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The Doves of New York #2
Eliza and the Duke
American heiress Eliza Dove was resigned to a polite marriage of convenience...until she spent one wicked night with the Duke.
All hopeless romantic Eliza Dove asked for was one night of adventure. One glorious evening of freedom to explore the dark corners of London with a mysterious stranger before a lifetime trapped in a quiet, respectable marriage of convenience. Except now she wants more. Now she wants him.
Simon Cavell is no gentleman. Known only as ‘the Duke,’ Whitechapel’s prize boxer is one fight away from achieving his goal: to safeguard his late sister’s only treasure and leave the streets for good. He cannot allow some pretty young heiress to spill his secrets, no matter how tempting she might be. In return for her silence, Simon will give Eliza a taste of the darkness…and hope he doesn’t lose his heart in the process.
But one night together could never be enough. And now Eliza has a new plan—an even more scandalous bargain that will either land the heiress her duke or ruin them both.
All hopeless romantic Eliza Dove asked for was one night of adventure. One glorious evening of freedom to explore the dark corners of London with a mysterious stranger before a lifetime trapped in a quiet, respectable marriage of convenience. Except now she wants more. Now she wants him.
Simon Cavell is no gentleman. Known only as ‘the Duke,’ Whitechapel’s prize boxer is one fight away from achieving his goal: to safeguard his late sister’s only treasure and leave the streets for good. He cannot allow some pretty young heiress to spill his secrets, no matter how tempting she might be. In return for her silence, Simon will give Eliza a taste of the darkness…and hope he doesn’t lose his heart in the process.
But one night together could never be enough. And now Eliza has a new plan—an even more scandalous bargain that will either land the heiress her duke or ruin them both.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 24, 2025
92 people are currently reading
7236 people want to read
About the author
Harper St. George
55 books1,249 followersHarper St. George was raised in rural Alabama and along the tranquil coast of northwest Florida. It was a setting filled with stories of the old days that instilled in her a love of history, romance, and adventure. By high school, she had discovered the historical romance novel which combined all of those elements into one perfect package. She has been hooked ever since.
She lives in the Atlanta area with her husband and two children. When not writing, she can be found devouring her husband's amazing cooking and reading. She would love to hear from you. Please visit her website at harperstgeorge.com
She lives in the Atlanta area with her husband and two children. When not writing, she can be found devouring her husband's amazing cooking and reading. She would love to hear from you. Please visit her website at harperstgeorge.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 225 reviews
March 21, 2025
If you’re into a little bit of scandal and dangerous situations with your historical romance authors, this is a great story to grab.
St. George is blending an American Heiress into society in the Regency era in London. With a large dowry, marrying the right man is expected. However, following your heart and your hormones usually ends up a little bit differently.
This story is not your typical Regency style romance but focuses more on a middle class to lower class hero in our high society, looking for a husband heroine.
Eliza and the Duke is a bit of a forbidden romance because of the class issue and the fact that she really is a bit out of control, especially at the beginning of the book. The author actually lost me for a bit as the heroine was really out of her depth and overly risky.
However, I loved the way the author depicted the Duke. He definitely falls for her which brings the steam and delicious swoony things going on between them. However, she is betrothed to another man, so the whole story has this air of forbidden romance surrounding it and figuring out how to come to a satisfying ending.
Overall, the story was well-written, interesting, and sexy, and the ending completely made up for the rocky start.
If you’re into alternate types of historical romance, Eliza and the Duke is a great choice. St. George is making her mark with the blending of American Heiresses and English aristocracy in a wonderful manner.
~~~
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
* full review - https://amidlifewife.com/eliza-and-th...
St. George is blending an American Heiress into society in the Regency era in London. With a large dowry, marrying the right man is expected. However, following your heart and your hormones usually ends up a little bit differently.
This story is not your typical Regency style romance but focuses more on a middle class to lower class hero in our high society, looking for a husband heroine.
Eliza and the Duke is a bit of a forbidden romance because of the class issue and the fact that she really is a bit out of control, especially at the beginning of the book. The author actually lost me for a bit as the heroine was really out of her depth and overly risky.
However, I loved the way the author depicted the Duke. He definitely falls for her which brings the steam and delicious swoony things going on between them. However, she is betrothed to another man, so the whole story has this air of forbidden romance surrounding it and figuring out how to come to a satisfying ending.
Overall, the story was well-written, interesting, and sexy, and the ending completely made up for the rocky start.
If you’re into alternate types of historical romance, Eliza and the Duke is a great choice. St. George is making her mark with the blending of American Heiresses and English aristocracy in a wonderful manner.
~~~
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
* full review - https://amidlifewife.com/eliza-and-th...
July 24, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this historical romance. I loved both the hero and the heroine and found their romance to be deeply satisfying. A bareknuckle boxer is one of my favorite types of heroes, and I really adored how complex his and Eliza's characters were.
May 3, 2025
it’s the people who never thought they could be loved who built their lives around protecting others being protected and loved unconditionally that really got me
also loved the persuasion influences!! harper st. george i need 15 of these thanks!
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance review copy. full review to come
Bookstagram | Blog
also loved the persuasion influences!! harper st. george i need 15 of these thanks!
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance review copy. full review to come
Bookstagram | Blog
June 12, 2025
I received an uncorrected proof of this book from my friend, Michelle. I unfortunately can’t continue to read this book due to the usage of the c-word that a woman character used as I was very surprised by her using the word.
I love everything else about this book including the time period and as I have previously enjoyed reading The American Heiress by Daisy Goodwin which covers the same theme of American women going to Europe in search of husbands, I enjoy the fact that this book covers the same theme. I love the relationship between Eliza Dove and Simon Cavell and how they’re drawn to each other despite their class differences. Although, Simon is in his twenties, I kept picturing him as Christian Kane’s character on one of my favorite television shows: Leverage.
I love everything else about this book including the time period and as I have previously enjoyed reading The American Heiress by Daisy Goodwin which covers the same theme of American women going to Europe in search of husbands, I enjoy the fact that this book covers the same theme. I love the relationship between Eliza Dove and Simon Cavell and how they’re drawn to each other despite their class differences. Although, Simon is in his twenties, I kept picturing him as Christian Kane’s character on one of my favorite television shows: Leverage.
