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The Bellamy Sisters #6
Kathryn
Gerrit van Draak, the fifth Duke of Dulverton, might not love his orderly, boring life, but at least it is one he can manage.
And then she comes along.
Lady Kathryn Bellamy not only tears down the walls Gerrit has spent decades carefully constructing, she also shatters the bedrock of his existence in the process.
Katie has spent the past five years burning bridges. Her most recent stunt has left her cut off from friends and family and finally alone. Well, alone except for the man society calls the Duke of Dullness—but only behind his back. Something must be wrong with Katie because she finds Dulverton anything but dull. In fact, he’s the first man she’s felt a spark of interest for in five long years. Except it’s not just a spark. It’s more like a raging inferno of fascination and desire.
Unfortunately, the distracting, distant, and disturbingly delicious Duke of Dulverton does not feel the same way about Katie.
Or does he? Who can tell?
Certainly not Katie. She has no idea what her brand-new husband thinks about her, their hasty marriage, or anything else. All she does know is that the marriage of convenience they agreed to is becoming increasingly inconvenient. Indeed, the more time she spends with Dulverton, the more determined she is to break the bargain they made not to fall in love…
Kathryn is the wickedly witty and sensually steamy sixth book in a nine-book series. It is a spicy enemies-to-lovers, beauty and the beast, age-gap historical romance that can be read as a standalone. Download today!
And then she comes along.
Lady Kathryn Bellamy not only tears down the walls Gerrit has spent decades carefully constructing, she also shatters the bedrock of his existence in the process.
Katie has spent the past five years burning bridges. Her most recent stunt has left her cut off from friends and family and finally alone. Well, alone except for the man society calls the Duke of Dullness—but only behind his back. Something must be wrong with Katie because she finds Dulverton anything but dull. In fact, he’s the first man she’s felt a spark of interest for in five long years. Except it’s not just a spark. It’s more like a raging inferno of fascination and desire.
Unfortunately, the distracting, distant, and disturbingly delicious Duke of Dulverton does not feel the same way about Katie.
Or does he? Who can tell?
Certainly not Katie. She has no idea what her brand-new husband thinks about her, their hasty marriage, or anything else. All she does know is that the marriage of convenience they agreed to is becoming increasingly inconvenient. Indeed, the more time she spends with Dulverton, the more determined she is to break the bargain they made not to fall in love…
Kathryn is the wickedly witty and sensually steamy sixth book in a nine-book series. It is a spicy enemies-to-lovers, beauty and the beast, age-gap historical romance that can be read as a standalone. Download today!
351 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 21, 2025
172 people are currently reading
155 people want to read
About the author
Minerva Spencer
52 books1,768 followers**I ONLY RATE BOOKS I REALLY ENJOYED**.
Before I began writing I spent time as a dock worker, a reader for the blind, a criminal prosecutor, and I taught American History on the college level for five years. My last job was running an 8-bedroom bed and breakfast, a subject I will never write about...
I like historical fiction because I enjoy escaping into the past when I relax. And I write romance because I love a happy ending and everything that happens along the way.
I came to writing late in life and I feel like I have to write fast to catch up! I work every day at a desk looking out over the Sangre de Cristo mountains, my free range birds, and my three flock protecting hounds Earl, Spot, and Rover.
When I'm not writing I'm playing with my animals, knitting, DIYing, crocheting, sewing, or watching old movies.
I also write historical romance and erotic romance under the name S.M. LaViolette and historical mystery under the name S.M. Goodwin.
Before I began writing I spent time as a dock worker, a reader for the blind, a criminal prosecutor, and I taught American History on the college level for five years. My last job was running an 8-bedroom bed and breakfast, a subject I will never write about...
I like historical fiction because I enjoy escaping into the past when I relax. And I write romance because I love a happy ending and everything that happens along the way.
I came to writing late in life and I feel like I have to write fast to catch up! I work every day at a desk looking out over the Sangre de Cristo mountains, my free range birds, and my three flock protecting hounds Earl, Spot, and Rover.
When I'm not writing I'm playing with my animals, knitting, DIYing, crocheting, sewing, or watching old movies.
