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The Gilded Age Heiresses #4
The Duchess Takes a Husband
A scandalous arrangement between a London rogue and an American duchess leads to lavish stakes.
Despite her illustrious title, Camille, Duchess of Hereford, remains what she has always been—a pariah. Though her title means she’s technically accepted by London Society, the rebellious widow with her burgeoning interest in the suffrage movement and her American ways isn’t exactly high on every hostess’s guest list. But Camille starts to wonder if being an outcast is not without its perks when the tantalizing answer to her secret fear appears in the shape of Jacob Thorne, the illegitimate son of an earl and co-owner of London’s infamous Montague Club.
Jacob is used to making deals with his club members—he’s just not accustomed to them being beautiful women. Nor have the terms ever been so sweetly seductive as Camille’s shocking proposition. To finally buy his own club and gain the crucial backing of investors, Camille offers Jacob the respectability of a fake engagement with a duchess. In return, the tempting widow has one condition: she wants Jacob to show her if it’s possible for her to experience pleasure in bed.
The lure of such a bargain proves too delicious to resist, drawing the enterprising rogue and the wallflower duchess into a scandalous game and an even more dangerous gamble of the heart.
Despite her illustrious title, Camille, Duchess of Hereford, remains what she has always been—a pariah. Though her title means she’s technically accepted by London Society, the rebellious widow with her burgeoning interest in the suffrage movement and her American ways isn’t exactly high on every hostess’s guest list. But Camille starts to wonder if being an outcast is not without its perks when the tantalizing answer to her secret fear appears in the shape of Jacob Thorne, the illegitimate son of an earl and co-owner of London’s infamous Montague Club.
Jacob is used to making deals with his club members—he’s just not accustomed to them being beautiful women. Nor have the terms ever been so sweetly seductive as Camille’s shocking proposition. To finally buy his own club and gain the crucial backing of investors, Camille offers Jacob the respectability of a fake engagement with a duchess. In return, the tempting widow has one condition: she wants Jacob to show her if it’s possible for her to experience pleasure in bed.
The lure of such a bargain proves too delicious to resist, drawing the enterprising rogue and the wallflower duchess into a scandalous game and an even more dangerous gamble of the heart.
312 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 23, 2023
115 people are currently reading
7535 people want to read
About the author
Harper St. George
55 books1,258 followersHarper St. George was raised in rural Alabama and along the tranquil coast of northwest Florida. It was a setting filled with stories of the old days that instilled in her a love of history, romance, and adventure. By high school, she had discovered the historical romance novel which combined all of those elements into one perfect package. She has been hooked ever since.
She lives in the Atlanta area with her husband and two children. When not writing, she can be found devouring her husband's amazing cooking and reading. She would love to hear from you. Please visit her website at harperstgeorge.com
She lives in the Atlanta area with her husband and two children. When not writing, she can be found devouring her husband's amazing cooking and reading. She would love to hear from you. Please visit her website at harperstgeorge.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 409 reviews
May 23, 2023
✨ That sex scene has me like https://youtu.be/uuZE_IRwLNI ✨
This was a solid conclusion to a lovely series. Camille deserved the world and I was definitely one of the early series readers asking for her story!!
It was so empowering to see Camille take initiative but to also know her limits, and eventually take back control of her life. Jacob was the perfect hero for Camille, as he was literally hanging on to her every word, move, breathe… Meaning he could tell when she needed to slow down or stop in the bedroom as well as when she needed to take control.
I thought he was gonna tie himself up for her but we got something exponentially sexier: A mirror scene to end ALL mirror scenes. Whenever gaming hell pleasure rooms enter the plot, you know the book is absolutely going to bang.
The scene also gave us the iconic line—“panic mixed with extreme affection”—which perfectly describes the entire third act (not really breakup but period of uncertainty). I actually really loved how the third act was handled in regards to their relationship plus we got some hot defining-the-relationship sex.
✨
While this book absolutely did bang, it was a lot more slow burn than I expected going in. I understand why the sex had to be towards the end of the book (there was a lot of healing that needed to happen), but I wish the two would’ve spent a little more time together on the page.
For reasons, there had to be some light fake engagement in exchange for sex lessons, but I think the former could’ve been elevated. They were only faking for a few people (to close a business deal) but it would’ve been juicy for it to have hit the ton.
They both had a lot to do apart from each other—Jacob had his investment and Camille was getting into women’s suffrage as well as dealing with Hereford’s horrible heir—that dragged the plot just a bit. Separately everything was interesting, but together I just wanted a bit more cohesion in the storylines and focus on the relationship.
✨
Overall, I adored this one but I didn’t fly through it. The pace held me back a bit, but Camille deserved everything good and lovely and safe, which she ultimately found in Jacob. But she also found herself again, or rather, her new self, and that was the strongest and most touching part of the story.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️.25*/5
*We got a few scenes, varied in length and depth. I think it was about the same as book three.
Spoiler: When her mother went to Jacob at the end he was NOT as alarmed as he should’ve been. He damn near didn’t go rescue Camille! But it also made me really like her mother which I totally didn’t see coming. It was a great scene but I was like. SIR?!
CWs: domestic and emotional abuse (recounted)
Thanks so much to the publisher for an eARC via NetGalley. I’m also a part of the authors ARC team. All opinions are honest and my own.
This was a solid conclusion to a lovely series. Camille deserved the world and I was definitely one of the early series readers asking for her story!!
It was so empowering to see Camille take initiative but to also know her limits, and eventually take back control of her life. Jacob was the perfect hero for Camille, as he was literally hanging on to her every word, move, breathe… Meaning he could tell when she needed to slow down or stop in the bedroom as well as when she needed to take control.
I thought he was gonna tie himself up for her but we got something exponentially sexier: A mirror scene to end ALL mirror scenes. Whenever gaming hell pleasure rooms enter the plot, you know the book is absolutely going to bang.
The scene also gave us the iconic line—“panic mixed with extreme affection”—which perfectly describes the entire third act (not really breakup but period of uncertainty). I actually really loved how the third act was handled in regards to their relationship plus we got some hot defining-the-relationship sex.
✨
While this book absolutely did bang, it was a lot more slow burn than I expected going in. I understand why the sex had to be towards the end of the book (there was a lot of healing that needed to happen), but I wish the two would’ve spent a little more time together on the page.
For reasons, there had to be some light fake engagement in exchange for sex lessons, but I think the former could’ve been elevated. They were only faking for a few people (to close a business deal) but it would’ve been juicy for it to have hit the ton.
They both had a lot to do apart from each other—Jacob had his investment and Camille was getting into women’s suffrage as well as dealing with Hereford’s horrible heir—that dragged the plot just a bit. Separately everything was interesting, but together I just wanted a bit more cohesion in the storylines and focus on the relationship.
✨
Overall, I adored this one but I didn’t fly through it. The pace held me back a bit, but Camille deserved everything good and lovely and safe, which she ultimately found in Jacob. But she also found herself again, or rather, her new self, and that was the strongest and most touching part of the story.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️.25*/5
*We got a few scenes, varied in length and depth. I think it was about the same as book three.
Spoiler: When her mother went to Jacob at the end he was NOT as alarmed as he should’ve been. He damn near didn’t go rescue Camille! But it also made me really like her mother which I totally didn’t see coming. It was a great scene but I was like. SIR?!
CWs: domestic and emotional abuse (recounted)
Thanks so much to the publisher for an eARC via NetGalley. I’m also a part of the authors ARC team. All opinions are honest and my own.
May 23, 2023
I have thoroughly enjoyed the progression of this series, with each book getting a bit deeper and more emotional, which I absolutely adore.
