Tag: Jess Michaels

The Duke of Desire by Jess Michaels

On By TracyIn Georgian Era (1714-1837), Tracy's Reviews1 Comment

The Duke of Desire (The 1797 Club, #9)The Duke of Desire by Jess Michaels
Tracy’s rating: 2.5/3 of 5 stars

Series: The 1797 Club, #9

Release Date: September 18, 2018

2.5 stars rounded up.

Katherine, Lady Gainsworth and Robert, the Duke of Roseford have a past, too bad he doesn’t remember it.

Katherine is finally out of mourning for her late husband and is ready reenter society, but her reemergence is under a black cloud. Her husband died while they were in bed and most of the ton is shunning her. Those who aren’t are rakes and rogues bent on bedding her. Enter Robert, the biggest rogue of them all, he makes a bet with one of his roguish friends that Katherine will be his lover. His plan hits a bump when he approaches her and is stunned by the venom she directs at him.

Katherine hates Robert, she blames him for ruining her life and when Isabel gives her the heads up about the wager, she hates him even more. But Robert isn’t willing to give up and pursues her. When a miscommunication has them both invited to the same house party, things begin to heat up between them – she might hate him, but she still wants him.

They grow closer and some secrets are shared, she begins to think that she was unfair in her judgement, until she overhears him talking to the friend he made the bet with. She is crushed and when he tries to explain, she finally reveals why she hated him for years and leaves. Robert is heartbroken and disgusted with himself. He isn’t sure what he can do to win her back or if he even deserves her. But when he gets advice from an unlikely source and admits he loves her, he knows that he will not give her up without a fight.

The book was well written, but it just didn’t work for me, I failed to feel a real connection between Katherine and Robert, I didn’t really feel like her reason for hating him was justified and his reasons for being a rake just felt contrived and vague. I didn’t hate the book, but it is my least favorite of the series and I wouldn’t recommend it. That said, the previous books in this series have consistently been 4 & 5 stars reads for me, so to have read 9 books in a 10 book series before finding one that didn’t catch my fancy is quite impressive!

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*

The Duke Who Lied by Jess Michaels

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, Regency Era (1811-1820)3 Comments

The Duke Who Lied (The 1797 Club Book 8)The Duke Who Lied by Jess Michaels

Barbara’s rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: 1797 Club
Publication Date: 7/24/18

Another well-written tightly plotted addition to the 1797 series. It is the story of Hugh Margolis, Duke of Brighthollow, and Miss Amelia Quinton. Both characters are very likable and relatable, and when you add in visits from other 1797 Club members you have a warm and lovely book.

The 1797 Club was started in the year 1797 by several friends who were all future dukes. Most of them were from abusive, non-caring, disinterested families — especially the fathers. So, the club was a way for them to band together and help and protect each other since they weren’t getting that from their families. Hugh was from one of those uncaring abusive families. Nothing Hugh ever did was good enough and Hugh soon learned to hide all feelings from his expressions. Then, Hugh became the youngest of their group to inherit his title – and he also inherited the guardianship of his young, eight-year-old sister, Libby. Hugh loved Libby fiercely and would do absolutely anything to protect her.

A little over a year ago, Hugh noticed a change in Libby, but he didn’t pursue it because he had a lot going on. After all, all teenagers go through difficult phases don’t they? Then, when it was too late, he found she was on her way to Gretna Green. The scoundrel had the audacity to laugh at Libby when Hugh found them – he was only after her fortune. Hugh felt so much guilt – he let the scoundrel get away with what he had done to Libby in order to protect her reputation. That just ate at Hugh. He had paid the scoundrel a huge sum of money to stay quiet and Hugh also felt guilty for providing him with the means to look like a respectable part of society – and what if he used that to snare another innocent young miss.

Miss Amelia Quinton is engaged to the most wonderful man and she loves him with all her heart. She is walking on air – until she isn’t. Her father informs her that she will not be marrying the love of her life – she will now be marrying Hugh Margolis, Duke of Brighthollow because the duke owns all of her father’s debts. Her world has crumbled and it is Hugh’s fault – she hates him – hates him with every fiber of her being and she tells him so. To no avail – they are still married.

It was lovely to watch them dance around each other – she hates him – he feels guilty for having to deprive her of the man she thinks she loves. Can they come to love and respect each other? Can they have their HEA? When she discovers the truth, can she forgive his lies? This is a lovely read and a wonderful romance.

Now, my personal opinion is that his lie wasn’t all that bad and it probably saved her life – so – my thought is – what is to forgive?

I highly recommend the book.

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“I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher.”