It's a snow day at my house so I'm recommending Joanna Shupe's latest spicy book, The Duke Gets Even, to warm you up if you're freezing like me.

If you've read any of the previous 3 Fifth Avenue Rebel books, you'll recognize the two MCs - the Duke of Lockwood and society rebel, Nellie Young. Joanna sets the two up with immediate chemistry as they meet swimming at midnight in the sea. They both fight their instantaneous attraction because Nellie doesn't want to move to England or become a Duchess and Lockwood doesn't want to temper her spirit.

I loved Nellie. She is everything I want in a historical FMC - rebellious, breaks societal norms, teaches women about birth control despite it being illegal, and is supported by her father. The Duke doesn't look down on her for her previous sexual experiences and falls in love because she is a strong, independent woman.

As usual, Joanna Shupe makes me want to put on a sexy gown and show off some bosom while seducing a Duke while still calling myself a feminist.

Thanks to the publisher & Netgalley for the complimentary e-ARC. All opinions provided are my own.

I can always count on Joanna Shupe to deliver the heat & the Gilded Age decadence & drama I’m looking for & The Duke Gets Even brought both of those…also an impoverished somewhat-uptight-but-not-really duke who *FINALLY* gets his happy ever after.

The events at the beginning of this book overlap with some of the things we’ve seen in previous books in the series—namely how Duke Lockwood—Andrew Talbot—meets the beautiful, not-bound-by-convention Nellie Young & how she drives him a little bonkers with lust on the periphery of his various engagements/entanglements.

This is a fast, lusty historical with another Shupe lead who is gone for the heroine. Nellie really shines for me as an unmarried woman pursuing her pleasure, no matter what society says.

Though I wasn’t super enamored initially with the Duke—who annoyed me with what he was wanting to do with Nellie while also prepared to get engaged / be engaged to someone else—his desire for her was a welcome development.

But while this book is sexy & fun & I really loved how Nellie’s dad just wants her to be happy & vice versa, I didn’t feel like Nellie’s change of heart regarding “conventional” HEAs is thoroughly set up & developed. Similarly, I wanted more set up for how their serious feelings develop so quickly—despite their antagonism for each other & how often he scandal-shames her.

So this is another entertaining, hot read but also a bit superficial for me in terms of the relationship arc.

3.5⭐️. Out now!

CWs: Heart defect. Previous one-time cocaine use. Death of mother. “Whore" remark. Sexual assault. Previous abortion.

[ID: the ebook is on a crowded white bookcase. On the shelf above in addition to books there is a rainbow craft on a string on the right, a blooming pink and yellow orchid.]

At twenty-two, Nellie Young is an heiress with too much money and time on her hands. During a moonlight swim in the ocean, she encounters Andrew Talbot, the Duke of Lockwood. Andrew is in need of an heiress with a clean reputation, but isn't having any success keeping one as a fiance. Nellie is known for her wild reputation and would never fit as a duchess. The sexual draw between them keeps bringing them back together into a full blown affair. Time is running out for Andrew and he must return to London, but the woman he wants is the one he cannot have. Shupe builds her characters from the ground up with all their flaws to find the real person behind the mask. Stayed up all night to read this hot erotica romance.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

Now that the Harper Collins Union has approved a new contract (yay!), I am thrilled to bring you my review of this fabulous book.
I have loved both Nellie and Lockwood from their introduction in The Heiress Hunt, and after following them through the whole series, I was wildly excited to see how their romance played out. The Duke Gets Even was everything I'd hoped for. I continued to adore Nellie, and I loved how well Shupe showed us her vulnerabilities as well as her strengths. Her family was wonderful and so supportive, and it was great to see Nellie's friends get a chance to help her, after she'd been the one looking out for them in the past books. Lockwood was, of course, totally gone for Nellie right from the start. I always love it when a hero own up to his feelings first. His portrayal was also excellent: a genuinely good man with a "wild side" that he's a bit afraid of showing. He and Nellie fit together perfectly and clearly made one another better. The sexy swimming provided lots of steamy fun, Nellie's crusade was both empowering and a reminder of current-day injustices, and the final resolution was beautiful and satisfying. 5 hearty stars. Highly recommended for all romance lovers.

I was extremely excited for this final installment in the series, and for the most part, I enjoyed it! The parallel to modern day fight against the overturning of Roe v. Wade and the Comstock laws of the Gilded Age era was especially moving to read about.

