.”
“I didn’t expect to find you.”
Needing a change in scenery with a quickly approaching deadline and a rotten case of writer’s block, Ellie Aarons finds herself as the newest lodger at Graygarth Lodge. Hoping for a muse, she instead finds the insufferable, yet extremely attractive, Duke of Windermere who really doesn’t seem to be all that thrilled to have her, or her escape artist of a cat, as his newest tennant.
Max doesn’t do relationships. But there is something about Ellie that keeps him coming back for more. Sure, she’s attractive, but his feelings for her seem to be more than that. And, when he sees her work in progress and realizes that she may be taking her inspiration from their interactions, he offers her a proposition they both should refuse . . . but can’t.
What follows is all of the grumpy / sunshine you can handle and a story filled with sarcastic banter, quirky characters, a meddling grandmother, and a couple that is obviously meant to be yet can’t admit their feelings to save their lives!
I loved that this story was really almost a story within a story as Ellie is writing her book as it is playing out in her real life . . . stealing all of the inspiration from Windermere that she can. Her sarcastic wit is fun and playful and she really is everything that Max didn’t realize he needed. And, Max . . . his baggage is not what I expected. He is dealing with a past trauma that is definitely the root cause for his fear of being in a relationship. But, he’s such a good person and an amazing man and everything that Ellie could want.
Big Duke Energy was fun to read. It was a perfect mix of sassy and sweet. Esme, Max’s grandmother, was an amazing addition, as was Sir Winston Purchill, both working tirelessly to bring this couple together. Enchanted doesn’t even begin to describe my level of joy as Ellie found her muse and this couple found their happy ever after. 5 stars!
“I didn’t expect to find you.”
Needing a change in scenery with a quickly approaching deadline and a rotten case of writer’s block, Ellie Aarons finds herself as the newest lodger at Graygarth Lodge. Hoping for a muse, she instead finds the insufferable, yet extremely attractive, Duke of Windermere who really doesn’t seem to be all that thrilled to have her, or her escape artist of a cat, as his newest tennant.
Max doesn’t do relationships. But there is something about Ellie that keeps him coming back for more. Sure, she’s attractive, but his feelings for her seem to be more than that. And, when he sees her work in progress and realizes that she may be taking her inspiration from their interactions, he offers her a proposition they both should refuse . . . but can’t.
What follows is all of the grumpy / sunshine you can handle and a story filled with sarcastic banter, quirky characters, a meddling grandmother, and a couple that is obviously meant to be yet can’t admit their feelings to save their lives!
I loved that this story was really almost a story within a story as Ellie is writing her book as it is playing out in her real life . . . stealing all of the inspiration from Windermere that she can. Her sarcastic wit is fun and playful and she really is everything that Max didn’t realize he needed. And, Max . . . his baggage is not what I expected. He is dealing with a past trauma that is definitely the root cause for his fear of being in a relationship. But, he’s such a good person and an amazing man and everything that Ellie could want.
Big Duke Energy was fun to read. It was a perfect mix of sassy and sweet. Esme, Max’s grandmother, was an amazing addition, as was Sir Winston Purchill, both working tirelessly to bring this couple together. Enchanted doesn’t even begin to describe my level of joy as Ellie found her muse and this couple found their happy ever after. 5 stars!
November 9, 2022
***5 Stars***
This book was such a fun read. Not that I’m all that surprised, but it needs to be said because this baby is filled with lots of laughs, heart, smexyness and a cast of characters (of both the human and animal variety) that kept me turning the pages and wishing that I never had to leave.
I adored Ellie and Max. Ellie is sassy, witty, snarky and sweet. I loved how she gave as good as she got whether it was to dress someone down or show her excitement over a new experience. She is who she is and owns it all. Max was a grump, but even when he was being a bit ungentlemanly, he showed through his actions that he has a heart and cares more than he wants everyone to believe. Their journey to their HEA was a lot of fun to experience. With a know it all dowager duchess, an escape artist cat, goats with fun names and even a duck in the mix…how could it not? But I loved watching Ellie break Max’s walls down and how they both realized that they were perfect for each other.
