The Duke of Desire

The 1797 Club #9

by Jess Michaels

The 9th Book in the beloved 1797 Club series from USA Today Bestseller Jess Michaels

Robert Smithton, Duke of Roseford is known for his lusty appetites and his cold, cold heart. Still thanks to his title and his fortune, everyone wants him and he’s bored of it all. He wants something, but he cannot place what exactly that is. Until he meets Katherine, the Countess of Gainsworth.

Married for six months to an old man who died when they were making love, Katherine is just returning to Society. Although scandal follows her, so does interest, as the men of Society wonder about her prowess if it could kill a man. When Robert begins to pursue her, she is horrified. After all, she blames him for the circumstances that sent her into her loveless marriage in the first place.

When Katherine ignores him, Robert only pushes harder and ultimately she begins to wonder if revenge is a dish best served through desire. What she finds when she touches him at last is pleasure unlike any she’s ever known, and a connection she does not wish to feel. Now she must decide if she wants revenge or happiness and Robert must determine if love is worth fighting for.

Length: Full-length novel
Heat Level: Seduction, scandal and lots of sin!

This book is part of a series (The 1797 Club), but can be read as a standalone book.

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Regency, Enemies To Lovers, M F Romance, Regency Romance

251 pages, ebook

First published September 18, 2018

About the author

Jess 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.

Reviews

[Ivy H]

This is entirely a case of "it's me and not the book."

And that's why I'm just gonna say why this didn't appeal to me and refrain from rating it.

I haven't had a 4 star rating for any of the novellas I've read in this entire series. But this one is the worst. Both MC's are unlikable, the H is one of the "skeeviest" skankaholic manwhores I've ever come across and that's based on his past behaviour before he got involved with the heroine. I didn't even hold his skanky manwhore past against him because I've read lots of books with H's who have a similar modus operandi. My problem with this novella is that the writing and the storytelling were neither compelling nor interesting. I had been very curious about this novella because Robert has been a trainweck manwhore in the previous books so I wanted to see how he'd be redeemed by the author. I was also intrigued by the blurb because I love the revenge trope but the heroine came across as whiny and powerless, rather than vengeful and tough.

I hope the author's next novella is more interesting because I have enjoyed some of her books in the past.

[Simoloverosa · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5
Grazie all' accurata traduzione di Isabella Nanni giungiamo finalmente al più atteso dei volumi che compongono l' affascinante e scandalosa serie del Club del 1797. Katherine è una donna voluttuosa, in lei traspare desiderio e bellezza un mix inebriante e seducente che non passa inosservato ma la vita le ha riservato solo amarezze culminate con lo scandalo scoppiato in seguito alle imbarazzanti circostanze della morte di suo marito. Il rientro in società è accolto con sarcasmo e disprezzo divenendo oggetto di sguardi indagatori e curiosi soprattutto da parte dei gentiluomini che si interrogano sulle sue prodezze sessuali. Robert è estasiato dalla grazia delle sue movenze, dall' eleganza che fascia il suo corpo e da quel fascino innato che prorompe genuino e proibito. La vuole nel suo letto a discapito della sua reputazione già ampiamente compromessa da un matrimonio che ha devastato il suo spirito e danneggiato la sua dignità e di cui Robert è in parte responsabile. Il fascino disarmante del bel Duca di Roseford aveva già fatto breccia anni prima nel suo giovane cuore provando sulla sua pelle la crudele freddezza e l' algido distacco con cui l' aveva trattata, del resto Robert è un uomo difficile, ombroso e glaciale nonchè un famoso libertino dedito ai suoi voraci appetiti che appaga senza coinvolgere emozioni che non siano strettamente legate al puro piacere carnale. Ora è lei a ripagarlo con la stessa moneta evitandolo e disapprovando quel comportamento riprovevole e meschino degno di un mascalzone senza cuore. Sarà il desiderio forte e prorompente a straripare gli argini dominando con fragore le loro emozioni che esplodono senza freni in un sentimento tempestoso e passionale.
La penna della Michaels è un tratto indistinguibile di sensualità ed emozione, la sua prosa scorre luminosa, calda, e coinvolgente. La narrazione fluida e cristallina celebra due notevoli personaggi sottolineandone sfumature e caratteristiche egregiamente delineate a forgiarne spessore e carisma. Un volume in cui mi aspettavo qualcosa in più da parte di Robert che nel corso della serie si è distinto per l' affascinante oscurità che avvolge la sua figura ma comunque ho apprezzato l' analisi introspettiva profonda e dettagliata grazia alla quale conosciamo finalmente il retroscena doloroso che ha formato il suo duro carattere. L' autrice mette a nudo gli animi tormentati facendo emergere paure, desideri, speranze e ci dona una storia intensa con due protagonisti che evolvono e maturano mettendo a fuoco la vastità delle emozioni che travolgono i loro cuori. Ho amato Katherine personaggio che emerge più di Robert, un' anima profanata e spezzata dall' ostracismo e dallo scandalo ma pulsante di sensazioni forti e desideri impellenti purtroppo soffocate da remore e pregiudizi. Immancabile il tocco hot dal gusto raffinato ed erotico che accompagna la piacevole lettura.
Come sempre l' autrice pone uno sguardo anche alle vicende degli altri protagonisti della serie che ritroviamo sempre più uniti in un' amicizia fraterna e indissolubili

[Barbara Rogers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Series: 1797 Club #9
Publication Date: 9/18/18

I have been waiting for Robert’s book with excitement and trepidation. I am not a fan of man ho’s and Robert is a prolific one – so I wondered how Jess Michaels was going to manage to redeem him for me. This book is well plotted and well written – and I was surprised to find that I had more issues with the heroine than I did with the hero. I enjoyed the book, but I can say that it was my least favorite of the series so far.

