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The 1797 Club #8
The Duke Who Lied
The 8th Book in the bestselling 1797 Club series by USA Today Bestseller Jess MichaelsHugh Margolis, Duke of Brighthollow, has been keeping a secret that eats him up inside. His beloved sister was seduced and nearly ruined by a wicked man. The trauma sent her into exile and to protect her reputation, he never did anything about it. But now the ‘gentleman’ is back in Society and recently engaged to another lady.Miss Amelia Quinton cannot believe her luck. After a whirlwind courtship, she has just become engaged and now she’s looking forward to a true love match. Only all her plans come to a screeching halt when her father announces she is now to marry the Duke of Brighthollow because he owns her father’s debts.Amelia is horrified, for Hugh is nothing like the sweet and gentle boy she wanted to marry. Only once their vows are said, passions flare and she begins to know the man better. Little by little, both their walls come down and feelings grow. Until she finds out he lied. Will Hugh ever tell her the truth and will it even matter by the time it’s all said and done? Full length novelHeat The kind to write home about!This book is part of a series (The 1797 Club), but can be read as a standalone book.
244 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 24, 2018
About the author
Jess Michaels
120 books1,540 followersJess Michaels is a USA Today Bestselling Author who likes geeky stuff like Star Wars, playing video games (she ships herself with Dragon Age’s Iron Bull FOREVER), Bob’s Burgers and collecting POPs! She also drinks a LOT of Diet Coke. Probably an unhealthy amount, but it’s her only vice. She will eat (almost) anything coconut, truly anything cheesy and nothing spicy (yes, she is a walking stereotype when it comes to that). She likes cats, her dog Elton and people who care about the welfare of their fellow humans.
Although she started out traditionally published by Avon/HarperCollins, Pocket, Hachette and Samhain Publishing, in 2015 she went fully indie and has never looked back! She is lucky enough to be married to her favorite person in the world and live tucked between the ocean and the mountains in Oregon.
When she’s not watching Our Flag Means Death or trying out all the new flavors of Greek yogurt, she writes historical romances with smoking hot heroes and sassy heroines who do anything but wait to get what they want.
Although she started out traditionally published by Avon/HarperCollins, Pocket, Hachette and Samhain Publishing, in 2015 she went fully indie and has never looked back! She is lucky enough to be married to her favorite person in the world and live tucked between the ocean and the mountains in Oregon.
When she’s not watching Our Flag Means Death or trying out all the new flavors of Greek yogurt, she writes historical romances with smoking hot heroes and sassy heroines who do anything but wait to get what they want.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
July 26, 2018
All my sympathies and love were for the hero in this novel. Yes, he lied but he was caught between a rock and hard place. He lied to protect his 17 yr old sister's reputation and he was one of the most selfless, loving and kind H's I've ever read about. He's also not a manwhore. Hugh, our H is the Duke of Brighthollow and he's filled with sadness and anger because he blames himself for what had happened to his then 16 yr old sister, Lizzie. Lizzie, at 16 yrs of age, was a very shy and sheltered young lady who was wooed by a handsome, criminal con artist called Aaron Walters. This guy preyed on the feelings and insecurities of a 16 yr old girl, persuaded her to elope with him and coerced her to have sex with him ! The H felt responsible because he had been in London a lot, looking after his business interests while Lizzie was at the Brighthollow country estate. Hugh managed to save Lizzie from marriage to a cruel gold digging con man but he also had to pay a ton of money to Aaron so that the latter wouldn't spread gossip and ruin a 16 yr old girl's reputation.
The H has been keeping tabs on Aaron Walters and soon discovers that the con man is about to be engaged to a viscount's daughter called Amelia ( she's the heroine ). Amelia is just as naive as Lizzie even though she's a couple yrs older. She's fallen for the con man's smarmy, poetry reading charms and the H steps in to save her against her will. Hugh is the strong, silent type of caring H. He decided to marry Amelia in order to prevent her from being used by Aaron. Amelia's father was another opportunist who refused to listen to Hugh's warnings about Aaron. The viscount decided that he would use the H's concern as a means of getting himself a powerful and rich son in law. I felt so sorry for the H. In this entire novel he is caught up looking after other peoples' interests and has little time for himself. He married the heroine in order to save her but he was also sexually attracted to her. Amelia was angry at first but she also had the major hots for the H and even felt guilty for being attracted to him while she's supposed to be loyal to Aaron. Their strong sexual connection was the catalyst that broke the impasse between the MC's. And, as in most of Jess Michaels' novels, the sex scenes were scorching hot.
The one thing I HATED was the author's use of a 16 yr old girl as such a horrendous and depressing plot device. It's a trigger of mine; I hate it when minors are placed in situations where they're coerced to have sex with an adult. The scene where Lizzie spoke about how Aaron had treated her was difficult to read. I find it painful to read about a young girl having such a negative introduction to sex:
A nod was her reply. “I felt increasingly that it was. The first night we stopped along the road, he only kissed me. I…liked it enough, I suppose. He was forceful and didn’t seem to care that I didn’t know what I was doing.” She shuddered.
“By the second night we stopped, he told me we were practically married already. That we would be soon enough. He convinced me to—” Lizzie’s face was almost purple with humiliation now, and Amelia caught her hand at last.
“I understand. I understand what you did.”
“I had such romantic notions,” Lizzie sighed after she had gathered herself enough to speak. “He wasn’t cruel, but I didn’t…like it. And when it was done, he wouldn’t even hold me.”
Jess Michaels. The Duke Who Lied (The 1797 Club 8) by Jess Michaels (Kindle Locations 2536-2541). The Passionate Pen LLC. Kindle Edition.
He forced her to have sex when she wasn't ready and then he wouldn't hold her ! That's just:
In the author's most recent novel in this series, that story's heroine Helena was the victim of a vicious rape. That novel, The Duke of Nothing, soured me so much that I couldn't even bring myself to write a proper review. I hate it when heroines ( and in this case, the H's sister ) are treated so abominably. I know these things happen in real life but I prefer not to read about it in my romance novels. It just makes me want to cry and feel sad; those sad feelings tend to stay with me for a while even after I've finished reading the story:
Anyway, this was a nice novel. It didn't make me sigh with wonder and happiness after I was finished reading it, but it was a good solid effort in a very entertaining series. My fav character in this story was definitely Hugh. Every woman deserves a man who is as loving as protective as Hugh. The villain Aaron ended up getting his just desserts because he's shot and killed by one Hugh's friends but I still felt so sad for poor Lizzie. I wish the author would write a novel and make Lizzie the heroine. She's such a sweet girl who deserves to find her happy ending with a hot guy who loves her and is rich enough not to need her money.
There's no cheating in this novel and there's no other woman. The OM Aaron hadn't even kissed the heroine Amelia while he'd been courting her.
This is the hero, Hugh:
This is the heroine, Amelia:
The H has been keeping tabs on Aaron Walters and soon discovers that the con man is about to be engaged to a viscount's daughter called Amelia ( she's the heroine ). Amelia is just as naive as Lizzie even though she's a couple yrs older. She's fallen for the con man's smarmy, poetry reading charms and the H steps in to save her against her will. Hugh is the strong, silent type of caring H. He decided to marry Amelia in order to prevent her from being used by Aaron. Amelia's father was another opportunist who refused to listen to Hugh's warnings about Aaron. The viscount decided that he would use the H's concern as a means of getting himself a powerful and rich son in law. I felt so sorry for the H. In this entire novel he is caught up looking after other peoples' interests and has little time for himself. He married the heroine in order to save her but he was also sexually attracted to her. Amelia was angry at first but she also had the major hots for the H and even felt guilty for being attracted to him while she's supposed to be loyal to Aaron. Their strong sexual connection was the catalyst that broke the impasse between the MC's. And, as in most of Jess Michaels' novels, the sex scenes were scorching hot.
The one thing I HATED was the author's use of a 16 yr old girl as such a horrendous and depressing plot device. It's a trigger of mine; I hate it when minors are placed in situations where they're coerced to have sex with an adult. The scene where Lizzie spoke about how Aaron had treated her was difficult to read. I find it painful to read about a young girl having such a negative introduction to sex:
A nod was her reply. “I felt increasingly that it was. The first night we stopped along the road, he only kissed me. I…liked it enough, I suppose. He was forceful and didn’t seem to care that I didn’t know what I was doing.” She shuddered.
“By the second night we stopped, he told me we were practically married already. That we would be soon enough. He convinced me to—” Lizzie’s face was almost purple with humiliation now, and Amelia caught her hand at last.
“I understand. I understand what you did.”
“I had such romantic notions,” Lizzie sighed after she had gathered herself enough to speak. “He wasn’t cruel, but I didn’t…like it. And when it was done, he wouldn’t even hold me.”
Jess Michaels. The Duke Who Lied (The 1797 Club 8) by Jess Michaels (Kindle Locations 2536-2541). The Passionate Pen LLC. Kindle Edition.
He forced her to have sex when she wasn't ready and then he wouldn't hold her ! That's just:
In the author's most recent novel in this series, that story's heroine Helena was the victim of a vicious rape. That novel, The Duke of Nothing, soured me so much that I couldn't even bring myself to write a proper review. I hate it when heroines ( and in this case, the H's sister ) are treated so abominably. I know these things happen in real life but I prefer not to read about it in my romance novels. It just makes me want to cry and feel sad; those sad feelings tend to stay with me for a while even after I've finished reading the story:
Anyway, this was a nice novel. It didn't make me sigh with wonder and happiness after I was finished reading it, but it was a good solid effort in a very entertaining series. My fav character in this story was definitely Hugh. Every woman deserves a man who is as loving as protective as Hugh. The villain Aaron ended up getting his just desserts because he's shot and killed by one Hugh's friends but I still felt so sad for poor Lizzie. I wish the author would write a novel and make Lizzie the heroine. She's such a sweet girl who deserves to find her happy ending with a hot guy who loves her and is rich enough not to need her money.
There's no cheating in this novel and there's no other woman. The OM Aaron hadn't even kissed the heroine Amelia while he'd been courting her.
This is the hero, Hugh:
This is the heroine, Amelia:
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
July 24, 2018Re reading before release.
July 4, 2018
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋💋
Special, sensational, stunning , words to describe how good this book is .
If you’ve been waiting to find out what makes Hugh Duke of Brighthollow tick , here it is in all its glory .
When this Duke meets his future and his one and only ,
Miss Amelia Quintan , it’s an instant attraction .
Neither of them can admit to such , and they both have reasons to stay away from each other , but circumstances and a quick marriage see them living in closer proximity and they have to learn to be honest ,both about there feelings ,and their pasts , if not will they find their HEA ?
A great book , loved every page , this Author improves with every book it seems .
I could say this is my favourite of the series, but so were the others , they are all so good and so addictive.
I received an advance copy of this book and chose to submit a review
💋💋💋
Special, sensational, stunning , words to describe how good this book is .
If you’ve been waiting to find out what makes Hugh Duke of Brighthollow tick , here it is in all its glory .
When this Duke meets his future and his one and only ,
Miss Amelia Quintan , it’s an instant attraction .
Neither of them can admit to such , and they both have reasons to stay away from each other , but circumstances and a quick marriage see them living in closer proximity and they have to learn to be honest ,both about there feelings ,and their pasts , if not will they find their HEA ?
A great book , loved every page , this Author improves with every book it seems .
I could say this is my favourite of the series, but so were the others , they are all so good and so addictive.
I received an advance copy of this book and chose to submit a review
July 9, 2018
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.
Please check out my reviews at:
Blog: https://flippinpages.blog/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/flippinpages...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlippinPagesRev
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BarbBookReview
"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."
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.
Please check out my reviews at:
Blog: https://flippinpages.blog/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/flippinpages...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlippinPagesRev
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BarbBookReview
"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."
January 12, 2022
La rabbia e l' amarezza corrodeva la mente ed il cuore di Hugh Duca di Brighthollow incapace di perdonarsi per aver trascurato la giovanissima sorella caduta così tra le infami braccia di un cacciatore di dote intenzionato a sedurla per poi rovinarla con un inevitabile scandalo se tempestivamente non fosse intervenuto a salvarla. La discrezione con cui aveva risolto la questione era ammirevole ma non saziava la sua furia interiore che gli raschiava a fondo l' anima perchè quell' uomo malvagio ne era uscito impunito beffandosi delle regole morali, dei sentimenti, dei valori ma soprattutto della reputazione di una innocente fanciulla che traumatizzata si era esiliata a vivere per sempre in campagna. Hugh in giovane età aveva ereditato il titolo nobiliare ma anche la responsabilità di crescere sua sorella minore nella quale riversava un amore più paterno che fraterno e si odiava per aver permesso a quel farabutto di averle spezzato tanto facilmente il cuore.
Spietato e senza scrupoli quell' uomo, Aaron Walter, si fidanza presto con Amalia Quinton che ignara delle sue spregevoli intenzioni si lascia raggirare dai suoi finti modi dolci e gentili. Credendo di convolare a nozze con un uomo che la colmerà di amore e premure si sentirà delusa e tradita quando scoprirà che il suo futuro sposo sarà invece proprio il Duca di Brighthollow che in accordo con il padre le strapperanno via tutti i sogni. Il loro matrimonio si celebra sotto gli auspici di un'ignobile ma provvidenziale bugia che inizialmente contrasta il nascere del loro amore. Amalia si sente inorridita da un uomo che è stato capace di sposarla solo per affari vede in Hugh una persona burbera e pericolosa seppur dotata di un corpo possente e peccaminoso dal quale si sente attratta da un insaziabile e cocente passione. Mentre i loro corpi si avvinghiano come avidi amanti i loro cuori vivono inconsapevoli dei loro reciproci tormenti che li divorano pur cominciando a provare la forte emozione dei sentimenti. Quel fuoco che nei momenti intimi li accende è rabbia e rancore che ribolle per il dolore e l' incertezza di un matrimonio sorretto da muri che è tortuoso abbattere soprattutto quando la verità verrà a galla. Jess Michaels scrive la passione nel modo più intenso e carnale, una passione totale, impetuosa, bollente capace di animare di ardore i nostri sensi. Quella descritta tra Hugh e Amalia è virtuosa, pura, vibrante che consuma i protagonisti in incontri focosi dove il desiderio appaga l' insicurezza dei sentimenti. Sentimenti che restano soffocati da inganni che seppur dettati da una rivalsa a fin di bene rischiano di rimanere sepolti. Amalia è una donna intelligente e brillante capace di accettare un matrimonio senza amore con l' intento di portare man mano alla luce il vero animo di suo marito perchè dietro quell' aspetto scuro, serio, tenebroso scopre che si nasconde un uomo buono, gentile ma soprattutto affettuoso premuroso e paziente con la giovane sorella tenendo a cuore la famiglia. Hugh è sopraffatto dal rimorso di aver sottratto Amalia dalle braccia di un uomo che forse la amava veramente solo per sete di vendetta e con inganno che non meritava. Lui è personaggio che mi ha intrigata molto perché vive con intensità il tormento come fosse una tempesta che strazia la sua anima che tornerà però a rassenerarsi grazie ad una donna astuta, paziente e ragionevole come Amalia. Una storia ricca di sentimenti e passione ma anche di amicizia solidale. Bello infatti ritrovare tutti i protagonisti dei precedenti volumi sempre uniti in una amicizia fraterna vera e sincera che rende l' atmosfera di questa serie storica emozionante, piacevole e familiare.