I readily admit that part of my love of this book is based on the supporting cast of characters, which should come as no surprise to anyone who has read my other reviews of this authors books since she writes such unique characters ~ whether they be human or not. Esme was amazing. Sir Winston Purrchill cracked me up, as did the goats. Penny was awesome and definitely needs her own HEA. Megan and Kevin cracked me up. But I have to say that Fred ~ as in Charlotte and Fred ~ has piqued my interest and he definitely NEEDS his own HEA (especially after Charlotte)
~ Copy provided by the author & voluntarily reviewed ~
This book was such a fun read. Not that I’m all that surprised, but it needs to be said because this baby is filled with lots of laughs, heart, smexyness and a cast of characters (of both the human and animal variety) that kept me turning the pages and wishing that I never had to leave.
I adored Ellie and Max. Ellie is sassy, witty, snarky and sweet. I loved how she gave as good as she got whether it was to dress someone down or show her excitement over a new experience. She is who she is and owns it all. Max was a grump, but even when he was being a bit ungentlemanly, he showed through his actions that he has a heart and cares more than he wants everyone to believe. Their journey to their HEA was a lot of fun to experience. With a know it all dowager duchess, an escape artist cat, goats with fun names and even a duck in the mix…how could it not? But I loved watching Ellie break Max’s walls down and how they both realized that they were perfect for each other.
I readily admit that part of my love of this book is based on the supporting cast of characters, which should come as no surprise to anyone who has read my other reviews of this authors books since she writes such unique characters ~ whether they be human or not. Esme was amazing. Sir Winston Purrchill cracked me up, as did the goats. Penny was awesome and definitely needs her own HEA. Megan and Kevin cracked me up. But I have to say that Fred ~ as in Charlotte and Fred ~ has piqued my interest and he definitely NEEDS his own HEA (especially after Charlotte)
~ Copy provided by the author & voluntarily reviewed ~
July 30, 2023
3.5⭐
L'histoire était très bien, les personnages secondaires, notamment les animaux excellents et tellement drôles. Je pense que c'est la marque de fabrique d'Emma Hart car c'était le cas pour les 3 livres que j'ai lus d'elle.
Mon "problème" ici est que j'ai eu du mal avec la trame temporelle du live. J'ai trouvé que les deux personnages principaux étaient vite fous l'un de l'autre (sans se l'avouer évidemment) alors qu'ils se voyaient très peu et ne pouvaient pas s'encadrer au début. Je n'ai pas vu d'évolution de leur relation en fait, on passe de rien à tout en 2 rendez vous, soit trop vite selon moi. C'est dommage.
Cependant je l'ai lu en anglais je n'ai peut être pas compris toutes les subtilités temporelles mais tout de même...
J'ai trouvé que c'était très long par moment également ce qui m'arrive rarement.
Je ne sais pas si les descriptions de la manière de procéder des autrices lorsqu'elles écrivent des livres était proche de la réalité mais j'ai trouvé cet aspect intéressant.
C'était un bon livre de vacances et j'ai toujours envie de lire d'autres livres d'Emma Hart.
Mon vrai coup de coeur d'elle reste à ce jour The Problem with pretending ♥️.
D'ailleurs j'ai aimé que les personnages de ce livre soient cités dans the Big Duke Energy. Ça fait toujours plaisir des petits caméo comme ça.
L'histoire était très bien, les personnages secondaires, notamment les animaux excellents et tellement drôles. Je pense que c'est la marque de fabrique d'Emma Hart car c'était le cas pour les 3 livres que j'ai lus d'elle.
Mon "problème" ici est que j'ai eu du mal avec la trame temporelle du live. J'ai trouvé que les deux personnages principaux étaient vite fous l'un de l'autre (sans se l'avouer évidemment) alors qu'ils se voyaient très peu et ne pouvaient pas s'encadrer au début. Je n'ai pas vu d'évolution de leur relation en fait, on passe de rien à tout en 2 rendez vous, soit trop vite selon moi. C'est dommage.
Cependant je l'ai lu en anglais je n'ai peut être pas compris toutes les subtilités temporelles mais tout de même...
J'ai trouvé que c'était très long par moment également ce qui m'arrive rarement.
