The 10th and Final book in The 1797 Club Series When Christopher “Kit” Collins’ father dies, he is devastated, but he must swiftly take on the title of Duke of Kingsacre and all the responsibility that comes with it. Including the care of his very young illegitimate half-sister, who is now his ward. He is very upset when he discovers the governess his father hired for the child just before his … hired for the child just before his death is Sarah Carlton.
Sarah is equally disturbed by the arrival of her new employer, as she and Kit once had an unpleasant encounter when she was at her lowest point. But since she has no other place to go, she can only hope he will not sack her. Thanks to the adoration of his sister, he does not and the two enter into a wary truce because they both care for the child.
A truce that explodes one passionate night after a nearly tragic accident. Comfort leads to more and soon the two are engaged in an affair. But when danger comes to threaten the child they both love, they must overcome their deeply rooted mistrust and work together to keep her safe. And perhaps find a way to make a family together.
Length: Full length book
Heat Level: Swoon-worthy
This book is part of a series (The 1797 Club), but can be read as a standalone book.
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Sarah Carlton and Christopher “Kit” Collins, the Duke of Kingsacre have a past, he overheard her being incredibly rude to Meg and he has disliked her ever since – or has he? Sarah was at a very low point in her life and after a little too much punch, said some things that she regretted to Meg and was horrified that Kit overheard and berated her. Secretly, she had always admired Kit and was devastated to lose his regard.
Three years later, Sarah’s circumstances left her no choice but to seek employment and she is hired by Kit’s father to be governess to his young illegimate daughter, Phoebe. Kit is not happy about this, but his father is dying and he has bigger concerns that Sarah. All his “brothers” and their duchesses have arrived to support him in his time of sorrow, his father’s death has been coming for a long time, but when he finally passes, Kit is overwhelmed with grief and finds succor with the last person he would expect – Sarah.
Sarah knows Kit doesn’t like her, but she loves Phoebe and prays that Kit doesn’t terminate her now that he is the duke. She is terrified each time he approaches her, sure this will be the end, but she is shocked when he asks her for advice and seems to respect her suggestions. Kit is drawn to Sarah, he tells himself and anyone who will listen that he doesn’t like her, but she is good with Phoebe and is grieving for her mother, so she understands them better. His friends are not buying it, but let him have his delusions.
Kit has a surprising conversation with Meg and has to face some hard truths about his feelings for Sarah, he is still confused when a near death experience makes him face reality. He does care for Sarah and has for years. Their relationship takes a huge turn and soon Kit wonders how he will live without her, but he is still not ready to name his feelings.
Sarah has owned her feelings, but still isn’t sure what Kit’s plans for her are and when he runs hot and cold, she thinks the worst. The other dukes and duchesses are not fooled and are happy to offer advice to both of them. Kit finally makes a decision about his relationship with Sarah and is about to talk to her about it when a threat against Phoebe leaves him reeling and putting off his conversation with Sarah.
But when the threat becomes reality and Sarah is in danger, will Kit be able to save her or will he spend the rest of his life regretting his decision to wait for a better time to bare his soul?
I thought this was an excellent ending to the series, it is well written, fast paced and has cameos with all the former dukes and duchesses. The story is emotional, at times heartbreaking and terrifying, but it isn’t dark and depressing, it stresses the amazing bond between the dukes, their support and love of one another is powerful and beautiful. The relationship between Sarah and Kit is a bit more complicated and at times convoluted – but they, without a doubt, are meant to be together and when they finally do come together, have a cold drink and fan at the ready! This is the last book in the series and while I recommend this story, I would not recommend starting with this book – read the series in order – you’ll thank me later 🙂
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*
The Last Duke is the final book in the 1797 Club series (#10) and features Kit Collins (Duke of Kingsacre) and governess Sarah Carlton. While the writing was top notch and the characters likeable, I felt it was a bit of a slow starter. I just didn’t find the book as exciting or as much of a page turner when compared to other 1797 Club books. That being said Jess Michaels remains one of my all time favorite authors.