Spietato e senza scrupoli quell' uomo, Aaron Walter, si fidanza presto con Amalia Quinton che ignara delle sue spregevoli intenzioni si lascia raggirare dai suoi finti modi dolci e gentili. Credendo di convolare a nozze con un uomo che la colmerà di amore e premure si sentirà delusa e tradita quando scoprirà che il suo futuro sposo sarà invece proprio il Duca di Brighthollow che in accordo con il padre le strapperanno via tutti i sogni. Il loro matrimonio si celebra sotto gli auspici di un'ignobile ma provvidenziale bugia che inizialmente contrasta il nascere del loro amore. Amalia si sente inorridita da un uomo che è stato capace di sposarla solo per affari vede in Hugh una persona burbera e pericolosa seppur dotata di un corpo possente e peccaminoso dal quale si sente attratta da un insaziabile e cocente passione. Mentre i loro corpi si avvinghiano come avidi amanti i loro cuori vivono inconsapevoli dei loro reciproci tormenti che li divorano pur cominciando a provare la forte emozione dei sentimenti. Quel fuoco che nei momenti intimi li accende è rabbia e rancore che ribolle per il dolore e l' incertezza di un matrimonio sorretto da muri che è tortuoso abbattere soprattutto quando la verità verrà a galla. Jess Michaels scrive la passione nel modo più intenso e carnale, una passione totale, impetuosa, bollente capace di animare di ardore i nostri sensi. Quella descritta tra Hugh e Amalia è virtuosa, pura, vibrante che consuma i protagonisti in incontri focosi dove il desiderio appaga l' insicurezza dei sentimenti. Sentimenti che restano soffocati da inganni che seppur dettati da una rivalsa a fin di bene rischiano di rimanere sepolti. Amalia è una donna intelligente e brillante capace di accettare un matrimonio senza amore con l' intento di portare man mano alla luce il vero animo di suo marito perchè dietro quell' aspetto scuro, serio, tenebroso scopre che si nasconde un uomo buono, gentile ma soprattutto affettuoso premuroso e paziente con la giovane sorella tenendo a cuore la famiglia. Hugh è sopraffatto dal rimorso di aver sottratto Amalia dalle braccia di un uomo che forse la amava veramente solo per sete di vendetta e con inganno che non meritava. Lui è personaggio che mi ha intrigata molto perché vive con intensità il tormento come fosse una tempesta che strazia la sua anima che tornerà però a rassenerarsi grazie ad una donna astuta, paziente e ragionevole come Amalia. Una storia ricca di sentimenti e passione ma anche di amicizia solidale. Bello infatti ritrovare tutti i protagonisti dei precedenti volumi sempre uniti in una amicizia fraterna vera e sincera che rende l' atmosfera di questa serie storica emozionante, piacevole e familiare.
January 7, 2022
RECENSIONE IN ANTEPRIMA
.
Vanilla_91 - per RFS
.
Care fenici,
è con immenso piacere che ho letto in anteprima Il duca bugiardo, l’ottavo libro della serie Il club del 1797.
Questa volta il nostro protagonista è Hugh, duca di Brighthollow, che negli ultimi romanzi abbiamo conosciuto (attraverso gli occhi dei suoi amici) come un uomo gentile e allegro, ma profondamente tormentato da qualcosa di inspiegato. Ebbene, finalmente scopriremo questo “pesante” segreto!
La causa della preoccupazione del bel duca è la sua sorellina, una giovane a cui l’uomo è molto legato e che ha subito una brutta umiliazione.
Il pensiero di non essere riuscito a salvare Elizabeth è per Hugh un tarlo, un chiodo fisso che determina le sue azioni e che lo porterà a incontrare Amelia Quinton.
Amelia è una giovane romantica, entusiasta del suo fidanzamento con un uomo che conosce da poco, ma che sembra avere tutte le qualità e tutti i pregi che mai avrebbe sperato di trovare in un marito. I suoi sogni vengono bruscamente interrotti quando il padre, senza troppe spiegazioni, la obbliga a sposare Hugh in maniera frettolosa e anti-convenzionale. Come potrebbe un matrimonio tra due persone che non si conoscono, tramutarsi in un rapporto d’amicizia? Amelia potrebbe mai provare affetto per l’uomo che l’ha allontanata da colui che credeva il suo vero amore?
Se avete voglia di una lettura piacevole, con dosi abbondanti di passione e romanticismo, i libri di Jess Michaels sono sempre un’ottima garanzia.
Rispetto ai precedenti romanzi vediamo un po’ meno gli altri membri del club, perché Hugh e Amelia sono due protagonisti che hanno molto da raccontare e capaci di brillare in piena autonomia. Mi è piaciuta davvero molto anche la sotto-trama incentrata su Elizabeth, un personaggio descritto in poche righe ma ben delineato e talmente tenero che certamente mi piacerebbe approfondire.
Chissà che l’autrice non ci riservi qualche piacevole sorpresa… io, non so perché, ma ho la sensazione che la rivedremo!
Nel romanzo, ancora una volta, risaltano e hanno ampio spazio argomenti e concetti non banali, come l’importanza di avere qualcuno su cui poter contare nei momenti in cui tutto sembra andare storto, la solidità familiare, l’amicizia e soprattutto l’amore fraterno. Questo conferma il fatto che pur trattandosi di un romance d’evasione, la lettura non è priva di contenuti o di spunti per la riflessione.
Infine, a mio parere, una nota di merito va fatta a Isabella Nanni, che con la sua abile traduzione, ci ha donato di una lettura affascinante, raccontata in modo fluido e scorrevole.
.
Vanilla_91 - per RFS
.
Care fenici,
è con immenso piacere che ho letto in anteprima Il duca bugiardo, l’ottavo libro della serie Il club del 1797.
Questa volta il nostro protagonista è Hugh, duca di Brighthollow, che negli ultimi romanzi abbiamo conosciuto (attraverso gli occhi dei suoi amici) come un uomo gentile e allegro, ma profondamente tormentato da qualcosa di inspiegato. Ebbene, finalmente scopriremo questo “pesante” segreto!
La causa della preoccupazione del bel duca è la sua sorellina, una giovane a cui l’uomo è molto legato e che ha subito una brutta umiliazione.
Il pensiero di non essere riuscito a salvare Elizabeth è per Hugh un tarlo, un chiodo fisso che determina le sue azioni e che lo porterà a incontrare Amelia Quinton.
Amelia è una giovane romantica, entusiasta del suo fidanzamento con un uomo che conosce da poco, ma che sembra avere tutte le qualità e tutti i pregi che mai avrebbe sperato di trovare in un marito. I suoi sogni vengono bruscamente interrotti quando il padre, senza troppe spiegazioni, la obbliga a sposare Hugh in maniera frettolosa e anti-convenzionale. Come potrebbe un matrimonio tra due persone che non si conoscono, tramutarsi in un rapporto d’amicizia? Amelia potrebbe mai provare affetto per l’uomo che l’ha allontanata da colui che credeva il suo vero amore?
Se avete voglia di una lettura piacevole, con dosi abbondanti di passione e romanticismo, i libri di Jess Michaels sono sempre un’ottima garanzia.
Rispetto ai precedenti romanzi vediamo un po’ meno gli altri membri del club, perché Hugh e Amelia sono due protagonisti che hanno molto da raccontare e capaci di brillare in piena autonomia. Mi è piaciuta davvero molto anche la sotto-trama incentrata su Elizabeth, un personaggio descritto in poche righe ma ben delineato e talmente tenero che certamente mi piacerebbe approfondire.
Chissà che l’autrice non ci riservi qualche piacevole sorpresa… io, non so perché, ma ho la sensazione che la rivedremo!
Nel romanzo, ancora una volta, risaltano e hanno ampio spazio argomenti e concetti non banali, come l’importanza di avere qualcuno su cui poter contare nei momenti in cui tutto sembra andare storto, la solidità familiare, l’amicizia e soprattutto l’amore fraterno. Questo conferma il fatto che pur trattandosi di un romance d’evasione, la lettura non è priva di contenuti o di spunti per la riflessione.
Infine, a mio parere, una nota di merito va fatta a Isabella Nanni, che con la sua abile traduzione, ci ha donato di una lettura affascinante, raccontata in modo fluido e scorrevole.
July 16, 2018
Hugh Margolis, the Duke of Brighthollow a year ago he stopped his sister Elizabeth "Lizzie" from eloping with Aaron Walters, but he wasn't in time to save her from complete ruin. To save his sister, he agrees to pay an outrageous sum to Walters in exchange for his silence - but Lizzie is heartbroken and refuses to partake in a season, Hugh is at a loss, he can't tell anyone what happened so has no idea how to help her. His guilt and shame have caused him to distance himself from his closest friends and have weighed on him. Finally, Lucas confronts him and refuses to be put off. Hugh shares the secret with him and his wife Diana and learns that Walters has selected a new victim.
Amelia Quinton, daughter of Viscount Quinton is in love and has accepted the marriage proposal of Aaron Walters, but her father drops a bomb and shatters her heart - she will have to marry Hugh, as he bought her father's debts and will ruin him if she refuses. She agrees, but makes it clear, she hates Hugh.
Hugh is upset by the lies, but to save Amelia (and Lizzie) he will accept her hatred, he likes Amelia and hopes they can eventually have a comfortable marriage - what he wasn't prepared for is the intense attraction he feels for her.
Amelia is just as confused, she wants to hate him and can't understand how she could desire the man who ruined her life - but her nature is sweet and forgiving, so she decides to try and make the best of her marriage and is extremely willing to explore the carnal with Hugh.
After their wedding, they travel to Brighthollow, Amelia is beginning to realize Hugh is not the monster she thought, she likes him and wants to make her marriage work, but she also knows he is holding something back from her. She meets Lizzie and immediately hits it off with her - for the first time in her life, she feels like a part of something and allows herself to fall for Hugh.
For his part, Hugh is in love with Amelia, she is perfect for him and this makes him feel even worse about keeping secrets and letting her believe lies. But can he trust her with the truth? When Lizzie confines her secret to Amelia, Hugh knows he must tell her everything and hope that she will forgive him, but he is afraid of losing her and delays the conversation - but has he waited too long?
This was a well written, fast paced, chock full of lies, secrets, likable characters, unlikable villains, steamy love scenes, a bit of action, cameos from the other dukes and their wives, a little heartache and a very sweet HEA. I liked the story, but I will admit, I found the "lie" plot a little contrived and didn't quite believe that his "lies" were as bad as they were built up to be.
This is the eighth book in the series, but it could easily be read as a stand alone title. I would be happy to recommend it.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*
Amelia Quinton, daughter of Viscount Quinton is in love and has accepted the marriage proposal of Aaron Walters, but her father drops a bomb and shatters her heart - she will have to marry Hugh, as he bought her father's debts and will ruin him if she refuses. She agrees, but makes it clear, she hates Hugh.
Hugh is upset by the lies, but to save Amelia (and Lizzie) he will accept her hatred, he likes Amelia and hopes they can eventually have a comfortable marriage - what he wasn't prepared for is the intense attraction he feels for her.
Amelia is just as confused, she wants to hate him and can't understand how she could desire the man who ruined her life - but her nature is sweet and forgiving, so she decides to try and make the best of her marriage and is extremely willing to explore the carnal with Hugh.
After their wedding, they travel to Brighthollow, Amelia is beginning to realize Hugh is not the monster she thought, she likes him and wants to make her marriage work, but she also knows he is holding something back from her. She meets Lizzie and immediately hits it off with her - for the first time in her life, she feels like a part of something and allows herself to fall for Hugh.
For his part, Hugh is in love with Amelia, she is perfect for him and this makes him feel even worse about keeping secrets and letting her believe lies. But can he trust her with the truth? When Lizzie confines her secret to Amelia, Hugh knows he must tell her everything and hope that she will forgive him, but he is afraid of losing her and delays the conversation - but has he waited too long?
This was a well written, fast paced, chock full of lies, secrets, likable characters, unlikable villains, steamy love scenes, a bit of action, cameos from the other dukes and their wives, a little heartache and a very sweet HEA. I liked the story, but I will admit, I found the "lie" plot a little contrived and didn't quite believe that his "lies" were as bad as they were built up to be.
This is the eighth book in the series, but it could easily be read as a stand alone title. I would be happy to recommend it.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*
January 20, 2022
https://emozionidicarta2020.blogspot....
La signorina Amelia Quinton, dopo un corteggiamento lampo da parte di Aaron Walter, si fidanza e accetta la sua proposta di matrimonio, non sta più nella pelle, non vede l'ora di poter festeggiare per farlo sapere a tutti i suoi amici, è innamorata di quel Gentiluomo molto romantico e premuroso, i suoi modi gentili la fanno sentire felice e non vede l'ora di sposarlo.
