What do you think?
Rate this book
The 1797 Club #5
The Duke of Nothing
The fifth thrilling romance in the 1797 club series by USA Today bestseller Jess Michaels...
Baldwin Undercross, Duke of Sheffield, has a secret he's keeping from almost everyone he knows and loves. He is destitute, thanks to gambling by his late father and his own bad decisions. There is only one option now: marry for money, and do it soon. An opportunity presents itself when a rich American woman arrives in Society hunting for a title in trade for a huge dowry.
Helena Monroe is the companion to her entitled cousin, and she is miserable. But once she encounters Baldwin on a terrace, her time in England starts to look up. She quickly realizes he believes she is her cousin, and everything starts to fall apart.
Baldwin is now torn between a future that will save his family legacy and one with a woman he is growing increasingly attached to. Will he choose safety or passion, obligation or love?
Length: Full Length Novel (70,000 words)
Heat Level: Wear gloves while reading - eye protection optional.
The Duke of Nothing can be read as a stand-alone book, but is part of a series (The 1797 Club).
Baldwin Undercross, Duke of Sheffield, has a secret he's keeping from almost everyone he knows and loves. He is destitute, thanks to gambling by his late father and his own bad decisions. There is only one option now: marry for money, and do it soon. An opportunity presents itself when a rich American woman arrives in Society hunting for a title in trade for a huge dowry.
Helena Monroe is the companion to her entitled cousin, and she is miserable. But once she encounters Baldwin on a terrace, her time in England starts to look up. She quickly realizes he believes she is her cousin, and everything starts to fall apart.
Baldwin is now torn between a future that will save his family legacy and one with a woman he is growing increasingly attached to. Will he choose safety or passion, obligation or love?
Length: Full Length Novel (70,000 words)
Heat Level: Wear gloves while reading - eye protection optional.
The Duke of Nothing can be read as a stand-alone book, but is part of a series (The 1797 Club).
211 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 16, 2018
333 people are currently reading
376 people want to read
About the author
Jess Michaels
119 books1,576 followersJess Michaels is a USA Today Bestselling Author who likes geeky stuff like Star Wars, playing video games (she ships herself with Dragon Age’s Iron Bull FOREVER), Bob’s Burgers and collecting POPs! She also drinks a LOT of Diet Coke. Probably an unhealthy amount, but it’s her only vice. She will eat (almost) anything coconut, truly anything cheesy and nothing spicy (yes, she is a walking stereotype when it comes to that). She likes cats, her dog Elton and people who care about the welfare of their fellow humans.
Although she started out traditionally published by Avon/HarperCollins, Pocket, Hachette and Samhain Publishing, in 2015 she went fully indie and has never looked back! She is lucky enough to be married to her favorite person in the world and live tucked between the ocean and the mountains in Oregon.
When she’s not watching Our Flag Means Death or trying out all the new flavors of Greek yogurt, she writes historical romances with smoking hot heroes and sassy heroines who do anything but wait to get what they want.
Although she started out traditionally published by Avon/HarperCollins, Pocket, Hachette and Samhain Publishing, in 2015 she went fully indie and has never looked back! She is lucky enough to be married to her favorite person in the world and live tucked between the ocean and the mountains in Oregon.
When she’s not watching Our Flag Means Death or trying out all the new flavors of Greek yogurt, she writes historical romances with smoking hot heroes and sassy heroines who do anything but wait to get what they want.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
June 2, 2021
Libro carino ma dalla Michaels mi aspetto di più
January 10, 2018
Series: The 1797 Club #5
Publication Date: 1/16/2018
SECRETS ! All hearts hold secrets, but some of those secrets are harder to reveal than others. Secrets with more secrets and a plot and resolution that totally surprised me – and that was a good thing! You’ll certainly not see the resolution coming nor the redemption. Not the redemption of the heroine or hero, but one who will surprise you.
This book does not have to be read as a part of the series, but, why in the world would you want to do that? Every book in the series has been a 5-star read and the characters grow, develop and reveal themselves more and more in each successive book. What is the 1797 Club? The club was formed in 1797 and includes ten current or future dukes. They banded together to help and support each other because many of them were on their own at a very young age or had less than stellar parents. As time passed their bond grew closer and stronger than brothers. For us readers, it means ten wonderful books by an author whose writing skills are stellar. The plots are very well developed, the writing flows smoothly and stays on-plot and the characters cause you to love them from the first.
Baldwin Undercross, the Duke of Sheffield, inherited his title five years ago and has been living a lie since then. What a shock that was! As he delved into the affairs of the estate he found that they were in complete and total ruin. There was nothing left in the coffers. He’s spent the last five years doing his best to save his family from the scandal of penury, to protect his mother and sister and to keep his darkest secret – his contribution to their penury – from his friends in the 1797 Club. He has grown more and more desperate and more withdrawn, morose, and sad as the years have passed. His friends are all worried about him and are beginning to ask some very pointed questions. What is he to do? He’s finally agreed with his mother that the solution is to marry an heiress and is set to find a wife this season. It is so very hard to make himself go through with it when he sees the love his married friends share with their wives. He knows he can’t have that and it makes him so very sad.
American Helena Monroe has secrets of her own. Through no fault of her own, she is ruined and has been reduced to acting as the companion to her thoughtless and sometimes cruel cousin who is a very, very rich heiress. Helena’s uncle brought her cousin, Charity, to England to buy a title – and he has become set on that title being a duke. Her uncle is cruel, shrewd, manipulative and totally selfish. He’s raised his daughter to be just as spoiled and selfish. Helena’s future is not a pretty or desirable one, but it the only choice she has.
When Baldwin first meets Helena, he thinks she is the American heiress on his mother’s list of possible wives for him. After they share an open, interesting and witty conversation, Baldwin comes to think that maybe this marriage business might not be so bad after all. That thought doesn’t last long because his mother soon tells him who the real heiress is – and all the wind leaves Baldwin’s sails.
Over the next several weeks Helena and Baldwin are thrown together at a number of events and they both try very hard to fight their growing attraction. Both of them know that there is no future for them, but the attraction is so strong that they can’t fight it. Finally, both of them share their secrets and realize that, indeed, there really is no future where they can be together. Each is desperately in love with the other. Each is filled with anguish and despair. How can our esteemed author overcome these obstacles – well – you’ll just have to read the book. I’m here to tell you it is an exciting ride before you get to the very surprising HEA!
Our Reviews of the other books in the series can be found by clicking the links below:
The Daring Duke – James and Emma
Her Favorite Duke – Simon and Meg
The Broken Duke – Graham and Adelaide
The Silent Duke – Ewan and Charlotte
Please check out my reviews at:
Blog: https://flippinpages.blog/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/flippinpages...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlippinPagesRev
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BarbBookReview
"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."
Publication Date: 1/16/2018
SECRETS ! All hearts hold secrets, but some of those secrets are harder to reveal than others. Secrets with more secrets and a plot and resolution that totally surprised me – and that was a good thing! You’ll certainly not see the resolution coming nor the redemption. Not the redemption of the heroine or hero, but one who will surprise you.
This book does not have to be read as a part of the series, but, why in the world would you want to do that? Every book in the series has been a 5-star read and the characters grow, develop and reveal themselves more and more in each successive book. What is the 1797 Club? The club was formed in 1797 and includes ten current or future dukes. They banded together to help and support each other because many of them were on their own at a very young age or had less than stellar parents. As time passed their bond grew closer and stronger than brothers. For us readers, it means ten wonderful books by an author whose writing skills are stellar. The plots are very well developed, the writing flows smoothly and stays on-plot and the characters cause you to love them from the first.
Baldwin Undercross, the Duke of Sheffield, inherited his title five years ago and has been living a lie since then. What a shock that was! As he delved into the affairs of the estate he found that they were in complete and total ruin. There was nothing left in the coffers. He’s spent the last five years doing his best to save his family from the scandal of penury, to protect his mother and sister and to keep his darkest secret – his contribution to their penury – from his friends in the 1797 Club. He has grown more and more desperate and more withdrawn, morose, and sad as the years have passed. His friends are all worried about him and are beginning to ask some very pointed questions. What is he to do? He’s finally agreed with his mother that the solution is to marry an heiress and is set to find a wife this season. It is so very hard to make himself go through with it when he sees the love his married friends share with their wives. He knows he can’t have that and it makes him so very sad.
American Helena Monroe has secrets of her own. Through no fault of her own, she is ruined and has been reduced to acting as the companion to her thoughtless and sometimes cruel cousin who is a very, very rich heiress. Helena’s uncle brought her cousin, Charity, to England to buy a title – and he has become set on that title being a duke. Her uncle is cruel, shrewd, manipulative and totally selfish. He’s raised his daughter to be just as spoiled and selfish. Helena’s future is not a pretty or desirable one, but it the only choice she has.
When Baldwin first meets Helena, he thinks she is the American heiress on his mother’s list of possible wives for him. After they share an open, interesting and witty conversation, Baldwin comes to think that maybe this marriage business might not be so bad after all. That thought doesn’t last long because his mother soon tells him who the real heiress is – and all the wind leaves Baldwin’s sails.
Over the next several weeks Helena and Baldwin are thrown together at a number of events and they both try very hard to fight their growing attraction. Both of them know that there is no future for them, but the attraction is so strong that they can’t fight it. Finally, both of them share their secrets and realize that, indeed, there really is no future where they can be together. Each is desperately in love with the other. Each is filled with anguish and despair. How can our esteemed author overcome these obstacles – well – you’ll just have to read the book. I’m here to tell you it is an exciting ride before you get to the very surprising HEA!
Our Reviews of the other books in the series can be found by clicking the links below:
The Daring Duke – James and Emma
Her Favorite Duke – Simon and Meg
The Broken Duke – Graham and Adelaide
The Silent Duke – Ewan and Charlotte
Please check out my reviews at:
Blog: https://flippinpages.blog/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/flippinpages...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlippinPagesRev
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BarbBookReview
"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."
April 20, 2018
Well, today is Christmas, but I could not resist finishing this AMAZING story, and then whipping up a review to share. This book was wonderful. (This entire series is wonderful.) If you have not read it, you should definitely start at number one and dive right in. If you have, than you hardly need me to tell you this book will be wonderful.