I also write historical romance and erotic romance under the name S.M. LaViolette and historical mystery under the name S.M. Goodwin.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
December 25, 2025
I have read all of the Bellamy sister books in order written and have enjoyed them. Again, some more than others. This falls into the OK category as it is not a plot that I normally pick as it is a reformed mean girl. I really enjoy this author, and she has been on my favorite list since she started publishing. Spencer's writing held me all the way through the book as the couple's relationship is shown to grow over time. This truly was a well written book where there is attraction but not insta love with a reason for getting married due to Katies actions. This is not a book I would pick up as a first in the series and the steam is there but not as hot as some of her other books. The duke did have a form of OCD and was written as someone who was "different". A twist at the end makes it a bit different than other plots about a forced marriage The running differences with Katies first lover were a bit too often but that is a minor quibble. 3.75*
November 16, 2025
Gerrit and Kathryn’s story was fun. Plot was balanced until the end. This couple connects on fossil digs, horses and chess. Characters from other books in the series are involved and gave it a familiar sitcom feel. Gerrit is a cinnamon roll grump and Kathryn is the mean girl who cannot help herself. I like her devious boldness. Meticulous detailed description brings all characters to vivid life. I appreciate nontraditional family elements, quirky, laugh out loud moments juxtaposed against good historical detail and satisfying drama. Morecombe appearance was a total tease🥸
January 16, 2026
4.5⭐️ A great read, now to wait for Daughtry's book
November 4, 2025
S.M. LaViolette (aka Minerva Spencer) is another of my favorite authors. I have been reading her books since 2021 and I have read 39 of her books as both Minerva Spencer and S.M. LaViolette. I just love her writing.
WOW! I don't really know what to say. I really loved this book. The depth of characters, especially Katie and Gerrit was incredible. I love how she describes these characters so brilliantly. Their interactions were so different. I always know it's a good read when I just want to scream at a character. Overall really good story and worth the read. I added to my favorite books read for Nov, 2025.
WOW! I don't really know what to say. I really loved this book. The depth of characters, especially Katie and Gerrit was incredible. I love how she describes these characters so brilliantly. Their interactions were so different. I always know it's a good read when I just want to scream at a character. Overall really good story and worth the read. I added to my favorite books read for Nov, 2025.
December 3, 2025
Truly amazing
I picked this up expecting to skim it over an afternoon or two. Instead, it ate my whole day. I couldn't put it down! It has all the obligatory elements of the genre but instead of the characters losing all personality in an effort to check boxes on a list of plot elements, they stay consistent with their core traits even while becoming the best version of themselves. They are flawed and they are likeable, even lovable and it has been delightful to get to know them through this book.
I picked this up expecting to skim it over an afternoon or two. Instead, it ate my whole day. I couldn't put it down! It has all the obligatory elements of the genre but instead of the characters losing all personality in an effort to check boxes on a list of plot elements, they stay consistent with their core traits even while becoming the best version of themselves. They are flawed and they are likeable, even lovable and it has been delightful to get to know them through this book.
March 19, 2026
4.25/5.
November 6, 2025
Slow to start and a little predictable but overall entertaining
November 17, 2025
not my favorite
I enjoyed other books in the series, but this was not my cup of tea. I really didn’t care for either of the main characters. It wasn’t because the Fmc was bratty and willful and what she did to get them into their mess. It was because she was so submissive and obedient to his overbearing control after they married, that I found her boring and I didn’t respect her. I realize that that is probably true to history, but it’s not fun for me to read. Also, this is a personal taste, but I don’t like when a relationship is built and continues on lust alone. That was true for a good part of this book. So while I definitely like spice in my books, I have a harder time enjoying lust only relationships when all the rest of the day I spent apart and at odds. And I did not enjoy the double standard that the.MMC engaged in with his fathers, mistress versus his mother. It revolted me. And when the FMC makes the stupidest plan in the world at the end of the book, I was just done with the story. Done with her character. So while I love the authors writing, I did not love this book at all.