Your heart just has to bleed for the misery that was the life of Miss Katherine Montague. Her father was a cruel and vindictive man who constantly berated her, caused scenes, called her a whore, etc. Her father saw sin in everything she did – and then punished her for it. Then, he married her off to a man twenty-five years her senior who was just as cruel, hateful, and vindictive. So, she blamed Robert for all of that. What? Katherine is an intelligent woman so I don’t understand her blaming Robert rather than her father for ruining her life. Yes, Robert was on the balcony with her when her father found them. However, Robert was already there when she came out, he didn’t seek her out. To me, that just isn’t enough for the deep hatred she felt for Robert and she hung onto it way too long. Actually, she didn’t ever have a grand epiphany and realize that it was her father she should hate and not Robert who was both oblivious and innocent.

Robert Smithton, Duke of Roseford, presented a mask of himself to the world. His seductions and debaucheries knew no bounds. He’d never force a woman to do anything, but with his handsome looks, wit, and charm he’d never have to. All of that masks a deep hurt that he has never shared with anyone – not even his brothers in the 1797 club. He loves pleasure, but he never allows a woman to get close. He was feeling more and more like he was losing his friends in the 1797 Club because they were all marrying and didn’t approve of some of his scandalous actions. “Once upon a time, he would have said those men had thrown away their freedom. But it was hard to feel that way now when their joy was so clear. So sharp. Like a knife to the gut.”

I enjoyed the book and really felt for both of the characters and wanted them to find their HEA. However, I did find that I thought her reasons for ‘hating’ Robert were totally unfounded and without merit and thus took away from the story.

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

[Sissy's Romance Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Duke of Desire by Jess Michaels is book 9 in The 1797 Club series. This is the story of Robert Smithton, Duke of Roseford and Katherine, the Countess of Gainsworth. I have read the other books but feel you can make this a standalone book if you wish to do so.
Katherine had a cruel father who also was very strict. Her father always had a misguided attitude toward which was one of the reason he married her off to a very older man. Katherine's husband wasn't much better but he ended up dying during their 'marital relations'. Robert seems to have it all and does it all...but he is getting board and looking for something more. When Katherine comes back to town, Robert starts to pursue her which she somewhat holds him responsible for her marriage due to a past incident.
This was another great hot read from Ms. Michaels.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off, I loved this book. Robert is a notorious rake and Katherine is a scandalized widow who holds him responsible for destroying her life in the first place. Robert learns to trust Katherine not to leave him and Katherine learns to be herself without fear of reprisal or worry about what others will say. This book is hot, but it's also a beautiful story of learning to risk your heart to another.

Thank you to the author and publisher for the ARC I received from NetGalley.

[Tracy Emro · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars rounded up.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Lou Ambrose’s Library · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel like could’ve enjoyed this more if misunderstanding wasn’t the main character instead of our hero and heroine.

[Karma♥Bites ^.~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

**ARC provided via NetGalley**

Oh, I’ve missed Jess Michaels during my time off GR. And lawdy, has she been busy—9 books in this series w/in 2 yrs? Yeah, I started this backward; I’ve got lots of catching up to do.

NB: ARC so full review to be posted via review account.

[Smutty19 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Katherine and Robert almost kiss on a terrace when her father catches them. He then forces her to marry a man older than he is to tame her whoreish ways. Her husband died while they were having sex and now all the men are taking bets on who can make her their lover. Of course Robert is intent on winning. The dukes invite him to a country house to get away from Katherine and to leave her be. The duchesses invite Katherine to the same house to escape Robert and society. Both show up and are surrounded by happy couples.
Just another good short book about a rakes reformation. What I liked most about this book was seeing all the former couples and their kids.
Overall book ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Giusy Luca · Rating 5 out of 5]

https://emozionidicarta2020.blogspot....


Lady Katherine Montague è costretta a sposarsi senza amore con un uomo scelto dal padre, un uomo pio come lui, in modo che possa frenare i suoi impulsi lascivi.

In realtà il marito apprezzava molto la sua natura, ma solo per il suo piacere personale, non si è mai preoccupato di soddisfarla, le aveva dato solo un assaggio di ciò che avrebbe potuto essere, rendendola sempre più curiosa su ciò che tanto desiderava.

La meschinità del padre l'aveva sempre turbata e ferita. Il padre l'aveva sempre accusata di essere sporca, sbagliata, una sgualdrina, ma nonostante ciò lei ha sempre desiderato di essere accettata.

Dopo lo scandalo legato alla morte del marito, il suo ritorno in società non era ben visto, i pettegolezzi che venivano bisbigliati al suo passaggio la rendevano insicura, il ton la guardava male, la snobbava, ma lei camminava sempre a testa alta con fiero orgoglio e non si sarebbe mai fatta calpestare.

«Non mordo» le disse con un altro sorriso. «A meno che non sia quello che piace a milady.»

Quando le Duchessa del club 1797 la accolgono nella loro cerchia, facendo scudo intorno a lei, in un primo momento non riesce a capire il perché del loro interesse, ma col passare del tempo impara a fidarsi, entrando anche lei nella loro cerchia di amici.

Robert Smithton, Duca di Rose Ford, era sempre stato il più scapestrato del gruppo dei Duchi, era quello che interpretava la parte del libertino, della canaglia, del mascalzone, non era ancora caduto nella trappola del matrimonio e ne era felice, almeno apparentemente.  In realtà era stanco di quella vita da libertino e iniziava ad invidiare i suoi amici, tutti felicemente sposati, ma soprattutto iniziava a sentirsi isolato, aveva paura che la sua condotta prima o poi l'avrebbe allontanato da loro.

"Un tempo avrebbe detto che quegli uomini avevano gettato via la loro libertà. Ma era difficile pensarla ancora così adesso che la loro gioia era così palese. "

Si ritroveranno incastrati nella tenuta dei duchi di Abernathe e, con la convivenza, impareranno a conoscersi e ad apprezzare la presenza uno dell'altro.