This is Camille's story, who we've seen in previous books in a VERY unhappy arranged marriage. The classic, wealthy American Heiress with parents who want to buy her a title through marriage. It works, and she weds the Duke, who is well into his 50s. But not only that, he is also abusive to Camille, who isn't even aware she is being abused until Jacob, ever so gently, suggests it.
The Duke dies, leaving Camille widowed, and so she sets out in pursuit of pleasure in the bedroom after she is convinced there is something wrong with her because she has never experienced it.
She finds Jacob, who is reportedly VERY talented at ensuring his female partners have an EXCELLENT time and the two strike a bargain. Throw in a fake engagement, and certainly, neither one will be catching feelings.
I admit I was a bit disappointed (at first) that the setup was sex lessons. I've read many with that premise and wasn't sure how this author could make that premise fresh and emotional instead of just steamy. My preference is always for deeply emotional intimate scenes rather than a ton of them with kinks. These were lovely and truly did a lot of work to move the story forward and to help both Camille and Jacob unravel the emotional baggage they both have.
But I'll tell you what... Harper St. George delivered on every aspect.
The way their feelings slowly evolved, the protective care and concern Jacob had for Camille, and Camille's own journey of reclaiming her agency was all so beautifully done that it took my breath away.
This romance delivered on swoon SO WELL.
This was utterly beautiful, and I loved every page.
I received an ARC for review.
This is Camille's story, who we've seen in previous books in a VERY unhappy arranged marriage. The classic, wealthy American Heiress with parents who want to buy her a title through marriage. It works, and she weds the Duke, who is well into his 50s. But not only that, he is also abusive to Camille, who isn't even aware she is being abused until Jacob, ever so gently, suggests it.
The Duke dies, leaving Camille widowed, and so she sets out in pursuit of pleasure in the bedroom after she is convinced there is something wrong with her because she has never experienced it.
She finds Jacob, who is reportedly VERY talented at ensuring his female partners have an EXCELLENT time and the two strike a bargain. Throw in a fake engagement, and certainly, neither one will be catching feelings.
I admit I was a bit disappointed (at first) that the setup was sex lessons. I've read many with that premise and wasn't sure how this author could make that premise fresh and emotional instead of just steamy. My preference is always for deeply emotional intimate scenes rather than a ton of them with kinks. These were lovely and truly did a lot of work to move the story forward and to help both Camille and Jacob unravel the emotional baggage they both have.
But I'll tell you what... Harper St. George delivered on every aspect.
The way their feelings slowly evolved, the protective care and concern Jacob had for Camille, and Camille's own journey of reclaiming her agency was all so beautifully done that it took my breath away.
This romance delivered on swoon SO WELL.
This was utterly beautiful, and I loved every page.
I received an ARC for review.
May 31, 2023
Love this cover! That shade of green! 😍😍😍
2.75
I’m so glad Camille got her HEA. Poor woman was married to a controlling and verbally abusive man since book one of this series.
The romance was more of a slow burn and days would go by before the H/h would see each other again, which is understandable because Camille needed that kind of time after bad experiences with sex.
Jacob is patient and tender with her. He believes love exists but he wants no part of it due to his father’s love/obsession with the H’smother. When he finally confessed his love, it felt forced. It could have used two or three additional chapters before his confession.
I got a sneak peek of the author’s next book for her new series at the end of the story. The title is The Stranger I Married. The preview contains the H/h’s meet cute. I definitely wanna know more. Why isn’t the synopsis on Goodreads yet? (Maybe it’s on Amazon?)
2.75
I’m so glad Camille got her HEA. Poor woman was married to a controlling and verbally abusive man since book one of this series.
The romance was more of a slow burn and days would go by before the H/h would see each other again, which is understandable because Camille needed that kind of time after bad experiences with sex.
Jacob is patient and tender with her. He believes love exists but he wants no part of it due to his father’s love/obsession with the H’smother. When he finally confessed his love, it felt forced. It could have used two or three additional chapters before his confession.
I got a sneak peek of the author’s next book for her new series at the end of the story. The title is The Stranger I Married. The preview contains the H/h’s meet cute. I definitely wanna know more. Why isn’t the synopsis on Goodreads yet? (Maybe it’s on Amazon?)
May 26, 2023
A real stunner of a historical romance! The book opens when Camille, a recently-widowed duchess, approaches Jacob Thorne, co-owner of an exclusive London club, for an amorous liaison. Camille is ready to experience the world that her marriage had closed off to her: her husband might not have been physically abusive, but he controlled her every movement, not allowing her to visit her friends, dance with other men at balls, or even join a lending library without his express permission. Since her marriage she has not felt desire for another man, despite her best efforts. So when she's attracted to Jacob, she decides to seize the day. At first, Jacob puts her off - until he needs a fake relationship. She agrees to a pretend engagement, but he has to seriously consider her request in return.
The book deals with a lot of heavy topics, especially abusive relationships. Despite her new independence as a widow, Camille is haunted by her marriage. Her current financial circumstances are controlled by her husband's heir. Her family cannot see - or refuses to see - the damage that her marriage caused her. Her determination to take control of her life and become the woman she would like to be, despite all of the limitations, makes her an inspiring character to read. And Jacob's more supporting role makes him her perfect match.
Not only that, this book is sexy. Like, REAL sexy. Keep in mind that Camille has a difficult time getting out of her own head, due to her past experiences. Jacob's willingness - or rather, his enthusiasm - in assisting her to achieve her goals make the intimate scenes powerful, too.
This is a good one!!
29-Word Summaries:
Meg: Camille wants to escape her life as a respectable widowed duchess, so she suggests a sex agreement with Jacob. Jacob is real tempted but suggests a fake relationship instead.
Laine: Is there anything sexier than jacking off while the woman in the room with you has a panic attack? Yes? A lot of things? Well, sex therapy fixes everything.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
The book deals with a lot of heavy topics, especially abusive relationships. Despite her new independence as a widow, Camille is haunted by her marriage. Her current financial circumstances are controlled by her husband's heir. Her family cannot see - or refuses to see - the damage that her marriage caused her. Her determination to take control of her life and become the woman she would like to be, despite all of the limitations, makes her an inspiring character to read. And Jacob's more supporting role makes him her perfect match.
Not only that, this book is sexy. Like, REAL sexy. Keep in mind that Camille has a difficult time getting out of her own head, due to her past experiences. Jacob's willingness - or rather, his enthusiasm - in assisting her to achieve her goals make the intimate scenes powerful, too.
This is a good one!!
29-Word Summaries:
Meg: Camille wants to escape her life as a respectable widowed duchess, so she suggests a sex agreement with Jacob. Jacob is real tempted but suggests a fake relationship instead.
Laine: Is there anything sexier than jacking off while the woman in the room with you has a panic attack? Yes? A lot of things? Well, sex therapy fixes everything.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
April 18, 2023
American heiress Camille, now Dowager Duchess of Hereford, was bartered in an exchange as old as time: money for title. Now that her emotionally abusive husband is dead, Camille sets out to conquer a fear with the help of her best friend's brother-in-law, illegitimate club owner, Jacob Thorne. Jacob has a dilemma of his own, accidentally telling potential business partners that he has a fiancée, in order to close a deal. Can the two help each other achieve their goals without getting attached?
This is the fourth and final book in the Gilded Age Heiresses series. I highly recommend reading books one and two of this series because they establish Camille's ill treatment and lay the foundation for the tone of this book. There is a sadness to Camille's story that is completely appropriate, but better felt when you have the weight of the other stories behind it.