I enjoyed other books in the series, but this was not my cup of tea. I really didn’t care for either of the main characters. It wasn’t because the Fmc was bratty and willful and what she did to get them into their mess. It was because she was so submissive and obedient to his overbearing control after they married, that I found her boring and I didn’t respect her. I realize that that is probably true to history, but it’s not fun for me to read. Also, this is a personal taste, but I don’t like when a relationship is built and continues on lust alone. That was true for a good part of this book. So while I definitely like spice in my books, I have a harder time enjoying lust only relationships when all the rest of the day I spent apart and at odds. And I did not enjoy the double standard that the.MMC engaged in with his fathers, mistress versus his mother. It revolted me. And when the FMC makes the stupidest plan in the world at the end of the book, I was just done with the story. Done with her character. So while I love the authors writing, I did not love this book at all.
March 15, 2026
1st read october 2025
I can't explain why, but this definitely was my favourite (so far) from the series!
2nd read march 2026
I can't explain why, but this definitely was my favourite (so far) from the series!
2nd read march 2026
January 1, 2026
Kathryn isn't the most likeable character at the beginning of the book. She isn't a happy person and tends to create mischief. She eventually takes it too far and ends up marrying one of her victims, Gerrit, the Duke of Dulverton. He is a hard man to read with little to say. They both carry secrets that make it a complicated relationship and a strained marriage. Never fear, Spencer weaves a story that keeps your interest to a satisfying solution.
Erotic sex.
Erotic sex.
October 24, 2025
I’ll always gravitate towards Minerva and she doesn’t disappoint. I’ve ready all the Bellamy series so far and now can’t wait for Dauntry!
November 9, 2025
excellent
Of course we know it will work out but the characters are still entrancing and the dialogue clever and enjoyable.
Of course we know it will work out but the characters are still entrancing and the dialogue clever and enjoyable.
October 26, 2025
Rate：4🌟..
Review：
Spicy emotional story..
Review：
Spicy emotional story..
October 25, 2025
I did not care for this book at all which was a shame because I enjoyed the others.
March 21, 2026
While Selina’s book will always be my favorite Bellamy sisters book, this one is a close second. Kathryn and Gerrit (ha-REET) are both incredibly interesting and complex characters. Geritt provides great autism/OCD representation, while Kathryn—who is dissolute, depressed, and unpleasant to be around when we meet her at the beginning of the book—is a great example of a female character who is chastised for having the same character traits many fictional male rakes (including her best friend) have, which made me immediately love her. I just can’t get enough of female characters who are prickly and unpleasant and even downright mean—characters who would be beloved as “brooding” or “rakish” if they were men—because women don’t owe anyone pleasantness, and we should stop automatically expecting it from our romance heroines.
Of course, Gerrit and Kathryn come together with a spectacular clash, and their marriage to one another gets off to a particularly rocky start. Kathryn is angry and spiteful, while Gerrit is seemingly cold, aloof, and deeply dictatorial. In the first few chapters about their marriage, I was very in favor of Kathryn throwing things and screaming until she broke him. But Minerva Spencer is so incredibly good at getting inside both character’s heads and making us empathize with them both, because every time we are in Gerrit’s head, I immediately felt bad for him. He’s so completely obsessed with Kathryn from the beginning, and he’s so shy and reserved/traumatized that he doesn’t know how to connect with her, and so he aches to be near her while simultaneously hating himself for how he continuously upsets her whenever they spend time together. I loved reading about all the ups and downs at the beginning of their marriage, as these two guarded and traumatized people tried to connect, while hurting and misunderstanding each other again and again. My only complaint about this narrative is that the people in Kathryn and Gerrit’s life place wayyyyy more pressure on Kathryn to find a way to connect with Gerrit than they pressure Gerrit to find a way to connect with Kathryn. And it’s fine, honestly, because once Gerrit and Kathryn do start truly connecting, he makes a lot more concessions than she does: he braves going to a three week house party (despite knowing it’ll be excruciating for him) to make her happy, he overcomes his hatred of mess and clutter when he’s around her, he welcomes her onto his paleontology dig and empowers her to become a central part of that work, he rearranges his daily schedule to accommodate her, he is never offended when she continually beats him at chess, and so much more. Nonetheless, I found it grating that SO much pressure was placed on Kathryn to be the bigger person and break down Gerrit’s walls, while Gerrit was also perfectly capable of acknowledging how important his wife is to him and finding a way to connect with her before he loses her. However, this is a minor gripe, and I think it’s more a gripe about the perspective of certain characters in the story, than about the narrative itself. The narrative does a very good job of making both parties put in relatively equal amounts of effort to connect with each other and build a loving relationship.