Robert è affascinato da Katherine, dalla sua forza, dalla sua fiducia in se stessa e dalla sua bellezza.

Katherine è affascinata ed intrigata da ciò che riesce a risvegliare dentro di sé il Duca, con lui avrebbe potuto sperimentare la sua perversione e trovare il piacere che ha sempre cercato durante il matrimonio.
Ma Robert nasconde un segreto, cosa accadrà quando Katherine lo scoprirà, riuscirà a fidarsi ancora di lui?

Robert è un furfante, ma non si può far a meno di amarlo, crede di non poter amare e di non poter avere quello che hanno i suoi amici, ma solo accettando i suoi sentimenti potrà avere tutto ciò che lo rende nostalgico.

Katherine è una donna forte, determinata, riconosce di avere delle necessità che solo Robert può soddisfare e decide di prendere tutto quello che può senza nessuna vergogna, accettando la sua natura, senza essere vittima di un uomo ed è per questo motivo che pone dei limiti, ma riuscirà a non oltrepassarli?

Tutti e due hanno paura di lasciarsi andare ai sentimenti per non dover soffrire, riusciranno a conquistare l'amore e la felicità tanto desiderata?

«Scoprirai che ci sono molti vantaggi nel chiedere a un libertino di darti piacere, mia cara. L’esperienza ha i suoi vantaggi.»
Anche questo nono libro come i precedenti mi ha coinvolto dall'inizio alla fine.

Due personaggi ben caratterizzati, anche qui la parte erotica fa infiammare lo schermo del tablet.

Una lettura scorrevole e coinvolgente, ancora una volta l'autrice è riuscita a tenere vivo l'interesse per tutta la durata della lettura.

Come nei precedenti libri ritroveremo tutti i Duchi del club 1797, con le relative mogli, sempre pronti a sostenere i propri amici, sanno che in Robert si nasconde un uomo buono, gentile, sempre pronto a dare il massimo per gli amici e faranno di tutto per aiutarlo nell'impresa di fare chiarezza sui sentimenti che prova per Katherine.

E come sempre devo fare i complimenti a Isabella Nanni per l'ottima traduzione. E adesso aspetto la storia sull'ultimo Duca.

Ringrazio l'autrice per la copia ARC

[Sheila Melo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for free from Netgalley in order to prepare an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. 

FINAL DECISION: Quite enjoyable story of a notorious rake who finds that his past misdeeds are coming back to haunt him when the woman he is intrigued with will have nothing to do with him. As to two begin to fall, all of the past and mistrust threatens any chance for a future.

THE STORY: Robert Smithton, Duke of Roseford, immerses himself in sexual excess although his life is beginning to separate him from best friends who all moving on to married life. When the Countess of Gainsworth returns to society after the notorious death of her husband, Robert plans on seducing the widow. What he doesn't expect is that Katherine seems to hold a hatred of Robert although he has just met her. Katherine blames Roseford for the circumstances which led to her being forced to marry and has no intention on being Robert's next conquest.

OPINION: I enjoyed reading the interactions between Robert and Katherine. I was a bit disappointed that Robert was not as wild as I expected from his history. I think, in fact, he was tamer than some of the other heroes. He was nicer than I expected.

What I really enjoyed was how Robert really wants what his friends have but doesn't know how to reach out for what he wants. And I really loved that he is confounded by his attraction to Katherine and falls for her hard.

I didn't find Katherine's journey as compelling as Robert's, but I liked her strength as a character and her unwillingness to sacrifice her own self-worth. She has her freedom and intends on living her best life despite her father, and she certainly isn't going to be a doormat for Robert.

WORTH MENTIONING: We get quite a few updates on the prior couples in the series.

CONNECTED BOOKS: THE DUKE OF DESIRE is the ninth book in the 1797 series. The romance here is self-contained and can be read as a standalone although the characters from the series make significant appearances here. The relationships make this series better read in order.

STAR RATING: I give this book 4 stars.

NOTE: I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in order to help prepare this review. I was not required to write a review or to write a positive review. All opinions contained herein are my own.

 This review was originally posted on Top10RomanceBooks.com

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought I read this book a while ago but I was wrong. When I was reading Jess Michaels’ new book Love of a Libertine I realized I never read Robert and Katherine’s story. Shame on me. It was another great addition to this series.

I love how all of the duchesses are one big sisterhood. They look out for each other and accepted Katherine with open arms. Katherine has a piece of crap father and I can see why she is so cautious and nervous about reentering Society. Let’s face it, Society isn’t the most welcoming group of people, especially when dealing with someone who has Katherine’s reputation. Once she realizes she is worth it and should ask for what she wants I became so proud of her. Then there is Robert who is the libertine in the group and doesn’t mind it either. His friends all know he is a good person but it takes time for him to really see it himself. He is a decent person, despite some of his actions in the past and present. They fit well together and help each other break out of the images that society and they have of themselves. Overall, I’m so happy I read this and need to read the very last book in this series soon.

[Amira · Rating 4 out of 5]

A likable and enjoyable story even if I did not fall in love with Robert and Katherine. I've not read any of the other books in the series as yet, but I am drawn to the characters featured and I will give them a try.