This book embodies what the 1797 Club is about – love and compassion. What a great way to end the series. Kit is the reserved duke in the group and his story will bring you to tears in a good way. I loved that he loved and respected his father (not much you read about in historicals). His history with Sarah was tempestuous but their moving towards each other through their shared losses was a beautiful story. Another fabulous story from Ms. Michaels’.
A complimentary copy was provided by the author through NetGalley.
I really loved this whole series and this installment doesn’t disappoint.
Such a wonderful series! Never disappoints! I’m sorry this is the last book in the series!
Christopher “Kit” Collins, the Duke of Kingsacre, has just lost his father and to make matters worse, his father hired Miss Sarah Carlton as governess to Kit’s half-sister a few months before his death. Kit has disliked Sarah because of a momentary faux-pas to his friend Meg 3 years ago. Kit has had nothing but disdain for Sarah, but it’s Sarah who offers Kit the most comfort on the loss of his father. Sarah’s fall from grace of the ton culminated after her mother’s death. Destitute and without any other options, she entered service. Now the man who loathes her holds her life in his hands. Will he dismiss her without a reference?
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Ms. Michaels invites the reader’s into the innermost feelings of both Kit and Sarah and it makes them so relatable. While there’s not a lot of action in the book, the plot moves along well as Kit tries to unravel his complicated feelings toward Sarah. It takes a near tragic accident for him to see clearly, but there are still obstacles to overcome. Kit and Sarah’s path to each other is a bit rocky, but when they finally examine their feelings, they will realize that true love was only a heartbeat away.
Publisher’s Description:
When Christopher “Kit” Collins’ father dies, he is devastated, but he must swiftly take on the title of Duke of Kingsacre and all the responsibility that comes with it. Including the care of his very young illegitimate half-sister, who is now his ward. He is very upset when he discovers the governess his father hired for the child just before his death is Sarah Carlton.
Sarah is equally disturbed by the arrival of her new employer, as she and Kit once had an unpleasant encounter when she was at her lowest point. But since she has no other place to go, she can only hope he will not sack her. Thanks to the adoration of his sister, he does not and the two enter into a wary truce because they both care for the child.
A truce that explodes one passionate night after a nearly tragic accident. Comfort leads to more and soon the two are engaged in an affair. But when danger comes to threaten the child they both love, they must overcome their deeply rooted mistrust and work together to keep her safe. And perhaps find a way to make a family together.
My Thoughts:
Jess Michaels has never disappointed me with this 1797 series. I am loath to see it come to an end, but what a remarkable ending.
The last Duke is just that, the end of this wonderful series.
This well written and characterized end to this series is one that draws the reader in and wants for nothing.
Near tragedy is what it takes to bring this couple together.
I gave this final book of the series a 5 star rating. What intimacy there is, is a sizzling part of this novel.
I am ready for a new series of equal worth.
Thank You Jess Michaels for entertaining us with this wonderful cast of Dukes.
I read a purchased copy of this book due to missing the archive date before it was downloaded on NetGalley.
In the final book of the 1797 Club series, we have Kit Collins who becomes Duke of Kingsacre at his father’s death. Kit has been alternately fascinated and repelled by Sarah Carlton over the years, but the two are both sure the other dislikes them. Now Sarah has come down in the world and is the governess for Kit’s sister Phoebe. His father’s death has left him with a dilemma as far as retaining Sarah in her job. She needs the job, but the tension between them is only exacerbated by the appearance of all the other Dukes and Duchesses who arrive for the funeral of Kit’s father.
There’s a lot of sexual tension as in most of Ms. Michael’s books and plenty of sexy scenes. The relationship between Sarah and Kit is interesting. He’s misunderstood her in a lot of ways and is somewhat slow to realize his dislike is merely a mask for the extreme interest he has in her. She’s in an unenviable position, caught between the world of the Ton and servants. Phoebe, the sister, is a sweet addition to the story.
