Not the Duke You Marry

The Kent's Row Duchesses #3

by Jess Michaels

The final highly anticipated book in the The Kent’s Row Duchesses series by Jess Michaels!

Theo, Duke of Lightmorrow and Bernadette, Dowager Duchess of Tunbridge, grew up together and both experienced the pain of families who didn’t appreciate them. Now that their mutual friends are married, they’ve rekindled a friendship that is also highly flirtatious. When one tipsy night Bernadette admits she wishes she could take a lover, Theo is shocked. At first he tries to put Etta off the idea, but he soon realizes she’s too tenacious and decides there’s only one way to keep her volunteer as the man in her bed.

Bernadette’s feelings for Theo are complicated, but so are the ways she views herself. Man after man in her life made her feel unworthy, so it’s hard to believe that someone so popular and certain and talented as Theo could actually want her. And if he does, that he could desire more than just a few powerfully passionate nights together. But she’s having trouble separating her body from her heart, even if she knows it can only lead to sorrow.

Can a near tragedy and pleasure like no other lead to happiness for these two? Or will one careless night years ago end their future before it can begin.

This is the third in The Kent’s Row Duchesses Series and can be read as a standalone book.

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance

202 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 14, 2023

About the author

Jess Michaels is a USA Today Bestselling Author who likes geeky stuff like Star Wars, playing video games (she ships herself with Dragon Age’s Iron Bull FOREVER), Bob’s Burgers and collecting POPs! She also drinks a LOT of Diet Coke. Probably an unhealthy amount, but it’s her only vice. She will eat (almost) anything coconut, truly anything cheesy and nothing spicy (yes, she is a walking stereotype when it comes to that). She likes cats, her dog Elton and people who care about the welfare of their fellow humans.

Although she started out traditionally published by Avon/HarperCollins, Pocket, Hachette and Samhain Publishing, in 2015 she went fully indie and has never looked back! She is lucky enough to be married to her favorite person in the world and live tucked between the ocean and the mountains in Oregon.

When she’s not watching Our Flag Means Death or trying out all the new flavors of Greek yogurt, she writes historical romances with smoking hot heroes and sassy heroines who do anything but wait to get what they want.

Reviews

[ChasingLeslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Theo, Duke of Lightmorrow, and Bernadette, Dowager Duchess of Tunbridge, share a past and a rekindled, flirty friendship. When Bernadette admits she wishes she could take a lover, Theo realizes he needs to be the only man in her bed.

This is the third book in the Kent Row Duchesses series. It can stand alone but, in my opinion, it's better when the reader sees the connection that's been evident across the other books and wonders why the couple isn't already together. The previous two couples are involved in this story, and there's also a tie-in to Michaels' Notorious Flynn series.

Theo and Etta grew up in the same circle and both experienced the pain of families who didn’t appreciate them. There's clearly a connection and attraction between the two, but their feelings are complicated. I absolutely loved the way this book developed and read it in one afternoon. I was completely engrossed in the relationship, and it delivered everything I love about Jess Michaels' stories: passionate characters and hot sex. Five glowing stars!

Tropes: Friends to Lovers, Arranged Marriage, Widow, Sexy Bargain, Not-So-Secret Crush

Steam: 5+

* I received an ARC and this is my honest review.

[Michelle Rupe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest opinion. All opinions are my own.

I was really excited for this one as second chance is my jam, but ultimately it wasn't my favorite. I think this stems from the lack of emotional depth and connection between Theo and Etta. While the spice was definitely spicing in this one, I was missing those little moments I have gotten used to in other Jess Michaels books. I think those little moments of conversation where the characters are opening up to each other, that help their relationship grow, or the small touches of a new couple, make a relationship for me because it seems real and lasting. Those are the things that couples do, not just sleep together all the time, so their relationship felt superficial to me anyway. I absolutely can't believe I am saying this as someone who loves high spice, but I think this one had too much sex. There's a delicate balance between character building and spice, and I think this one just didn't have as good of a balance as her other books I've read.

Will I still read her books and buy them? Heck yeah. I just think this one didn't do it for me personally. She's still a great writer and I think if you're a fan of this series then you don't want to miss the conclusion of Theo and Etta's story.