«Non sono mai stata baciata, sai. Ma all’inizio è stato gentile e poi... è andato fuori controllo, e all’improvviso sono stata trascinata in mare. Sapevo che sarei annegata e non m’importava affatto.»
Hugh Margolis, Duca di Brighthollow, dopo la fuga della sua sorellina Lizzi con un furfante, per evitare uno scandalo cede al suo ricatto dandogli del denaro per sparire dalle loro vite, dopo più di un anno scopre che sta portando a termine un altro imbroglio ai danni di Amelia. A causa del profondo senso di colpa per non aver protetto la sua sorellina, che per la vergogna si è trasferita nella residenza in campagna per proteggere la sua reputazione, sente di dover fare qualcosa per salvare un'altra donna dalle mire di quel mascalzone, e solo con una bugia può riuscirci.
I piani di Amelia di sposarsi per amore vanno in frantumi quando il padre le comunica che deve sposare il Duca di Brighthollow visto che ha comprato tutti i suoi debiti, disprezza quell'uomo che gli sta rovinando la vita, è un uomo freddo, e il solo fatto che stia ricattando il padre la disgusta, lo odia per aver interferito nella sua vita, vede in lui un uomo spregevole, ma quando sono vicini il suo corpo reagisce in modo inaspettato suscitando delle sensazioni mai provate prima.
"Quell’uomo tenebroso e pericoloso, così diverso da Aaron Walters, suscitava in lei strani sentimenti. E non erano del tutto sgradevoli."
Dopo il matrimonio tra i due si scatena una passione travolgente e, man mano che si conoscono, anche i sentimenti che provano iniziano a crescere, finché Amelia non scopre che Hugh non è stato sincero con lei, tutto ciò che sa è che ha mentito su tutto.
Quale sarà la sua reazione?
Riuscirà a perdonarlo?
«Ti meriti ogni briciola di emozione che provi, Amelia. Me la merito anch’io. Quindi, se riversarmela addosso ti aiuta, non mi opporrò. Ma spero che lascerai la porta aperta all’idea che non sono l’orco che credi. Almeno non completamente.»
Amelia è stata un aiuto molto importante per l'autostima di Lizzie e per la sua ripresa, spero di poter leggere la sua storia in futuro.
La presenza di Lucas e Diana e il loro aiuto è stato fondamentale, e come sempre tutti i Duchi del club 1797 sono stati presenti insieme alle loro Duchesse sempre pronti a proteggersi uno con l'altro.
Un libro dolce ed emozionante, Hugh è un uomo buono, onesto, dolce e pieno di sensi di colpa.
Amelia è una donna con tanto bisogno di essere amata e di trovare finalmente la sua casa, e quella casa è tra le braccia di Hugh.
Due personaggi straordinari, le scene hot come sempre sono incandescenti, ancora una volta Jess Michaels mi ha emozionato e dopo 8 libri è riuscita ancora a lasciare il segno.
Complimenti a lei e complimenti all'ottima traduzione di Isabella Nanni, non vedo l'ora di conoscere la storia del Duca del desiderio.
Ringrazio l'autrice per la copia ARC
La signorina Amelia Quinton, dopo un corteggiamento lampo da parte di Aaron Walter, si fidanza e accetta la sua proposta di matrimonio, non sta più nella pelle, non vede l'ora di poter festeggiare per farlo sapere a tutti i suoi amici, è innamorata di quel Gentiluomo molto romantico e premuroso, i suoi modi gentili la fanno sentire felice e non vede l'ora di sposarlo.
«Non sono mai stata baciata, sai. Ma all’inizio è stato gentile e poi... è andato fuori controllo, e all’improvviso sono stata trascinata in mare. Sapevo che sarei annegata e non m’importava affatto.»
Hugh Margolis, Duca di Brighthollow, dopo la fuga della sua sorellina Lizzi con un furfante, per evitare uno scandalo cede al suo ricatto dandogli del denaro per sparire dalle loro vite, dopo più di un anno scopre che sta portando a termine un altro imbroglio ai danni di Amelia. A causa del profondo senso di colpa per non aver protetto la sua sorellina, che per la vergogna si è trasferita nella residenza in campagna per proteggere la sua reputazione, sente di dover fare qualcosa per salvare un'altra donna dalle mire di quel mascalzone, e solo con una bugia può riuscirci.
I piani di Amelia di sposarsi per amore vanno in frantumi quando il padre le comunica che deve sposare il Duca di Brighthollow visto che ha comprato tutti i suoi debiti, disprezza quell'uomo che gli sta rovinando la vita, è un uomo freddo, e il solo fatto che stia ricattando il padre la disgusta, lo odia per aver interferito nella sua vita, vede in lui un uomo spregevole, ma quando sono vicini il suo corpo reagisce in modo inaspettato suscitando delle sensazioni mai provate prima.
"Quell’uomo tenebroso e pericoloso, così diverso da Aaron Walters, suscitava in lei strani sentimenti. E non erano del tutto sgradevoli."
Dopo il matrimonio tra i due si scatena una passione travolgente e, man mano che si conoscono, anche i sentimenti che provano iniziano a crescere, finché Amelia non scopre che Hugh non è stato sincero con lei, tutto ciò che sa è che ha mentito su tutto.
Quale sarà la sua reazione?
Riuscirà a perdonarlo?
«Ti meriti ogni briciola di emozione che provi, Amelia. Me la merito anch’io. Quindi, se riversarmela addosso ti aiuta, non mi opporrò. Ma spero che lascerai la porta aperta all’idea che non sono l’orco che credi. Almeno non completamente.»
Amelia è stata un aiuto molto importante per l'autostima di Lizzie e per la sua ripresa, spero di poter leggere la sua storia in futuro.
La presenza di Lucas e Diana e il loro aiuto è stato fondamentale, e come sempre tutti i Duchi del club 1797 sono stati presenti insieme alle loro Duchesse sempre pronti a proteggersi uno con l'altro.
Un libro dolce ed emozionante, Hugh è un uomo buono, onesto, dolce e pieno di sensi di colpa.
Amelia è una donna con tanto bisogno di essere amata e di trovare finalmente la sua casa, e quella casa è tra le braccia di Hugh.
Due personaggi straordinari, le scene hot come sempre sono incandescenti, ancora una volta Jess Michaels mi ha emozionato e dopo 8 libri è riuscita ancora a lasciare il segno.
Complimenti a lei e complimenti all'ottima traduzione di Isabella Nanni, non vedo l'ora di conoscere la storia del Duca del desiderio.
Ringrazio l'autrice per la copia ARC
August 3, 2018
'She loved someone else, his greatest enemy!'
Initially, I was not so sure that Hugh Margolis, Duke of Brighthollow lied enough to earn him the moniker the 'Duke Who Lied.' After all he was only trying to protect his sister from the vicious tongues of the ton.
In protecting his sister Hugh,
'lived the last year regretting that [he] did not thwart [the blackguard] as he deserved.” “And fearing he would do exactly what it appears he’s done...find another victim.”'
So the problem for Hugh comes when the man who seduced his sister renters society and turns his eyes to another innocent, Miss Amelia Quinton.
Unfortunately for Amelia, her father welcomes the scoundrel's suit seeing it as a step up the ladder of society. Hugh is thrown into a quandary, only relieved when Amelia's father calls Hugh's bluff and Hugh finds himself engaged to Amelia. After all, a wealthy Duke trumps a mere gentleman. Amelia is horrified as she has set her heart on the seemingly romantic winsome man she feels she truly loves, the black hearted villain, Aaron Walters. Amelia has been used as a bargaining chip to move the family into more rarified circles.
And that's whereby not revealing the truth about Walters, Hugh has lied by default, the sin of silence. As time goes on Hugh just doesn't know how to come clean.
We are treated to a tangled web of half truths and silences that have two people (clearly meant for each other) horrified by their impending nuptials--even when they're not!
Of course, the rest of the Dukes and Duchesses of the 1797 Club, look on with heavy, but supportive hearts, wanting for Hugh what they have found--true love!
Getting to the HEA is an interestingly rocky path strewn with good intentions gone awry, giving us the delicious tensions that Michaels so aptly employs.
A NetGalley ARC
Initially, I was not so sure that Hugh Margolis, Duke of Brighthollow lied enough to earn him the moniker the 'Duke Who Lied.' After all he was only trying to protect his sister from the vicious tongues of the ton.
In protecting his sister Hugh,
'lived the last year regretting that [he] did not thwart [the blackguard] as he deserved.” “And fearing he would do exactly what it appears he’s done...find another victim.”'
So the problem for Hugh comes when the man who seduced his sister renters society and turns his eyes to another innocent, Miss Amelia Quinton.
Unfortunately for Amelia, her father welcomes the scoundrel's suit seeing it as a step up the ladder of society. Hugh is thrown into a quandary, only relieved when Amelia's father calls Hugh's bluff and Hugh finds himself engaged to Amelia. After all, a wealthy Duke trumps a mere gentleman. Amelia is horrified as she has set her heart on the seemingly romantic winsome man she feels she truly loves, the black hearted villain, Aaron Walters. Amelia has been used as a bargaining chip to move the family into more rarified circles.
And that's whereby not revealing the truth about Walters, Hugh has lied by default, the sin of silence. As time goes on Hugh just doesn't know how to come clean.
We are treated to a tangled web of half truths and silences that have two people (clearly meant for each other) horrified by their impending nuptials--even when they're not!
Of course, the rest of the Dukes and Duchesses of the 1797 Club, look on with heavy, but supportive hearts, wanting for Hugh what they have found--true love!
Getting to the HEA is an interestingly rocky path strewn with good intentions gone awry, giving us the delicious tensions that Michaels so aptly employs.
A NetGalley ARC
July 4, 2018
This is the 5th book that I have read from the 1797 Club series and yes i'm a little behind as this is book 8, but I have found that it doesn't matter which book you start with you can just as easily read them as if it were the first. Ewan from The Silent Duke has been my favorite of the Dukes so far but after reading The Duke Who Lied, Hugh Margolis Duke of Brighthollow has become a firm favorite too.
Hugh is a character with many sides, he is a strong protector of his sister Lizzie and cares for her deeply, but also he is seen to have a far too serious and stern expression on his face for most of the time that only leads people especially Amelia Quinton who would become his unwilling bride to think that he is a cad and will be an uncaring husband.
Amelia is a little naive and fanciful, she is so desperate for love and so easily deceived into thinking her suitor has her best interests at heart. Having said that she is a very strong willed young woman that even though she accepts her fate she tries to make the best of things by making her lot in life suit her needs.
I really love how Jess Michaels weaves a story that can enchant and captivate your imagination, she makes her characters so likeable and believable and she writes a plot that has you gripped from the very first page. This book was such a wonderful read that I found it hard to stop reading the next chapter after I had finished the one before. It's definitely a page turner with plenty of plot twists and secrets that made for a very exciting story and the romantic love scenes between Hugh and Amelia were sensual but very tasteful. I totally adored this book.
A brilliant 5 Stars!
Hugh is a character with many sides, he is a strong protector of his sister Lizzie and cares for her deeply, but also he is seen to have a far too serious and stern expression on his face for most of the time that only leads people especially Amelia Quinton who would become his unwilling bride to think that he is a cad and will be an uncaring husband.
Amelia is a little naive and fanciful, she is so desperate for love and so easily deceived into thinking her suitor has her best interests at heart. Having said that she is a very strong willed young woman that even though she accepts her fate she tries to make the best of things by making her lot in life suit her needs.
I really love how Jess Michaels weaves a story that can enchant and captivate your imagination, she makes her characters so likeable and believable and she writes a plot that has you gripped from the very first page. This book was such a wonderful read that I found it hard to stop reading the next chapter after I had finished the one before. It's definitely a page turner with plenty of plot twists and secrets that made for a very exciting story and the romantic love scenes between Hugh and Amelia were sensual but very tasteful. I totally adored this book.
A brilliant 5 Stars!
July 5, 2018
What’s eating Hugh!? Time to finally find out!
Jess Michaels never lets me down. Every single book by her is fantastic. This series is my favorite of hers so far, and this latest installment is no different.
I LOVE forced/rushed/arranged marriage stories. They’re my absolute favorite. Alternately, I HATE stories where the couple’s problems could all be solved with one simple, honest conversation. JUST TALK TO HER! *I screech at my kindle*. However, Hugh has a very good reason for not just talking to her (though he lets it go on far too long, in my opinion. I wanted to slap him!). My heart bled for Hugh and his struggles. He has to face some inner struggles I don’t think I could handle. He will get through them with the love and support of his friends.
This story was full of adventure, suspense, romance, and of course, sizzling passion. The characters are lovely creations. I absolutely adore the emotional depth Jess gives her characters. Of course, this story is loaded with appearances by all of our old favorites. This band of brothers have swept me wholeheartedly into their club, and I don’t ever want to leave.
The only thing I can think now is, What’s eating Robert!? Well, not the only thing. I also don’t want to get to Kit’s story. I want it so much because I love him so hard, but I don’t want his father to die. He’s the best and last daddy, and his days are numbered. *sniff*. It’s an inevitable tragedy I would rather ignore! (not enough to skip it, I’m totally reading that one on release day!)
Jess Michaels never lets me down. Every single book by her is fantastic. This series is my favorite of hers so far, and this latest installment is no different.
I LOVE forced/rushed/arranged marriage stories. They’re my absolute favorite. Alternately, I HATE stories where the couple’s problems could all be solved with one simple, honest conversation. JUST TALK TO HER! *I screech at my kindle*. However, Hugh has a very good reason for not just talking to her (though he lets it go on far too long, in my opinion. I wanted to slap him!). My heart bled for Hugh and his struggles. He has to face some inner struggles I don’t think I could handle. He will get through them with the love and support of his friends.
This story was full of adventure, suspense, romance, and of course, sizzling passion. The characters are lovely creations. I absolutely adore the emotional depth Jess gives her characters. Of course, this story is loaded with appearances by all of our old favorites. This band of brothers have swept me wholeheartedly into their club, and I don’t ever want to leave.