[Norah Gibbons · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book to read through NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. The Duke of Desire is the ninth book in Jess Michaels The 1797 Club series. I think it’s a good series and that you will enjoy this book more is you have read the other books as you will understand the friendships and interactions in this book better. Katharine Countess Of Gainsworth has just re-entered society after her year of mourning her husband. As a widow she is something of a scandal because her husband met his demise in her bed. Robert Smithton, Duke of Roseford bon vivant and libertine catches sight of her across a crowded ballroom and foolishly makes a bet that he will be her lover. Both of these characters had hellishly awful fathers and they are damaged by that. Robert uses humour and licentiousness to keep people away but somehow Katharine is able to see past that. Katharine has been shamed as a wanton by both her father and her husband and Robert is able to make her understand that desire is not abnormal. I very much enjoyed enjoyed reading this book and do recommend it. Quite Steamy. Publishing Date September 18, 2018 #TheDukeOfDesire #NetGalley

[Daniela Colaiacomo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recensione completa sul ❤️ "Blog Romance Non-Stop"❤️

Anche questo nono libro de 𝙄𝙡 𝘾𝙡𝙪𝙗 𝙙𝙚𝙡 1797 è bello, intenso e appassionante come gli altri.
Apprezzo da sempre Jess Michaels - ho letto la maggior parte dei suoi libri tradotti in italiano -, la sensualità con la quale avvolge le sue storie, ma questa serie mi ha coinvolta in modo particolare. Le protagoniste femminili sono forti, determinate e, soprattutto, sanno guardare oltre lo strato protettivo che i dieci ragazzi, ormai duchi, de 𝙄𝙡 𝘾𝙡𝙪𝙗 𝙙𝙚𝙡 1797 hanno innalzato al di fuori della loro cerchia ristretta, il bozzolo di affetto, solidarietà, condivisione e comprensione con il quale si sono difesi quando, giovani e feriti, hanno stretto il loro patto di amicizia alla Braxton Academy, la scuola dove tutti loro hanno trovato uno scopo di vita.
Privi del sostegno da parte dei genitori, per lo più assenti se non addirittura crudeli - ad esclusione di Kit, Christopher Collins, il cui padre, il Duca di Kingsacre, ha esercitato un’influenza benefica su tutti loro -, i giovani sono diventati uomini, forti e solidali nel rispetto del legame che, con il Club, hanno creato. Ora la "famiglia amorevole" si è allargata, otto di loro hanno unito le loro vite a donne straordinarie, intelligenti e originali, molto affiatate tra loro.
Una nuova consapevolezza prende forma nel protagonista di questa storia.

𝙍𝙤𝙗𝙚𝙧𝙩 𝙎𝙢𝙞𝙩𝙝𝙩𝙤𝙣, 𝘿𝙪𝙘𝙖 𝙙𝙞 𝙍𝙤𝙨𝙚𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙙, 𝙜𝙚𝙩𝙩ò 𝙪𝙣 𝙤𝙘𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙤 𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙖 𝙨𝙖𝙡𝙖 𝙙𝙖 𝙗𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙤 𝙘𝙤𝙣 𝙨𝙘𝙖𝙧𝙨𝙤 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙚. 𝙉𝙤𝙣 𝙜𝙡𝙞 𝙚𝙧𝙖 𝙢𝙖𝙞 𝙥𝙞𝙖𝙘𝙞𝙪𝙩𝙤 𝙦𝙪𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙛𝙤𝙜𝙜𝙞𝙤 𝙙𝙞 𝙚𝙨𝙞𝙗𝙞𝙯𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙞𝙨𝙢𝙤, 𝙢𝙖 𝙣𝙚𝙜𝙡𝙞 𝙪𝙡𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙞 𝙩𝙚𝙢𝙥𝙞 𝙚𝙧𝙖 𝙙𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙤 𝙦𝙪𝙖𝙨𝙞 𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙤𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙖𝙗𝙞𝙡𝙚. 𝙎𝙚𝙣𝙩ì 𝙡𝙖 𝙗𝙤𝙘𝙘𝙖 𝙞𝙣𝙘𝙪𝙧𝙫𝙖𝙧𝙨𝙞 𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙤𝙧𝙖 𝙙𝙞 𝙥𝙞ù 𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙤 𝙞𝙡 𝙗𝙖𝙨𝙨𝙤 𝙦𝙪𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙤 𝙫𝙞𝙙𝙚 𝙡𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙥𝙥𝙞𝙚 𝙘𝙝𝙚 𝙤𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙜𝙜𝙞𝙖𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙤 𝙨𝙪𝙡𝙡𝙖 𝙥𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙖. 𝘼𝙢𝙞𝙘𝙞 𝙨𝙪𝙤𝙞, 𝙢𝙤𝙡𝙩𝙞 𝙙𝙚𝙞 𝙦𝙪𝙖𝙡𝙞 𝙘𝙤𝙣 𝙨𝙥𝙤𝙨𝙚 𝙛𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙘𝙞 𝙩𝙧𝙖 𝙡𝙚 𝙗𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙘𝙞𝙖.
𝙐𝙣 𝙩𝙚𝙢𝙥𝙤 𝙖𝙫𝙧𝙚𝙗𝙗𝙚 𝙙𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙤 𝙘𝙝𝙚 𝙦𝙪𝙚𝙜𝙡𝙞 𝙪𝙤𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙞 𝙖𝙫𝙚𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙤 𝙜𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙤 𝙫𝙞𝙖 𝙡𝙖 𝙡𝙤𝙧𝙤 𝙡𝙞𝙗𝙚𝙧𝙩à. 𝙈𝙖 𝙚𝙧𝙖 𝙙𝙞𝙛𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙞𝙡𝙚 𝙥𝙚𝙣𝙨𝙖𝙧𝙡𝙖 𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙤𝙧𝙖 𝙘𝙤𝙨ì 𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙤 𝙘𝙝𝙚 𝙡𝙖 𝙡𝙤𝙧𝙤 𝙜𝙞𝙤𝙞𝙖 𝙚𝙧𝙖 𝙘𝙤𝙨ì 𝙥𝙖𝙡𝙚𝙨𝙚. 𝘾𝙤𝙨ì 𝙩𝙖𝙜𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙚. 𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙪𝙣 𝙘𝙤𝙡𝙩𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙤 𝙣𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙚 𝙫𝙞𝙨𝙘𝙚𝙧𝙚.