[JEN A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun historical romance. Characters are engaging and the story is relatable even in todays world. Great fun easy read

[Sophie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher, via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

Bernadette, now Dowager Duchess of Tunbridge, and Theo, Duke of Lightmorrow, were friends as children. But since that time, their relationship has become nonexistent, and if it wasn't for their new friends, they wouldn't be in each other's lives any more. Always thrown together, they've managed to reconnect like it was yesterday, but the flirtatious aspect of the friendship is new. As is Bernadette's revelation that she wants to take a lover. Theo has always cared for her, and when he realises she is not joking, he offers to spend a few nights with her, to keep her safe and protected. The only problem is that their hearts and feelings aren't ready to give up after knowing how good they are together.

I have needed these two to get together since their first scenes in book 1. It was clear to everyone but themselves that they were in love with each other, but they just needed a push. Theo definitely fell harder for Etta, but she needed to work through her past insecurities, stemming from her childhood and her marriage, before she felt lovable. Theo was always at her side though, championing her, as were the other Duchesses and their partners. This book definitely tied the series up nicely, and was a great conclusion.

[Pam Bereznak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jess Michaels was one of the first authors I started reading when I got a Kindle in 2015. This is my 71st book by her. I think after 71 books, you might guess I consider her one of my favorite authors.

I loved this book. I loved Theo and Bernadette. I loved their personalities, their chemistry and their story. I loved all their friends and how much they all cared for one another.

I'm sorry I don't say too much in my reviews other than what I do but I don't like to give away too much. I realize we all think differently on if a book is good or not. I realized this yesterday when some people on one of my FB groups where raving about how good a certain book was and they loved the main male character. I hated it and wasn't thrilled with him. I was thinking to myself, UGH, Why! So I realized we are all not going to like the same books. All I can say is what I felt about it.

When I start a book, I don't want any hints or spoilers of what may happen in the story so I don't read book descriptions anymore, even with a new author. That way I am totally surprised on all aspects of the story. Sometimes book descriptions will give things away. A book description might say something like “When her husband is unjustly executed for treason…” or “She is sent to wed her reclusive betrothed, sight unseen”. I don’t want to know that before I read it. I feel I’m not as invested when I already know some things are going to happen. I like that I have no idea what the book is about before I start reading it. I know almost all the authors I read anyway and have read tons of their books, so for the most part I’ll always get a good read. Because of this, I am even reluctant to say too much in my own reviews as to not give any hint of what happens.

Just know, I have added it to my favorite books read for November. I didn't want this book to end. So damn good.

[Iza Brekilien · Rating 2 out of 5]

This novel was provided to me via Netgalley in exchange for an honest opinion, here it is :

There are many enthusiastic reviews about this book, so I feel like the odd one out.
My first problem was with the idea of a woman going into a club for libertines because she wants to be worshipped and noticed. Her body might be, but she's clearly looking for more than that, so : wrong place, I'd say. My second problem is that there is practically no plot, everything depends on the psychology of the characters. They clearly love each other, they're clearly not imagining the other reciprocates, will they or won't they end up together... I hate it when people put thoughts into someone else's head because they are not sure of themselves, and they both do.

Maybe, also, I didn't like the book because I've caught a cold and I'm really tired, it wasn't the worst of books, just not the right book at the right time. You might enjoy it.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Theo, Duke of Lightmorrow and Bernadette, Dowager Duchess of Tunbridge, grew up together and both experienced the pain of families who didn’t appreciate them. Now that their mutual friends are married, they’ve rekindled a friendship that is also highly flirtatious. When one tipsy night Bernadette admits she wishes she could take a lover, Theo is shocked. They agree to start an affair but then there’s a near tragedy & an encounter with Etta’s father.
The third & final part of the trilogy & whilst it’s easily read on its own the three Duchesses are close friends so feature heavily in each story. A well written book which flowed well. I loved both Theo & Etta but they both had insecurities, which made them reticent to commit. Thank goodness they had caring friends who could see what was right in front of them. It took a near tragedy to make them realise what they really wanted
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Cassandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a new to me author and I had no expectations going in and I loved it. The end of chapter 5 was amazing to me. Bernadette, demanding that Theo respects her and her wants. I was hooked. The event in the bookstore was heart breaking but I didn’t really like his explanation and I love a grand Gesture which would have made the the best to me. I can’t wait to read the first two in this series now. Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. 4.5 rating.

