I've been looking forward to this book but I ended up being disappointed. Jess's writing style has changed in the last few years and I keep missing her writing style from before. I really loved her older historical erotic romances.

This was a decent story and I somewhat enjoyed both the hero and the heroine. Baldwin and Helena were both well-written characters. However, nothing really stood out making it a great book.

I started this book with a preconceived notion of how it was going to play out based on the blurb. I thought I was going to be reading a typical star crossed lovers trope, I foresaw anguish, heartbreak, longing for what could never be, etc., etc., etc., and then a miraculous HEA. I am happy to say, I was totally wrong! Yes, the book had all the aforementioned elements, but OMG - there was nothing typical about the way this story unfolded.

Baldwin Undercross, the Duke of Sheffield, has a secret, one he has kept from everyone, his mother knows part of it, but even she does not know the full extent of his ruin. Baldwin inherited the estate five years ago from his father and learned that his father had gambled away almost everything that was not entailed. And Baldwin added to this debt by trying to gamble and only made things worse. His pride will not let him share his shame with anyone. He knows that he must marry a heiress and soon, before society at large learns of the state of his finances. His mother has complied a list of "prospects" and Baldwin must choose one to be his duchess.

Helena Monroe is the cousin and companion of Charity Shephard, who is one of Baldwin's prospects. Helena also has secrets and accepts her lot in life because she really has no other options. Helena is truly a kind, loving soul, she meets Baldwin when she has slipped out to count stars. When Baldwin asks what she is doing and she tells him that counting stars reminds her that there are bigger things than herself or her problems. Baldwin is instantly charmed and thinks that she might be the "American" from his mother's list and suddenly, the idea of marrying doesn't seem so awful.

Baldwin soon learns that Helena is not the heiress and cannot even be considered a prospect, but his mother points out that Charity is a lovely young woman and urges him to pursue her. Helena also learns who Baldwin is and that her cousin is interested in him. She knows that she is not a suitable choice for his bride and pushes down her disappointment.

They meet again when Baldwin hosts a tea for the prospects, they once again end up alone when Helena is embarrassed by her uncle and needs a moment to compose herself. They chat and are found together by Charity.

Her Uncle is livid and punishes her by making her stay home while he and Charity pay calls. But while they are out, Helena receives a visit from the "duchesses", they noticed Baldwin's interest in her and decided to make her acquaintance. Helena is overwhelmed by their offer of friendship and she gladly accepts. She knows that they would shun her if they knew the truth, but she can't help but be thrilled by their friendship. When Charlotte invites her to dinner, she tries to decline, but Charlotte promises to invite her family.

At the dinner, Baldwin once again singles her out and they go for a walk in the garden and share a kiss. After which, he apologizes and he tells her everything. They know that there can be no future for them and commit to being friends. It is not enough, but they will take what they can get.

Baldwin's mother organizes a house party for the prospects. Baldwin and Helena try to avoid each other, but it is impossible and causes problems for Helena with Charity and her Uncle Peter. And to make matters worse, Baldwin learns that someone has bought up some of his debts and he doesn't know who or what they will demand. When Helena goes looking for him, she finds him drunk in his study. They talk and kiss and Baldwin learns part of her secret. The next day he seeks her out and learns the full extent of her secrets. She tells him that even though they have no future, she would like an affair. Helena knows she loves him and wants something to remember after they part.

Baldwin knows he loves her and has to make a decision. When he is confronted by Matthew about his intentions toward Helena, he tells him everything and why as much as he loves her, he cannot marry her. Matthew is angry and offers to marry Helena himself. This is the jolt Baldwin needed and he confesses all to his family.

Just when it seems like a HEA is on the horizon, Helena's uncle throws a wrench into their plans and all seems lost. But salvation comes from an unlikely and surprising source!