Jess has a way of writing characters who struggle with real life problems that are easy to identify with. Baldwin is no different. Although I am miles away from ever needing to worry about entails or estates, I have felt a pinch in the purse strings and can easily identify with wishing to take care of those I love. Baldwin is a darling. I don’t have the words to express it. He is simply scrumptious. I was half in love with him already after his support of his sister Charlotte in her own story (“The Silent Duke”). He shines even brighter in his own story.
Helena is the absolute sweetest heroine ever to grace a story. She has been through hell, but her sunny disposition and wit help her to see the bright side of almost every situation. I absolutely loved her from the first! She is strength and dignity personified. Hurrah for Helena!
This story is sizzling, but not overly sex laden. The story absolutely carries it. Over all, this book was fabulous. Happy Christmas!
Jess has a way of writing characters who struggle with real life problems that are easy to identify with. Baldwin is no different. Although I am miles away from ever needing to worry about entails or estates, I have felt a pinch in the purse strings and can easily identify with wishing to take care of those I love. Baldwin is a darling. I don’t have the words to express it. He is simply scrumptious. I was half in love with him already after his support of his sister Charlotte in her own story (“The Silent Duke”). He shines even brighter in his own story.
Helena is the absolute sweetest heroine ever to grace a story. She has been through hell, but her sunny disposition and wit help her to see the bright side of almost every situation. I absolutely loved her from the first! She is strength and dignity personified. Hurrah for Helena!
This story is sizzling, but not overly sex laden. The story absolutely carries it. Over all, this book was fabulous. Happy Christmas!
January 24, 2018
The Duke of Nothing
Jess Michaels
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was the first book that I have read in this series. But I had no issues following along and figuring out who is who.
This is Baldwin and Helena’s story. Baldwin has been hiding the fact that his father put his family in debt and left them with nothing when he died. Now Baldwin must marry a woman with a large dowry in order to save the family. The only problem is Baldwin has met and fallen for an American with no money. Now he has to figure out if he should follow his heart or save his family’s name.
Helena has come with her cousin and uncle as her cousins companion. She had to leave Boston because she has become disgraced and her family has disowned her. The reason for that is jaw dropping. I couldn’t believe it. But Helena knows of Baldwin’s secrets and that they could never be together. But is an affair gonna be enough?
This was a great historical fiction romance. I really enjoy reading one of these every now and then. I look forward to reading more by Jess Michaels in the future.
Thanks NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
Jess Michaels
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was the first book that I have read in this series. But I had no issues following along and figuring out who is who.
This is Baldwin and Helena’s story. Baldwin has been hiding the fact that his father put his family in debt and left them with nothing when he died. Now Baldwin must marry a woman with a large dowry in order to save the family. The only problem is Baldwin has met and fallen for an American with no money. Now he has to figure out if he should follow his heart or save his family’s name.
Helena has come with her cousin and uncle as her cousins companion. She had to leave Boston because she has become disgraced and her family has disowned her. The reason for that is jaw dropping. I couldn’t believe it. But Helena knows of Baldwin’s secrets and that they could never be together. But is an affair gonna be enough?
This was a great historical fiction romance. I really enjoy reading one of these every now and then. I look forward to reading more by Jess Michaels in the future.
Thanks NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
November 13, 2024
3.5 stars
January 17, 2018
I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review."Here we are, two people who'll never get what they want because of what someone else did. Because of what we did to ourselves."
FINAL DECISION: A sweet and sometimes angsty and seemingly doomed love between two people who don't see a way forward together until they decide that love means more than anything and are willing to do whatever it takes to be together. Baldwin and Helena are a couple who seem perfect for one another and yet do not see a way forward -- until there is no other choice.
THE STORY: Baldwin Undercross, Duke of Sheffield has been keeping a secrets from his friends and family -- he is bankrupt. His father squandered the family fortune with gambling and Baldwin contributed his own bad decisions to the problem. In fact, Baldwin has only one solution now -- marry an heiress. He has his mind on a rich American, but he cannot keep his eyes off her impoverished and scandalous cousin and companion, Helena Monroe.
OPINION: This is a sweeter book that I expected. The drama in the book is the necessity of Baldwin to marry for money and Helena's lack of the same. It's a book more about pride and doing what is expected rather than internal problems for the couple.
These are such nice characters that they obviously belong together from the moment that they meet. Everyone seems to recognize that, but Baldwin's troubles and his pride and shame keep these characters apart. Baldwin has to learn to swallow his pride and rely on the people who are there always willing to stand by him if he just asks.
Helena has her own problems that stem from being betrayed by those who should care for her. That gives the story some angst.
For me, however, this book is centered around these characters who need only to decide that nothing matters more than one another in order to find their happiness.
A great addition to the series.
WORTH MENTIONING: There are lots of appearances by the other couples and the bachelor dukes.
CONNECTED BOOKS: THE DUKE OF NOTHING is the fifth book in the 1797 Club series about a group of dukes who have been friends since they were children. This book is a standalone with the romance but the friends make appearances.
STAR RATING: I give this book 4 stars.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley in order to prepare a review. I was not required to write a review or to write a positive review. All opinions contained herein are my own.This review was originally posted on Top10RomanceBooks.com
FINAL DECISION: A sweet and sometimes angsty and seemingly doomed love between two people who don't see a way forward together until they decide that love means more than anything and are willing to do whatever it takes to be together. Baldwin and Helena are a couple who seem perfect for one another and yet do not see a way forward -- until there is no other choice.
THE STORY: Baldwin Undercross, Duke of Sheffield has been keeping a secrets from his friends and family -- he is bankrupt. His father squandered the family fortune with gambling and Baldwin contributed his own bad decisions to the problem. In fact, Baldwin has only one solution now -- marry an heiress. He has his mind on a rich American, but he cannot keep his eyes off her impoverished and scandalous cousin and companion, Helena Monroe.
OPINION: This is a sweeter book that I expected. The drama in the book is the necessity of Baldwin to marry for money and Helena's lack of the same. It's a book more about pride and doing what is expected rather than internal problems for the couple.
These are such nice characters that they obviously belong together from the moment that they meet. Everyone seems to recognize that, but Baldwin's troubles and his pride and shame keep these characters apart. Baldwin has to learn to swallow his pride and rely on the people who are there always willing to stand by him if he just asks.
Helena has her own problems that stem from being betrayed by those who should care for her. That gives the story some angst.
For me, however, this book is centered around these characters who need only to decide that nothing matters more than one another in order to find their happiness.
A great addition to the series.
WORTH MENTIONING: There are lots of appearances by the other couples and the bachelor dukes.
CONNECTED BOOKS: THE DUKE OF NOTHING is the fifth book in the 1797 Club series about a group of dukes who have been friends since they were children. This book is a standalone with the romance but the friends make appearances.
STAR RATING: I give this book 4 stars.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley in order to prepare a review. I was not required to write a review or to write a positive review. All opinions contained herein are my own.This review was originally posted on Top10RomanceBooks.com
January 2, 2018
This is the fifth romance in the 1797 club series it could be read as a stand alone book but the series is brilliant & I’d definitely recommend reading it from the start
Baldwin Undercross, Duke of Sheffield, has a secret he’s keeping to himself even though it’s torturing him. He is destitute, thanks to gambling by his late father and his own bad decisions following his father’s death. There is only one option now, marry for money and do it soon. An opportunity presents itself when a rich American woman arrives in Society hunting for a title in trade for a huge dowry. Helena Monroe is the companion to her entitled cousin Charity and she is miserable as both her uncle & Charity treat her as the lowest of servants. She encounters Baldwin on a terrace, her time in England starts to look up as the attraction between the pair is immediate.
Baldwin is the brother of Charlotte who recently married Ewan, the Silent Duke. The walk in the garden & revelations by the fountain had me welling up & from there on I was routing for Baldwin & Helena to have their HEA. This is yet another engrossing, riveting read that takes you on a roller coaster of emotions. The characters are very well drawn & I just love the interaction between the Dukes & their growing number of wives. This is another keeper & I can’t wait for the next book to be released
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Baldwin Undercross, Duke of Sheffield, has a secret he’s keeping to himself even though it’s torturing him. He is destitute, thanks to gambling by his late father and his own bad decisions following his father’s death. There is only one option now, marry for money and do it soon. An opportunity presents itself when a rich American woman arrives in Society hunting for a title in trade for a huge dowry. Helena Monroe is the companion to her entitled cousin Charity and she is miserable as both her uncle & Charity treat her as the lowest of servants. She encounters Baldwin on a terrace, her time in England starts to look up as the attraction between the pair is immediate.
Baldwin is the brother of Charlotte who recently married Ewan, the Silent Duke. The walk in the garden & revelations by the fountain had me welling up & from there on I was routing for Baldwin & Helena to have their HEA. This is yet another engrossing, riveting read that takes you on a roller coaster of emotions. The characters are very well drawn & I just love the interaction between the Dukes & their growing number of wives. This is another keeper & I can’t wait for the next book to be released
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
January 15, 2018
The Duke of Nothing by Jess Michaels is the fifth book in "The 1797 Club". series. This is the story of Baldwin Undercross, Duke of Sheffield and Helena Monroe.
Baldwin is in need of money due to his father past mistakes and the one bad one that he made. Knowing that a title looking American Heiress would be the perfect choice to fix his problem, he goes forward to achieve that goal. But he misunderstands who Helena is and thinks she is the American Heiress at first. But they both soon learn of the misunderstand but fate keeps leading them together it seems.
Baldwin is in need of money due to his father past mistakes and the one bad one that he made. Knowing that a title looking American Heiress would be the perfect choice to fix his problem, he goes forward to achieve that goal. But he misunderstands who Helena is and thinks she is the American Heiress at first. But they both soon learn of the misunderstand but fate keeps leading them together it seems.
February 3, 2021
Unbeknownst to those closest to him, Baldwin Undercross, the Duke of Sheffield, is completely insolvent thanks to his father’s gambling habit and his own failed attempts to improve the situation. His only remaining recourse is to marry for money and do so quickly. A wealthy, title-hunting American heiress could be the solution to his problems.