The only thing I can think now is, What’s eating Robert!? Well, not the only thing. I also don’t want to get to Kit’s story. I want it so much because I love him so hard, but I don’t want his father to die. He’s the best and last daddy, and his days are numbered. *sniff*. It’s an inevitable tragedy I would rather ignore! (not enough to skip it, I’m totally reading that one on release day!)
July 24, 2018
Oh yes, this is a great story I could not put down! Jess Michaels, in her usual fashion, pulls you in from the start and keeps you turning the pages until the end. Amelia Quinton was in love and all set to marry Aaron Walters when her father takes the offer of Hugh, Duke of Brighthollow. Not understanding and totally unhappy she marries Hugh with no other choice. But as the two meet each other, there is a definite attraction and sparks fly. You see Hugh really rescued Amelia from making a big mistake marrying the blackguard Walters, who ruined his sister Lizzie. Of course she does not know that and as she and Hugh grow close, Hugh begins to feel bad about keeping secrets from her.
This story is a fast paced and full of secrets, lies, intrigue and some wonderful emotions and very likable characters. I think this may be my favorite of this series, but it can be read as a standalone. But trust me, you will want to read them all!!
This story is a fast paced and full of secrets, lies, intrigue and some wonderful emotions and very likable characters. I think this may be my favorite of this series, but it can be read as a standalone. But trust me, you will want to read them all!!
August 5, 2018
The Duke Who Lied by Jess Michaels is book 8 in The 1797 Club Series. This is the story of Hugh Margolis, Duke of Brighthollow and Amelia Quinton. I have read the previous books, but feel you can make this a standalone book if you wish to do so.
Amelia thinks herself in love with Aaron Walters and thinks that they will marry. But then her father tells her that he owes money to Hugh and that she will marry him instead. Hugh's sister Lizzie was taken in by Aaron Walters a few years back and was ruined by the man. Hugh paid Mr. Walters a large sum of money to keep things to himself to protect his sister but now Hugh found Mr. Walters about to do something again. Hugh rushes in and marries Amelia under lies so Amelia is at first very upset and tries to hate Hugh but that starts to become impossible. Hugh also has growing feelings for Amelia now but how will she feels when she learns the truth?
Loved their story!
Amelia thinks herself in love with Aaron Walters and thinks that they will marry. But then her father tells her that he owes money to Hugh and that she will marry him instead. Hugh's sister Lizzie was taken in by Aaron Walters a few years back and was ruined by the man. Hugh paid Mr. Walters a large sum of money to keep things to himself to protect his sister but now Hugh found Mr. Walters about to do something again. Hugh rushes in and marries Amelia under lies so Amelia is at first very upset and tries to hate Hugh but that starts to become impossible. Hugh also has growing feelings for Amelia now but how will she feels when she learns the truth?
Loved their story!
July 27, 2018
I think Hugh, the Duke of Brighthollow, is one of my favorites in the series. He’s brooding, cold and gruff, but truly every bit the hero. A super nice guy that carries a lot of hurt and regret inside, but just wants to make amends. I felt for Amelia and wanted to see her find a HEA, but a tad disappointed she didn’t give Hugh more credit. Still, a beautiful love story. This series by Jess Michaels is fabulous!
July 24, 2018
I received this book for free from Netgalley in order to prepare an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
"So Amelia would come to Hugh with hate and desperation. With heartbreak and resistance."
FINAL DECISION: A solid addition to the series. I enjoyed the characters but the lie that sets their relationship in motion and the secret Hugh is keeping didn't work well enough to support the plot of the story for me.
THE STORY: Hugh Margolis, Duke of Brighthollow, has been suffering with his own sense of honor. His sister was seduced by a wicked man and Hugh found himself keeping silent and paying the man off rather than seeking revenge. This lack of action has been eating at Hugh for a year. Now Hugh discovers that the villain is after his next victim. Hugh cannot allow him to ruin another woman's life. Amelia Quinton thinks she has found the man of her dreams, when her father tells her she must marry the Duke of Brighthollow to settle his debts. Amelia and Hugh begin a marriage with lies and deception between them. What will happen when the two strangers begin to have feelings for one another with the lies Hugh told to force the marriage between them?
OPINION: The characters in this book were really nice. I liked them both and I thought that they had a nice rapport with one another. I book is as sexy as I would expect from this series and overall I enjoyed this entry in the series.
The part of this book that really bothered me was how quickly Amelia turned to trying to make her marriage to Hugh a good one. I just wasn't convinced. She was too quick to think Hugh a good person and too quick to want and participate in a passionate marriage. A woman is forced to wed a complete stranger and only days later is taking the initiative in their sexual relationship. Nope, just didn't work for me. I did enjoy the characters and only wish that the initial part of their relationship had been dealt with differently.
I also really didn't understand why Hugh kept the secret after he and Amelia were married and continued to lie. He clearly could have told her the truth and it would have made their relationship better. Without the buy in to the storyline, everything else felt okay but a little bland.
WORTH MENTIONING: I want the story of Hugh's sister as well.
CONNECTED BOOKS: THE DUKE WHO LIED is the eighth book in the 1797 Club series. This book can be read as a standalone although there are overlapping characters and relationships between secondary characters that are developed over the series.
STAR RATING: I give this book 3 stars.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley in order to help prepare this review. I was not required to write a review or to write a positive review. All opinions contained herein are my own.
This review was originally posted on Top10RomanceBooks.com
"So Amelia would come to Hugh with hate and desperation. With heartbreak and resistance."
FINAL DECISION: A solid addition to the series. I enjoyed the characters but the lie that sets their relationship in motion and the secret Hugh is keeping didn't work well enough to support the plot of the story for me.
THE STORY: Hugh Margolis, Duke of Brighthollow, has been suffering with his own sense of honor. His sister was seduced by a wicked man and Hugh found himself keeping silent and paying the man off rather than seeking revenge. This lack of action has been eating at Hugh for a year. Now Hugh discovers that the villain is after his next victim. Hugh cannot allow him to ruin another woman's life. Amelia Quinton thinks she has found the man of her dreams, when her father tells her she must marry the Duke of Brighthollow to settle his debts. Amelia and Hugh begin a marriage with lies and deception between them. What will happen when the two strangers begin to have feelings for one another with the lies Hugh told to force the marriage between them?
OPINION: The characters in this book were really nice. I liked them both and I thought that they had a nice rapport with one another. I book is as sexy as I would expect from this series and overall I enjoyed this entry in the series.
The part of this book that really bothered me was how quickly Amelia turned to trying to make her marriage to Hugh a good one. I just wasn't convinced. She was too quick to think Hugh a good person and too quick to want and participate in a passionate marriage. A woman is forced to wed a complete stranger and only days later is taking the initiative in their sexual relationship. Nope, just didn't work for me. I did enjoy the characters and only wish that the initial part of their relationship had been dealt with differently.
I also really didn't understand why Hugh kept the secret after he and Amelia were married and continued to lie. He clearly could have told her the truth and it would have made their relationship better. Without the buy in to the storyline, everything else felt okay but a little bland.
WORTH MENTIONING: I want the story of Hugh's sister as well.
CONNECTED BOOKS: THE DUKE WHO LIED is the eighth book in the 1797 Club series. This book can be read as a standalone although there are overlapping characters and relationships between secondary characters that are developed over the series.
STAR RATING: I give this book 3 stars.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley in order to help prepare this review. I was not required to write a review or to write a positive review. All opinions contained herein are my own.
This review was originally posted on Top10RomanceBooks.com
July 26, 2018
What is it about this series that makes you want to go back to book one with every new release? All the while making you want to know more about the next as you finish the current one? There have been eight of them till now, and each has been as good if not better than the previous. It says while buying the book that this one can be read as a ‘standalone’ novel… but I truly suggest you DO NOT. Because if you do, you will not only miss out on the previous gems in this series … you will also miss out on good stories and miss out on knowing the previous Dukes, each of whom has been sculpted by Jess Michaels to perfection … flawed but perfect.
This story of Hugh has been awaited for seven long books … he grows in your heart and intrigue as you go over the series and when his book does come along … you will not be able to wait even a second before rushing through your copy to know the answer to the question eating you - what’s eating Hugh??? He does full justice to the way this character has been built up in the previous books, and the credit goes to Jess Michaels, as he emerges as the strong hero that he was always meant to be. What is commendable is that every Duke (all ten of them) has been crafted beautifully, step by step over each book, to culminate in each story and it is as if you have ‘known’ each of them all along .. that they have been with you through your journey of the 1797 Club. Hugh is your usual HR hero and a Duke to boot, but nothing about this book is 'usual'.
Each book in this series is eagerly awaited and so so hard to put away till you finish. Such is the magic of Jess Michaels with this series. From James to now Hugh, she just has you in her spell with the incredible stories she weaves around these characters.
A forced marriage brings Amelia and Hugh together and, yes, sparks or should I say FLAMES fly. Through secrets and betrayals and hurt they do find each other and love. The misunderstandings and lies are thankfully not stretched out and prolonged, and end just as soon as they began … of course, maybe it felt that way, so effortless is the style of writing.
And not just this one book, with an impeccable track record of eight prefect stories, Jess Michaels has well and truly aced this one series. Go for the entire series instead of just a standalone book .. you will not be disappointed. Unless only for the disappointment of waiting for the next one .. like so many other readers, I’m sure.
Brava Jess! I don’t know if I am terribly excited for Robert’s and Kit’s books or just terribly upset that it will all end with them!
This story of Hugh has been awaited for seven long books … he grows in your heart and intrigue as you go over the series and when his book does come along … you will not be able to wait even a second before rushing through your copy to know the answer to the question eating you - what’s eating Hugh??? He does full justice to the way this character has been built up in the previous books, and the credit goes to Jess Michaels, as he emerges as the strong hero that he was always meant to be. What is commendable is that every Duke (all ten of them) has been crafted beautifully, step by step over each book, to culminate in each story and it is as if you have ‘known’ each of them all along .. that they have been with you through your journey of the 1797 Club. Hugh is your usual HR hero and a Duke to boot, but nothing about this book is 'usual'.
Each book in this series is eagerly awaited and so so hard to put away till you finish. Such is the magic of Jess Michaels with this series. From James to now Hugh, she just has you in her spell with the incredible stories she weaves around these characters.
A forced marriage brings Amelia and Hugh together and, yes, sparks or should I say FLAMES fly. Through secrets and betrayals and hurt they do find each other and love. The misunderstandings and lies are thankfully not stretched out and prolonged, and end just as soon as they began … of course, maybe it felt that way, so effortless is the style of writing.
And not just this one book, with an impeccable track record of eight prefect stories, Jess Michaels has well and truly aced this one series. Go for the entire series instead of just a standalone book .. you will not be disappointed. Unless only for the disappointment of waiting for the next one .. like so many other readers, I’m sure.
Brava Jess! I don’t know if I am terribly excited for Robert’s and Kit’s books or just terribly upset that it will all end with them!
July 21, 2018
I was leery of this book thinking that the hero, Hugh Margolis, Duke of Brighthollow, would be beta male and too soft for any heroine. I should have known that Jess Michaels always writes the best characters and Hugh was no exception.
A protector through and through, Hugh has been the knight in shining armor to his young sister. He doesn’t see it that way as his sister was seduced by an evil man under his watch. When that same man sets his sights on another victim, Hugh feels he must act.
Miss Amelia Quinton is excited to announce her engagement to the man of her dreams. Before she can do so, her father announces that she will marry another to get ensure his debts will be paid. Her life is turned upside down and she is quickly married off to the Duke of Brighthollow.
Amelia is willing to give her marriage a try and soon she begins to see another side to Hugh, one she likes very much.
When the lie he has been keeping about who her former fiancé was to him, will she be able to trust that she is more than a way to avenge his sister?
I loved this story and Hugh and Amelia were the perfect pairing. I do hope Lizzie gets her own romance soon!
A protector through and through, Hugh has been the knight in shining armor to his young sister. He doesn’t see it that way as his sister was seduced by an evil man under his watch. When that same man sets his sights on another victim, Hugh feels he must act.
Miss Amelia Quinton is excited to announce her engagement to the man of her dreams. Before she can do so, her father announces that she will marry another to get ensure his debts will be paid. Her life is turned upside down and she is quickly married off to the Duke of Brighthollow.
Amelia is willing to give her marriage a try and soon she begins to see another side to Hugh, one she likes very much.
When the lie he has been keeping about who her former fiancé was to him, will she be able to trust that she is more than a way to avenge his sister?
I loved this story and Hugh and Amelia were the perfect pairing. I do hope Lizzie gets her own romance soon!
July 26, 2018
Loved it
There is a fine line between love and hate. I love a book that has an antagonist start and ends in love. Everything Hugh does is for love of his young sister, whom he has raised. To keep her from ruin, he paid a large some of money to keep the man who ruined her quiet. But he can’t let that man do it to another young lady. When he finds out that the man has his sights set on marriage to another innocent heiress, he steps in. But he can’t divulge the true reason to keep Amelia from marriage so he marries her himself. Unfortunately, she doesn’t want to marry him, but her father lies and she is forced into the marriage. She starts out despising Hugh, but soon finds him to be an exceptionally honest and good man. However, when is it a good time to confess the lies he has been telling Amelia? All the books in The 1797 series are fantastic reads. I highly recommend.
There is a fine line between love and hate. I love a book that has an antagonist start and ends in love. Everything Hugh does is for love of his young sister, whom he has raised. To keep her from ruin, he paid a large some of money to keep the man who ruined her quiet. But he can’t let that man do it to another young lady. When he finds out that the man has his sights set on marriage to another innocent heiress, he steps in. But he can’t divulge the true reason to keep Amelia from marriage so he marries her himself. Unfortunately, she doesn’t want to marry him, but her father lies and she is forced into the marriage. She starts out despising Hugh, but soon finds him to be an exceptionally honest and good man. However, when is it a good time to confess the lies he has been telling Amelia? All the books in The 1797 series are fantastic reads. I highly recommend.