[Meg · Rating 2 out of 5]

As a whole I did enjoy this story, I loved seeing the dynamics between the friendship group and I enjoyed the plotline. However, I found that the writing/dialogue fell a bit flat for me. It just seemed quite obvious and straight to the point. In fact the only scenes that really flowed to me were the sex scenes, and I just wish that could’ve been reflected in the others. Perhaps if I would have read the previous books I may have been more invested in the storyline.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quite lovely story with Theo, the Duke and Etta, the Dowager Duchess. They grew up together. They are not children anymore, but are still friends. Bernadette admits she wishes she could take a lover, and Theo is shocked. He tries to put Etta off, but he soon realises he should be the one to be her lover. This was a very enjoyable read, and a very happy HEA. Loved it! 5☆

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this ebook. and this is my freely given opinion.

I have definitely been anticipating this final story to the Kent Row Duchesses trilogy because there has been a building tension and dynamic to the relationship between Bernadette, the widowed Duchess of Tunbridge, and Theo, the Duke of Lightmorrow since book 1. It was obvious they had a prior relationship of some kind and something has been brewing since they reunited because of the connections between their friends.

This story answers those questions, including about Bernadette and Theo's past, as it starts there. Fourteen years prior, when Theo was barely 18, he was under the thumb of his father, the Duke, who was a cold, manipulative, abusive bully. Apparently he and his friend, the Earl of Etheridge, were trying to set up a marriage contract between Theo and the Earl's daughter, Etta - as the 16 year old Bernadette was known. They had grown up together, and Theo was just noticing how pretty, sweet, warm and lovely Etta was. But when he heard the plans of the two fathers, he rebelled hard and rejected the marriage on principle - not that he had anything against Bernadette personally, he just refused to have his life dictated further by the Duke.

As the years go by, Theo inherits the dukedom, and becomes a wealthy, sought after rake. Bernadette became a duchess, marrying Tunbridge. She was hoping to marry her childhood friend, Theo, but he never showed any interest in her. Then her marriage was also a disappointment, with Tunbridge being a cold, rejecting husband who made her feel unloved and unwanted, turning outside their marriage to have his passions sated. They reconnect when their friends develop relationships with each other. But as Bernadette observes her friends being happy in their new relationships, and leaving Kent Row, she feels envy, and loneliness. Especially having only experienced rejection, rather than warmth and love in her previous relationships, including with her own parents.

When confronted about her malaise, Bernadette shocks Theo by announcing that she wants a lover... then proceeds to go to the Donville Masquerade to explore the option. She found out through her dead husband's old correspondence about his association with the club, piquing her curiosity. Despite being masked, Theo, as a member, recognizes her, and this starts their journey down the path of a secret affair, with clearly defined boundaries that they are both afraid to cross, despite both starting to feel more for each other than desire.

Bernadette, having been rejected and unloved by the most important relationships in her life previously, is emotionally vulnerable and afraid to trust in her own lovability and attractiveness. Theo has suppressed his feelings for Bernadette for so long, almost loses his second chance to have her in his life.

I was very drawn into both Theo and Bernadette's emotional vulnerability; they have both been the targets of emotional abuse in their significant relationships, and they seem perfect together, but are kept apart by their own doubts and desire to armour themselves against further rejection and emotional hurt. Their affair is passionate, but so bittersweet because they are trying so hard to protect their own hearts. But when Theo finally admits his own feelings for her to himself, it was just a beautiful end to the building tension of their relationship.

A satisfying end to the trilogy.

4.25 stars out of 5

[Tracy Emro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bernadette “Etta”, the widowed Duchess of Tunbridge is feeling a bit out of sorts after her two dearest friends marry. She is happy for them, but can’t help but feel a little jealous and maybe even sorry for herself. Her marriage was by no means a love match, for the most part, he ignored her, just as her parents had always done, but after his death, she moved to Kent Row and made friends, but now they are married and leaving and she wonders what is her next step. She considers taking a lover and even mentions it to her childhood friend Theodore "Theo” Tinsley, the Duke of Lightmorrow, who by all accounts is a rake of the first order. But that conversation doesn’t go well and she is embarrassed. Later she finds a letter addressed to her late husband from Donville Masquerade, a pleasure club, and her curiosity is piqued. She visits the club and decides to join, hoping to find a lover. But instead of an anonymous lover, it is Theo who finds her. He gives her a taste of pleasure, but immediately takes her home. She presses him and he agrees to engage in an affair but makes it clear that it is only about pleasure, nothing more. She agrees to his terms, but wonders if she will be able to keep her word, as Theo has always held a part of her heart.