March 30, 2025
Eliza and the Duke is the second of three books about the feisty, fearless fake heiresses the Dove sisters and their hunt for husbands to satisfy their father’s marriage requirements to gain their inheritance. Eliza gives big Eloise Bridgerton vibes to me in the best way-she is impulsive, passionate and unrelenting in her quest for the “Duke”, Simon Cavell, a prizefighter trying to get out of Whitechapel to better his and his family’s future. While this is part of a series, it’s not necessary to have read the previous book (or other of St. George’s books whose protagonists have cameos in this story), but I do think doing so enhances this story greatly. While it’s instalust, it’s a complicated journey to HEA for for main characters and I found myself loving the side characters equally. This is 🌶️🌶️, with just the right amount of yearning and spice IMO. Definitely worth checking out for romance fans! Grateful to Harper St. George and Berkley for the ARC!
January 20, 2025
Eliza Dove is an American heiress who knows love is out of the question. To claim her quarter million dollar inheritance and secure her family’s fortune, she must marry an English lord. But when she sneaks away from a dinner party and meets the mysterious Duke who is far below her class, everything she thought she knew turns on its head. The Duke—Simon—offers her everything she never thought she’d feel, but as the time ticks down to claim her inheritance, can she risk it all for love?
Harper St. George continues her mastery of writing Gilded Age romances that feel new and exciting while remaining true to the period. Each detail she includes in the High Society she constructs is fascinating and heavy with history. Eliza and the Duke was different from the other novels in this universe in that the love interest is from Whitechapel rather than London high society. The author did an excellent job balancing the realities of the Victorian lower class while balancing the high society heroine’s understanding of the world.
Eliza was a heroine with just the right amount of curiosity and common sense. She did things that were certainly scandalous and dangerous, but she also considered the consequences of her actions on those she loved. Her struggle to pick her heart or her head was realistic and well-developed. I especially liked her relationship with her sister Jenny and I’m now more excited than ever for Jenny’s book (but that is a topic for another time—hopefully).
Simon (aka the Duke) was a great brooding hero who had to balance wanting the heroine and wanting to protect her from his world. I like his moments of vulnerability and that he kept the Whitechapel parts of himself, even as he learned to adapt to the upper-class world.
Watching the side characters who starred in St. George’s other books flit in and out of the novel was one of my favorite parts. That being said, this book can be read by veterans of the series or new readers alike. While I enjoyed most of this book, I didn’t give it a full five stars because the author wrote out the accents (which is a style choice I respect but dislike), and the conflict resolved a bit too easily. Still, Eliza and the Duke is a must-read for historical romance fans who want a little more danger than your classic Regency romance.
An e-ARC was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions remain my own.
Harper St. George continues her mastery of writing Gilded Age romances that feel new and exciting while remaining true to the period. Each detail she includes in the High Society she constructs is fascinating and heavy with history. Eliza and the Duke was different from the other novels in this universe in that the love interest is from Whitechapel rather than London high society. The author did an excellent job balancing the realities of the Victorian lower class while balancing the high society heroine’s understanding of the world.
Eliza was a heroine with just the right amount of curiosity and common sense. She did things that were certainly scandalous and dangerous, but she also considered the consequences of her actions on those she loved. Her struggle to pick her heart or her head was realistic and well-developed. I especially liked her relationship with her sister Jenny and I’m now more excited than ever for Jenny’s book (but that is a topic for another time—hopefully).
Simon (aka the Duke) was a great brooding hero who had to balance wanting the heroine and wanting to protect her from his world. I like his moments of vulnerability and that he kept the Whitechapel parts of himself, even as he learned to adapt to the upper-class world.
Watching the side characters who starred in St. George’s other books flit in and out of the novel was one of my favorite parts. That being said, this book can be read by veterans of the series or new readers alike. While I enjoyed most of this book, I didn’t give it a full five stars because the author wrote out the accents (which is a style choice I respect but dislike), and the conflict resolved a bit too easily. Still, Eliza and the Duke is a must-read for historical romance fans who want a little more danger than your classic Regency romance.
An e-ARC was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions remain my own.
May 20, 2025
Eliza and the Duke is the 2nd book in The Doves of New York series, a historical romance series from Harper St. George. This series overall has been okay, but not a favorite for me from this author.
Eliza is an American heiress. We met her and her sisters in the first book of the series. Basically their mother was a rich man’s mistress and the daughters grew up with a lot of scandal around them. But then their paternal grandmother passed away and felt bad for the snub on them so she left the girls are inheritances…with the caveat that they must marry “suitable, titled men”. So off to London they went to find men. Eliza is in an arranged betrothal and wants one last adventure before she’s set to wed. She meets Simon, a prize fighter known as “the Duke”, and immediately knows he’s the man for the job and it kind of goes from there!
I have always enjoyed this author’s historical romances but something about this one just didn’t hit quite the same. The couple and characters were fine, but I wasn’t super invested with their story. It felt a bit underwhelming overall and definitely not a favorite for me from this author. The cover on the other hand is such a stunner, love the monochromatic jewel tones this author’s covers seem to use a lot. I also did like that the hero is a commoner and seeing him be tasked with the family’s security made for some fun forced proximity.
I received an ARC and ALC from the publisher, all thoughts in this review are my own.
Eliza is an American heiress. We met her and her sisters in the first book of the series. Basically their mother was a rich man’s mistress and the daughters grew up with a lot of scandal around them. But then their paternal grandmother passed away and felt bad for the snub on them so she left the girls are inheritances…with the caveat that they must marry “suitable, titled men”. So off to London they went to find men. Eliza is in an arranged betrothal and wants one last adventure before she’s set to wed. She meets Simon, a prize fighter known as “the Duke”, and immediately knows he’s the man for the job and it kind of goes from there!
I have always enjoyed this author’s historical romances but something about this one just didn’t hit quite the same. The couple and characters were fine, but I wasn’t super invested with their story. It felt a bit underwhelming overall and definitely not a favorite for me from this author. The cover on the other hand is such a stunner, love the monochromatic jewel tones this author’s covers seem to use a lot. I also did like that the hero is a commoner and seeing him be tasked with the family’s security made for some fun forced proximity.
I received an ARC and ALC from the publisher, all thoughts in this review are my own.
July 14, 2025
My Review:
So I was so saddened to have to DNF this author, especially since she is the only modernistic historical author I actually have enjoyed. But I did have to DNF this one. I loved the hero and I am so curious to see what happens to him. However, the issue I had was with the heroine. I didn't like her motivations to have a career. Its very not of the time and the way the heroine acted about it, felt like she didn't understand the society she was in. She felt very contemporary to me and even though sometimes this author writes them a bit more modernistic at times, this heroine it was super obvious and it was less subtle. So I am having to pass on it. I can read heroines who have to work because their circumstances demand it, or they have little options. This heroine has other options actually, she was born in higher society, she probably doesn't even need a career....she just wants to have one to have one lol It just didn't feel authentic to the time at all and I am more stricter with the historicals I read. So while it was really hard for me to DNF this one as I do love this author both as a person and a writer, I just can't with this one. But if you like modernistic stories where the heroine wants to have a career in this way.....then this one will be for you. But if you prefer more authentic heroines, I would say to pass on this one and read her backlisted books.