July 24, 2018
Karma gets a hand from a vengeful Duke and his unwitting muse. For the love of family Hugh is willing to risk everything. Unfortunately in his haste to avenge, the ultimate cost could be his heart. Michaels begins with a conspiracy and ends with unforgettable romance. From ugliness blooms beauty. In a stunning twist the damsel becomes the savior. The Duke Who Lied is a wonderful tale of redemption that fires up the soul.
July 21, 2018
The Duke Who Lied by Jess Michaels
1797 Club #8
Hugh’s sister Lizzie was taken in by a charmer and saved by her brother. When Hugh finds out that another woman may soon be married to the vile man he tries to warn her father and finds said father to be less than impressed with Hugh’s concerns. With the feeling of guilt over his sister and not wanting Amelia to suffer his sister’s fate he…marries Amelia. Yes, that is correct, he marries a woman he does not know and does not love to save her from the man who seduced his sister.
Amelia is not thrilled with the turn her life has taken on the marriage mart but with her father pushing her toward Hugh she does as told and marries a man that she does not love and perhaps even feels hate for. She soon finds that tiny attraction she feels for Hugh might grow into more and provide a good marriage for both of them.
I was not sold on Hugh’s idea to marry Amelia but was happy he felt interest in her beauty and had desire for her. I also felt Amelia was rather pragmatic in her view of marriage and wanting to make the best of what she perceived to be a bad situation. I thought that Amelia’s actions were sometimes not well thought through and that she was lucky Hugh was keeping an eye on her. I felt the book unfolded in a sequence that was highly believable and the relationship that developed between Hugh and Amelia was believable. I am not sure that their three day break was necessary but the HEA at the end was just right. I did feel sorry for Lizzie and hope she will get a book of her own in the future and be provided with a HEA of her own.
Ten teens at boarding school form a club to assist one another as they grow into their positions of being dukes one day - The 1997 Club - this series is already plotted out to have ten volumes starring the ten who form the club. I am sad to think that there are only two more books to read – one about Robert and the last about Christopher/Kit.
Did I like this book? Definitely
Will I read more of this author’s books? Definitely
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
1797 Club #8
Hugh’s sister Lizzie was taken in by a charmer and saved by her brother. When Hugh finds out that another woman may soon be married to the vile man he tries to warn her father and finds said father to be less than impressed with Hugh’s concerns. With the feeling of guilt over his sister and not wanting Amelia to suffer his sister’s fate he…marries Amelia. Yes, that is correct, he marries a woman he does not know and does not love to save her from the man who seduced his sister.
Amelia is not thrilled with the turn her life has taken on the marriage mart but with her father pushing her toward Hugh she does as told and marries a man that she does not love and perhaps even feels hate for. She soon finds that tiny attraction she feels for Hugh might grow into more and provide a good marriage for both of them.
I was not sold on Hugh’s idea to marry Amelia but was happy he felt interest in her beauty and had desire for her. I also felt Amelia was rather pragmatic in her view of marriage and wanting to make the best of what she perceived to be a bad situation. I thought that Amelia’s actions were sometimes not well thought through and that she was lucky Hugh was keeping an eye on her. I felt the book unfolded in a sequence that was highly believable and the relationship that developed between Hugh and Amelia was believable. I am not sure that their three day break was necessary but the HEA at the end was just right. I did feel sorry for Lizzie and hope she will get a book of her own in the future and be provided with a HEA of her own.
Ten teens at boarding school form a club to assist one another as they grow into their positions of being dukes one day - The 1997 Club - this series is already plotted out to have ten volumes starring the ten who form the club. I am sad to think that there are only two more books to read – one about Robert and the last about Christopher/Kit.
Did I like this book? Definitely
Will I read more of this author’s books? Definitely
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
July 14, 2018
4.5 Stars
Hugh Margolis, Duke of Brighthollow, has been keeping a secret that eats him up inside. His beloved sister Lizzie, was seduced and nearly ruined by a wicked man Aaron Walters . The trauma sent her into exile and to protect her reputation Hugh paid Walters to stay quiet. But now the ‘gentleman’ is back in Society and recently engaged to another lady. Miss Amelia Quinton cannot believe her luck. After a whirlwind courtship, she has just become engaged to Aaron Walters and now she’s looking forward to a true love match. Only all her plans come to a screeching halt when her father announces she is now to marry the Duke of Brighthollow because he owns her father’s debts.
This is the eighth book in the series & once again it’s an enthralling engrossing read which I read in under a day. Hugh has been in the background in the previous books & now comes into his own plus we get to know Robert a little more. Whilst I loved this book & adore the series this wasn’t my favourite book, I felt the ending was rushed & seemed to end abruptly. The characters are always well portrayed & the pae flowed effortlessly. Hugh was attracted to Amelia from their first meeting & soon fell in love but Amelia whilst attracted to Hugh didn’t like him at all but then had to reverse her opinion of him only to have it shattered again, I’m looking forward to Robert’s story & then at last it will be the one I’m desperate for Kit’s story
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Hugh Margolis, Duke of Brighthollow, has been keeping a secret that eats him up inside. His beloved sister Lizzie, was seduced and nearly ruined by a wicked man Aaron Walters . The trauma sent her into exile and to protect her reputation Hugh paid Walters to stay quiet. But now the ‘gentleman’ is back in Society and recently engaged to another lady. Miss Amelia Quinton cannot believe her luck. After a whirlwind courtship, she has just become engaged to Aaron Walters and now she’s looking forward to a true love match. Only all her plans come to a screeching halt when her father announces she is now to marry the Duke of Brighthollow because he owns her father’s debts.
This is the eighth book in the series & once again it’s an enthralling engrossing read which I read in under a day. Hugh has been in the background in the previous books & now comes into his own plus we get to know Robert a little more. Whilst I loved this book & adore the series this wasn’t my favourite book, I felt the ending was rushed & seemed to end abruptly. The characters are always well portrayed & the pae flowed effortlessly. Hugh was attracted to Amelia from their first meeting & soon fell in love but Amelia whilst attracted to Hugh didn’t like him at all but then had to reverse her opinion of him only to have it shattered again, I’m looking forward to Robert’s story & then at last it will be the one I’m desperate for Kit’s story
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
August 11, 2019
Disclaimer: I am shockingly new to the romance genre in general, and seemed to have randomly stumbled into a historical romance binge during my much larger historical obsession.
Pros: A really thoughtful heroine with a "let me adjust to it" attitude (which is so awesome and refreshing), the romance was OTP-worthy, both the hero and the heroine, wonderful angst, fun female friendships, tropes I randomly love
Cons: nothing that struck me enough to remember
Pros: A really thoughtful heroine with a "let me adjust to it" attitude (which is so awesome and refreshing), the romance was OTP-worthy, both the hero and the heroine, wonderful angst, fun female friendships, tropes I randomly love
Cons: nothing that struck me enough to remember
July 24, 2018
Yet another excellent story in this series. The characters of Hugh and Amelia were very engaging. I liked the fact that Amelia was much stronger than she seemed at first. Hugh was torn between telling Amelia the truth and protecting his sister. I loved the way all the other duchesses and dukes helped them, Diana, in particular. I’m looking forward to the next in the series. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 27, 2022
Recensione completa sul ❤️ "Blog Romance Non-Stop"❤️.
Come per tutti gli altri libri della serie, aspettavo con trepidazione la lettura di questo - l'ottavo -, e la storia di Hugh Margolis, Duca di Brighthollow, come sempre accennata nel volume precedente, ovviamente non mi ha delusa.
C'è una differenza, però, dal mio punto di vista, che lo distingue dai precedenti: l'impronta erotica, seppur presente e appassionata, è marginale, come lo sono le figure degli altri duchi che, nei passati volumi, erano più partecipi, perché, per mantenere il segreto che protegge sua sorella, Hugh ha tenuto a distanza tutti. L'unico a scalfire il muro che ha innalzato intorno a sé è il suo miglior amico, Lucas Vincent, Duca di Willowby, e, di conseguenza, sua moglie Diana - protagonisti de "Un duca in incognito (Il Club Del 1797 Vol. 6)".
Hugh e Amelia sono praticamente i protagonisti assoluti della storia.
Alla morte dei genitori, Hugh, appena ventunenne, si è caricato delle responsabilità del ducato, soprattutto, dell'educazione e del benessere della sorellina, Elizabeth - Lizzie -, una bambina di appena otto anni, alla quale è legato da un profondo affetto.
𝙋𝙚𝙧 𝙢𝙤𝙡𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙚𝙢𝙥𝙤 𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙤 𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙖𝙩𝙞 𝙖𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙞 𝙫𝙤𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙤𝙨𝙞 𝙗𝙚𝙣𝙚 𝙚 𝙙𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙤 𝙨𝙚𝙢𝙥𝙧𝙚 𝙥𝙞ù 𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙞. 𝙇𝙪𝙞 𝙚𝙧𝙖 𝙢𝙤𝙡𝙩𝙤 𝙤𝙧𝙜𝙤𝙜𝙡𝙞𝙤𝙨𝙤 𝙙𝙞 𝙡𝙚𝙞, 𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙘𝙝é 𝙚𝙧𝙖 𝙪𝙣𝙖 𝙜𝙞𝙤𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙚 𝙙𝙤𝙣𝙣𝙖 𝙗𝙚𝙣 𝙚𝙙𝙪𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙖. 𝙀𝙙 𝙚𝙧𝙖 𝙨𝙚𝙢𝙥𝙧𝙚 𝙤𝙗𝙗𝙚𝙙𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙚 𝙚 𝙙𝙤𝙡𝙘𝙚.
𝙁𝙞𝙣𝙤 𝙖 𝙦𝙪𝙖𝙡𝙘𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙚𝙨𝙚 𝙥𝙧𝙞𝙢𝙖. 𝘼 𝙨𝙚𝙙𝙞𝙘𝙞 𝙖𝙣𝙣𝙞 𝙚𝙧𝙖 𝙙𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙖 𝙪𝙣 𝙥𝙤’ 𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙚𝙧𝙫𝙖𝙩𝙖, 𝙪𝙣 𝙥𝙤’ 𝙛𝙪𝙧𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙖. 𝙇𝙪𝙞 𝙣𝙤𝙣 𝙘𝙞 𝙖𝙫𝙚𝙫𝙖 𝙙𝙖𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙤𝙡𝙩𝙤 𝙥𝙚𝙨𝙤. 𝘿𝙤𝙥𝙤 𝙩𝙪𝙩𝙩𝙤, 𝙡𝙖 𝙢𝙖𝙜𝙜𝙞𝙤𝙧 𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙚 𝙙𝙚𝙞 𝙧𝙖𝙜𝙖𝙯𝙯𝙞𝙣𝙞 𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙖𝙫𝙖 𝙪𝙣𝙖 𝙛𝙖𝙨𝙚 𝙙𝙞𝙛𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙞𝙡𝙚, 𝙤 𝙖𝙡𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙤 𝙘𝙤𝙨ì 𝙜𝙡𝙞 𝙖𝙫𝙚𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙤 𝙙𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙤 𝙞 𝙨𝙪𝙤𝙞 𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙘𝙞.
In realtà Lizzie è stata circuita da un manigoldo, Aaron Walters, che, approfittando della giovane età della ragazza e della sua innocenza, l'ha sedotta con l'intenzione di sposarla per appropriarsi della sua eredità; ma l'intervento di Hugh gliel'ha impedito, e dietro un lauto compenso il farabutto manterrà il silenzio sulla loro fuga: la reputazione di Lizzie è salva.
Hugh, oppresso dai sensi di colpa per non aver protetto la sorella, non avendo punito l'uomo che tanto l'ha ferita, è amareggiato e soffre molto per lei.
...
Lizzie è determinata, si è allontanata da tutto, il dolore e la vergogna che prova l'hanno indotta a rinchiudersi nella tenuta di campagna a Brighthollow e rifugge qualunque rapporto sociale.
...
Ma Hugh conosce la felicità che l'amore porta con sé, lo vede riflesso negli occhi e nei modi dei suoi amici, ormai quasi tutti sposati.
...
A distanza di un anno, Walters è riapparso in società e si sta per fidanzare; Hugh, che non è riuscito a proteggere Lizzie e vuole salvare Amelia Quinton - la giovane che corre lo stesso pericolo -, prende una decisione all'apparenza sconsiderata.
...
Anche se a malincuore, Amelia, che non ha mai goduto dell'affetto dei genitori, accetta la volontà del padre, l'unica famiglia che le è rimasta dalla morte della madre, ma si pone un'infinità di domande; è intelligente e attenta ai particolari, non capisce alcune discrepanze nel carattere dello sposo, a volte premuroso altre distaccato, distante, sembra che l'unico legame che li unisce sia quello che provano i loro corpi, affamati del contatto reciproco.
Hugh è sempre più coinvolto dalla bellissima giovane che ha sposato.
𝙇𝙖 𝙡𝙪𝙘𝙚 𝙘𝙝𝙚 𝘼𝙢𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙖 𝙘𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙖 𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙩à 𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙖𝙫𝙖 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙪𝙩𝙩𝙤 𝙡𝙤 𝙛𝙚𝙘𝙚 𝙨𝙤𝙧𝙧𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙚. 𝙎𝙞 𝙚𝙧𝙖 𝙨𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙖𝙡𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙚 𝙘𝙪𝙥𝙤 𝙥𝙚𝙧 𝙘𝙤𝙨ì 𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙚𝙢𝙥𝙤 𝙘𝙝𝙚 𝙡𝙖 𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙫𝙖𝙫𝙖 𝙦𝙪𝙖𝙨𝙞 𝙖𝙘𝙘𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙚. 𝙈𝙖 𝙣𝙤𝙣 𝙥𝙤𝙩𝙚𝙫𝙖 𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙖𝙘𝙘𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙤.
𝘼𝙢𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙖, 𝙞𝙣𝙫𝙚𝙘𝙚, 𝙨𝙘𝙤𝙧𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙖 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙞 𝙧𝙪𝙨𝙘𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙞 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙣𝙤 𝙖 𝙘𝙖𝙨𝙖 𝙨𝙪𝙖. 𝙍𝙞𝙪𝙨𝙘𝙞𝙫𝙖 𝙖 𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙘𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙞 𝙚 𝙖 𝙜𝙞𝙧𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙚 𝙖 𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙚 𝙞𝙡 𝙢𝙚𝙜𝙡𝙞𝙤 𝙙𝙖 𝙩𝙪𝙩𝙩𝙤. 𝙀𝙧𝙖 𝙦𝙪𝙖𝙡𝙘𝙤𝙨𝙖 𝙘𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙖𝙫𝙖 𝙙𝙞 𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙨𝙩𝙪𝙙𝙞𝙖𝙩𝙤.
