Review by Booklist Review
It is only fair, of course. Eliza Dove's fiancé, Lord Mainwaring, is spending the summer abroad indulging in any number of activities, some of which can be mentioned in polite society and most of which cannot. As such, all Eliza wants is one night for herself, that she might enjoy the less-conventional corners of London before she finds herself trapped in a loveless marriage of convenience. So, when Eliza stumbles across the secret of a Mr. Simon Cavell while exploring the Montague Club, it provides her with just the opportunity she needs. In exchange for keeping Simon's secret, Eliza insists that he accompany her on her little nighttime escapade. St. George (The Stranger I Wed, 2024) returns with another perfectly polished addition to her Victorian-set Doves of New York series that deftly illustrates her gift for creating memorable characters and her flair for turning steamy sexual chemistry into boldly sensual love scenes.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
An unusual love blossoms in St. George's middling second Doves of New York Victorian romance (after The Stranger I Wed). Eliza Dove is an adventurous debutante who must marry to receive her inheritance. Simon Cavell is the manager of a gentlemen's club who moonlights as a prizefighter in London's slums. The novel gets off to several false starts in its attempts to maneuver these two together, culminating in Eliza blackmailing Simon with knowledge of his underground fighting ring into taking her on one night of adventure in Whitechapel before she resigns herself to a loveless marriage. The ensuing foray into the seedier side of London sparks gratifying passion. Though Simon and Eliza swear to forget each other after their one perfect night, they each struggle to let the other go. St. George's attempts to examine Victorian class stratification are admirable, but unfortunately Eliza proves a frustrating heroine whose comparisons between her coddled life and Simon's harsh, abusive upbringing come across as naive and entitled. Meanwhile, inconsistent pacing and a rushed ending put a damper on the romance. Series fans will appreciate checking in with the Dove sisters, but others can give this one a pass. (June)
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Review by Library Journal Review
American heiress Eliza Dove may have been courting scandal when she crept through the secret entrance to London's Montague Club, but stumbling into a shirtless Adonis covered in sweat and blood was beyond anything she imagined. Simon Cavell is known as "the Duke" in the boxing ring, but he is no aristocrat. Though he wasn't what Eliza expected to find, Simon may be just what she needs to fulfill her wish for one night of freedom before she enters an engagement that is more merger than marriage. They soon find, however, that one night together won't be nearly enough. Following up The Stranger I Wed, St. George crafts a captivating American-abroad historical romance that does not shy away from the gritty realities of Victorian England. Narrator Maarleveld returns for this second installment in the "Doves of New York" series. Her sultry voice and sedate pace will lure listeners in until they become engrossed in this story of social class and scandal. VERDICT This audio will appeal to listeners seeking a steamy, one-night-to-forever Gilded Age/Victorian romance. Recommended for fans of Sophie Jordan, Grace Burrowes, and Amalie Howard.--Lauren Hackert
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
An American heiress wants one night of freedom before entering into a loveless marriage of convenience. Eliza Dove will only receive her inheritance if she marries a nobleman approved by her father, which is why she's engaged to a viscount, but while her fiancé is off gallivanting around Europe, she wants a taste of adventure, too. When she meets Simon Cavell, manager of a gaming club in Bloomsbury, she learns he's also a notable fighter in Whitechapel under the moniker "the Duke," a secret known by only a few. She threatens to expose his other identity unless he guides her through one night of exploring London's underbelly. Simon has been trying for years to get out from under the thumb of a crime boss to whom he's indebted so he can provide a better life for what little family he has left. He only has one more fight until he can walk away and doesn't wish to jeopardize that, but he finds it impossible to resist Eliza. After their excursion, they realize that just one night could never be enough for either of them. The pining between Eliza and Simon is dialed all the way up in this delicious romance, and the more they try to ignore it, the deeper they fall for each other. Their desires make them act in irrational, impulsive, and dangerous ways that create tension and excitement, while the circumstances of their lives and stations make for a believable barrier to their being together despite a strong emotional and physical connection. Their happy ending feels well earned and enticingly sets up the next book featuring Eliza's sister. A captivating and passionate romance between a pair who are completely besotted with each other. Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
