I enjoyed this book so much - even though I had to keep going back and referring to the family tree every couple of chapters just to make sure I was keeping everyone straight (and that was after I had read all the other books in the series)! This book is the conclusion to a family series of a blended family who pretty much defines complicated. But - this is a romance we've been waiting for. Sheridan is the oldest son from the dowager duchess's last marriage. He is the one who realized that maybe all the death's in the Duchess's life weren't accidental. The poor woman really had so much loss in her life. Vanessa is the niece of the Duchess's first, very despicable husband. Vanessa, is shockingly, lovely and very decent.

Vanessa has been interested in Sheridan since the first time she saw him. Truthfully Sheridan felt the same way - he immediately identified Vanessa as someone who could be dangerous to his heart. As a result - Sheridan has stayed away from Vanessa, and Vanessa has been trying to find a way to get closer to Sheridan . Their relationship is a comedy of errors - but their reciprocal interest in each other is obvious to everyone but them.

I did adore that they both adored each other - I also adored that even as conflict came to their relationship - that they talked things out. Both Vanessa and Sheridan make a lot of mistakes - but they work through them together and see clearly, by the end, that they are stronger together than apart.

Overall - this is a strong book (that can totally be read without reference to the others in the series) but is also a great finish to the series. Sabrina Jeffries is definitely one of my very favorite writers in regency books - this book is no exception.

I can't wait to see what she writes next!

I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley, but these opinions are all my own..

I was lucky enough to have read other books in this series and while this book easily stands on its own, I do recommend others read the series in order to get the most from the reading experience. The characters were already known to me and I really loved that I got a much better insight into Vanessa, who is charming, cheeky and intelligent she makes a perfect partner for the Duke of Sheriden. The plot will satisfy readers of the series who seek a solution to the murder mystery that underlies the series. That mystery adds a additional layer of intrigue and adventure to an enjoyable romance narrative. Sabrina Jeffries is a master of her genre and it shows in her writing and I recommend this to fans of historical romance.

-My Thoughts

This one was definitely a quick read for me. I loved the whole plot, even though I haven't read the first three books in this series. It can be read as a standalone in my opinion. The characters were interesting in their own right. And the whole idea of the story was also intriguing in my opinion.

The whole mystery and intrigue behind the murders was something that I haven't actually read a lot in romance novels. And this one kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time for sure. The banter between Sheridan, our Duke, and his siblings was extremely entertaining. Sheridan's interactions with Vanessa were also very wholesome, and the way he handles her is also very beautiful. Vanessa was ambitious and sneeky to some extent, and that added to her character for sure. Usually the females are bordering perfect and this one definitely is different than the others.

The one thing that did not sit well with me was the repeated emphasis on the fact that tasks and roles were defined for both men and women. Even the easiest ones that could be fulfilled by either party. But that is something that was of course part of that particular time period, and the author can not be held accountable for that. But that really bugged me.

I would recommend this book to anybody who wants to read a lovely romance with some mystery and action. And experience some characters that are different from the normal.

I just took a trip back to regency London and was swept up into Vanessa and Sheridan’s story. The romance was a tale of unforeseen twists and turns of events. I loved the closeness of the family and the way they stuck together when they faced a threat. Looking forward to the next installment. Book provided by NetGalley.

I was hoping for a little bit more from this story, the previous books have been really good. I liked the characters but it wasn't as strong going. The hero and heroine just seemed like an OK match. No true chemistry.

What a great ending to this exceptional series!

I love a heroine who knows what she wants. Put her in a historical romance where society’s conventions put a restraint on those desires, and that provides all kinds of fun outcomes. Ms. Jeffries took Vanessa’s desire for Sheridan and turned his world upside down. I loved how Vanessa was smart enough to maneuver the situation to fit her needs. Sheridan didn’t have a clue he was being gently manipulated.