I troppi lati oscuri di Hugh rischiano di rovinare quello che Amelia cerca di costruire. A poco a poco, però, la giovane penetra il riserbo del marito, ma le menzogne sulle quali poggia il loro matrimonio e un'oscura minaccia scuotono la già incerta unione.
Jess Michaels, scrivendo in terza persona, supportata dalla traduzione, come sempre impeccabile, di Isabella Nanni, racconta una storia intima e coinvolgente, i cui protagonisti sono figure onorevoli, positive. Entrambi mi sono piaciuti molto: la forza e la purezza di cuore, l'attenzione che ripone verso coloro che ama, la capacità di comprendere di Amelia sono affini all'onore e al coraggio di Hugh, alla sua generosità, alla protezione che riserva al suo bene supremo, Lizzie, alla disponibilità nei confronti della giovane moglie, alla quale, a poco a poco, permette di vedere oltre la corazza di cui si è avvolto.
E poi ci sono Lucas e Diana, ma soprattutto c'è Elizabeth, forte e risoluta più di quanto immagini ella stessa, un soggetto molto interessante del quale, mi auguro, l'autrice scriverà in seguito, per farcela conoscere a fondo e per raccontare la sua crescita, il suo futuro.
𝙇𝙚𝙞 𝙨𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙫ò 𝙡𝙚𝙜𝙜𝙚𝙧𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙚 𝙞𝙡 𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙤, 𝙚 𝙡𝙪𝙞 𝙨𝙤𝙧𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙚, 𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙘𝙝é 𝙫𝙚𝙙𝙚𝙫𝙖 𝙞𝙣 𝙡𝙚𝙞 𝙡𝙖 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙯𝙖 𝙙𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙖 𝙡𝙤𝙧𝙤 𝙢𝙖𝙙𝙧𝙚, 𝙙𝙖 𝙩𝙚𝙢𝙥𝙤 𝙨𝙚𝙥𝙤𝙡𝙩𝙖 𝙞𝙣 𝙪𝙣𝙖 𝙛𝙧𝙚𝙙𝙙𝙖 𝙩𝙤𝙢𝙗𝙖 𝙖𝙘𝙘𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙖𝙡 𝙢𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙤. 𝙌𝙪𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙤 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙫𝙚𝙙𝙚𝙫𝙖 𝙡𝙚 𝙨𝙪𝙚 𝙛𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙯𝙯𝙚 𝙨𝙪𝙡 𝙫𝙤𝙡𝙩𝙤 𝙙𝙞 𝙇𝙞𝙯𝙯𝙞𝙚, 𝙜𝙡𝙞 𝙨𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙫𝙖𝙫𝙖 𝙨𝙚𝙢𝙥𝙧𝙚 𝙞𝙡 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙖𝙡𝙚.
Il libro è bello, a me è piaciuto molto e lo consiglio caldamente a chi già conosce Jess Michaels ma anche a coloro che si apprestano alla sua lettura per la prima volta. A questi ultimi faccio un'avvertenza: lo apprezzerete veramente solo se non disdegnate le scene calde, il suo tocco sempre hot.
Come per tutti gli altri libri della serie, aspettavo con trepidazione la lettura di questo - l'ottavo -, e la storia di Hugh Margolis, Duca di Brighthollow, come sempre accennata nel volume precedente, ovviamente non mi ha delusa.
C'è una differenza, però, dal mio punto di vista, che lo distingue dai precedenti: l'impronta erotica, seppur presente e appassionata, è marginale, come lo sono le figure degli altri duchi che, nei passati volumi, erano più partecipi, perché, per mantenere il segreto che protegge sua sorella, Hugh ha tenuto a distanza tutti. L'unico a scalfire il muro che ha innalzato intorno a sé è il suo miglior amico, Lucas Vincent, Duca di Willowby, e, di conseguenza, sua moglie Diana - protagonisti de "Un duca in incognito (Il Club Del 1797 Vol. 6)".
Hugh e Amelia sono praticamente i protagonisti assoluti della storia.
Alla morte dei genitori, Hugh, appena ventunenne, si è caricato delle responsabilità del ducato, soprattutto, dell'educazione e del benessere della sorellina, Elizabeth - Lizzie -, una bambina di appena otto anni, alla quale è legato da un profondo affetto.
𝙋𝙚𝙧 𝙢𝙤𝙡𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙚𝙢𝙥𝙤 𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙤 𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙖𝙩𝙞 𝙖𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙞 𝙫𝙤𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙤𝙨𝙞 𝙗𝙚𝙣𝙚 𝙚 𝙙𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙤 𝙨𝙚𝙢𝙥𝙧𝙚 𝙥𝙞ù 𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙞. 𝙇𝙪𝙞 𝙚𝙧𝙖 𝙢𝙤𝙡𝙩𝙤 𝙤𝙧𝙜𝙤𝙜𝙡𝙞𝙤𝙨𝙤 𝙙𝙞 𝙡𝙚𝙞, 𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙘𝙝é 𝙚𝙧𝙖 𝙪𝙣𝙖 𝙜𝙞𝙤𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙚 𝙙𝙤𝙣𝙣𝙖 𝙗𝙚𝙣 𝙚𝙙𝙪𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙖. 𝙀𝙙 𝙚𝙧𝙖 𝙨𝙚𝙢𝙥𝙧𝙚 𝙤𝙗𝙗𝙚𝙙𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙚 𝙚 𝙙𝙤𝙡𝙘𝙚.
𝙁𝙞𝙣𝙤 𝙖 𝙦𝙪𝙖𝙡𝙘𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙚𝙨𝙚 𝙥𝙧𝙞𝙢𝙖. 𝘼 𝙨𝙚𝙙𝙞𝙘𝙞 𝙖𝙣𝙣𝙞 𝙚𝙧𝙖 𝙙𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙖 𝙪𝙣 𝙥𝙤’ 𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙚𝙧𝙫𝙖𝙩𝙖, 𝙪𝙣 𝙥𝙤’ 𝙛𝙪𝙧𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙖. 𝙇𝙪𝙞 𝙣𝙤𝙣 𝙘𝙞 𝙖𝙫𝙚𝙫𝙖 𝙙𝙖𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙤𝙡𝙩𝙤 𝙥𝙚𝙨𝙤. 𝘿𝙤𝙥𝙤 𝙩𝙪𝙩𝙩𝙤, 𝙡𝙖 𝙢𝙖𝙜𝙜𝙞𝙤𝙧 𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙚 𝙙𝙚𝙞 𝙧𝙖𝙜𝙖𝙯𝙯𝙞𝙣𝙞 𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙖𝙫𝙖 𝙪𝙣𝙖 𝙛𝙖𝙨𝙚 𝙙𝙞𝙛𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙞𝙡𝙚, 𝙤 𝙖𝙡𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙤 𝙘𝙤𝙨ì 𝙜𝙡𝙞 𝙖𝙫𝙚𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙤 𝙙𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙤 𝙞 𝙨𝙪𝙤𝙞 𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙘𝙞.
In realtà Lizzie è stata circuita da un manigoldo, Aaron Walters, che, approfittando della giovane età della ragazza e della sua innocenza, l'ha sedotta con l'intenzione di sposarla per appropriarsi della sua eredità; ma l'intervento di Hugh gliel'ha impedito, e dietro un lauto compenso il farabutto manterrà il silenzio sulla loro fuga: la reputazione di Lizzie è salva.
Hugh, oppresso dai sensi di colpa per non aver protetto la sorella, non avendo punito l'uomo che tanto l'ha ferita, è amareggiato e soffre molto per lei.
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Lizzie è determinata, si è allontanata da tutto, il dolore e la vergogna che prova l'hanno indotta a rinchiudersi nella tenuta di campagna a Brighthollow e rifugge qualunque rapporto sociale.
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Ma Hugh conosce la felicità che l'amore porta con sé, lo vede riflesso negli occhi e nei modi dei suoi amici, ormai quasi tutti sposati.
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A distanza di un anno, Walters è riapparso in società e si sta per fidanzare; Hugh, che non è riuscito a proteggere Lizzie e vuole salvare Amelia Quinton - la giovane che corre lo stesso pericolo -, prende una decisione all'apparenza sconsiderata.
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Anche se a malincuore, Amelia, che non ha mai goduto dell'affetto dei genitori, accetta la volontà del padre, l'unica famiglia che le è rimasta dalla morte della madre, ma si pone un'infinità di domande; è intelligente e attenta ai particolari, non capisce alcune discrepanze nel carattere dello sposo, a volte premuroso altre distaccato, distante, sembra che l'unico legame che li unisce sia quello che provano i loro corpi, affamati del contatto reciproco.
Hugh è sempre più coinvolto dalla bellissima giovane che ha sposato.
𝙇𝙖 𝙡𝙪𝙘𝙚 𝙘𝙝𝙚 𝘼𝙢𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙖 𝙘𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙖 𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙩à 𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙖𝙫𝙖 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙪𝙩𝙩𝙤 𝙡𝙤 𝙛𝙚𝙘𝙚 𝙨𝙤𝙧𝙧𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙚. 𝙎𝙞 𝙚𝙧𝙖 𝙨𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙖𝙡𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙚 𝙘𝙪𝙥𝙤 𝙥𝙚𝙧 𝙘𝙤𝙨ì 𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙚𝙢𝙥𝙤 𝙘𝙝𝙚 𝙡𝙖 𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙫𝙖𝙫𝙖 𝙦𝙪𝙖𝙨𝙞 𝙖𝙘𝙘𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙚. 𝙈𝙖 𝙣𝙤𝙣 𝙥𝙤𝙩𝙚𝙫𝙖 𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙖𝙘𝙘𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙤.
𝘼𝙢𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙖, 𝙞𝙣𝙫𝙚𝙘𝙚, 𝙨𝙘𝙤𝙧𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙖 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙞 𝙧𝙪𝙨𝙘𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙞 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙣𝙤 𝙖 𝙘𝙖𝙨𝙖 𝙨𝙪𝙖. 𝙍𝙞𝙪𝙨𝙘𝙞𝙫𝙖 𝙖 𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙘𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙞 𝙚 𝙖 𝙜𝙞𝙧𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙚 𝙖 𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙚 𝙞𝙡 𝙢𝙚𝙜𝙡𝙞𝙤 𝙙𝙖 𝙩𝙪𝙩𝙩𝙤. 𝙀𝙧𝙖 𝙦𝙪𝙖𝙡𝙘𝙤𝙨𝙖 𝙘𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙖𝙫𝙖 𝙙𝙞 𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙨𝙩𝙪𝙙𝙞𝙖𝙩𝙤.
I troppi lati oscuri di Hugh rischiano di rovinare quello che Amelia cerca di costruire. A poco a poco, però, la giovane penetra il riserbo del marito, ma le menzogne sulle quali poggia il loro matrimonio e un'oscura minaccia scuotono la già incerta unione.
Jess Michaels, scrivendo in terza persona, supportata dalla traduzione, come sempre impeccabile, di Isabella Nanni, racconta una storia intima e coinvolgente, i cui protagonisti sono figure onorevoli, positive. Entrambi mi sono piaciuti molto: la forza e la purezza di cuore, l'attenzione che ripone verso coloro che ama, la capacità di comprendere di Amelia sono affini all'onore e al coraggio di Hugh, alla sua generosità, alla protezione che riserva al suo bene supremo, Lizzie, alla disponibilità nei confronti della giovane moglie, alla quale, a poco a poco, permette di vedere oltre la corazza di cui si è avvolto.
E poi ci sono Lucas e Diana, ma soprattutto c'è Elizabeth, forte e risoluta più di quanto immagini ella stessa, un soggetto molto interessante del quale, mi auguro, l'autrice scriverà in seguito, per farcela conoscere a fondo e per raccontare la sua crescita, il suo futuro.
𝙇𝙚𝙞 𝙨𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙫ò 𝙡𝙚𝙜𝙜𝙚𝙧𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙚 𝙞𝙡 𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙤, 𝙚 𝙡𝙪𝙞 𝙨𝙤𝙧𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙚, 𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙘𝙝é 𝙫𝙚𝙙𝙚𝙫𝙖 𝙞𝙣 𝙡𝙚𝙞 𝙡𝙖 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙯𝙖 𝙙𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙖 𝙡𝙤𝙧𝙤 𝙢𝙖𝙙𝙧𝙚, 𝙙𝙖 𝙩𝙚𝙢𝙥𝙤 𝙨𝙚𝙥𝙤𝙡𝙩𝙖 𝙞𝙣 𝙪𝙣𝙖 𝙛𝙧𝙚𝙙𝙙𝙖 𝙩𝙤𝙢𝙗𝙖 𝙖𝙘𝙘𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙖𝙡 𝙢𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙤. 𝙌𝙪𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙤 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙫𝙚𝙙𝙚𝙫𝙖 𝙡𝙚 𝙨𝙪𝙚 𝙛𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙯𝙯𝙚 𝙨𝙪𝙡 𝙫𝙤𝙡𝙩𝙤 𝙙𝙞 𝙇𝙞𝙯𝙯𝙞𝙚, 𝙜𝙡𝙞 𝙨𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙫𝙖𝙫𝙖 𝙨𝙚𝙢𝙥𝙧𝙚 𝙞𝙡 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙖𝙡𝙚.
Il libro è bello, a me è piaciuto molto e lo consiglio caldamente a chi già conosce Jess Michaels ma anche a coloro che si apprestano alla sua lettura per la prima volta. A questi ultimi faccio un'avvertenza: lo apprezzerete veramente solo se non disdegnate le scene calde, il suo tocco sempre hot.
January 13, 2022
Recensione per il blog "A libro aperto".