Helena Monroe is only in England so her miserly uncle could use her as an unpaid companion to her spoiled cousin. She’s endured but is far from happy, until she meets Baldwin and feels an instant connection. Unfortunately, that tentative happiness comes crashing down when she realizes he thought she was her cousin.
Now Baldwin is torn between doing his duty to his family to save the estate and their reputation and the love he’s begun to feel for Helena.
This was a fast-reading story that had me looking for excuses to listen to my audiobook. This couple had a lot stacked against them, but Baldwin’s own pride was perhaps their biggest obstacle. Their struggle felt real and their steamy scenes were also full of emotion and served to make their relationship believable despite their short acquaintance. It would've been very easy to dislike Baldwin given his initial tendency to keep his problems to himself and sacrifice everything for the sake of duty, but he wound up being likable despite his flaws. In fact, perhaps it was those flaws that made him relatable and a character I wanted to root for. I did keep wanting Helena to stand up for herself and cease letting others walk all over her, but she really was in an untenable situation and this aspect of her character served as a showcase for Baldwin's protectiveness of her. This series has been ticking my boxes for steam and drama and this installment thankfully didn’t have as much of an issue with repetitiveness as some of its predecessors. I’m continuing this series and looking forward to getting the scoop on the mysterious Lucas.
Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
Helena Monroe is only in England so her miserly uncle could use her as an unpaid companion to her spoiled cousin. She’s endured but is far from happy, until she meets Baldwin and feels an instant connection. Unfortunately, that tentative happiness comes crashing down when she realizes he thought she was her cousin.
Now Baldwin is torn between doing his duty to his family to save the estate and their reputation and the love he’s begun to feel for Helena.
This was a fast-reading story that had me looking for excuses to listen to my audiobook. This couple had a lot stacked against them, but Baldwin’s own pride was perhaps their biggest obstacle. Their struggle felt real and their steamy scenes were also full of emotion and served to make their relationship believable despite their short acquaintance. It would've been very easy to dislike Baldwin given his initial tendency to keep his problems to himself and sacrifice everything for the sake of duty, but he wound up being likable despite his flaws. In fact, perhaps it was those flaws that made him relatable and a character I wanted to root for. I did keep wanting Helena to stand up for herself and cease letting others walk all over her, but she really was in an untenable situation and this aspect of her character served as a showcase for Baldwin's protectiveness of her. This series has been ticking my boxes for steam and drama and this installment thankfully didn’t have as much of an issue with repetitiveness as some of its predecessors. I’m continuing this series and looking forward to getting the scoop on the mysterious Lucas.
Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
January 24, 2018
Nothing ventured-nothing gained!
I really enjoyed this story. Baldwin Undercross, Duke of Sheffield is burdened with crushing inherited debts. Not to mention his own contribution to the problem. These debts he's kept secret from his family, and more to the point, his closest friends. Marriage to an heiress is the only thing that will save the family estates, the tenants' livelihoods, and turn Baldwin's fortunes around.
The American heiress might be the very thing! And Baldwin had already met her and been impressed! Only he'd met Helena Monroe, the heiress' companion--not the heiress.
What a to do!
Add to this a house party that Baldwin never wanted, given by his sister, that is proving far too expensive, draining what little resources available at every turn. Ice sculptures indeed!
Will Baldwin ever come through? What of his doomed relationship with the companion, a woman he's come to admire, the woman who's captured his heart? It seems Baldwin has only two choices--marry the heiress or lose all!
There's a lot going on here and it all meshes well.
A NetGalley ARC
I really enjoyed this story. Baldwin Undercross, Duke of Sheffield is burdened with crushing inherited debts. Not to mention his own contribution to the problem. These debts he's kept secret from his family, and more to the point, his closest friends. Marriage to an heiress is the only thing that will save the family estates, the tenants' livelihoods, and turn Baldwin's fortunes around.
The American heiress might be the very thing! And Baldwin had already met her and been impressed! Only he'd met Helena Monroe, the heiress' companion--not the heiress.
What a to do!
Add to this a house party that Baldwin never wanted, given by his sister, that is proving far too expensive, draining what little resources available at every turn. Ice sculptures indeed!
Will Baldwin ever come through? What of his doomed relationship with the companion, a woman he's come to admire, the woman who's captured his heart? It seems Baldwin has only two choices--marry the heiress or lose all!
There's a lot going on here and it all meshes well.
A NetGalley ARC
June 4, 2021
4-⭐️
Bello anche questo libro sul Duca di Sheffield ma non raggiunge le 4 stelle perché la protagonista, pur essendo un personaggio positivo, non mi è piaciuta.
Bello anche questo libro sul Duca di Sheffield ma non raggiunge le 4 stelle perché la protagonista, pur essendo un personaggio positivo, non mi è piaciuta.
February 14, 2018
Nice story that continues the 1797 Club series about a group of young dukes. This time we have Baldwin Undercross, Duke of Sheffield and brother of Charlotte from the previous book. Impoverished by his father's gambling and his own poor judgement, Baldwin faces the fact that he must marry an heiress. The problem is he is incredibly attracted to Helena Monroe, a poor cousin of a rich American heiress and a girl with a past. What do you do when responsibility tells you one thing and love tells you another?
Pleasant interaction and support from his friends and their wives add to the story. I enjoyed it.
Pleasant interaction and support from his friends and their wives add to the story. I enjoyed it.
January 6, 2018
I started this book with a preconceived notion of how it was going to play out based on the blurb. I thought I was going to be reading a typical star crossed lovers trope, I foresaw anguish, heartbreak, longing for what could never be, etc., etc., etc., and then a miraculous HEA. I am happy to say, I was totally wrong! Yes, the book had all the aforementioned elements, but OMG - there was nothing typical about the way this story unfolded.
Baldwin Undercross, the Duke of Sheffield, has a secret, one he has kept from everyone, his mother knows part of it, but even she does not know the full extent of his ruin. Baldwin inherited the estate five years ago from his father and learned that his father had gambled away almost everything that was not entailed. And Baldwin added to this debt by trying to gamble and only made things worse. His pride will not let him share his shame with anyone. He knows that he must marry a heiress and soon, before society at large learns of the state of his finances. His mother has complied a list of "prospects" and Baldwin must choose one to be his duchess.
Helena Monroe is the cousin and companion of Charity Shephard, who is one of Baldwin's prospects. Helena also has secrets and accepts her lot in life because she really has no other options. Helena is truly a kind, loving soul, she meets Baldwin when she has slipped out to count stars. When Baldwin asks what she is doing and she tells him that counting stars reminds her that there are bigger things than herself or her problems. Baldwin is instantly charmed and thinks that she might be the "American" from his mother's list and suddenly, the idea of marrying doesn't seem so awful.
Baldwin soon learns that Helena is not the heiress and cannot even be considered a prospect, but his mother points out that Charity is a lovely young woman and urges him to pursue her. Helena also learns who Baldwin is and that her cousin is interested in him. She knows that she is not a suitable choice for his bride and pushes down her disappointment.
They meet again when Baldwin hosts a tea for the prospects, they once again end up alone when Helena is embarrassed by her uncle and needs a moment to compose herself. They chat and are found together by Charity.
Her Uncle is livid and punishes her by making her stay home while he and Charity pay calls. But while they are out, Helena receives a visit from the "duchesses", they noticed Baldwin's interest in her and decided to make her acquaintance. Helena is overwhelmed by their offer of friendship and she gladly accepts. She knows that they would shun her if they knew the truth, but she can't help but be thrilled by their friendship. When Charlotte invites her to dinner, she tries to decline, but Charlotte promises to invite her family.
At the dinner, Baldwin once again singles her out and they go for a walk in the garden and share a kiss. After which, he apologizes and he tells her everything. They know that there can be no future for them and commit to being friends. It is not enough, but they will take what they can get.
Baldwin's mother organizes a house party for the prospects. Baldwin and Helena try to avoid each other, but it is impossible and causes problems for Helena with Charity and her Uncle Peter. And to make matters worse, Baldwin learns that someone has bought up some of his debts and he doesn't know who or what they will demand. When Helena goes looking for him, she finds him drunk in his study. They talk and kiss and Baldwin learns part of her secret. The next day he seeks her out and learns the full extent of her secrets. She tells him that even though they have no future, she would like an affair. Helena knows she loves him and wants something to remember after they part.
Baldwin knows he loves her and has to make a decision. When he is confronted by Matthew about his intentions toward Helena, he tells him everything and why as much as he loves her, he cannot marry her. Matthew is angry and offers to marry Helena himself. This is the jolt Baldwin needed and he confesses all to his family.
Just when it seems like a HEA is on the horizon, Helena's uncle throws a wrench into their plans and all seems lost. But salvation comes from an unlikely and surprising source!
This was probably my second favorite book in the series. It is well written, flows perfectly, has steamy love scenes, wonderful secondary characters, one of the best declaration scenes I have ever read and of course a wonderful HEA. While this is the 5th book in the series, it could easily be read as a stand alone title - but be warned, if you start with this book, you are going to want to read the previous books :)
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher*
Baldwin Undercross, the Duke of Sheffield, has a secret, one he has kept from everyone, his mother knows part of it, but even she does not know the full extent of his ruin. Baldwin inherited the estate five years ago from his father and learned that his father had gambled away almost everything that was not entailed. And Baldwin added to this debt by trying to gamble and only made things worse. His pride will not let him share his shame with anyone. He knows that he must marry a heiress and soon, before society at large learns of the state of his finances. His mother has complied a list of "prospects" and Baldwin must choose one to be his duchess.
Helena Monroe is the cousin and companion of Charity Shephard, who is one of Baldwin's prospects. Helena also has secrets and accepts her lot in life because she really has no other options. Helena is truly a kind, loving soul, she meets Baldwin when she has slipped out to count stars. When Baldwin asks what she is doing and she tells him that counting stars reminds her that there are bigger things than herself or her problems. Baldwin is instantly charmed and thinks that she might be the "American" from his mother's list and suddenly, the idea of marrying doesn't seem so awful.
