There’s always something special about the unplanned stories—the ones that unveil themselves as the narrative progresses, allowing the characters to take the reins at every turn. And that’s certainly the case with Harper St. George’s final installment in the Gilded Age Heiresses series—The Duchess Takes a Husband. Camille, Duchess of Hereford and Jacob Thorne’s story is a serendipitous beauty that focuses on finding the love one deserves. It’s always been the two of them, long before they even get together, with the romance glistening from the start. The execution fits them appropriately in this fake engagement slash lessons in intimacy romance.
It’s heartbreaking to think that we might not have gotten the chance to read this romance. And thus, to think of a woman like Camille, never knowing what it’s like to be loved, is a true tragedy. Yet, the opposite happens because she finds herself with the best type of man—the one who swears he’s not the loving type. Only he can adore so fervently there’s no going back once he commits. As Jacob calls it, the Halston curse is far from a curse in this story; it’s a blessing that actualizes the word forever and ensures that this love will continue long after we close the book.
The Duchess Takes a Husband by Harper St. George is a gorgeously warm story that centers around a woman’s agency, gearing us closer to the age we know today where equality (mostly) takes precedence. It might not be the case in every household, unfortunately, but it’s far more common than before, and the love that unfolds between Camille and Jacob is equality at its finest. This is a story for the girls who adore experimental romances, making St. George’s steamiest book yet, with page-turning moments that explicitly show Jacob Thorne knows how to revere a woman. While it might not be everyone’s cup of tea, each scene matters tremendously to showcase Camille’s struggles with sex to the very moment where she finally grows comfortable in her body.
Jacob’s careful decisions and compassion for Camille are consistently admirable throughout The Duchess Takes A Husband, resulting in a gorgeous showcase of consent and patience. Everything that transpires in this book results in a woman learning that she can stand strong on her own while being loved at the same time. Camille doesn’t change her ways, and neither does Jacob; instead, the two of them find a brilliant balance with each other. Their love anchors both of them to a place where it’s clear that their future endeavors and projects will be better because of the ongoing support they find in their partner. It’s a true partnership through and through, showing both of them what they deserve and why they’re better together than apart.
The Duchess Takes A Husband by Harper St. George thoughtfully addresses the troubles of the time by placing a woman’s struggles front and center to harp on what we deserve instead. It bargains with the significance of equality to show why it matters that no human is treated as property by simultaneously allowing engaging moments of transparency that authenticate why communication is key. Like all books in the series, it’s a stunning showcase of women’s friendships and why having a support system one can rely on is essential. It concludes the Gilded Age Heiresses series effectively with yet another happy ending that feels fully satisfying.
The Duchess Takes a Husband by Harper St. George is now available where books are sold.