Siam giunti, ahimè, già all’ottavo capitolo della serie “Il club del 1797” e comincia a venirmi un po’ di malinconia. È stato infatti un viaggio straordinario quello che ci ha fatto fare Jess Michaels, e insieme a lei la Nanni che ringrazio per aver tradotto questi splendidi romanzi che altrimenti non mi sarei potuta gustare. Questa serie è straordinaria per più di un motivo: presenta eroi ed eroine accattivanti, storie molto diverse ma tutte intriganti e coinvolgenti; coppie dalla chimica pazzesca e intrecci che non finiscono mai di stupire. Mi aspettavo, sono sincera, che questo capitolo fosse un po’ interlocutorio, diciamo una pausa sicuramente piacevole in attesa però dei fuochi di artificio che verranno con gli ultimi due duchi, Robert e Kit. Non era semplice il compito di Hugh: veniva dopo Tyndale, che ho amato molto e prima di Robert, il simpatico libertino alla cui conversione amorosa non vedo l’ora di assistere; invece Hugh mi ha davvero sorpreso. Si è dimostrato un personaggio straordinario, capace di un altruismo e un’abnegazione molto intensi e forti. Lui ha una sorella minore di cui si è sempre occupato con amore ma nonostante tutto non è riuscito a risparmiarle la rovina, a sedici anni, a causa di un mascalzone. Venendo a sapere che quel lestofante intende colpire ancora, il duca non trova altra soluzione che sposare la sua prossima vittima, Amelia, una ragazza dolce ma ancora molto inesperta nelle questioni amorose, caduta anche lei preda di quel “gentiluomo” pericoloso.
Ovviamente, non potendo rivelare la verità all’innocente ragazza, Hugh le dice delle menzogne e la costringe al matrimonio quasi con il ricatto. Non è quindi sotto i migliori auspici che nasce quell’unione eppure Hugh sorprenderà oltre a noi anche la sua giovane sposa. D’altronde un uomo di tali valori, rettitudine morale e generosità non può lasciare indifferenti. L’inizio sarò scoppiettante: la rabbia e l’odio si mescoleranno al desiderio e all’attrazione. Ma la passione riuscirà a tenere unita la coppia? E cosa succederà quando Amelia conoscerà davvero i segreti del suo affascinante ma enigmatico marito?
Un romanzo davvero molto bello, che ho preferito addirittura al precedente: scorrevole, appassionante, la trama cattura fin da subito e si legge tutto d’un fiato, con grande curiosità di scoprire come l’autrice dipanerà la matassa intricata che ha costruito. La coppia, come ho già detto, è molto ben amalgamata: ottima la chimica tra loro e interessante anche la caratterizzazione dei personaggi.
Amelia è la degna compagna di Hugh: anche lei rivelerà una natura molto generosa e sarà bellissimo il rapporto che costruirà con la sua giovane cognata. A proposito della sorella di Hugh, ho scoperto che la Michaels ha scritto un romanzo in cui l’ha resa protagonista e spero che arrivi in Italia: voglio leggere il suo lieto fine perché lo merita così come suo fratello merita la pace e di dimenticare il brutto episodio del passato di cui non ha alcuna colpa. In questo romanzo, come in tutti i precedenti, tornano ovviamente tutti i duchi e le loro duchesse ed è sempre bello ritrovarli e leggere come procedono le loro storie. Insomma, da capitolo di mezzo quale credevo che fosse, questo romanzo si colloca invece sul mio podio personale, superando anche le storie di duchi ben più blasonati e conosciuti di Hugh. Il bello di una grande autrice è quello di riuscire sempre a colpire il lettore e a non annoiarlo mai.
E ora sono ancora più in trepida attesa del gran finale, certa che non sarò delusa. Le poche pagine anticipate dalla scrittrice mi hanno già incuriosito oltre misura. Il duca bugiardo è quindi una lettura consigliatissima, soprattutto a chi ama gli storici sensuali e appassionati; non fatevi scoraggiare dal fatto che sia l’ottavo della serie, sono storie che si possono leggere anche l’una indipendentemente dall’altra; le trame particolari non si assomigliano ma ognuna convince per peculiarità diverse. Sono certa che letta una, poi non potrete non aver voglia e curiosità di recuperare anche le altre. 5 stelline per Amelia e Hugh. In attesa di quel mascalzone di Robert. Io adoro i libertini, soprattutto quelli pentiti.
Siam giunti, ahimè, già all’ottavo capitolo della serie “Il club del 1797” e comincia a venirmi un po’ di malinconia. È stato infatti un viaggio straordinario quello che ci ha fatto fare Jess Michaels, e insieme a lei la Nanni che ringrazio per aver tradotto questi splendidi romanzi che altrimenti non mi sarei potuta gustare. Questa serie è straordinaria per più di un motivo: presenta eroi ed eroine accattivanti, storie molto diverse ma tutte intriganti e coinvolgenti; coppie dalla chimica pazzesca e intrecci che non finiscono mai di stupire. Mi aspettavo, sono sincera, che questo capitolo fosse un po’ interlocutorio, diciamo una pausa sicuramente piacevole in attesa però dei fuochi di artificio che verranno con gli ultimi due duchi, Robert e Kit. Non era semplice il compito di Hugh: veniva dopo Tyndale, che ho amato molto e prima di Robert, il simpatico libertino alla cui conversione amorosa non vedo l’ora di assistere; invece Hugh mi ha davvero sorpreso. Si è dimostrato un personaggio straordinario, capace di un altruismo e un’abnegazione molto intensi e forti. Lui ha una sorella minore di cui si è sempre occupato con amore ma nonostante tutto non è riuscito a risparmiarle la rovina, a sedici anni, a causa di un mascalzone. Venendo a sapere che quel lestofante intende colpire ancora, il duca non trova altra soluzione che sposare la sua prossima vittima, Amelia, una ragazza dolce ma ancora molto inesperta nelle questioni amorose, caduta anche lei preda di quel “gentiluomo” pericoloso.
Ovviamente, non potendo rivelare la verità all’innocente ragazza, Hugh le dice delle menzogne e la costringe al matrimonio quasi con il ricatto. Non è quindi sotto i migliori auspici che nasce quell’unione eppure Hugh sorprenderà oltre a noi anche la sua giovane sposa. D’altronde un uomo di tali valori, rettitudine morale e generosità non può lasciare indifferenti. L’inizio sarò scoppiettante: la rabbia e l’odio si mescoleranno al desiderio e all’attrazione. Ma la passione riuscirà a tenere unita la coppia? E cosa succederà quando Amelia conoscerà davvero i segreti del suo affascinante ma enigmatico marito?
Un romanzo davvero molto bello, che ho preferito addirittura al precedente: scorrevole, appassionante, la trama cattura fin da subito e si legge tutto d’un fiato, con grande curiosità di scoprire come l’autrice dipanerà la matassa intricata che ha costruito. La coppia, come ho già detto, è molto ben amalgamata: ottima la chimica tra loro e interessante anche la caratterizzazione dei personaggi.
Amelia è la degna compagna di Hugh: anche lei rivelerà una natura molto generosa e sarà bellissimo il rapporto che costruirà con la sua giovane cognata. A proposito della sorella di Hugh, ho scoperto che la Michaels ha scritto un romanzo in cui l’ha resa protagonista e spero che arrivi in Italia: voglio leggere il suo lieto fine perché lo merita così come suo fratello merita la pace e di dimenticare il brutto episodio del passato di cui non ha alcuna colpa. In questo romanzo, come in tutti i precedenti, tornano ovviamente tutti i duchi e le loro duchesse ed è sempre bello ritrovarli e leggere come procedono le loro storie. Insomma, da capitolo di mezzo quale credevo che fosse, questo romanzo si colloca invece sul mio podio personale, superando anche le storie di duchi ben più blasonati e conosciuti di Hugh. Il bello di una grande autrice è quello di riuscire sempre a colpire il lettore e a non annoiarlo mai.
E ora sono ancora più in trepida attesa del gran finale, certa che non sarò delusa. Le poche pagine anticipate dalla scrittrice mi hanno già incuriosito oltre misura. Il duca bugiardo è quindi una lettura consigliatissima, soprattutto a chi ama gli storici sensuali e appassionati; non fatevi scoraggiare dal fatto che sia l’ottavo della serie, sono storie che si possono leggere anche l’una indipendentemente dall’altra; le trame particolari non si assomigliano ma ognuna convince per peculiarità diverse. Sono certa che letta una, poi non potrete non aver voglia e curiosità di recuperare anche le altre. 5 stelline per Amelia e Hugh. In attesa di quel mascalzone di Robert. Io adoro i libertini, soprattutto quelli pentiti.
February 4, 2022
Mi ripeto, ma ancora una volta non posso fare a meno di essere stupita, sono all’ottavo romanzo e la penna della Michaels ha ancora il potere di meravigliarmi con un altro capitolo della sua combriccola di duchi e duchesse.
Dopo sette romanzi la Michaels ci regala un’altra stupefacente storia: fino ad ora il mio duca preferito era Ewan Hoffstead, Duca di Donburrow, con i suoi silenzi pieni di parole d’amore.
Hugh Margolis, Duca di Brighthollow, mi ha letteralmente conquistata.
Anche in questo romanzo il club dei duchi è presente, il loro legame viene ricordato spesso, la loro forte amicizia fa da sfondo a tutta la narrazione, però non è così centrale come negli episodi precedenti.
A parte i protagonisti principali, molto presente la coppia Lucas - Diana, i duchi di Willowby, a cui è dedicato il sesto volume, anche se a farla da padrona, come già si è iniziato a vedere negli ultimi volumi, è il club delle duchesse.
“Osservava in distanza Amelia praticamente circondata dalla duchesse, quel gruppo collegiale di mogli dei suoi magnifici amici che al loro passaggio prendevano su chiunque gli piacesse”
“O stai semplicemente osservando quel ciclone che sono le mogli dei nostri amici?”
Hugh Margolis è un uomo che saprà sorprendervi, dietro una facciata da tenebroso e indecifrabile, severo e formale, in un’unica parola pericoloso, nasconde un cuore dolce e gentile, un lato che viene fuori in maniera forte quando si relaziona con la sua sorellina Lizzie.
“Dietro di lui c’era un uomo molto alto e dalle spalle larghe. Aveva i capelli legati all’indietro in un codino e gli occhi scuri concentrati davanti a sé. Aveva la bocca incurvata in una linea torva.”
Un vero paladino della giustizia e delle cause buone.
Amelia Quinton è la sua degna duchessa: una donna forte e determinata, onesta e piena di amore, anche verso chi sa che la sta usando, anche verso chi avrebbe dovuto amarla e proteggerla e non l’ha fatto. Una donna che sa prendere quello che la vita le pone davanti, affrontandolo con coraggio e cercandovi il bello.
“Amelia era molto di più del suo viso squisitamente bello. Era luce e intelligenza. Gentilezza e franchezza. Era tutto.”
E se la vita ti regala un duca come Hugh, beh forse ci si mette un po’, ma è impossibile non capire che non si poteva chiedere di più e se ci mettete che Amelia non è affatto stupida…
“E visto che questa è la vita che condurrò, sento che la scelta migliore è renderla una vita che voglio. Ci sono un bel po’ di cose di questa vita… di te… che lo rendono facile.”
Una storia che va letta per poter apprezzare quant’è importante l’amore, non solo quello fra uomo e donna, ma anche quello della famiglia e fra fratelli, un altro duca dal passato sofferto che troverà la pace grazie alla sua duchessa, la cui nobiltà non è data solo dalla nascita.
“A quel punto erano rimasti soli i suoi amici. I membri del loro club. Solo che aveva smesso di essere un club ed era diventato una famiglia”
Vi do appuntamento a presto con il prossimo capitolo, che aspetto con trepidazione visto che è dedicato al dissoluto e lussurioso Robert Smithton, duca di Roseford, il Duca del Desiderio.
Buona lettura e alla prossima.
5 coccole
Saluinadia
Dopo sette romanzi la Michaels ci regala un’altra stupefacente storia: fino ad ora il mio duca preferito era Ewan Hoffstead, Duca di Donburrow, con i suoi silenzi pieni di parole d’amore.
Hugh Margolis, Duca di Brighthollow, mi ha letteralmente conquistata.
Anche in questo romanzo il club dei duchi è presente, il loro legame viene ricordato spesso, la loro forte amicizia fa da sfondo a tutta la narrazione, però non è così centrale come negli episodi precedenti.
A parte i protagonisti principali, molto presente la coppia Lucas - Diana, i duchi di Willowby, a cui è dedicato il sesto volume, anche se a farla da padrona, come già si è iniziato a vedere negli ultimi volumi, è il club delle duchesse.
“Osservava in distanza Amelia praticamente circondata dalla duchesse, quel gruppo collegiale di mogli dei suoi magnifici amici che al loro passaggio prendevano su chiunque gli piacesse”
“O stai semplicemente osservando quel ciclone che sono le mogli dei nostri amici?”
Hugh Margolis è un uomo che saprà sorprendervi, dietro una facciata da tenebroso e indecifrabile, severo e formale, in un’unica parola pericoloso, nasconde un cuore dolce e gentile, un lato che viene fuori in maniera forte quando si relaziona con la sua sorellina Lizzie.
“Dietro di lui c’era un uomo molto alto e dalle spalle larghe. Aveva i capelli legati all’indietro in un codino e gli occhi scuri concentrati davanti a sé. Aveva la bocca incurvata in una linea torva.”
Un vero paladino della giustizia e delle cause buone.
Amelia Quinton è la sua degna duchessa: una donna forte e determinata, onesta e piena di amore, anche verso chi sa che la sta usando, anche verso chi avrebbe dovuto amarla e proteggerla e non l’ha fatto. Una donna che sa prendere quello che la vita le pone davanti, affrontandolo con coraggio e cercandovi il bello.
“Amelia era molto di più del suo viso squisitamente bello. Era luce e intelligenza. Gentilezza e franchezza. Era tutto.”
E se la vita ti regala un duca come Hugh, beh forse ci si mette un po’, ma è impossibile non capire che non si poteva chiedere di più e se ci mettete che Amelia non è affatto stupida…
“E visto che questa è la vita che condurrò, sento che la scelta migliore è renderla una vita che voglio. Ci sono un bel po’ di cose di questa vita… di te… che lo rendono facile.”
