Eliza and the Duke
Author: Harper St. George
Reviewer: Ang
Rating: A
What I’m Talking About:
If I were to describe Eliza and The Duke in one sentence it would be “Good girl meets bad guy maybe?” Because nothing is really as it seems in this novel. Eliza is a strong-willed, fearless, romantic who has a knack for finding trouble, while Simon is a lay low brawler who would like nothing more than to stay away from trouble. Together they make for a lovely story filled with vulnerability, chemistry and plenty of spice.
I appreciate that although part of The Doves of New York series, Eliza and the Duke can stand completely on its own. The settings are dramatic and beautifully described, putting my feet directly on the cobblestones and my nose occasionally in places it rather would not be.
The bad guys are AWFUL and easy to hate. The good guys are strong, admirable and easy to root for, and the harsh contrasts between the Mayfield and Whitechapel worlds was a wonderful way to show the differences between Eliza and Simon.
The chemistry is felt from the moment Simon and Eliza meet and Ms. St. George allows that chemistry to simmer for a good two-thirds of the novel before setting things on absolute fire. If you are opposed to descriptive sex scenes or four letter words, the last third of this novel will be an issue for you. I did feel like a couple of the words chosen were jarring to the romance of the beautifully written scenes. Their hard edges cut the softness of what was happening for me. I also felt like the ending was a little too clean. I wanted the bad guy to get his fair share of torture, but I understand why Ms. St. George finished things the way she did.
All in all Eliza and Simon’s story was a lovely addition to The Doves of New York series. Their happily ever after was hard fought and well deserved. I enjoyed all the characters and truly appreciated the research done to make sure all the details were right on. Ms. St. George continues to impress me with her research, heart and humor.
My Rating: A
Ang
About the Book:
American heiress Eliza Dove was resigned to a polite marriage of convenience…until she spent one wicked night with the Duke.
All hopeless romantic Eliza Dove asked for was one night of adventure. One glorious evening of freedom to explore the dark corners of London with a mysterious stranger before a lifetime trapped in a quiet, respectable marriage of convenience. Except now she wants more. Now she wants him.
Simon Cavell is no gentleman. Known only as ‘the Duke,’ Whitechapel’s prize boxer is one fight away from achieving his goal: to safeguard his late sister’s only treasure and leave the streets for good. He cannot allow some pretty young heiress to spill his secrets, no matter how tempting she might be. In return for her silence, Simon will give Eliza a taste of the darkness…and hope he doesn’t lose his heart in the process.
But one night together could never be enough. And now Eliza has a new plan—an even more scandalous bargain that will either land the heiress her duke or ruin them both.
Release Date: June 24, 2025
Publisher: Berkley
Series: The Doves of New York #2
Genre: Historical Romance
Format(s): paperback (336 pages), e-book, audiobook
Book Source: Publisher/NetGalley
Reviews in the Series:
The Stranger I Wed (Book 1)