I also loved how this book ended with a bang, just like how it started. Though these books are not exactly Harlequin romances, the author does love her drama- and adventure-filled endings, and this book is no exception. Jaspar’s reappearance made me grind my teeth and want to throw my book against the wall, but I was thrilled with the comeuppance Gerrit delivers. His defense of Kathryn was totally swoonworthy, as was the scene where he tenderly bathes her after dispatching Jaspar. I love all the quiet, tender moments Gerrit and Kathryn share throughout the book, especially as they balance out his intensely possessive and occasional violent moments, showing that he is an intensely passionate man but not a cruel one. And the revelation about his true parentage at the end of the book was just the cherry on top of everything.
In conclusion, this book has it all: a stern (yet shy and giving) hero, a prickly heroine, scientific exploration, shitty user men getting their just deserts, long-buried secrets, shocking revelations, romance side plots, and more. It’s truly a book with something for everyone.
Of course, Gerrit and Kathryn come together with a spectacular clash, and their marriage to one another gets off to a particularly rocky start. Kathryn is angry and spiteful, while Gerrit is seemingly cold, aloof, and deeply dictatorial. In the first few chapters about their marriage, I was very in favor of Kathryn throwing things and screaming until she broke him. But Minerva Spencer is so incredibly good at getting inside both character’s heads and making us empathize with them both, because every time we are in Gerrit’s head, I immediately felt bad for him. He’s so completely obsessed with Kathryn from the beginning, and he’s so shy and reserved/traumatized that he doesn’t know how to connect with her, and so he aches to be near her while simultaneously hating himself for how he continuously upsets her whenever they spend time together. I loved reading about all the ups and downs at the beginning of their marriage, as these two guarded and traumatized people tried to connect, while hurting and misunderstanding each other again and again. My only complaint about this narrative is that the people in Kathryn and Gerrit’s life place wayyyyy more pressure on Kathryn to find a way to connect with Gerrit than they pressure Gerrit to find a way to connect with Kathryn. And it’s fine, honestly, because once Gerrit and Kathryn do start truly connecting, he makes a lot more concessions than she does: he braves going to a three week house party (despite knowing it’ll be excruciating for him) to make her happy, he overcomes his hatred of mess and clutter when he’s around her, he welcomes her onto his paleontology dig and empowers her to become a central part of that work, he rearranges his daily schedule to accommodate her, he is never offended when she continually beats him at chess, and so much more. Nonetheless, I found it grating that SO much pressure was placed on Kathryn to be the bigger person and break down Gerrit’s walls, while Gerrit was also perfectly capable of acknowledging how important his wife is to him and finding a way to connect with her before he loses her. However, this is a minor gripe, and I think it’s more a gripe about the perspective of certain characters in the story, than about the narrative itself. The narrative does a very good job of making both parties put in relatively equal amounts of effort to connect with each other and build a loving relationship.
I also loved how this book ended with a bang, just like how it started. Though these books are not exactly Harlequin romances, the author does love her drama- and adventure-filled endings, and this book is no exception. Jaspar’s reappearance made me grind my teeth and want to throw my book against the wall, but I was thrilled with the comeuppance Gerrit delivers. His defense of Kathryn was totally swoonworthy, as was the scene where he tenderly bathes her after dispatching Jaspar. I love all the quiet, tender moments Gerrit and Kathryn share throughout the book, especially as they balance out his intensely possessive and occasional violent moments, showing that he is an intensely passionate man but not a cruel one. And the revelation about his true parentage at the end of the book was just the cherry on top of everything.