Una storia che va letta per poter apprezzare quant’è importante l’amore, non solo quello fra uomo e donna, ma anche quello della famiglia e fra fratelli, un altro duca dal passato sofferto che troverà la pace grazie alla sua duchessa, la cui nobiltà non è data solo dalla nascita.
“A quel punto erano rimasti soli i suoi amici. I membri del loro club. Solo che aveva smesso di essere un club ed era diventato una famiglia”
Vi do appuntamento a presto con il prossimo capitolo, che aspetto con trepidazione visto che è dedicato al dissoluto e lussurioso Robert Smithton, duca di Roseford, il Duca del Desiderio.
Buona lettura e alla prossima.
5 coccole
Saluinadia
February 19, 2019
I really like this historical romance series of ALL DUKES. The men in the informal 1797 Club are all destined to be dukes. They help each other in their darkest hours and help each other navigate their ducal responsibilities. They are the best of men and call each other friends and allies. A student at Braxton Academy in 1797, James founded the club with his two best friends Graham and Simon. They then asked Baldwin to join, and he’d brought his close family friend Matthew, and Matthew’s cousin Ewan who is mute. Then Lucas joined but he soon left London. Hugh and Robert joined next, and the last was Christopher who is the only one who hasn’t inherited his dukedom and is still an Earl.
The Duke Who Lied is the eighth book of ten in The 1797 Club series.
Prologue set in 1811. The story starts in London 1812. This is a well-paced historical romance that keeps the see-saw between desire and suspense very well balanced. I enjoyed the story immensely because the Hero and Heroine are both lovely likeable characters that carry the plot effortlessly. You gotta also love the Dukes and their wives in the 1797 Club for being a fun cast of secondary characters too.
The Daring Duke: 3+ stars (The Duke of Abernathe - James & Emma)
Her Favourite Duke: 4+ stars (The Duke of Crestwood - Simon & Margaret)
The Broken Duke: 5- stars (The Duke of Northfield - Graham & Adelaide)
The Silent Duke: 5- stars (The Duke of Donburrow - Ewan & Charlotte)
The Duke of Nothing: 2+ stars (The Duke of Sheffield- Baldwin & Helena)
The Undercover Duke: 5- stars (The Duke of Willowby - Lucas & Diana)
The Duke Who Lied: 5 stars (The Duke of Brighthollow - Hugh & Amelia)
Hugh Margolis, the Duke of Brighthollow, has been keeping a secret that eats him up inside. His beloved sister was seduced and nearly ruined by a wicked man. Hugh paid off the villain to protect her reputation and never did anything about it. But now the false gentleman is back in Society and Hugh is determined to thwart him. So far Hugh’s story is my favourite. Hugh is brooding, cold and gruff, but he’s every bit the protective Hero. Even though we see his good intentions in withholding the truth turn disastrous, it’s hard not to cheer him on for his very good heart.
Miss Amelia Quinton cannot believe her luck. After a whirlwind courtship, she is newly engaged to a charming gentleman in which she hopes is a true love match. All her plans come to a screeching halt when her father announces she is now to marry the Duke of Brighthollow.
Hugh and Amelia’s sexy times are intense and erotic. Their chemistry is palpable, and the attraction they share is obvious and easy throughout the book. I really liked their intimate scenes because of their connection.
Again, like in previous books, I saw quite a few typos.
I highly recommend this book. So far it’s my favourite.
I highly recommend this series.
The Duke Who Lied is the eighth book of ten in The 1797 Club series.
Prologue set in 1811. The story starts in London 1812. This is a well-paced historical romance that keeps the see-saw between desire and suspense very well balanced. I enjoyed the story immensely because the Hero and Heroine are both lovely likeable characters that carry the plot effortlessly. You gotta also love the Dukes and their wives in the 1797 Club for being a fun cast of secondary characters too.
The Daring Duke: 3+ stars (The Duke of Abernathe - James & Emma)
Her Favourite Duke: 4+ stars (The Duke of Crestwood - Simon & Margaret)
The Broken Duke: 5- stars (The Duke of Northfield - Graham & Adelaide)
The Silent Duke: 5- stars (The Duke of Donburrow - Ewan & Charlotte)
The Duke of Nothing: 2+ stars (The Duke of Sheffield- Baldwin & Helena)
The Undercover Duke: 5- stars (The Duke of Willowby - Lucas & Diana)
The Duke Who Lied: 5 stars (The Duke of Brighthollow - Hugh & Amelia)
Hugh Margolis, the Duke of Brighthollow, has been keeping a secret that eats him up inside. His beloved sister was seduced and nearly ruined by a wicked man. Hugh paid off the villain to protect her reputation and never did anything about it. But now the false gentleman is back in Society and Hugh is determined to thwart him. So far Hugh’s story is my favourite. Hugh is brooding, cold and gruff, but he’s every bit the protective Hero. Even though we see his good intentions in withholding the truth turn disastrous, it’s hard not to cheer him on for his very good heart.
Miss Amelia Quinton cannot believe her luck. After a whirlwind courtship, she is newly engaged to a charming gentleman in which she hopes is a true love match. All her plans come to a screeching halt when her father announces she is now to marry the Duke of Brighthollow.
Hugh and Amelia’s sexy times are intense and erotic. Their chemistry is palpable, and the attraction they share is obvious and easy throughout the book. I really liked their intimate scenes because of their connection.
Again, like in previous books, I saw quite a few typos.
I highly recommend this book. So far it’s my favourite.
I highly recommend this series.
July 24, 2018
Publisher's Description:
Hugh Margolis, Duke of Brighthollow, has been keeping a secret that eats him up inside. His beloved sister was seduced and nearly ruined by a wicked man. The trauma sent her into exile and to protect her reputation, he never did anything about it. But now the ‘gentleman’ is back in Society and recently engaged to another lady.
Miss Amelia Quinton cannot believe her luck. After a whirlwind courtship, she has just become engaged and now she’s looking forward to a true love match. Only all her plans come to a screeching halt when her father announces she is now to marry the Duke of Brighthollow because he owns her father’s debts.
Amelia is horrified, for Hugh is nothing like the sweet and gentle boy she wanted to marry. Only once their vows are said, passions flare and she begins to know the man better. Little by little, both their walls come down and feelings grow. Until she finds out he lied. Will Hugh ever tell her the truth and will it even matter by the time it’s all said and done?
My Thoughts:
I can hardly believe that this wonderful series is soon coming to an end. There are only two more books after this one and they have all been compelling reads.
This one starts with a bit of a different slant on the relationship between our couple. Amelia is certain she is in love. In fact she has become secretly betrothed.
Hugh is not her intended but with the help of her distraught father he soon replaces that man.
Amelia is certain that she can never be happy with her replacement groom but soon finds herself attracted to and then falling in love with him.
Can what starts out as a marriage based on lies and Hugh's need to save Amelia from a dastardly scoundrel end in love or will the lies and deception end their relationship?
This book was so good that I couldn't put it down.
I gave it 4.9 of 5.0 stars for storyline and character development and a sensual rating of 4.5 of 5.0 flames. The intimacy is well written and sexy.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this book from the author/publisher to read and review.This in no way affected my opinion of this title which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
Hugh Margolis, Duke of Brighthollow, has been keeping a secret that eats him up inside. His beloved sister was seduced and nearly ruined by a wicked man. The trauma sent her into exile and to protect her reputation, he never did anything about it. But now the ‘gentleman’ is back in Society and recently engaged to another lady.
Miss Amelia Quinton cannot believe her luck. After a whirlwind courtship, she has just become engaged and now she’s looking forward to a true love match. Only all her plans come to a screeching halt when her father announces she is now to marry the Duke of Brighthollow because he owns her father’s debts.
Amelia is horrified, for Hugh is nothing like the sweet and gentle boy she wanted to marry. Only once their vows are said, passions flare and she begins to know the man better. Little by little, both their walls come down and feelings grow. Until she finds out he lied. Will Hugh ever tell her the truth and will it even matter by the time it’s all said and done?
My Thoughts:
I can hardly believe that this wonderful series is soon coming to an end. There are only two more books after this one and they have all been compelling reads.
This one starts with a bit of a different slant on the relationship between our couple. Amelia is certain she is in love. In fact she has become secretly betrothed.
Hugh is not her intended but with the help of her distraught father he soon replaces that man.
Amelia is certain that she can never be happy with her replacement groom but soon finds herself attracted to and then falling in love with him.
Can what starts out as a marriage based on lies and Hugh's need to save Amelia from a dastardly scoundrel end in love or will the lies and deception end their relationship?
This book was so good that I couldn't put it down.
I gave it 4.9 of 5.0 stars for storyline and character development and a sensual rating of 4.5 of 5.0 flames. The intimacy is well written and sexy.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this book from the author/publisher to read and review.This in no way affected my opinion of this title which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
January 12, 2022
Le avventure che vedono i Duchi de Il Club del 1797 si arricchisce di un nuovo capitolo.
E che emozione questo romanzo, care Booklovers, ancora una volta Jess Michaels ha saputo sorprendermi e regalarmi una bellissima ed emozionantissima storia d’amore tra due protagonisti meravigliosi.
Il protagonista, questa volta è Hugh Margolis, Duca di Brighthollow, e ho atteso con ansia di leggere il libro dedicato a lui. Insieme a Hugh conosceremo Amelia Quinton, una donna dall’animo gentile ma determinato.
Il Duca bugiardo è un romanzo tormentato ma coinvolgente, ricco di passione dove amore e amicizia hanno un ruolo importantissimo. Non vedevo l’ora di conoscere meglio Hugh e scoprire quale fosse il segreto che gli gravava sulle spalle e sono certa che non avrebbe potuto trovare una compagna migliore di Amelia.
Anche questa volta l’autrice ha saputo caratterizzare alla perfezione due protagonisti che sembravano così distanti ma che si scoprono molto più simili di quanto immaginassero.
Amore, amicizia e famiglia sono i tre capisaldi di questo romanzo, e ho apprezzato molto la cura e l’attenzione con cui la Michaels ha saputo dare grandissimo spessore ai vari tipi di relazione.
Un aspetto che amo nei romanzi di quest’autrice è la costante presenza di tutti gli altri Duchi e delle relative consorti, provo un affetto infinito per James ed Emma, ma adoro anche tutte le altre coppie e il modo in cui riescono sempre a esserci nel momento del bisogno, insieme formano una grande famiglia, e ciò che lega i dieci Duchi è un sentimento così forte e leale che nemmeno il tempo può scalfire, ma può solo accrescere. Lo stile di scrittura di Jess Michaels è una vera garanzia, la sua penna è intensa, scorrevole, attenta, passionale e ricca di tante piccole peculiarità che rendono i suoi romanzi perfetti, almeno per me.
Recensione completa: https://virtualkaty.blogspot.com/2022...
E che emozione questo romanzo, care Booklovers, ancora una volta Jess Michaels ha saputo sorprendermi e regalarmi una bellissima ed emozionantissima storia d’amore tra due protagonisti meravigliosi.
Il protagonista, questa volta è Hugh Margolis, Duca di Brighthollow, e ho atteso con ansia di leggere il libro dedicato a lui. Insieme a Hugh conosceremo Amelia Quinton, una donna dall’animo gentile ma determinato.
Il Duca bugiardo è un romanzo tormentato ma coinvolgente, ricco di passione dove amore e amicizia hanno un ruolo importantissimo. Non vedevo l’ora di conoscere meglio Hugh e scoprire quale fosse il segreto che gli gravava sulle spalle e sono certa che non avrebbe potuto trovare una compagna migliore di Amelia.
Anche questa volta l’autrice ha saputo caratterizzare alla perfezione due protagonisti che sembravano così distanti ma che si scoprono molto più simili di quanto immaginassero.
Amore, amicizia e famiglia sono i tre capisaldi di questo romanzo, e ho apprezzato molto la cura e l’attenzione con cui la Michaels ha saputo dare grandissimo spessore ai vari tipi di relazione.
Un aspetto che amo nei romanzi di quest’autrice è la costante presenza di tutti gli altri Duchi e delle relative consorti, provo un affetto infinito per James ed Emma, ma adoro anche tutte le altre coppie e il modo in cui riescono sempre a esserci nel momento del bisogno, insieme formano una grande famiglia, e ciò che lega i dieci Duchi è un sentimento così forte e leale che nemmeno il tempo può scalfire, ma può solo accrescere. Lo stile di scrittura di Jess Michaels è una vera garanzia, la sua penna è intensa, scorrevole, attenta, passionale e ricca di tante piccole peculiarità che rendono i suoi romanzi perfetti, almeno per me.
Recensione completa: https://virtualkaty.blogspot.com/2022...
July 15, 2018
Hugh Margolis, Duke of Brighthollow, has sworn to protect those close to him, especially is sweet sister, at all costs. She was seduced, ruined trauma the she went into exile and to protect her reputation. Hugh feels guilty he did nothing to stop the rogue responsible. Miss Amelia Quinton has had a whirlwind courtship and now she’s about to be married, that is until the cold Duke of Brighthollow interrupts her plans by threatening her father. Her father announces she is now to marry the Duke of Brighthollow because he owns her father’s debts. All lies Hugh is trying to protect a young vulnerable woman to the same womanizer who seduced his sister and left her ruined, but what Hugh and Amelia doesn’t expect is the undeniable attraction and smolder passion they can’t deny. The two must come to terms with their marriage and terms of it. I love this story of our hero trying to do the right thing, but not wanting anyone to know what he’s about. He’s still trying to preserve his sister’s reputation and save his wife from a fate worse than any she has ever experienced before. Amelia is lovable, she has a strong sense of what’s right and wrong and she feels there’s more to Hugh that meets the eye. He’s not quite the autocratic aristocrat feels tries to portray, he has a fun and loving side he eventually shows to her and she can’t help falling in love with him. A great read that has you turning the pages to see what happens next as the Dukes all come together to protect one of their own. There’s nothing better than Dukes and Duchesses in action. I can’t wait for the next adventurous Duke!!! This is my honest opinions after I voluntarily read a copy of this book that was provided to me with no requirements for a review.
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