Je ne sais pas si les descriptions de la manière de procéder des autrices lorsqu'elles écrivent des livres était proche de la réalité mais j'ai trouvé cet aspect intéressant.
C'était un bon livre de vacances et j'ai toujours envie de lire d'autres livres d'Emma Hart.
Mon vrai coup de coeur d'elle reste à ce jour The Problem with pretending ♥️.
D'ailleurs j'ai aimé que les personnages de ce livre soient cités dans the Big Duke Energy. Ça fait toujours plaisir des petits caméo comme ça.
October 22, 2022
While it's common to want books as early as possible, I'm so happy it was delayed till now. Big Duke Energy is the book I needed to read today. It is the first book in a while that made me laugh out loud, it also had some great quotes that made me think which is an amazing balance.
Max and Ellie have amazing banter, I love their arguments over literally nothing because Ellie cracks me up in how she randomly argues and responds.
Max's background is so sad, but I also loved how it was built into the plot. It was written in a way that made you curious with empathy because you don't find out what happened till later in the book.
I loved every little thing about this book and I would read so many books that continue Max and Ellie's story because this book makes mundane things so interesting!
Max and Ellie have amazing banter, I love their arguments over literally nothing because Ellie cracks me up in how she randomly argues and responds.
Max's background is so sad, but I also loved how it was built into the plot. It was written in a way that made you curious with empathy because you don't find out what happened till later in the book.
I loved every little thing about this book and I would read so many books that continue Max and Ellie's story because this book makes mundane things so interesting!
October 26, 2022
With a rapidly approaching deadline Ellie is feeling under pressure and uninspired. She has decided that renting a cottage in the country is exactly what she needs to stimulate her creativity, but nothing could have prepared her and her feline for her sexy and irritable neighbor.
Due to his past the one thing that Max does know is that love and a relationship are not part of his future. He is intrigued by his neighbor in spite of himself especially when he finds out that he is the leading star in her story and is about to show her that the thoughts she puts on paper can be a reality.
I really enjoyed Ellie and Max together as her vibrant and outgoing personality is the perfect foil for Max who prefers to keep his thoughts and experiences private. The romance between them is endearing, the banter humorous and the quirky secondary characters only make this story better.
Due to his past the one thing that Max does know is that love and a relationship are not part of his future. He is intrigued by his neighbor in spite of himself especially when he finds out that he is the leading star in her story and is about to show her that the thoughts she puts on paper can be a reality.
I really enjoyed Ellie and Max together as her vibrant and outgoing personality is the perfect foil for Max who prefers to keep his thoughts and experiences private. The romance between them is endearing, the banter humorous and the quirky secondary characters only make this story better.
October 25, 2022
OMG I loved this story. Big Duke Energy is a grump sunshine/ romantic comedy that I could not put down. The story centered around Ellie and Max, a writer suffering from writers block and the Duke she rents a cottage from. These two were fantastic characters and they were supported by a cast of humorous secondary characters most especially Max's grandmother Esme, the town folks and Ellie's cat Sir Winston Purrchill.
The back and forth banter between Max and Ellie was such fun to read and when Esme provided her input I couldn't stop laughing. There were steamy scenes and some emotional ones and I loved how Ellie was a great balance for Max. This story was entertaining, witty and hilarious and I would highly recommend it to lovers of romantic comedy.
The back and forth banter between Max and Ellie was such fun to read and when Esme provided her input I couldn't stop laughing. There were steamy scenes and some emotional ones and I loved how Ellie was a great balance for Max. This story was entertaining, witty and hilarious and I would highly recommend it to lovers of romantic comedy.
March 29, 2023
Honestly I got so frustrated with the characters being like, "I'm a woman" or "I'm a writer" by way of explaining their reasons or motivations for things. There's no real criticism of the upper class title system + generational wealth and all that, and it made it seem pretty hard to sympathize with any of the characters at all. There was a whole thing where the writer character was writing her own life and filing the serial numbers off to publish it. And there's a lot of... kissing without asking first? And just kind of not thinking twice about that until way after. There's also a scene where the duke said something about the writer's characters being "not real" and then everyone except him got real offended by it. She literally stopped the date because of it and claimed romance readers everywhere would be offended by what he said. Romance is one of the biggest genres I read (albeit I mostly read romance with non-hetero protagonists) and I just... didn't see the big problem. It felt like a really fabricated way of making conflict.
