What do you think?
Rate this book
The 1797 Club #2
Her Favorite Duke
The second exciting book in the bestselling 1797 Club series by USA TODAY Bestselling Author Jess Michaels.
Simon Greene, Duke of Crestwood has been obsessed with Margaret Rylon for years. There is only one thing standing between them: her fiancé, who also happens to be his best friend. He is desperate not to destroy everything in his life by giving in to his desires, but when Meg and Simon are trapped alone together overnight during a storm, the resulting scandal not only breaks Meg’s existing engagement, but forces Simon to offer for her instead.
Margaret is sorry to have hurt her family and her fiancé, but all she’s ever wanted was Simon. Her determination to make a happy life with him is only heightened when they submit to passions that have long dwelled beneath the surface. But while Simon may give her his body, he withholds his heart out of guilt and fear of what a connection to her may expose.
And if he doesn’t learn to fight for her soon, they both may lose a chance at happiness.
Length: Full length book
Heat Level: Yep. So much.
This is the second book in the 1797 Club series, but can be read as a standalone.
Simon Greene, Duke of Crestwood has been obsessed with Margaret Rylon for years. There is only one thing standing between them: her fiancé, who also happens to be his best friend. He is desperate not to destroy everything in his life by giving in to his desires, but when Meg and Simon are trapped alone together overnight during a storm, the resulting scandal not only breaks Meg’s existing engagement, but forces Simon to offer for her instead.
Margaret is sorry to have hurt her family and her fiancé, but all she’s ever wanted was Simon. Her determination to make a happy life with him is only heightened when they submit to passions that have long dwelled beneath the surface. But while Simon may give her his body, he withholds his heart out of guilt and fear of what a connection to her may expose.
And if he doesn’t learn to fight for her soon, they both may lose a chance at happiness.
Length: Full length book
Heat Level: Yep. So much.
This is the second book in the 1797 Club series, but can be read as a standalone.
231 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 6, 2017
429 people are currently reading
424 people want to read
About the author
Jess Michaels
126 books1,575 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 168 reviews
June 9, 2017
3.5 Guilt-Ridden Stars
In theory, Her Favorite Duke was made for me. I love historical romances, especially regency ones, and throw in a little "brother’s best friend" action and I’m immediately sold.
Margaret has had a crush on her older brother’s best friend for as long as she can remember. Likewise, Simon, the best friend in question, finds himself in love with Margaret. Everything should be dandy, right?
Unfortunately for our lovebirds, Margaret’s not quite old enough to start something with Simon yet. Oh, and when she is old enough Margaret’s well-meaning brother has already promised her hand to his other best friend, Graham. Looks like we’re in for a whole lot of yearning and longing looks from across crowded ballrooms, eh?
If you’re a historical romance fan who needs their stories historically accurate and their ladies proper, this may not be the book for you. I’m not sure if the correct chain of curtsey to duke ratio was represented here and frankly, I don’t care. This was a sexy and sometimes forbidden story and even though it didn’t really adhere to the norms of regency writing, it was just what I was looking for.
How he wanted to tell her the rest. That he loved her and had always loved her. That he wanted the chance at a future, but that the idea of it made him despise himself.
So why the 3.5 star rating? That above excerpt pretty much says it all. I loved the fact these two wanted to be together despite Margaret’s betrothal to Simon’s friend, but even after it looked like it might be smoother sailing for the couple, Simon’s constant guilt and then lamenting about said guilt became a huge drag on the story for me. We get it, you wanted her and now that you have her, you feel guilty. Let’s pull up those big boy pants and move on!
Even though Simon’s seemingly constant guilt brought me down, the sexy times and writing in general were well done. I’m most definitely looking forward to my next Jess Michaels story.
ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
In theory, Her Favorite Duke was made for me. I love historical romances, especially regency ones, and throw in a little "brother’s best friend" action and I’m immediately sold.
Margaret has had a crush on her older brother’s best friend for as long as she can remember. Likewise, Simon, the best friend in question, finds himself in love with Margaret. Everything should be dandy, right?
Unfortunately for our lovebirds, Margaret’s not quite old enough to start something with Simon yet. Oh, and when she is old enough Margaret’s well-meaning brother has already promised her hand to his other best friend, Graham. Looks like we’re in for a whole lot of yearning and longing looks from across crowded ballrooms, eh?
If you’re a historical romance fan who needs their stories historically accurate and their ladies proper, this may not be the book for you. I’m not sure if the correct chain of curtsey to duke ratio was represented here and frankly, I don’t care. This was a sexy and sometimes forbidden story and even though it didn’t really adhere to the norms of regency writing, it was just what I was looking for.
How he wanted to tell her the rest. That he loved her and had always loved her. That he wanted the chance at a future, but that the idea of it made him despise himself.
So why the 3.5 star rating? That above excerpt pretty much says it all. I loved the fact these two wanted to be together despite Margaret’s betrothal to Simon’s friend, but even after it looked like it might be smoother sailing for the couple, Simon’s constant guilt and then lamenting about said guilt became a huge drag on the story for me. We get it, you wanted her and now that you have her, you feel guilty. Let’s pull up those big boy pants and move on!
Even though Simon’s seemingly constant guilt brought me down, the sexy times and writing in general were well done. I’m most definitely looking forward to my next Jess Michaels story.
ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
September 2, 2017
I've given this a D+ a AAR, so that's 2.5 stars
I freely admit that I am not averse to a good dose of angst in the romances I read. Because I know that everything will turn out in the end, it’s a safe way to indulge in a bit of heightened emotion and maybe even to reach for the Kleenex while knowing there’s that safety net of the eventual HEA. So angst is fine. Continual misery, mental self-flagellation and navel-gazing? Not so much. And that is almost all that this latest book from Jess Michaels offers. Her Favorite Duke is based on the classic trope of young woman in love with her betrothed’s best friend; young man in love with his best friend’s betrothed, and oh, woe is we, for we can never be together.
Lady Margaret Rylon has been in love with her brother’s friend, Simon Green, Duke of Crestwood, for years. They are great friends, sharing many interests and a sense of humour, and even though she is only sixteen, and he three years older, she dares to hope that perhaps one day they will be able to make a life together. Her hopes are dashed, however, when her brother James arranges for her to marry another of his best friends, Graham, Duke of Northfield.
Seven years later – yes, you read that right, SEVEN years later – Meg and Graham are still not married. I’ve heard of long engagements, but that seems pretty excessive, even though Meg was only sixteen when the betrothal took place. There are no reasons given that make sense for this, and it’s hard to believe in all that time that neither Meg nor Graham ever wondered why they hadn’t set a date or that Meg’s brother – who obviously cares a great deal for her - never questioned them or asked them to set one.
But if they had married, then there would be no book - and quite honestly, I think that might have been the better option. Anyway, now we're in chapter one, James can encourage the pair to set a date, which finally makes things real for Meg. Her friendship with Simon has become very strained and she is miserable; when she storms off during an outing, Simon can’t let her go alone and goes after her, without taking account of the vagaries of the English weather.
During the mandatory storm, they have to take shelter in the equally mandatory hut in the forest where they guiltily eye each other up once they have shed their sodden clothes and exchanged them for blankets. All that happens between them is a passionate kiss, but when, the next morning, they are found by James, Graham and one of the ton’s (and note, referring to the ‘Upper Ten Thousand’ as the author does throughout is incorrect – that term was coined in America later in the 19th century) biggest gossips – and I had rhetorically ask myself why the hell they took him along if they knew he’d blab about whatever they found – there is no alternative but for Meg and Simon to get married.
Having pined for each other for more than seven years, you think they’d be happy about that, wouldn’t you?
Alas, no. Because now, Simon is eaten up with guilt because he’s betrayed one of his closest friends (I repeat – no horizontal mambos were performed) and thinks he doesn’t deserve to be happy. He hates himself for what he’s done (which was actually just a kiss), and his failure to hide his misery from Meg makes her unhappy as well. Adding in the worry about the scandal they’ve created and how the gossip will affect the family just makes things even worse.
Simon’s self-loathing doesn’t stop him from getting Meg into bed as fast as he can after their engagement is announced, and doesn’t stop him from shagging her as often as he can after that; but as soon as the deed is done, he turns back into Mr. I-am-not-worthy, his eyes cloud over with all that guilt and self-disgust and he’s off like a shot, leaving Meg sad, worried and – eventually – angry.
Meg is, fortunately, made of much sterner stuff than her spineless new husband, and soon gets seriously annoyed by his attitude. It seems that Simon’s upbringing is largely to blame for his reluctance to fight for what he wants (although it’s a pretty lame excuse) and it’s another nail in the book’s coffin when brother James and sister-in-law Emma have to prod Simon and Meg in the right direction because they are incapable of seeing the truth for themselves.
If I had to describe this book in one word, it would be ‘dull’. Or ‘dreary’, because the first three-quarters of it really are sluggish as both protagonists stew in their long drawn-out and repetitive misery. The final few chapters improve (relatively, so that isn’t much) as Meg finally takes a stand and Simon realises he must learn to fight for what he wants, but quite honestly, I was past caring at that point and just wanted the book to be over.
Before I read Her Favourite Duke, I had very recently finished another novel that has a similar premise, and in which the hero also has to come to terms with the feelings of dishonour and the scandal associated with ‘stealing’ his friend’s bride. But oh, my goodness, how different are the executions of that premise. Whereas the other book was deft, delightful and charming, reading this was like wading through vast quantities of sludge in lead-lined boots.
I wouldn’t recommend subjecting yourself to it.
On a side note - I know many self-publishing authors use stock photos, but I doubt any gentleman at this point in time would have had such a short back and sides! Or the designer stubble, for that matter...
I freely admit that I am not averse to a good dose of angst in the romances I read. Because I know that everything will turn out in the end, it’s a safe way to indulge in a bit of heightened emotion and maybe even to reach for the Kleenex while knowing there’s that safety net of the eventual HEA. So angst is fine. Continual misery, mental self-flagellation and navel-gazing? Not so much. And that is almost all that this latest book from Jess Michaels offers. Her Favorite Duke is based on the classic trope of young woman in love with her betrothed’s best friend; young man in love with his best friend’s betrothed, and oh, woe is we, for we can never be together.