And of course, it’s wonderful to get to see all the other Dukes and their spouses for the finale of the series. It’s been a pretty good series overall, one I’ve very much enjoyed.
Another awesome story and the final one in the 1797 Club series. Sad to be ending, but what a way to wrap everything up! Finally we have Kit who is really have a hard time with the passing of his father and taking responsibility of the dukedom. Supported by his friends he tries to cope but then then he finds Sara Carlton as governess to his half sister. These two have a past and Sarah knows that Kit does not like her but she needs her job and loves her ward. Sarah has her own grief with the loss of her mother and somehow, Kit is drawn to her and even asks for her advice. Both are reeling from their own grief and it seems they might help each other if they can just find their way.
There was so much emotion in this story I felt sad at times, but then it seemed you could feel their attraction as being almost palpable coming off the pages. What a way to end a series that left me satisfied as I turned the last page. Cannot wait to see what is next for this author and know I look forward to anything she writes!
The Last Duke by Jess Michaels is book 10 in The 1797 Club series. This is the story of Christopher ‘Kit’, The Duke of Kingsacre and Sarah Carlton. I have read the previous books, but feel this can be a standalone book. Kit’s father had died, so in addition to that loss he has to take the Title of Duke and deal with a illegitimate half-sister who he learns his father hired Sarah to be her governess. Kit once overheard Sarah saying something he didn’t like to a friend. Sarah was hurt to loose Kit’s regard due to a time in her life where she had been a a all time low and lasted out. Now Sarah is to be Phoebe’s governess if Kit will allow her to stay…which he does. This starts them working out their issues and feelings.
I’m so very sad that we have come to the end of this wonderful series, but what a great way to finish it with my favourite romance trope to read, enemies to lovers. Sarah and Kit got off to a bad start three years before when Sarah was desperate to make a good match with a man and to find a husband. She made a spectacle of herself by being very mean and rude to Meg after drinking a little too much punch at a party. Kit overheard her and came to dislike her very much for something so trivial. After her mother eventually dies and leaves her with no money or position she becomes governess to Kit’s young sister Phoebe. She is employed by Kit’s father who is slowly dying, so when he eventually dies Sarah becomes afraid that Kit will dismiss her and leave her with nowhere to go.
I kind of disliked Sarah at the start of this book as she seemed brattish, but as I read along my heart started to break for her and it became very clear that she was so very misunderstood and misjudged harshley by Kit. Kit does believe that Sarah wronged his friends wife and takes his contempt of her too far. He comes to realise what a fool he has been, and before he knows it he understands that he has made Sarah’s life so very much harder by being a little harsh with her.
As this is the last book there is a lot of action and drama to make this series finish with an ending that will make your heart melt. It’s so deliciously dark and dangerous but so very hot and steamy, and with plenty of excitement going on, it will make your pulse race. The writing was superb and it was such and easy story to read and get lost in.
I have really enjoyed this series and this book is now one of my favorites by Jess Michaels.
The Last Duke by Jess Michaels
The 1797 Club #10
What’s a reader to do after reading the last page in the last book of a beloved series? Started at the beginning again OR wait for what comes next? All ten Dukes, who formed a bond long ago in boarding school and have been there for one another through thick and thin, have found their duchesses by the end of this book and they are all on their way to creating a new generation that will be there for one another in the future. Loved this series!
Christopher “Kit” Collins, Earl of Idlewood becomes Duke of Kingsacre upon the death of his father and just before his father dies he tells Kit to accept the support of Sarah Carlton, governess to Kit’s young sister. Kit has grief to deal with, estates to take over, a young half-sister to support and mixed feelings about the governess he believes he dislikes due to one overheard conversation years before. His friends are there for him but so is Sarah. The two want what is best for his sister Phoebe and spend time discussing her and other issues that arise. Slowly things begin to change between them but Kit is slow to twig to what is changing. Throw in an unscrupulous woman with an agenda of her own to throw a wrench in the situation and you have the makings of a story that I could not put down. I was thrilled with the way Kit and Sarah managed their HEA and loved the epilogue that sees all ten dukes and their families gathered together for a joyous event.