From the blurb, I thought this novel might portray Camille as a widow ready to throw off the shackles of her marriage and engage in an affair, but the pace of this book is actually slower because Camille had a lot of trauma to overcome. I really like how Jacob misread the situation, too, and assumed her could "fix it" with good sex. That was not the case, and he became incredible supportive and consent-driven. I also liked how the suffragette storyline tied into Camille's history as a widow denied rights, with little knowledge of her marriage contract and a surviving heir that wanted to keep her as confined and helpless as her husband did. Overall, it was a well layered story and I am super excited about the spin-off series!
Tropes: Widow, Anti-Hero, Lessons, Fake Relationship, Best Friend's Brother-in-Law/Sister-in-Law's Best Friend
Steam: 3
* I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
This is the fourth and final book in the Gilded Age Heiresses series. I highly recommend reading books one and two of this series because they establish Camille's ill treatment and lay the foundation for the tone of this book. There is a sadness to Camille's story that is completely appropriate, but better felt when you have the weight of the other stories behind it.
From the blurb, I thought this novel might portray Camille as a widow ready to throw off the shackles of her marriage and engage in an affair, but the pace of this book is actually slower because Camille had a lot of trauma to overcome. I really like how Jacob misread the situation, too, and assumed her could "fix it" with good sex. That was not the case, and he became incredible supportive and consent-driven. I also liked how the suffragette storyline tied into Camille's history as a widow denied rights, with little knowledge of her marriage contract and a surviving heir that wanted to keep her as confined and helpless as her husband did. Overall, it was a well layered story and I am super excited about the spin-off series!
Tropes: Widow, Anti-Hero, Lessons, Fake Relationship, Best Friend's Brother-in-Law/Sister-in-Law's Best Friend
Steam: 3
* I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
March 1, 2023
I was so intrigued when I heard we were getting Camille's story. The woman who was a cautionary tale to our other heroines finally gets her HEA.
A book that starts as an inquiry for one night of passion becomes a full-fledged beautiful romance. Jacob & Camille tugged at my heart strings. They both have baggage and certain ways that they look at things but their chemistry and that little "something" that draws their eyes to each other across a crowded room... make for sizzling experiments in the bedroom. Camille gets her confidence back and Jacob falls deeply into much more than lust.
I was nervous how this one was going to play out, based on BOTH of their reservations about marriage. But that's the beauty of knowing we are in the hands of a romance author. Because nothing is too big and no obstacles are too high for love to prevail.
I also loved how Camille's involvement with the feminist movement directly correlated with her oppressive marriage. It made sense how she would want to be involved and she found a way to do it that worked best for her. Which I felt was just right.
I look forward to what Harper St. George brings us next!
4.5 stars
2.5 on the spice scale
CW: abusive marriage, neglectful parents
A book that starts as an inquiry for one night of passion becomes a full-fledged beautiful romance. Jacob & Camille tugged at my heart strings. They both have baggage and certain ways that they look at things but their chemistry and that little "something" that draws their eyes to each other across a crowded room... make for sizzling experiments in the bedroom. Camille gets her confidence back and Jacob falls deeply into much more than lust.
I was nervous how this one was going to play out, based on BOTH of their reservations about marriage. But that's the beauty of knowing we are in the hands of a romance author. Because nothing is too big and no obstacles are too high for love to prevail.
I also loved how Camille's involvement with the feminist movement directly correlated with her oppressive marriage. It made sense how she would want to be involved and she found a way to do it that worked best for her. Which I felt was just right.
I look forward to what Harper St. George brings us next!
4.5 stars
2.5 on the spice scale
CW: abusive marriage, neglectful parents
May 23, 2023
4.5 stars! The Duchess Takes a Husband is the fourth book in the Gilded Age Heiresses series that I’ve been loving from Harper St. George! This series is set in the Gilded Age and features “Dollar Princesses”, a term coined for American heiresses who married into British aristocracy between 1870-1910.
We saw Camille forced into a marriage in the prologue of book 1 and how she became a precautionary tale to the heroines of the series. Camille is loosely based on real life Dollar Princess, Consuelo Vanderbilt who was forced into a marriage by her parents to a Duke. Now at 23, Camille is a dowager duchess (aka a widow), with no plans to ever remarry (regardless what her parents say), and ready to take control of her own life! She sets out to the Montague Club to see co-owner Jacob Thorne and asks him for
lessons in pleasure (because she doesn’t think she’s able to enjoy sensual acts)! 👀🔥
At first Jacob turns her down, but when his reputation as a “ladies man” puts a future business investment at risk, Jacob asks if the news of his engagement would help ease their minds…now he just needs a fiancée! Which leads him back to Camille, he asks for her help in posing as his fiancée and she says she’ll do it, if he helps with those lesson requests. I really loved how much emotion and depth these lessons gave, it was more than Camille just having a good time in the bedroom. She had things from her past to work through and she gets vulnerable with Jacob. Their romance was really sweet to see play out and I loved seeing how two people who were against marriage came together. I also liked seeing Camille’s complicated relationship with her parents play out. This was just another solid addition to the series and I’m so glad the author decided to write Camille’s HEA, since there were originally no plans to do so.
“My life was laid out in two distinct paths. The one I was on was lonely but familiar. It was safe but cold and I had grown accustomed to it. Then you came along. You were the other path. The one that frightened me. The one that required me to live with my heart outside of my body.”—Jacob
CW: domestic violence and forced marriage (in the past), abusive/toxic parents
Thank you to the publisher (Berkley Romance) and the author for an ARC. All thoughts in this review are my own. The Duchess Takes a Husband releases May 23, 2023.
We saw Camille forced into a marriage in the prologue of book 1 and how she became a precautionary tale to the heroines of the series. Camille is loosely based on real life Dollar Princess, Consuelo Vanderbilt who was forced into a marriage by her parents to a Duke. Now at 23, Camille is a dowager duchess (aka a widow), with no plans to ever remarry (regardless what her parents say), and ready to take control of her own life! She sets out to the Montague Club to see co-owner Jacob Thorne and asks him for
lessons in pleasure (because she doesn’t think she’s able to enjoy sensual acts)! 👀🔥
At first Jacob turns her down, but when his reputation as a “ladies man” puts a future business investment at risk, Jacob asks if the news of his engagement would help ease their minds…now he just needs a fiancée! Which leads him back to Camille, he asks for her help in posing as his fiancée and she says she’ll do it, if he helps with those lesson requests. I really loved how much emotion and depth these lessons gave, it was more than Camille just having a good time in the bedroom. She had things from her past to work through and she gets vulnerable with Jacob. Their romance was really sweet to see play out and I loved seeing how two people who were against marriage came together. I also liked seeing Camille’s complicated relationship with her parents play out. This was just another solid addition to the series and I’m so glad the author decided to write Camille’s HEA, since there were originally no plans to do so.
“My life was laid out in two distinct paths. The one I was on was lonely but familiar. It was safe but cold and I had grown accustomed to it. Then you came along. You were the other path. The one that frightened me. The one that required me to live with my heart outside of my body.”—Jacob
CW: domestic violence and forced marriage (in the past), abusive/toxic parents
Thank you to the publisher (Berkley Romance) and the author for an ARC. All thoughts in this review are my own. The Duchess Takes a Husband releases May 23, 2023.
July 12, 2023
I love this series and so happy Camille got her story told. More spicy scenes in this one than the other 3 I believe. This was the only one I listened to the audiobook version and I wasn't a big fan of the narrator, but loved the story.