Baldwin soon learns that Helena is not the heiress and cannot even be considered a prospect, but his mother points out that Charity is a lovely young woman and urges him to pursue her. Helena also learns who Baldwin is and that her cousin is interested in him. She knows that she is not a suitable choice for his bride and pushes down her disappointment.
They meet again when Baldwin hosts a tea for the prospects, they once again end up alone when Helena is embarrassed by her uncle and needs a moment to compose herself. They chat and are found together by Charity.
Her Uncle is livid and punishes her by making her stay home while he and Charity pay calls. But while they are out, Helena receives a visit from the "duchesses", they noticed Baldwin's interest in her and decided to make her acquaintance. Helena is overwhelmed by their offer of friendship and she gladly accepts. She knows that they would shun her if they knew the truth, but she can't help but be thrilled by their friendship. When Charlotte invites her to dinner, she tries to decline, but Charlotte promises to invite her family.
At the dinner, Baldwin once again singles her out and they go for a walk in the garden and share a kiss. After which, he apologizes and he tells her everything. They know that there can be no future for them and commit to being friends. It is not enough, but they will take what they can get.
Baldwin's mother organizes a house party for the prospects. Baldwin and Helena try to avoid each other, but it is impossible and causes problems for Helena with Charity and her Uncle Peter. And to make matters worse, Baldwin learns that someone has bought up some of his debts and he doesn't know who or what they will demand. When Helena goes looking for him, she finds him drunk in his study. They talk and kiss and Baldwin learns part of her secret. The next day he seeks her out and learns the full extent of her secrets. She tells him that even though they have no future, she would like an affair. Helena knows she loves him and wants something to remember after they part.
Baldwin knows he loves her and has to make a decision. When he is confronted by Matthew about his intentions toward Helena, he tells him everything and why as much as he loves her, he cannot marry her. Matthew is angry and offers to marry Helena himself. This is the jolt Baldwin needed and he confesses all to his family.
Just when it seems like a HEA is on the horizon, Helena's uncle throws a wrench into their plans and all seems lost. But salvation comes from an unlikely and surprising source!
This was probably my second favorite book in the series. It is well written, flows perfectly, has steamy love scenes, wonderful secondary characters, one of the best declaration scenes I have ever read and of course a wonderful HEA. While this is the 5th book in the series, it could easily be read as a stand alone title - but be warned, if you start with this book, you are going to want to read the previous books :)
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher*
June 30, 2021
Vanilla_91 - per RFS
.
Duca di niente è il quinto libro della serie Il club del 1797.
Protagonisti indiscussi sono Baldwin, duca di Sheffield, e Helena Monroe.
Facciamo un bel salto nel passato e tuffiamoci nell’alta società londinese, un mondo scintillante fatto
di ricevimenti sfarzosi, convenevoli e, soprattutto, apparenze.
E proprio per salvare l’immagine i personaggi lottano continuamente, fingendo tranquillità e normalità pur di evitare il disastro pubblico.
Baldwin, alla morte del padre, ha ereditato non solo il titolo e il ducato, ma anche una serie di ingenti debiti di cui, oltre lui, nessuno è a conoscenza. Un’ovvia soluzione al suo problema sarebbe quella di sposare una ricca ereditiera e utilizzare la dote per risanare le sue finanze, ma il destino ci mette lo zampino.
Il duca si invaghisce di Helena, un’americana giunta a Londra come dama di compagnia della ricca e antipatica cugina, a questo punto scegliere tra dovere e cuore non sarà semplice.
Duca di niente è il secondo libro che leggo di quest’autrice, in entrambi i romanzi la cosa che più ho apprezzato sono le narrazioni lineari e l’evolversi della storia senza “strappi al motore”. Ciò ha reso la lettura godibile, un buon passatempo distensivo.
Tuttavia, secondo me, a quest’ultimo romanzo manca quel pizzico di dinamicità e quel leggero pathos che portano il lettore a fare il tifo per i propri beniamini. La parte sentimentale è totalitaria e sicuramente ben apprezzabile da un pubblico più romantico, ma per me tutto questo zucchero in alcuni punti è risultato un po’ eccessivo.
Ciò non toglie che la componente romantica sia ben esplorata: il rapporto tra Baldwin e Helena si evolve con la giusta tempistica e con solide basi.
Un altro aspetto che mi ha convinto meno rispetto al precedente romanzo è la protagonista femminile: ha tutte le caratteristiche per poter brillare, ma viene oscurata dalla controparte maschile, predominante in ogni scena. Si tratta di un personaggio positivo e con molte qualità, ma che non ha uno spessore rilevante nell’evolversi della trama, in quanto resta sempre un po’ vittima delle decisioni altrui.
Inoltre la parte finale, il momento in cui tutti i nodi vengono al pettine, mi ha fatto storcere il naso.
Senza fare spoiler, la conclusione è molto sbrigativa, plateale, e fa un po’ a cazzotti con tutto ciò che precedentemente è accaduto.
Sicuramente tutti gli aspetti elencati non mi hanno permesso di apprezzare completamente il libro, ma non per questo mi sentirei di sconsigliarlo. Non sono rimasta insensibile di fronte a una storia contemporaneamente dolce e struggente, nella quale dovere e volontà sono messi a confronto spesso e con abilità. Soprattutto mi è piaciuto tanto leggere ancora della solida amicizia tra i nobili che hanno fondato il club che presta il nome alla serie, rapporto che l’autrice sottolinea spesso e che trova conferma nei vari romanzi.
Un libro un po’ sottotono rispetto al precedente, ma comunque piacevole.
.
Duca di niente è il quinto libro della serie Il club del 1797.
Protagonisti indiscussi sono Baldwin, duca di Sheffield, e Helena Monroe.
Facciamo un bel salto nel passato e tuffiamoci nell’alta società londinese, un mondo scintillante fatto
di ricevimenti sfarzosi, convenevoli e, soprattutto, apparenze.
E proprio per salvare l’immagine i personaggi lottano continuamente, fingendo tranquillità e normalità pur di evitare il disastro pubblico.
Baldwin, alla morte del padre, ha ereditato non solo il titolo e il ducato, ma anche una serie di ingenti debiti di cui, oltre lui, nessuno è a conoscenza. Un’ovvia soluzione al suo problema sarebbe quella di sposare una ricca ereditiera e utilizzare la dote per risanare le sue finanze, ma il destino ci mette lo zampino.
Il duca si invaghisce di Helena, un’americana giunta a Londra come dama di compagnia della ricca e antipatica cugina, a questo punto scegliere tra dovere e cuore non sarà semplice.
Duca di niente è il secondo libro che leggo di quest’autrice, in entrambi i romanzi la cosa che più ho apprezzato sono le narrazioni lineari e l’evolversi della storia senza “strappi al motore”. Ciò ha reso la lettura godibile, un buon passatempo distensivo.
Tuttavia, secondo me, a quest’ultimo romanzo manca quel pizzico di dinamicità e quel leggero pathos che portano il lettore a fare il tifo per i propri beniamini. La parte sentimentale è totalitaria e sicuramente ben apprezzabile da un pubblico più romantico, ma per me tutto questo zucchero in alcuni punti è risultato un po’ eccessivo.
Ciò non toglie che la componente romantica sia ben esplorata: il rapporto tra Baldwin e Helena si evolve con la giusta tempistica e con solide basi.
Un altro aspetto che mi ha convinto meno rispetto al precedente romanzo è la protagonista femminile: ha tutte le caratteristiche per poter brillare, ma viene oscurata dalla controparte maschile, predominante in ogni scena. Si tratta di un personaggio positivo e con molte qualità, ma che non ha uno spessore rilevante nell’evolversi della trama, in quanto resta sempre un po’ vittima delle decisioni altrui.
Inoltre la parte finale, il momento in cui tutti i nodi vengono al pettine, mi ha fatto storcere il naso.
Senza fare spoiler, la conclusione è molto sbrigativa, plateale, e fa un po’ a cazzotti con tutto ciò che precedentemente è accaduto.
Sicuramente tutti gli aspetti elencati non mi hanno permesso di apprezzare completamente il libro, ma non per questo mi sentirei di sconsigliarlo. Non sono rimasta insensibile di fronte a una storia contemporaneamente dolce e struggente, nella quale dovere e volontà sono messi a confronto spesso e con abilità. Soprattutto mi è piaciuto tanto leggere ancora della solida amicizia tra i nobili che hanno fondato il club che presta il nome alla serie, rapporto che l’autrice sottolinea spesso e che trova conferma nei vari romanzi.
Un libro un po’ sottotono rispetto al precedente, ma comunque piacevole.
January 7, 2018
The Duke of Nothing by Jess Michaels
The 1797 Club #5
Ten teens at boarding school form a club to assist one another as they grow into their positions of being dukes one day - The 1797 Club - this series is already plotted out to have ten volumes starring the ten original members of the club. Over the years a bond stronger and closer, in some ways, than that of blood brothers is formed. In each book of the series we find out what has become of the members of the club and who they will find their HEA with.
Baldwin Undercross, Duke of Sheffield, is living a lie. He is pinching pennies, pretending his finances are not disastrous and being pushed by his mother to marry an heiress to put the estate to rights. His father had a gambling addiction that depleted the coffers and his life, after his father’s death, has not been easy. At least his sister is married to a duke and safe financially but still…his burden is great and rather bothersome…made even MORE bothersome when he meets and falls for Helena Monroe and she does NOT have the money to offer as a dowry that he so desperately needs. Who is Helena? She is the cousin and lady’s companion to THE HEIRESS of the season. Both were brought to England so Charlotte can snag a title. Charlotte’s father is an uncouth lout that is really not good for any woman to be aligned with and especially heinous to Helena.
Both Helena and Baldwin have secrets that are shared eventually. The two do fall in love but whether or not duty & money or Love and lack of finances will win is what this book is all about. A fun read with believable H/h duet…I enjoyed it and look forward to the next book in the series…so nice to know that there ARE more books to look forward to reading :)
Thank you to NetGalley and The Passionate Pen for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4.5 Stars
The 1797 Club #5
Ten teens at boarding school form a club to assist one another as they grow into their positions of being dukes one day - The 1797 Club - this series is already plotted out to have ten volumes starring the ten original members of the club. Over the years a bond stronger and closer, in some ways, than that of blood brothers is formed. In each book of the series we find out what has become of the members of the club and who they will find their HEA with.
