The Duke of Nothing is the 5th in this series, The 1797 Club, that centers around a group of boys who are all meant to be dukes. In this one, we get to see more of Baldwin Undercross. While not necessary to read the other books in the series, we saw a little of him in the last book, as his sister played the main character in The Silent Duke. Baldwin is beyond broke and has been hiding it from his family. It seems as though the only solution for him is to marry a woman with large dowry. Helena carries her own secrets and has been relegated to playing companion for her heiress cousin. Helena's uncle is determined to buy a title for his daughter. When Baldwin stumbles across Helena he mistakes her for her wealthy cousin.
While not the most original set up to a regency romance, I could not help but find the story compelling. Baldwin and Helena both have heartbreaking stories, each carrying their own burdens that make them feel alone. As they navigate their emotions, trying to hold back from what they think they can't have, you can't help but fall for the couple and feel invested in their happy ending. This is especially true of Helena who is a strong female character that managed to stay positive and good natured throughout.
Really loving this series and can't wait for more!

Baldwin Undercross, Duke of Sheffield, had been Duke for five years but his dad had left them in debt. He was trying to gather them up and pay them off. But he could not find 3. Miss Helena Monroe was the cousin to an American Heiress, she was the poor side of the family and acted as a companion to Charity Shephard. Her Uncle Peter was a very mean man and he used Helena as a battering wall.
I enjoyed the banter between the duchesses, and how well they got along. Their husbands had known each other in childhood and grown up together. In fact they belong to the 1797 Club. They were like brothers and would do anything for each other. There was some romantic moments that just like to melt your heart. The four married dukes were devoted to their families. Baldwin had to marry but wanted to marry for love, but that was not to be. He needed a good dowry to save his family. There is enough excitment to keep the story interesting and your attention until the end. An impressive tale, worth the time, to read.
I received this ARC free and voluntarily reviewed it.

A five star read!
Baldwin Undercross is destitute and has no choice but to marry for money, to bring the estates and his legacy to what it once was. But every sacrifice has its price and for him it’s a life and marriage without love. Until he meets the one woman that has him second guessing his every thought.

Helena Monroe has nothing and no one, alone and a companion to her rich spoiled cousin she knows to be grateful with her lot in life......until she meets Baldwin Undercross. Wishing that life can offer her happiness instead of cruelty and love instead of loneliness . Maybe wishing upon a Star her wishes can become reality.

I absolutely loved every word and emotion in this book! An emotional ride that will have your heartstrings pulled in every direction. Helena is the sweetest most caring person that will give everything to the man she loves and believing in him give him the strength to be strong. You will not be disappointed with this story. Lots of secrets anguish, and finally a love that will be everlasting.

I recieved a complimentary copy from the publisher for my unbiased opinion through NetGalley.

The Duke of Nothing by Jess Michaels is the fifth book in "The 1797 Club". series. This is the story of Baldwin Undercross, Duke of Sheffield and Helena Monroe.
Baldwin is in need of money due to his father past mistakes and the one bad one that he made. Knowing that a title looking American Heiress would be the perfect choice to fix his problem, he goes forward to achieve that goal. But he misunderstands who Helena is and thinks she is the American Heiress at first. But they both soon learn of the misunderstand but fate keeps leading them together it seems.

SECRETS! All hearts hold secrets, but some of those secrets are harder to reveal than others. Secrets with more secrets and a plot and resolution that totally surprised me – and that was a good thing! You’ll certainly not see the resolution coming nor the redemption. Not the redemption of the heroine or hero, but one who will surprise you.

This book does not have to be read as a part of the series, but, why in the world would you want to do that? Every book in the series has been a 5-star read and the characters grow, develop and reveal themselves more and more in each successive book. What is the 1797 Club? The club was formed in 1797 and includes ten current or future dukes. They banded together to help and support each other because many of them were on their own at a very young age or had less than stellar parents. As time passed their bond grew closer and stronger than brothers. For us readers, it means ten wonderful books by an author whose writing skills are stellar. The plots are very well developed, the writing flows smoothly and stays on-plot and the characters cause you to love them from the first.