So I was so saddened to have to DNF this author, especially since she is the only modernistic historical author I actually have enjoyed. But I did have to DNF this one. I loved the hero and I am so curious to see what happens to him. However, the issue I had was with the heroine. I didn't like her motivations to have a career. Its very not of the time and the way the heroine acted about it, felt like she didn't understand the society she was in. She felt very contemporary to me and even though sometimes this author writes them a bit more modernistic at times, this heroine it was super obvious and it was less subtle. So I am having to pass on it. I can read heroines who have to work because their circumstances demand it, or they have little options. This heroine has other options actually, she was born in higher society, she probably doesn't even need a career....she just wants to have one to have one lol It just didn't feel authentic to the time at all and I am more stricter with the historicals I read. So while it was really hard for me to DNF this one as I do love this author both as a person and a writer, I just can't with this one. But if you like modernistic stories where the heroine wants to have a career in this way.....then this one will be for you. But if you prefer more authentic heroines, I would say to pass on this one and read her backlisted books.
July 12, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️.5
😈 Content Warnings
• Class-based power imbalance
• Risky street excursions, risky secrets exposed
• Risk of blackmail and emotional manipulation
• Family pressure and societal constraint    
💕 Tropes
• American heiress × working‑class hero
• One-night adventure → full romance
• Forbidden class divide
• Slow burn to HEA
• Protector hero with secret life (bare-knuckle boxer)
• Small crossover cast from previous series installments     
📖 Perfect for Readers Who Liked/similar books…
• The Devil and the Heiress by Harper St. George
• Wait for It by Mariana Zapata
• American Heiress by Daisy Goodwin
🧭 Age Recommendation
15+
💗 Quote
“Now she wants more. Now she wants him.”  
🎵 Song Match
“Secret” by Maroon 5
🌶️.5
😈 Content Warnings
• Class-based power imbalance
• Risky street excursions, risky secrets exposed
• Risk of blackmail and emotional manipulation
• Family pressure and societal constraint    
💕 Tropes
• American heiress × working‑class hero
• One-night adventure → full romance
• Forbidden class divide
• Slow burn to HEA
• Protector hero with secret life (bare-knuckle boxer)
• Small crossover cast from previous series installments     
📖 Perfect for Readers Who Liked/similar books…
• The Devil and the Heiress by Harper St. George
• Wait for It by Mariana Zapata
• American Heiress by Daisy Goodwin
🧭 Age Recommendation
15+
💗 Quote
“Now she wants more. Now she wants him.”  
🎵 Song Match
“Secret” by Maroon 5
June 15, 2025
4⭐️
This at first glance is a come-from-different-worlds story. Simon is a club manager and grew up in poverty in Whitechapel. He ran with street gang and fought in back-alley boxing matches to make money. Eliza and her sisters are in London to find aristocratic husbands, so they can receive their massive inheritance. Simon slowly comes to learn what we as the reader already do- looks can be deceiving and Eliza and her sisters didn't grow up the way Society believes they did. Eliza decides she wants a summer of adventure before her fiancee returns from Europe and she's stuck in an unhappy marriage. So she pursues Simon and convinces him to take her for a night on the town.
I loved these two. Even while Simon was trying to push Eliza from his mind and stay away from her, he was so drawn to her. They had some excellent chemistry right from the beginning. And the absolute YEARNING between them when they thought they couldn't be together? So good. They really dropped their walls with each other and pretty quickly which I enjoyed, and were vulnerable and honest with each other in a way they aren't with anyone else. Simon told Eliza about his childhood and the dark things he had done in his gang days, and Eliza accepted all of him. Eliza for her part told him the truth about her family and was willing to give everything up to be with him.
Simon was very sweet with Eliza, constantly holding her hand when they were out on the town. I loved how he daydreamed about how their life could be, how they could all be a family and take walks in the park. I loved how in the end neither Simon or Eliza hesitated- they knew the sacrifices it would take to be together and were both willing to do whatever it took.
This book nicely sets up the next with Jenny and Lord David and I can't wait! The tension is off the charts and I LOVE a historical marriage of convenience.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishing team for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
"Fate had brought him to her. It wasn't trying to rein her in, nor did it want to clip her wings."Harper St. George's books are so underrated, I have loved every single one that I've read. I've been eagerly waiting for this since The Stranger I Wed teased Eliza's story and it did not disappoint.
This at first glance is a come-from-different-worlds story. Simon is a club manager and grew up in poverty in Whitechapel. He ran with street gang and fought in back-alley boxing matches to make money. Eliza and her sisters are in London to find aristocratic husbands, so they can receive their massive inheritance. Simon slowly comes to learn what we as the reader already do- looks can be deceiving and Eliza and her sisters didn't grow up the way Society believes they did. Eliza decides she wants a summer of adventure before her fiancee returns from Europe and she's stuck in an unhappy marriage. So she pursues Simon and convinces him to take her for a night on the town.
I loved these two. Even while Simon was trying to push Eliza from his mind and stay away from her, he was so drawn to her. They had some excellent chemistry right from the beginning. And the absolute YEARNING between them when they thought they couldn't be together? So good. They really dropped their walls with each other and pretty quickly which I enjoyed, and were vulnerable and honest with each other in a way they aren't with anyone else. Simon told Eliza about his childhood and the dark things he had done in his gang days, and Eliza accepted all of him. Eliza for her part told him the truth about her family and was willing to give everything up to be with him.
Simon was very sweet with Eliza, constantly holding her hand when they were out on the town. I loved how he daydreamed about how their life could be, how they could all be a family and take walks in the park. I loved how in the end neither Simon or Eliza hesitated- they knew the sacrifices it would take to be together and were both willing to do whatever it took.
This book nicely sets up the next with Jenny and Lord David and I can't wait! The tension is off the charts and I LOVE a historical marriage of convenience.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishing team for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 27, 2025
4.5 stars!!!
i think i’m back in my historical romance era bc DANG this was goooooood !!! i was hooked from page one and was so invested in how eliza & simon would end up together. the romance was swoon-worthy, but i also loved that there was an element of suspense, action and mystery!!! as an action movie girlie, i really liked the combination of action & historical romance.
i seriously forgot how much i love historical romances & now i'm going to have to read more because there's just something about the way they YEARN and the tension??? it's top notch.
will for sure be reading book one now & keeping an eye out for book two 👀🤭
thank you Berkley Pub & Berkley Romance for the e-arc & the gifted finished copy! this is my honest review.
i think i’m back in my historical romance era bc DANG this was goooooood !!! i was hooked from page one and was so invested in how eliza & simon would end up together. the romance was swoon-worthy, but i also loved that there was an element of suspense, action and mystery!!! as an action movie girlie, i really liked the combination of action & historical romance.
i seriously forgot how much i love historical romances & now i'm going to have to read more because there's just something about the way they YEARN and the tension??? it's top notch.
will for sure be reading book one now & keeping an eye out for book two 👀🤭
thank you Berkley Pub & Berkley Romance for the e-arc & the gifted finished copy! this is my honest review.