𝙈𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙧𝙚 𝙜𝙡𝙞 𝙖𝙡𝙩𝙧𝙞 𝙞𝙣𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙤 𝙚 𝙨𝙥𝙤𝙨𝙖𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙤 𝙞 𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙞 𝙖𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙞 𝙙𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙖 𝙡𝙤𝙧𝙤 𝙫𝙞𝙩𝙖, 𝙨𝙞 𝙚𝙧𝙖 𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙤 𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙚 𝙪𝙣 𝙜𝙞𝙤𝙧𝙣𝙤 𝙨𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙗𝙗𝙚 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙤 𝙚𝙨𝙥𝙪𝙡𝙨𝙤 𝙙𝙖𝙞 𝙡𝙤𝙧𝙤 𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙝𝙞 𝙥𝙚𝙧 𝙫𝙞𝙖 𝙙𝙚𝙡 𝙨𝙪𝙤 𝙧𝙞𝙛𝙞𝙪𝙩𝙤 𝙙𝙞 𝙛𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙖𝙡𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙤. 𝙎𝙚 𝙖 𝙪𝙣 𝙘𝙚𝙧𝙩𝙤 𝙥𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙞 𝙨𝙪𝙤𝙞 𝙫𝙚𝙘𝙘𝙝𝙞 𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙘𝙞 𝙡𝙤 𝙖𝙫𝙧𝙚𝙗𝙗𝙚𝙧𝙤 𝙜𝙪𝙖𝙧𝙙𝙖𝙩𝙤 𝙚 𝙖𝙫𝙧𝙚𝙗𝙗𝙚𝙧𝙤 𝙫𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙤 𝙪𝙣 𝙪𝙤𝙢𝙤 𝙙𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙖 𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙖 𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙢𝙖 𝙙𝙚𝙡 𝙢𝙖𝙧𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙨𝙚 𝙘𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙫𝙖 𝙗𝙡𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙤 𝙖𝙡 𝙨𝙪𝙤 𝙛𝙞𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙤.
𝙐𝙣𝙖 𝙘𝙤𝙨𝙖 𝙘𝙝𝙚 𝙜𝙡𝙞 𝙖𝙫𝙧𝙚𝙗𝙗𝙚 𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙯𝙯𝙖𝙩𝙤 𝙞𝙡 𝙘𝙪𝙤𝙧𝙚.

Al ballo al quale presenziano Robert e gli amici duchi fa il suo ingresso la Contessa di Gainsworth - 𝙗𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙢𝙖, 𝙘𝙤𝙣 𝙛𝙤𝙡𝙩𝙞 𝙘𝙖𝙥𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙞 𝙘𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙞 𝙚 𝙪𝙣 𝙫𝙞𝙨𝙤 𝙘𝙝𝙚 𝙖𝙫𝙧𝙚𝙗𝙗𝙚 𝙛𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙤 𝙜𝙞𝙧𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙡𝙖 𝙩𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙖 𝙖 𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙪𝙣𝙦𝙪𝙚 -, che, pur essendo oggetto di insinuazioni scandalose - 𝙇𝙖 𝙛𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙜𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙖 𝙣𝙤𝙗𝙞𝙡𝙙𝙤𝙣𝙣𝙖 𝙡𝙖 𝙘𝙪𝙞 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙙𝙚𝙯𝙯𝙖 𝙨𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙪𝙖𝙡𝙚 𝙚𝙧𝙖 𝙩𝙖𝙡𝙚 𝙘𝙝𝙚 𝙞𝙡 𝙢𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙤 𝙣𝙚 è 𝙧𝙞𝙢𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙘𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙩𝙤! -, sfidando le malelingue, affronta la folla che mormora al suo passaggio.

𝙍𝙤𝙗𝙚𝙧𝙩 𝙤𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙧𝙫ò 𝙨𝙫𝙤𝙡𝙜𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙞 𝙦𝙪𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙤 𝙥𝙞𝙘𝙘𝙤𝙡𝙤 𝙙𝙧𝙖𝙢𝙢𝙖 𝙨𝙚𝙣𝙯𝙖 𝙧𝙞𝙪𝙨𝙘𝙞𝙧𝙚 𝙖 𝙙𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙜𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙡𝙤 𝙨𝙜𝙪𝙖𝙧𝙙𝙤. 𝙎𝙚𝙣𝙯𝙖 𝙧𝙞𝙪𝙨𝙘𝙞𝙧𝙚 𝙖 𝙨𝙘𝙧𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙖𝙧𝙨𝙞 𝙙𝙞 𝙙𝙤𝙨𝙨𝙤 𝙪𝙣 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙪𝙨𝙘𝙤𝙡𝙤 𝙗𝙖𝙧𝙡𝙪𝙢𝙚 𝙙𝙞... 𝙧𝙞𝙘𝙤𝙧𝙙𝙤 𝙘𝙝𝙚 𝙡𝙤 𝙨𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙫𝙖 𝙙𝙖𝙞 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙞 𝙙𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙖 𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙚 𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙧𝙚 𝙜𝙪𝙖𝙧𝙙𝙖𝙫𝙖 𝙡𝙖 𝙨𝙩𝙪𝙥𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙖 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙖 𝙖𝙫𝙫𝙞𝙘𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙧𝙨𝙞 𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙖 𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙩𝙚 𝙚 𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙛𝙚𝙧𝙢𝙖 𝙡ì, 𝙘𝙤𝙣 𝙪𝙣’𝙚𝙨𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙫𝙪𝙤𝙩𝙖 𝙨𝙪𝙡 𝙫𝙤𝙡𝙩𝙤.