Theo is and always has been attracted to Bernadette and considers her a friend, a friend he doesn’t want to lose. They embark on their affair and it is clear that they are perfectly matched in bed. Theo is amazed that her late husband didn’t want her, not only is she passionate, but she is clever, kind, and considerate – what more could a man want? As his feelings deepen, he begins to long for more from their relationship and wonders if Etta feels the same. But before he can declare his love and desire to marry her, a hurtful secret from his past will crush any hope he has of HEA with the woman he now knows he can’t live without.

In my opinion, this is the best book in the series. I loved Bernadette and Theo together, I felt their chemistry right from the beginning of the series and couldn’t wait for their story and it was well worth the wait! This book is filled with emotion, insecurity, friendship, a near-death experience, steamy love scenes, vindictive family members, a little heartache, forgiveness, and finally a lovely declaration scene leading to the start of their HEA and as if that wasn’t enough, there is also a very sweet epilogue featuring all the couples. I liked the previous books, but I LOVED this one and highly recommend it to readers who enjoy steamy friends-to-lovers stories. This is the third and final book in the series, but it could definitely be read as a standalone title.

4.5 stars, rounded up.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*

[Judith Miguel · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG IS BOOK! I love it! LOVE IT! LOVE IT! Jess Michaels’s books never disappoints!
Theo, Duke of Lightmorrow and Bernadette, Dowager Duchess of Tunbridge, grew up together and both experienced the pain of families who didn’t appreciate them. Now that their mutual friends are married, they’ve rekindled a friendship that is also highly flirtatious. When one tipsy night Bernadette admits she wishes she could take a lover, Theo is shocked. At first he tries to put Etta off the idea, but he soon realizes she’s too tenacious and decides there’s only one way to keep her safe: volunteer as the man in her bed.
Bernadette’s feelings for Theo are complicated, but so are the ways she views herself. Man after man in her life made her feel unworthy, so it’s hard to believe that Theo could actually want her or that he could desire more than just a few passionate nights together. But she’s having trouble separating her body from her heart, even if she knows it can only lead to sorrow.
I loved this book sooo much!!! I´ve been waiting for this story since the first book, and it was definitely my favorite, even though all the series is a solid five stars. I started reading the minute I download the book and didn’t stop until I finished it. Etta is a wonderful character. She is sweet, considerate and resilient. The Prologue is powerful and emotional. Theo is interesting and different. He has so many layers, so much still unresolved about his emotions, that see him do it, be a part of his journey, was a unique experience. I loved every minute of it.
Jess has the ability to break my heart in a million pieces and mend it in the next paragraph. Her stories are full of steamy moments but also aghast, complex characters and meaningful dialogs.
I HIGHLY recommend not only this book that is beautiful and super romantic, but all the books in this series. Ok, all her books, period.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Alexandra G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bernadette, the Duchess of Tunbridge, went from a unhappy childhood home to an unhappy marriage only to end up a widow on Kent’s Row. Now that her two best friends have married, she can’t help but feel a little jealous of their marital bliss. Discovering her late husband’s membership to an exclusive club, she too wants more. To feel, to experience passion and if her childhood crush won’t oblige, she’ll find it on her own.

Theo, Duke of Lightmorrow, refused his arranged marriage at eighteen and has earned his reputation as a renowned rake ever since. But now, thirteen years later, that Lady who was once his only friend, is back in his life. She’s best friends with his best friend’s wife, and he cannot get her out of his mind. And now she declared she wants a lover… but how can he oblige when she deserves so much more? And how can he refuse if she’s willing to do the unthinkable to achieve her goal?