March 11, 2025
a beautiful and strong final end of the heiresses series! i loved every book in this series but especially this one. an american duchess who is a widow that had a very traumatic and emotionally abusive late husband. she realizes through the story that she was abused by her late husband and very likely suffered marital rape. after her husband dies, she finds fulfillment in social causes, especially women suffrage. She is all about finding herself again and reclaiming her own independence, but also reclaiming her own sexuality. She has always had a crush on jacob her friend’s brother-in-law. He helps her slowly regain her sexual confidence and always respecting her wishes and her pace. They end up in a fake engagement and because of this, they spend a lot of time together becoming really good friends and exploring each other.
I love a historical romance, but gilded age is probably my favorite out of all the historical genres.
I love a historical romance, but gilded age is probably my favorite out of all the historical genres.
June 15, 2023
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.
Introduction
The Duchess Takes a Husband is the fourth installment in the "Gilded Age Heiresses" series. I am newer to this series but after the third installment, I was really curious about this and how this author would handle this one. I absolutely adore all the tropes that come into play with this one and I really love the writing style of this author, it just has some a classy feel to it without it being too flowery. One can easily be swept away by the glittering sensuality that Harper St. George delivers in her works.
Summary
This story begins with our heroine Camille, Duchess of Hereford, who is a widow and has never been truly accepted by London Society. She has an interest in the suffrage movement and is associated with strong independent women but Camille has never known true independence until now with her late husband unable to control every aspect of her life. But she has desires and determination to win Jacob Thorne, co owner of the infamous gambling hell and club "Montague". Jacob, needs to appear more legitimate for a business venture in France, and he will need a woman to pose as his fiancee and when Camille comes to him with a daring proposal, they decide to make an arrangement that will satisfy both parties. But this proposal will be easier said than done when the heart gets involved...
My Outlook
The Duchess Takes A Husband is a fascinating installment that I easily gobbled up. I honestly recommend this in both digital or audio, both formats work so well as I did a combination of this one here. I am very new to this author, but every time I pick her up, I end up so impressed. I was so eager for Camille and Jacob's book. I honestly didn't know what to think of them being together, but this author make this relationship work so beautifully. I was on the edge of my seat with these two and how they learn each other. Camille's situation just broke my heart and I wanted so much for her and I truly became so endeared by her story and her road of self discovery but also in paving her own path but also wanting more in her love life as well. Seeing her go on this journey of self care was so inspiring at times and I could easily see parts of myself within her character. Harper St. George has this uncanny ability of crafting such relatable character you can see yourself in. The hero is just the right partner for her. I became so endeared by his unwavering devotion and patience for her especially when panic and fear set in. The way that the author handled these aspects so delicately was awe inspiring and I can't wait to read the earlier books in the series.
Overall View
The Duchess Takes A husband is a superb installment that brings together the sensuality of the gilded age, the romantacism of the era, and the sparkling human nature that endears the reader for the long haul.....A PRICELESS GEM!
Rating Evaluation:
Plot: 4.5
World Building: 5
Cover:5
Hero: 4
Heroine: 4
Steam: 4
Heart & Feels: 3.5
Ending:4
Overall View: 4.25
June 1, 2023
I was really intrigued by the synopsis of The Duchess Takes a Husband and loved the cover, so I decided to give this series another try (I have not read books 2 or 3). It had a lot of promise and was overall enjoyable, but sadly this one didn't quite hit the spot.
What worked:
- I loved how Camille took charge of her life and pleasure. My heart broke for her as her past was revealed and the scene where she recognizes and confronts her trauma was very powerful. I would have liked to see more of her healing, but I appreciated that her relationship with her mother started to mend.
- There was such scorching build up between Jacob and Camille. I loved all the consent and the discussion of birth control. Jacob was so tender and patient with her and the scene in that room left me fanning myself.
What didn't:
- As much as I was rooting for the HEA, I didn't like that Jacob's feelings changed so abruptly. His brush off was cold and I needed a lot more groveling. It also felt like outside forces were what actually pushed them back together (the reappearance of Frederick, the protest, Camille's mom, etc), rather than his overwhelming love for Camille.
- The pacing was on the slow side, with lots of time passing when our MC's wouldn't interact/contact each other. This made the book feel too long. The ending felt very rushed though and I wasn't fully satisfied with Camille essentially following Jacob's dreams.
- This is definitely an it's me, not you issue, but there was too much discussion about Jacob's previous sexual history and partners. I understand that he's a rogue and has had many experiences, but I didn't need to be repeatedly reminded of that fact/told about how he liked to bed other women etc. Camille's few experiences are also mentioned, but that information was divulged only to help understand her fear and hesitation towards sex. There was also unnecessary OW/OM drama that I could have done without.
CW: Emotionally abusive and controlling/manipulative husband (past), anxiety, grief, death, fighting, almost hurt/trampled by protesting mob
*I voluntarily read an advance review copy of this book*
What worked:
- I loved how Camille took charge of her life and pleasure. My heart broke for her as her past was revealed and the scene where she recognizes and confronts her trauma was very powerful. I would have liked to see more of her healing, but I appreciated that her relationship with her mother started to mend.
- There was such scorching build up between Jacob and Camille. I loved all the consent and the discussion of birth control. Jacob was so tender and patient with her and the scene in that room left me fanning myself.
What didn't:
- As much as I was rooting for the HEA, I didn't like that Jacob's feelings changed so abruptly. His brush off was cold and I needed a lot more groveling. It also felt like outside forces were what actually pushed them back together (the reappearance of Frederick, the protest, Camille's mom, etc), rather than his overwhelming love for Camille.
- The pacing was on the slow side, with lots of time passing when our MC's wouldn't interact/contact each other. This made the book feel too long. The ending felt very rushed though and I wasn't fully satisfied with Camille essentially following Jacob's dreams.
- This is definitely an it's me, not you issue, but there was too much discussion about Jacob's previous sexual history and partners. I understand that he's a rogue and has had many experiences, but I didn't need to be repeatedly reminded of that fact/told about how he liked to bed other women etc. Camille's few experiences are also mentioned, but that information was divulged only to help understand her fear and hesitation towards sex. There was also unnecessary OW/OM drama that I could have done without.
CW: Emotionally abusive and controlling/manipulative husband (past), anxiety, grief, death, fighting, almost hurt/trampled by protesting mob
*I voluntarily read an advance review copy of this book*
May 23, 2023
I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I have loved this series from Harper St. George, and from book one I have been begging for Camille to get her happily ever after. Hereford was awful to her, and very abusive. He made her feel worthless, a version of herself that is always less, and once he dies, she decides to take her power back by propositioning Jacob Thorne to a scandalous liaison. She hopes that he can help her enjoy sexual relations and prove that there isn't anything wrong with her.
Oh Camille. I was so broken for her reading this story. She is such a kind and loving character, but I hated to see how much she despised herself from the abuse she suffered. It was beautiful to watch her come back to life and take her power back not just sexually but mentally and emotionally as well. In the end, she finally realized her worth, and to me that was just as important as the romance. Don't think I am knocking the romance, which I am not, because that was wonderful too. Jacob was so patient and kind with Camille. He never forced her, and if she closed up then he reacted to it not with anger but understanding. He could have given up on their lessons, but the more Camille opened up to him, the more he realized that he needed to help her heal. What turns out is a love that is lasting, and a beautiful bond built out of trust and communication.
This may be tied for the first book for my favorite in the series. I read it twice before the release and can't wait to get my physical copy to add to my keeper shelf. A wonderful ending to a great series. Interested to see what Harper St. George will do next!
