The Last Duke (1797 Club, #10)

by Jess Michaels

[Lindsey Gray]

I’m saddened that this series has come to an end, but I’m ecstatic to finally read Kit’s story!

Christopher “Kit” Collins becomes the Duke of Kingsacre upon his beloved father’s death. Kit is lost in grief and learning how to move forward in caring for the dukedom and his five-year-old sister, Phoebe. He also has Sarah Carlton to deal with.

When Sarah behaved at her worst towards Meg, the Duchess of Crestwood, Kit was there to call her out. Three years later and a fall from grace due to the death of her mother, Sarah is the governess to the grieving Phoebe and hopefully a friend to the new duke.

Michaels brought out the big guns for this finale. All the dukes, their wives, and children are with Kit at his estate before and for the weeks after the death of Kit’s father. I love how Michaels brought out something special for each duke to interact with Kit about. James, being the first duke in the series and the leader of the 1797 Club, has a memorable moment with Kit. Kit has a brilliantly written scene between he and Robert and helps Matthew when old memories come back to haunt. I love how even in death Kit’s father showed his love for his children.

Sarah’s position as a governess makes her believe she is beneath the dukes and duchesses, yet they don’t make her feel like it. Isabel, the Duchess of Tyndale, had been a dear friend to Sarah for many years. It was wonderful reading Sarah’s interactions with Isabel, Meg, and Diana.

As for their love story, Sarah never thought Kit noticed her until he chastised her on her behavior. Even Kit didn’t realize until much later he’d been watching and wanting Sarah way before that terrible encounter. Near tragedy brings Kit’s molten feelings to the surface. Once he lets himself reach for Sarah, the steaminess fills the pages.

I wish for more stories of these amazing dukes and their families, but all good things come to an end. I’m glad Michaels ending the series with Kit and Sarah’s story. It is a dynamic twist on romancing the governess troupe. I can’t say this enough, but I love how all of The 1797 Club was there for Kit, Phoebe, and Sarah in this novel. By the way, Phoebe is a little firecracker who I wouldn’t mind getting a story about when she gets older. All in all, I can’t say enough about how much I love these characters and will cherish them always.

I received this book for free. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.