Baldwin Undercross, the Duke of Sheffield, inherited his title five years ago and has been living a lie since then. What a shock that was! As he delved into the affairs of the estate he found that they were in complete and total ruin. There was nothing left in the coffers. He’s spent the last five years doing his best to save his family from the scandal of penury, to protect his mother and sister and to keep his darkest secret – his contribution to their penury – from his friends in the 1797 Club. He has grown more and more desperate and more withdrawn, morose, and sad as the years have passed. His friends are all worried about him and are beginning to ask some very pointed questions. What is he to do? He’s finally agreed with his mother that the solution is to marry an heiress and is set to find a wife this season. It is so very hard to make himself go through with it when he sees the love his married friends share with their wives. He knows he can’t have that and it makes him so very sad.

American Helena Monroe has secrets of her own. Through no fault of her own, she is ruined and has been reduced to acting as the companion to her thoughtless and sometimes cruel cousin who is a very, very rich heiress. Helena’s uncle brought her cousin, Charity, to England to buy a title – and he has become set on that title being a duke. Her uncle is cruel, shrewd, manipulative and totally selfish. He’s raised his daughter to be just as spoiled and selfish. Helena’s future is not a pretty or desirable one, but it the only choice she has.

When Baldwin first meets Helena, he thinks she is the American heiress on his mother’s list of possible wives for him. After they share an open, interesting and witty conversation, Baldwin comes to think that maybe this marriage business might not be so bad after all. That thought doesn’t last long because his mother soon tells him who the real heiress is – and all the wind leaves Baldwin’s sails.

Over the next several weeks Helena and Baldwin are thrown together at a number of events and they both try very hard to fight their growing attraction. Both of them know that there is no future for them, but the attraction is so strong that they can’t fight it. Finally, both of them share their secrets and realize that, indeed, there really is no future where they can be together. Each is desperately in love with the other. Each is filled with anguish and despair. How can our esteemed author overcome these obstacles – well – you’ll just have to read the book. I’m here to tell you it is an exciting ride before you get to the very surprising HEA!

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"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."

I love all Jess's stories but this one pulled on my heart stings more then any others. When someone has handicaps most people just pass them by. But in this story 2 young people find the way to enjoy life and not worry about what others think. A vey must read story. So glad I was offered an advance copy for my honest review.

I'm sorry I can't review because I am unable to download the book. It's already archived 01/10/17 I wasn't aware the archive date would be before release. I will pay better attention. I'm rating the book because Jess Michaels is an auto buy for me and she has never disappointed so .......... there's that :)
THANKS!

This 5th book in the 1797 Dukes club is a delight .

For the last five years Baldwin Undercross, Duke of Sheffield has been desperately trying to salvage something from his deceased father's gambling debts ........... unfortunately his situation is dire , the family will soon be destitute .
His mother has prepared a list of potential brides , heiresses with large portions - an American Tycoon's daughter has £50,000 ..... he must put aside thoughts of marrying for love , as his friends have done recently , and pray that he can at least form a liking for the Lady .
At the first ball with most of the 'Potential' heiresses in attendance he comes across a young Lady stargazing ......the attraction between them is instant , perhaps things will work out ok .
BUT he soon discovers that Helena Monroe is not the heiress , but just her cousin/companion - ostracised by family and friends in Boston after being attacked by her Cousin's friend .
Despite this they both agree that their attraction cannot be put aside and agree to an affair , with the sure knowledge that a small happiness now will have to compensate for a miserable life without each other in the future .
His mother arranges a house party in the hope that Baldwin will make a decision quickly .....their debts are mounting .
During the house party Baldwin discovers that the last three debts that his father made have been bought up by an anonymous buyer ........... WHO is it ........ it cannot be a good thing that he remains hidden .
Events conspire to keep the lovers apart , but true love wins through with help from a very surprising source .

This was an excellent addition to this series and I look forward to the next book in the series .

The Duke of Nothing is a romance novel written by Jess Michaels. It is the fifth book in her Regency-era 1797 Club series. I was excited about the opportunity to read this book because I thoroughly enjoyed the fourth book in the series- The Silent Duke.

Baldwin Undercross is the Duke of Sheffield, and as the story begins, he finds himself in quite a predicament. He’s virtually insolvent, and if he doesn’t marry an heiress, he will certainly lose what little he has left.

Helena Monroe meets Baldwin at a party, and because she is an American, he assumes that she is the wealthy American heiress who is in town to align her family’s wealth with an ancient title. However, Helena is not the heiress- she is merely her wealthy cousin’s companion. There is an instant connection, which blooms into a mutual attraction. The duchesses in Baldwin’s circle of friends work tirelessly to contrive situations for Helena and him to meet, but of course, they have no idea how dire his financial situation is. And likewise, Helena faces ruination if their clandestine meetings are discovered.