Lady Margaret Rylon has been in love with her brother’s friend, Simon Green, Duke of Crestwood, for years. They are great friends, sharing many interests and a sense of humour, and even though she is only sixteen, and he three years older, she dares to hope that perhaps one day they will be able to make a life together. Her hopes are dashed, however, when her brother James arranges for her to marry another of his best friends, Graham, Duke of Northfield.
Seven years later – yes, you read that right, SEVEN years later – Meg and Graham are still not married. I’ve heard of long engagements, but that seems pretty excessive, even though Meg was only sixteen when the betrothal took place. There are no reasons given that make sense for this, and it’s hard to believe in all that time that neither Meg nor Graham ever wondered why they hadn’t set a date or that Meg’s brother – who obviously cares a great deal for her - never questioned them or asked them to set one.
But if they had married, then there would be no book - and quite honestly, I think that might have been the better option. Anyway, now we're in chapter one, James can encourage the pair to set a date, which finally makes things real for Meg. Her friendship with Simon has become very strained and she is miserable; when she storms off during an outing, Simon can’t let her go alone and goes after her, without taking account of the vagaries of the English weather.
During the mandatory storm, they have to take shelter in the equally mandatory hut in the forest where they guiltily eye each other up once they have shed their sodden clothes and exchanged them for blankets. All that happens between them is a passionate kiss, but when, the next morning, they are found by James, Graham and one of the ton’s (and note, referring to the ‘Upper Ten Thousand’ as the author does throughout is incorrect – that term was coined in America later in the 19th century) biggest gossips – and I had rhetorically ask myself why the hell they took him along if they knew he’d blab about whatever they found – there is no alternative but for Meg and Simon to get married.
Having pined for each other for more than seven years, you think they’d be happy about that, wouldn’t you?
Alas, no. Because now, Simon is eaten up with guilt because he’s betrayed one of his closest friends (I repeat – no horizontal mambos were performed) and thinks he doesn’t deserve to be happy. He hates himself for what he’s done (which was actually just a kiss), and his failure to hide his misery from Meg makes her unhappy as well. Adding in the worry about the scandal they’ve created and how the gossip will affect the family just makes things even worse.
Simon’s self-loathing doesn’t stop him from getting Meg into bed as fast as he can after their engagement is announced, and doesn’t stop him from shagging her as often as he can after that; but as soon as the deed is done, he turns back into Mr. I-am-not-worthy, his eyes cloud over with all that guilt and self-disgust and he’s off like a shot, leaving Meg sad, worried and – eventually – angry.
Meg is, fortunately, made of much sterner stuff than her spineless new husband, and soon gets seriously annoyed by his attitude. It seems that Simon’s upbringing is largely to blame for his reluctance to fight for what he wants (although it’s a pretty lame excuse) and it’s another nail in the book’s coffin when brother James and sister-in-law Emma have to prod Simon and Meg in the right direction because they are incapable of seeing the truth for themselves.
If I had to describe this book in one word, it would be ‘dull’. Or ‘dreary’, because the first three-quarters of it really are sluggish as both protagonists stew in their long drawn-out and repetitive misery. The final few chapters improve (relatively, so that isn’t much) as Meg finally takes a stand and Simon realises he must learn to fight for what he wants, but quite honestly, I was past caring at that point and just wanted the book to be over.
Before I read Her Favourite Duke, I had very recently finished another novel that has a similar premise, and in which the hero also has to come to terms with the feelings of dishonour and the scandal associated with ‘stealing’ his friend’s bride. But oh, my goodness, how different are the executions of that premise. Whereas the other book was deft, delightful and charming, reading this was like wading through vast quantities of sludge in lead-lined boots.
I wouldn’t recommend subjecting yourself to it.
On a side note - I know many self-publishing authors use stock photos, but I doubt any gentleman at this point in time would have had such a short back and sides! Or the designer stubble, for that matter...
May 29, 2022
I didn't enjoy this second book like I did the first. For 10 years the main characters loved each other but did absolutely nothing to be together. They simply let things go to a point where they created a HUGE scandal and hurt many people in the process.
So this book has two sides, one is their sexual relationship that is suuuuuuper hot. That side was above 10 stars. And then there's the side where the hero is feeling guilty THE WHOLE TIME that he was not having sex.
So, I was frustrated not with his guilt feelings, but with his lack of authority. He grew up with parents hating him so he got in the habit of being wherever people wanted in the moment only to feel like he belongs and that they wouldn't abandon him. But knowing his story didn't change the fact that he did a lot of nothing. The heroine was little different but the hero should have been the one to do something... anyway, as a steamy romance this book was great, but the main characters were not.
So this book has two sides, one is their sexual relationship that is suuuuuuper hot. That side was above 10 stars. And then there's the side where the hero is feeling guilty THE WHOLE TIME that he was not having sex.
So, I was frustrated not with his guilt feelings, but with his lack of authority. He grew up with parents hating him so he got in the habit of being wherever people wanted in the moment only to feel like he belongs and that they wouldn't abandon him. But knowing his story didn't change the fact that he did a lot of nothing. The heroine was little different but the hero should have been the one to do something... anyway, as a steamy romance this book was great, but the main characters were not.
June 16, 2023
nicholas/harteford from her husband’s harlot and simon from this book are the same person, but in different fonts. and no one can change my mind about this. they were both equally just as horny as they were not without a knack for masochistic self inflicted mental torture 👀
only this time, simon was slightly more tolerable than the former! (thank heavens 🤌🏽)
the spice in this story was scorching 🔥🔥 like every single scene with them, the two main characters, physically, was a work of ✨art✨ the conflict, however, not so much. the hero’s guilt and self torment was a major buzzkill. but not enough to supersede my enjoyment tho, surprisingly.
the miscommunication was definitely there, but it wasn’t in overload (thankfully!). would’ve been more enjoyable if the hero was a bit more assertive in his actions and feelings, kinda like royce westmoreland from a kingdom of dreams. a fictional man who knows what he wants and goes for it, heaven and earth be damned lest they stand in his way—ultimate big dick energy right there !! and i wouldn’t have it any other way 🤌🏽
i really enjoyed this book for the most part. the “hero obsessed” part in the synopsis was what initially drew me in and when i found that my library carried this book—well let’s just say, the rest was history. the story delivered, but like i alluded to earlier, just wish certain things about this story had worked out differently. 🥲 other than that, jess michaels’ spicy romances are top tier 🥵
only this time, simon was slightly more tolerable than the former! (thank heavens 🤌🏽)
the spice in this story was scorching 🔥🔥 like every single scene with them, the two main characters, physically, was a work of ✨art✨ the conflict, however, not so much. the hero’s guilt and self torment was a major buzzkill. but not enough to supersede my enjoyment tho, surprisingly.
the miscommunication was definitely there, but it wasn’t in overload (thankfully!). would’ve been more enjoyable if the hero was a bit more assertive in his actions and feelings, kinda like royce westmoreland from a kingdom of dreams. a fictional man who knows what he wants and goes for it, heaven and earth be damned lest they stand in his way—ultimate big dick energy right there !! and i wouldn’t have it any other way 🤌🏽
i really enjoyed this book for the most part. the “hero obsessed” part in the synopsis was what initially drew me in and when i found that my library carried this book—well let’s just say, the rest was history. the story delivered, but like i alluded to earlier, just wish certain things about this story had worked out differently. 🥲 other than that, jess michaels’ spicy romances are top tier 🥵
Want to read
May 11, 2017**ARC kindly provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**
June 6, 2017
Begins with flimsy premise, killed interest for rest of story
Meg's brother, James, betrothed her to his friend Graham. Meg has always had feelings for Simon, another of her brother's friends, and vice versa.
Seven year pass, during which Graham is politely distant and Meg increasingly despondent.
Everyone knew of Meg and Simon's emotional connection, including James's wife and fiance Graham. Despite their very close relationships none ever raise question about the match. Not even Meg or Simon.
I found premise too unbelievable. I couldn't pull my attention away from this shortcoming so never was fully involved in the story after. But I did try. However the following self-castigation of the lovers didn't help.
Usually love Jess Michaels. This is the first of her books that I didn't finish. For me, this story didn't measure up to her usual work.
Meg's brother, James, betrothed her to his friend Graham. Meg has always had feelings for Simon, another of her brother's friends, and vice versa.
Seven year pass, during which Graham is politely distant and Meg increasingly despondent.
Everyone knew of Meg and Simon's emotional connection, including James's wife and fiance Graham. Despite their very close relationships none ever raise question about the match. Not even Meg or Simon.
I found premise too unbelievable. I couldn't pull my attention away from this shortcoming so never was fully involved in the story after. But I did try. However the following self-castigation of the lovers didn't help.
Usually love Jess Michaels. This is the first of her books that I didn't finish. For me, this story didn't measure up to her usual work.
May 8, 2021
3,5⭐️
Se il protagonista maschile fosse stato più determinato avrei dato un voto più alto.
Purtroppo è un protagonista che non mi ha fatto sognare.
Se il protagonista maschile fosse stato più determinato avrei dato un voto più alto.
Purtroppo è un protagonista che non mi ha fatto sognare.
December 1, 2017
The H and h are already in love with each other at the start of the novel, so this aspect is very different from the conventional romance story. The main conflict is linked directly to the heroine's upcoming wedding to one of the H's best friends. There's a lot of emotional agony experienced by the MC's because both are in love with each but are reluctant to betray her fiance. The worst part of this stupid situation is that her fiance, another sexy handsome duke, is not in love with her and sees their betrothal as just an obligation. Nevertheless the H and h are caught in a compromising position and are therefore forced to marry each other.
Although they've gotten their hearts desire and are together, the guilt that plagues the H makes it difficult for them to get their instant HEA. It does happen eventually, but only after the heroine leaves the hero and he is forced to face the reality that life without her is not worth living.
Although they've gotten their hearts desire and are together, the guilt that plagues the H makes it difficult for them to get their instant HEA. It does happen eventually, but only after the heroine leaves the hero and he is forced to face the reality that life without her is not worth living.