I have loved this series from Harper St. George, and from book one I have been begging for Camille to get her happily ever after. Hereford was awful to her, and very abusive. He made her feel worthless, a version of herself that is always less, and once he dies, she decides to take her power back by propositioning Jacob Thorne to a scandalous liaison. She hopes that he can help her enjoy sexual relations and prove that there isn't anything wrong with her.
Oh Camille. I was so broken for her reading this story. She is such a kind and loving character, but I hated to see how much she despised herself from the abuse she suffered. It was beautiful to watch her come back to life and take her power back not just sexually but mentally and emotionally as well. In the end, she finally realized her worth, and to me that was just as important as the romance. Don't think I am knocking the romance, which I am not, because that was wonderful too. Jacob was so patient and kind with Camille. He never forced her, and if she closed up then he reacted to it not with anger but understanding. He could have given up on their lessons, but the more Camille opened up to him, the more he realized that he needed to help her heal. What turns out is a love that is lasting, and a beautiful bond built out of trust and communication.
This may be tied for the first book for my favorite in the series. I read it twice before the release and can't wait to get my physical copy to add to my keeper shelf. A wonderful ending to a great series. Interested to see what Harper St. George will do next!
April 23, 2025
camille i love you so much i think you deserve the entire world actually
August 21, 2023
Despite having married well, Camille, the Duchess of Hereford, has never been allowed to forget that high society does not accept her. Sure, the wealthy widow is invited to events thanks to her title, but she’s never allowed to forget her place as an American upstart. Now free from her cruel, overbearing husband, Camille begins to test her wings and even develops an interest in the suffrage movement, making her even more scandalous. When she meets Jacob Thorne, the co-owner of London’s infamous Montague Club, Camille begins to revel even more in her newfound rebellion as he seems to be the key to facing a fear she’s kept hidden from everyone.
Jacob is accustomed to club members approaching him with all sorts of deals, but not ones as beautiful as Camille and certainly not with proposals as sweet as they are shocking. He has ambitions of buying his own club, without help from his father’s influence, but that means courting investors who demand respectability, something Camille can offer given her title. A fake engagement ensues, but Camille’s one condition to agreeing is that Jacob teach her about true pleasure in the bedroom.
Jacob finds himself unable to resist such terms, but things between him and Camille soon delve far deeper than anticipated.
I wound up enjoying this more than I even expected to. I loved how tender and gentle Jacob was with Camille. This made their relationship special given how gruff and jaded he is in other scenes. Camille was an intriguing combination of candor and guardedness that kept me invested in the story and clearly also enthralled Jacob. I loved how clear these two were with each other, using open communication and not playing games. I loved seeing Camille gain confidence and find herself through the freedom and safety Jacob gave her. I do wish Jacob’s epiphany of his feelings hadn’t felt quite so abrupt, but I do think that fit here and I really did enjoy their story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
Jacob is accustomed to club members approaching him with all sorts of deals, but not ones as beautiful as Camille and certainly not with proposals as sweet as they are shocking. He has ambitions of buying his own club, without help from his father’s influence, but that means courting investors who demand respectability, something Camille can offer given her title. A fake engagement ensues, but Camille’s one condition to agreeing is that Jacob teach her about true pleasure in the bedroom.
Jacob finds himself unable to resist such terms, but things between him and Camille soon delve far deeper than anticipated.
I wound up enjoying this more than I even expected to. I loved how tender and gentle Jacob was with Camille. This made their relationship special given how gruff and jaded he is in other scenes. Camille was an intriguing combination of candor and guardedness that kept me invested in the story and clearly also enthralled Jacob. I loved how clear these two were with each other, using open communication and not playing games. I loved seeing Camille gain confidence and find herself through the freedom and safety Jacob gave her. I do wish Jacob’s epiphany of his feelings hadn’t felt quite so abrupt, but I do think that fit here and I really did enjoy their story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
April 28, 2023
While this is not my favorite from St. George, The Duchess Takes a Husband wraps up the series beautifully.
This story is largely about Camille growing into herself: she decides to go for what she wants and asks for it, and is fearlessly involved in political issues. I enjoyed it a lot! We also get to see characters from the previous books, which is always nice.
I really really LOVE the covers of the books in this series. I'd buy them for that alone. The bonus is that the stories are actually really good!
Thank you to the author for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
This story is largely about Camille growing into herself: she decides to go for what she wants and asks for it, and is fearlessly involved in political issues. I enjoyed it a lot! We also get to see characters from the previous books, which is always nice.
I really really LOVE the covers of the books in this series. I'd buy them for that alone. The bonus is that the stories are actually really good!
Thank you to the author for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
May 28, 2023
I liked this! I think I expected to like it more, and I'm putting that down to my weird reading mood, but this has been a good series and I look forward to seeing what the author does next.
May 17, 2024
The Duchess, a young American heiress, had been married off to a title by her parents. She suffered physical and mental abuse. How did she cope? She shut down of course. Now she’s a widow and wants to explore her reactions in the bedroom. Who better than Jacob Thorne, illegitimate son of an earl and notorious part owner of a gambling house, the Montague Club.
Interesting, maybe a bit too much of the bedroom scenes. A well developed and different take on a well trod story path.
Interesting, maybe a bit too much of the bedroom scenes. A well developed and different take on a well trod story path.
March 29, 2024
4 1/2 stars! I really liked Camille and Jacob as a couple. I’m really glad they both got their HEA. I’m also really glad that Camille’s mom got to redeem herself because I didn’t like her in the first book.
I really loved how the series ended. Even that last scene with the four couples was touched my heart. I’m really looking forward to the Dove sisters and Earl Devonworth whom I already love. Like I know he is going to be book boyfriend material.
I really loved how the series ended. Even that last scene with the four couples was touched my heart. I’m really looking forward to the Dove sisters and Earl Devonworth whom I already love. Like I know he is going to be book boyfriend material.
May 24, 2023
Title: The Duchess Takes a Husband
Series: The Gilded Heiresses #4
Author: Harper St. George
Release date: May 23, 2023
Cliffhanger: no
Genre: historical romance
Camille, Dowager Duchess of Hereford has been seen throughout the series as a cautionary tale for the Crenshaw sisters. She was sold to the highest titled bachelor in the English aristocracy and her resulting misery was plain for all to see. She was humiliated publicly by her cruel husband. He may have been forced to marry her for the money she would provide him, but he was sure to make sure everyone knew that she was beneath him in every way imaginable. While her friends could see that she was now living a nightmare of a life, no one really knew the extent of her circumstances in private. Camille went from a bright, happy young woman who was considering a suitor in New York to an emotionally abused former shell of herself stuck in a loveless marriage. Her husband had treated her like his own personal property, something he used for his own needs any way he saw fit. She lost a piece of her humanity in becoming subservient to him, and didn’t know if she’d ever get it back. Now that she is (thankfully) widowed, she does enjoy a sliver of freedom in her own home, and starting to make some choices for herself. However, she is still dependent on the new Duke's whims and if she does anything he disapproves of, he manipulates her by threatening to withhold her money.
You really feel for the poor Duchess as she is navigating this new phase of her life.
The few bruises she’d sported because of Hereford’s handling hardly seemed to compare to broken bones, but did his angry tirades and hurtful accusations all add up to abuse? Her mind churned with memories, small moments that had left wounds she hadn’t even noticed at the time. The way his anger made her cringe internally. The way a look from him could make her feel small and insignificant. God, that monster was still controlling her from the grave. How had she allowed herself to be so thoroughly brought down by him?