IDK I just feel like this romance novel was meant for some upper class English straight person who isn't a sexual assault survivor and who doesn't see any moral issue with the existence of aristocracy. Someone who wouldn't cringe at the thought of a cat named Winston Purrchill.
I'll also say that I didn't like the way her weight was talked about? Like as "a few extra pounds" and being unsure if the way she talked about her body was okay for a self insert fiction she was writing. It wasn't like... offensive or anything, I just felt like the whole writer's narrative being within the book itself was just really weird and made me want to judge it more. I also just think it's pretty removed from any fat politic because it assumes a thin default body, or like being a little chubby or round or whathaveyou is somehow "extra" or too much or whatever. It's a relatively minor thing, it just felt so many layers of weird.
I don't think I'm worse off for having read it per se but I do regret reading it. It's nothing outrageously offensive, it just didn't have the appeal enough for me to feel like it was worth it.
IDK I just feel like this romance novel was meant for some upper class English straight person who isn't a sexual assault survivor and who doesn't see any moral issue with the existence of aristocracy. Someone who wouldn't cringe at the thought of a cat named Winston Purrchill.
I'll also say that I didn't like the way her weight was talked about? Like as "a few extra pounds" and being unsure if the way she talked about her body was okay for a self insert fiction she was writing. It wasn't like... offensive or anything, I just felt like the whole writer's narrative being within the book itself was just really weird and made me want to judge it more. I also just think it's pretty removed from any fat politic because it assumes a thin default body, or like being a little chubby or round or whathaveyou is somehow "extra" or too much or whatever. It's a relatively minor thing, it just felt so many layers of weird.
I don't think I'm worse off for having read it per se but I do regret reading it. It's nothing outrageously offensive, it just didn't have the appeal enough for me to feel like it was worth it.
April 8, 2023
(4.6 Stars) What a duke.
True to its title, this story has some Big Duke Energy scenes! lol. This was a saucy book about a romance novelist struggling with writer's block who books a prolonged stay in a royal cottage hoping for some peace and quiet while she finishes her latest project. Much to her dismay she bumps into the cottage owner (a royal pain in her ass) and finds her biggest distraction is also the creative muse that she has been searching for. With scenes filled with garden walks, salty dialogue, and lovable shenanigans from her cat, Big Duke Energy was the book I never knew I wanted.
True to its title, this story has some Big Duke Energy scenes! lol. This was a saucy book about a romance novelist struggling with writer's block who books a prolonged stay in a royal cottage hoping for some peace and quiet while she finishes her latest project. Much to her dismay she bumps into the cottage owner (a royal pain in her ass) and finds her biggest distraction is also the creative muse that she has been searching for. With scenes filled with garden walks, salty dialogue, and lovable shenanigans from her cat, Big Duke Energy was the book I never knew I wanted.
February 20, 2024
3⭐️ I didn’t feel much of a connection to the main characters, Ellie and Max, which ruined the reading experience a bit for me. This book felt a lot like any other romance novel, with the humour, characterization, development and chemistry. Despite this, I loved the setting and the tension and banter between Ellie and Max. Overall this was a cute and quick read
April 14, 2024
absolutely everything that’s wrong w romance novels these days. too much therapising; i cannot Believe this is another book abt an author; oh and the royalist sentiments had be choking. they really tried to say harry got to marry a commoner without a fuss whilst poor mr. heir suffered. anyway i started whilst i was unpacking from moving and got too far in to not get to leave this review. will watt what are u doing
Read
March 13, 2023DNF 6%. Admittedly 6% isn't very far but when you know, you know.
August 27, 2023
it was a lovable mess of a book - love the language, love the author's awareness of her genre
what can i say? i am absolutely smitten with this one
what can i say? i am absolutely smitten with this one
Want to read
September 26, 2023Heared the audiobook, but since I get distracted easily - I want to read it!
March 25, 2023
2.5 stars. Eh, I was more here for the cat and grandmother…
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