July 10, 2025
OMG OMG OMG BLESS HARPER ST. GEORGE!!!! AN EASY 5 STARS🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 is this up there with my favourite upon favourites The Lady Tempts An Heir?? YES I THINK SO🥰🥰
The chemistry between Eliza and Simon was INSANE. Like giving big Max and Helena energy, so if you loved them, you’ll devour this. The prize boxer / prize fighter trope is always my favourite, and our Simon is that, so I couldn’t ask for more. He’s a lot more though. A lot more of everything🤤 Eliza was fantastic also. I am just obsessing about Simon right now, and when you read it you’ll understand.
On my way to preorder the next book in the series!!! I think I saw that in the newsletter, it’s independent published:) I hope that this author knows how special her books are. They really get me through tough times in my head, and so few books do that. Can’t wait for more from this author in the independent sphere!! I’ll buy 10 copies of every book if it means she’ll keep writing🥰
***
My preorder got delivered early, so I devoured this entire book last night!!! Perfection! 5 STARS. Full review to come😍😍
The chemistry between Eliza and Simon was INSANE. Like giving big Max and Helena energy, so if you loved them, you’ll devour this. The prize boxer / prize fighter trope is always my favourite, and our Simon is that, so I couldn’t ask for more. He’s a lot more though. A lot more of everything🤤 Eliza was fantastic also. I am just obsessing about Simon right now, and when you read it you’ll understand.
On my way to preorder the next book in the series!!! I think I saw that in the newsletter, it’s independent published:) I hope that this author knows how special her books are. They really get me through tough times in my head, and so few books do that. Can’t wait for more from this author in the independent sphere!! I’ll buy 10 copies of every book if it means she’ll keep writing🥰
***
My preorder got delivered early, so I devoured this entire book last night!!! Perfection! 5 STARS. Full review to come😍😍
July 27, 2025
I really enjoyed the last installment, but something about Eliza and the Duke just didn’t speak to me. The conflict stressed me out. Eliza’s behavior was risky at times and I didn’t feel the romance. I was happy with how it all worked out, though.
Love that gorgeous cover!
I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy courtesy of the publisher. These are my thoughts and opinions.
Love that gorgeous cover!
I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy courtesy of the publisher. These are my thoughts and opinions.
June 28, 2025
Eliza is just another rich, untitled heiress and is *gasp* American, therefore gauche and in need of a husband who will raise her status. She is betrothed to a philandering viscount obsessed with his GI tract when she stumbles upon the sexy, mysterious prize fighter named Simon who is most definitely not a duke as the title suggests… The catch? She will only get her inheritance from her evil father if he approves of her match and Simon most definitely does not fit the bill. Simon is a bad boy (he boxes) and is making ends meet in the ring, taking care of his orphaned niece all while trying to pay off his Peaky fuckin Blinders esque ex-guardian who demands an arbitrary amount of money from him for taking him off the streets. Will he ever be able to get away from Thomas Shelby and have a happily ever after with Eliza?
Through the story we are taken through more seedy streets of London to see the conditions of the working class which contrasts with the upper echelons of Society that Eliza is part of. It is a well researched novel with meticulous details woven which I am a sucker for. I love the explanations Harper St. George gives in her author’s note as well. This is my second St. George novel and I will 100% be reading the rest of the series. I don’t remember the last time I was this excited for the next book in a series to come out because the mere crumbs that we got of Jenny and Lord David have me in a chokehold - they were the best part of the story oh the ANGST 😭 3.5⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkeley Publishing Group for providing an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Through the story we are taken through more seedy streets of London to see the conditions of the working class which contrasts with the upper echelons of Society that Eliza is part of. It is a well researched novel with meticulous details woven which I am a sucker for. I love the explanations Harper St. George gives in her author’s note as well. This is my second St. George novel and I will 100% be reading the rest of the series. I don’t remember the last time I was this excited for the next book in a series to come out because the mere crumbs that we got of Jenny and Lord David have me in a chokehold - they were the best part of the story oh the ANGST 😭 3.5⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkeley Publishing Group for providing an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 2, 2025
I have been loving these American heiress books and was excited to continue this series.
I really liked Eliza and Simon. They're both smart and loyal people looking for something of their own, when they find a spark on each other. Together they have loads of chemistry, open conversations, and a stubbornness that was delightful to read.
Plot wise, it was good. There are a few moving parts here, but nothing felt convoluted. The ending conflict and resolution was something I wasn't expecting, but I'm not mad at how it played out. I will say that I'm stupid excited for Jenny's book, especially after that set up.
Overall, another great addition to the series and I'll just be over here waiting for book 3.
**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge**
I really liked Eliza and Simon. They're both smart and loyal people looking for something of their own, when they find a spark on each other. Together they have loads of chemistry, open conversations, and a stubbornness that was delightful to read.
Plot wise, it was good. There are a few moving parts here, but nothing felt convoluted. The ending conflict and resolution was something I wasn't expecting, but I'm not mad at how it played out. I will say that I'm stupid excited for Jenny's book, especially after that set up.
Overall, another great addition to the series and I'll just be over here waiting for book 3.
**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge**
January 27, 2025
This was my first book by the author and I enjoyed this read. We have the fmc who is an American heiress who has to marry a lord and someone in her status. One night she meets this duke who even beneath her class takes her on a journey and adventure in the Gilded Age. I liked that the duke was a boxer who came from a lower class and I appreciated how he had to get into the upper-class world and what that looked for for him. I also really liked the fmc and how she approached the adventures with this curious and sometimes naive fmc lol. There were some steamy scenes and some parts moved slowly but overall it was a good historical romance. Thanks to Berkley for this arc.
3.75/5
3.75/5
May 12, 2025
Not sure why this book didn’t work for me but I am also bummed to realize Berkley didn’t pick up the next book in the series bc the way she set up the pairing for the third book was EXTREMELY intriguing and I would have devoured that. I didn’t love the FMC initially, she presented as extremely spoiled and accustomed to getting her way in things and it took her explaining her background for me to remember she actually wasn’t raised in luxury. I liked the MMC more which is unusual for me but there you have it. I did eventually come around to the FMC but the ending also resolved itself so easily and quickly, like I blinked and it was all over and done with.