Baldwin Undercross, Duke of Sheffield, is living a lie. He is pinching pennies, pretending his finances are not disastrous and being pushed by his mother to marry an heiress to put the estate to rights. His father had a gambling addiction that depleted the coffers and his life, after his father’s death, has not been easy. At least his sister is married to a duke and safe financially but still…his burden is great and rather bothersome…made even MORE bothersome when he meets and falls for Helena Monroe and she does NOT have the money to offer as a dowry that he so desperately needs. Who is Helena? She is the cousin and lady’s companion to THE HEIRESS of the season. Both were brought to England so Charlotte can snag a title. Charlotte’s father is an uncouth lout that is really not good for any woman to be aligned with and especially heinous to Helena.
Both Helena and Baldwin have secrets that are shared eventually. The two do fall in love but whether or not duty & money or Love and lack of finances will win is what this book is all about. A fun read with believable H/h duet…I enjoyed it and look forward to the next book in the series…so nice to know that there ARE more books to look forward to reading :)
Thank you to NetGalley and The Passionate Pen for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4.5 Stars
October 17, 2022
Meglio del capitolo precedente: Helena è un bel personaggio un po' fuori dalla classica eroina di questi romance, Baldwin è sicuramente molto tormentato ma nelle scene con lei risulta simpatico e interessante, un personaggio con diverse sfaccettature. La pecca del romanzo, che mi ha lasciato indecisa tra le due e le tre stelline, è il finale corale che si sta ripetendo in ogni volume della serie.
Recensione sintetica: ok
Recensione sintetica: ok
Read
June 3, 2019Read for the Jess Michaels Bookclub series reread.
January 21, 2018
Enchanting read
Oh Jess Michaels has done it again. This time she had this reader in tears more than once and then elated. A perfect tale woven to enrapture even the most discerning of reader. Jess Michaels is one of my favorite authors to date and my life is so much brighter with her tales in it.
Oh Jess Michaels has done it again. This time she had this reader in tears more than once and then elated. A perfect tale woven to enrapture even the most discerning of reader. Jess Michaels is one of my favorite authors to date and my life is so much brighter with her tales in it.
June 19, 2018
❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
I love it when a book makes me cry as this one did .
Baldwin is so sweet in many ways , but he’s also tough and moody , Helena is the perfect compliment to his character.
It’s a lovely romance , with a little angst thrown in , it’s also one of those that you realise how close these Dukes are in friendship and also how well their wives add into the mix .
A wonderful series in all .
💋💋
I love it when a book makes me cry as this one did .
Baldwin is so sweet in many ways , but he’s also tough and moody , Helena is the perfect compliment to his character.
It’s a lovely romance , with a little angst thrown in , it’s also one of those that you realise how close these Dukes are in friendship and also how well their wives add into the mix .
A wonderful series in all .
January 9, 2018
Count on Jess Michaels for an intriguing seduction. Falling in love just got much more complicated. From family duty to far reaching secrets and an all encompassing love, The Duke of Nothing is romance at it's finest moment. Is honor worth giving up on a heart's desire? Baldwin and Helena are on a mission to find themselves and perhaps discover a never ending love. Pleasure is only a romance away.
December 24, 2017
I love angst in books and this book is so full of anguish I was on the edge the whole time reading it. Whew, I needed a break after this story. Not that this is bad, I loved the story and the beautiful forbidden love. Baldwin does not realize his relationship with the men of the 1797 Club is forgiving and accepting and helping. Pride does us all in every once in a while. Helena is a beautiful character who was hurt but loves with all of her heart. Their love story is heartbreaking at first but progresses to a love that you know will last. I have read about cruel villains in stories and this one has a person that normally you do not see that way but he is cruel and mean and hateful with words. I needed to see his comeuppance. I fess up, I cried when Ewan speaks his mind and offers the impossible. Ms. Michaels’ books are hard to put down and so enjoyable.
A complimentary copy was provided by the author through NetGalley.
A complimentary copy was provided by the author through NetGalley.
May 31, 2021
https://emozionidicarta2020.blogspot....
Ed eccoci al quinto libro della serie Regency "Il club del 1797"
Baldwin Undercross, Duca di Sheffield, si ritrova dopo la morte del padre con una situazione economica disastrosa, ha mantenuto il segreto anche con gli amici del club 1797, per fortuna la sorella Charlotte aveva sposato l'amico fraterno Ewan, Duca di Dunburrow, perciò aveva un peso in meno che gravava sulle sue spalle, ma il futuro della madre e di tutto il suo Ducato dipendevano dalla scelta che avrebbe fatto, l'unica soluzione era sposare una donna abbastanza ricca da poter saldare tutti i debiti.
Purtroppo sapeva che a differenza dei suoi amici, i Duchi che appartenevano al club 1797 che avevano trovato la loro anima gemella, per lui si prospettava un matrimonio di convenienza senza amore. Nessuna donna che lo amasse per i suoi pregi e difetti ma solo una mercenaria che in cambio dei suoi soldi voleva un titolo, e questo lo faceva soffrire moltissimo.
«Siete riuscita a contare tutte le vostre stelle?»
«Non tutte. Ne ho ancora un po’ da contare la prossima volta che sarò su una terrazza. Siete il benvenuto se vorrete venire anche voi.»
Mentre si trova ad un ballo in una notte piena di stelle, nota una giovane donna da sola sul terrazzo, non appena incrocia il suo sguardo ne rimane subito affascinato, è di una bellezza sconvolgente, il suo accento americano fa si che la scambi per la ricca ereditiera di cui gli aveva parlato la madre, inizia a pensare che forse anche per lui c'è speranza, ma quando scopre che è solo la Dama di compagnia della cugina e che non ha nessuna dote, ecco che il castello di carta che si era costruito va in mille pezzi.
Baldwin sceglierà la sicurezza o la passione, il dovere o l'amore?
«Voglio toccarti» spiegò lui, a voce molto bassa e morbida e gentile. «Solo toccarti, Helena. Solo darti piacere perché voglio vederlo. Voglio sentirlo. Ma mi fermerò se me lo chiedi.»
Helena Monroe è la dama di compagnia della cugina Charity Shephard, una ricca ereditiera venuta in Inghilterra per trovare un marito e un titolo che comprenda la parola "Vostra Grazia", non è trattata con rispetto dallo zio Peter Shephard che cerca sempre di farla sentire a disagio e fuori posto.
«E la risposta che non ho dato a tuo zio, ma che darò a te, è che di sicuro non sarei rimasto a guardare mentre sgridavano te. Te, Helena, una donna che conosco intimamente . Una donna a cui tengo. Una donna che vale dieci Peter Shephard.»
Helena è una donna molto forte che dopo aver subito un ingiustizia è rimasta da sola senza nessuno a preoccuparsi per lei, ha preso coscienza di ciò che gli è accaduto ed è andata avanti più forte di prima.
Di certo non si aspetta che le duchesse Emma, Meg, Adelaide e Charlotte, le mogli dei Duchi amici di Baldwin diventassero delle amiche gentili, divertenti e amichevoli, in loro ha trovato delle grandi alleate.
Anche questo libro mi ha coinvolta tantissimo, intrighi, colpi di scena inaspettati, amicizia, fiducia, complicità e amore sono tutti elementi indispensabili per un buon libro. Una scrittura fluida e coinvolgente, in questo volume però rispetto ai precedenti manca un po' di piccante che secondo me non guasta mai. Saranno presenti tutti i Duchi Abernathe, Crestwood, Northfield e Donburrow con le rispettive Duchesse creando una bellissima atmosfera fatta di amicizia rispetto e solidarietà. Come sempre la traduzione di Isabella Nanni è impeccabile.
«L’amore vale qualsiasi sacrificio»
Ringrazio l'autrice per la copia ARC
Ed eccoci al quinto libro della serie Regency "Il club del 1797"
Baldwin Undercross, Duca di Sheffield, si ritrova dopo la morte del padre con una situazione economica disastrosa, ha mantenuto il segreto anche con gli amici del club 1797, per fortuna la sorella Charlotte aveva sposato l'amico fraterno Ewan, Duca di Dunburrow, perciò aveva un peso in meno che gravava sulle sue spalle, ma il futuro della madre e di tutto il suo Ducato dipendevano dalla scelta che avrebbe fatto, l'unica soluzione era sposare una donna abbastanza ricca da poter saldare tutti i debiti.
Purtroppo sapeva che a differenza dei suoi amici, i Duchi che appartenevano al club 1797 che avevano trovato la loro anima gemella, per lui si prospettava un matrimonio di convenienza senza amore. Nessuna donna che lo amasse per i suoi pregi e difetti ma solo una mercenaria che in cambio dei suoi soldi voleva un titolo, e questo lo faceva soffrire moltissimo.
«Siete riuscita a contare tutte le vostre stelle?»
«Non tutte. Ne ho ancora un po’ da contare la prossima volta che sarò su una terrazza. Siete il benvenuto se vorrete venire anche voi.»
Mentre si trova ad un ballo in una notte piena di stelle, nota una giovane donna da sola sul terrazzo, non appena incrocia il suo sguardo ne rimane subito affascinato, è di una bellezza sconvolgente, il suo accento americano fa si che la scambi per la ricca ereditiera di cui gli aveva parlato la madre, inizia a pensare che forse anche per lui c'è speranza, ma quando scopre che è solo la Dama di compagnia della cugina e che non ha nessuna dote, ecco che il castello di carta che si era costruito va in mille pezzi.
Baldwin sceglierà la sicurezza o la passione, il dovere o l'amore?
«Voglio toccarti» spiegò lui, a voce molto bassa e morbida e gentile. «Solo toccarti, Helena. Solo darti piacere perché voglio vederlo. Voglio sentirlo. Ma mi fermerò se me lo chiedi.»