They agree to an arrangement - an arrangement with an expiration date. But as that date draws closer, neither of them wants to relinquish their newfound happiness, yet neither is willing to call it what it is. That is, until death gives them a push…

⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
📚 This tale was simply riveting! There was just something about this couple discovering their own feelings and needs. She unsure and curious, he confident yet thrown of balance. Cruel fathers taught them both to master hiding their true feelings, yet when together vulnerability surfaces.
A beautiful, heartwarming and touching tale of romance blooms from steamy passion, and I cannot highlight enough how wonderful it is to, for once, read a story where two adults talk, really talk to each other and to their friends!
This was an enchanting read, beautifully written with so much heart and humanity, and complex layered MCs you can’t help but root for. I enjoyed it very much!

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not the Duke You Marry is the third and final book in The Kent’s Row Duchesses series.

The final story is about Theo, the Duke of Lightmorrow and Bernadette, Dowager Duchess of Tunbridge. They grew up together and neither had families that showed them love. Separated as teens by the cruelty of their fathers, they are once again reunited through their married friends.

Bernadette is the last one left on the Row. While she is happy for her friends that they are married she feels something is missing in her life and is looking for a way to satisfy it. One night Bernadette tells Theo she wants to take a lover and has no idea how to go about it. Theo is shocked. After trying to dissuade her, he offers to help her himself. They agree to a relationship with certain rules and to end once Valeria returns from her honeymoon.

A steamy few days are spent together exploring and awakening feelings each didn't realize they had. But trying to protect their hearts from being hurt when their time is up, they refrain from sharing what has been reawakened in themselves. An accident nearly takes Bernadette from Theo and forces him to realize that he wants more than just steamy nights with her. But Bernadette's father hears about her near-death accident, and cruelly hurts her in public. Bernadette is embarrassed and hurt by her father. She will have to decide what she wants most, her father in her life, or give Theo the chance to make things right and get what she dares to dream.

This was a fantastic conclusion to this series. I loved each character in all of the books. They were wonderfully written with loyalty for their friends and the people they love. Each book can be a stand-alone read but the series is so special you will want to read them all.

I received an ARC from NetGalley for an unbiased review.

[Cathy Geha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not the Duke you Marry by Jess Michaels
The Kent’s Row Duchesses #3

Dreams lost, pleasure plans pursued, and true love found…eventually ~ Great conclusion to this wonderful trilogy with second chances for all three of the duchesses.

What I liked:
* Bernadette: earl’s daughter, raised to “do her duty”, grew up around Theo as their fathers were friends, had dreams but did her duty, widowed young and has new dreams to pursue
* Theodore: son of a duke, rake, pleasure pursuer, wanted his father’s approval, good friend, hides deeper thoughts and emotions, grows a lot
* The slow burn second chance romance that grows between Theo and Etta once they are reunited when their friends start romances of their own
* That both main characters had horrible parents and other things in common
* That Theo always asked what Etta wanted/needed and how she wanted to feel when they were together
* That Etta was not easily walked over
* The way both main characters guarded themselves from pain…or thought that was what they were doing
* Getting to see the couples from the previous two books in the series
* Being glad I was born in this era and not when Etta was
* The conclusion of the series and the happiness found

What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Thinking about how horrible growing up must have been for both Theo and Etta
* Pondering how women of the ton were willing to be chattel and sold by their fathers to become the possession of the man who took over as “owner” on their wedding day

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Definitely

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

[Tina Ullrich · Rating 5 out of 5]

The final book is here!

Theodore Alexander Monroe Tinsley, the Duke of Lightmorrow, never pleased his father since he was his own man. This made for a very hard life at home. Growing up he put on different "masks" to appease his father and continued that into adulthood. Few knew the real Theo. His friends, Callum, the Duke of Blackvale and Roarke Desmond knew enough.

At age eighteen his father and The Earl of Etheridge.demanded Theo marry Lady Bernadette, Etheridge's daughter. Even though the two were friends Theo rebelled and said no.


Lady Bernadette, Etta, was forced to marry the Duke of Tunbridge, who was old, mean spirited, and verbally abusive. Now with him dead, she lives on "Kent Row" with all the other dowager duchesses. Her friends Valaria, now the Duchess of Blackvale, recently married Callum, and Flora Desmond who just married Roarke, are happy with their lives. However, with her friends married, Etta is thinking of her own lack of a partner.

Etta ask, by some force, Theo how she can take a discrete lover. Shocked to the core, Theo tries to dissway her. Etta finds a letter from a club of her dead husband stating he is banned for a year, she goes to see if they can help.