In conclusion, this book has it all: a stern (yet shy and giving) hero, a prickly heroine, scientific exploration, shitty user men getting their just deserts, long-buried secrets, shocking revelations, romance side plots, and more. It’s truly a book with something for everyone.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 25, 2025
4 stars, I was hooked right away but felt the book dragged out a bit longer than necessary and man, did I dread some of the perceived "stupid" decisions that Katie was determined to make!
I liked Gerrit (sp?) and Katie together and Katie's backstory was heartbreaking. They had good chemistry and really well done spicy scenes. The scheming "Mamas" sure helped!
Highlights & Spoilers:
Andrew said, with exaggerated patience, “I meant dull in the other sense of the word, darling. Even as a boy he had impossibly dull habits. He was no fun.”
“Fun?” she repeated.
“Yes. Fun. You know about fun, don’t you?”
“I know about stupid young bucks and their notions of fun,” she retorted. “Just get on with your story. What happened at this duel?”
“The dowager does not come to London?” Katie knew she should be asking her husband these questions, but Dulverton was about as approachable as a medieval castle with arrows bristling in all its embrasures.
I liked their back and forth:
“It is far more likely that you want to know what rules are in place so that you can go about breaking them.” Katie gave a startled laugh; her new husband had certainly taken her measure uncomfortably quickly.
Relatable moments, lol:
"She opened her mouth to say something—because… shouldn’t she? Shouldn’t she tell him to stop messing about down there?"
Thankfully, she didn't get to go through with her stupid plan:
Katie bit her lip at his curt response, recalling Becky’s words from earlier. “Are—are you going to beat me?”
Dulverton snorted. “Something tells me that you would not respond well to a beating, Kathryn.”
-------------
Once he’d exposed his thick, muscular forearms he reached for the bar of soap. “I will wash your hair.”
“But—” She broke off.
“But?”
“I thought you were angry with me?”
“I am no longer angry.”
“You said it would take time!”
He shrugged. “Time has now passed.”
I was left wondering at the end, why Gerrit didn't tell Katie of Jaspers other exploits at about the same time as hers??
I liked Gerrit (sp?) and Katie together and Katie's backstory was heartbreaking. They had good chemistry and really well done spicy scenes. The scheming "Mamas" sure helped!
Highlights & Spoilers:
Andrew said, with exaggerated patience, “I meant dull in the other sense of the word, darling. Even as a boy he had impossibly dull habits. He was no fun.”
“Fun?” she repeated.
“Yes. Fun. You know about fun, don’t you?”
“I know about stupid young bucks and their notions of fun,” she retorted. “Just get on with your story. What happened at this duel?”
“The dowager does not come to London?” Katie knew she should be asking her husband these questions, but Dulverton was about as approachable as a medieval castle with arrows bristling in all its embrasures.
I liked their back and forth:
“It is far more likely that you want to know what rules are in place so that you can go about breaking them.” Katie gave a startled laugh; her new husband had certainly taken her measure uncomfortably quickly.
Relatable moments, lol:
"She opened her mouth to say something—because… shouldn’t she? Shouldn’t she tell him to stop messing about down there?"
Thankfully, she didn't get to go through with her stupid plan:
Katie bit her lip at his curt response, recalling Becky’s words from earlier. “Are—are you going to beat me?”
Dulverton snorted. “Something tells me that you would not respond well to a beating, Kathryn.”
-------------
Once he’d exposed his thick, muscular forearms he reached for the bar of soap. “I will wash your hair.”
“But—” She broke off.
“But?”
“I thought you were angry with me?”
“I am no longer angry.”
“You said it would take time!”
He shrugged. “Time has now passed.”
I was left wondering at the end, why Gerrit didn't tell Katie of Jaspers other exploits at about the same time as hers??