Sono passati più di tre anni da quando Katherine Montague ha incontrato Robert e la conseguenza di quel momento particolare, avvolgente, condiviso dall'allora giovane innocente, è stato il matrimonio con un uomo più vecchio di venticinque anni, più vecchio del padre bigotto, ipocrita e violento, che le ha imposto tanto dolore: da quel momento Katherine nutre una forte avversione per Robert.
Tuttavia, per una sequenza di coincidenze, si ritrovano a trascorrere dieci giorni ad Abernathe, la tenuta di James e Emma. La palese animosità di Katherine, ancor più marcata dopo aver scoperto i termini di una scommessa 𝙥𝙤𝙘𝙤 𝙜𝙖𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙚 di cui è oggetto, crea curiosità nel giovane duca - non sa che Katherine ne è a conoscenza -, già fortemente attratto dalla bellissima e intrigante vedova, mentre il desiderio di scoprire ciò che le è stato sempre negato induce Katherine a fare a Robert una proposta molto particolare.
A poco a poco tra i due protagonisti nasce un'intesa imprevista e imprevedibile che li porta ad approfondire la reciproca conoscenza, sia dal punto di vista fisico ma, soprattutto, da quello mentale ed emotivo: Katherine rivela i retroscena del suo matrimonio, affronta il padre e le emozioni che suscita in lei; Robert confessa il terribile segreto che lo tormenta dall'infanzia, segreto di cui nessuno è a conoscenza, neanche i suoi amici più cari.
Ho amato Katherine, la sua sensibilità. Superando il pregiudizio e i propri limiti, abbatte il muro di cui si circonda Robert e scopre sé stessa.

...

𝘾’𝙚𝙧𝙖 𝙙𝙞 𝙥𝙞ù.
𝘾’𝙚𝙧𝙖 𝙙𝙞 𝙥𝙞ù 𝙞𝙣 "𝙡𝙪𝙞". 𝙉𝙤𝙣 𝙧𝙞𝙪𝙨𝙘𝙞𝙫𝙖 𝙖 𝙨𝙢𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙙𝙞 𝙥𝙚𝙣𝙨𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙖𝙡𝙡’𝙚𝙢𝙤𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙩à 𝙘𝙝𝙚 𝙡𝙚 𝙖𝙫𝙚𝙫𝙖 𝙢𝙤𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙤 𝙖𝙡𝙡’𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙯𝙞𝙤 𝙙𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙖 𝙜𝙞𝙤𝙧𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙖.

𝙀 𝙡𝙚 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙚 𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙙𝙖𝙞 𝙨𝙪𝙤𝙞 𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙘𝙞 𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙤 𝙩𝙪𝙩𝙩𝙚 𝙖𝙛𝙛𝙖𝙨𝙘𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙞, 𝙧𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙡𝙖𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙤 𝙪𝙣 𝙡𝙖𝙩𝙤 𝙙𝙚𝙡 𝙙𝙪𝙘𝙖 𝙘𝙝𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙖𝙫𝙖 𝙗𝙚𝙣 𝙤𝙡𝙩𝙧𝙚 𝙡𝙖 𝙨𝙪𝙖 𝙛𝙖𝙢𝙖 𝙙𝙞 𝙢𝙖𝙨𝙘𝙖𝙡𝙯𝙤𝙣𝙚. 𝙀𝙧𝙖 𝙨𝙞𝙘𝙪𝙧𝙤 𝙙𝙞 𝙨é, 𝙘𝙚𝙧𝙩𝙤, 𝙢𝙖 𝙚𝙧𝙖 𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙚 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙚 𝙚 𝙖𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙪𝙤𝙨𝙤 𝙘𝙤𝙣 𝙞 𝙨𝙪𝙤𝙞 𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙘𝙞.

A sua volta ho amato Robert, tormentato dai sensi di colpa e dalla paura di perdere coloro che sono, e sono sempre stati, la sua famiglia; vacilla sotto il peso della vita dissoluta condotta fino a quel momento e, quando finalmente apre il suo cuore a Katherine, insieme al doloroso passato rivela la sua fragilità.

𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙨𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙨𝙨𝙚 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙤 𝙧𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙡𝙖𝙩𝙤 𝙦𝙪𝙖𝙡𝙘𝙤𝙨𝙖 𝙘𝙝𝙚 𝙣𝙤𝙣 𝙖𝙫𝙧𝙚𝙗𝙗𝙚 𝙫𝙤𝙡𝙪𝙩𝙤 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙚. 𝙄𝙡 𝙜𝙚𝙣𝙞𝙤 𝙚𝙧𝙖 𝙪𝙨𝙘𝙞𝙩𝙤 𝙙𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙖 𝙡𝙖𝙢𝙥𝙖𝙙𝙖 𝙚 𝙡𝙪𝙞 𝙣𝙤𝙣 𝙖𝙫𝙚𝙫𝙖 𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙖 𝙙𝙞 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙧𝙞𝙢𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙡𝙤 𝙖𝙡 𝙨𝙪𝙤 𝙥𝙤𝙨𝙩𝙤, 𝙣é 𝙘𝙤𝙨𝙖 𝙨𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙗𝙗𝙚 𝙨𝙪𝙘𝙘𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙤 𝙤𝙧𝙖 𝙘𝙝𝙚 𝙚𝙧𝙖 𝙖 𝙥𝙞𝙚𝙙𝙚 𝙡𝙞𝙗𝙚𝙧𝙤.

...

Offrendo a sé stessi una seconda possibilità, una prospettiva nuova e diversa per una vita migliore, i due protagonisti cambiano il proprio destino.
Come sempre Jess Michaels crea personaggi interessanti le cui storie, nell'intrigante cornice in cui si svolgono - anche per merito della traduzione di Isabella Nanni -, appassionano e coinvolgono il lettore. Certamente questa non fa eccezione e la consiglio mentre aspetto con ansia di conoscere il decimo duca, l'ultimo: Christopher Collins - Kit -, Duca di Kingsacre.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Publisher's Description:

Robert Smithton, Duke of Roseford is known for his lusty appetites and his cold, cold heart. Still thanks to his title and his fortune, everyone wants him and he’s bored of it all. He wants something, but he cannot place what exactly that is. Until he meets Katherine, the Countess of Gainsworth.