ARC from publisher, review is all mine.
Content Notes: off page and on page violence, murder, attempted kidnapping
ARC from publisher, review is all mine.
Content Notes: off page and on page violence, murder, attempted kidnapping
May 2, 2025
Eliza and the Duke is a gorgeous tale of perseverance, of collecting dreams, and of choice in love. Historical romances seem to have an extra special touch when it comes to featuring a love story full of yearning and longing in the face of duty and expectation. And this book has it in spades! To such a beautiful degree you will absolutely be rooting for the leads' paths to become one of the same. Societal and class expectations will stand in their way, but it will only make you yearn all the more for Eliza and the Duke to forge their own way.
Relocated to London with her sisters and mother, American heiress Eliza cannot collect her inheritance unless married to an aristocratic gentleman of her godfather’s choosing. After discovering her would-be fiancé’s philandering ways across the sea, she decides at the very least she deserves one night out, free of societal expectations, to experience a life of her own choosing before being bound to a man she does not know much less love. Enter Simon, known as ‘the Duke,’ a prized boxer striving to win enough coin to ensure the safety of his late sister’s daughter whom he raises as his own. A chance meeting between Eliza and Simon will forever change the trajectory of both their lives…
I love the way Eliza and Simon first meet, it sets the ball rolling in an excellent direction. Simon tries to best keep her at a distance but Eliza is delightfully relentless, and what she wants is for him to show her a night out. Not in terms of intimacy between them, but simply living a night out in the city, visiting the places ladies of society are not meant to be, including the club where Simon boxes. She fears once bound to her betrothed she will never live out her dreams, and so, just for one night she wants to make them true. Simon inevitably relents, but it’s so fun watching him try his best to initially dissuade her. But her charms are so disarming, not just for The Duke but readers as well! And that served to gorgeously amplify their chemistry. It was so beautifully written! There is an endearing lightness to their banter, which is terrifically balanced with the heavy emotional load when it comes to the reality of their perspective positions in society. Witnessing them navigate, question, and challenge this makes their love story all the more powerful.
I enjoyed the entire direction of the plot, and while it did at times slow down a bit too much for my preference, it was never in an overly distracting way. I began and ended this story with absolute satisfaction.
I loved this one and this is a book that has introduced me to an author whose works I now need to immediately dive into!
Thank you Berkley Romance and NetGalley for this advanced complimentary copy, I leave this honest review voluntarily.
Relocated to London with her sisters and mother, American heiress Eliza cannot collect her inheritance unless married to an aristocratic gentleman of her godfather’s choosing. After discovering her would-be fiancé’s philandering ways across the sea, she decides at the very least she deserves one night out, free of societal expectations, to experience a life of her own choosing before being bound to a man she does not know much less love. Enter Simon, known as ‘the Duke,’ a prized boxer striving to win enough coin to ensure the safety of his late sister’s daughter whom he raises as his own. A chance meeting between Eliza and Simon will forever change the trajectory of both their lives…
I love the way Eliza and Simon first meet, it sets the ball rolling in an excellent direction. Simon tries to best keep her at a distance but Eliza is delightfully relentless, and what she wants is for him to show her a night out. Not in terms of intimacy between them, but simply living a night out in the city, visiting the places ladies of society are not meant to be, including the club where Simon boxes. She fears once bound to her betrothed she will never live out her dreams, and so, just for one night she wants to make them true. Simon inevitably relents, but it’s so fun watching him try his best to initially dissuade her. But her charms are so disarming, not just for The Duke but readers as well! And that served to gorgeously amplify their chemistry. It was so beautifully written! There is an endearing lightness to their banter, which is terrifically balanced with the heavy emotional load when it comes to the reality of their perspective positions in society. Witnessing them navigate, question, and challenge this makes their love story all the more powerful.
I enjoyed the entire direction of the plot, and while it did at times slow down a bit too much for my preference, it was never in an overly distracting way. I began and ended this story with absolute satisfaction.
I loved this one and this is a book that has introduced me to an author whose works I now need to immediately dive into!
Thank you Berkley Romance and NetGalley for this advanced complimentary copy, I leave this honest review voluntarily.
July 4, 2025
I love Harper St. George’s American heroines! I especially love that the women in this series are interacting with Camille from her last series, though they are in very different positions when it comes to class and money.
Eliza craves adventure, and wants to have some excitement in her life before she settles down and marries her wet blanket aristocrat. She convinces a boxer who also works security for her sister Cora’s husband to take her out on the town to see places that she would never be able to go alone. Of course they have a a wonderful time and bond over their modest backgrounds.
This one resolves in a neat way, though I kind of wish there were 50 more pages in here. I would’ve loved to see more shenanigans or more adventure. Harper’s experience writing category romances means she can pack a lot into a small amount of space, though.
Eliza craves adventure, and wants to have some excitement in her life before she settles down and marries her wet blanket aristocrat. She convinces a boxer who also works security for her sister Cora’s husband to take her out on the town to see places that she would never be able to go alone. Of course they have a a wonderful time and bond over their modest backgrounds.
This one resolves in a neat way, though I kind of wish there were 50 more pages in here. I would’ve loved to see more shenanigans or more adventure. Harper’s experience writing category romances means she can pack a lot into a small amount of space, though.
June 4, 2025
Thank you to Berkley Romance and PRH Audio for the ARC/ALC!
Harper St. George was my introduction to historical romance even before Bridgerton came out. I picked one of her books from Book of the Month because of the stunning cover - it’s always 3/4 skirt, and I’m obsessed. But I kept coming back because they are fast, feminist, spicy reads.
Eliza and the Duke is no different. We get to dive into the world of bare knuckle brawling and focus on life outside of the aristocracy. I loved all the twists and turns we went on! Eliza and Simon had sizzling chemistry, and I couldn’t put it down until the HEA.
This was fantastic on audio, easily bingeable with clear, distinct characters.
While you can read this one as a standalone, this is the second book in a spinoff series, so if you want to get the full backstory you may want to start with the first Gilded Heiresses book, The Heiress Gets a Duke.
Harper St. George was my introduction to historical romance even before Bridgerton came out. I picked one of her books from Book of the Month because of the stunning cover - it’s always 3/4 skirt, and I’m obsessed. But I kept coming back because they are fast, feminist, spicy reads.
Eliza and the Duke is no different. We get to dive into the world of bare knuckle brawling and focus on life outside of the aristocracy. I loved all the twists and turns we went on! Eliza and Simon had sizzling chemistry, and I couldn’t put it down until the HEA.