Thank you to NetGalley and The Passionate Pen for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
When Christopher “Kit” Collins’ father dies, he is devastated, but still doesn’t feel equiped to take on the title of Duke of Kingsacre and all the responsibility that comes with it. Including the care of his five year old illegitimate half-sister Phoebe, who is now his ward. Sarah Carlton has been Phoebe’s governess for a couple of months & now fears she will be dismissed as she and Kit once had an unpleasant encounter when she was at her lowest point. Thanks to the adoration of his sister, the two enter into a wary truce because they both love Phoebe.
This is the tenth & final book in this wonderful series. This book isn’t as fast paced as some of the earlier books but it’s a very well written, emotional end to the series. I’ve loved all the books in the series & had been waiting & dreading Kit’s story. Eagerly awaiting it as Kit was the heir who truly had a loving father who not only gave Kit a sound basis for the dukedom but also helped all of the other 1797 club members with their dukedoms & for more than a few he was the father they wished they’d had. Dreading it as I knew for Kit to become the Duke of Kingsacre his beloved father would have to die & this would be so sad. I liked Kit from the earlier books but I adored him in his own story. It took me a little while to love Sarah but her feelings for Phoebe & Kit soon won me over. A lovely end to the series & the final epilogue rounded the book & the series to perfection.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
The Last Duke is perhaps the best Duke of all. It is a wonderful goodbye to the ten Dukes in the 1797 club and their wonderful wives and children. They are all featured and catching up with them is lovely. This book isn’t as fast-paced and exciting as some of the others, but, I think that is perfect because, well, goodbyes are sad. The writing is excellent, it is well-plotted, well-written and the characters are absolutely lovely.
It is the saddest of times. Christopher Collins, Kit, and all of his friends are gathered at his father’s country estate to say goodbye to the Duke of Kingsacre, Kit’s father. The Duke is loved and admired by all the members of the 1797 club because he was kind to them and helped guide them when their own fathers would not. He showed them love and kindness and how to manage their holdings with compassion and caring while still making them profitable. He was just a good, good man. The Duke’s health has been failing for quite some time, and his long fight is about to end.
The goodbye scenes between Kit and his father and Phoebe and her father were sweet, poignant and very, very sad. The author wrote them beautifully. Kit and Phoebe’s profound love for their father was palpable throughout the book – as was their love for each other. There was just no way around it, I fell in love with both Kit and Phoebe. So, I can certainly see why Sarah would as well.
Sarah Carlton had committed a terrible faux pas three years ago at a ball. In frustration, she had said some unkind things to Meg who is now the Duchess of Crestwood (Read Her Favorite Duke for their story). What she said was overheard by Kit and he called her to task for it and said some unkind things of his own. Kit has never forgotten what Sarah did and has sat in judgment of her since then. Now, he has to deal with her as the governess to his illegitimate 5-year-old sister. His sister loves Sarah, can he just dismiss her?
I thoroughly enjoyed watching Kit trying to fight his attraction to Sarah because, after all, he hated her. Then, when she almost died saving his sister – well – maybe he didn’t hate her so much. Then, when the villain appears and Sarah almost dies saving Phoebe again – well – that does it. He can’t fight it any longer.
This is really the perfect wrap-up for this series. Normally, I’m not pleased with a series wrap-up because they don’t really seem to let us say our goodbyes and see that each of our heroes/heroines still have their happy endings, so this one was a delightful surprise. Everyone is featured and everyone has a role and I loved catching up with all of them.
I can certainly recommend this book, but I do hope it goes through at least one more proofreading before publication.
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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.”