The fifth thrilling romance in the 1797 club series by USA Today bestseller Jess MichaelsBaldwin Undercross, Duke of Sheffield, has a secret he’s keeping from almost everyone he knows and loves. He is destitute, thanks to gambling by his late father and his own bad decisions. There is only one option now, marry for money and do it soon. An opportunity presents itself when a rich American woman … itself when a rich American woman arrives in Society hunting for a title in trade for a huge dowry.
Helena Monroe is the companion to her entitled cousin and she is miserable. But once she encounters Baldwin on a terrace, her time in England starts to look up. She quickly realizes he believes she is her cousin and everything starts to fall apart.
Baldwin is now torn between a future that will save his family legacy and one with a woman he is growing increasingly attached to. Will he choose safety or passion, obligation or love?
Heat Level: Wear gloves while reading – eye protection optional.
The Duke of Nothing can be read as a stand-alone book, but is part of a series (The 1797 Club).
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SECRETS ! All hearts hold secrets, but some of those secrets are harder to reveal than others. Secrets with more secrets and a plot and resolution that totally surprised me – and that was a good thing! You’ll certainly not see the resolution coming nor the redemption. Not the redemption of the heroine or hero, but one who will surprise you.
This book does not have to be read as a part of the series, but, why in the world would you want to do that? Every book in the series has been a 5-star read and the characters grow, develop and reveal themselves more and more in each successive book. What is the 1797 Club? The club was formed in 1797 and includes ten current or future dukes. They banded together to help and support each other because many of them were on their own at a very young age or had less than stellar parents. As time passed their bond grew closer and stronger than brothers. For us readers, it means ten wonderful books by an author whose writing skills are stellar. The plots are very well developed, the writing flows smoothly and stays on-plot and the characters cause you to love them from the first.
Baldwin Undercross, the Duke of Sheffield, inherited his title five years ago and has been living a lie since then. What a shock that was! As he delved into the affairs of the estate he found that they were in complete and total ruin. There was nothing left in the coffers. He’s spent the last five years doing his best to save his family from the scandal of penury, to protect his mother and sister and to keep his darkest secret – his contribution to their penury – from his friends in the 1797 Club. He has grown more and more desperate and more withdrawn, morose, and sad as the years have passed. His friends are all worried about him and are beginning to ask some very pointed questions. What is he to do? He’s finally agreed with his mother that the solution is to marry an heiress and is set to find a wife this season. It is so very hard to make himself go through with it when he sees the love his married friends share with their wives. He knows he can’t have that and it makes him so very sad.
American Helena Monroe has secrets of her own. Through no fault of her own, she is ruined and has been reduced to acting as the companion to her thoughtless and sometimes cruel cousin who is a very, very rich heiress. Helena’s uncle brought her cousin, Charity, to England to buy a title – and he has become set on that title being a duke. Her uncle is cruel, shrewd, manipulative and totally selfish. He’s raised his daughter to be just as spoiled and selfish. Helena’s future is not a pretty or desirable one, but it the only choice she has.
When Baldwin first meets Helena, he thinks she is the American heiress on his mother’s list of possible wives for him. After they share an open, interesting and witty conversation, Baldwin comes to think that maybe this marriage business might not be so bad after all. That thought doesn’t last long because his mother soon tells him who the real heiress is – and all the wind leaves Baldwin’s sails.
Over the next several weeks Helena and Baldwin are thrown together at a number of events and they both try very hard to fight their growing attraction. Both of them know that there is no future for them, but the attraction is so strong that they can’t fight it. Finally, both of them share their secrets and realize that, indeed, there really is no future where they can be together. Each is desperately in love with the other. Each is filled with anguish and despair. How can our esteemed author overcome these obstacles – well – you’ll just have to read the book. I’m here to tell you it is an exciting ride before you get to the very surprising HEA!
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“I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher.”