Watching Sheridan manipulate Vanessa, unknowing that he was the one being manipulated, was just too much fun. It was plain to see how he truly felt, despite his ignorance of his own feelings. Give me a hero that is jealous to the point of acting impetuously, one that is protective beyond reason, and I’m a happy reader. Poor Sheridan. He never had a clue.

This is a fast read with so much wit and fun throughout, involving all the characters from the series. I adore the way this family harassed each other with love. There is plenty of drama as the whole group continues to investigate who the murderer might be. Along with the relationship angst between Sheridan and Vanessa, there are also some pretty hot and steamy scenes with this couple.

Overall, a perfect book to wrap things up all while giving us a happily ever after for Sheridan.

I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

As the final unmarried sibling, Sheridan Wolfe, Duke of Armitage, knows that he'll need to marry, and soon, if his finance have anything to say about it. With his other siblings, they are investigating the deaths of their mother's three husbands, and his own uncle, as they have evidence they weren't all accidents, and foul play was at hand. There's three names they are considering for the villainess, and that includes Lady Eustace Pryde, aunt of the eldest sibling, Grey, and mother to Vanessa. In order to get close to Lady Eustace, Sheridan decides to increase his friendship with Vanessa, and his own jealousy over her infatuation with the renowned playwright, Mr Juncker. Little does he know, but Vanessa actually has feelings for him, and has done since his return to England a year and a half ago, and she used Juncker as a name rather than admit the truth. Pretending to be in a courtship, for their own reasons, it's soon clear that the chemistry and attraction between the couple is real, and when they are caught in a compromising position, will their marriage be able to become a real union, or will the past continue to haunt them?

Ever since I read Who Would Marry a Duke last year, I've been waiting for the final addition to the series, and once I was approved for Undercover Duke, I decided to binge the entire series. This time around, with the full backstory of the siblings and their romances, as well as Lydia's three husbands and their deaths, I was ready for Sheridan to get his happy ending, and for the mystery to finally be solved. And, it was a whirlwind, and such an amazing conclusion. First of all, the mystery which has been the overarching plot line across the series was built up perfectly, and dealt with amazingly. I honestly thought, half way through this book, that I had guessed at the murderer, but I was wrong, and couldn't believe how expertly Sabrina had created the story line. Then, we also have the addition of the previous couple, as well as Sheridan and Vanessa, and seeing the entire family, be one big, happy family, was phenomenal - especially after knowing that the siblings have had difficult relationships in the past.

But what made this book, was the romance between Sheridan and Vanessa. Sheridan was born in Berlin, while his father was the British Ambassador to Prussia, and only came to England when his father inherited the dukedom a year and half ago. It was here he met Vanessa, and after dancing together at three balls, she was smitten. But, his father died, and Sheridan was now the Duke, and in mourning, so she couldn't admit her feelings. Her closeness with Grey, though, made him ask her about her feelings for someone, and she quickly claimed it was Juncker, a poet and playwright, and someone who seems to now aggravate Sheridan whenever he comes up in conversation. Now that Sheridan wants to question Lady Eustace about the deaths of his half-siblings father's, he thinks that his friendship with Vanessa would be perfect, though every time he's around her, he realises his attraction may be the end of him. I loved the fake courtship between them, and it was clear from an early point that it wasn't fake to either of them, not really. They were definitely made for each other, and built the other up when they were faltering. Out of all the couples, I think these two might be my favourite, and though I'm gutted the series is over, I can't wait for Sabrina's next series!

This is the 4th book in the Duke Dynasty series which is about stepsiblings who are in search of the truth what happened to their mother’s three husbands all who died. This book can be read as a stand-alone book, but I think you will have a better understanding and enjoyment if you read all the other books in the series. This book is about Sheridan and Vanessa. Sheridan needs to question Vanessa’s mother about the death of his mother’s 3 husbands, but to do that he has to get close to her. Vanessa is his way to get close to her. Vanessa has liked Sheridan for a while, but he only sees her as his brother’s little sister. Vanessa comes up with a plan to help Sheridan see her as a grown-up woman. This story has so many elements I just love, Romance, Family, Heat and Intrigue. I am very happy the author tied up all the mysteries which have been open. I loved catching up with the family members and their love for each other.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley for my honest opinion.