March 11, 2026
Kathryn was my least favorite Bellamy sister through the series but she has grown on me by the end of this story. What I related to and admired about her was her needlework which she has given up through most of the book. However, I came to admire her as she grows up before our eyes, she’s 23 now, and reveals her backstory which is tragic and unknown in previous books. Gerrit (pronounced hair-EAT thank you audiobook) is so unusual. Minerva Spencer is so good at writing characters with oddities. She allows us to find the character in her characters, if you will. I can’t remember another story I’ve read with Dutch characters. It’s so interesting. The plot here is atypical as well. I thought I knew where it was going and then it went somewhere else entirely. I like to be surprised. Sometimes in this genre it feels like I’m just reading the same book over and over with different characters. Not this author. She never fails me.
October 27, 2025
Finally a Bellamy book to rival Phoebe (my underrated fave in the series). I love when an FMC is hard to love and I enjoyed the pit in my stomach feeling this book gave me. I wish the MMC’s backstory had been incorporated into the romance more because it felt rapid at the end and took the edge off a bit too much. Perhaps if he found out earlier and struggled with his secret as much as FMC was with hers? It could have been sweeter to have them both be “found out” simultaneously and forgive and be there for each other. Still I really liked this and can’t wait to read Dauntry’s story. Idk if I care as much about Becky and Fowler’s stories so hopefully they are just novellas tbh.
November 3, 2025
I love this story of how Katie and Gerrit’s relationship unfolded. It contains many bumps and bruises along with compromising and negotiating. They have a unique beginning as well as some obstacles to overcome. Wonderful book in the series!
March 29, 2026
3.5 stars
November 1, 2025
Love the writing style. Love gerrit.
Kathryn got on my nerves. About 60% of the book about her thoughts and actions irritated the shit out of me.
She acts spoiled and reckless and “know it all.”
Love the other books. Still love the MMC. But MFC SUCKS.
Kathryn got on my nerves. About 60% of the book about her thoughts and actions irritated the shit out of me.
She acts spoiled and reckless and “know it all.”
Love the other books. Still love the MMC. But MFC SUCKS.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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November 1, 2025Becky’s the real hero of this story
October 24, 2025
my least satisfactory Minerva Spencer story
February 18, 2026
Another wonderful book from Ms Spencer!
Minerva Spencer is a superb writer. No formulaic writing here - every book is different every H and h has a personality of their own and every situation is unique.
Ms Spencer can’t be faulted, her writing style makes her well written books exceptionally readable, her characters are fully rounded, her stories are well paced as well as being extremely absorbing and entertaining, this book is no exception.
Gerrit and Kathryn are captivating. I have always enjoyed a stern, cool, detached male protagonist who succumbs to an intelligent, beautiful and feisty female. Their back stories are riveting and are gradually revealed throughout the course of the book - the penultimate chapter is a shocker!
Gerrit is the Duke of Dulverton but the ton call him Dullness because he is preoccupied with order, strict organisation and uniformity in his surroundings. He lacks charm and social skills and generally shuns society. One of Kathryn’s pranks forces Gerrit and Kathryn into a marriage of convenience, and when the beautiful, rebellious, irreverent Kathryn enters his life, flouting all his rules, sparks fly.
Thankfully, this is a low angst story. It is sensually charged - Gerrit and Kathryn are physically attracted to each other and find that they are compatible in the bedroom, although in all other areas they are seemingly mismatched until they discover similar interests in riding, chess and palaeontology. A gentle alert, there are several sexually explicit sections in the book.
This is the sixth book in The Bellamy Sisters series. I have read and absolutely loved all the books, this one included. I always pre-order Minerva Spencer’s books, she is one of my three all time favourite writers. I’m impatient for her next novel.
Read this again for the second time! Love, love, love this story
Minerva Spencer is a superb writer. No formulaic writing here - every book is different every H and h has a personality of their own and every situation is unique.
Ms Spencer can’t be faulted, her writing style makes her well written books exceptionally readable, her characters are fully rounded, her stories are well paced as well as being extremely absorbing and entertaining, this book is no exception.
Gerrit and Kathryn are captivating. I have always enjoyed a stern, cool, detached male protagonist who succumbs to an intelligent, beautiful and feisty female. Their back stories are riveting and are gradually revealed throughout the course of the book - the penultimate chapter is a shocker!