This was probably my second favorite book in the series. It is well written, flows perfectly, has steamy love scenes, wonderful secondary characters, one of the best declaration scenes I have ever read and of course a wonderful HEA. While this is the 5th book in the series, it could easily be read as a stand alone title - but be warned, if you start with this book, you are going to want to read the previous books :)

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher*

Baldwin is the Duke of Sheffield, and to everyone who knows him or of him, it appears he has everything a man could want in life. He has power and position, property, friends, good looks, and money- nope. Baldwin is broke. He is trying to keep this huge secret under wraps, and only he and his mother know. Therefore he needs a timely influx of cash, which means he needs to marry rich. He’s not really looking for a bride but feels the weight of his responsibilities and so he allows his mother to plan social events with the sole aim being for him to find a wealthy, and bearable, wife.
It is at one of these events that he meets Helena while each of them has snuck outside to get a breath of air. They have a lovely conversation and an instant attraction. This is where their entanglement begins as Helena is the poor relation of the wealthiest of the marital prospects for Baldwin. Her cousin and uncle brought Helena to England to get her out of Boston after an ugly incident, and neither treat her well at all. Baldwin must eventually make the choice between love or money, and enough money that it means his survival.
The book is well written with longing and plenty of heat between the two main characters throughout the story. The resolution to the conflict was entertaining as well. It is the fifth in a series of novels and so characters from previous books are included and add to the color of the tale.
I enjoyed the book and can recommend it to romance readers looking for a long afternoon or evening with a spicy love story that provides a satisfying end.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The Duke of Nothing is the fifth instalment in Jess Michaels 1797 club series. While a series, the author has crafted a story that stands perfectly well on its own, however I would strongly recommend reading the series as it is one of my favourites. Ms Michaels ability to craft steamy, provocative love scenes and an intriguing plot will have the reader hooked.
In this instalment we meet Baldwin Undercross, the Duke of Sheffield. Baldwin inherited his Dukedom five years ago, only to discover the estate is nearly bankrupt. Haven hidden his dire straits from his friends, his only option is to marry an heiress or risk losing everything. With his mother’s encouragement he sets his sites on American heiress Charity Sheppard, only to find himself drawn to her companion, Helena Monroe instead.
Helena agreed to become her cousin’s companion as there was nothing left for her in Boston. Her family disowned her following a tragic situation. At the mercy of her cruel Uncle and selfish cousin, Helena has no choice but to follow their commands. Drawn to the Duke, Helena knows she can never have her own happily ever after but sets out to enjoy the moment. Both know they shouldn’t be together but cannot help falling in love. Will they risk it all for love?
Once again, I was blown away by Ms Michaels talent and the passion and intensity of the romance. The characters are well crafted, the plot will grip you with a perfect balance of steam, romance and suspense. If you have not read any of Ms Michaels offerings I urge you to do so now.

What would you be willing to sacrifice for a chance at love?

Another wonderful book with very relatable and charming characters who make you root for their love from the very first moment on. You just know that they belong together and that they are good for each other. Consequently, though, you are just as upset as they are, when you realize that their love, this wonderful love that you can already feel and almost touch ...has no chance. Only a miracle could help...could it?

Helena came to England as a companion to her title-hunting cousin. Living under her uncle's rather heavy thumb has never been easy but when his demands clash with her own needs and her own dreams, will she be able to withstand his influence? Does she even have a chance at it, considering her circumstances?
Baldwin, Duke of Sheffield has one big secret, a secret that is so big that even he himself doesn't know everything about it. Facing the aftermath of one too many bad financial decisions and his father's gambling, Baldwin needs a ,lot of luck and perseverance in order to get his life sorted. This secret might just be the one thing that'll separate him from the woman he loves.... Will he be able to win her and to keep her against all odds?

All those loving couples whose fates were sealed...okay, okay, kidding, if you've read the last books in this series, you'll know that those couples had to work hard for their love and that they had to overcome many obstacles on their way to happiness. Again, all those loving couples, remind Baldwin what he will have to give up, that for him there won't be a chance at real happiness but fortunately life is smarter than that and perhaps even he will have a chance at the love of a lifetime.

I really loved Baldwin and Helena as a couple and I also loved to find out more about those couples that we met a couple of books back and see how they are and that they are still happy.
I really really enjoyed reading this book and I'm really looking forward to the next book in this series, The Undercover Duke.

Baldwin, the Duke of Sheffield, is broke. Years of Dukes before him squandering their money and he is left trying to pick up the pieces. He must find and marry an heiress this season in order to keep the debtors at bay. When his mother comes up with a list of suitable candidates he is less than thrilled. All his friends have been lucky enough to marry for love, he gets to marry for money. It just seems a little cold to him. When a chance meeting with a lovely lady takes place on a balcony, he cannot believe his luck. He never expected to like any of the woman that his mother had chosen. But once again luck is not with him when he realizes the woman he meet is in fact the cousin of the one he is to court.

