*Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

I remember first time I discovered Evie Dunmore I fell in love with her writing and with her characters.I read her first book and I loved it so much that I read it again. Since then every time a new book by her is available I get it immediately. Once again she delivers. I get so engrossed in her storytelling and her characters that I read it in one sitting. I literally can't stop. I absolutely adored both MCs. I will always recommend her books. 10/10 would recommend!

Generally historical romances are a hit or miss for me mainly because of the language/terminologies used in the book but I knew Evie dummies would not disappoint me and I stand corrected.

I loved the slow-burn aspect of it. The banter between the characters were fun and enjoyable. Overall, it was a good read.

Thank you to NetGalley and little brown book for providing me an arc of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for gifting me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely adored every book in the series so far, and while I did enjoy this but sad to say it's my least favorite.

We finally got to Catriona's story which featured a slowburn romance and the tension was exciting in the first half of the book, but it fell short in the second half.

The romance did not feel as strong as in the other books, despite the other books also tackling political and historical topics, those aspects did not balance well with the romance in this one which is a shame because I really enjoyed Catriona and Elias's chemistry when they just started to get to know to each other.

What always stood out for me across all the books are the powerful female friendships and the suffragist movement they are so passionate about. Dunmore effortlessly weaves feminism in her books and that what sets it apart from other historical romances.

Overall, enjoyable yet a tad underwhelming regradless I look forward to future releases by Dunmore as her romances are splendid, but need to be balanced with the info planted and the development of the romance because I'll always come for the romance first.

I was excited to finally get to Catriona's because she was the character I thought got the least page time in the previous books. She's the quiet one, the contemplative one, happier on her own reading a book than in a room full of people. She's also someone who, once they set their mind to something, focuses on it with the full force of her being, making her the perfect partner for the suffragist movement. I enjoyed learning more about her backstory, and I felt like I empathized with her a little more because out of all the characters, she was the one most like me. But being quiet and contemplative doesn't mean she isn't a force to be reckoned with and throughout the book she showed how willing she was to put herself, and her reputation, on the line for the causes she deemed worthy.

Elias Khoury swept me away about as easily as he did Catriona. You can't help but understand his motives, wanting to bring back artifacts to their native homelands, rescuing them from the plundering and self righteous Brits. Dunmore use's his character to bring to light how the British Empire didn't just colonize nations, but plundered them as well, taking their culture right out from under them all under the claim of it being for 'their own benefit.' I feel like she allowed her characters to show their anger a little more in this book, not just for the suffragist movement, which has been the underlying theme of the series, but for those the British claimed to rule over, whether they wanted it or not. I've really enjoyed the political nature of these books, how Dunmore has given us all the swoon worthy and steamy romance our hearts could desire, whilst also allowing us to follow these amazing women as they try and change the course of history for the better.

With this being the last book in the series *cries*, we get to spend a little more time with our other MC's, Annabelle, Lucie & Hattie, allowing them each a small section of POV and these parts made me so happy. I loved getting to see these women living their best lives, happily married/engaged and the epilogue especially broke me. It was so cleverly done, a proper emotional hit and left me a blubbering mess at the perfect and just heartwarming nature of it. It brought the whole series right back to the start again, and allowing us to see these characters in that moment, allowing us to see them at that stage in their lives was special to say the least.

Now for the romance, because this book does contain one I promise despite all the political talk. Catriona & Elias sure made for some steamy moments. I've said this from the first book, but I love how Dunmore gives her MC's the power in these relationships when, as women, especially at that time, and in the eyes of the law, they had none. Their relationship starts with an unfortunate encounter, growing into a begrudging respect and eventually love, but it's the ride that makes it so special. Seeing Elias blind sighted by this English lady who has opinions and is a scholar and absolutely on his side when it comes to the theft of his countries art. And seeing Catriona knowing she is falling in love and trying everything within her power to stop it because of issues in her past. Both these characters have their own baggage, but when they collide, and boy do they, it's hard not to see how perfect they are for each other, despite what society may say.

I love this series so much. If you love a good steamy romance, but also like a proper plot to dig your teeth into then look no further. Dunmore pretty religiously follows the actual suffragist movement historical timeline and she interweaves politics into the every part... even the bedroom scenes. These women are just so brilliantly rendered and I loved getting to see them all reach their happy ending. Safe to say Dunmore has become a favourite author & I can't wait to see what she will do next.

I have really loved this series, and eagerly awaited this instalment. However, I really just couldn't get into it. I'm not sure why as there was nothing fundamentally wrong, but I found it dragged significantly. Don't be put off though if you enjoy feminist regency romance - I'd still encourage potential readers to give it a go!

I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I could have fallen out of my chair when my request was accepted on netgalley for this one. I’ve loved this series for a long time and have been waiting for Catriona’s story. And I was hoping it would deliver. And it did in part.

I enjoyed the relationship between Elias and Catriona, I did. But a part of me felt there was something lacking. I wanted her to move past her fear and accept that she loved the man. But I’m from a different time, so I don’t know how a lady would have felt.

Their love did feel sweet though. They overcame barriers to be with each other and I loved that it was the woman making the first move.