I loved this book. Another new to me author,and arc.
I loved the characters and the plot had me pulled in. Vanessa and Sheridan.
Sheridan is afraid to let anyone in,to let his heart love another after the girl he loved and was engaged to died before they were married.
Vanessa, a cousin to his half brother,is vibrant,challenges him,makes him feel things he has no wish too. Can he let his head believe what his heart is telling him before it's to late??

I gobbled up this story. I have anxiously been awaiting Sebastian and Vanessa's story. Intrigue, suspense and surprises. Cameos from the earlier characters. It can be read well as a standalone but is really more enjoyable if you read all in the series. I had not read the other books in a while, and the author did a great job of a summary without it seeming like a summary. It all came back to me quickly. Best part - we FINALLY find out what happened and why to Lydia's husbands.

enjoy!

Historical romance novel set in 1809 England. I loved the names of the characters. I thought that the characters were well developed.

The story was well crafted.

Kensington Books and NetGalley gave me an advanced copy in exchange for a review.

Love this!! Vanessa is definitely a jewel amongst her family history, love that she is feisty, smart and strong enough to raise above. Such a fun read, as she ups the ante and the Duke suddenly has his hands full trying to uncover more than one mystery. Never a dull moment, I was caught up in the matters of the heart and the danger surrounding the undercovering of whodunnit.

Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. The Duke of Armitage is looking into the deaths of his mothers previous husband's. The Duke ends of meeting Vanessa at a time when he has shown of women. I enjoyed the chemistry between the Duke and Vanessa.

This was the end of a series…..we finally find out who killed all those men!!

Sheridan is the main Duke of this book; he is also the one in the first book who realized that the deaths of his mother’s husband were murders and not accidents. His goal in this book is to covertly question Vanessa’s mother, one of their suspects. Vanessa is the main lady and has loved Sheridan since she met him a couple years before. The problem is that he doesn’t see her in that way, so she concocts a scheme to make him so jealous he will realize and profess his feelings. They end up married, the find the killer and everyone lives happily ever after!

I really enjoyed the banter back and forth between Vanessa and Sheridan. They really have this love/hate relationship as they figure out neither is really who they thought but something better. It was also nice having the previous female characters come back to take part in this book. I love a book with a strong female casting. Also, I had my suspicions of who the murderer was early on in the book and I was right!

Overall I would definitely recommend this book for those who love historical romances and for those love Sabrina Jeffries!!

Thank you Netgalley and Kensington Books for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

New Duke of Armitage, Sheridan Wolfe, has a problem. Several actually. First, he knows nothing about being a duke. And worse, his estate seems to be hemorrhaging money. And every time he tries to make sense of the books, the numbers swim and don't make any sense. Second, he must marry. Ideally someone with a generous dowry to help save his estates. Only his heart isn't in it. He's loved and lost before, and Sheridan has no interest in doing so again. Finally, and most importantly, someone seems to be murdering his mother's husbands. The family has narrowed down the subject pool to only a few individuals, and now it is time to see who is innocent and who is a murderer. Unfortunately for Sheridan, the person he must determine if they are guilty or not has a marriageable age daughter... and quite annoyingly said daughter isn't the slightest bit interested in him. How Rude!

Vanessa Pryde has a secret. She's been carrying a tendre for Saint Sheridan Wolfe ever since his family arrived back in England. But when asked about it by her cousin -- and Sheridan's half brother, Grey -- she lied. Instead she named a well-known poet and playwright as the object of her affections... and well, now she's stuck with the facade. Worse, her harridan of a mother is doing all she can to marry Vanessa off to the man of her choosing -- a man who happens to be over sixty with a large gambling problem.

