REVIEW: The Duke of Nothing

The Duke of Nothing by Jess Michaels

⭐⭐⭐ (3.5 STARS)

Baldwin Undercross, Duke of Sheffield has inherited a mountain of debt and anxiety as result of his late father’s gambling.  He has added to it by gambling himself to try and pay off creditors.  He is ashamed and tells no one of his debt for fear of the censure and pity he would receive from friends and family.  He understands the responsibility he has to those that hold his debts so he agrees with his mother that he must marry an heiress.                                                                                                                     What he does not understand is why he must give up the chance at happiness and love whilst everyone around him are filled with it.  This becomes even more of a mystery when he meets Helena Monroe and mistakes her for the heiress that would solve his woes.  In a few brief moments Helena makes him smile, relax, and forget his worries like he has not done in years.  He is happy and feels as though this is a woman he could marry and at the same time, save his family from ruination.  Shortly after however, he finds out that Helena is the cousin of the woman he is to court.  Although he is bitter and disappointed, there is nothing for it, he must marry someone with a dowry big enough to pay off most of his creditors.                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Helena Monroe is a conscripted companion to her spoiled cousin, Charity.  Her family disowned and friends shunned her when she was disgraced.  This disgrace was not of her own volition.  In fact, it was not wanted at all but her family refused to listen to her pleas.  With this, her uncle, not out of the kindness of heart, but rather cheapness agreed to take her with him to England.  Here, she meets Baldwin and feels an immediate spark.  Once she finds out he’s a Duke, however she knows that she is beneath him.  She knows there is no future for them.  As Baldwin and Helena meet and converse more during a house party, the spark between them turns aflame.  Helena, who has no future safe being a companion to Charity, wants something for herself.   Something good, something to give her happy memories, something she chooses only for herself, if only for a short while.  She wants Baldwin.  They have shared their secrets, passionate touches and kisses.  Now, Helena wants to share her body and soul with Baldwin.  Baldwin is apprehensive however.  He knows he cannot marry Helena, but his heart and his body want her fiercely.  Eventually he succumbs but only after she assures him she understands that their dalliance is temporary.  Temporary as their love affair is, Baldwin and Helena cannot help but to fall in love.  They have both met their match but…                                                                                                                                                                                                      How can Baldwin ever marry Helena when his family will come to ruin?

I absolutely loved the characters in this book. They were honest, good people who are down on their luck. Baldwin is such a gentleman. He is not a rake and is a generally good and kind man. This makes it difficult for him when he must make the ultimate choice to choose between his family’s livelihood and the woman he has come to love. Even though Baldwin is bitter about having to sacrifice his happiness and love to marry an heiress, he is still kind to all of the heiress’ on his mother’s list. He is wonderful with Helena and at winning her trust and confidence. At the end, when he makes this difficult choice… WOW!

Helena too is such a nice person. From the moment she meets Baldwin, she brightens his life and lightens up his plight. I felt for Helena because she has and still is losing a lot. Back in America, she lost her friends and family during a time she should have been supported. Her uncle takes her in, but even here she is losing because he does not respect or care for her. When she does find that someone who will love and care for her, he is unable to offer marriage. Knowing she can never have more, she decides to grasp onto the love and support he IS offering. Although it is not enough, he makes her feel happy and loved.

I found Charity’s character in the book could’ve been written better. In the beginning, we come to think of her as snobbish and spoiled. We see this by how she treats Helena in the many scenes they are together. Towards the end, Charity does something that is so out of character it almost seems counterfeit. As for the plot of who had Baldwin’s debt, I knew the answer from the beginning. However, it does not detract from the overall pace and enjoyment of this book. This is a wonderful book to cozy up by the fire with. I look forward to reading more from this author.

Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing NGC for this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own