Helena cannot get the gentleman on the terrace out of her mind. But when she is introduced to the Duke of Sheffield she finds that he is well above her station. And to add to it, he is to court her cousin. She must remember she is only along to act as companion to her cousin. Ruined in America, she has no one else to turn to other than her uncle and he will not let her mess up things again.

As the two keep getting drawn together, Helena and Baldwin cannot deny their attraction. But can he ask for her hand knowing that they will not be able to live a comfortable life and can she marry someone who should be marrying someone to help save his family?

Great read. Absolutely love the 1797 Club!

An emotional read, of two nice people who fall in love yet neither has any money. A good Regency with a slightly different ending then what you may be expecting as you read. This is the 5th book in this series, and can be read as a standalone, however, the characters from the earlier books make appearances, so you get a little more from the story if you've read the earlier books. *I received an ARC of this book from Net Galley and this is my voluntary and honest review.

Nothing ventured-nothing gained!

I really enjoyed this story. Baldwin Undercross, Duke of Sheffield is burdened with crushing inherited debts. Not to mention his own contribution to the problem. These debts he's kept secret from his family, and more to the point, his closest friends. Marriage to an heiress is the only thing that will save the family estates, the tenants' livelihoods, and turn Baldwin's fortunes around.
The American heiress might be the very thing! And Baldwin had already met her and been impressed! Only he'd met Helena Monroe, the heiress' companion--not the heiress.
What a to do!
Add to this a house party that Baldwin never wanted, given by his sister, that is proving far too expensive, draining what little resources available at every turn. Ice sculptures indeed!
Will Baldwin ever come through? What of his doomed relationship with the companion, a woman he's come to admire, the woman who's captured his heart? It seems Baldwin has only two choices--marry the heiress or lose all!
There's a lot going on here and it all meshes well.

A NetGalley ARC

I did not finish this book, too dull compared to other books of the same author.

The Duke of Nothing
Jess Michaels
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This was the first book that I have read in this series. But I had no issues following along and figuring out who is who.
This is Baldwin and Helena’s story. Baldwin has been hiding the fact that his father put his family in debt and left them with nothing when he died. Now Baldwin must marry a woman with a large dowry in order to save the family. The only problem is Baldwin has met and fallen for an American with no money. Now he has to figure out if he should follow his heart or save his family’s name.
Helena has come with her cousin and uncle as her cousins companion. She had to leave Boston because she has become disgraced and her family has disowned her. The reason for that is jaw dropping. I couldn’t believe it. But Helena knows of Baldwin’s secrets and that they could never be together. But is an affair gonna be enough?
This was a great historical fiction romance. I really enjoy reading one of these every now and then. I look forward to reading more by Jess Michaels in the future.
Thanks NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

Enjoyable historical romance. Hero’s got some issues, but he figures it out in the end. :)

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

Ms. Michaels never fails to delight and this is certainly a delight. I read this book in 1 day as I couldn't put it down. I so enjoyed reading about Helena's character. She was troubled by a past indiscretion but Baldwin didn't care. Simply a good solid piece of writing.

4.5 Stars

Baldwin Undercross, Duke of Sheffield, knew that his beloved father loved to gamble, but it wasn't until he inherited the title that he learned just how dire the situation was. By continually robbing Peter to pay Paul and keeping intentionally sloppy records, the former duke hid from his family that he had wagered away everything, leaving his son with nothing but debts. When a desperate gamble of his own backfires, Baldwin becomes despondent, and realizes that he must follow his mother's suggestion to marry an heiress. Among those under consideration is Charity, an American, who is in England with her wealthy father, who seeks to buy a lofty title for her.

When Baldwin encounters a lovely American lady on the terrace at a ball, he feels an immediate connection, and feels that courting her would be a definite pleasure. Unfortunately, the lady is not Charity, but her cousin and companion, Helena Monroe, who is penniless. Baldwin is crushed when he learns the truth, and stoically decides to carry on with pursuing an heiress, and ignoring his attraction to Helena. Fate, however, ensures that they keep meeting, and it gets harder and harder for them to deny their feelings. Baldwin honestly confesses his feelings to Helena, and lets her know just how bad his financial situation is, and that he would love to pursue her if things were different.