However, Nellie and Lockwood were like two oddly shaped puzzle pieces that someone jammed together with tape and declared “it fits!”. The buildup to their relationship was….fairly nonexistent. They shared a VERY steamy make out session one time and that’s essentially the basis for their relationship’s foundation. I wish there had been a bit more in depth look into WHY they felt they were it for each other. Don’t get me wrong. The sexy times were off the charts. But at the end of the day, that was the only true compatibility we were given on page. Shupe is a talented writer, no doubt. But Nellie and Lockwood had about as much knowledge of each other as we were given….and that’s not a whole lot.

4.5 stars

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.

The Duke Gets Even concludes Joanna Shupe’s Fifth Avenue Rebels series, and this is without a doubt the series’ crown jewel, with its leads having stolen the show as secondary characters in every book prior. This book works as a standalone, although I’d recommend at least the first two (the third if you don’t mind a hero who needs to do a lot of self-work and groveling…I personally couldn’t) to follow Nellie and Lockwood’s early appearances.

As you’d expect, both Nellie and Lockwood shine as leads. Nellie’s very much a firecracker, independent and not overly concerned with the puritanical beliefs many in society hold, especially regarding marriage and sexuality. It’s especially heartening to have her be such an advocate for birth control and abortion, and fighting eugenics, especially when men in power like Comstock are determined to clamp down; there are some lovely parallels to today that show that history is not a straight line of constant progress, but more of a push-and-pull, progression and regression. And given how many historical (including some by Shupe) feature tyrannical parents who try to manage their children’s lives, even resorting to dictatorial means (Alva Vanderbilt comes to mind as a real-life counterpart), I was deeply touched by Nellie’s relationship with her father and how he’s actually content with his daughter being the way she is.

Lockwood is very layered, and I loved seeing the vulnerabilities beneath his kind, if uptight exterior. Learning about how the threat of his own mortality impacts him differently than others of his station, motivating his choice to do what he can to attempt to preserve his family legacy, endeared me to him in particular.

Nellie and Lockwood’s relationship is a deeply sensual one, but it also translates well into deeper intimacy. The way their connection deepens upon his revelation about his health issues is one moment in particular which stuck out to me.

My one minor complaint is that it did feel at times that the conflict around their class and lifestyle differences felt a bit thin. She’s still from a decent family, even if she’s not virginal or “proper.” He’s all for overlooking what some might see as her “flaws.” While I could understand her reticence to commit to marriage, the internal stakes around it didn’t do enough to amplify the situation. However, given my issues with the previous book, the bar was already on the floor, so I’m willing to forgive this book almost anything.

This is a stellar series conclusion, more than worth the fan-favorite characters it centers. If you enjoy historical romance, I recommend picking this one up!

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon for an advance copy of this title for review. All opinions are my own and are honestly given.

In The Duke Gets Even, the conclusion in the Fifth Avenue Rebels series, rebellious Nellie and proper Andrew find themselves drawn together in a secret affair, even as both know anything more permanent is hopeless— Nellie refuses to consider settling down, and Andrew needs a wife whose reputation is above reproach. However it isn’t long before their undeniable chemistry starts to gives way to real feelings, and they both must decide if they can overcome their walls to build a future together.

Going into The Duke Gets Even, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. I hadn’t really connected with either character in the series’ earlier books, so I came into reading TDGE thinking that I was mostly looking forward to seeing how the other characters’ storylines were wrapped up. Instead, I found myself totally charmed by Nellie and Andrew, and they ended up being one of my favorite couples in the series. Nellie and Andrew are engaging and well-written characters, as we learn more about the forces that shape their choices. I love that Shupe showed how their relationship evolved from a physical affair to genuine friendship and understanding to love, and we come to see how see how well-suited they are for each other. This was a wonderful conclusion to one of my favorite historical series of the last few years and a definite purchase for our digital collection. 4.5 stars.

Note: This review was withheld in support of the HarperCollins Union. I am pleased that HarperCollins leadership agreed to the union’s terms and hope the company will continue to support the labor rights and well-being of their hardworking employees.