Helena Monroe è la dama di compagnia della cugina Charity Shephard, una ricca ereditiera venuta in Inghilterra per trovare un marito e un titolo che comprenda la parola "Vostra Grazia", non è trattata con rispetto dallo zio Peter Shephard che cerca sempre di farla sentire a disagio e fuori posto.
«E la risposta che non ho dato a tuo zio, ma che darò a te, è che di sicuro non sarei rimasto a guardare mentre sgridavano te. Te, Helena, una donna che conosco intimamente . Una donna a cui tengo. Una donna che vale dieci Peter Shephard.»
Helena è una donna molto forte che dopo aver subito un ingiustizia è rimasta da sola senza nessuno a preoccuparsi per lei, ha preso coscienza di ciò che gli è accaduto ed è andata avanti più forte di prima.
Di certo non si aspetta che le duchesse Emma, Meg, Adelaide e Charlotte, le mogli dei Duchi amici di Baldwin diventassero delle amiche gentili, divertenti e amichevoli, in loro ha trovato delle grandi alleate.
Anche questo libro mi ha coinvolta tantissimo, intrighi, colpi di scena inaspettati, amicizia, fiducia, complicità e amore sono tutti elementi indispensabili per un buon libro. Una scrittura fluida e coinvolgente, in questo volume però rispetto ai precedenti manca un po' di piccante che secondo me non guasta mai. Saranno presenti tutti i Duchi Abernathe, Crestwood, Northfield e Donburrow con le rispettive Duchesse creando una bellissima atmosfera fatta di amicizia rispetto e solidarietà. Come sempre la traduzione di Isabella Nanni è impeccabile.
«L’amore vale qualsiasi sacrificio»
Ringrazio l'autrice per la copia ARC
June 4, 2021
Eccoci arrivati al quinto volume della serie, dopo Charlotte era giusto conoscere meglio Baldwin, suo fratello, un altro duca del club del 1797
Dal primo volume mi sono appassionata sempre più allo stile pulito, frizzante della Michaels.
Ogni duca viene descritto in ogni sua sfaccettatura, ognuno di loro ha avuto lo charme che ha catturato l’attenzione del lettore, ma questo ha avuto il surplus con ogni duchessa che è stata messa loro accanto.
Sto amando questa serie perché ogni protagonista femminile dà il giusto e concreto supporto quando viene messa al fianco del suo duca.
Quindi anche Helena è entrata a far parte di questa straordinaria combriccola che si arricchisce sempre di più.
Il club riunisce i 10 duchi che tra loro hanno non solo l’amicizia ma soprattutto una sofferenza insita nei loro cuori ed è proprio questa sofferenza che li fa interagire oltre al senso di fratellanza rafforzatosi negli anni di studi.
Baldwin deve affrontare un peso schiacciante che rischia di far perdere tutto alla propria famiglia per colpe non sue, è deciso a fare di tutto alfine di non macchiare la reputazione del suo titolo per non rendere dolorosa la vita delle donne che ama, la madre e la sorella.
Non è stato mai innamorato, per cui non pensa sia un gran sacrificio immolarsi in una farsa di matrimonio per poter assolvere al suo compito, però tutto ciò viene spazzato via nell'attimo in cui i suoi occhi incontrano lei...Helena.
Ecco quindi la forza di questa donna che avendo subito la più vile delle sofferenze, sa cosa sia giusto fare per salvare l’amore che ha rapito il suo cuore.
«No, amore mio. Tu mi hai salvato. Dal momento in cui ti ho trovato a contare le stelle, mi hai salvato.»
Lei si sollevò sulla punta dei piedi e accostò le labbra alle sue.
«Arriveremo a un compromesso e diremo che ci siamo salvati a vicenda» disse dolcemente.
Una storia che va letta per poter non solo apprezzare quant’è importante l’amore, ma anche per rivedere i protagonisti del libri precedenti così da capire cos’è l’amicizia.
Consigliato!!!!!!!!!!!!
Buona lettura e alla prossima
5 coccole
Saluinadia
Dal primo volume mi sono appassionata sempre più allo stile pulito, frizzante della Michaels.
Ogni duca viene descritto in ogni sua sfaccettatura, ognuno di loro ha avuto lo charme che ha catturato l’attenzione del lettore, ma questo ha avuto il surplus con ogni duchessa che è stata messa loro accanto.
Sto amando questa serie perché ogni protagonista femminile dà il giusto e concreto supporto quando viene messa al fianco del suo duca.
Quindi anche Helena è entrata a far parte di questa straordinaria combriccola che si arricchisce sempre di più.
Il club riunisce i 10 duchi che tra loro hanno non solo l’amicizia ma soprattutto una sofferenza insita nei loro cuori ed è proprio questa sofferenza che li fa interagire oltre al senso di fratellanza rafforzatosi negli anni di studi.
Baldwin deve affrontare un peso schiacciante che rischia di far perdere tutto alla propria famiglia per colpe non sue, è deciso a fare di tutto alfine di non macchiare la reputazione del suo titolo per non rendere dolorosa la vita delle donne che ama, la madre e la sorella.
Non è stato mai innamorato, per cui non pensa sia un gran sacrificio immolarsi in una farsa di matrimonio per poter assolvere al suo compito, però tutto ciò viene spazzato via nell'attimo in cui i suoi occhi incontrano lei...Helena.
Ecco quindi la forza di questa donna che avendo subito la più vile delle sofferenze, sa cosa sia giusto fare per salvare l’amore che ha rapito il suo cuore.
«No, amore mio. Tu mi hai salvato. Dal momento in cui ti ho trovato a contare le stelle, mi hai salvato.»
Lei si sollevò sulla punta dei piedi e accostò le labbra alle sue.
«Arriveremo a un compromesso e diremo che ci siamo salvati a vicenda» disse dolcemente.
Una storia che va letta per poter non solo apprezzare quant’è importante l’amore, ma anche per rivedere i protagonisti del libri precedenti così da capire cos’è l’amicizia.
Consigliato!!!!!!!!!!!!
Buona lettura e alla prossima
5 coccole
Saluinadia
February 19, 2019
I really like this historical romance series of ALL DUKES. The men in the informal 1797 Club are all destined to be dukes. They help each other in their darkest hours and help each other navigate their ducal responsibilities. They are the best of men and call each other friends and allies. A student at Braxton Academy in 1797, James founded the club with his two best friends Graham and Simon. They then asked Baldwin to join, and he’d brought his close family friend Matthew, and Matthew’s cousin Ewan who is mute. Then Lucas joined but he soon left London. Hugh and Robert joined next, and the last was Christopher who is the only one who hasn’t inherited his dukedom and is still an Earl.
The Duke of Nothing is the fifth book of ten in The 1797 Club series.
Prologue set in 1798. The story begins in 1811. This historical romance limped it’s way into a below average read. It’s a lamentable plot that doesn’t give a strand of hope until the rush of resolutions at the end. The pacing of the story was slow, and at times it felt stuck. Look, I know he’s the Duke of Nothing, but he had the chance to be a duke of fortitude, honesty, and endurance despite him having nothing - but, sadly, that wasn’t how he was portrayed. This Hero didn’t offer many traits to be admired during his hardship which was a literary missed opportunity shame.
The Daring Duke: 3+ stars (The Duke of Abernathe - James & Emma)
Her Favourite Duke: 4+ stars (The Duke of Crestwood - Simon & Margaret)
The Broken Duke: 5- stars (The Duke of Northfield - Graham & Adelaide)
The Silent Duke: 5- stars (The Duke of Donburrow - Ewan & Charlotte)
The Duke of Nothing: 2+ stars (The Duke of Sheffield- Baldwin & Helena)
I think the harshness of the character’s situations put this book into a hole from the start. The hope for the HEA was under-whelming in what was offered in both the Hero and Heroine’s characters. Their characters just didn’t have the fortitude to carry such a dire storyline. Baldwin got the dud story of the series.
Baldwin Undercross, the Duke of Sheffield, has a secret he’s been keeping for many years. He is destitute. There is only one option now: marry for money. The destitute storyline overran the Hero’s good qualities in this book, imo. It painted him as a coward too often which became a go-to behaviour that was difficult to ignore. By the time the story resolved into the HEA, the perception of cowardice was hard to overcome. Plus, using erotic attraction as an escapism was a poor substitute for this duke, imo. I think he got away with contrary behaviour to what we’ve been told thus far in the series, so he didn’t earn my respect.
Specifically, I found it questionable that if Baldwin was “as close as brothers” to several friends, why didn’t he confess to any of them in all those years despite them questioning him multiple times. Sure, reasons for his silence were given but those reasons started to droop as the story progressed until I found his behaviour contrary to what picture had been painted about the 1797 Club. I also found it off-putting and weak that before Baldwin would be intimate with the Heroine, he’d always painstakingly declare that he planned to take liberties with her with no future promised. Every. Time. And there were multiple times so we heard the same speech, over and over. I mean, come on, why don’t you just draw up a disclaimer and get her to sign it before you get in her pants? Talk about a bucket of cold water before every intimate scene. His lusty desires with the pre-warning conversation in every intimate scene just made him look weak as a man, fullstop. That angle of story-telling didn’t work.
Helena Monroe is the companion to her entitled cousin, and she is miserable. Judged and treated unfairly by her uncle for an unfortunate incident in Boston, Helena’s sunny disposition and wit get trampled by her American relatives at every turn.
I admired Helena’s positive outlook but, ultimately, that was tempered with very strong feelings of pity for her. Helena is resigned to being used by Baldwin with no attachments which just made me feel sorry for her. She did agree to every intimate encounter with Baldwin but her nose was rubbed in it because Baldwin would always pre-warn her, “I’m going to touch you privately Helena but I cannot have any future with you”. It’s a poor way to unite these two in intimacy. In the end, her resignation to her defeated circumstances overran any thrill of happiness or connection I saw between them.