What follows is a funny, erotic dance these two play. Both state plainly what they want and what they desire but is that all? Can they survive her father trying to sabotage them? Will they only be able to their deal?

[Courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.
Not the Duke You Marry is the third in Jess Michaels’ Kent’s Row Duchesses series. It can be read as a standalone, although I’d recommend the other books in the series as well. I found myself inexplicably struggling to get through this one. It’s not even that long, but not much happens (not unusual for this series), and I found myself struggling to remain invested.
On the surface, the dynamic between Etta and Theo is great. I love that they’re there to support each other after lifetimes of dealing with families who didn’t support them. And both of them have complex issues they deal with as a result of the way that their families have let them down.
But I feel like, while I’m used to the high-heat of Jess Michaels’ books, the deeper substance that I often prefer to complement the spice was missing. And it could also be my issue with this particular execution of no-strings sex/friends-with-benefits, as I didn’t feel like there was a lot of room for their deeper bond to be explored, even given the history between them.
While I didn’t love this as much as I hoped, it seems I’m in the minority, based on the early reviews. If you enjoy high-heat historical romance, I’d still recommend checking this out!

[SH · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite being childhood friends, Theo, the Duke of Lightmorrow is left speechless when Bernadette (Etta), the Dowager Duchess of Tunbridge, confides to Theo that she wishes she could take a lover. Despite his shock, Theo responds and takes on the challenge, having always been attracted to her. Bernadette’s feelings for Theo are complicated, but so are the ways she views herself, feeling unworthy from her past experiences. It is only with Theo that she realises that her past experiences have not been true to the feelings that overcome her when she is with him.
I quite enjoyed both characters and found that as their relationship developed, so too did their past feelings rise to the surface. As they grew in confidence so did the intensity of their feelings. I must admit that I did find Bernadette overcomplicated their relationship and that her past hurts did hold her back. It was lovely to see them both admit their feelings, overcoming their past insecurities. An entertaining read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Margaret Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

The final installment in the Gentleman Author's series- this story if of Callum, the Duke of Stratton and Lady Emily. They have known each other for some time but haven't always gotten alone because each time they interact with some mishap occurs with each of them blaming the cause on the other. They are brought together after Callum's ward, Peter, who lost his parents, forms an attachment to Emily's dog, Heidi. Callum and Emily become closer as they meet at the park and at Emily's home to allow Peter time with Heidi. They agree to a pretend engagement when Emily's grandmother suffers an illness and is expected to pass away but before she does she expresses regret that none of her grandchildren are married. After agreeing to the engagement, secrets that Callum has kept are exposed and cause Emily to wonder why he agreed to the engagement. This final story is a fantastic end to the series, It is a sweet romance that builds on friendship developing into love.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Theo makes every mistake...does he ever make it up to Etta?

No, not really and that makes me so frustrated because Bernadette deserved the best, What she got all her life from her parents, from Theo, from her husband is them being casually cruel to her time and time again. Theo refused to marry her when he was eighteen. He knew he was making a mistake and for fourteen years, he kept being a shallow rake (boring and gross, with a high chance of sn STI). Then, long after she is widowed, she asks him for help with a lover and he blocks her. He even blocks her at the club that he went to to have fun without Etta, with a random woman or women. So, no. Does Theo ever atone for all the wrongs he's always done to Etta (making her feel rejected)? Not really. Theo definitely needed to work for it and grovel a hell of a lot more than he did.

I did enjoy this trilogy but felt like Etta was the most sheltered of all three duchesses and she really needed to spread her wings (not with Theo) to experience pleasure and sex with other men, not just Theo.
Recommend.

[Ly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved all the characters in this book. Of course, there are Bernadette and Theo, the novel’s two main protagonists, who draw us into their unique relationship. What a beautiful friendship Bernadette, Flora, and Valaria have, and what can we say about Theo, Callum, and Roarke's other great friendship? The scenes between friends provide us with incredibly lovely and emotional moments. Bernadette and Theo remain the key characters, captivating with their sometimes tender, sometimes torrid relationship. We find ourselves carried away with them by the impact of their youth and their past and present feelings. These strong friendship and respect feelings collide with an intense and unexpected physical attraction. What a ferocious storm of emotions! A book to read: once you start, you won't be able to put it down.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very lovely friends to lovers romance to end the series. It has always been clear since the characters first appeared that there was more to them and their relationship. I’m not surprised Theo fell first as Bernadette had some things to work through due to her father and then late husband. Most of the conflict was built around Bernadette finding her self worth and overcoming the feeling of being unwanted. Not as much outer conflict as the prior book but story still moved along fairly quickly.