Baldwin's friends and family know that he has not been the same man since his father died. While many know there is financial trouble, they don't realize the extent of it. Baldwin is tortured by his own foolish decision which made his situation worse. When his friends from the 1797 Club beg him to confide his troubles and to let them help, Baldwin's pride and his feelings of shame cause him to reject their offers. I like and admire Baldwin, despite his error in judgment. When he failed, he didn't repeat his mistake. I also admire his honesty in dealing with Helena. Still, I wanted him to let go of some of his pride, and accept help - something I'm sure he would offer if the situation were reversed, and one of his friends was in need.

Helena is a lovely lady who suffered a horrible incident in America, causing her family and friends to reject her, leaving her to become a servant to her wealthy cousin, Charity, and her cruel uncle. I admire her strength and her resolve in accepting that there was no future with Baldwin, while at the same time, I wanted to urge her to fight for him. When Baldwin finally realizes that a future with Helena and no money is worth more than any fortune, he decides that love is more important. Unfortunately, there is someone powerful who disagrees, and is determined to destroy Baldwin's and Helena's short-lived happiness.

DUKE OF NOTHING is the latest installment in the wonderful 1797 Club series, which is about a group of friends from school, all heirs to ducal titles. This may well be my favorite so far, though all previous books have been exceptional. I found plenty of emotion (and some tears) in this story, along with a passionate love, genuine romance, beautiful friendships, and an honorable couple very deserving of their hard won happy ever after. I highly recommend DUKE OF NOTHING, and it can be read as a standalone, though I fully expect you'll want to pick up the previous books if you start with this one.

Duke of Nothing is the fifth book in the 1979 Club series by Jess Michaels. I have read some, but not all, of the books in this series. Each can stand on its own, but reading the series in order does give extra insights into the secondary characters and the group as a whole.

Baldwin Undercross, Duke of Sheffield, has a secret he’s keeping from almost everyone he knows and loves. He is destitute, thanks to gambling by his late father and his own bad decisions. There is only one option now, marry for money and do it soon. An opportunity presents itself when a rich American woman arrives in Society hunting for a title in trade for a huge dowry. Helena Monroe is the companion to her entitled cousin and she is miserable. But once she encounters Baldwin on a terrace, her time in England starts to look up. She quickly realizes he believes she is her cousin and everything starts to fall apart. Baldwin is now torn between a future that will save his family legacy and one with a woman he is growing increasingly attached to. Will he choose safety or passion, obligation or love?

Duke of Nothing is just what I have come to expect for Michaels. Baldwin and Helena are each facing big problems (or have) and are doing what they need to survive. They are willing to face less than pleasant options in order to help others, and sacrifice for the greater good. In fact, the only bad thing I could say about them is that maybe they are a little to perfect. Helena has been through hell but is still sweet and sunny. Baldwin is willing to toss away his own happiness to save those he loves. And the chemistry between them is hard core, although their efforts to deny themselves are sweet. I also loved their honesty with themselves, and each other, as they get to know each other. I was also glad to see some of the characters I know from the books I have read in this series make appearances and play a role in the story. I did find the bad to be a little over the top bad, and the good to be a little too good, but I was thoroughly entertained and found myself reading past my bed time.

Duke of Nothing is another entertaining read from Michaels. I liked the characters and the way they faced the problems at hand. This is a must read for fans of the author, and a good read for historical romance lovers that enjoy rooting for the underdog.

I love this series but this book has been my favorite so far. Sometimes the Cinderella story can be way overdone, but I loved its essence in this story. The chemistry and tension in this book was so delicious. I loved how Baldwin and Helena were instantly drawn to each other and didn't really try to stay away from each other. I felt so bad for their circumstances. I found myself in tears at times (which doesn't come easily to me) at the internal struggles and even outward struggles they both faced. This is such a heartwarming, yet sexy, story that you should not pass up on!!

ARC provided by NetGalley.

Jess Michaels is one of my favorite authors. I have read (and own) the first four books in this series. I have loved the characters in the book. However, I could not finish this one because of Helena's uncle and cousin. I disliked them so intently that I could not finish the book. I hated how Helena was treated.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!

Baldwin is the Duke of Sheffield and is hiding a secret, his family is broke. Wanting to resolve this problem without of letting his friends learn of his shame, he decides he must marry for money. When he meets Helena, he thinks perhaps his luck has changed and marrying for money won’t be such a hardship until he finds out that Helena is the companion of a rich American looking for a title. With no hope of being together, they decide to remain friends, but can they? This is a fast-paced read with plenty of drama and all the couples are back from the other books. I loved the story as well as the characters. Looking forward to more in the series!