Gerrit is the Duke of Dulverton but the ton call him Dullness because he is preoccupied with order, strict organisation and uniformity in his surroundings. He lacks charm and social skills and generally shuns society. One of Kathryn’s pranks forces Gerrit and Kathryn into a marriage of convenience, and when the beautiful, rebellious, irreverent Kathryn enters his life, flouting all his rules, sparks fly.
Thankfully, this is a low angst story. It is sensually charged - Gerrit and Kathryn are physically attracted to each other and find that they are compatible in the bedroom, although in all other areas they are seemingly mismatched until they discover similar interests in riding, chess and palaeontology. A gentle alert, there are several sexually explicit sections in the book.
This is the sixth book in The Bellamy Sisters series. I have read and absolutely loved all the books, this one included. I always pre-order Minerva Spencer’s books, she is one of my three all time favourite writers. I’m impatient for her next novel.
Read this again for the second time! Love, love, love this story
January 25, 2026
Three (and some extra) stars ✨
Here are my thoughts on Kathryn summed up by these adorable little emoji graphs:
📈 📉 📉 📉 📈
Basically, I thought the beginning of Kathryn started really strong. I liked the idea of Katie being this bratty and bored young woman who played little games to spice up her life. I thought it was great the way one of her "games" ruined not only her but her friend as well. Seeing Kathryn face the consequences of her actions was entertaining as hell and I was ready to see how the forced-marriage would turn out.
Unfortunately, I ended up really hating Gerrit van Draak, the fifth Duke of Dulverton. The Duke of Dullness (as he is referred to among the ton) was less boring and more domineering asshole. The way he treated Katie was atrocious and I was WAITING for her to slap him. Also, as another reviewer pointed out, he was hypocritical AF when it came to his mother vs. his father.
I also hated the messaging that everyone around Katie was giving her. They all kept insisting that SHE be the one to break through to the Duke. Like, I'm so sorry but … FUCK THAT SHIT. My guy needed to make some sort of effort outside of the bedroom.
Still, despite my immense dislike for Gerrit, I had a good time reading Kathryn. It passed the time at work, and I was extremely locked in. Plus, I thought the side-characters were nicely written. Tbh, I'd love a little novella featuring Gerrit's mom. Also, I'm looking forward to reading Dauntry , fingers crossed Doddy is less of an ass lol.
She went to her writing desk and took out not one, but two pieces of paper. It was past time she wrote to Hy to apologize for her behavior and, more importantly, to thank her for putting Katie on the path to happiness.
Here are my thoughts on Kathryn summed up by these adorable little emoji graphs:
📈 📉 📉 📉 📈
“You are my sister and I love you, Katie. But I do not respect you and that pains me. There is still time to correct your self-destructive course, but whether you do so is entirely up to you.”
Basically, I thought the beginning of Kathryn started really strong. I liked the idea of Katie being this bratty and bored young woman who played little games to spice up her life. I thought it was great the way one of her "games" ruined not only her but her friend as well. Seeing Kathryn face the consequences of her actions was entertaining as hell and I was ready to see how the forced-marriage would turn out.
Unfortunately, I ended up really hating Gerrit van Draak, the fifth Duke of Dulverton. The Duke of Dullness (as he is referred to among the ton) was less boring and more domineering asshole. The way he treated Katie was atrocious and I was WAITING for her to slap him. Also, as another reviewer pointed out, he was hypocritical AF when it came to his mother vs. his father.
“Your eyes look just like the moon.”
Gerrit blinked. “Er, thank you?”
“They are the most beautiful eyes I’ve ever seen,” she added, smiling drowsily.
He opened his mouth but did not know what to say. She liked his eyes?
I also hated the messaging that everyone around Katie was giving her. They all kept insisting that SHE be the one to break through to the Duke. Like, I'm so sorry but … FUCK THAT SHIT. My guy needed to make some sort of effort outside of the bedroom.
Still, despite my immense dislike for Gerrit, I had a good time reading Kathryn. It passed the time at work, and I was extremely locked in. Plus, I thought the side-characters were nicely written. Tbh, I'd love a little novella featuring Gerrit's mom. Also, I'm looking forward to reading Dauntry , fingers crossed Doddy is less of an ass lol.