June 4, 2017
'Her Favorite Duke' by Jess Michaels is book Two in "The 1797 Club" series. This is the story of Simon Greene, Duke of Crestwood and Margaret 'Meg' Rylon. I have read the other book in this series but feel it is easily a standalone book.
Meg, Simon, Graham and her brother James have all been friends since childhood. But Meg has always felt more for Simon and hope that one day he would too. But when she turns 16 her father dies and now James her brother wants to make sure that she has a secure future if something happens to him. So unknown to Meg a first he talks his friend Graham into marrying her. When he makes the announcement Meg is hurt at first since Simon was her love and hope that he would speak up...but he didn't. So Meg assumes that her feelings are only one sided and moves forward to accept the engagement to make her brother happy. Now about seven years later her brother James is married and is wanting Meg to move forward with her engagement to Graham but actually getting married. But her and Graham have lost some of their close friendship and Meg is still in love with Simon but she agrees to set a wedding date for Christmas.
Simon is still harboring feelings of love for Meg...but still doesn't want to cause any upset to his friends. But when he and Meg get caught in a situation that leaves them together they are forced to marry. Meg and Simon give into their passion but Simon is being guarded with his feelings toward Meg. Simon is feeling guilty for how things turned out, since he feels it caused allot of hurt to his friends.
The 1797 Club series:
The Daring Duke, Book 1
Her Favorite Duke, Book 2
"My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."
https://www.amazon.com/gp/profile/A2H...
https://www.facebook.com/RomanceBookR...
https://www.facebook.com/groups/17091...
https://twitter.com/soapsrus68
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1...
http://sissymaereads.blogspot.com/
http://booklikes.com/blog
https://romancebookreviewforyou.wordp...
https://www.tumblr.com/blog/romancebo...
https://plus.google.com/+SissyHicks
https://www.pinterest.com/u2soapsrus/
Meg, Simon, Graham and her brother James have all been friends since childhood. But Meg has always felt more for Simon and hope that one day he would too. But when she turns 16 her father dies and now James her brother wants to make sure that she has a secure future if something happens to him. So unknown to Meg a first he talks his friend Graham into marrying her. When he makes the announcement Meg is hurt at first since Simon was her love and hope that he would speak up...but he didn't. So Meg assumes that her feelings are only one sided and moves forward to accept the engagement to make her brother happy. Now about seven years later her brother James is married and is wanting Meg to move forward with her engagement to Graham but actually getting married. But her and Graham have lost some of their close friendship and Meg is still in love with Simon but she agrees to set a wedding date for Christmas.
Simon is still harboring feelings of love for Meg...but still doesn't want to cause any upset to his friends. But when he and Meg get caught in a situation that leaves them together they are forced to marry. Meg and Simon give into their passion but Simon is being guarded with his feelings toward Meg. Simon is feeling guilty for how things turned out, since he feels it caused allot of hurt to his friends.
The 1797 Club series:
The Daring Duke, Book 1
Her Favorite Duke, Book 2
"My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."
https://www.amazon.com/gp/profile/A2H...
https://www.facebook.com/RomanceBookR...
https://www.facebook.com/groups/17091...
https://twitter.com/soapsrus68
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1...
http://sissymaereads.blogspot.com/
http://booklikes.com/blog
https://romancebookreviewforyou.wordp...
https://www.tumblr.com/blog/romancebo...
https://plus.google.com/+SissyHicks
https://www.pinterest.com/u2soapsrus/
January 25, 2021
4.5 stars rounded up.
Having known her since he was a young boy, Simon Greene, the Duke of Crestwood, has always felt quite a bit more than friendship for Lady Margaret Rylon. Unfortunately, she is betrothed to another man, who also happens to be one of his best friends. Simon is determined to keep a tight rein on his control and not ruin any friendships, but when he and Meg wind up stranded in a small cabin together overnight during a storm, a scandal explodes, breaking Meg’s engagement and leaving Simon with no choice but to offer her.
Meg never wanted to hurt her brother, who arranged the match, or her fiancé, but she’s only ever wanted to be with Simon. When she finds that Simon returns her passions, she’s all the more desperate to be close to him in other ways and create a truly happy marriage. But outside the bedroom Simon is too wracked by guilt to allow himself a happiness he believes he is unworthy of and if he doesn’t soon join Meg in the fight for their future, she might soon give up as well.
This was a delightful listen full of angst and pining. Simon was as adorable as he was idiotic at times, willing to sacrifice his happiness and Meg’s for the sake of honor. Thankfully, he overcame that eventually but the guilt and self-loathing he experienced were heart-rending. I loved that Meg was so protective of Simon and didn’t hesitate to stand up for him, especially to his awful mother. I really think Graham was a bit more of a villain for me here than a wronged party, simply because he suspected Simon’s feelings for Meg but would’ve been content to marry her anyway and never say a word. In fact, several of Simon’s friends suspected his feelings and yet they were willing to stand by and do nothing but were happy to criticize Simon for the wrong done to Graham. Sure, the circumstances could’ve been better, but I think Simon and Meg were very much let down by their friends and family, much more so than Graham was. Anyway, I loved the closeness and communication that manifested between Meg and Simon as the story drew to a close and the chemistry between them was explosive. This was a rather hard-won HEA, but I loved that a lot of the conflict arose after the main characters were married in the form of them working things out, rather than leaving me stressing the whole book about how they were going to wind up together.
Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
Having known her since he was a young boy, Simon Greene, the Duke of Crestwood, has always felt quite a bit more than friendship for Lady Margaret Rylon. Unfortunately, she is betrothed to another man, who also happens to be one of his best friends. Simon is determined to keep a tight rein on his control and not ruin any friendships, but when he and Meg wind up stranded in a small cabin together overnight during a storm, a scandal explodes, breaking Meg’s engagement and leaving Simon with no choice but to offer her.
Meg never wanted to hurt her brother, who arranged the match, or her fiancé, but she’s only ever wanted to be with Simon. When she finds that Simon returns her passions, she’s all the more desperate to be close to him in other ways and create a truly happy marriage. But outside the bedroom Simon is too wracked by guilt to allow himself a happiness he believes he is unworthy of and if he doesn’t soon join Meg in the fight for their future, she might soon give up as well.
This was a delightful listen full of angst and pining. Simon was as adorable as he was idiotic at times, willing to sacrifice his happiness and Meg’s for the sake of honor. Thankfully, he overcame that eventually but the guilt and self-loathing he experienced were heart-rending. I loved that Meg was so protective of Simon and didn’t hesitate to stand up for him, especially to his awful mother. I really think Graham was a bit more of a villain for me here than a wronged party, simply because he suspected Simon’s feelings for Meg but would’ve been content to marry her anyway and never say a word. In fact, several of Simon’s friends suspected his feelings and yet they were willing to stand by and do nothing but were happy to criticize Simon for the wrong done to Graham. Sure, the circumstances could’ve been better, but I think Simon and Meg were very much let down by their friends and family, much more so than Graham was. Anyway, I loved the closeness and communication that manifested between Meg and Simon as the story drew to a close and the chemistry between them was explosive. This was a rather hard-won HEA, but I loved that a lot of the conflict arose after the main characters were married in the form of them working things out, rather than leaving me stressing the whole book about how they were going to wind up together.
Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
March 3, 2021
4,5 molto bello
June 8, 2017
Her Favorite Duke by Jess Michaels is a sizzling but sweet Regency Romance. While, this is #2 in the series, "The 1797 Club" it can be read as a stand alone. See, "Her Daring Duke", #1.
This is the story of Simon Greene, Duke of Crestwood, Margaret Rylon (Meg) who has been friends since childhood,
James, Duke of Abernathe, Meg's brother and Graham, the Duke of Northfield, a other friend. Graham, James, and Simon are all part of the 1797 Club, however, Simon and Graham are the best of friends. Simon, has always been considered the peacemaker of the group, but in reality he appears a bit of a spineless coward, toward his feelings for Meg. Meg becomes betrothed to Graham, by her brother, James, none knowing her true feelings for Simon, oh, they suspect but go forward with there plans, anyway. To be honest James, suspects she just has a childhood infatuation for Simon.
Fast forward seven years later..... Meg and Graham finally set their wedding date. BTW Graham is not in love with Meg either. Simon guards his feelings for Meg until they're caught in a compromising position, the wedding is off, Meg and Simon must marry. Yay!! Simon guards his feelings toward Meg, for fear of getting hurt. But his friendship is ended between him and Graham.
An unusual story to me, how many men or ladies, in fact, wait seven years before setting a wedding date? The reader is given the impression Graham had no amorous affairs, what, for seven years? Unbelievable, to me, but I suppose it could happen. Then there's Meg, who does not reveal her true feeling, she's waiting for Simon to step forward, and announce his feelings toward her. Simon is sweet, but an utter coward when it comes to his feelings toward Meg. So, they'd all rather be misable for the rest of their lives, then tell the truth. Oh, Graham, is marrying Meg to yes, you got it, to please his friend James. They are all rather young, in their teens, Meg's sixteen, you understand their feelings run hot and cold, right?
While, this was not my favorite of Jess Michaels' story, it was rather a sweet story, once you get pass all the other stuff. It's a sizzling love story, with many complicated triangles.
A true love story with all the complications of a love triangle, while only two of them is truly in love. So, I guess, you wouldn't call it a love triangle. The reader does learn why Simon is so guarded with his feelings.
No cliffnanger, however, I was left with a few unanswered questions. Such as what happens to Graham, and Simon's hateful mother, the old Duchess of Crestwood.
The reader is given the impression, from the back of the book that, Graham's story is next, which, I anticipate reading.
Please don't get me wrong, I adore Ms. Michaels' stories, "Her Favorite Duke" was a bit hard connect to the characters and grip the plot, to me, however I'd still recommend reading it, especially those who enjoy romance, there is a bit of mystery to why Simon guards his feelings. A good read!