Count on Jess Michaels for an intriguing seduction. Falling in love just got much more complicated. From family duty to far reaching secrets and an all encompassing love, The Duke of Nothing is romance at it’s finest moment. Is honor worth giving up on a heart’s desire? Baldwin and Helena are on a mission to find themselves and perhaps discover a never ending love. Pleasure is only a romance away.
The Duke of Nothing by Jess Michaels
The 1797 Club #5
Ten teens at boarding school form a club to assist one another as they grow into their positions of being dukes one day – The 1797 Club – this series is already plotted out to have ten volumes starring the ten original members of the club. Over the years a bond stronger and closer, in some ways, than that of blood brothers is formed. In each book of the series we find out what has become of the members of the club and who they will find their HEA with.
Baldwin Undercross, Duke of Sheffield, is living a lie. He is pinching pennies, pretending his finances are not disastrous and being pushed by his mother to marry an heiress to put the estate to rights. His father had a gambling addiction that depleted the coffers and his life, after his father’s death, has not been easy. At least his sister is married to a duke and safe financially but still…his burden is great and rather bothersome…made even MORE bothersome when he meets and falls for Helena Monroe and she does NOT have the money to offer as a dowry that he so desperately needs. Who is Helena? She is the cousin and lady’s companion to THE HEIRESS of the season. Both were brought to England so Charlotte can snag a title. Charlotte’s father is an uncouth lout that is really not good for any woman to be aligned with and especially heinous to Helena.
Both Helena and Baldwin have secrets that are shared eventually. The two do fall in love but whether or not duty & money or Love and lack of finances will win is what this book is all about. A fun read with believable H/h duet…I enjoyed it and look forward to the next book in the series…so nice to know that there ARE more books to look forward to reading 🙂
Thank you to NetGalley and The Passionate Pen for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4.5 Stars
I started this book with a preconceived notion of how it was going to play out based on the blurb. I thought I was going to be reading a typical star crossed lovers trope, I foresaw anguish, heartbreak, longing for what could never be, etc., etc., etc., and then a miraculous HEA. I am happy to say, I was totally wrong! Yes, the book had all the aforementioned elements, but OMG – there was nothing typical about the way this story unfolded.
Baldwin Undercross, the Duke of Sheffield, has a secret, one he has kept from everyone, his mother knows part of it, but even she does not know the full extent of his ruin. Baldwin inherited the estate five years ago from his father and learned that his father had gambled away almost everything that was not entailed. And Baldwin added to this debt by trying to gamble and only made things worse. His pride will not let him share his shame with anyone. He knows that he must marry a heiress and soon, before society at large learns of the state of his finances. His mother has complied a list of “prospects” and Baldwin must choose one to be his duchess.
Helena Monroe is the cousin and companion of Charity Shephard, who is one of Baldwin’s prospects. Helena also has secrets and accepts her lot in life because she really has no other options. Helena is truly a kind, loving soul, she meets Baldwin when she has slipped out to count stars. When Baldwin asks what she is doing and she tells him that counting stars reminds her that there are bigger things than herself or her problems. Baldwin is instantly charmed and thinks that she might be the “American” from his mother’s list and suddenly, the idea of marrying doesn’t seem so awful.
Baldwin soon learns that Helena is not the heiress and cannot even be considered a prospect, but his mother points out that Charity is a lovely young woman and urges him to pursue her. Helena also learns who Baldwin is and that her cousin is interested in him. She knows that she is not a suitable choice for his bride and pushes down her disappointment.
They meet again when Baldwin hosts a tea for the prospects, they once again end up alone when Helena is embarrassed by her uncle and needs a moment to compose herself. They chat and are found together by Charity.
Her Uncle is livid and punishes her by making her stay home while he and Charity pay calls. But while they are out, Helena receives a visit from the “duchesses”, they noticed Baldwin’s interest in her and decided to make her acquaintance. Helena is overwhelmed by their offer of friendship and she gladly accepts. She knows that they would shun her if they knew the truth, but she can’t help but be thrilled by their friendship. When Charlotte invites her to dinner, she tries to decline, but Charlotte promises to invite her family.