By chance, the two run into each other and agree to a fake courtship. For Sheridan, it's a chance to get close to the Vanessa's mother to determine if she is his father's murderer. For Vanessa, it is an opportunity to get Sheridan to see what's been standing in front of him this whole time...

Let the fireworks begin!

---
Undercover Duke is the conclusion to Sabrina Jeffries' Duke Dynasty Series, and it does not disappoint. While I fully feel that readers shouldn't jump into the series with this book, seriously this series is faboo and I loved it lotsly, most reader should be able to follow along with the overarching plot without having to read everything. I strongly recommend familiarizing yourself with the family tree provided at the beginning of the book; it's really important to see who is whom and how they relate to each other as it can be a bit confusing if you don't. It's nice to see all of the siblings from previous books present in this one -- although I'm still sort of blank on who Heywood is. It's like coming home to a comforting show after a long day at work.

Vanessa is a fun heroine. She's intelligent but also fallible. She's a fun character and I felt for her. It's hard growing up with difficult parents. Especially those who disapprove of everything you do. She's complex and acts just like most people would when they get caught in a story that has more legs than they expected.

I've long liked Sheridan in this series. He's been perceptive and intelligent and also kind. He definitely earns the moniker of "Saint Sheridan." I felt for him and the pain he feels for the losses he's suffered. I also felt his frustration with being thrust into a role he had no idea how to perform. I loved that he had a disability -- Dyscalculia -- which is a disability that I myself have. I don't feel that this is a spoiler since his complaints about the numbers swimming have been in earlier books. Which is also good foreshadowing.

Speaking of foreshadowing, the conclusion of the Death of the Dukes arc is well done and nicely foreshadowed. I was already suspicious of the ultimate villain in previous books and was able to pinpoint one of the motives pretty early on. Which was super satisfying later. I wish more authors would trust their readers like this. Being able to solve the mystery was fun and added to my enjoyment of the book. The romance was well done. Sabrina Jefries has some of the best banter in Romance today. She needs to teach a course on it, I swear. It's so good.

In all, this is a lovely end to the series, and it's definitely going on my reread list.

Five stars.

I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley.

I have continued with Sabrina Jeffries’ Duke Dynasty series because I wanted to know if all of Lydia’s ducal husbands were murdered and if so, by whom.

Undercover Duke is Sheridan and Jessica’s story but the main characters from all the books are included here since the mystery and intrigue surrounding this family comes to light.

Sheridan and Vanessa’s HEA is fraught with secrets leading to misunderstandings. Preconceived notions lead to Prejudice, egos lead to Pride…you know the Regency drill. But Undercover Duke is a nice conclusion to this intricate family saga.

Always helpful with this complex family, a diagram of Lydia’s three ducal husbands and her children with each man is included.

Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I thoroughly enjoyed this steamy and sexy historical romance. Even though it contains characters established in previous novels, Undercover Duke can easily stand alone. Elegantly written, this novel delivers mystery, intrigue and of course romance.

Thank you netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Unfortunately this was not one of Ms. Jeffries best books. Vanessa is feeling the pressure to marry and she sets her sights on the Duke who keeps her at arms length but secretly desires her. I thought Vanessa asks rather childish and tries to manipulate the Duke into liking her. The Duke treats her like a spoiled child and lies to himself about the reasons why he offers to pretend to court her. The story just falls short of expectation.

I thought this was fun although I didn't care for the scheming plot on Vanessa's end to get Sheridan's attention. I also didn't care for how Sheridan treated her, he didn't seem to respect her intelligence. This is a finale of a series so the murderer is revealed at the end.

Thank you to NetGalley for those eARC!
So this is my second fave of the 4 (Olivia and thorns being my fave)
HOWEVER-
1) the first secret was MUCH MORE DECEITFUL than the second and yet Vanessa is more upset about the second one??
2) Sheridan really treated her like she was stupid the. Whole. Time.
3) the murderer was evident a mile off
4) THE FAMILY TREE WAS SO CONFUSING WHAT

all in all still light and enjoyable ;)