The Duke Gets Even is a fabulous conclusion to the Fifth Avenue Rebels series. No one knows her way around Gilded Age NYC like Joanna Shupe, and Nellie and Lockwood’s steamy antagonists to lovers story is no different.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Nellie and the Duke of Lockwood have been crossing paths for months as Lockwood’s search for a wealthy wife leads to him being jilted by Nellie’s besties. But their bickering isn’t hiding their attraction to each other, and it’s getting tougher to ignore. Since outrageous Nellie is a walking scandal, there’s no way she can be the perfect Duchess Lockwood requires. But, as their affair heats up, can they keep their feelings out of the equation?

The chemistry between Nellie and Lockwood is top notch. I also loved Nellie’s activism regarding women’s rights to contraceptive choices; sadly this historical note resonates strongly today.

As a hero who’s been jilted by the other heroines in the earlier books in the series, Lockwood’s ongoing search for a bride is kinda genius as a way to tie the series together. It’s not necessary to have read the others to enjoy this stand alone romance, but they are great and super hot, so why not?

I adored The Duke Gets Even. It was everything I want in an antagonists to lovers story, and I’m always happy to visit Joanna Shupe’s Gilded Age New York. As a whole, this is an entertaining historical series and this book was the perfect, steamy conclusion.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

What a great story. This is such a fun series, and the new addition is no exception. I love the characters, their banter and their relationships. The plot was fun and the romance spicy. I really enjoyed the unique relationship between Andrew and Ellenor. She is an interesting character, and he was the perfect counterpart for her. Well done!

The Duke Gets Even and I got HOT AND BOTHERED reading it.

I have what is now a short list of historical romance authors I will auto-buy from, and Joanna Shupe is on that list.

I have been waiting for this book since the moment I met Nellie Young and the Duke of Lockwood in The Heiress Hunt.
I love Shupe’s writing, and am always impressed with the way she handles the history of the time period, and the way she tackled the Comstock laws was incredibly skillful.
I love the honest conversations around women’s rights and reproductive rights, the message is very timely.
This is one of my favorite books hers!

Joanna Shupe has TRULY outdone herself with this book. I *think* I might have loved this even more than The Lady Gets Lucky?!?!

This was a truly fantastic finale to the Fifth Avenue Rebels series. Nellie and Lockwood’s romance has been built up since book 1 and Shupe gave me EVERYTHING I needed! They are both such amazing characters and their development both as individuals and as a couple was just so well done. This had the perfect amount of angst and the steamy scenes?! Once again, Shupe has outdone herself.

Nellie and Lockwood’s romance truly had the perfect balance of an emotional and physical connection. I truly felt for these two to the point where I teared up and cried several times. I loooooooove how we got to the HEA and the epilogue was *chef’s kiss*

**thank you NetGalley and the publisher for providing an e-arc in exchange for an honest review**

I'm rapidly becoming a huge fan of Joanna Shupe. Her books are addictive and The Duke Gets Even is no different. This book varied from the typical historical romance. I loved their dynamic and the chemistry was scorching hot.

This teetered between a 4 and a 5 for me, truly. I have heartily enjoyed most of this series, and was totally ready for the Duke to get his book. Nellie was his perfect match in a way I wasn't really expecting. I loved their chemistry, loved their verbal sparring, and loved the subplot about reproductive rights. I also have a soft spot for a Duke with particular tastes, and Lockwood embodied that to a T. The reason this wasn't a perfect five-star read really comes down to the last third of the book, I think. Something about the third act breakup was hard for me to stomach in a way it usually isn't, and their reunion at the end just didn't seem to be filled with the same spark we had for the majority of the book. I would still consider it a worthwhile read if you've read the other titles in the series, and would definitely recommend it (but I do not think it stands alone).

I loved learning more about Lockwood & Nellie & the things they were facing. I loved how the story went back to other key moments in this series so we could see it from Nellie & Lockwood'POV.

The Duke Gets Even by Joanna Shupe is the fourth book in The Fifth Avenue Rebels and I loved it! This was such a fun read. Nellie lives her life as she pleases. Marriage is not in the cards for her and she is okay with that. The Duke of Lockwood, Andrew, has always been bound by duty. He is reserved and determined to save his estate. The last thing either of them needs is the other and yet, since they met, the chemistry and connection they share is undeniable. I absolutely loved their witty banter so much. These two were great together. Nellie was so strong and I loved her. She lived for herself with no regrets. I loved watching Andrew come undone for Nellie. These two were fire together and I loved their journey so much. This story was delightful, charming, and entertaining read.

Happy reading!