Married to an old man who died when they were making love, Katherine is just returning to Society. Although scandal follows her, so does interest, as the men of Society wonder about her prowess if it could kill a man. When Robert begins to pursue her, she is horrified. After all, she blames him for the circumstances that sent her into her loveless marriage in the first place.

When Katherine ignores him, Robert only pushes harder and ultimately she begins to wonder if revenge is a dish best served through desire. What she finds when she touches him at last is pleasure unlike any she’s ever known, and a connection she does not wish to feel. Now she must decide if she wants revenge or happiness and Robert must determine if love is worth fighting for.

My Thoughts:
I am going to miss this series with only one more book to come after this one. It has been seriously a long time since I found a series so compelling that I could hardly wait for the next book. Jess Michaels has totally entranced me with this one.

With a past between Robert and Katherine that our Duke does not recall and the animosity felt by Katherine toward Robert for that unfortunate time in her life, it would seem that our Hero and Heroine have either much or nothing to gain.

Katherine can not help but to hold Robert responsible for her marriage to a much older man whom she never loved. He was after all the reason her pious father forced her to marry a man who was even older than himself.
She has finally returned to society to find herself the subject of gossip and speculation.
Robert is immediately attracted to Katherine but his intentions are far from honorable....at least to begin with.

This second from final book in this wonderfully written series is not to be missed. Although they are much better read in the order in which they were released each book including this one can very well stand on it's own.
I loved Robert the Rake's story. If anyone could tame this misbegotten rake it is surely Katherine.
I gave this book 4.75 of 5.0 stars for storyline and character development. We had met Robert previously in other books in the series but our heroine is new to us.
The obvious attraction and heat between our couple ranks 4 of 5 flames. Katherine may not like the man to begin with but she most definitely desires him.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this book from the author/publisher via NetGalley to read. This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

[Romanticamente Fantasy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vanilla_91 - per RFS
.
Care fenici,

ancora una volta ho avuto la possibilità di leggere in anteprima l’ultima uscita della serie Il club del 1797.

Il duca del desiderio è il nono e penultimo libro della saga e non so se sono pronta all’idea di lasciare andare questi affascinanti gentiluomini.

Questa volta la storia è incentrata su Robert, duca di Roseford. Attraverso i precedenti romanzi abbiamo imparato a conoscerlo come un personaggio un po’ “tanto fumo e niente arrosto”, un uomo dedito ai piaceri passeggeri, alle conquiste facili e con nessuna voglia di “farsi incastrare o accasarsi”.

La sua superficialità e il suo essere farfallone lo porteranno a infilarsi in una situazione scomoda e un po’ meschina. Con altri gentiluomini, infatti, si renderà complice di una scommessa ai danni di lady Katherine, una nobildonna da poco rientrata in società e ingiuriata per la morte del marito, avvenuta durante un amplesso.

La sua preda, tuttavia, non si rivelerà una conquista facile.

Che dire? Anche questa volta ci troviamo di fronte a un romanzo che risponde a tutti i requisiti del genere. Il filone narrativo è quindi abbastanza supponibile, ma non annoia e, soprattutto, non avremo un vero e proprio antagonista, visto che l’intera vicenda si svilupperà sul rapporto che si andrà a creare tra il duca e la sua bella.

Come la trama ci lascia presupporre, i principi di partenza non sono ottimali, ma se tutto fosse facile o scontato non ci sarebbe gusto.

L’autrice ci propone protagonisti che subiscono una bella evoluzione ma, in questo caso, rispetto ai precedenti spiccano un po’ meno per introspezione e carattere.

Katherine, in particolare, è un bel personaggio ma in alcuni punti mi sarei aspettata maggiore fermezza e coraggio. Del resto la scrittrice ci ha abituate a gentildonne lontane dagli standard dell’epoca, “eroine” irriverenti e forti.

Promosso a pieni voti, invece, il lato erotico. La Michaels riesce a far risaltare la sensualità delle sue storie senza mai cadere nel volgare e senza eccedere. Non esagero, quindi, se vi anticipo che si tratta di una lettura eccitante.

Se avete voglia di un romanzo ambientato in tempi lontani, questo può decisamente fare al vostro caso. Fondendo romanticismo e passione Jess Michaels ci regala ore di piacevole lettura. In attesa della seconda stagione di Bridgerton, questi libri possono essere di ottima compagnia.

Non mi resta che augurarvi buona lettura!

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robert Smithton, Duke of Roseford is known for his lusty appetites and his cold, cold heart. Still thanks to his title and his fortune, everyone wants him and he’s bored of it all. He wants something, but he cannot place what exactly that is. Until he meets Katherine, the Countess of Gainsworth.
Katherine was in an arranged marriage to an old man who died when they were making love, She is just returning to Society. Although scandal follows her, so does interest, as the men of Society wonder about her prowess if it could kill a man. When Robert begins to pursue her, she is horrified. After all, she blames him for the circumstances that sent her into her loveless marriage in the first place. When Katherine ignores him, Robert only pushes harder and ultimately she begins to wonder if revenge is a dish best served through desire. They find themselves at James & Emma's house party both thinking they’d gone there to avoid each other.
This is the ninth book in this brilliant series & is another keeper. It could be read on its own but to fully appreciate it I'd recommend reading the whole series, all the Dukes of the 1797 club have had enthralling stories. Robert hides behind the face of a libertine & only as he falls in love does he reveal his secrets. Katherine also has her secrets & hides her hurt & low self esteem behind her society face. Together they find each other the ability to love. It’s an engrossing read of enemies to lovers to friends, the story is well paced & doesn’t lag at all, the characters are well rounded & throughout the series it’s been so satisfying to still engage with the others in the club & how both the Dukes & their wives all band together to help others in need. Robert & Katherine are physically attracted to each other but it's their conversations which are sometimes funny & other times very moving as they open up to each other.