This was a very sweet book. It seemed like there was no possibility of things working out for Baldwin and Helena, but I have to wonder why Baldwin was so determined to hide the truth from his friends. It’s understandable that there is a certain amount of shame about being on the verge of losing everything, but this fear of asking for help probably made the situation worse. It was fairly easy to figure out the “big reveal”, but that didn’t make it any less exciting because it was clearly a surprise to the characters.

I would recommend The Duke of Nothing to fans of historicals. This is only the second book I have read in the series, but they are two vastly different books. I am looking forward to catching up on the books I have missed, as well as seeing what Michaels has planned next!

I received a digital copy of this book from Netgalley/the publishers in exchange for an honest review.

This is only the second book from this series (The 1797 Club) that i've had the pleasure of reading and after reading The Silent Duke I was so smitten with this authors writing style that I totally wanted to read more of her stories, especially books from this series.
Jess Michaels has a wonderful way of telling a story that not only draws you into the plotline, she makes you fall hook line and sinker in love with her characters.
Baldwin Undercross Duke of Sheffield is a honorable man who is forced into trying to doing what is right to shield his family from scandal and poverty, so when looking for an heiress to marry to save the family name he falls for the impoverished but much more likeable cousin of American heiress Charity.
Baldwin and Helena both go through an emotional battle with themselves to keep away from each other knowing that nothing permanent can ever happen between them but nothing can stop true love from taking what it wants.
This was a heartbreaking story that had me feeling awful for all that Helena has suffered and put up with from everyone including her own family, and Baldwin for having to carry such a burden and hide it for so long from everyone.
Jess Michaels has written a deeply emotional story full of pain, honour but also love. I thoroughly loved reading Baldwin and Helena's story and can't wait to read more from this brilliant author.

Count on Jess Michaels for an intriguing seduction. Falling in love just got much more complicated. From family duty to far reaching secrets and an all encompassing love, The Duke of Nothing is romance at it's finest moment. Is honor worth giving up on a heart's desire? Baldwin and Helena are on a mission to find themselves and perhaps discover a never ending love. Pleasure is only a romance away.

Jess Michaels is technically a good writer – the language flows, the narrative and plot are easy to follow, some of the characters are interesting.

However, I did have a couple of significant issues with the book.

*Warning: spoilers ahead*

First off, the Duke of Sheffield has some serious trust issues. He has inherited a large estate but no money, which his father gambled away in secret. He must wed an heiress to save his estate and his family. However, he tells no one this, although we are informed multiple times about his close friendships with several other dukes and their wives. Consequently, when he is attracted to Helena, a kind and lovely woman with no money, his friends keep pushing her at him, since they don’t know of his need to marry money. He does at least tell Helene he can’t marry her and why.

However, even more annoying, they finally admit their attraction and agree to have an affair, because they “both have nothing.” WRONG. He has no money, but he has extensive land, esteem, family, friends, and his title. SHE has nothing. She has lost her standing in Boston and the respect of her family and friends. She is working as an unpaid companion to her cousin, wearing hand-me-down gowns, on the sufferance of her horrible uncle. If she gets pregnant through this affair (while he continues to hunt for his heiress), she’ll end up working the streets. I wouldn’t have minded if they’d had sex after he finally proposes (although there are still obstacles to be beat), but I can’t forgive him for happily ruining her just because she agrees to it when he has everything to gain and she has everything to lose.

Also, the F word. I’m not a big fan of the F word, because I think it’s boring and shows a lack of imagination. However, if you want to use the F word in your Regency romance, then own it. Don’t wait until more than halfway through the book to use it and then use it liberally. This struck me as poor editing, almost like originally it wasn’t going to have the F word and then it was abruptly added toward the end, or it was decided not to use the F word but all the instances were not deleted. I read an advance reader copy of The Duke of Nothing from Netgalley, and maybe this will be altered in the final copy.

This is the fifth book in the series, and it shows. I have not read the other books, and multiple characters I’m supposed to know and love float in and out of this book. It would probably be best read by someone who has read and liked the first four books.

I always give a fair and honest review in return for ARCs. This story is the very opposite of nothing. Poignant tale of what we perceive we are rather than what truly makes us up. Good read. Part of a series and worth reading.

