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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!
349 pages, Paperback
First published October 21, 2025
About the author
Minerva Spencer
53 books1,801 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 63 reviews
October 24, 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*
September 26, 2026
3.5-4 stars. I ended up liking this book more than I expected to. I'd tried a couple of this author's books previously, (from different series) but couldn't get into them. But I recently read an encouraging review of this one, and thought I'd try again. And yay, now I'm a bit of a convert 😊
It's about a forced marriage/MOC between two very different people who don't expect to like each other, much less fall in love. A trope that I like, and it's done pretty well here. Neither MC was particularly likeable at first, but I kept an open mind, and overall I enjoyed their journey to their HEA. As they get to know each other, we learn about some of the secrets of their pasts that have shaped them into the angry people they are at the start of the book. Gerrit's OCD might be a personality trait he always had, or maybe his childhood circumstances pointed him that way. But both MCs slowly mellowed as the book progressed. They developed a mutual interest in chess, at which Kathryn in particular is something of a whiz, and also in collecting fossils. This fleshes out their characters without dominating the story.
There were a few angsty sections, which is not something I normally love, but the author resolved them without too much pain, so I was able to keep reading OK without having to put the book down. There was quite a bit of steam too, which I understand is a hallmark of this writer. It was handled well and it fitted the MCs and their relationship as it continued to develop.
This book is #6 in a series, and it worked fine as a standalone. Some of the characters from earlier books played small parts, but it wasn't a problem. But I'm intrigued enough to go back and try the whole series from the start. We'll see how far I'll get 🤷🏻♀️
My main criticism of this book, and why I held back from 4 full stars, was that it felt too long. It dragged a little at times, and I wanted the pace to pick up a bit. But overall, an enjoyable read.
It's about a forced marriage/MOC between two very different people who don't expect to like each other, much less fall in love. A trope that I like, and it's done pretty well here. Neither MC was particularly likeable at first, but I kept an open mind, and overall I enjoyed their journey to their HEA. As they get to know each other, we learn about some of the secrets of their pasts that have shaped them into the angry people they are at the start of the book. Gerrit's OCD might be a personality trait he always had, or maybe his childhood circumstances pointed him that way. But both MCs slowly mellowed as the book progressed. They developed a mutual interest in chess, at which Kathryn in particular is something of a whiz, and also in collecting fossils. This fleshes out their characters without dominating the story.
There were a few angsty sections, which is not something I normally love, but the author resolved them without too much pain, so I was able to keep reading OK without having to put the book down. There was quite a bit of steam too, which I understand is a hallmark of this writer. It was handled well and it fitted the MCs and their relationship as it continued to develop.
This book is #6 in a series, and it worked fine as a standalone. Some of the characters from earlier books played small parts, but it wasn't a problem. But I'm intrigued enough to go back and try the whole series from the start. We'll see how far I'll get 🤷🏻♀️
My main criticism of this book, and why I held back from 4 full stars, was that it felt too long. It dragged a little at times, and I wanted the pace to pick up a bit. But overall, an enjoyable read.
October 26, 2025
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.
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 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.
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
October 24, 2025
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
May 3, 2026
“Kathryn” is the story of Katie and Geritt.
The youngest of the Bellamy sisters finally gets her story.
Five years have passed since the last book- Kathryn is now a shrew- annoying and out of control. She plays games with unsuspecting lords- one of which lands her in a puddle. She gets caught kissing the hero, and he is thus forced to marry her.
The hero is a widower, disillusioned by his first marriage and the affairs of both his parents. When he is coerced to wed the heroine, he decides it will be on his terms. She is to bear him an heir, and keep out of his sight.
However the heroine then lies to him about her past and their marriage has a cold beginning. There are hateful banters, emotions ess copulation in the dark, and angry confrontations between the hero, heroine and others.
Honestly the first half had potential. Yes both the characters were unlikable but there was so much angst - it was delicious. The second half got messy as the ex got involved- and the characters became more immature, especially the heroine as she got entangled in her lies. What resulted was a hot mess of a second half.
Had so much potential but alas.. the fact that the book began with Hy telling how the whole Bellamy clan now disliked Katie should have been a hint. How did the fossil hunting, embroidery loving hoyden become such a horrid fmc?
Safe..ish
3/5
The youngest of the Bellamy sisters finally gets her story.
Five years have passed since the last book- Kathryn is now a shrew- annoying and out of control. She plays games with unsuspecting lords- one of which lands her in a puddle. She gets caught kissing the hero, and he is thus forced to marry her.
The hero is a widower, disillusioned by his first marriage and the affairs of both his parents. When he is coerced to wed the heroine, he decides it will be on his terms. She is to bear him an heir, and keep out of his sight.