Camille doesn't really feel comfortable confiding in any friends so she just holds it all inside. Her parents are definitely out of the question as confidantes, as they were the cause of her situation in the first place. Even though she's firmly stuck in her own head, you do see her rebelling at society's strictures a bit even in the beginning. She joins Montague club against her parents' wishes, and this is where she decides to present one of the co-owners, Jacob Thorne with an indecent proposal. She has always felt a flutter of attraction to him, even before her marriage. Now she wants him to help her experiment with a physical relationship in order to help her move past the trauma she experienced in her marriage bed. To her embarrassment, he gently turns her down because of their close association through their mutual friends. It could get complicated later, and that could lead to awkwardness. Neither has any interest in emotional entanglement or marriage for their own personal reasons, but whether they admitted it to themselves or not, they were emotionally invested from day one.
Her need for him was a balm to a wound he didn’t know he had. She easily filled all the tiny crevices in his heart. By God, he could fall in love with her so easily.
Jacob was a sweet and supportive hero. He has his own demons that stem from his parents' scandalous relationship. His mother was mistress to the late Earl of Leigh. It wasn't a healthy relationship that he could aim to model his own future after. In fact, it was quite the opposite. Though Jacob is a bit of a ladies' man, he isn't the type to disregard the feelings of the women in his life. I would even describe him as a gentleman, one who is protective and caring. It was probably the hardest thing he ever had to do when he turned down the beautiful woman who attracted his eye for a long time now. And he had every intention of sticking with his decision until his new business aspirations required that he's settled in a serious relationship. Jacob wants to open a new club in Paris, and his potential partner sees him as a loose cannon because of his casual sex life. He needs a fake fiancée fast, so their bargain is struck. Bedroom lessons and a temporary fake engagement until he moves away to Paris to start his new club. They lay down rules at the start: The exchange will be friendly and beneficial to both, but absolutely no falling in love!
There was definitely no insta-love in this relationship. I could see the gradual build-up from mild attraction to head-over-heels for both. They each had a lot of internal battles to overcome in order to be ready to accept their feelings. They were in a state of denial for a lot of the book, but they could sense if they let go and allowed it to happen, they'd be in deep very fast. He does believe in the concept of love, just not in its success rate. Particularly when it comes to himself. Camille needs to make peace with her past and bury her demons, and that is no small feat. Together, they find comfort in each other, which is something neither could ever conceive of happening.
I gave this three stars because the book dragged for me for a chunk in the middle, and I didn't really feel as if the whole setup with their fake engagement made a lot of sense. His potential new partner distrusting him because he was too much of a ladies' man felt like a plot device rather than an actual realistic conflict. I just couldn't see him caring-it had nothing to do with the business proposal. Also, the details of their relationship felt very modern and out of place in that time period. The "indecent proposal", them deciding to live together in Paris while still single, the kinky room at the club, and both adverse to marriage? I know they were supposed to be "progressive" and forward thinking for the time, but all of the details together made it feel like I was reading about a modern couple in a historical setting. I did worry about that when I read the synopsis, but I really enjoy this author's writing, so I went for it anyway. It wasn't a bad reading experience, but I will say that I enjoyed this one a bit less than the previous books in the series. However, if you've been following the Gilded Heiresses series, this is still worth reading in order to see Camille finally find her HEA.
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May 30, 2023
Thank you so much to Berkley Romance and Netgalley for the advanced copy! All thoughts and opinions are still my own.
I have had such a fun time with this series and was extremely excited that Camille was getting her own story! She absolutely went through it in the first 3 books - getting married off to a terrible man, suffering emotional, sexual, and mental abuse, and then finding her husband dead with his mistress.
No one deserved an HEA more than her.
On top of that, this book had some of my all time favorite tropes - friends to lovers, sex lessons, fake engagement, etc.
And while I enjoyed this romance overall, I felt like it underdelivered.
There were so many good themes and elements, but it almost felt as though a few too many were added and because of that none of them quite got the dedication I was hoping for.
The fake engagement is sooo underutilized. It's mentioned maybe twice and Camille almost never had to actually act in a fiancée way. Sex lessons is possible my favorite romance trope, and while it delivered that, I wanted MORE.
Camille is suffering so much PTSD from her previous marriage. And finds herself shutting down whenever she is touched intimately. But I felt as though it was overcome a little too quickly with Jacob. I wanted more small moments before the big all in.
One thing I do appreciate about this series overall, is the way it addresses women's rights at this time. Camille uses the small amount of freedom widowhood has offered her to become part of the suffragette movement.
And knowing how the Married Women's Property Act eventually works out, it was really fascinating watching that unfold.
Overall, I think Harper St George's historical romances are fantastic. She uses so many good tropes mixed with the inherent pining of the genre while still giving voice to issues of the time. While this wasn't my favorite of the series, I'm really excited to see what she does next - in the world or otherwise!
I have had such a fun time with this series and was extremely excited that Camille was getting her own story! She absolutely went through it in the first 3 books - getting married off to a terrible man, suffering emotional, sexual, and mental abuse, and then finding her husband dead with his mistress.
No one deserved an HEA more than her.
On top of that, this book had some of my all time favorite tropes - friends to lovers, sex lessons, fake engagement, etc.
And while I enjoyed this romance overall, I felt like it underdelivered.
There were so many good themes and elements, but it almost felt as though a few too many were added and because of that none of them quite got the dedication I was hoping for.
The fake engagement is sooo underutilized. It's mentioned maybe twice and Camille almost never had to actually act in a fiancée way. Sex lessons is possible my favorite romance trope, and while it delivered that, I wanted MORE.
Camille is suffering so much PTSD from her previous marriage. And finds herself shutting down whenever she is touched intimately. But I felt as though it was overcome a little too quickly with Jacob. I wanted more small moments before the big all in.
One thing I do appreciate about this series overall, is the way it addresses women's rights at this time. Camille uses the small amount of freedom widowhood has offered her to become part of the suffragette movement.
And knowing how the Married Women's Property Act eventually works out, it was really fascinating watching that unfold.
Overall, I think Harper St George's historical romances are fantastic. She uses so many good tropes mixed with the inherent pining of the genre while still giving voice to issues of the time. While this wasn't my favorite of the series, I'm really excited to see what she does next - in the world or otherwise!
April 23, 2023
I was honestly surprised when I read the "Acknowledgments" part of this book, whereas the author said "Camille and Jacob’s book was never part of the planned Gilded Age Heiresses series". I thought, "WHAT?!? After what Camille had gone through in her marriage, in the course of three books, how could the author NOT thinking about getting her a happy ending?!?"
Well, I was happy that the author changed her mind ... and this book becomes the final book of the "Gilded Age Heiresses" series.
Camille and Jacob's story was sweet! Jacob was already taken with Camille, even when she was still married to Duke of Hereford. So now that Camille was a Dowager Duchess, Jacob was really wonderful with her. The only thing "wrong" with Jacob was his stupid notion that the Halston men was obsessed with love, and he didn't want that. Yes, like I said, STUPID notion *smack Jacob's head*
I loved how Jacob dealt with Camille - and I loved that Camille slowly learned to stand tall and be courageous. Some parts of this book also dealt with Camille taking "lessons" in the bedroom with Jacob, and while I usually don't care too much about sexual scenes, I found these ones to be deliberating for Camille. Because during her marriage, she was abused by her husband, like she was only used for her womb and ability to provide a child. So she never enjoyed it, and with Jacob she learned that she could.
I also enjoyed Camille taking part more on the society and the cause of women's suffrage movement. Yes, this book, for me, was about Camille taking back her power. Jacob as a love interest was a bonus 😄
Oh, and I adored the friendship between Camille and the Crenshaw sisters, also Jacob's relationship with his half brother, Christian Halston, Earl of Leigh. Those moments were fun to read.