I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Rating: 4
Heat rating: Steamy/Sizzling
Reviewed by: AprilR
This is the story of Simon Greene, Duke of Crestwood, Margaret Rylon (Meg) who has been friends since childhood,
James, Duke of Abernathe, Meg's brother and Graham, the Duke of Northfield, a other friend. Graham, James, and Simon are all part of the 1797 Club, however, Simon and Graham are the best of friends. Simon, has always been considered the peacemaker of the group, but in reality he appears a bit of a spineless coward, toward his feelings for Meg. Meg becomes betrothed to Graham, by her brother, James, none knowing her true feelings for Simon, oh, they suspect but go forward with there plans, anyway. To be honest James, suspects she just has a childhood infatuation for Simon.
Fast forward seven years later..... Meg and Graham finally set their wedding date. BTW Graham is not in love with Meg either. Simon guards his feelings for Meg until they're caught in a compromising position, the wedding is off, Meg and Simon must marry. Yay!! Simon guards his feelings toward Meg, for fear of getting hurt. But his friendship is ended between him and Graham.
An unusual story to me, how many men or ladies, in fact, wait seven years before setting a wedding date? The reader is given the impression Graham had no amorous affairs, what, for seven years? Unbelievable, to me, but I suppose it could happen. Then there's Meg, who does not reveal her true feeling, she's waiting for Simon to step forward, and announce his feelings toward her. Simon is sweet, but an utter coward when it comes to his feelings toward Meg. So, they'd all rather be misable for the rest of their lives, then tell the truth. Oh, Graham, is marrying Meg to yes, you got it, to please his friend James. They are all rather young, in their teens, Meg's sixteen, you understand their feelings run hot and cold, right?
While, this was not my favorite of Jess Michaels' story, it was rather a sweet story, once you get pass all the other stuff. It's a sizzling love story, with many complicated triangles.
A true love story with all the complications of a love triangle, while only two of them is truly in love. So, I guess, you wouldn't call it a love triangle. The reader does learn why Simon is so guarded with his feelings.
No cliffnanger, however, I was left with a few unanswered questions. Such as what happens to Graham, and Simon's hateful mother, the old Duchess of Crestwood.
The reader is given the impression, from the back of the book that, Graham's story is next, which, I anticipate reading.
Please don't get me wrong, I adore Ms. Michaels' stories, "Her Favorite Duke" was a bit hard connect to the characters and grip the plot, to me, however I'd still recommend reading it, especially those who enjoy romance, there is a bit of mystery to why Simon guards his feelings. A good read!
I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Rating: 4
Heat rating: Steamy/Sizzling
Reviewed by: AprilR
May 25, 2017
I've been a fan of Jess Michaels for quite a while, not to mention it has one of my favorite plot lines...forbidden love. Needless to say, I was excited to jump into this story! I only regret I have yet to read the other book in the series. I'll have to get on that.
So back to this story...The tale opens with the reader learning how our heroine Margaret is secretly pining for one of her brothers closest friends. Simon (soon to be Duke of Crestwood) shares the same feelings. But unfortunately, Simon is still young, and seeing as Margaret is still only 16....neither has made their feelings known.
Tsk tsk.
Margaret quickly finds out that her brother has arranged for her to marry his best friend. No, no, not our hero Simon, but his OTHER best friend. Who also happens to be Simon's friend as well.
Well damn. Talk about a sucky situation.
And so the years pass. The engagement moves forth and both Simon and Margaret suffer in silence. Neither wanting to hurt anyone's feelings should they make their own feelings known.
Now at this point in the story I was hooked. The torture. The angst. The drama of it all. I felt for these characters so much. Just make a move, damn it. And let me tell you, Jess Michaels really knows how to make you think this is it. This is the moment. Fireworks! But no. She lets us readers pine just a bit longer...
Soon enough Simon and Margaret find themselves stuck in a storm and need to find shelter. Cliche? Perhaps. But Michaels delivers it well enough. And besides, at that point I didn't give a fig how they found the right time to make their feelings known, just so long as they did.
At any rate we readers get our satisfaction. Simon and Margaret all but sing their feelings. However, everyone finds out these two were alone in a cabin seeking shelter. Barely clothed, mind you ;) Tensions are high, the engagement is called off, people are fuming and suddenly Margaret and Simon are to be married!
Yes!!!
No....
Simon can't seem to deal with the guilt that is plaguing him. Guilt over hurting his friend. Feeling as if he didn't deserve Margaret. This is the part of the story where I was a little disappointed. I felt Simons angst was dragging on. Yes, I understood it. You hurt your friend. But seriously man, you got her. You've wanted her forever. Snap out of it.
Alas, I do not want to ruin anything by telling what happens. But, did I enjoy the story? Absolutely. Did I want to shake some sense into Simon? Without a doubt. But his guilty conscience is also what made him such a lovable hero.
My rating: 4 stars
I'm looking forward to reading the rest of this series.
This book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
So back to this story...The tale opens with the reader learning how our heroine Margaret is secretly pining for one of her brothers closest friends. Simon (soon to be Duke of Crestwood) shares the same feelings. But unfortunately, Simon is still young, and seeing as Margaret is still only 16....neither has made their feelings known.
Tsk tsk.
Margaret quickly finds out that her brother has arranged for her to marry his best friend. No, no, not our hero Simon, but his OTHER best friend. Who also happens to be Simon's friend as well.
Well damn. Talk about a sucky situation.
And so the years pass. The engagement moves forth and both Simon and Margaret suffer in silence. Neither wanting to hurt anyone's feelings should they make their own feelings known.
Now at this point in the story I was hooked. The torture. The angst. The drama of it all. I felt for these characters so much. Just make a move, damn it. And let me tell you, Jess Michaels really knows how to make you think this is it. This is the moment. Fireworks! But no. She lets us readers pine just a bit longer...
Soon enough Simon and Margaret find themselves stuck in a storm and need to find shelter. Cliche? Perhaps. But Michaels delivers it well enough. And besides, at that point I didn't give a fig how they found the right time to make their feelings known, just so long as they did.
At any rate we readers get our satisfaction. Simon and Margaret all but sing their feelings. However, everyone finds out these two were alone in a cabin seeking shelter. Barely clothed, mind you ;) Tensions are high, the engagement is called off, people are fuming and suddenly Margaret and Simon are to be married!
Yes!!!
No....
Simon can't seem to deal with the guilt that is plaguing him. Guilt over hurting his friend. Feeling as if he didn't deserve Margaret. This is the part of the story where I was a little disappointed. I felt Simons angst was dragging on. Yes, I understood it. You hurt your friend. But seriously man, you got her. You've wanted her forever. Snap out of it.
Alas, I do not want to ruin anything by telling what happens. But, did I enjoy the story? Absolutely. Did I want to shake some sense into Simon? Without a doubt. But his guilty conscience is also what made him such a lovable hero.
My rating: 4 stars
I'm looking forward to reading the rest of this series.
This book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
May 16, 2018
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
Second in this awesome series, this is Simon And Megs story and is just as passionate and heart rending as the first .
Written with emotion, and features some of the other club members.
This is a great read and very hard to put down .
💋💋
Second in this awesome series, this is Simon And Megs story and is just as passionate and heart rending as the first .
Written with emotion, and features some of the other club members.
This is a great read and very hard to put down .
March 8, 2021
3.5 stelline
September 20, 2017
Very entertaining
I loved the 3 rd book in this series! All three are highly entertaining and a great read! Can't wait for the 4th book!
I loved the 3 rd book in this series! All three are highly entertaining and a great read! Can't wait for the 4th book!
July 4, 2017
"He loved her, as he always had. And he would marry her. She would be his. But this beginning, it would hang over them. Perhaps it would not be something they could ever overcome. The very idea that it wasn't broke his heart."
FINAL DECISION: This one was very enjoyable. Two characters who have loved one another for years and now have to marry would seem to be a simple and boring situation. However, the complexity of the feelings of love and guilt combined make this a compelling read deftly executed.
THE STORY: Simon Greene, Duke of Crestwood has loved Margaret Rylon, the sister of one of his best friends for years. The only problem is that she is engaged to another one of Simon's best friends. He has run from his feelings and tried to ignore them. Now when the wedding date has been set, the two are found in a compromising situation which forces their marriage. But Simon has a great deal of guilt for destroying his friendships and also struggles with feeling unworthy of Margaret.
OPINION: I enjoyed this book tremendously. The romance seemed simple but the complexity of the story unfolded itself and demonstrates why I like series with overarching stories so much. In the first book in the series, readers were introduced to the 1797 Club -- a group of future dukes who bonded together and became the best of friends. But as this book demonstrates, their friendship is not always easy.
Simon, Graham and James have been friends from almost the beginning. When James (who also was the hero of the first book in the series) became duke, he wanted to secure the future of his younger sister Margaret aka Meg. It seemed so natural to betroth her to one of his best friends. The only problem is that James chose the wrong friend. Meg and Simon were already having feelings for one another that went beyond friendship although they had not expressed them to one another. Neither, however, wanted to hurt James or Graham and so they each decided to walk away from their budding feelings.
Ten years later, the date has finally been set on Graham and Meg's wedding day, but Meg is distraught rather than happy. What follows is Meg and Simon being caught in a compromising situation that results in the breaking of Meg's engagement and a hasty marriage between Meg and Simon. But not all is well because Meg and Simon finally getting together rips apart the 1797 Club.
Simon feels the guilt of his betrayal of his friend the worst. Because this book makes it clear that both men are good and despite the pull toward a happy ending that the reader might want -- the feelings that Meg and Simon harbored for one another and failed to admit were a betrayal. Instead of discussing the issues, the two were willing to hide their feelings...but the feelings did exist. And the way that they are discovered hurt everyone involved. And the guilt from that -- his happiness coming as result of the humiliation and pain his friend encountered haunts Simon. As a result, he doesn't want to feel joy in his relationship with Meg. I found this conflict compelling and want to see how things are ultimately resolved (some of which will have to wait until later books because Simon and Graham still are broken as this book ends).
This book is all about the costs of happiness. I found this conflict to be original and I really enjoyed how it played out. I've been reading Jess Michaels for a while now and I think the complexity of her stories have been increasing and the deftness in which she constructs her characters and their conflicts have been making more and more of her books compelling reads for me.
WORTH MENTIONING: This book also introduces the conflict with Graham (Margaret's former fiance) which drives into the next book of the series.