The Duke finally gets his due. Nellie and Lockwood give one hell of a story that I didn't want to end. Nellie is hell bent on never marrying, never having children, and being the carefree spirit she's always been. A midnight swim in the ocean puts her in the path of a very "Dirty Duke" who doesn't need a vanilla creme of a wife, but the soul-stirring Nellie is what he desires. Resigned to an affair that suits them both just fine, they eventually find that they both want more, but our red haired siren proves to be as stubborn as ever. Nellie and Lockwoods HEA is hard fought and worth every chapter in this book. These two were so compatible and created such electric chemistry I just couldn't get enough. The heat from this book is still radiating throughout my room.

This historical romance novel has left a lasting impression on me, not just for its tantalizing forbidden love story but also for the depth of its characters. Nellie and Lockwood's initial attraction was electric, but as their relationship developed, I was struck by their complexity. Nellie's fierce determination to maintain her independence and individuality, even in the face of societal pressure and the Duke's search for a respectable wife, was admirable. On the other hand, Lockwood's internal struggles with societal expectations and his own desires added a layer of depth to his character. The witty banter between the characters was not just for the sake of entertainment but also served to reveal their personalities and motivations. And their steamy rendezvous were not just physical but also emotional, as they both found solace and understanding in each other.

The Duke of Lockwood finally gets his story in book 4 in the series. He is supposed to be engaged to one of Nellie’s friends when he encounters Nellie in the ocean late one night when they are both swimming. They have an encounter, not knowing who each other is, and agree to meet again another time.
They soon realize this won’t work though when they find out they are at the same party and he is engaged to one of her best friends. Lockwood can't stay away, though, and can't fight their chemistry. He is still searching for a rich heiress to marry but She is adamant he should find the type of respectable future duchess that she definitely is not, but Lockwood knows Nellie is perfect just as she is for him.
The first ⅔ of this book were very push and pull and very steam heavy, less plot.
Only when the duke started going after Nellie and Nellie was doing her work promoting women's reproductive rights it got more interesting.

I absolutely loved and adored this book! Joanna Shupe's fourth novel in The Fifth Avenue Rebels series was everything I could want and hope for. Shupe's writing is witty and charming, her tone thoughtful while contemplative, and her pacing-perfection! With each novel, Shupe's writing has grown and evolved into something that beautiful touches of heart. This novel has a lovely underlining strength, stunning sensuality and a truly heartfelt romantic relationship. Shupe's characters are rich and deep with multiple dimensions. I love how the novels in this series have been enriched with female and male friendships that give the situations within a realistic gravity that easily draws the readers into moments of connection and understanding. I loved this novel, I have loved this series, and with each book I have seen Joanna Shupe further come into her work and solidified herself as a must read historical romance author.

A midnight tryst opens this novel with a bang. I was immediately drawn into this will they, won't they romance between Nellie and Lockwood. I adored watching them together throughout the novel as they dance around each other. Their banter is top notch, they both are extremely intrigued by the other, and they have a gravitational pull that is constantly putting themselves in each other's paths. I love Nellie as our heroine, she is bold, smart, witty and has a backbone of steal. Nellie is a modern woman, who is sensual and unafraid of being her true self. Nellie is determined and will speak her mind and helps others without thought in order to uphold the rights women should have around their reproductive needs and wants. Lockwood is sexy, strong, and ultimately a sweetheart with his family and history always in the forefront of his mind. Lockwood is so taken with Nellie, he is intrigue by her and does not want to change her for anything. I love that Lockwood sees Nellie's value, loves her as she is and is determined to have her or no one else.

The true heart of this novel is Nellie and Lockwood, and these two seemingly opposites finding their perfect person. This novel is off the charts sexy and romantic. The tension between Nellie and Lockwood is so thick that it is only a matter of time before it boils over. Joanna Shupe perfectly builds up their chemistry by making them equals and a perfect match for the other. We are able to really see how well these to are balanced and understand each other in their physical moments, which are equally romantic and sexy. These two meet in the water, find a basic equality in their base form when in the water and meet striped down in their true essence. It is in these moments that these two are their most vulnerable and understanding. It is in water they become their most caring and open, it is in water they find power and strength, it water they must cross to meet each other face to face and heart to heart.

There are no perfect words for me in order to truly share how much I love this novel and this series. I can only encourage you to pick this book up and all the others. I don't think you will be disappointed, I think you will find a new favorite historical romance, with a couple who is beyond romantic and worth rooting for. I will definitely be rereading this book and this series in the future!