Fantastic and very entertaining.

This book is one of the best that I have read this year. I loved absolutely everything about it, and now I find it very difficult to review it. When you love something it is hard to point out every detail that makes you feel that way!

The chemistry between characters was phenomenal. The plot was funny, interesting and filled with emotions. Great writing. It is a page turner and I would recommend to start reading it when you have some free time, because you won’t be able to put it down!

Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this ebook. and this is my freely given opinion.

I have definitely been anticipating this final story to the Kent Row Duchesses trilogy because there has been a building tension and dynamic to the relationship between Bernadette, the widowed Duchess of Tunbridge, and Theo, the Duke of Lightmorrow since book 1. It was obvious they had a prior relationship of some kind and something has been brewing since they reunited because of the connections between their friends.

This story answers those questions, including about Bernadette and Theo's past, as it starts there. Fourteen years prior, when Theo was barely 18, he was under the thumb of his father, the Duke, who was a cold, manipulative, abusive bully. Apparently he and his friend, the Earl of Etheridge, were trying to set up a marriage contract between Theo and the Earl's daughter, Etta - as the 16 year old Bernadette was known. They had grown up together, and Theo was just noticing how pretty, sweet, warm and lovely Etta was. But when he heard the plans of the two fathers, he rebelled hard and rejected the marriage on principle - not that he had anything against Bernadette personally, he just refused to have his life dictated further by the Duke.

As the years go by, Theo inherits the dukedom, and becomes a wealthy, sought after rake. Bernadette became a duchess, marrying Tunbridge. She was hoping to marry her childhood friend, Theo, but he never showed any interest in her. Then her marriage was also a disappointment, with Tunbridge being a cold, rejecting husband who made her feel unloved and unwanted, turning outside their marriage to have his passions sated. They reconnect when their friends develop relationships with each other. But as Bernadette observes her friends being happy in their new relationships, and leaving Kent Row, she feels envy, and loneliness. Especially having only experienced rejection, rather than warmth and love in her previous relationships, including with her own parents.

When confronted about her malaise, Bernadette shocks Theo by announcing that she wants a lover... then proceeds to go to the Donville Masquerade to explore the option. She found out through her dead husband's old correspondence about his association with the club, piquing her curiosity. Despite being masked, Theo, as a member, recognizes her, and this starts their journey down the path of a secret affair, with clearly defined boundaries that they are both afraid to cross, despite both starting to feel more for each other than desire.

Bernadette, having been rejected and unloved by the most important relationships in her life previously, is emotionally vulnerable and afraid to trust in her own lovability and attractiveness. Theo has suppressed his feelings for Bernadette for so long, almost loses his second chance to have her in his life.

I was very drawn into both Theo and Bernadette's emotional vulnerability; they have both been the targets of emotional abuse in their significant relationships, and they seem perfect together, but are kept apart by their own doubts and desire to armour themselves against further rejection and emotional hurt. Their affair is passionate, but so bittersweet because they are trying so hard to protect their own hearts. But when Theo finally admits his own feelings for her to himself, it was just a beautiful end to the building tension of their relationship.

A satisfying end to the trilogy.

4.25 stars out of 5

Fun historical romance. Characters are engaging and the story is relatable even in todays world. Great fun easy read

With both of her widow friends married now, Bernadette is feeling lonely and undesirable. She expresses her interest in finding a lover to Theo, a childhood friend who she recently reconnected with. His aghast reaction makes her feel horribly rejected and insecure, but she rallies and finds her way to a pleasure club. When Theo spots her there, he tries to emphasize how dangerous her actions are, but really he just lusts after her himself and is conflicted about his feelings. These two go back and forth a bit, but end up having an affair, and try very hard not to fall in love with each other. Add in a backstory where Theo had long ago rejected a chance to marry Bernadette and we’re just waiting for her to be heartbroken by the revelation. Lots of steam and internal revelations in this one, without too much external drama.

A very lovely friends to lovers romance to end the series. It has always been clear since the characters first appeared that there was more to them and their relationship. I’m not surprised Theo fell first as Bernadette had some things to work through due to her father and then late husband. Most of the conflict was built around Bernadette finding her self worth and overcoming the feeling of being unwanted. Not as much outer conflict as the prior book but story still moved along fairly quickly.

I liked how Theo asks what Bernadette wants and she is open to finding passion together and almost experiencing it all for the first time. Valaria, Flora and Bernadette have been like sisters and it is nice how they are there for each other. Another great series from Jess Michaels. Can’t wait for her next book!

*Received via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

As a whole I did enjoy this story, I loved seeing the dynamics between the friendship group and I enjoyed the plotline. However, I found that the writing/dialogue fell a bit flat for me. It just seemed quite obvious and straight to the point. In fact the only scenes that really flowed to me were the sex scenes, and I just wish that could’ve been reflected in the others. Perhaps if I would have read the previous books I may have been more invested in the storyline.

I did enjoy reading this book and discovering the friendship dynamics. But whether it was due to more attention being put into the sex scenes or just perhaps me not reading the previous books, I found that all the others fell a bit flat. They just felt a bit stiff and that was soo disappointing considering the fact that the sex scenes were written so beautifully. I found myself begging for that creativity of writing to translate into the other scenes of the book. Overall it was a good book, it just didn’t engage me as much as I hoped it would.