A good way to finish this series, for sure.
The ARC is provided by the publisher via Netgalley for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
Well, I was happy that the author changed her mind ... and this book becomes the final book of the "Gilded Age Heiresses" series.
Camille and Jacob's story was sweet! Jacob was already taken with Camille, even when she was still married to Duke of Hereford. So now that Camille was a Dowager Duchess, Jacob was really wonderful with her. The only thing "wrong" with Jacob was his stupid notion that the Halston men was obsessed with love, and he didn't want that. Yes, like I said, STUPID notion *smack Jacob's head*
I loved how Jacob dealt with Camille - and I loved that Camille slowly learned to stand tall and be courageous. Some parts of this book also dealt with Camille taking "lessons" in the bedroom with Jacob, and while I usually don't care too much about sexual scenes, I found these ones to be deliberating for Camille. Because during her marriage, she was abused by her husband, like she was only used for her womb and ability to provide a child. So she never enjoyed it, and with Jacob she learned that she could.
I also enjoyed Camille taking part more on the society and the cause of women's suffrage movement. Yes, this book, for me, was about Camille taking back her power. Jacob as a love interest was a bonus 😄
Oh, and I adored the friendship between Camille and the Crenshaw sisters, also Jacob's relationship with his half brother, Christian Halston, Earl of Leigh. Those moments were fun to read.
A good way to finish this series, for sure.
The ARC is provided by the publisher via Netgalley for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
April 22, 2023
I was offered an ARC of this book without reading the previous titled in the series. Maybe that’s why this story felt distant and disconnected to me.
The main characters attraction was very quick with no real preamble. I couldn’t really buy their romance.
I appreciated the deeper issues at play, but overall I didn’t feel emotionally invested in this story.
The main characters attraction was very quick with no real preamble. I couldn’t really buy their romance.
I appreciated the deeper issues at play, but overall I didn’t feel emotionally invested in this story.
May 22, 2023
The Heiress Gets A Duke introduced Camille as an American heiress who eventually became the Duchess of Hereford. It was not a happy union, and one of the other young heiresses didn’t care to repeat. But Camille is now a widow, and it’s time for her to spread her wings.
Camille’s experiences have been limited when she comes up with a plan to experience pleasure. She propositions Jacob Thorne to teach her the finer skills of lovemaking. Thorne is the illegitimate son of an earl and co-owner of London’s infamous Montague Club. Thorne noticed Camille from the start, but she isn’t the type one has a dalliance with and her close friends don’t help matters. His first instinct is to decline, but when he needs a fiance’ to seal a business deal, they come to an arrangement. I adore the arrangement trope and the tale that unfolds was sweet, sexy and filled with character growth.
I felt for Camille and admired her bravery. The author did a lovely job of addressing Camille’s life from her arranged marriage to the other men she has encountered. St. George also weaves in the women’s suffrage movement in London, all while entertaining us with a heartfelt romance.
The romance was sensual, and the conflict came from character growth, which kept the drama low. I loved the chats Throne had with the other men, all now husbands and fathers, and how they heard him. Well, maybe the wives helped a little…lol
Fans of the series will appreciate the updates on beloved couples from the previous books. While I wholeheartedly recommend reading the series in order, each book delivers a complete story.
Swoons, delicious heat and a touching tale await fans of historical romance in the conclusion of the Gilded Age Heiresses series. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
Camille’s experiences have been limited when she comes up with a plan to experience pleasure. She propositions Jacob Thorne to teach her the finer skills of lovemaking. Thorne is the illegitimate son of an earl and co-owner of London’s infamous Montague Club. Thorne noticed Camille from the start, but she isn’t the type one has a dalliance with and her close friends don’t help matters. His first instinct is to decline, but when he needs a fiance’ to seal a business deal, they come to an arrangement. I adore the arrangement trope and the tale that unfolds was sweet, sexy and filled with character growth.
I felt for Camille and admired her bravery. The author did a lovely job of addressing Camille’s life from her arranged marriage to the other men she has encountered. St. George also weaves in the women’s suffrage movement in London, all while entertaining us with a heartfelt romance.
The romance was sensual, and the conflict came from character growth, which kept the drama low. I loved the chats Throne had with the other men, all now husbands and fathers, and how they heard him. Well, maybe the wives helped a little…lol
Fans of the series will appreciate the updates on beloved couples from the previous books. While I wholeheartedly recommend reading the series in order, each book delivers a complete story.
Swoons, delicious heat and a touching tale await fans of historical romance in the conclusion of the Gilded Age Heiresses series. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
March 18, 2023
I am thankful for the publisher and NetGalley for giving me a chance at reading this book.
I have been a fan of / read the other three books in the series, so I was delighted to be given a chance at reading this before it dropped.
I don't know what happened. Did the author run out of steam? Or was this book one huge ... nothing? What I enjoyed about the other three books in the series is that there was a plot. There was something going on with the women and their status in society. While this one had something going on, it just felt very so so and unimportant to the plot of a woman needing to get an orgasm for the first time.
If this is the end of the series let it stop here. Let it not get any worse. The first three books were great, but I think this last one is just the end of road for me.
I have been a fan of / read the other three books in the series, so I was delighted to be given a chance at reading this before it dropped.
I don't know what happened. Did the author run out of steam? Or was this book one huge ... nothing? What I enjoyed about the other three books in the series is that there was a plot. There was something going on with the women and their status in society. While this one had something going on, it just felt very so so and unimportant to the plot of a woman needing to get an orgasm for the first time.
If this is the end of the series let it stop here. Let it not get any worse. The first three books were great, but I think this last one is just the end of road for me.
November 5, 2023
The slow, intense sensuality completely make this book. Camille is left traumatized after her marriage and now, as a widow, she wants to have a positive sexual experience, but she feels as if there is something wrong with her that leaves her unable to enjoy sex. Most of this book explores the developing attraction between Jacob and Camille and their intimate journey together.
And, of course, Jacob gets drawn in despite his aversion of love and marriage. Camille also confronts her feelings about her marriage and she gets a chance to effect positive change for other women when she joins a suffrage movement. Jacob is hard to pin down at times. He has complex feelings about his father and brother and is driven by the desire to accomplish something on his own.
I loved the gradual escalation of Camille's sexual discovery.
And, of course, Jacob gets drawn in despite his aversion of love and marriage. Camille also confronts her feelings about her marriage and she gets a chance to effect positive change for other women when she joins a suffrage movement. Jacob is hard to pin down at times. He has complex feelings about his father and brother and is driven by the desire to accomplish something on his own.
I loved the gradual escalation of Camille's sexual discovery.
May 24, 2023
See my full review at Forever Young Adult.
March 6, 2024
Camille, Duchess of Hereford, continues to remain on the outskirts of London society. Her title, unable to cover her rebellious ways even as a widow who is supposed to enjoy certain freedoms. Taking her outcast by society in hand, she decides to use it to her advantage and proposition one Jacob Thorne infamous co-owner of the Montague Club.
Jacob wants to prove to himself and others that he can run a successful enterprise on his own, but when the backer he is trying to land for a new venture implies that Jacob would be more well received if he was settled down he decides to take up Camille's proposition in exchange for pretending to be his betrothed. But where as his proposition is for public consumption, hers is behind closed doors, for him to teach her that there can be pleasure found in bed.