However the heroine then lies to him about her past and their marriage has a cold beginning. There are hateful banters, emotions ess copulation in the dark, and angry confrontations between the hero, heroine and others.
Honestly the first half had potential. Yes both the characters were unlikable but there was so much angst - it was delicious. The second half got messy as the ex got involved- and the characters became more immature, especially the heroine as she got entangled in her lies. What resulted was a hot mess of a second half.
Had so much potential but alas.. the fact that the book began with Hy telling how the whole Bellamy clan now disliked Katie should have been a hint. How did the fossil hunting, embroidery loving hoyden become such a horrid fmc?
Safe..ish
3/5
September 2, 2026
Really good! My first from this author and I will definitely be back for more. This was marriage of convenience + beauty and the beast + reformed mean girl, and I am here for it. The incredibly flawed main characters were likable and easy to root for. I thought the ending was headed towards the cliche “big misunderstanding”, but thankfully the author avoided that.
December 28, 2025
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
October 3, 2026
Now, I actually really enjoy Minerva Spencer when she’s at her best. She wrote really good autism rep (as a neurodivergent girlie myself) in Hyacinth, which even had some very light femdom exploration in a historical setting. I enjoyed Selina, which was about a noble woman who basically ran away and became a housekeeper to a ‘beastly’ man. Very good. I enjoyed that slice of pie. And then I read Kathryn, which is highly rated on Goodreads. Higher than even Hyacinth, which is my favorite.
Kathryn promises us a romance between a really rebellious, wild spirit and a man known as ‘Dull’ Dulverton. This is not actually the case. As per usual, there’s this huge case of instant lust and immediate dom/sub dynamics that felt…totally out of place. It’s clear that Kathryn was put into the position of brat. And…she lost like all of her fire. And it kills me on the inside. Is it hard for anyone else to be cool with certain BDSM dynamics. I mean, this man is a major control freak. Definitely autistic-coded in the way he goes about it. Good rep, but also very annoying and like…so uncool. He also was totally fine with his father having a mistress, even had her living as their neighbor, but HATED his mother for having had sex with an employee of theirs (who was a grown man and the brother to his father). Like, it was incel level of hypocrisy, lowkey. Because…Technically, he has the same level of ownership and authority over his own wife. He had no idea the ‘consent’ that was professed between the two of them- AH. It frustrated me!
Minerva Spencer has a weird habit of really catering to the men in her stories. Like, in her books as S. M. LaViolette, there was a couple where the other man could take outside lovers, but his wife ‘preferred not to’ which is such a cliche dynamic that it genuinely irritates me. Like, I feel that’s always the case. Men can take lovers but the women choose not to. And then it just feels sexist. I’m sorry, but it does.
I’m a mixed bag, of course, because I enjoy bodice rippers. So, you’d think I’d enjoy…this. I didn’t. Because they couldn’t shut up about consent, which kept taking me out of the story. Not because I don’t respect consent, but because it was done in such a way that it felt painfully modern. It’d be fine in contemporary romance, but I don’t read historical romance looking for contemporary dynamics. I read it because I like seeing all of the interesting dynamics and the ways love comes about in a time when women were oppressed. Some things irk me, some things don’t. I admit, I can be a bit picky.
But this book IRKED me. I think mostly because it promised something and then immediately changed its mind. Like, just once. I’d love to actually read about a nice, simple, boring dude who has autistic tendencies, like, this guy was really into fossils? Why couldn’t we have this same guy, but not be a) instantly attractive and b) not a MASSIVE DICK for the first 75 percent of the book. And most of what makes him a dick doesn't actually change. He doesn't really made amends with his mother. He doesn't actually change his terrible, controlling habits. It's just AHHHHHH
Kathryn promises us a romance between a really rebellious, wild spirit and a man known as ‘Dull’ Dulverton. This is not actually the case. As per usual, there’s this huge case of instant lust and immediate dom/sub dynamics that felt…totally out of place. It’s clear that Kathryn was put into the position of brat. And…she lost like all of her fire. And it kills me on the inside. Is it hard for anyone else to be cool with certain BDSM dynamics. I mean, this man is a major control freak. Definitely autistic-coded in the way he goes about it. Good rep, but also very annoying and like…so uncool. He also was totally fine with his father having a mistress, even had her living as their neighbor, but HATED his mother for having had sex with an employee of theirs (who was a grown man and the brother to his father). Like, it was incel level of hypocrisy, lowkey. Because…Technically, he has the same level of ownership and authority over his own wife. He had no idea the ‘consent’ that was professed between the two of them- AH. It frustrated me!
Minerva Spencer has a weird habit of really catering to the men in her stories. Like, in her books as S. M. LaViolette, there was a couple where the other man could take outside lovers, but his wife ‘preferred not to’ which is such a cliche dynamic that it genuinely irritates me. Like, I feel that’s always the case. Men can take lovers but the women choose not to. And then it just feels sexist. I’m sorry, but it does.