This was fantastic on audio, easily bingeable with clear, distinct characters.
While you can read this one as a standalone, this is the second book in a spinoff series, so if you want to get the full backstory you may want to start with the first Gilded Heiresses book, The Heiress Gets a Duke.
January 20, 2025
My rating is 4.5 stars and I'm rounding up to 5 stars because Harper St. George is an immediate buy/read author for me because she writes terribly romantic books chock full of historical details and builds her worlds with care and attention that immerses the reader in the setting. I think if you've read her previous series "The Gilded Age Heiresses" or the first book of this current series The Stranger I Wed, you will understand what I mean. Also, this cover is bonkers gorgeous!
Eliza and Simon have a very swoon-worthy, steamy romance with plenty of longing and tension building up to a satisfying conclusion. I enjoyed the presence of Jenny in this story (and am super looking forward to her story!). I appreciated the change of pace from the high-society world of the previous books to the rougher Whitechapel area. The choices and considerations Eliza and Simon have to make on their road to happily ever after feel more high-stakes than in other historical romance books I have read.
In the beginning, Eliza annoyed me because she came off as very juvenile (I know her character is supposed to be only 19 years old!). It was frustrating that she knew she was acting in a way that could potentially hurt her family but decided to be selfish anyway. Also, this book includes a lot of characters from the previous book in this series and the related series "The Gilded Age Heiresses." The timelines also overlap considerably. At times it felt a little overstuffed. I think it is beneficial to have read the other books that came before to have the best understanding of the timeline and all the characters, but this could be read as a standalone.
I received an eARC from Net Galley.
Eliza and Simon have a very swoon-worthy, steamy romance with plenty of longing and tension building up to a satisfying conclusion. I enjoyed the presence of Jenny in this story (and am super looking forward to her story!). I appreciated the change of pace from the high-society world of the previous books to the rougher Whitechapel area. The choices and considerations Eliza and Simon have to make on their road to happily ever after feel more high-stakes than in other historical romance books I have read.
In the beginning, Eliza annoyed me because she came off as very juvenile (I know her character is supposed to be only 19 years old!). It was frustrating that she knew she was acting in a way that could potentially hurt her family but decided to be selfish anyway. Also, this book includes a lot of characters from the previous book in this series and the related series "The Gilded Age Heiresses." The timelines also overlap considerably. At times it felt a little overstuffed. I think it is beneficial to have read the other books that came before to have the best understanding of the timeline and all the characters, but this could be read as a standalone.
I received an eARC from Net Galley.
June 18, 2025
I really enjoy Harper St. George's work so when I saw that this book would be a bit of a deviation for her from the formula of Gilded Age romances she's been publishing I was so excited to dive in!
Eliza Dove, the youngest of three American heiresses in London, must marry a titled man to claim her inheritance. She's been betrothed to a distant, philandering viscount but longs for one last adventure. After sneaking into the infamous Montague Club, she meets a mysterious man known only as "Duke." He's actually Simon Cavell—a prizefighter and club manager—later hired to protect her family. Their chemistry is instant, but he's far from the titled match she needs... and falling for him could cost her the inheritance she needs for her future security.
This was the first of Harper St. George's books I've read to feature a working class hero. Her other heroes were not always titled but they all have a fortune at their disposal. Simon is truly a regular person. He came from nothing, growing up as an orphan in Whitechapel. Eliza thinks she understands his past because she and her sisters grew up on a shoestring allowance, but when she goes to Whitechapel with Simon and sees how the people there live, she comes to understand that she has no concept of actual poverty or the choices people are forced to make to fulfill their basic needs. Harper St. George did a great job of making late Victorian Whitechapel come alive. I've read a lot of historical romances that partially take place in the East End this was one of the best descriptions of the area I've read in a while.
Harper St. George really went for it with the character development. At the start of this book, I found Eliza to almost be insufferably naive. She is so unaware of her level of privilege or the advantages she has because of her dowry– even if she has to marry a man she doesn't love. She comes off as the rich girl who wants to slum it for a day just to do something exciting because she doesn't comprehend the danger people in those circumstances face. Harper St. George did a great job of showing how Eliza gains an understanding of the world around her, especially Simon's past, and convincingly gets her to a place where she makes an informed decision about her future.
I am very sad that this series and Harper St. George has been dropped by the publisher. The third book in The Doves of New York was set up in Eliza and the Duke. It looks like it was going to be between Jenny Dove, the middle Dove sister and an aspiring opera singer, and the heir to a dukedom. And it was going to be a marriage of convenience. I really hope Harper St. George will be able to indie publish it because that is basically everything I want in a historical romance.
I am giving this one 4.5 stars, rounded here for Goodreads. A truly great historical romance and I plan to support Harper fully as she transitions to indie publishing.
Thank you to Berkley for the ARC I received of Eliza and the Duke.
Eliza Dove, the youngest of three American heiresses in London, must marry a titled man to claim her inheritance. She's been betrothed to a distant, philandering viscount but longs for one last adventure. After sneaking into the infamous Montague Club, she meets a mysterious man known only as "Duke." He's actually Simon Cavell—a prizefighter and club manager—later hired to protect her family. Their chemistry is instant, but he's far from the titled match she needs... and falling for him could cost her the inheritance she needs for her future security.
This was the first of Harper St. George's books I've read to feature a working class hero. Her other heroes were not always titled but they all have a fortune at their disposal. Simon is truly a regular person. He came from nothing, growing up as an orphan in Whitechapel. Eliza thinks she understands his past because she and her sisters grew up on a shoestring allowance, but when she goes to Whitechapel with Simon and sees how the people there live, she comes to understand that she has no concept of actual poverty or the choices people are forced to make to fulfill their basic needs. Harper St. George did a great job of making late Victorian Whitechapel come alive. I've read a lot of historical romances that partially take place in the East End this was one of the best descriptions of the area I've read in a while.
Harper St. George really went for it with the character development. At the start of this book, I found Eliza to almost be insufferably naive. She is so unaware of her level of privilege or the advantages she has because of her dowry– even if she has to marry a man she doesn't love. She comes off as the rich girl who wants to slum it for a day just to do something exciting because she doesn't comprehend the danger people in those circumstances face. Harper St. George did a great job of showing how Eliza gains an understanding of the world around her, especially Simon's past, and convincingly gets her to a place where she makes an informed decision about her future.
I am very sad that this series and Harper St. George has been dropped by the publisher. The third book in The Doves of New York was set up in Eliza and the Duke. It looks like it was going to be between Jenny Dove, the middle Dove sister and an aspiring opera singer, and the heir to a dukedom. And it was going to be a marriage of convenience. I really hope Harper St. George will be able to indie publish it because that is basically everything I want in a historical romance.