From the moment we met Camille and her subsequent appearances in the previous novels, I was very much looking forward to watching her HEA unfold. And that her MMC was going to be Jacob made my heart very happy. Because I adored him from the moment we met him. She showed a resilience and strength of character that I wish I could emulate more.
I cannot fully put into words how much I loved Jacob as a character. Every facet of him but most especially how he saw Camille, saw what she experienced as abuse and validated it. How when he felt she had experienced more than what was let on, he tried to find out more about her past relationship from Violet. And how the knowledge altered the way he was with her when he saw that certain things triggered her. Not by staying away from her but by communicating with her. He listened (not only to her words but her body language) and he learned/let it inform him.
I will be honest in that parts of this book were hard for me to read. Tears were definitely shed. Some of what Camille experienced in her previous marriage was slightly triggering for me. That being said, Harper St. George wrote Camille's experience with a tenderness and care that made the read a difficult one but it was also cathartic. Without the need to disclose my own past experiences, one of the reason's I read romance is to allow myself into intimate, albeit fictional, spaces. To read a character like Camille who is experiencing the same struggles as I am/continue to, find her HEA is what makes reading this genre so special. To have her struggles seen, acknowledged and taken into account with so much respect and care was beautiful to read. We need more men like Jacob off the page and in the real world. I feel like this book is an excellent tutor in possibly helping someone like Camille rediscover themselves with the help of their partner.
Jacob wants to prove to himself and others that he can run a successful enterprise on his own, but when the backer he is trying to land for a new venture implies that Jacob would be more well received if he was settled down he decides to take up Camille's proposition in exchange for pretending to be his betrothed. But where as his proposition is for public consumption, hers is behind closed doors, for him to teach her that there can be pleasure found in bed.
From the moment we met Camille and her subsequent appearances in the previous novels, I was very much looking forward to watching her HEA unfold. And that her MMC was going to be Jacob made my heart very happy. Because I adored him from the moment we met him. She showed a resilience and strength of character that I wish I could emulate more.
I cannot fully put into words how much I loved Jacob as a character. Every facet of him but most especially how he saw Camille, saw what she experienced as abuse and validated it. How when he felt she had experienced more than what was let on, he tried to find out more about her past relationship from Violet. And how the knowledge altered the way he was with her when he saw that certain things triggered her. Not by staying away from her but by communicating with her. He listened (not only to her words but her body language) and he learned/let it inform him.
I will be honest in that parts of this book were hard for me to read. Tears were definitely shed. Some of what Camille experienced in her previous marriage was slightly triggering for me. That being said, Harper St. George wrote Camille's experience with a tenderness and care that made the read a difficult one but it was also cathartic. Without the need to disclose my own past experiences, one of the reason's I read romance is to allow myself into intimate, albeit fictional, spaces. To read a character like Camille who is experiencing the same struggles as I am/continue to, find her HEA is what makes reading this genre so special. To have her struggles seen, acknowledged and taken into account with so much respect and care was beautiful to read. We need more men like Jacob off the page and in the real world. I feel like this book is an excellent tutor in possibly helping someone like Camille rediscover themselves with the help of their partner.
February 16, 2025
I'm not sure why I finished this book. I liked the characters? Maybe? I mean, I didn't feel a deep intense passion between them, but they weren't horrible. I did have some issues with how modern the writing felt at times, even with Camille being American. I actually marked a place where her internal dialog has her thinking "Right? Ugh!" Talk about everything coming to a screeching halt! That just did NOT feel like it was in the right book.
My biggest issue is Jacob's magical member. And by that, I mean that his penis seems to be able to heal all the mental (and possibly physical) trauma that Camille suffered at the hands of her now-deceased husband. When she first presents her "arrangement" with him, and then has issues during their very first encounter, I thought this could be a very interesting and thoughtful look at what verbal abuse can do to someone. And that's what I got - for about one chapter, maybe two. Then suddenly Jacob has an idea that might give Camille more power and BAM! It's like everything is magically healed, thanks to his wonderful schlong.
Except I just do NOT believe that anyone who has suffered that sort of abuse would get over it that easily, even with the scenes where Camille takes the lead. Hell, I had a very hard time believing that she WOULD take the lead, given how her ex ground down her self-esteem. So yeah, I just had a very, very difficult time taking any of this seriously, including them falling in love.
Plus it seemed like anything and everything was thrown into this book, maybe just to break up the sex scenes? Final straw was the potential murderous plot by the new Hereford (her nephew-in-law? see...can't even remember who he technically is), Just super disappointed overall with this installment.
My biggest issue is Jacob's magical member. And by that, I mean that his penis seems to be able to heal all the mental (and possibly physical) trauma that Camille suffered at the hands of her now-deceased husband. When she first presents her "arrangement" with him, and then has issues during their very first encounter, I thought this could be a very interesting and thoughtful look at what verbal abuse can do to someone. And that's what I got - for about one chapter, maybe two. Then suddenly Jacob has an idea that might give Camille more power and BAM! It's like everything is magically healed, thanks to his wonderful schlong.
Except I just do NOT believe that anyone who has suffered that sort of abuse would get over it that easily, even with the scenes where Camille takes the lead. Hell, I had a very hard time believing that she WOULD take the lead, given how her ex ground down her self-esteem. So yeah, I just had a very, very difficult time taking any of this seriously, including them falling in love.
Plus it seemed like anything and everything was thrown into this book, maybe just to break up the sex scenes? Final straw was the potential murderous plot by the new Hereford (her nephew-in-law? see...can't even remember who he technically is), Just super disappointed overall with this installment.
September 2, 2023
3.5/5 stars
Camille is the dowager Duchess of Hereford. Her late husband was a controlling, wretched man who ruined many things for Camille, especially sex. Camille is unsure if something is wrong with her or if she hasn't found the right man, but she doesn't enjoy sex. She's tried with other men after the Duke's death, but she hasn't had positive results. She's determined to try one more time. She'll try with Jacob Throne. He’s an owner of Montague Club and an illegitimate son of a Lord. Being a club member, Camille frequently sees women interacting with Jacob, and often, they go off with him; she assumes he must be bedding some of them. Camille trusts him. They strike a deal: Camille will pretend to be Jacob's fiancé during a business meeting, and in return, he'll give her a "lesson" in bed.
Small Spoiler Ahead
Honestly, this book was so sweet. Camille deserved this happy ending. Jacob was so patient with her, and I greatly respect him. Camille really was able to come back to life with him. I'm so proud of her for sharing her story in furthering the fight for women's suffrage; that's not an easy thing to do. Look at me talking about these characters like they're real people; Harper St. George, you did an excellent job with this one.
Camille is the dowager Duchess of Hereford. Her late husband was a controlling, wretched man who ruined many things for Camille, especially sex. Camille is unsure if something is wrong with her or if she hasn't found the right man, but she doesn't enjoy sex. She's tried with other men after the Duke's death, but she hasn't had positive results. She's determined to try one more time. She'll try with Jacob Throne. He’s an owner of Montague Club and an illegitimate son of a Lord. Being a club member, Camille frequently sees women interacting with Jacob, and often, they go off with him; she assumes he must be bedding some of them. Camille trusts him. They strike a deal: Camille will pretend to be Jacob's fiancé during a business meeting, and in return, he'll give her a "lesson" in bed.
Small Spoiler Ahead
Honestly, this book was so sweet. Camille deserved this happy ending. Jacob was so patient with her, and I greatly respect him. Camille really was able to come back to life with him. I'm so proud of her for sharing her story in furthering the fight for women's suffrage; that's not an easy thing to do. Look at me talking about these characters like they're real people; Harper St. George, you did an excellent job with this one.
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