November 17, 2025
This one ranks in the middle of the series. Better than Phoebe and Aurelia, but Hy is still the best followed by Selina. Kathryn is a truly unlikable person for a solid third of the book. Hy totally calls her out and I love her for it. Someone who thinks it’s a lark to kiss a married man is truly beyond my level of tolerance. She actually wrote about it in the author’s note at the end of the book. Basically, we are willing to tolerate bad behavior in our heroes in a way that we do not in our heroines. And this is definitely accurate on my end. Although I find men who sleep with married women in romance to also be super gross. But I trusted Ms. Spencer because I have truly enjoyed her other books. I’m glad I gave this book a chance because it was very lovely to see Gerrit and Kathryn fall in love.
There were plenty of times that I wanted to shake both of the characters for their actions. Honestly, their servants probably saved their relationship. I’m glad that the big reveal of Katie’s secret was handled well. The “I’m going to need time” scene was also really cute on Gerrit’s part.
There were plenty of times that I wanted to shake both of the characters for their actions. Honestly, their servants probably saved their relationship. I’m glad that the big reveal of Katie’s secret was handled well. The “I’m going to need time” scene was also really cute on Gerrit’s part.
November 21, 2025
A bit Beauty and the Beast, a bit Cathy and Heathcliffe.
Gerrit is so hyper-masculine it’s absurd. Katie is sex incarnate. Other than a few misunderstandings there's not much else to report
Gerrit is so hyper-masculine it’s absurd. Katie is sex incarnate. Other than a few misunderstandings there's not much else to report
December 18, 2025
I have, mostly, thoroughly like this author's books but to start with I was not taken by this story. We start with Kathryn who has turned into a mean spirited bully since being gifted a comfortable situation in life due to the success of her older siters' marriages has lifted the family from near poverty.
After a silly trick goes wrong she has to marry Gerrit and the bulk of the story deals with the early part of their marriage. Kathryn has to do a lot of quick growing up to deal with her situation as her husband is a large forceful man who is on the spectrum, suffering from OCD. The subject is handled sensitively and the text takes the time to allow their relationship to develop rather than rushing through the inevitable problems.
There is some drama, as you expect from Minerva, but again this is not overblown as I feared, at one point, that it would be.
I ended up being very happy to have read the book.
After a silly trick goes wrong she has to marry Gerrit and the bulk of the story deals with the early part of their marriage. Kathryn has to do a lot of quick growing up to deal with her situation as her husband is a large forceful man who is on the spectrum, suffering from OCD. The subject is handled sensitively and the text takes the time to allow their relationship to develop rather than rushing through the inevitable problems.
There is some drama, as you expect from Minerva, but again this is not overblown as I feared, at one point, that it would be.
I ended up being very happy to have read the book.
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November 25, 2025I think I need to take a long, LONG break from this author after reading this series and the Academy of Love series. I am disappointed. In EVERY book, the heroine is some kind of innocent flower. And EVERY time, even if she has had a lover, it was an awful experience for her. The male love interest ALWAYS has many, many mistresses and, in many cases, stays friends with them. It is not like these regency books are accurate in many ways, so I do not see why this has to be this way. In this book, the H gets so mad at the h for having one lover 5 years ago when he had a never-ending list of mistresses. Or in Miles' book, he blatantly says he refuses to cut ties with his former lovers. And EVERY h has had experiences with usually 1 former lover that was very unsatisfying. WHY?!!!!! WHY?!!! WHY?!!!!
October 28, 2025
So Good! The best of the series!
Both main characters were hard to love at first, actually I really disliked them and their choices. However, as their story unfolded, the emotion and depth had me crying and laughing, add in all the SPICE, and it was truly an amazing read! One I'll read again for sure!
Both main characters were hard to love at first, actually I really disliked them and their choices. However, as their story unfolded, the emotion and depth had me crying and laughing, add in all the SPICE, and it was truly an amazing read! One I'll read again for sure!
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