CONNECTED BOOKS: HER FAVORITE DUKE is the second book in the 1797 Club series. The book can be read as a standalone although there are overlapping characters and there are overlapping storylines apart from the romance.
STAR RATING: I give this book 4.5 stars.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley in order to provide a review. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions contained herein are my own.This review was originally posted on Top10RomanceBooks.com
FINAL DECISION: This one was very enjoyable. Two characters who have loved one another for years and now have to marry would seem to be a simple and boring situation. However, the complexity of the feelings of love and guilt combined make this a compelling read deftly executed.
THE STORY: Simon Greene, Duke of Crestwood has loved Margaret Rylon, the sister of one of his best friends for years. The only problem is that she is engaged to another one of Simon's best friends. He has run from his feelings and tried to ignore them. Now when the wedding date has been set, the two are found in a compromising situation which forces their marriage. But Simon has a great deal of guilt for destroying his friendships and also struggles with feeling unworthy of Margaret.
OPINION: I enjoyed this book tremendously. The romance seemed simple but the complexity of the story unfolded itself and demonstrates why I like series with overarching stories so much. In the first book in the series, readers were introduced to the 1797 Club -- a group of future dukes who bonded together and became the best of friends. But as this book demonstrates, their friendship is not always easy.
Simon, Graham and James have been friends from almost the beginning. When James (who also was the hero of the first book in the series) became duke, he wanted to secure the future of his younger sister Margaret aka Meg. It seemed so natural to betroth her to one of his best friends. The only problem is that James chose the wrong friend. Meg and Simon were already having feelings for one another that went beyond friendship although they had not expressed them to one another. Neither, however, wanted to hurt James or Graham and so they each decided to walk away from their budding feelings.
Ten years later, the date has finally been set on Graham and Meg's wedding day, but Meg is distraught rather than happy. What follows is Meg and Simon being caught in a compromising situation that results in the breaking of Meg's engagement and a hasty marriage between Meg and Simon. But not all is well because Meg and Simon finally getting together rips apart the 1797 Club.
Simon feels the guilt of his betrayal of his friend the worst. Because this book makes it clear that both men are good and despite the pull toward a happy ending that the reader might want -- the feelings that Meg and Simon harbored for one another and failed to admit were a betrayal. Instead of discussing the issues, the two were willing to hide their feelings...but the feelings did exist. And the way that they are discovered hurt everyone involved. And the guilt from that -- his happiness coming as result of the humiliation and pain his friend encountered haunts Simon. As a result, he doesn't want to feel joy in his relationship with Meg. I found this conflict compelling and want to see how things are ultimately resolved (some of which will have to wait until later books because Simon and Graham still are broken as this book ends).
This book is all about the costs of happiness. I found this conflict to be original and I really enjoyed how it played out. I've been reading Jess Michaels for a while now and I think the complexity of her stories have been increasing and the deftness in which she constructs her characters and their conflicts have been making more and more of her books compelling reads for me.
WORTH MENTIONING: This book also introduces the conflict with Graham (Margaret's former fiance) which drives into the next book of the series.
CONNECTED BOOKS: HER FAVORITE DUKE is the second book in the 1797 Club series. The book can be read as a standalone although there are overlapping characters and there are overlapping storylines apart from the romance.
STAR RATING: I give this book 4.5 stars.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley in order to provide a review. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions contained herein are my own.This review was originally posted on Top10RomanceBooks.com
February 10, 2021
https://emozionidicarta2020.blogspot....
Margaret Rylon ha sempre amato Simon Greene, Duca di Crestwood, da quando aveva appena sedici.
Quando il fratello James appena divenuto il nuovo Duca di Abernathe, la promette in sposa al suo amico Graham Everly, Duca di Northfield, per il profondo amore che nutre verso il fratello, non può far a meno di acconsentire sperando col tempo di dimenticare i sentimenti che prova per Simon.
Anche Simon è amico del fratello, ma ha causa della sua vita dissoluta e libertina non viene neanche preso in considerazione nella scelta.
"La vita di un uomo era fatta di momenti in cui si veniva messi alla prova. Lo sapeva, ci si era imbattuto molte volte. Questo era uno di quei momenti, no? Una prova di autocontrollo. Di lealtà."
Sette anni dopo i sentimenti che provano uno per l'altro sono sempre più forti, negli anni si erano avvicinati molto diventando grandi amici e complici in tutto ciò che facevano destando sospetti tra chi gli stava intorno.
All'annuncio delle nozze Simon decide di partire, è l'unico modo per non fare una pazzia che potrebbe portare gravi conseguenze. Ma, complice la pioggia, i nostri protagonisti saranno costretti a passare una notte insieme in un capanno, causando gravi conseguenze col sorgere del sole.
"Le coprì l’altro seno, prendendoli entrambi tra le mani calde. Lei inclinò la testa all’indietro, godendosi l’intensità del suo tocco, il modo in cui il suo corpo si inarcava verso di lui, chiedendo ciò che lei non riusciva a proferire a voce per troppa timidezza."
Riusciranno ad avere il loro lieto fine o saranno travolti dallo scandalo ?
Soprattutto Simon riuscirà a mettere da parte i suoi sensi di colpa verso le persone che lo amano?
«Fingere di essere felice e contento in ogni momento è più facile che lottare per ciò che sembra irraggiungibile.»
Rispetto al primo libro qui ho trovato molta più sofferenza.
Simon non riesce a sopportare che la donna che ama e che ha sempre considerato la sua migliore amica, la futura madre dei suoi figli, la sua complice, la sua confidente, stia per sposare un altro uomo.
Il suo dolore è devastante, cosi come è devastante l'angoscia che prova Margaret all'imminente matrimonio. Ma nessuno dei due è deciso a prendere la situazione in mano, limitandosi a subire le scelte fatte da altri.
Meg è una protagonista forte, coraggiosa che non si fa mettere i piedi in testa da nessuno e combatte per ciò in cui crede, ho ammirato il suo coraggio e la sua audacia.
«Non c’è gioia nella tua voce anche se provi a scherzare, ma sai cosa sto dicendo. Tu ed io siamo uniti ora, dalla legge e agli occhi di tutto il mondo. Non si può annullare.»
Simon era sempre stato il giullare di corte, sempre col sorriso e la battuta pronta, ma molto restio a combattere per ciò che voleva veramente.
Non mi è piaciuto il suo carattere cosi arrendevole, è riuscito a infliggersi solo tanta sofferenza, e pur di punirsi ha compromesso il suo rapporto con Meg rischiando di perderla.
«Non me lo sono meritato finora. Ero convinto di non poter sacrificare i bisogni di qualcun altro per ottenere ciò che volevo. Ma d’ora in poi combatterò per essere degno del suo amore.»
La passione tra i due protagonisti è travolgente , con scene hot molto intense ma mai volgari, intrighi di corte, scandali e forti emozioni sono gli ingredienti fondamentali per questo secondo volume.
Un libro con una traduzione impeccabile e trama molto avvincente, e adesso non vedo l'ora di leggere la storia di Graham credo che abbia molto da raccontare.
Margaret Rylon ha sempre amato Simon Greene, Duca di Crestwood, da quando aveva appena sedici.
Quando il fratello James appena divenuto il nuovo Duca di Abernathe, la promette in sposa al suo amico Graham Everly, Duca di Northfield, per il profondo amore che nutre verso il fratello, non può far a meno di acconsentire sperando col tempo di dimenticare i sentimenti che prova per Simon.
Anche Simon è amico del fratello, ma ha causa della sua vita dissoluta e libertina non viene neanche preso in considerazione nella scelta.
"La vita di un uomo era fatta di momenti in cui si veniva messi alla prova. Lo sapeva, ci si era imbattuto molte volte. Questo era uno di quei momenti, no? Una prova di autocontrollo. Di lealtà."
Sette anni dopo i sentimenti che provano uno per l'altro sono sempre più forti, negli anni si erano avvicinati molto diventando grandi amici e complici in tutto ciò che facevano destando sospetti tra chi gli stava intorno.
All'annuncio delle nozze Simon decide di partire, è l'unico modo per non fare una pazzia che potrebbe portare gravi conseguenze. Ma, complice la pioggia, i nostri protagonisti saranno costretti a passare una notte insieme in un capanno, causando gravi conseguenze col sorgere del sole.
"Le coprì l’altro seno, prendendoli entrambi tra le mani calde. Lei inclinò la testa all’indietro, godendosi l’intensità del suo tocco, il modo in cui il suo corpo si inarcava verso di lui, chiedendo ciò che lei non riusciva a proferire a voce per troppa timidezza."
Riusciranno ad avere il loro lieto fine o saranno travolti dallo scandalo ?
Soprattutto Simon riuscirà a mettere da parte i suoi sensi di colpa verso le persone che lo amano?
«Fingere di essere felice e contento in ogni momento è più facile che lottare per ciò che sembra irraggiungibile.»
Rispetto al primo libro qui ho trovato molta più sofferenza.
Simon non riesce a sopportare che la donna che ama e che ha sempre considerato la sua migliore amica, la futura madre dei suoi figli, la sua complice, la sua confidente, stia per sposare un altro uomo.
Il suo dolore è devastante, cosi come è devastante l'angoscia che prova Margaret all'imminente matrimonio. Ma nessuno dei due è deciso a prendere la situazione in mano, limitandosi a subire le scelte fatte da altri.
Meg è una protagonista forte, coraggiosa che non si fa mettere i piedi in testa da nessuno e combatte per ciò in cui crede, ho ammirato il suo coraggio e la sua audacia.
«Non c’è gioia nella tua voce anche se provi a scherzare, ma sai cosa sto dicendo. Tu ed io siamo uniti ora, dalla legge e agli occhi di tutto il mondo. Non si può annullare.»
Simon era sempre stato il giullare di corte, sempre col sorriso e la battuta pronta, ma molto restio a combattere per ciò che voleva veramente.
Non mi è piaciuto il suo carattere cosi arrendevole, è riuscito a infliggersi solo tanta sofferenza, e pur di punirsi ha compromesso il suo rapporto con Meg rischiando di perderla.
«Non me lo sono meritato finora. Ero convinto di non poter sacrificare i bisogni di qualcun altro per ottenere ciò che volevo. Ma d’ora in poi combatterò per essere degno del suo amore.»
La passione tra i due protagonisti è travolgente , con scene hot molto intense ma mai volgari, intrighi di corte, scandali e forti emozioni sono gli ingredienti fondamentali per questo secondo volume.
Un libro con una traduzione impeccabile e trama molto avvincente, e adesso non vedo l'ora di leggere la storia di Graham credo che abbia molto da raccontare.
June 10, 2017
Originally posted on Adria's Romance Reviews
* A copy of this book was and provided by the publisher via NetGalley for the purpose of an honest review. All conclusions are my own responsibility and I was not compensated for this review.
What’s it About? Simon, the Duke of Crestwood has loved his best friend's sister, Margaret Rylon for years but has never had hope of every having her because she's been engaged to Simon's other best friend for just as long as he's loved her. Simon is determined not to let his feelings destroy the friendships that mean the world to him but when he and Meg get caught up in a storm and have to spend the night alone, the scandal breaks Meg's engagement, forces Simon to marry her, and causes a rift in the friendships he depends on most. Meanwhile Meg couldn't be happier to marry Simon, whom she's loved since she was a girl but her marriage isn't the fairytale she had hoped. Simon is distant and tormented by what has lead to their marriage and while Meg is determined to fight to make her marriage the one of her dreams, Simon is equally determined to punish himself for pretty much everything that happened.
Overall reaction to the story? Jess Michaels has been a favorite of mine for a few years now but there's something super special about the 1797 Club series. It isn't just a group of dudes hanging out, it's a true blue brotherhood where the members look to each other for guidance and support. The affection between them balances out their overt masculinity and gives each member that softness their personalities need. Simon is a great example of how his friendships with the other men in the club shaped him and how much he needed them. I enjoyed Her Favorite Duke but it didn't quite meet my expectations on some things. However, I still liked it and look forward to Graham's story!
Describe the hero in five words: Charming. Loyal. Brooding. Quitter. Intelligent.
Did you like him? For the most part.
Why? Simon is the least duke-like character I've ever seen. He's not the dominant alpha type though he is respected and well liked. I liked how loyal he was to his friends and how he wasn't going to deny how important they all were in his life which made him feel even more guilty about wanting Meg. I could appreciate his loyalty, that was Simon's best characteristic but his kicked dog attitude I could have done with a lot less of. Simon wasn't all that much fun or even that interesting for most of the book and I didn't feel like I got to know him outside of his self loathing. Just where was the man that Meg said she fell in love with? The glimpses of who he was weren't enough to show me why Meg fell for him. Simon wasn't a bad character just one that left me kind of scratching my head wondering what kind of man he was.
Describe the heroine in five words: Intelligent. Loving. Selfish. Determined. Stubborn.
Did you like her? Sort of.
Why? I could understand why Meg went along with her arranged engagement for as long as she did, it was arranged by her beloved brother James who thought he was taking care of her by arranging a marriage between her and one of his best friends. However if years hadn't changed her feelings, why didn't she talk to James and her fiance instead of being in some ways happy that a scandal broke her engagement and landed her engaged to Simon instead? Nevermind how Simon felt about the broken friendships that were a result of their engagement, Meg just cared that she was going to marry Simon. I was hoping that she'd care enough for Simon to knock some sense into that whole testosteroned filled club and in a way show her them all that she wasn't going to be blamed for breaking up the group of longtime friends. But she didn't and instead focused on getting Simon to just focus on her and their marriage. That just made her seem really selfish to me. Simon needs his friends to you know and she shouldn't have been okay with him isolating himself in some ways to where he only had her as a friend. It just didn't seem fair. I'm not saying I hated Meg, just that I found her to be a little immature and selfish. She had good moments though but that thing about wanting to make herself the sole focus of Simon's world didn`t sit well with me.
Let’s talk about the romance: Here's where Her Favorite Duke really excelled. The longing and angst between Simon and Meg was so strong I couldn't believe Meg's brother never picked up on it! I loved that they were friends too. Aside from the fact that they were secretly in love with each other, these two felt so natural as friends and definitely natural as lovers.
How about that supporting cast? More members of the 1797 appear and it's a little hard to keep track of them! I definitely want Graham to find love so that hopefully he could stop brooding over the loss of a fiance he didn't love and a friend he did love. I said in my review of the first book (James' book) that I loved the close relationship between characters and of course Meg and her brother have such a good relationship that even when the scandal hit, James stood by Meg and loved her like a good brother should. It was definitely endearing.
Click It or Skip It? Click It. Simon and Meg for all their faults have an interesting story to tell and I loved meeting more members of this rather interesting group of men who have bonded through their pains and their futures as dukes.
* A copy of this book was and provided by the publisher via NetGalley for the purpose of an honest review. All conclusions are my own responsibility and I was not compensated for this review.
What’s it About? Simon, the Duke of Crestwood has loved his best friend's sister, Margaret Rylon for years but has never had hope of every having her because she's been engaged to Simon's other best friend for just as long as he's loved her. Simon is determined not to let his feelings destroy the friendships that mean the world to him but when he and Meg get caught up in a storm and have to spend the night alone, the scandal breaks Meg's engagement, forces Simon to marry her, and causes a rift in the friendships he depends on most. Meanwhile Meg couldn't be happier to marry Simon, whom she's loved since she was a girl but her marriage isn't the fairytale she had hoped. Simon is distant and tormented by what has lead to their marriage and while Meg is determined to fight to make her marriage the one of her dreams, Simon is equally determined to punish himself for pretty much everything that happened.
Overall reaction to the story? Jess Michaels has been a favorite of mine for a few years now but there's something super special about the 1797 Club series. It isn't just a group of dudes hanging out, it's a true blue brotherhood where the members look to each other for guidance and support. The affection between them balances out their overt masculinity and gives each member that softness their personalities need. Simon is a great example of how his friendships with the other men in the club shaped him and how much he needed them. I enjoyed Her Favorite Duke but it didn't quite meet my expectations on some things. However, I still liked it and look forward to Graham's story!
Describe the hero in five words: Charming. Loyal. Brooding. Quitter. Intelligent.
Did you like him? For the most part.
Why? Simon is the least duke-like character I've ever seen. He's not the dominant alpha type though he is respected and well liked. I liked how loyal he was to his friends and how he wasn't going to deny how important they all were in his life which made him feel even more guilty about wanting Meg. I could appreciate his loyalty, that was Simon's best characteristic but his kicked dog attitude I could have done with a lot less of. Simon wasn't all that much fun or even that interesting for most of the book and I didn't feel like I got to know him outside of his self loathing. Just where was the man that Meg said she fell in love with? The glimpses of who he was weren't enough to show me why Meg fell for him. Simon wasn't a bad character just one that left me kind of scratching my head wondering what kind of man he was.
Describe the heroine in five words: Intelligent. Loving. Selfish. Determined. Stubborn.
Did you like her? Sort of.
Why? I could understand why Meg went along with her arranged engagement for as long as she did, it was arranged by her beloved brother James who thought he was taking care of her by arranging a marriage between her and one of his best friends. However if years hadn't changed her feelings, why didn't she talk to James and her fiance instead of being in some ways happy that a scandal broke her engagement and landed her engaged to Simon instead? Nevermind how Simon felt about the broken friendships that were a result of their engagement, Meg just cared that she was going to marry Simon. I was hoping that she'd care enough for Simon to knock some sense into that whole testosteroned filled club and in a way show her them all that she wasn't going to be blamed for breaking up the group of longtime friends. But she didn't and instead focused on getting Simon to just focus on her and their marriage. That just made her seem really selfish to me. Simon needs his friends to you know and she shouldn't have been okay with him isolating himself in some ways to where he only had her as a friend. It just didn't seem fair. I'm not saying I hated Meg, just that I found her to be a little immature and selfish. She had good moments though but that thing about wanting to make herself the sole focus of Simon's world didn`t sit well with me.
Let’s talk about the romance: Here's where Her Favorite Duke really excelled. The longing and angst between Simon and Meg was so strong I couldn't believe Meg's brother never picked up on it! I loved that they were friends too. Aside from the fact that they were secretly in love with each other, these two felt so natural as friends and definitely natural as lovers.
How about that supporting cast? More members of the 1797 appear and it's a little hard to keep track of them! I definitely want Graham to find love so that hopefully he could stop brooding over the loss of a fiance he didn't love and a friend he did love. I said in my review of the first book (James' book) that I loved the close relationship between characters and of course Meg and her brother have such a good relationship that even when the scandal hit, James stood by Meg and loved her like a good brother should. It was definitely endearing.
Click It or Skip It? Click It. Simon and Meg for all their faults have an interesting story to tell and I loved meeting more members of this rather interesting group of men who have bonded through their pains and their futures as dukes.
May 15, 2017
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for and eARC provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher*
4.5 stars
If you read the previous book, The Daring Duke, you know that there was something between James, the Duke of Abernathe's sister, Lady Margret aka Meg and Simon, the Duke of Crestwood. These two shared a very close friendship and the longing between them that was tangible. But Meg was betrothed to Graham, Duke of Northfield when she was only 16 and her brother Stop correcting "inherited". While her heart longed for Simon, she accepted the betrothal to make her brother happy and hoped that she would learn to love Graham.
Simon was devastated when Meg was betrothed to Graham. He loved Meg and wanted to marry her, but he said nothing because he didn't want to cause problems with James and Graham. Next to Meg, the two men where his closest friends and like brothers to him.
Seven years have passed since the betrothal and time is running out for Meg, James has married and has been hinting that it is time for her to marry Graham and despite the time that has passed, she is still in love with Simon and feels nothing more than friendship for Graham. While at a house party, James and Emma are hosting, Graham asks her if she would like to marry in three months, she feels she has no choice. Their wedding date is announced and she is heartbroken, she secretly hoped that Simon would object and declare himself, but he said nothing.
Simon can't believe that Meg and Graham are finally going to marry - it feels like his life is over. When the Duke of Roseford finds Simon alone and suggests that Simon might want to take a holiday to get over his pain, Simon agrees, because there is no way he wants to watch his love marry another man. The next day he plans to say good-bye to Meg and then leave. But when he sees her and sees her pain, he wants nothing more than to comfort her. When Meg slips away from the party to clear her head, Simon follows. She wanders for almost an hour before Simon calls out to her. The weather has taken a turn and they are caught in a downpour. Too far from the house to make it back, they take shelter in the abandoned caretakers cottage.
Soaked and chilled to the bone, they start a fire and strip out of their wet clothes, when they agree to share the bed to keep warm and share a passionate kiss, Simon is disgusted with himself and leaves the room. The next morning he is awoken by voices outside and realizes that James and Graham have found them. Unfortunately, they are not alone, and when the group enters the cottage and find a naked Simon alone with an equally naked Meg - everything changes.
Graham is very angry with Simon and says some very hateful things, but he is gracious and agrees to stay long enough to see Simon and Meg's engagement announced and appear to support the marriage.
Simon cannot seem to forgive himself, he doesn't believe that he should get his heart's desire and hates himself for causing so much pain and scandal. As much as he loves Meg, he seem intent on punishing himself and in the process, hurts her as well.
Simon feels incredibly guilty and mourns the loss of his friendship with Graham, he refuses to let himself be happy with Meg and begins to shut her out. For her part, Meg tries to make their marriage work and tries to get Simon to put the past behind them, she is willing to fight for their happiness, until an unexpected visit and confession from Roseford, makes her realize that Simon will never forgive himself and she leaves him.
Simon is confronted by James the next day and when he learns that Meg has left him for good, he finally seems to snap out of the pity party he has been having since they were caught together. For the first time ever, Simon is ready to fight for what he wants and he wants Meg.
This story is so well done, it flows perfectly, has some very HOT love scenes, it is emotional and I never doubted for a moment that these two loved each other, but I confess, I was ready to smack Simon more than once. These two had a very painful journey to their HEA, but once they find it, the ending was worth all the agony this reader suffered!
This is the second book in the 1797 Club series, but there is enough backstory given that you could read this as a stand alone title with no problems. I highly recommend this series and am looking forward to reading Graham's story!!
4.5 stars
If you read the previous book, The Daring Duke, you know that there was something between James, the Duke of Abernathe's sister, Lady Margret aka Meg and Simon, the Duke of Crestwood. These two shared a very close friendship and the longing between them that was tangible. But Meg was betrothed to Graham, Duke of Northfield when she was only 16 and her brother Stop correcting "inherited". While her heart longed for Simon, she accepted the betrothal to make her brother happy and hoped that she would learn to love Graham.
Simon was devastated when Meg was betrothed to Graham. He loved Meg and wanted to marry her, but he said nothing because he didn't want to cause problems with James and Graham. Next to Meg, the two men where his closest friends and like brothers to him.
Seven years have passed since the betrothal and time is running out for Meg, James has married and has been hinting that it is time for her to marry Graham and despite the time that has passed, she is still in love with Simon and feels nothing more than friendship for Graham. While at a house party, James and Emma are hosting, Graham asks her if she would like to marry in three months, she feels she has no choice. Their wedding date is announced and she is heartbroken, she secretly hoped that Simon would object and declare himself, but he said nothing.
Simon can't believe that Meg and Graham are finally going to marry - it feels like his life is over. When the Duke of Roseford finds Simon alone and suggests that Simon might want to take a holiday to get over his pain, Simon agrees, because there is no way he wants to watch his love marry another man. The next day he plans to say good-bye to Meg and then leave. But when he sees her and sees her pain, he wants nothing more than to comfort her. When Meg slips away from the party to clear her head, Simon follows. She wanders for almost an hour before Simon calls out to her. The weather has taken a turn and they are caught in a downpour. Too far from the house to make it back, they take shelter in the abandoned caretakers cottage.
Soaked and chilled to the bone, they start a fire and strip out of their wet clothes, when they agree to share the bed to keep warm and share a passionate kiss, Simon is disgusted with himself and leaves the room. The next morning he is awoken by voices outside and realizes that James and Graham have found them. Unfortunately, they are not alone, and when the group enters the cottage and find a naked Simon alone with an equally naked Meg - everything changes.
Graham is very angry with Simon and says some very hateful things, but he is gracious and agrees to stay long enough to see Simon and Meg's engagement announced and appear to support the marriage.
Simon cannot seem to forgive himself, he doesn't believe that he should get his heart's desire and hates himself for causing so much pain and scandal. As much as he loves Meg, he seem intent on punishing himself and in the process, hurts her as well.
Simon feels incredibly guilty and mourns the loss of his friendship with Graham, he refuses to let himself be happy with Meg and begins to shut her out. For her part, Meg tries to make their marriage work and tries to get Simon to put the past behind them, she is willing to fight for their happiness, until an unexpected visit and confession from Roseford, makes her realize that Simon will never forgive himself and she leaves him.
Simon is confronted by James the next day and when he learns that Meg has left him for good, he finally seems to snap out of the pity party he has been having since they were caught together. For the first time ever, Simon is ready to fight for what he wants and he wants Meg.
This story is so well done, it flows perfectly, has some very HOT love scenes, it is emotional and I never doubted for a moment that these two loved each other, but I confess, I was ready to smack Simon more than once. These two had a very painful journey to their HEA, but once they find it, the ending was worth all the agony this reader suffered!
This is the second book in the 1797 Club series, but there is enough backstory given that you could read this as a stand alone title with no problems. I highly recommend this series and am looking forward to reading Graham's story!!
June 6, 2017
Her Favorite Duke by Jess Michaels
The 1797 Club #2
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. Over the years a bond stronger and closer, in some ways, than that of blood brothers is formed. In each book of the series we find out what has become of the members of the club and who they will find their HEA with.
In this, the second book of the series, we have the story of Simon Green, Duke of Crestwood and how he acquires his duchess. We find out that he has been in love with Margaret “Meg” Rylon for nearly a decade. Meg is sister to James, now the Duke of Abernathe. (James and Emma found their HEA in book one, The Daring Duke.) One of James’s first acts as duke was to ensure Meg’s future and security. To do so he chose one of his brothers, Graham, to be his sister’s husband, drew up the contract and presented it proudly as a fait accompli and in doing so never knew that by doing so he was preventing his sister and Simon from finding love together. Neither Meg nor Simon uttered one word of discontent for seven long years but when a wedding date is announced both are upset in a very large way and a compromising incident occurs that changes the situation dramatically. The two once thwarted sweethearts have a chance at their HEA but it won’t come without hurting dear friends, self-condemnation, emotional upheaval and social castigation. Whether or not Simon and Meg can finally leave their need to please others behind and reach out for what they want and need is at the crux of the matter and only through soul searching, wise words from friends and personal soul searching will they be able to have a truly happily ever after ending. The hook is set for book three in which Graham will have his story told in The Broken Duke. I look forward to finding out who he will end up with AND whether friendships damaged in this book can be repaired in the next.
Thank you to NetGalley and The Passionate Pen for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
The 1797 Club #2
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. Over the years a bond stronger and closer, in some ways, than that of blood brothers is formed. In each book of the series we find out what has become of the members of the club and who they will find their HEA with.
In this, the second book of the series, we have the story of Simon Green, Duke of Crestwood and how he acquires his duchess. We find out that he has been in love with Margaret “Meg” Rylon for nearly a decade. Meg is sister to James, now the Duke of Abernathe. (James and Emma found their HEA in book one, The Daring Duke.) One of James’s first acts as duke was to ensure Meg’s future and security. To do so he chose one of his brothers, Graham, to be his sister’s husband, drew up the contract and presented it proudly as a fait accompli and in doing so never knew that by doing so he was preventing his sister and Simon from finding love together. Neither Meg nor Simon uttered one word of discontent for seven long years but when a wedding date is announced both are upset in a very large way and a compromising incident occurs that changes the situation dramatically. The two once thwarted sweethearts have a chance at their HEA but it won’t come without hurting dear friends, self-condemnation, emotional upheaval and social castigation. Whether or not Simon and Meg can finally leave their need to please others behind and reach out for what they want and need is at the crux of the matter and only through soul searching, wise words from friends and personal soul searching will they be able to have a truly happily ever after ending. The hook is set for book three in which Graham will have his story told in The Broken Duke. I look forward to finding out who he will end up with AND whether friendships damaged in this book can be repaired in the next.
Thank you to NetGalley and The Passionate Pen for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
May 14, 2017
I received this book from net galley for an honest review. Thank you!!
This novel was a very good read. I read the first book in this series and look forward to reading the other members of the 1797 club, which was started by boys who would eventually become dukes. Each has their own past they must overcome.
Margaret Rylon, sister to the Duke of Abernathe, has been in love with Simon Greene, Duke of Crestwood since she was a girl. They were the best of friends and could talk about anything. Simon has also loved Meg for a decade. However, when Meg's brother becomes the duke after their father's death, he has her betrothed to Graham Everly, the Duke of Northfield. Both Simon and Meg are hurt by this, but neither tell James. Both have their reasons for not telling him.
When James asks Meg to set a date for the wedding years later, Meg is upset by this since he loves Simon. Simon is torn by this and plans to leave before Meg is married. When the to of them are caught in a compromising situation, they now have to marry. Simon feels he has betrayed his friends and cannot give himself completely to Meg due to the guilt he feels, even though she is the only woman he has ever wanted. Simon has never fought for anything, due to his upbringing and often tries to please everyone.
Even though Meg and Simon know they hurt many people, both of them want to be together and passion ignites between them. Still, Simon keeps holding himself back from Meg, which hurts her deeply. Simon feels so much guilt and it affects his relationship with Meg. When Meg can no longer handle Simon's distance, she leaves him. Will Simon come to his senses and be able to be the man willing to fight for her or will he continue his guilt and appeasing ways?
This novel was a very good read. I read the first book in this series and look forward to reading the other members of the 1797 club, which was started by boys who would eventually become dukes. Each has their own past they must overcome.
Margaret Rylon, sister to the Duke of Abernathe, has been in love with Simon Greene, Duke of Crestwood since she was a girl. They were the best of friends and could talk about anything. Simon has also loved Meg for a decade. However, when Meg's brother becomes the duke after their father's death, he has her betrothed to Graham Everly, the Duke of Northfield. Both Simon and Meg are hurt by this, but neither tell James. Both have their reasons for not telling him.
When James asks Meg to set a date for the wedding years later, Meg is upset by this since he loves Simon. Simon is torn by this and plans to leave before Meg is married. When the to of them are caught in a compromising situation, they now have to marry. Simon feels he has betrayed his friends and cannot give himself completely to Meg due to the guilt he feels, even though she is the only woman he has ever wanted. Simon has never fought for anything, due to his upbringing and often tries to please everyone.
Even though Meg and Simon know they hurt many people, both of them want to be together and passion ignites between them. Still, Simon keeps holding himself back from Meg, which hurts her deeply. Simon feels so much guilt and it affects his relationship with Meg. When Meg can no longer handle Simon's distance, she leaves him. Will Simon come to his senses and be able to be the man willing to fight for her or will he continue his guilt and appeasing ways?
December 19, 2020
I just knew this story was going to be the best of the series. Any idiot could see that Simon and Meg were in love with one another.
It was excruciating seeing them unable to be together due to a marriage arranged by her brother and his best friend. Then for the love of his life to be engaged to his other best friend. What is a person to do?
In my opinion??? Fight, take what you want and consequences be damned. You're a freaking duke and everyone else can kiss your ass.
Did this happen? No.
Simon does get what he wants, but once he does he is so overcome with guilt he sets about sabotaging his happiness, and in turn Meg's happiness.
I wanted to scream... TAKE YOUR WOMAN OR GROW SOME BALLS so many times it's insane.
If Simon had did more from the beginning this would have been a 5 star read for me.
In my mind they were going to end up in a compromising position, and all of the grief was going to come from them having to navigate society after a huge scandal. I'm no writer, that was just the way I wished it would go. I thought they would be fighting a common enemy together.
Overall, the story was still good and it left me wondering about the rest of the men of the 1797 club, so I will definitely continue on.
Is it sad to say that James stole every scene he was in. He was swoon worthy for sure in this book.
It was excruciating seeing them unable to be together due to a marriage arranged by her brother and his best friend. Then for the love of his life to be engaged to his other best friend. What is a person to do?
In my opinion??? Fight, take what you want and consequences be damned. You're a freaking duke and everyone else can kiss your ass.
Did this happen? No.
Simon does get what he wants, but once he does he is so overcome with guilt he sets about sabotaging his happiness, and in turn Meg's happiness.
I wanted to scream... TAKE YOUR WOMAN OR GROW SOME BALLS so many times it's insane.
If Simon had did more from the beginning this would have been a 5 star read for me.
In my mind they were going to end up in a compromising position, and all of the grief was going to come from them having to navigate society after a huge scandal. I'm no writer, that was just the way I wished it would go. I thought they would be fighting a common enemy together.
Overall, the story was still good and it left me wondering about the rest of the men of the 1797 club, so I will definitely continue on.
Is it sad to say that James stole every scene he was in. He was swoon worthy for sure in this book.
August 5, 2021
Funnily enough I liked the main couple more in the previous books than in this one.
Ok, that might be a little too harsh, but I was really invested in their relationship at the beginning of this book, but as the story dragged a little because of hero's constant mentioning of guilt and shame, and his hot and cold attitude toward the heroine, I slowly lost interest.
The really sweet and fun ending redeemed the story a little, but I was still annoyed with Simon's indecisiveness and almost tunnel vision when it comes to his duty.
I am a fan of angst and drama in my romances, but here it got a little bit much.
One thing I found kind of funny is both heroes in this series really REALLY wanted to have sex with the heroine.
Overall, Her Favorite Duke was good, maybe little dragged out and the hero got on my nerves at times. But I'm still interested in the series, especially next book and its hero (he was kind of mean in this one, and justly so, but still...).
3+/5 stars
Ok, that might be a little too harsh, but I was really invested in their relationship at the beginning of this book, but as the story dragged a little because of hero's constant mentioning of guilt and shame, and his hot and cold attitude toward the heroine, I slowly lost interest.
The really sweet and fun ending redeemed the story a little, but I was still annoyed with Simon's indecisiveness and almost tunnel vision when it comes to his duty.
I am a fan of angst and drama in my romances, but here it got a little bit much.
One thing I found kind of funny is both heroes in this series really REALLY wanted to have sex with the heroine.
Overall, Her Favorite Duke was good, maybe little dragged out and the hero got on my nerves at times. But I'm still interested in the series, especially next book and its hero (he was kind of mean in this one, and justly so, but still...).
3+/5 stars
June 7, 2017
... a puzzler!
The beginning of this episode of The 1797 Club has promise, although it raised questions. Engaged to the wrong Duke at a young age by her brother James to one of his best friends, Meg had to endure seven years of an engagement that had not one jot of romance. Her heart has always been Simon's. Simon returned the feelings silently. They are however the best of friends. When they are caught out overnight in a storm their life changes. Now is the time to seize the moment. After all Meg is compromised and Simon must step up to the plate. Which he does but instead of being relieved Simon mopes around feeling guilty for have betrayed a brother Duke. The beginning had promise, the last part dragged out a bit. The resolution was predictable. The puzzle? Why wait seven years, why punish yourself when you've gained the prize--the woman you've always loved, why try to destroy that by decrying the what is now? The answers are complicated but too slow in the coming.
Themes of love, betrayal and honor (alongside those steamy love scenes that hallmark Michael's novels) underpin all, but there's not enough oomph in the overall story to really grab your interest.
A NetGalley ARC
The beginning of this episode of The 1797 Club has promise, although it raised questions. Engaged to the wrong Duke at a young age by her brother James to one of his best friends, Meg had to endure seven years of an engagement that had not one jot of romance. Her heart has always been Simon's. Simon returned the feelings silently. They are however the best of friends. When they are caught out overnight in a storm their life changes. Now is the time to seize the moment. After all Meg is compromised and Simon must step up to the plate. Which he does but instead of being relieved Simon mopes around feeling guilty for have betrayed a brother Duke. The beginning had promise, the last part dragged out a bit. The resolution was predictable. The puzzle? Why wait seven years, why punish yourself when you've gained the prize--the woman you've always loved, why try to destroy that by decrying the what is now? The answers are complicated but too slow in the coming.
Themes of love, betrayal and honor (alongside those steamy love scenes that hallmark Michael's novels) underpin all, but there's not enough oomph in the overall story to really grab your interest.
A NetGalley ARC
August 24, 2017
This was Meg and Simon's story. We meet these characters in Emma and James' book. Meg is James' sister and she has been in love with Simon since she was a young teen. Unfortunately, he is not the man her brother betrothed her too back when she was 16. Simon has also been in love with Meg but honor has prevented him from doing anything about it since she is engaged to one of his best friends. When the date for the wedding is finally set events unfold to compromise Meg and Simon and friendships and relationships are all in jeopardy.
I am glad at the end of the story the author gave us a bit more insight into why neither of these two just spoke up when James asked Graham to marry his sister all those years ago. That was the thing I found hardest to swallow through most of the book. Meg and James were very close so you would have thought she would have just approached him with her love for his other dear friend and if Simon truly had feelings for Meg, why didn't he approach James? They each have their reasons in the end that helped me to get past the one problem I had with this story-line.
Another great read from Jess Michaels.
I am glad at the end of the story the author gave us a bit more insight into why neither of these two just spoke up when James asked Graham to marry his sister all those years ago. That was the thing I found hardest to swallow through most of the book. Meg and James were very close so you would have thought she would have just approached him with her love for his other dear friend and if Simon truly had feelings for Meg, why didn't he approach James? They each have their reasons in the end that helped me to get past the one problem I had with this story-line.
Another great read from Jess Michaels.
May 19, 2017
Meg and Simon have been in love with each other for years and it is by time that they get their turn at a passionate romance. Because Meg is or was engaged to one of her brother's closest friends she didn't have a chance to try something with her brother's other close friend, Simon. When a storm hits, lines are crossed and a scandal is boiling over so what else is there to do but wed. However, Simon feels to much guilt at betraying his friend's engagement to the woman he loves that he can't enjoy his marriage to Meg. They are so close to happiness but there is so much distance between them that is it a wonder if they will ever be truly together. This book has so much emotion and love. There is so much inner struggle for these two but it is all worth it in the end. It was a lovely read and I can't wait to see what is in store for ex-fiancé Graham.
I received this ARC via Netgalley.
I received this ARC via Netgalley.
May 28, 2017
This is the second book in this series and I very much enjoyed it. Margaret "Meg" Rylon is promised to another and has been since she was 16. Her brother James the Duke of Abernathy wanted to secure her future and chose one of his best friends Graham as her betrothed. The only problem is he didn't consider asking Meg. Megs heart was set on another her brothers other best friend Simon the Duke of Crestwood. Simon loved Meg also but they never talked or addressed their feelings for one another. The years passed and still Meg and Graham did not set a date. James pushes the issue and sets a date for Graham and Meg leaving Simon no choice but to leave and escape the heartbreak of losing Meg to his best friend. He has to much honor to step in and take what he truly wants or the scandal it would cause. But can he truly walk away from Meg and watch as another man takes what should be his?
September 5, 2021
Her favourite Duke is an enjoyable, sexy romance, with an engaging plot that keeps the reader turning the pages. I liked the contrasting characters, each is developed pretty well over the course of the book.
I did think that there were moments while reading which I thought were a little slower in pace, which did tend to grate on me a little. But overall a good story.
I did think that there were moments while reading which I thought were a little slower in pace, which did tend to grate on me a little. But overall a good story.
October 15, 2022
The premise that an unwanted engagement could continue for seven years in a loving and accepting family is a bit of a stretch. Ill admit to skepticism. But the author ultimately pulls it off by providing Simon, our hero, with a very interesting and insightful journey. Meg, not so much. At least her journey wasn’t quite as interesting. But I loved Simon so I’m giving it 5 stars.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 168 reviews