Heiress Eliza wants an adventure, and she picks fighter Simon to make it happen. Simon has been trying to get out from under his old crime boss's control and does not need Eliza to get involved with his life. He can't stop his feelings for her. Can they have their happily ever after? I received an ARC from NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for my honest review.

4⭐️
"Fate had brought him to her. It wasn't trying to rein her in, nor did it want to clip her wings."
Harper St. George's books are so underrated, I have loved every single one that I've read. I've been eagerly waiting for this since The Stranger I Wed teased Eliza's story and it did not disappoint.

This at first glance is a come-from-different-worlds story. Simon is a club manager and grew up in poverty in Whitechapel. He ran with street gang and fought in back-alley boxing matches to make money. Eliza and her sisters are in London to find aristocratic husbands, so they can receive their massive inheritance. Simon slowly comes to learn what we as the reader already do- looks can be deceiving and Eliza and her sisters didn't grow up the way Society believes they did. Eliza decides she wants a summer of adventure before her fiancee returns from Europe and she's stuck in an unhappy marriage. So she pursues Simon and convinces him to take her for a night on the town.

I loved these two. Even while Simon was trying to push Eliza from his mind and stay away from her, he was so drawn to her. They had some excellent chemistry right from the beginning. And the absolute YEARNING between them when they thought they couldn't be together? So good. They really dropped their walls with each other and pretty quickly which I enjoyed, and were vulnerable and honest with each other in a way they aren't with anyone else. Simon told Eliza about his childhood and the dark things he had done in his gang days, and Eliza accepted all of him. Eliza for her part told him the truth about her family and was willing to give everything up to be with him.

Simon was very sweet with Eliza, constantly holding her hand when they were out on the town. I loved how he daydreamed about how their life could be, how they could all be a family and take walks in the park. I loved how in the end neither Simon or Eliza hesitated- they knew the sacrifices it would take to be together and were both willing to do whatever it took.

This book nicely sets up the next with Jenny and Lord David and I can't wait! The tension is off the charts and I LOVE a historical marriage of convenience.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishing team for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

In order to claim an enormous inheritance, Eliza Dove must marry and marry well, and it appears that she has succeeded as she is betrothed to Viscount Mainwaring and has plans to marry when he returns from the Continent. Until then, she just has to play the part of a gently breed heiress and stay out of trouble – too bad trouble is a call that Eliza always takes. And trouble this time comes in the form of Simon Cavell, the manager of The Montague Club and prize fighter. But in Eliza’s defense, she didn’t mean to meet Simon, she just wanted a peek of the Club and happened to find him in the servant’s hall. He had just returned from a fight and clearly needed help; help she was more than willing to give. While tending his injuries, she learns an interesting tidbit about her erstwhile fiancé and decides that she too needs an adventure and who better to give it to her than Simon aka The Duke? What they never planned on was falling hopelessly in love, with “hopelessly” being the operative word – since there is no way her father would ever approve of Simon, and if she marries without her father’s approval, she will lose her inheritance.

Simon Cavell was born and raised in White Chapel and has worked hard and fought ever harder to get away from that life. But walking away hasn’t been easy and even though it seems he’s out, his former boss Brody still has control over him, making it impossible for him to plan for a future. A future that he knows he can never hope to have with Eliza. But Fate has other plans for him and despite Simon’s intent to stay as far away from Eliza as he can, their paths keep crossing and she refuses to let him ignore her. Finally, when their HEA seems possible, it becomes clear that his past isn’t quite done with him.

I really enjoyed this story, Eliza and Simon are wonderful characters and felt their connection immediately. They were both of them were raised outside of high society, and they each have their secrets, but it is clear they are meant to be. This book has a lot of emotion, danger, secrets, lots of longing, some steamy love scenes, sacrifices, more danger and finally, a hard-won HEA complete with an epilogue (as well as some very interesting author notes). That said, the story did drag a little bit in the middle, but it finishes in a spectacular fashion and sets up an intriguing introduction to the next book featuring Jenny Dove and Lord David, that has me counting the days until it is released! Overall, a very good read and definitely recommended. This is the second book in the series, but it could easily be read as a standalone title with no problems.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *

I loved this book and love this series. The first book with the marriage of convenience was a fun exploration of what can happen above board in society, and this book was a fun adventure of the working class and the good and bad of that version of living. I loved that their dynamic had many opportunities to be imbalanced with power, she has a different standing socially and financially, but he has different experience spicily and worldly. But they meet in the middle in this really beautiful way. She gets to share about life in the US more middle class and hidden away as the result of her bio father's mistress (her mother) and he gets to share about the love he has for his niece and deceased sister, working on the side as a fighter unable to be vulnerable with anyone. How hard he FELL and the THOUGHTS he had about her. I swear y'all this book is so ROMANTIC.

Thank you Berkley for the free book, pleaseeee publish the next in the series I beg.

Eliza wasn’t sure what she wanted until she found Simon and I loved that she chose to pursue him rather than be miserable with her arranged fiancé. The spice in this book was perfect for me, just the right amount of tension and giving in to the heat of the moment. Simon had an interesting upbringing and I enjoyed how he worked through it and let Eliza into his past. I can’t wait to read more of this series and see what else the Dove sisters get up to.

4 Stars I cannot put into words how much I adore Harper St. George's historical romances about American heiresses in Victorian London to find titled husbands! The heroines are always so strong and brave, and the heroes are swoonworthy! Eliza and the Duke is the second book in St. George's Doves of New York series and I loved it!

Resigned to an arranged marriage at the end of the summer, American heiress Eliza Dove wants one last adventure before walking down the aisle. And she knows the perfect man to show her a good time: the Duke, Whitecapel's prize boxer. Simon Cavell is not a real gentleman, only the manager of the Montague club and a boxer trying to free himself and his niece from the shackles of a crime lord. A wild night on the town changes everything for Eliza and Simon. They both realize they misunderstood the other and realize new dreams...of each other. Now, Eliza has a new plan and it doesn't involve settling for her soon-to-be husband.

I came into Eliza and the Duke expecting a bit of scandal (because it's not London Society without a bit of scandal, right?), but I didn't expect the danger and thrill! Simon's past and Eliza's impulsiveness make for a thrilling adventure as they both try to free themselves of the futures they had settled for. Eliza is feisty and fun, constantly surprising Simon and sometimes even herself by listening to her "bad angel" when making decisions. It's quite a complicated journey to happy ever after for these two, but well worth the read! I can't wait for Jenny's story next!

Thank you Harper St. George and Berkley for the ARC! Eliza and the Duke releases June 24th!

Eliza Dove wants one night of adventure before settling into a respectable marriage of convenience, but her encounter with Simon Cavell, a boxer known as “the Duke,” changes everything. Simon is focused on his final fight and keeping his past hidden, but Eliza’s presence threatens his plans. When one night isn’t enough, she proposes a new bargain—one that could bring them together or destroy them both.

Why Kirsten likes it
While this wasn’t my favorite of Harper St. George’s books, I did still find it entertaining. It REALLY got me excited to read the next book in the series about Eliza’s sister, Jenny.

Set in 1870's England Eliza and the Duke tells the story of two young lovers who will defy the laws of their station in order to be together. I will admit that I adored this story so much. There was so much action and romance that I couldn’t put it down. The characters were so well drawn out and the villains were flawless. This is the first book that I have read of Harper St. George but I know now that I will be reading more of her novels in the future.
We are introduced to Eliza Dove an American heiress who has arrived in England to marry a nobleman she does not love. One night she encounters an injured man out on the streets. After discovering his identity she decides to use it to her advantage. She will keep his secret if he agrees to take her out on the town. In a way it is her way of sowing her wild oats before settling down with her boorish fiancé. However as time goes by she finds herself falling for this handsome stranger.
Simon Cavelle is well known prizefighter who has never had a easy life. He desperately wants out of the life but has to settle his debt first. When he first meets Eliza he is appalled by her request to have him taken to the darkest parts of town. He has had feelings for women before but Eliza sparks different feelings that he has never had before. Soon he finds himself head over heels for her and their differences in station make it complicated. Not only that but some of the dark forces that Simon is involved in could possibly endanger his life as well.
Overall this novel was very impressive. Eliza and Simon were such a wonderful match and the fact that Eliza was such a likeable character made be admire her hold over Simon. Also kudos to Eliza's sister Jenny who found the perfect plan in order for Eliza and Simon to be together. She is the true hero of this story.
I received an arc copy from Netgalley and all opinions are of my own.

The illegitimate daughter of a gilded age, American scion, Eliza is sent to London to marry a man deemed “acceptable” to her estranged father. He want’s his former mistress and her daughters out of American, away from his legitimate wife and children. So he uses the inheritance left to the girls by his mother to control them…if they don’t marry his choice, he will withhold the inheritance…$250k in 1890’s money must be valued in the millions if it were paid now. Eliza’s intended is spending the summer “sowing his wild oats” in Europe while she’s expected to stay in London and act appropriately. She bored, craves adventure and out of her ridiculous engagement and she blackmails Simon Cavell to take her to the raucous areas of London for 1 night of fun. Simon is a renowned prizefighter who manages a private club for Eliza’s brother-in-law and his partners. He’s also supposed to be protecting Eliza and her family, so they are in close proximity to each other. Simon has a secret though and, through no fault of his own, he’s mixed up with a notorious crime boss who has a hold over him. Eliza gets a lot more than adventure and Simon learns that you shouldn’t make assumptions about young ladies. Eliza and Simon get more than they bargained for and maybe a happy ever after.

I just read Eliza and the Duke by Harper St. George, and it was everything I want in a historical romance. Eliza is bold, smart, and totally holds her own, and the chemistry with the duke? Off the charts. It had just the right balance of tension, tenderness, and swoon.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.
Eliza and the Duke is a very bittersweet release, as Harper St. George announced on social media a while back that her publisher isn’t interested in further historicals from her. And she’s one of several authors for whom I’ve very sad for, because her Gilded Age/Victorian books have injected new life into the genre, while also feeling familiar to what fans love. And that could not be more true with this book.
Eliza is a compelling heroine, and I love how she’s a mix of being intelligent, yet daring and bold. Her narrative surrounds the age-old battle between doing the practical thing and marrying for security, or following one’s heart to find happiness. The book sees her grasp for the happiness and adventure she can, while still contemplating this choice and being very aware of the risks and consequences of making the wrong one.
Simon is also an intriguing hero. I love that he’s a working-class hero, but he’s worked to blend in with the aristocracy. His past living in Whitechapel was very interesting as well, particularly his past as as a prize-fighter, and he makes for a great companion for Eliza. He does want to protect her from the ills of the world, but he doesn’t underestimate her.
The dynamic between the two was lovely, and I appreciate the push-and-pull, with them both grappling with the taboo nature of their pairing. They had solid chemistry throughout, and while I did find the story a bit hastily and conveniently wrapped up by the end, I still more or less enjoyed how things came together.
I had a lot of fun with this book, and would strongly recommend it to readers who enjoy steamy historical romance.

Thank you to Berkley Romance and PRH Audio for the ARC/ALC!

Harper St. George was my introduction to historical romance even before Bridgerton came out. I picked one of her books from Book of the Month because of the stunning cover - it’s always 3/4 skirt, and I’m obsessed. But I kept coming back because they are fast, feminist, spicy reads.

Eliza and the Duke is no different. We get to dive into the world of bare knuckle brawling and focus on life outside of the aristocracy. I loved all the twists and turns we went on! Eliza and Simon had sizzling chemistry, and I couldn’t put it down until the HEA.

This was fantastic on audio, easily bingeable with clear, distinct characters.

While you can read this one as a standalone, this is the second book in a spinoff series, so if you want to get the full backstory you may want to start with the first Gilded Heiresses book, The Heiress Gets a Duke.

Eliza has rarely had an impulse she didn't give in to - especially when it comes to Simon.
Simon is utterly besotted with this woman who seems to have come out of nowhere.
The yearning, the "this can't go anywhere but I can't stay away from you", the way they understand each other in ways others can't, the way they find comfort, support, and love with each other - a beautifully written story!
Harper St George has yet to write a book that I don't like, and I need more people to pick up her books and read more historical romance, please, and thank you!

Looking forward to Jenny and David's story next!

Thank you Harper for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

Eliza and the Duke is book two in The Doves of New York series by Harper St. George and if you haven't read book one...why not? But honestly...you should. Because then you would be able to dive right into this book when it comes out later this month. I think you could read this one as a standalone if you wanted to but you really should read the series. You should actually read all of St. George's books because I love them all and she has quickly become an auto-buy author for me.

In this book, our fmc is Eliza Dove, another of the Americans who have come to marry someone with a title. Except, Eliza doesn't really want the man who she is expected to marry but she will do it if it means safety for her, her mother and her sister, Jenny. That said, when she accidentally crosses paths with Simon Cavell one night and finds out a secret of his, she decides that before she becomes trapped in a marriage she doesn't truly want, she wants one night of freedom to explore London so she talks Simon into taking her out.

Simon Cavell - known as "the Duke" in Whitechapel boxing rings - has one goal and that is to protect his sister's daughter by getting her out of Whitechapel. To do that, he needs to fight once more and then he can leave for good and no matter what, he won't let anything distract him...Enter Eliza. He can't have her spilling his secrets so in return for her silence, he agrees to take her around for one night. The challenge will be taking her back and letting her go.

These two - I loved them together! It is a class difference trope and in this, Eliza has to decide if she is going to follow her heart or not. Well, she also has to convince Simon that it is the right decision for both of them too, but ultimately the question remains as to whether she is willing to give up the money for love.

I have to mention how much I enjoyed seeing the characters from the other books show up in this book and I'm looking forward to Jenny's book as well. Not only because I can just feel that there is a backstory there but seeing how she stepped in and not only helped Eliza, but their relationship as a whole throughout the book, was great.

If you're looking for a new historical romance to pick up, consider this one. I think you'll enjoy it. There is banter, danger, and of course...romance. I'll definitely be picking up the next book in the series!

I love historical romances that involve some level of 'working class'. This may be nobility adjacent but it deals with some real historical dirty details. I loved how impish and mischievous Eliza is, and Simon is the right amount of brooding yet emotionally available. I wasn't a huge fan of adding Jenny's point of view and setting up her book at the end, but that's a totally personal issue.

5/5
Facing down a loveless marriage to a man flaunting his dalliances across Europe, American heiress Eliza Dove wishes for one night to experience the real side of London, outside the orbit of society's upper echelons. Her ticket in is Simon Cavell, Montague Club’s manager and the celebrated boxer of Whitechapel known only as “The Duke,” after a chance meeting leaves her an opportunity to convince him of her plan. All Simon yearns for is securing a life for his niece currently held by the man whom he owes a great debt, but soon all he yearns for is her, Eliza, the impossible heiress. Between the dark streets of London, townhomes, and tension filled carriage rides, soon it is impossible to deny that the only thing Simon and Eliza want is a life side by side, but that is as impossible as the feelings running between them.

Harper St. George what can't you do (the only thing on my mind as I binged through this series and her backlist this past month). There is no power on earth strong enough to tear me away from a good historical romance, and Harper St. George is one of the strongest talents in the genre right now. Her Doves of New York series first ensnared me with The Stranger I Wed, but this follow up has outsold everything that came before. Eliza and the Duke concerns two people who never thought they could be loved—Eliza the hopeless romantic, and Simon the strong and silent boxer who made a life through his fists, finding unconditional, lasting love. Eliza and Simon are two individuals you can’t not root for. With Persuasion levels of longing, their connection is not only palpable, but grounded against their pasts leaving space for a beautiful romance to develop and plenty of angst to savor. And what a layered romance this is. Like that carriage scene? *fans self to no avail*. Eliza and the Duke is certainly for the Jane Austen lovers amongst us and it's a historical romance that left me more than a little unhinged (a glowing commendation if there ever was one).

This review will appear verbatim on my blog closer to publication

Half agony. Half hope. This book stole my heart.

Hopeless romantic, Eliza, wanted one night of freedom and adventure before a lifetime of a respectable marriage of convenience. Only she got more than she bargained for with Simon. Simon is no gentleman and one taste will never be enough.

Eliza and Simon embodied everything I wanted in a historical romance. Their story was captivating and all-consuming. I couldn't help but devour it.

Eliza and the Duke is sinful and entertaining with a splash of danger. I loved the romance, spice and yearning. This book had me hooked from the very beginning and I loved every second of it.

Harper St. George’s historical romances will always sweep me off my feet and make me fall head over heels in love with her stories and characters.

As a young American in England in search of a titled husband to earn her inheritance, Eliza must accept her fate and marry a man she doesn’t love. But as she craves adventure and romance, she stumbles upon a mysterious man named the Duke and she asks him for a favor—a night out exploring London before she’s wed. But what happens when there’s more to the Duke than she expected?

I was utterly charmed by Eliza and Simon’s story! Right from the beginning, the narrative gripped me. I loved the way their connection grew to see similar mirrors of each other in different circumstances. The emotional “we can never be together” push and pull vibes created the best sense of tension and angst, and their magnetic connection was such a delight to watch unfold.

I loved seeing my favorites from her previous series and learning more about their stories past the pages of their books. It made my heart so happy!

I can’t WAIT for the next book! The build-up for this upcoming couple is going to be so worth the wait!!

*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.*

Take my review with a grain of salt as I generally don’t read romance books. The premise of this one sounded a little different than the typical romance, which is why I gave it a try, I do like to try and branch off once in a while. Overall, I thought this book was OK. It was entertaining and light. I didn’t hate it, so that’s good. Overall, a pretty simple book, but entertaining.

3.5 Stars — While this wasn’t a a five star for me, the author never fails to deliver a fun and steamy romance. I liked Eliza and Simon well enough. I needed a little more spark between them.

That said, OMG we better get Jenny’s story! There’s definitely something intense brewing between her and Lord David.