The Hero was weak and had no strength of character to rise above the unforgiving circumstances he found himself in. He just didn’t have that inner core of integrity values that could elevate him to be admired no matter what the difficulties. Bit of a shame, really. The Heroine portrayed as being easily led into erotic intimacies, conceding herself to being used for liberties. I felt this was more of a reflection of her low self-esteem, even though she was attracted to Baldwin. Her storyline was devoid of any hope, any chance, any person, or any possibility, none of which could help her, and put her in a pity box throughout the entire book. Her circumstances truly made for a bleak and sad storyline from the get-go. Helpless, really, because she couldn’t save herself.
In the end, the reasons given during the story for the way the Hero behaved weren’t consistent with previous story-telling so the correlation between what we knew and what we read felt false and inauthentic. And boring, imo.
I wasn’t thrilled with the portrayal of Hero and Heroine characters in this book therefore, on its own, I don’t recommend it.
However, as part of the bigger story and the ten book series as a whole, I would hesitatingly recommend it to be read.
The Duke of Nothing is the fifth book of ten in The 1797 Club series.
Prologue set in 1798. The story begins in 1811. This historical romance limped it’s way into a below average read. It’s a lamentable plot that doesn’t give a strand of hope until the rush of resolutions at the end. The pacing of the story was slow, and at times it felt stuck. Look, I know he’s the Duke of Nothing, but he had the chance to be a duke of fortitude, honesty, and endurance despite him having nothing - but, sadly, that wasn’t how he was portrayed. This Hero didn’t offer many traits to be admired during his hardship which was a literary missed opportunity shame.
The Daring Duke: 3+ stars (The Duke of Abernathe - James & Emma)
Her Favourite Duke: 4+ stars (The Duke of Crestwood - Simon & Margaret)
The Broken Duke: 5- stars (The Duke of Northfield - Graham & Adelaide)
The Silent Duke: 5- stars (The Duke of Donburrow - Ewan & Charlotte)
The Duke of Nothing: 2+ stars (The Duke of Sheffield- Baldwin & Helena)
I think the harshness of the character’s situations put this book into a hole from the start. The hope for the HEA was under-whelming in what was offered in both the Hero and Heroine’s characters. Their characters just didn’t have the fortitude to carry such a dire storyline. Baldwin got the dud story of the series.
Baldwin Undercross, the Duke of Sheffield, has a secret he’s been keeping for many years. He is destitute. There is only one option now: marry for money. The destitute storyline overran the Hero’s good qualities in this book, imo. It painted him as a coward too often which became a go-to behaviour that was difficult to ignore. By the time the story resolved into the HEA, the perception of cowardice was hard to overcome. Plus, using erotic attraction as an escapism was a poor substitute for this duke, imo. I think he got away with contrary behaviour to what we’ve been told thus far in the series, so he didn’t earn my respect.
Specifically, I found it questionable that if Baldwin was “as close as brothers” to several friends, why didn’t he confess to any of them in all those years despite them questioning him multiple times. Sure, reasons for his silence were given but those reasons started to droop as the story progressed until I found his behaviour contrary to what picture had been painted about the 1797 Club. I also found it off-putting and weak that before Baldwin would be intimate with the Heroine, he’d always painstakingly declare that he planned to take liberties with her with no future promised. Every. Time. And there were multiple times so we heard the same speech, over and over. I mean, come on, why don’t you just draw up a disclaimer and get her to sign it before you get in her pants? Talk about a bucket of cold water before every intimate scene. His lusty desires with the pre-warning conversation in every intimate scene just made him look weak as a man, fullstop. That angle of story-telling didn’t work.
Helena Monroe is the companion to her entitled cousin, and she is miserable. Judged and treated unfairly by her uncle for an unfortunate incident in Boston, Helena’s sunny disposition and wit get trampled by her American relatives at every turn.
I admired Helena’s positive outlook but, ultimately, that was tempered with very strong feelings of pity for her. Helena is resigned to being used by Baldwin with no attachments which just made me feel sorry for her. She did agree to every intimate encounter with Baldwin but her nose was rubbed in it because Baldwin would always pre-warn her, “I’m going to touch you privately Helena but I cannot have any future with you”. It’s a poor way to unite these two in intimacy. In the end, her resignation to her defeated circumstances overran any thrill of happiness or connection I saw between them.
The Hero was weak and had no strength of character to rise above the unforgiving circumstances he found himself in. He just didn’t have that inner core of integrity values that could elevate him to be admired no matter what the difficulties. Bit of a shame, really. The Heroine portrayed as being easily led into erotic intimacies, conceding herself to being used for liberties. I felt this was more of a reflection of her low self-esteem, even though she was attracted to Baldwin. Her storyline was devoid of any hope, any chance, any person, or any possibility, none of which could help her, and put her in a pity box throughout the entire book. Her circumstances truly made for a bleak and sad storyline from the get-go. Helpless, really, because she couldn’t save herself.
In the end, the reasons given during the story for the way the Hero behaved weren’t consistent with previous story-telling so the correlation between what we knew and what we read felt false and inauthentic. And boring, imo.
I wasn’t thrilled with the portrayal of Hero and Heroine characters in this book therefore, on its own, I don’t recommend it.
However, as part of the bigger story and the ten book series as a whole, I would hesitatingly recommend it to be read.
January 9, 2018
Jess Michaels is technically a good writer – the language flows, the narrative and plot are easy to follow, some of the characters are interesting.
However, I did have a couple of significant issues with the book.
*Warning: spoilers ahead*
First off, the Duke of Sheffield has some serious trust issues. He has inherited a large estate but no money, which his father gambled away in secret. He must wed an heiress to save his estate and his family. However, he tells no one this, although we are informed multiple times about his close friendships with several other dukes and their wives. Consequently, when he is attracted to Helena, a kind and lovely woman with no money, his friends keep pushing her at him, since they don’t know of his need to marry money. He does at least tell Helene he can’t marry her and why.
However, even more annoying, they finally admit their attraction and agree to have an affair, because they “both have nothing.” WRONG. He has no money, but he has extensive land, esteem, family, friends, and his title. SHE has nothing. She has lost her standing in Boston and the respect of her family and friends. She is working as an unpaid companion to her cousin, wearing hand-me-down gowns, on the sufferance of her horrible uncle. If she gets pregnant through this affair (while he continues to hunt for his heiress), she’ll end up working the streets. I wouldn’t have minded if they’d had sex after he finally proposes (although there are still obstacles to be beat), but I can’t forgive him for happily ruining her just because she agrees to it when he has everything to gain and she has everything to lose.
Also, the F word. I’m not a big fan of the F word, because I think it’s boring and shows a lack of imagination. However, if you want to use the F word in your Regency romance, then own it. Don’t wait until more than halfway through the book to use it and then use it liberally. This struck me as poor editing, almost like originally it wasn’t going to have the F word and then it was abruptly added toward the end, or it was decided not to use the F word but all the instances were not deleted. I read an advance reader copy of The Duke of Nothing from Netgalley, and maybe this will be altered in the final copy.
This is the fifth book in the series, and it shows. I have not read the other books, and multiple characters I’m supposed to know and love float in and out of this book. It would probably be best read by someone who has read and liked the first four books.
However, I did have a couple of significant issues with the book.
*Warning: spoilers ahead*
First off, the Duke of Sheffield has some serious trust issues. He has inherited a large estate but no money, which his father gambled away in secret. He must wed an heiress to save his estate and his family. However, he tells no one this, although we are informed multiple times about his close friendships with several other dukes and their wives. Consequently, when he is attracted to Helena, a kind and lovely woman with no money, his friends keep pushing her at him, since they don’t know of his need to marry money. He does at least tell Helene he can’t marry her and why.
However, even more annoying, they finally admit their attraction and agree to have an affair, because they “both have nothing.” WRONG. He has no money, but he has extensive land, esteem, family, friends, and his title. SHE has nothing. She has lost her standing in Boston and the respect of her family and friends. She is working as an unpaid companion to her cousin, wearing hand-me-down gowns, on the sufferance of her horrible uncle. If she gets pregnant through this affair (while he continues to hunt for his heiress), she’ll end up working the streets. I wouldn’t have minded if they’d had sex after he finally proposes (although there are still obstacles to be beat), but I can’t forgive him for happily ruining her just because she agrees to it when he has everything to gain and she has everything to lose.
Also, the F word. I’m not a big fan of the F word, because I think it’s boring and shows a lack of imagination. However, if you want to use the F word in your Regency romance, then own it. Don’t wait until more than halfway through the book to use it and then use it liberally. This struck me as poor editing, almost like originally it wasn’t going to have the F word and then it was abruptly added toward the end, or it was decided not to use the F word but all the instances were not deleted. I read an advance reader copy of The Duke of Nothing from Netgalley, and maybe this will be altered in the final copy.
This is the fifth book in the series, and it shows. I have not read the other books, and multiple characters I’m supposed to know and love float in and out of this book. It would probably be best read by someone who has read and liked the first four books.
September 5, 2020
2.75⭐️
May 26, 2021
Per leggere la recensione in blog cliccare qui:
https://ilconfinedeilibri.blogspot.co...
https://ilconfinedeilibri.blogspot.co...
January 1, 2018
The Duke If Nothing captured me from the first paragraph! Each book of the Dukes Club series is wonderful to read, this story is no exception. The common thread in the series stems from a group of future Dukes banding together against very different obstacles. The Duke of Sheffield is destitute. Now he feels as if time has runout and he must marry an heiress. To save his family from scandal. His mother has told him that an American has the highest dowry. At the first ball of the season he meets an American beauty and thinks this might not such a chore after all. But the woman who has captured him is not the heiress, but her cousin who has no money and is actually her cousin’s chaperone. The story is one in which you feel the torment of the hero and heroine as they battle their feelings and what they both know what must be done. I could not put this book down.
May 25, 2021
Eccoci al quinto appuntamento con la serie “Il club del 1797”. Questa volta il nobile protagonista è Baldwin Undercross, Duca di Sheffield; non un personaggio del tutto nuovo: in realtà lo abbiamo già conosciuto come fratello di Charlotte, moglie del duca silenzioso e deliziosa protagonista del precedente romanzo. Anche questa è una storia autoconclusiva che si può leggere indipendentemente dalle precedenti, anche se personalmente consiglio di recuperarle tutte perché sono delle letture coinvolgenti e che piaceranno alle appassionate dello storico. La Michaels sa maneggiare molto bene gli strumenti di questo genere spesso bistrattato e relegato al ruolo di “Cenerentola” del romance; in realtà è complesso scrivere di epoche lontane ed avere una coerenza e una credibilità. La Michaels lo fa egregiamente immergendoci in quel mondo affascinante, regalandoci ogni volta un viaggio nel tempo appassionante; anche questa volta riesce a compiere la sua missione, seppure con protagonisti diversi ma ugualmente credibili e intriganti.