I am giving this one 4.5 stars, rounded here for Goodreads. A truly great historical romance and I plan to support Harper fully as she transitions to indie publishing.
Thank you to Berkley for the ARC I received of Eliza and the Duke.
June 23, 2025
Harper St. George writes a really solid romance. I always know I’m going to get an interesting plot, learn a little something about people from a certain period in time, and get a steamy swoony relationship. In this instance I was immediately engaged in the opening scene where American (heiress in name) Eliza Dove is attempting to catch a glimpse of the Montague club, a gaming club attached to the home of her sponsor for the season. It is during this rendezvous that she meets “the Duke” whom she is instantly intrigued by.
As assumed class differences would dictate, Eliza and Simon would never traditionally cross paths. I loved how over time they discover there is much less separating them than at face value; Eliza is beholden to a father who kept his relationship with her mother separate from his other family, living with little means, and Simon was an orphan who was indebted to Whitechapel racketeer Brody, never truly being free of his dealings. Their choices are limited and whereas Simon prizefights and works at a gaming club, Eliza is betrothed to an Earl in order to receive a dowry that will help her family.
What initially begins with insta-fascination quickly turns into attraction as Simon is hired to protect Eliza and her sister Jenny. Eliza makes a deal with him that she will not reveal his identity as the notorious fighter “the Duke” if he will give her one night of living before she has to enter into a contractual loveless marriage. When you contemplate Eliza’s age, it’s easy to feel her girlish crush on Simon. He’s capable and just a little bit dangerous and seeing him at an exhibition fight just makes Eliza want him more. I loved the blending of the socialite London world with the streets of Whitechapel. Eliza gets to experience a little bit of Simon’s life and they both discover feeling of falling for someone you can’t have. Those feelings are definitely explored in the intimacy scenes—carriages work well when you’re being secretive!—and I believed their attraction to one another.
This book got better and better the more I read and I am most intrigued with Jenny’s relationship with Lord David. The undercurrent of tension there is a story waiting to happen. Characters from many of St. George’s previous books are sprinkled throughout, but it’s not imperative that you read them first. I also loved that the plausibility of a real long-term romance between Simon and Eliza was dissected (by Jenny) as often I wonder if fictional characters would still be living their HEA long after the book ends. Spoiler, they get their HEA! I received this advanced copy from Berkley. All opinions are my own.
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟.5️⃣
Steam: 🪭🪭.5️⃣
As assumed class differences would dictate, Eliza and Simon would never traditionally cross paths. I loved how over time they discover there is much less separating them than at face value; Eliza is beholden to a father who kept his relationship with her mother separate from his other family, living with little means, and Simon was an orphan who was indebted to Whitechapel racketeer Brody, never truly being free of his dealings. Their choices are limited and whereas Simon prizefights and works at a gaming club, Eliza is betrothed to an Earl in order to receive a dowry that will help her family.
What initially begins with insta-fascination quickly turns into attraction as Simon is hired to protect Eliza and her sister Jenny. Eliza makes a deal with him that she will not reveal his identity as the notorious fighter “the Duke” if he will give her one night of living before she has to enter into a contractual loveless marriage. When you contemplate Eliza’s age, it’s easy to feel her girlish crush on Simon. He’s capable and just a little bit dangerous and seeing him at an exhibition fight just makes Eliza want him more. I loved the blending of the socialite London world with the streets of Whitechapel. Eliza gets to experience a little bit of Simon’s life and they both discover feeling of falling for someone you can’t have. Those feelings are definitely explored in the intimacy scenes—carriages work well when you’re being secretive!—and I believed their attraction to one another.
This book got better and better the more I read and I am most intrigued with Jenny’s relationship with Lord David. The undercurrent of tension there is a story waiting to happen. Characters from many of St. George’s previous books are sprinkled throughout, but it’s not imperative that you read them first. I also loved that the plausibility of a real long-term romance between Simon and Eliza was dissected (by Jenny) as often I wonder if fictional characters would still be living their HEA long after the book ends. Spoiler, they get their HEA! I received this advanced copy from Berkley. All opinions are my own.
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟.5️⃣
Steam: 🪭🪭.5️⃣
June 24, 2025
4.25 stars
oh my god i'm obsessed!!! i loved Eliza's rebellious and free-spirited attitude the minute i met her in book 1, and let me tell y'all, she was the perfect "fine, i'll do it myself" heroine!! she went after what she wanted and fought for her future and she's my hero!
and the romance!!! Simon and Eliza were everything to me! i loved their forbidden courtship so much (bc she's in an arranged betrothal to some guy she does not love!!!) it was so push and pull and stolen kisses and midnight rendezvous! i was giggling and kicking my feet. i also really enjoyed the conversations between their class-differences bc it added the perfect amount of angst but also facilitated such deep and meaningful conversations about privilege that ultimately brought them even closer together. rule of thumb: never let your fiancé get in the way of finding the love of your life!
i'm having the time of my life with this series and I cannot wait for Jenny's book oh my god!!!
Harper St. George is now a new favorite historical romance author and I can't wait to dive into her backlist.
thank you Berkley Romance for this e-arc, it's out everywhere now!
oh my god i'm obsessed!!! i loved Eliza's rebellious and free-spirited attitude the minute i met her in book 1, and let me tell y'all, she was the perfect "fine, i'll do it myself" heroine!! she went after what she wanted and fought for her future and she's my hero!
and the romance!!! Simon and Eliza were everything to me! i loved their forbidden courtship so much (bc she's in an arranged betrothal to some guy she does not love!!!) it was so push and pull and stolen kisses and midnight rendezvous! i was giggling and kicking my feet. i also really enjoyed the conversations between their class-differences bc it added the perfect amount of angst but also facilitated such deep and meaningful conversations about privilege that ultimately brought them even closer together. rule of thumb: never let your fiancé get in the way of finding the love of your life!
i'm having the time of my life with this series and I cannot wait for Jenny's book oh my god!!!
Harper St. George is now a new favorite historical romance author and I can't wait to dive into her backlist.
thank you Berkley Romance for this e-arc, it's out everywhere now!
May 3, 2025
Many thanks to Berkley, PRHAudio, and NetGalley for the preview. All opinions are my own.
This was another super enjoyable histrom from St. George. This time the Dove sister in question, Eliza, realizes she may be throwing away her chance at happiness in settling for a “suitable” man, and a dangerous prize fighter captures her attention.
While Eliza was definitely impetuous and rash at times (girl, you in danger!), Simon was a giant cinnamon roll. The forbidden nature of their relationship added heat and risk. Even with the threat of penury for Eliza and bodily harm to Simon, I was never overly worried. I did love the conclusion (and the steam!).
I’m so excited now for the final sister’s book! I anticipate a scorching conclusion to the series!
As always, I enjoyed the author’s note at the end for added historical context!
This was another super enjoyable histrom from St. George. This time the Dove sister in question, Eliza, realizes she may be throwing away her chance at happiness in settling for a “suitable” man, and a dangerous prize fighter captures her attention.
While Eliza was definitely impetuous and rash at times (girl, you in danger!), Simon was a giant cinnamon roll. The forbidden nature of their relationship added heat and risk. Even with the threat of penury for Eliza and bodily harm to Simon, I was never overly worried. I did love the conclusion (and the steam!).
I’m so excited now for the final sister’s book! I anticipate a scorching conclusion to the series!
As always, I enjoyed the author’s note at the end for added historical context!
July 25, 2025
It seems that our leading female character has found herself in quiet a conundrum as they say. Her intentions may have been for good, but the ending comes out dreadful scandalous. For whom you say? Well not whom you are thinking of. Of yes my fellow readers. Simon and Eliza will have you laughing, then latter have your tongues wagging for more. More of Simons devastatingly handsome appeal. And his wet tongue appetite for the finer women. Eliza is no mouse that you would find hidden away in the closet. Her character is fantastic. She flips the story so well. I laughed and I had a fun time reading it. I give it two snaps and a twist. Until next time my fellow readers. Ready!
June 25, 2025
Eliza and the Duke by Harper St. George 💙
The Doves of New York, Book 2
Interconnected Standalone
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Adult • Historical Romance
ARC Review
336 Pages
🗓️ June 24
💙gilded age romance
💙secret relationship
💙betrothed to another
💙forbidden relationship
💙single dad(ish)
📌”She shined like a jewel, and he wanted to hold her in the light, in the dark, and everywhere in between to see how she shimmered.”
📌”I reckon a man should have the woman he loves at his side on an evening such as this.”
I was so in need of an Historial Romance. I didn’t even know how much I was craving it. And this hit all the boxes, crossed all the Ts and got me to stay up reading last night, which hasn’t happened in a solid minute.
{did I hear Lin Manuel Miranda’s voice in my head every time I read the name Eliza?! But of course}
This was a unique FMC for the time and I adored her even more for that. She went after what she wanted. She wasn’t one to settle and she fought hard for her heart’s desires.
And for all the roughness in our Duke, the truth is under all of that was a bleeding heart, a haunted soul and a whole lot of softness.
I haven’t read book 1 but now I need them all. The one before, all the ones after and anything remotely related. Please and thank you.
Thank you so much @harperstgeorge @berkleyromance and @netgalley for this free ARC.
The Doves of New York, Book 2
Interconnected Standalone
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Adult • Historical Romance
ARC Review
336 Pages
🗓️ June 24
💙gilded age romance
💙secret relationship
💙betrothed to another
💙forbidden relationship
💙single dad(ish)
📌”She shined like a jewel, and he wanted to hold her in the light, in the dark, and everywhere in between to see how she shimmered.”
📌”I reckon a man should have the woman he loves at his side on an evening such as this.”
I was so in need of an Historial Romance. I didn’t even know how much I was craving it. And this hit all the boxes, crossed all the Ts and got me to stay up reading last night, which hasn’t happened in a solid minute.
{did I hear Lin Manuel Miranda’s voice in my head every time I read the name Eliza?! But of course}
This was a unique FMC for the time and I adored her even more for that. She went after what she wanted. She wasn’t one to settle and she fought hard for her heart’s desires.
And for all the roughness in our Duke, the truth is under all of that was a bleeding heart, a haunted soul and a whole lot of softness.
I haven’t read book 1 but now I need them all. The one before, all the ones after and anything remotely related. Please and thank you.
Thank you so much @harperstgeorge @berkleyromance and @netgalley for this free ARC.
January 26, 2025
well, at least there isn't a bodice ripper cover.
✰ 3.5 stars, I felt like the romance was rushed and therefore borderline insta love. I find this author can be a bit hit or miss. you can certainly tell which of her books she puts her heart and soul into and which she does not.
thank you to Berkley Publishing Group for the free arc in exchange for an honest review
platform: netgalley ebook arc
✰ 3.5 stars, I felt like the romance was rushed and therefore borderline insta love. I find this author can be a bit hit or miss. you can certainly tell which of her books she puts her heart and soul into and which she does not.
thank you to Berkley Publishing Group for the free arc in exchange for an honest review
platform: netgalley ebook arc
June 27, 2025
3.5 stars ⭐️ I wanted to like this one more than I did. I didn’t connect with the characters. The plot was interesting though.
July 1, 2025
While this is the second book in the Doves of New York, it holds as a standalone and can be read out of order. I read book one, but listened to Eliza and the Duke. I love narrator, Saskia Maarleveld and have listened to countless audios narrated by her. I thought she nailed Eliza’s feisty character, and while I liked Simon, I did not like the voice she created for him.
Eliza is a romantic at heart, but also cares about her family, which is why she has agreed to a marriage of convenience. Before she does that, she wants a little adventure. When she meets Simon Cavell, known only as ‘the Duke,’ Whitechapel’s prize boxer, she decides she wants that adventure with him.
Simon has secrets and is fighting to secure a future off the streets for his family. Eliza is not part of those plans, and so he agrees to give the temptress one night out on the town. But one night could never be enough. I loved their interaction, Eliza’s inquisitive nature and learning Simon’s story. We get some suspenseful moments towards the end and I was rooting for them to get their happily ever after.
I adore Harper St. George, but struggled with Eliza and the Duke. I loved the individual characters and the overall storyline, but struggled to stay in the story. I am not sure if it was the pacing, the male voice, or just me. The story, while satisfying, was not memorable. I am, of course, looking forward to the next book.
This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
Eliza is a romantic at heart, but also cares about her family, which is why she has agreed to a marriage of convenience. Before she does that, she wants a little adventure. When she meets Simon Cavell, known only as ‘the Duke,’ Whitechapel’s prize boxer, she decides she wants that adventure with him.
Simon has secrets and is fighting to secure a future off the streets for his family. Eliza is not part of those plans, and so he agrees to give the temptress one night out on the town. But one night could never be enough. I loved their interaction, Eliza’s inquisitive nature and learning Simon’s story. We get some suspenseful moments towards the end and I was rooting for them to get their happily ever after.
I adore Harper St. George, but struggled with Eliza and the Duke. I loved the individual characters and the overall storyline, but struggled to stay in the story. I am not sure if it was the pacing, the male voice, or just me. The story, while satisfying, was not memorable. I am, of course, looking forward to the next book.
This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
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