Etta is looking for someone who will love her like her two best friends have found in their husbands. Thrown together with her childhood friend Theo, she decides to give in to the attraction and become his lover. Can they picture themselves as more? I received an ARC from NetGalley and The Passionate Pen for my honest review.

I enjoyed this story because it is well written and very entertaining. I loved everything about Etta and how she is strong in lieu of all that she has endured. The story is very emotional at times and through the writing, the reader is able to sense what they are feeling. Theo is in over his head with Etta as feelings are becoming very real for him which I get the feeling scares him. It’s a great read to watch them navigate the unique relationship they have started. Definitely worth reading. It could use a reproofing, nothing major, just little words here and there.
I received a free copy of this book via Netgalley and are voluntarily leaving a review.

This book could be considered a friends to lovers story. Bernadette is a young widowed duchess, Theo is a duke with a rakish reputation. The childhood friends become lovers and both fight their feelings to make it more. This book was very romantic and sexy, but ai found it to be very predictable and it really didn’t hold my attention. 3 stars.

This is a new to me author and I had no expectations going in and I loved it. The end of chapter 5 was amazing to me. Bernadette, demanding that Theo respects her and her wants. I was hooked. The event in the bookstore was heart breaking but I didn’t really like his explanation and I love a grand heather which would have made the the best to me. I can’t wait to read the first two in this series now. Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. 4.5 rating.

I HAVE TO SAY THAT OF ALL JESS’S BOOKS THIS ONE IS MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE.
The premise of it, two friends, she tells him, that she wants to take a lover, he is so shocked by that, and he ends up taking this role, the whole adventure about it, like how he a rake, is changed bc he had sex with a woman he knew and appreciated, chef kiss.
I was like kicking my feet and twirling my hair and gushing over it.

I have been waiting for this book for a while and it did not disappoint. It was a slow burn that got scorching. loved these characters

“I have missed you all my life, Etta. I’ve been lost without you all my life. And now you’re my home.”
“Home forever,”

My heart squeezed while reading this book about Theo and Bernadetta’s love story. Navigating their feelings for each other and blurring lines while being lovers, after a few long years they finally find a home in each other. The story progressed nicely and easily and I read this book in once sitting. I particularly enjoyed the presence of their friends too - Valaria, Callum, Roarke and Flora and how they could all clearly see the romance blossoming when Bernedetta and Theo themselves could not. Found family is one of my favourite tropes of all time and I think it was executed well in this book. Etta and her new found boldness and Theo’s sheer respect for her really made for a sweet story. The epilogue was particularly satisfying as well, I couldn’t stop smiling. A great read.

Theo, Duke of Lightmorrow, and Bernadette, Dowager Duchess of Tunbridge, share a past and a rekindled, flirty friendship. When Bernadette admits she wishes she could take a lover, Theo realizes he needs to be the only man in her bed.

This is the third book in the Kent Row Duchesses series. It can stand alone but, in my opinion, it's better when the reader sees the connection that's been evident across the other books and wonders why the couple isn't already together. The previous two couples are involved in this story, and there's also a tie-in to Michaels' Notorious Flynn series.

Theo and Etta grew up in the same circle and both experienced the pain of families who didn’t appreciate them. There's clearly a connection and attraction between the two, but their feelings are complicated. I absolutely loved the way this book developed and read it in one afternoon. I was completely engrossed in the relationship, and it delivered everything I love about Jess Michaels' stories: passionate characters and hot sex. Five glowing stars!

Tropes: Friends to Lovers, Arranged Marriage, Widow, Sexy Bargain, Not-So-Secret Crush

Steam: 5+

* I received an ARC and this is my honest review.

OMG IS BOOK! I love it! LOVE IT! LOVE IT! Jess Michaels’s books never disappoints!
Theo, Duke of Lightmorrow and Bernadette, Dowager Duchess of Tunbridge, grew up together and both experienced the pain of families who didn’t appreciate them. Now that their mutual friends are married, they’ve rekindled a friendship that is also highly flirtatious. When one tipsy night Bernadette admits she wishes she could take a lover, Theo is shocked. At first he tries to put Etta off the idea, but he soon realizes she’s too tenacious and decides there’s only one way to keep her safe: volunteer as the man in her bed.
Bernadette’s feelings for Theo are complicated, but so are the ways she views herself. Man after man in her life made her feel unworthy, so it’s hard to believe that Theo could actually want her or that he could desire more than just a few passionate nights together. But she’s having trouble separating her body from her heart, even if she knows it can only lead to sorrow.
I loved this book sooo much!!! I´ve been waiting for this story since the first book, and it was definitely my favorite, even though all the series is a solid five stars. I started reading the minute I download the book and didn’t stop until I finished it. Etta is a wonderful character. She is sweet, considerate and resilient. The Prologue is powerful and emotional. Theo is interesting and different. He has so many layers, so much still unresolved about his emotions, that see him do it, be a part of his journey, was a unique experience. I loved every minute of it.
Jess has the ability to break my heart in a million pieces and mend it in the next paragraph. Her stories are full of steamy moments but also aghast, complex characters and meaningful dialogs.
I HIGHLY recommend not only this book that is beautiful and super romantic, but all the books in this series. Ok, all her books, period.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.