The main importance of this series for me was the empowerment of women and seeing how supportive the women were of each other. No of them were alike and they were individuals. I loved how clever Catriona was and I’m glad we had a character like this. I feel sorry for any woman at the time with a resemblance and how stifling it must have been.

I think this is an important series for any woman who wants to know about the plight of the suffragettes as a side dish to their romance. This isn’t just a fluffy read, it’s educational. And whilst I know artistic license was in use, it doesn’t take away the struggles women went through.

I also loved that the main plot of the series. It opened my eyes and provided further knowledge into items taken from their homeland for the sake of sitting in a museum and people thinking they are entitled.

The Gentleman’s Gambit functions both as a beautiful standalone romance, and as a lovely conclusion to an excellent series (particularly with regard to the epilogue, which was deeply moving). I found the central story compelling and I enjoyed both protagonists. Catriona in particular made for a very distinctive heroine, with her inner monologues rendering her very relatable. Each of the series' previous couples gets their own (short) chapter, which loosely ties into the central plot but also shows their development as a couple since their own books wrapped up.

I was a bit nervous coming to this book because while the repatriation of ancient artifacts is an interesting issue, these types of issue aren’t always handled well in fiction. I needn’t have worried; The Gentleman’s Gambit isn’t preachy. This is possibly at least in part because repatriation wasn’t presented as much of a moral dilemma; all the characters involved seemed to be in favour almost right away. There were potentially more layers to be explored here but I am perfectly happy they weren’t.

The book in general wears its research lightly. There is lots of fascinating detail about the Levant and the UK in this time period but it never feels like the author is cramming it in just to show off the research she’s done. I feel like I learned a lot, but almost by stealth (the best way to learn!).

Catriona and Elias’s romance is obviously key to the story, but the story is about more than that. As the whole series has done, this book explores how we can find a way to live that aligns with our values and beliefs - which is a particularly complex dilemma for the female characters given the legal and social challenges they faced during this time period.

It was just such a pleasure to read something so beautifully written and I was so sorry when it came to an end. Highly recommended.

Huge thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

I requested this book as I thought the description was interesting. It was a good read, quite a bit to digest at times however the compelling story-telling made it worth while.

Thank you NetGalley and Little, Brown Book Group for this ARC.

I enjoyed reading this book, especially the aspect of romance in this time period. I'm not usually one for Period romances but it did draw me in.

I have been looking forward to reading the fourth book in this series. The opening scene when Elias comes across Catriona swimming in a lake was brilliant. It provided instant tension and also ensured Elias saw past Catriona facade.

The book is set against the back drop of the suffragette movement but also the Empire taking precious items from other cultures. It was brilliantly written. Catriona is extremely intelligent but also over thinks and full of anxiety having been used by others in her past. Catriona has to work her way through her own anxieties. Elias sees all her strengths when she doesn't.

The book also catches up with all the other couples from previous books which I enjoyed. The epilogue was for the whole series and was perfect..

A scandalous historical romance with plotting and sexually charged games of chess. Lady Catriona and Mr Khoury meet very unexpectedly and definitely don’t get off on the right foot but they’re presented an opportunity to get to know each other (at a respectable distance, and chaperoned of course) that neither particularly wants. At least at first. Catriona is an interesting main character and I enjoyed delving into her qualms and beliefs, even if at times I really just wanted to give that woman a hug - though she would have hated it. The strong bond between Catriona and her suffragist friends was so lovely and despite how different Catriona feels, it’s clear she’s found her place somewhere, at least. That’s one wild and mischievous group of badass women. The plot overall I found quite slow. It’s a long book but not much of note happens for the majority of it. I would have liked to see Catriona and Elias address some of their feelings a little more, particularly from that first encounter, but their burgeoning romance was sweet and spicy.

I received a free copy of this book. All views are my own.

I really do love this series. I think it's something special to have a historical romance revolving around the suffrage movement and the way that informs the characters choices whilst still being, well, romantic. This wasn't my favourite in the series (that is reserved for the 3rd and 4th books) but it was definitely a nice ending to the series.

I think what stands out here are the characters of Catriona and Elias. Catriona is neurodivergent and to see Elias really respect her and make her comfortable was so nice to see. I really think Elias was a great hero too. I don't know how to explain it but he just had a warm energy about him. I loved the discussion of anti colonialism and what the british musueum actually is (storage for stolen stuff)

The things that bothered me were 1) there were random chapters from the pov's of the other women in the series who's books preceded this one. I understand why - Probably people will love seeing a little update from the other characters. But for me they just didn't gel properly. Also towards the end the pacing slowed way down and I can't help but feel cutting these chapters might have sped things up a little bit.

My other (small) gripe was that the idea that Catriona, a descendent of scottish, catholic, jacobite rebels would need the concept of english theft/colonialism explained to her. Though I do get this was probably more for the readers benefit.

The epilogue was lovely, and I'm sure people who have enjoyed this series will definitely feel the emotion! Can't wait to see what Evie Dunmore does next.

This book is a captivating journey through the depths of imagination. Its rich storytelling and well-developed characters kept me engaged from start to finish. With its thought-provoking themes, it transcends genres and offers something for every reader. A must-read for anyone seeking a literary adventure.