What’s it About? Because of his late father's gambling and his own poor choices, Baldwin Undercross, Duke of Sheffield is destitute. Desperate to save his family and keep his friends from finding out, he decides he must marry for money and a rich American heiress seems like the perfect solution. Except he finds himself drawn to the heiress' destitute cousin Helena instead. Helena for her part is miserable serving as her spoiled cousin's companion but she has no choice. Complicating matters is her growing attraction to Baldwin. As the time for a decision gets closer, Baldwin is torn between marrying for money, or marrying for love.

Overall reaction to the story? The Duke of Nothing was a pleasant surprise, the hero wasn't emotionally stunted, the heroine had a different kind of strength. The setting was more isolated this time around but at the same time it seemed like there was always someone else around Baldwin and Helena. Baldwin also had the benefit of growing up with a loving mother and doting sister whereas previous characters didn't so it did have an impact on the way the story felt to me. It as different altogether. I enjoyed the angst ridden emotions between the two and as always with this series, I loved the scenes with Baldwin and his friends because there's so much love between them along with some good natured teasing.

Describe the hero in five words: Selfless. Caring. Loyal. Protective. Charming.
Did you like him? Yes!
Why? Baldwin is genuine in his love for his family. He readily shows affection towards them and his friends and that changed the tone of the book for me. Too often a hero is emotionally shut off because you know, he has a title and all that jazz but not him. He teased his sister and mother and was comfortable telling them he loved them. He also wasn't planning to marry money because of his title but because he wanted to spare his family the shame of being destitute and being the subject of nasty gossip. That love for his family caused him no small amount of angst once he started falling for Helena but he was caught in a difficult situation, basically having to choose between his family's happiness and his own.

Describe the heroine in five words: Shy. Accepting. Kind. Lonely. Smart.
Did you like her? Yes.
Why? Helena didn't particularly stand out to me at first. It's not that she wasn't a good person but with past heroines like Emma, Meg, Adelaide, and Charlotte, it was easy for Helena to be lost among them. About 1/3 of the way through though it finally hit me, Helena's gentle accepting personality was what made her special. With all the chaos surrounding Baldwin's financial situation, the last thing anyone needed was a loud, demanding woman. Helena didn't push, didn't nag, and she didn't give him ultimatums. She wasn't a pushover either though, she just picked her battles and a more subtle method of fighting them. She loved whole heartedly and unconditionally which was what made Baldwin see how much he needed someone like her by his side. No matter what anyone said, no one could shake Helena's faith in him or in her new friends.


Let’s talk about the romance: The Duke of Nothing had a lot of angst in it but it served to make the romance much more satisfying in my opinion. Baldwin and Helena are brought together right when Baldwin is almost convinced he could make a marriage of convenience work. These two characters don't have anything to offer but themselves (No I don't count Baldwin's title since he is on the verge of becoming impoverished) and Jess Michaels capitalizes on that to build a real connection between the two and infuse it with a lot of longing and passion. Baldwin and Helena are almost desperate to squeeze a lifetime of love into the few stolen moments they have before Baldwin forces himself to marry someone else. Their romance may seem a bit on the fast side but the way it was portrayed worked for me and I didn't doubt their feelings for one another. There was just a special connection between them.


How about that supporting cast? Baldwin's mother is such a warm and generous woman and even though she knows that Baldwin needs to marry for money she isn't happy about it. She wants her children to marry for love but she understands the situation they are in. Baldwin's sister was deliriously happy in her recent marriage to Baldwin's friend and of course the rest of Baldwin's close friends are always one of the best parts of this series. I can't say that enough times.

Click It or Skip It? Click it. I've had such a good time with each book in this series so far and it was nice to meet a hero that was so affectionate towards his family.

Another great read in this entertaining series. This story features Baldwin Undercross, the Duke of Sheffield. He needs to marry an heiress as his father’s debts has made him virtually penniless. Baldwin has kept this secret from his friends in the Duke’s Club and his family, although his mother knows a little. She has come up with a list of potential heiresses. One of whom is Charity, an America heiress. Unfortunately, Baldwin has met charity’s cousin Helena and they have an instant connection. But Helena hasn’t a dowry and there is a hint of a scandal in Boston. There seems no chance of a happy ending especially when Helena’s obnoxious uncle Peter plays his part. The other dukes and their wives also played their part in the story and it was good to hear of them. I look forward to the next in the series. I received a copy from Netgalley and have voluntarily reviewed it.