At the dinner, Baldwin once again singles her out and they go for a walk in the garden and share a kiss. After which, he apologizes and he tells her everything. They know that there can be no future for them and commit to being friends. It is not enough, but they will take what they can get.
Baldwin’s mother organizes a house party for the prospects. Baldwin and Helena try to avoid each other, but it is impossible and causes problems for Helena with Charity and her Uncle Peter. And to make matters worse, Baldwin learns that someone has bought up some of his debts and he doesn’t know who or what they will demand. When Helena goes looking for him, she finds him drunk in his study. They talk and kiss and Baldwin learns part of her secret. The next day he seeks her out and learns the full extent of her secrets. She tells him that even though they have no future, she would like an affair. Helena knows she loves him and wants something to remember after they part.
Baldwin knows he loves her and has to make a decision. When he is confronted by Matthew about his intentions toward Helena, he tells him everything and why as much as he loves her, he cannot marry her. Matthew is angry and offers to marry Helena himself. This is the jolt Baldwin needed and he confesses all to his family.
Just when it seems like a HEA is on the horizon, Helena’s uncle throws a wrench into their plans and all seems lost. But salvation comes from an unlikely and surprising source!
This was probably my second favorite book in the series. It is well written, flows perfectly, has steamy love scenes, wonderful secondary characters, one of the best declaration scenes I have ever read and of course a wonderful HEA. While this is the 5th book in the series, it could easily be read as a stand alone title – but be warned, if you start with this book, you are going to want to read the previous books 🙂
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher*
Unbeknownst to those closest to him, Baldwin Undercross, the Duke of Sheffield, is completely insolvent thanks to his father’s gambling habit and his own failed attempts to improve the situation. His only remaining recourse is to marry for money and do so quickly. A wealthy, title-hunting American heiress could be the solution to his problems.
Helena Monroe is only in England so her miserly uncle could use her as an unpaid companion to her spoiled cousin. She’s endured but is far from happy, until she meets Baldwin and feels an instant connection. Unfortunately, that tentative happiness comes crashing down when she realizes he thought she was her cousin.
Now Baldwin is torn between doing his duty to his family to save the estate and their reputation and the love he’s begun to feel for Helena.
This was a fast-reading story that had me looking for excuses to listen to my audiobook. This couple had a lot stacked against them, but Baldwin’s own pride was perhaps their biggest obstacle. Their struggle felt real and their steamy scenes were also full of emotion and served to make their relationship believable despite their short acquaintance. It would’ve been very easy to dislike Baldwin given his initial tendency to keep his problems to himself and sacrifice everything for the sake of duty, but he wound up being likable despite his flaws. In fact, perhaps it was those flaws that made him relatable and a character I wanted to root for. I did keep wanting Helena to stand up for herself and cease letting others walk all over her, but she really was in an untenable situation and this aspect of her character served as a showcase for Baldwin’s protectiveness of her. This series has been ticking my boxes for steam and drama and this installment thankfully didn’t have as much of an issue with repetitiveness as some of its predecessors. I’m continuing this series and looking forward to getting the scoop on the mysterious Lucas.
Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspot.com/2021/02/the-duke-of-nothing-by-jess-michaels.html
Heartwarming
I’m a big fan of stories with a Cinderella quality, and this one did not disappoint. Strong characters, family, and friendship that stands the test of time and trial. A great escape.
This is the fifth romance in the 1797 club series it could be read as a stand alone book but the series is brilliant & I’d definitely recommend reading it from the start
Baldwin Undercross, Duke of Sheffield, has a secret he’s keeping to himself even though it’s torturing him. He is destitute, thanks to gambling by his late father and his own bad decisions following his father’s death. There is only one option now, marry for money and do it soon. An opportunity presents itself when a rich American woman arrives in Society hunting for a title in trade for a huge dowry. Helena Monroe is the companion to her entitled cousin Charity and she is miserable as both her uncle & Charity treat her as the lowest of servants. She encounters Baldwin on a terrace, her time in England starts to look up as the attraction between the pair is immediate.