La trama è un classico del genere: un duca che ha una montagna di debiti e che deve sposare un’ereditiera, meglio se americana, per poter sperare di sopravvivere alla miseria e al disonore. All’inizio il nostro protagonista è rassegnato al suo destino: crede nell’amore, ma per gli altri, mentre è molto disilluso per quanto riguarda se stesso, forse anche a causa di quello che ha scoperto alla morte del padre. Nonostante sia circondato da amici che si sono sposati per amore, lui sa che non potrà mai farlo. Custodisce un segreto drammatico e sconvolgente: il titolo è quasi solo nominale, tutto il ducato è sommerso dai debiti e se non troverà una sposa ricca andrà incontro alla rovina e al disonore. L’onore, per un uomo di quel tempo, era tutto. Per questo Baldwin accetta di stilare una lista di giovani fanciulle che possano ambire al ruolo di future duchesse. Mentre partecipa ad un evento mondano incontra una bellissima ragazza dai capelli rossi e ne rimane subito affascinato.
Baldwin è felice di questo incontro: pensa di aver conosciuto l’americana e ad un tratto l’idea di un matrimonio di convenienza non lo fa più deprimere.
In realtà un destino crudele ha fatto incontrare a Baldwin l’americana sbagliata: non Charity, la bella ereditiera che dovrebbe impalmare, ma sua cugina Helena, che è arrivata a Londra solo come dama di compagnia della più ricca parente. Helena è una ragazza estremamente coraggiosa, saggia e dolce, che nasconde uno scandalo che cerca di dimenticare. Ovviamente è povera e vive della carità dello zio e della cugina che non la trattano molto bene, anzi la maltrattano e umiliano appena possibile. Anche lei subisce un vero e proprio colpo di fulmine alla vista del duca. Ma sa fin da subito che ogni coinvolgimento tra loro sarebbe impossibile.
Devo dire che l' inizio del romanzo è stato molto bello e delicato e mi ha ricordato quasi una rivisitazione della fiaba di Cenerentola. Solo che qui il principe non dovrà far cercare la sua amata con l’aiuto della scarpetta ma se la ritroverà davanti ad ogni ricevimento; mentre dovrebbe parlare con Charity, conoscerla, corteggiarla, è la sua dama di compagnia che vuole, che cerca, di cui inizia a fidarsi; è quella rossa esile ma determinata, dolce e forte che ammorbidisce il suo cuore duro e chiuso all’amore.
Come in ogni fiaba che si rispetti, i nostri eroi dovranno lottare e superare molte insidie ed ostacoli prima di trovare la felicità: i nemici saranno spietati e avranno alla fine un colpo letale, un colpo di scena che, seppur me lo aspettassi, non ha tolto nulla al pathos e alla tensione narrativa. Splendida la famiglia di Baldwin, soprattutto Charlotte e suo cognato Ewan, coppia che ho adorato nel precedente romanzo e che sono felice di aver ritrovato più unita e innamorata che mai. Così come meravigliosi sono tutti i duchi e le loro consorti. I protagonisti mi sono piaciuti entrambi: Baldwin così tormentato ma anche determinato e capace di riconoscere e assecondare un sentimento raro e puro; Helena, totalmente generosa e disposta all’estremo sacrificio, a scapito della propria felicità, pur di salvare l’uomo che ama; la sua storia mi ha commosso e meritava di essere ripagata delle ingiustizie subite e di essere adorata da un uomo così speciale come Baldwin.
Ottima, oltre alla caratterizzazione dei personaggi, anche l’ambientazione e accurate come sempre le descrizioni. Le scene d’amore sono hot nel più perfetto stile dell’autrice ma non risultano eccessive né volgari grazie anche all’impeccabile traduzione della Nanni.
Come ho detto prima, non del tutto spiazzante ma adeguato il colpo di scena finale; molto originale, invece, è il personaggio che sarà la “Fata madrina” della nostra eroina. L’intreccio risulta piacevolissimo, le pagine scorrono velocemente perché l’autrice sa catturare l’interesse del lettore. Certo la storia, rispetto ai primissimi romanzi della serie, è meno dinamica ma è più incentrata sull’introspezione e sul dramma del duca, diviso tra amore e onore, lealtà familiare e anelito di felicità.
Consiglio questo romanzo alle appassionate del genere, a chi ama le storie drammatiche ma anche passionali, dolci e struggenti, a chi non cerca l’azione a tutti i costi, a chi non disdegna gli approfondimenti psicologici dei personaggi. Aspetto con ansia i prossimi volumi della serie; ho già adocchiato almeno altri due duchi pazzeschi (Tyndale e il duca libertino) e non vedo l’ora che arrivino anche in Italia!
La trama è un classico del genere: un duca che ha una montagna di debiti e che deve sposare un’ereditiera, meglio se americana, per poter sperare di sopravvivere alla miseria e al disonore. All’inizio il nostro protagonista è rassegnato al suo destino: crede nell’amore, ma per gli altri, mentre è molto disilluso per quanto riguarda se stesso, forse anche a causa di quello che ha scoperto alla morte del padre. Nonostante sia circondato da amici che si sono sposati per amore, lui sa che non potrà mai farlo. Custodisce un segreto drammatico e sconvolgente: il titolo è quasi solo nominale, tutto il ducato è sommerso dai debiti e se non troverà una sposa ricca andrà incontro alla rovina e al disonore. L’onore, per un uomo di quel tempo, era tutto. Per questo Baldwin accetta di stilare una lista di giovani fanciulle che possano ambire al ruolo di future duchesse. Mentre partecipa ad un evento mondano incontra una bellissima ragazza dai capelli rossi e ne rimane subito affascinato.
Baldwin è felice di questo incontro: pensa di aver conosciuto l’americana e ad un tratto l’idea di un matrimonio di convenienza non lo fa più deprimere.
In realtà un destino crudele ha fatto incontrare a Baldwin l’americana sbagliata: non Charity, la bella ereditiera che dovrebbe impalmare, ma sua cugina Helena, che è arrivata a Londra solo come dama di compagnia della più ricca parente. Helena è una ragazza estremamente coraggiosa, saggia e dolce, che nasconde uno scandalo che cerca di dimenticare. Ovviamente è povera e vive della carità dello zio e della cugina che non la trattano molto bene, anzi la maltrattano e umiliano appena possibile. Anche lei subisce un vero e proprio colpo di fulmine alla vista del duca. Ma sa fin da subito che ogni coinvolgimento tra loro sarebbe impossibile.
Devo dire che l' inizio del romanzo è stato molto bello e delicato e mi ha ricordato quasi una rivisitazione della fiaba di Cenerentola. Solo che qui il principe non dovrà far cercare la sua amata con l’aiuto della scarpetta ma se la ritroverà davanti ad ogni ricevimento; mentre dovrebbe parlare con Charity, conoscerla, corteggiarla, è la sua dama di compagnia che vuole, che cerca, di cui inizia a fidarsi; è quella rossa esile ma determinata, dolce e forte che ammorbidisce il suo cuore duro e chiuso all’amore.
Come in ogni fiaba che si rispetti, i nostri eroi dovranno lottare e superare molte insidie ed ostacoli prima di trovare la felicità: i nemici saranno spietati e avranno alla fine un colpo letale, un colpo di scena che, seppur me lo aspettassi, non ha tolto nulla al pathos e alla tensione narrativa. Splendida la famiglia di Baldwin, soprattutto Charlotte e suo cognato Ewan, coppia che ho adorato nel precedente romanzo e che sono felice di aver ritrovato più unita e innamorata che mai. Così come meravigliosi sono tutti i duchi e le loro consorti. I protagonisti mi sono piaciuti entrambi: Baldwin così tormentato ma anche determinato e capace di riconoscere e assecondare un sentimento raro e puro; Helena, totalmente generosa e disposta all’estremo sacrificio, a scapito della propria felicità, pur di salvare l’uomo che ama; la sua storia mi ha commosso e meritava di essere ripagata delle ingiustizie subite e di essere adorata da un uomo così speciale come Baldwin.
Ottima, oltre alla caratterizzazione dei personaggi, anche l’ambientazione e accurate come sempre le descrizioni. Le scene d’amore sono hot nel più perfetto stile dell’autrice ma non risultano eccessive né volgari grazie anche all’impeccabile traduzione della Nanni.
Come ho detto prima, non del tutto spiazzante ma adeguato il colpo di scena finale; molto originale, invece, è il personaggio che sarà la “Fata madrina” della nostra eroina. L’intreccio risulta piacevolissimo, le pagine scorrono velocemente perché l’autrice sa catturare l’interesse del lettore. Certo la storia, rispetto ai primissimi romanzi della serie, è meno dinamica ma è più incentrata sull’introspezione e sul dramma del duca, diviso tra amore e onore, lealtà familiare e anelito di felicità.
Consiglio questo romanzo alle appassionate del genere, a chi ama le storie drammatiche ma anche passionali, dolci e struggenti, a chi non cerca l’azione a tutti i costi, a chi non disdegna gli approfondimenti psicologici dei personaggi. Aspetto con ansia i prossimi volumi della serie; ho già adocchiato almeno altri due duchi pazzeschi (Tyndale e il duca libertino) e non vedo l’ora che arrivino anche in Italia!
January 17, 2018
Enthralling read
Wow jesse Michaels know how to hold the reader captive. No simpering debutante for her. Strong characters . Lots of passion and sensuality. Along with a thread of mystery. Can't wait for her next book.
Wow jesse Michaels know how to hold the reader captive. No simpering debutante for her. Strong characters . Lots of passion and sensuality. Along with a thread of mystery. Can't wait for her next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews