With Eliza and the Duke, Harper St. George has given us a fast-paced, heartfelt historical romance. Eliza and Simon both come into the story thinking they have their lives relatively under control. Eliza is an illegitimate daughter whose jerk father will only give her an inheritance if she marries into nobility. Simon's a prizefighter trying to earn enough to pay off a criminal gang leader and protect his little niece. And then they meet and they just click and it messes up everything. Now they're struggling with wanting each other while trying to continue on with the plans they believe necessary. They're both imperfect, but fundamentally decent people trying to do their best, help their loved ones, and snatch a bit of happiness where they can. Throw in a bit of danger and a collection of well-loved side characters (and if you don't know them yet, I recommend some backlist reading!), and you have a lovely, winding path to happily ever after.

4.5 stars!!!

i think i’m back in my historical romance era bc DANG this was goooooood !!! i was hooked from page one and was so invested in how eliza & simon would end up together. the romance was swoon-worthy, but i also loved that there was an element of suspense, action and mystery!!! as an action movie girlie, i really liked the combination of action & historical romance.

i seriously forgot how much i love historical romances & now i'm going to have to read more because there's just something about the way they YEARN and the tension??? it's top notch.

will for sure be reading book one now & keeping an eye out for book two 👀🤭

thank you Berkley Pub & Berkley Romance for the e-arc & the gifted finished copy! this is my honest review.

[Thank you, @berkleyromance, for the free copy #BerkleyRomance #BerkleyPartner #BerkleyBookstagram]

📣 a scrumptious historical

The vibes. I adored Eliza & the Duke by Harper St. George & I’m going to tell you why.

Eliza is a seemingly rich heroine with her future inheritance being dangled in front of her. She wants one night of fun, & she finagles Simon, the manager of a club, into being her escort.

St. George is a master at setting a scene. From Simon’s secret accent & gold eye-tooth to the secret performance Eliza & Simon watch in White Chapel to the sizzling chemistry…

From the very beginning lines, I knew this book would deliver the feelings because it already was. The way that the leads wrangle their life together is fantastic, & the next book promises to be divine as well.

4.5 ⭐️. Out today!

CWs: blackmail, violence, previous death, infidelity.

[ID: Jess holds the book while standing in front of a yellow wall & wearing a blue & gold polka dotted dress.]

Eliza Dove is an American heiress whose inheritance is tied directly to her marriage to a titled gentleman. Before she settles down, she just wants one single night of adventure and she knows she who to ask to help her. Simon Cavell is known as the “Duke” of Whitechapel and is a prize boxer whose only goal is to free himself and his niece from a life on the streets. When he agrees to show Eliza some fun in exchange for keeping his secrets, sparks ignite the flames and they can’t stay away from each other. But how can they ever be together?

Woof you guys. Harper’s writing and books are like fine, fine wine. They get better with age. She CONTINUES to blow me away and this story is no different. I love how much history she manages to incorporate in her stories while keeping the plot and the romance captivating! I never thought she could top the mirror scene, but MAM. You have OUTDONE yourself with that CARRIAGE SCENE.

Simon is a tough, but compassionate MMC and Eliza is a bold and brazen FMC who will do anything for the people she cares about. She’s an American heiress living in Victorian era London society and she isn’t afraid to push the boundaries of propriety to stay true to herself.

Thank you so much to Netgalley, Berkely Romance publishing and Harper St. George for the ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions in my review are honest, voluntary and my own

The Dove sisters are back and still looking for advantageous aristocratic spouses to satisfy their benefactor/father’s demands .

Eliza Dove has been affianced to an earl who is currently galavanting across the continent sampling various feminine favours as he goes … while Eliza back in London, craves a little adventure herself!

Well out on such an adventure she happens across Simon Cavill known in the boxing ring as the Duke. Whitechapel undefeated prize fighter by night and gaming club employee by day.

An instant attraction Sparks between Simon and Eliza, put their chance meeting will change the course of either of their… that is until Simon is contracted to protect an escort, the dove sisters when a threat of danger lurks.

Together again, the spark only grows and Simon can’t resist Eliza’s adventurous personality. The differences in class may keep them apart, but at night on their adventures, they were on an equal footing.

This is a very fun and unique take on the American Aris in London theme. The unique circumstances behind Eliza’s character makes for a great pairing with the boxer, trying to turn his life around.

I love how author Harper St. George gives us an every man in calls him the Duke - what real historical romance lover doesn’t love a self-made man of the street!

Overall, I loved the complexities and uniqueness of the characters and the real connection that’s created between them through their commonalties and time together. I highly recommend this book to histrom readers, and feel that it’s easily read as a standalone.

This was fine -- kind of predictable but sweet in its own way. I was just waiting for more although it was definitely steamy. This series has definite potential and I will read the next even if this wasn't my absolute favorite.

Eliza and the Duke comes out next week on June 24, 2025, and you can purchase HERE.

A YOUNG WOMAN IN SEARCH OF A HUSBAND SHOULD not go wandering the halls of Montague Club. This was particularly true if the young woman in question was only pretending to be a gently bred American heiress. Any hint of scandal could not easily be absorbed by a centuries-long family lineage that didn't exist.
Eliza Dove knew that. She knew it in her bones. The problem was that, sometimes, once an idea took hold, she had trouble reining it in. Her bad angel always seemed to be more persuasive than her good angel.

Thank you to Berkley Romance for the free book and to PRH Audio for the complimentary audiobook. These opinions are my own.

I am such a fan of this historical romance series. It features three sisters from America who head to England to get married. This second in the series can stand alone, but the background for why the sisters are searching for marriage in England is set up in the first book. And this one clearly sets up the next, so I recommend reading all three in order.

Because I knew I was invested in the series, I went into it without reading the synopsis. And I was so delighted that the "Duke" is a nickname rather than another titled man at the top of society. Indeed, this is a great story about social class and differing expectations and experiences in the Victorian era.

There are a variety of different adventures, as Eliza wants one chance to explore before agreeing to married life. I found it engaging and quick to read.

And I especially appreciated the amazing author's note at the end. It added such depth to the story.

Saskia Maarleveld will always be one of my favorite narrators, especially for this genre. And she outside herself here.

4.5 stars rounded up

Eliza Dove has agreed to an acceptable marriage to a British aristocrat in order to access her trust. But after sneaking off to a gentlemen’s club and helping a bludgeoned Simon “Duke” Cavell, Eliza cannot let her night with the Duke go. When Simon ends up being hired to guard her family Eliza makes him an offer. A night out in the seedy parts of Whitechapel and she will not expose Simon’s brawling side hustle. All Simon wants is to pay off his debt and provide for his niece. If Simon wins his next big fight he will be able to finally move on. Eliza must choose between love and money, but can Simon offer her a life he could be proud of?

I connected with Eliza in wanting to embrace life. And let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want a kindhearted bare knuckle brawler? Despite his rough exterior Simon wants to better himself and his circumstances, and who can fault him for that? I really enjoyed this second installment in The Doves of New York series.

I've been a fan of Harper St. George for a while now. I've been waiting for the newest release in The Doves of New York series and finally it is time for the release of Eliza and the Duke.

I went into reading Eliza and the Duke pretty blind. I mean, I knew it was going to feature Eliza, one of the Dove sisters. But that was about it. This series follows the Dove sisters, illegitimate children of a wealthy American who are in London to find titled husbands in order to get access to their inheritance. And seeing as this is a historical romance, with Duke in the title, well, I'm sure you get what I was expecting. But that's not at all what I got... and I'm not all that upset about it.

So, Eliza and the Duke. Well, Eliza is betrothed to a viscount who is on the continent for one last adventure before getting married. Eliza's resigned to this marriage, but she wants one last adventure of her own. She sneaks into a club and stumbles upon Simon, who is banged up following a boxing match and she's determined to help him. There's something about this stranger that just calls to her wild side.

And then there is Simon, AKA The Duke. He's trying to better his circumstances and remove himself from the grasp of a local gangster who practically raised him. But then there is Eliza always seeming around, tempting him with ideas of a future that just isn't possible.

I liked both Eliza and Simon and was genuinely cheering them on and hoping they'd find their happily ever after. I did like that neither Eliza or Simon were part of the ton, but rather on the periphery with some connection. It allowed for a story outside of the ballrooms and normal trappings found in historical romance and it was a nice change. I liked that we got to explore parts of London that aren't generally visited in these stories. And the whole boxing aspect was a fun touch.

My biggest complaint is that there wasn't enough tension or conflict. When the 3rd act of the romance came and it looked like the conflict was about to hit the fan, it was underwhelming. I felt that it was resolved too easily and quickly and I was left wanting more.

I enjoyed Eliza and the Duke, it was not what I was expecting, but in a good way. I look forward to continuing on with this series and happily recommend Harper St. George's books to any historical romance fans.

I am obsessed with this series & I love HSG so much. Eliza’s story wasn’t my favorite to look forward to but as I read along I found myself loving this tale of opposites attract much more than book one.

Eliza and the Duke by Harper St. George is a captivating and delightfully spicy historical romance that blends passion, drama, and rich character development into a thoroughly enjoyable read. With her signature elegance and flair, St. George delivers a story that is as emotionally engaging as it is irresistibly romantic.

The chemistry between Eliza and the Duke is electric from the start, and their dynamic is brought to life through smart dialogue, slow-burning tension, and heartfelt moments that make their connection feel both genuine and deeply satisfying. Each character is fully realized, with compelling backstories that add emotional depth and context to their choices and desires.

Set against a vivid historical backdrop, the novel balances steamy romance with social intrigue and personal stakes. The drama is well-paced, enhancing the emotional weight of the love story without overwhelming it.

Eliza and the Duke is a beautifully written, character-driven romance that will delight fans of historical love stories with heat, heart, and just the right amount of drama. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a romantic escape with depth and spice.

Eliza Dove is a hopeless romantic, hoping for a night of freedom before she settles into a respectable marriage of convenience. Simon Cavell is known as "The Duke," and a prizefighter hoping to secure one last win and leave the streets. He's willing to tangle with Eliza long enough to ensure her secrecy, but one night isn't enough for her. Now Eliza must come up with a plan that will secure him, or both will be ruined.

Continuing with the Dove sisters, we have Eliza engaged to a Viscount, so her biological father will allow her to receive her inheritance. She feels obligated to follow through because her mother has no real prospects in London and her unmarried sister is determined to be an opera singer and eschew the inheritance outright. If either fails, Eliza feels responsible for them and gives them a home. But she craves adventures and finds out her fiancé’s bet with other gentlemen on how many courtesans or prostitutes he can bed while on his summer holiday in Europe. Simon seems to be that way to adventures, though he's not nobility, and hoping to escape the underworld of prize fighting for a respectable future for him and his niece. Of course, the two connect and respect each other, but there's little money in a future together.

The pair bond with each other very well, easily understanding the needs and problems of the other. In a real-world situation, it would have led to pining and longing looks alone. But in a Regency romance, making grand gestures gets rewarded. Here, neither are as alone as they think they are, and that's what helps them get through to a conclusion that fits them.

ARC Review: Eliza and the Duke by Harper St. George
Pub Date: June 24th

Thank you to @berkleyromance for the #free copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own and I am leaving this review voluntarily. #berkleypartner

I absolutely love Harper St. George's books and this one is no exception! I think her books would be great for newer historical romance readers looking to read something other than the Regency time period.

This book is the second in a series about the Dove sisters, who have been gifted dowries by their "godfather" (who is really their father via an affair) and are now trying to find husbands - except society isn't particularly in love with these fake heiresses. Eliza is ready to do her duty and marry for convenience and not love but wants one night of freedom - with the mysterious boxer only referred to as The Duke. Simon has a lot to fight for, he wants to get his young niece out of Whitechapel and leave the streets - he cannot allow himself to be distracted by this young heiress only looking for a good time.

I love when my romance books keep me guessing as to how the two characters are going to have their HEA - it keeps me super invested even though I know they will be together at the end. This one really had me guessing and on the edge of my seat. Throw in some extra sexy carriage time and I am in love with this book!

Though Eliza and Simon are both pretty young, I really liked their relationship - Eliza starts off a bit naive but does some pretty significant character growth throughout the book and the delicious tension and yearning between the two was absolutely delicious!

Read this for :
- Class Difference
- the SEXIEST carriage ride
- Gilded Age
- Yearning
- Single dad-figure

I am also SUPER excited for the next book (which I sincerely hope gets published) given the hints and easter eggs we get in this book. It's setting up for a marriage of convenience which we all know I am a huge hoe for.

Thank you to NetGalley, Berkley, and Ms. St. George for the opportunity to read an ARC of this title. An honest review was requested but not required.

I've been an enthusiastic fan of Ms. St. George's works so I am sad to say that I did not enjoy this one as much as Doves #1 or the Gilded Heiresses series. Eliza, the middle Dove sister, struck me right off the bat as impulsive, reckless, and impetuous, and her crush on Simon seemed like just exactly that: a crush. The way she followed him around and threw herself in his path really made her look like an infatuated, desperate teenager (which, I suppose, she was) and frankly I found her personality a little off-putting. Simon was much more appealing - pulling himself out of a disadvantaged upbringing, trying to do right by his niece - and I liked that he was a non-nobility MC. I did understand that both Eliza and Simon were trying to live out their dreams, they just seemed like sort of cross-purpose dreams: stability and safety for Simon vs adventure and excitement for Eliza. Eh. And while I was very sympathetic to Eliza's desire to get rid of Mainwaring, the story seemed to sink down behind the madcap adventures and the, ahem, relations. Definitely a serious case of instalust.

Frankly the secondary couple (no spoilers) whose book #3 story is teased in this book stole the show. I found myself much more interested in them than in childish Eliza. Maybe it's that the (unnamed female secondary character, lol) planned strategically and acted responsibly to ameliorate Eliza's foolishness; I've always been attracted to competence. I sure hope that Berkley picks up book #3 because I'm READY to read it. This one? I think I'm just to old to appreciate such an immature character on top of all the instalust.

⭐⭐1/2

Eliza and the Duke couldn't have come at a more perfect time. I'd just finished watching a series, A Thousand Blows, that just so happened to be set in England and featured the birth of boxing as we know it, so my appetite for England, boxing, and romance was hearty and this novel fed it.

I enjoyed Eliza and Simon-she's a mischievous American betrothed to a man she doesn't know or love, and Simon is a scruffy gentleman, living in affluence but brought up in poverty. Through their interactions, we learn about his secrets, she reveals some of her own, and as they get to know each other, and love each other, we know that something has to give to assure that they end up together. And as you know, in romance, something does give and we get that HEA we love to get.

Harper St. George always gives a well researched historical romance that is entertaining, swoony, heartfelt and fun. I can't wait for the next installment in this series.

When you’ve been craving a Historical Romance, you know that Harper’s stories are going to hit the spot.

The 2nd book in 𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝙳𝚘𝚟𝚎𝚜 𝚘𝚏 𝙽𝚎𝚠 𝚈𝚘𝚛𝚔 series focuses on Eliza as she realises that she may only get one night to truly live as she convinces Simon our bare knuckle fighter to show her around Whitechapel.

These two have an instant connection. Eliza’s impulsive nature definitely gets her in trouble - sometimes even putting her and others in harms way. Simon is just a gentle giant if you ignore his fighting ways. He is such a cinnamon roll.

Honourable mention - if you’re a fan of the carriage scene in season 3 of Bridgerton then this book has one that will rival it!

I thoroughly enjoyed this read and I cannot wait for the final book in the series!

Witty, scandalous, and enticing!

Eliza and the Duke is a playful, seductive tale set in London during 1878 that features the intelligent, inquisitive Eliza and the roguishly handsome prize boxer Simon as they navigate the underground world of Whitechapel, an upcoming marriage of convenience, and an abundance of undeniable attraction, respect and admiration.

The prose is amusing and light. The characters are focused, determined, and passionate. And the plot is a push-pull tale of life, love, trust, expectations, commitments, support, perseverance, familial drama, and class division.

Overall, Eliza and the Duke is an engaging, entertaining, alluring read by St. George that is another adventurous, enjoyable addition to the The Doves of New York series.