I liked how Theo asks what Bernadette wants and she is open to finding passion together and almost experiencing it all for the first time. Valaria, Flora and Bernadette have been like sisters and it is nice how they are there for each other. Another great series from Jess Michaels. Can’t wait for her next book!

*Received via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

[Olivia]

With both of her widow friends married now, Bernadette is feeling lonely and undesirable. She expresses her interest in finding a lover to Theo, a childhood friend who she recently reconnected with. His aghast reaction makes her feel horribly rejected and insecure, but she rallies and finds her way to a pleasure club. When Theo spots her there, he tries to emphasize how dangerous her actions are, but really he just lusts after her himself and is conflicted about his feelings. These two go back and forth a bit, but end up having an affair, and try very hard not to fall in love with each other. Add in a backstory where Theo had long ago rejected a chance to marry Bernadette and we’re just waiting for her to be heartbroken by the revelation. Lots of steam and internal revelations in this one, without too much external drama.

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the story of Theo and Etta! I've been waiting for their story since book 1 in this series. Etta's first marriage was cold and loveless and seeing her two best friends happy makes her decide to pursue finding passion on her own. Theo has known Etta since childhood and is shocked when she admits to him her desires. He's even more shocked when he discovers her at the Donville Masquerade (great blending of series!) and decides the only one who will show her passion is him!!

Jess Michaels knows how to write characters with awesome chemistry and steamy romance scenes and she does not disappoint. Theo and Etta's story was well worth the wait and my favorite of the series.

Thanks to the publisher for a review copy via Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story because it is well written and very entertaining. I loved everything about Etta and how she is strong in lieu of all that she has endured. The story is very emotional at times and through the writing, the reader is able to sense what they are feeling. Theo is in over his head with Etta as feelings are becoming very real for him which I get the feeling scares him. It’s a great read to watch them navigate the unique relationship they have started. Definitely worth reading. It could use a reproofing, nothing major, just little words here and there.
I received a free copy of this book via Netgalley and are voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jeanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not the Duke You Marry by Jess Michaels is the third book in the Kent Row Duchess series.

Bernadette "Etta" Duchess of Tunbridge is ready to fully explore her widowhood by taking a lover. She's hoping to finally find the passion that was sadly lacking from her marriage. Who better to ask than her childhood friend, Theo, The Duke of Lightmorrow. Of course, things don't really go her way, at first, and there may be a sex club involved and a bargain. But then again, best laid plans have a great way of ending up exactly as they aught.
Strap in for a hedonistic ride with Etta and Theo. Who finally get out of their own ways to experience the bliss and happiness they've always deserved.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sad that we have come to the end of the Kent Row Duchesses series but Jess saved the best for last. Theo and Etta really pulled at my heart. Neither one were “seen”. How do you overcome? These friends to lovers are perfectly paired. Their story is both heartbreaking and uplifting. I do cry while reading stories but during this one I totally broke down blubbering. It was such a fantastic cry. Read this story and let all of the emotions come out. I cannot get over how much I loved this fantastic love story.

I received a complimentary copy.

[Aldara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I HAVE TO SAY THAT OF ALL JESS’S BOOKS THIS ONE IS MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE.
The premise of it, two friends, she tells him, that she wants to take a lover, he is so shocked by that, and he ends up taking this role, the whole adventure about it, like how he a rake, is changed bc he had sex with a woman he knew and appreciated, chef kiss.
I was like kicking my feet and twirling my hair and gushing over it.

[Jessica's Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.3/5-star rating

Adult Historical Fiction, heavy on romance. Both leading characters are enjoyable and even likable. The weakness is in the generic plot, which is not much beyond their trysts.

If you are in the mood for a romance between long-lost friends, this one is entertaining. It's a classic storyline between a widow and a handsome libertine. It's an easy, quick read- worth an afternoon of entertainment.

This was sponsored through NetGalley for an honest review.