I will be *very* sad when all the Dukes have fallen…. Baldwin, Duke of Sheffield has inherited a boatload of debts from his gambler of a father, and now he needs to marry an heiress to protect that dukedom. Unfortunately, the woman he falls in love with is far from an heiress. Instead she is the companion to an American dollar princess with a vindictive father. On the other hand, he has the support of his family and close friends, and when he is finally able to trust them, and his own heart, his path is clear.

I loved Baldwin and Helena's story!! Baldwin was trying to do what he needed to do for his family , but his heart kept getting in the way. Helena has been treated horribly by her family and never thought to find love after an incident back home.

I loved watching these two finally get their HEA!!

I loved this book. I am so glad I took a chance on this author. I have enjoyed every book I have read by her. I can’t wait for the next one

The Duke of Nothing by Jess Michaels
The 1797 Club #5

Ten teens at boarding school form a club to assist one another as they grow into their positions of being dukes one day - The 1797 Club - this series is already plotted out to have ten volumes starring the ten original members of the club. Over the years a bond stronger and closer, in some ways, than that of blood brothers is formed. In each book of the series we find out what has become of the members of the club and who they will find their HEA with.

Baldwin Undercross, Duke of Sheffield, is living a lie. He is pinching pennies, pretending his finances are not disastrous and being pushed by his mother to marry an heiress to put the estate to rights. His father had a gambling addiction that depleted the coffers and his life, after his father’s death, has not been easy. At least his sister is married to a duke and safe financially but still…his burden is great and rather bothersome…made even MORE bothersome when he meets and falls for Helena Monroe and she does NOT have the money to offer as a dowry that he so desperately needs. Who is Helena? She is the cousin and lady’s companion to THE HEIRESS of the season. Both were brought to England so Charlotte can snag a title. Charlotte’s father is an uncouth lout that is really not good for any woman to be aligned with and especially heinous to Helena.

Both Helena and Baldwin have secrets that are shared eventually. The two do fall in love but whether or not duty & money or Love and lack of finances will win is what this book is all about. A fun read with believable H/h duet…I enjoyed it and look forward to the next book in the series…so nice to know that there ARE more books to look forward to reading :)

Thank you to NetGalley and The Passionate Pen for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4.5 Stars

This book surprised me in such a good way.
I've only read Jess Michaels once or twice before so I was not really familiar with her writing or this series. Even though I didn't read any of the previous books, I was fine with this one as a stand alone (although I can't wait to go back and read Charlotte and Ewan's book!).

The Duke of Nothing is the story of Baldwin Undercross, who really is a duke with nothing. Thanks to his father's lifetime accumulation of gambling debts and adding to them a few of his own, Baldwin is desperate for a wealthy bride to save his family's name. Having inherited a fallacy of a dukedom that is enshrouded in debt, Baldwin has no other recourse but to make a match with a lady offering a large dowry.

Baldwin's mother is the only one who knows anything about their desperate circumstances and she is determined to find him an acceptable match. She parades an endless line of eligible, rich, unattached females in front of him in hopes that one of them will spark his interest. Her plan backfires when someone does indeed catch his eye - the cousin of a wealthy heiress. Unfortunately this cousin is a ladies companion and her past is surrounded by scandal. There's also the not so small issue that she does not have any dowry at all.

Helena Monroe falls for Baldwin the first time she sets eyes on him. The tall, handsome, solemn gentleman captures her interest and steals her heart before she knows what is happening. Being at the mercy of her uncle and cousin, Helena knows there is no future for her with a duke. She's in England to accompany her cousin in her husband-hunting endeavors, so Helena knows her place and that is not with Baldwin.

There is nothing new with this story line. A destitute duke is searching for a wealthy bride and he instead falls for a lady who is the opposite of wealthy and is not acceptable in the least. Jess Michaels tugged at my heartstrings throughout this book, though. My heart actually HURT when reading some parts of the story. For a relatively short book, it contains a ton of emotion. Baldwin and Helena made me laugh and made me want to cry, and the secondary characters made me want to read the rest of this series immediately. I loved it.

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 :)

Oh how I loved it. Here is the kind of hero we all want, and she was lovely. I loved the story and getting to see some of the other series characters. The author brings in characters from the other books soooooo well, most authors end up confusing when they do this.

This is an absolutely brilliant series. Wonderful.