Happiest release week to the latest novel by one of my favorite authors, Harper St. George. Following last year’s The Stranger I Wed, the Doves of New York series continues with the youngest Dove sister in Eliza and the Duke. Contrary to the title, the “duke” here is actually Simon, a bare-knuckles fighter who’s been trying to fight his way out of poverty. Eliza is an heiress… but only if she marries a man her calculating father approves of. An aristocrat, in other words. Someone so far removed from who Simon is.

What I Liked:
- Highlighting working-class characters. Most of the historical romances I’ve read featured titled and/or wealthy characters finding love, so I’m always happy to see different life circumstances. Simon has grown up as an impoverished orphan, and even now he’s working his way out of debt and trying to buy the freedom of his young niece. He doesn’t have riches, an ancestral home, or even a title to give to Eliza, and this stands in the way of her wealthy father’s biggest stipulation. Is Eliza prepared to give up her inheritance for love? Or can they find another path forward? I loved Simon and getting to see someone who’s worked for everything he has. He’s a character I can relate to so well for his limited opportunities.
- Seeing the lower class side of Victorian London. In addition to Simon’s life and work, we also get to join him and Eliza as they explore Whitechapel at night. I adored this whole section of the book!! We get to see parts of London so rarely on display in historical romances: lower class theaters, streets where people are selling their wares, and also the harsher realities of their hardships. It feels so authentic to Simon’s background.
- Forbidden romance. Eliza is an illegitimate daughter whose only path forward is to marry someone titled so she can get her inheritance. Simon is a working class boxer running away from a hard past, someone Eliza’s dad would never approve of. This is a romance that can never work out… and yet these two are drawn to each other and can’t escape their deepening feelings. I so enjoyed seeing them fall in love and trying to find a future together.
- Setup for a third romance! There are three Dove sisters, and with Eliza and the Duke, two of them have gotten their happily ever afters. But what about Jenny? She has some excellent setup with another character, and I desperately need their story next! With or without Berkley, please let us have Jenny’s HEA!

Final Thoughts
Up until now, my favorite Harper St. George book has been The Devil and the Heiress, but Eliza and the Duke is giving it a run for its money! I absolutely fell in love with Eliza and Simon and was rooting for them despite the odds. This is among Harper St. George’s best books and one romance readers are sure to adore. With a forbidden allure, danger, and a tender but steamy love story at its core, this is a beautiful and memorable romance. Like Simon himself, I’m betting on this book being a winner.

oh my god i'm obsessed!!! i loved Eliza's rebellious and free-spirited attitude the minute i met her in book 1, and let me tell y'all, she was the perfect "fine, i'll do it myself" heroine!! she went after what she wanted and fought for her future and she's my hero!

and the romance!!! Simon and Eliza were everything to me! i loved their forbidden courtship so much (bc she's in an arranged betrothal to some guy she does not love!!!) it was so push and pull and stolen kisses and midnight rendezvous! i was giggling and kicking my feet. i also really enjoyed the conversations between their class-differences bc it added the perfect amount of angst but also facilitated such deep and meaningful conversations about privilege that ultimately brought them even closer together. rule of thumb: never let your fiancé get in the way of finding the love of your life!

i'm having the time of my life with this series and I cannot wait for Jenny's book oh my god!!!

Harper St. George is now a new favorite historical romance author and I can't wait to dive into her backlist.

thank you Berkley Romance for this e-arc, it's out everywhere now!

This was a really fun story and it definitely left me ready for the next book in the series! I thought it was well written, with a bit of open door spice but it never felt out of place or un-earned.

I loved these two main characters together - there was a definite grumpy-sunshine aspect to their relationship. I loved how determined Eliza was in pursuing Simon’s friendship, and how that grew into chasing the life she actually wanted. I especially loved Simon’s story and his motivation - the stakes for him and the life he was trying to achieve were very real.

The book felt light and adventurous, and I liked the different tropes that were present. I mentioned grumpy-sunshine, but there’s also a bit of a bodyguard element at the beginning which helped increase the tension between Eliza and Simon.

The end wrapped up in a perfect little bow - but came with a bit of a twist that left me very intrigued about the next book. I think that book is going to be tense and delicious.