Baldwin is the brother of Charlotte who recently married Ewan, the Silent Duke. The walk in the garden & revelations by the fountain had me welling up & from there on I was routing for Baldwin & Helena to have their HEA. This is yet another engrossing, riveting read that takes you on a roller coaster of emotions. The characters are very well drawn & I just love the interaction between the Dukes & their growing number of wives. This is another keeper & I can’t wait for the next book to be released
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Baldwin Undercross, Duke of Sheffield, is one of the most handsome and intriguing dukes of The 1797 Club. Just look at that cover! We got to see more of him in the fourth novel, The Silent Duke, in which his sister married one of his closest friends. Now, it’s Baldwin’s turn to marry, whether he wants it to be or not. He’s been hiding a dark secret since he became the Duke of Sheffield five years earlier. His father’s gambling and bad judgement with his finances has left them broke and Baldwin can no longer keep them afloat. When he discovers three debts of his father’s totaling 5,000 pounds, he decides he must marry for money and fast. His mother brings up the possibility of marrying an American heiress new in town. Unfortunately he mistakes the heiress’s cousin for her and the spark is lit.
Helena Monroe has come to England to be her cousin Charity’s companion while Charity parades herself on the marriage mart. An accidental meeting on a terrace blossoms into a love that Helena never imagined she would know.
I fell in love with Helena’s character instantly. While she was unable to show the world who she was because of her past indiscretion (which wasn’t even her fault), once she’s accepted by Baldwin’s set, she has friends for life. Both Helena and Baldwin put up an obstacle for their futures brought on by their stubborn pride. Their slow progression was frustrating at times and I swear I would’ve smacked each of them at some point, but it really did help in the development of their relationship. There were moments of joy and of heartache, but in the end, the duke won the heart of his lady love.
I am chopping at the bit for the six remaining books in the series releasing in 2018. While this novel can easily be read as a stand alone, I highly recommend reading the entire series thus far. The 1797 Club series is a brilliant idea as a whole and Michaels gives us a five star read with each novel.
I received this book for free. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I read all the Jess Michael’s books I love them. I read them as soon as they come out.
Baldwin is the Duke of Sheffield and is hiding a secret, his family is broke. Wanting to resolve this problem without of letting his friends learn of his shame, he decides he must marry for money. When he meets Helena, he thinks perhaps his luck has changed and marrying for money won’t be such a hardship until he finds out that Helena is the companion of a rich American looking for a title. With no hope of being together, they decide to remain friends, but can they? This is a fast-paced read with plenty of drama and all the couples are back from the other books. I loved the story as well as the characters. Looking forward to more in the series!
Baldwin is the Duke of Sheffield, and to everyone who knows him or of him, it appears he has everything a man could want in life. He has power and position, property, friends, good looks, and money- nope. Baldwin is broke. He is trying to keep this huge secret under wraps, and only he and his mother know. Therefore he needs a timely influx of cash, which means he needs to marry rich. He’s not really looking for a bride but feels the weight of his responsibilities and so he allows his mother to plan social events with the sole aim being for him to find a wealthy, and bearable, wife.
It is at one of these events that he meets Helena while each of them has snuck outside to get a breath of air. They have a lovely conversation and an instant attraction. This is where their entanglement begins as Helena is the poor relation of the wealthiest of the marital prospects for Baldwin. Her cousin and uncle brought Helena to England to get her out of Boston after an ugly incident, and neither treat her well at all. Baldwin must eventually make the choice between love or money, and enough money that it means his survival.
The book is well written with longing and plenty of heat between the two main characters throughout the story. The resolution to the conflict was entertaining as well. It is the fifth in a series of novels and so characters from previous books are included and add to the color of the tale.
I enjoyed the book and can recommend it to romance readers looking for a long afternoon or evening with a spicy love story that provides a satisfying end.