I’m a mixed bag, of course, because I enjoy bodice rippers. So, you’d think I’d enjoy…this. I didn’t. Because they couldn’t shut up about consent, which kept taking me out of the story. Not because I don’t respect consent, but because it was done in such a way that it felt painfully modern. It’d be fine in contemporary romance, but I don’t read historical romance looking for contemporary dynamics. I read it because I like seeing all of the interesting dynamics and the ways love comes about in a time when women were oppressed. Some things irk me, some things don’t. I admit, I can be a bit picky.
But this book IRKED me. I think mostly because it promised something and then immediately changed its mind. Like, just once. I’d love to actually read about a nice, simple, boring dude who has autistic tendencies, like, this guy was really into fossils? Why couldn’t we have this same guy, but not be a) instantly attractive and b) not a MASSIVE DICK for the first 75 percent of the book. And most of what makes him a dick doesn't actually change. He doesn't really made amends with his mother. He doesn't actually change his terrible, controlling habits. It's just AHHHHHH
August 6, 2026
What’s a lady to do when her older sisters have already saved the family from ruin? She doesn’t need a special skill so she can sell it to make money. She doesn’t have to marry rich in order to keep a roof over the family’s head. There’s no need to go off and be a governess. As it turns out, there’s not a whole lot. Which is why after five London seasons Catherine is bored and a little
bitter about a prior love. Catherine has made a kissing game with her friends and assigned point values to a list of gentlemen. A kiss to the rarely seen and somewhat beastly looking Duke of Dulverton, would allow you to win the whole game.
When a misunderstanding leads Gerrit to the garden and Kathryn’s lips, the connection is electric. Until they realize they’ve been caught by several people and two weeks later they’re married.
Kathryn is not a likable heroine in the beginning. Her kissing game came off childish and insensitive and she’s also prickly and combative. Yet the situation she finds herself and some tough love by her sister has her recognizing that she was in the wrong. It doesn’t mean that it’s smooth sailing in their marriage though or she won’t make any more bull headed decisions. In the end she wasn’t perfect but she is lovable and vulnerable where you can only root for her.
Gerrit is very particular about many things and despite his best efforts to go on with life as normal once married but also expects Kathryn to passively accept it. Gerrit has OCD and struggles with these changes and his new wife. On top of also not being talkative, Gerrit and Kathryn have a hard time surviving their marriage of convenience.
The only time they can get along is between the sheets. While it’s hot, it only can go on like that for so long before something has to give. What results through a lot of perseverance and patience is a love that works for them and a breakdown of the walls they’d both lived behind for so long.
There’s some beauty/beast elements between the physical characteristics of the MC, a twist on library moments, and a nod to the late for dinner scene.
This was steamy throughout with a hard won HEA. The ending seemed to lead up to the story for the last Bellamy sibling and I can only wonder what’s in store next.
Kathryn is the fifth book in the Bellamy sisters series.
There are at least nine open door explicit encounters. I honestly lost count but they never got boring, and I never felt like it was overused.
bitter about a prior love. Catherine has made a kissing game with her friends and assigned point values to a list of gentlemen. A kiss to the rarely seen and somewhat beastly looking Duke of Dulverton, would allow you to win the whole game.
When a misunderstanding leads Gerrit to the garden and Kathryn’s lips, the connection is electric. Until they realize they’ve been caught by several people and two weeks later they’re married.
Kathryn is not a likable heroine in the beginning. Her kissing game came off childish and insensitive and she’s also prickly and combative. Yet the situation she finds herself and some tough love by her sister has her recognizing that she was in the wrong. It doesn’t mean that it’s smooth sailing in their marriage though or she won’t make any more bull headed decisions. In the end she wasn’t perfect but she is lovable and vulnerable where you can only root for her.
Gerrit is very particular about many things and despite his best efforts to go on with life as normal once married but also expects Kathryn to passively accept it. Gerrit has OCD and struggles with these changes and his new wife. On top of also not being talkative, Gerrit and Kathryn have a hard time surviving their marriage of convenience.
The only time they can get along is between the sheets. While it’s hot, it only can go on like that for so long before something has to give. What results through a lot of perseverance and patience is a love that works for them and a breakdown of the walls they’d both lived behind for so long.
There’s some beauty/beast elements between the physical characteristics of the MC, a twist on library moments, and a nod to the late for dinner scene.
This was steamy throughout with a hard won HEA. The ending seemed to lead up to the story for the last Bellamy sibling and I can only wonder what’s in store next.
Kathryn is the fifth book in the Bellamy sisters series.
There are at least nine open door explicit encounters. I honestly lost count but they never got boring, and I never felt like it was overused.
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.
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