My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Lori D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here we go again with one of those amazing members of the 1797 Club! This has been a great series that I look forward to as each book is released. This one is about Robert Smithton, Duke of Roseford and Lady Katherine Gainsworth. Katherine is finally out of her mourning period for her late husband and is ready to reenter society. But society is hard on her when they whisper about how her husband had died in bed with her. That starts a bet to see which gentleman can bed her first. Yes, crass I know but in those times and gentlemen being what they were!
Robert, one of the worst rogues there is approaches her to be his lover. What he has forgotten is they have a history together and she hates him. But of course Robert does not give up and keeps pursuing her.
All I can say is Jess Michaels has really brought these characters alive and I could feel the tense moments and angst as these two try to come together. Prepare to feel a whirlwind of emotions and heartfelt sighs. Although part of a series, this can be read as a standalone, but trust me, you want to read them all!! Cannot wait until the next story

[Kari Maass · Rating 4 out of 5]

The spiciest Duke yet

Robert is called the Duke of Desire for a good reason. He is masterful in the art of pleasure without commitment. Katherine found herself almost kissed by him years ago and it lead to her father forcing her to wed an old man who used her beauty against her. When he died in the midst of the act with his young wife, she became the most scandalous and sought after woman in the ton. But the Duke of Desire finds he wants her for more than just pleasure. Together they learn that they are more than the people the ton believes them to be. I loved this story and how Katherine learns to embrace her sexuality with the only man who can fill her desires and her heart.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have been waiting for Robert’s story, and it was amazing! The writing, storylines and characters in this entire 1797 Club series are outstanding, and I find I don’t want this world of the Dukes to end. While each can be read as a stand-alone, I love that we keep seeing many of the Dukes and duchesses reappear throughout the lives of the others. This family of friends just gets better and better as the layers are revealed. What happens with this hate/love relationship of Katherine and Robert’s? You don’t want to miss the history between these two, the struggles and joys along the way, and the final outcome. Wonderful! And up next... Kit! Though we’ve seen very little of him along the way, he may just be the one we love the most! ❤️

[🦉Maggie Whitworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋💋
There is nothing better than a series , one that every time there’s a new book released you know you have to read it .
The Duke Of Desire is one such book .
I’ve been waiting for Robert’s story out of all of the Dukes , he is such a difficult one to imagine settling down and finding a Hea .
I shouldn’t have worried, Jess Michaels has written a brilliant story with Robert and Katherine , it had me in tears and anxious at some points .
It’s no spoiler but my sobbing part came with this sentence:

“Please don’t revert to my title“ his voice cracked. “please don’t”

A wonderful addition to this awesome series .
Kits next . Time will go slowly till my next fix of the 1797 Club.
I received an advance copy of this book, all thoughts are my own, and I chose to submit a review

[Lisa C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another incredible read from Jess Michaels. The 1797 Club series is about a group of dukes that have become like family. You don't want to miss this series (you can read this book alone, but to know the back stories of the side characters in those book makes it that much more enjoyable) Highly recommend.

[Aki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ich freu mich schon auf den letzten Band der Serie...

[GONZA · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another deeply appreciated by me book by Jess Michaels, where misunderstandings were frequent, but nevertheless the couple got their happy ending! I think there is only one more book due in this series and I am already mourning the 1797 Duke club!

Un altro libro che ho apprezzato molto, soprattutto per il numero alto di fraintendimenti, nonostante i quali, ovviamente, la nostra coppia é giunta al lieto fine. Credo manchi solo un libro per concludere questa serie che giá mi manca un pochino!

THANKS NETGALLEY FOR THE PREVIEW!

[Cathy Geha · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Duke of Desire by Jess Michaels
The 1797 Club #9

You know that series that you have on your bookshelf or stored in your ereader that you would not part with and that you tend to reread from time to time? I do believe this is one of those for me. I am hoping it will end up in a boxed set so that I can download all ten books at one time and then take them out to savor over and over again. Why? Because these stories are just that good! The boys, now men, who form the 1797 Club as youth while away at boarding school have become friends for life and are there for one another no matter what. Sometimes they may argue or not see eye to eye BUT they are closer than brothers that share the same blood and highly regarded as a force to be reckoned with.

Robert Smithton, Duke or Roseford is a self-proclaimed and publically known libertine and a hedonist to the core. His friends in the 1797 Club know there is a heart of gold hiding inside of him but so far they have been unable to bring it forth except periodically. He is there for his friends but can’t see himself being other than what he is and really has no desire to change even though all but he and another in the club are now happily married with families of their own.

Katherine, Countess of Gainesworth, was once Miss Montague and out for her second season when her father determined that it was in her best interest to marry someone older and pious rather than being allowed the liberty of falling in love and with a man of her own choice – a man she could love and be happy with. A few years later she is suddenly widowed in a scandalous way. She does her time of mourning and then takes her first step into society only to find that the scandal surrounding her husband’s death may preclude her from really socializing with and being part of the group she has wanted to rejoin for such a long time.

The first time she is out for the evening the whispers begin, sordid stories are shared about, noses are looked down, women hiss and some men make wagers hoping to win the prize for bedding Katherine first. One of those men is Robert – a man Katherine has demonized for years – a man she blames for her father’s decision to marry the man she did not want.

This is the story of the woman who managed not to be broken despite a father and husband trying to mold her to their beliefs about what a “good woman” should be like and it is also the story of a man who always thought that love was not for him for reasons he has not previously shared with anyone. The two end up at a ten-day house party in the country and find that perhaps they might have a reason not to avoid one another. As they spend time in one another’s company Katherine sees more of the “true” Robert and Robert begins to feel the ice around his heart thawing. There are of course ups and downs, problems to overcome and truths to seek within themselves before Katherine and Robert arrive at their so deserved happily ever after.

Thank you to NetGalley and The Passionate Pen for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

[Daniela Tess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recensione per il blog "A libro aperto"

Eccoci giunti, purtroppo, al penultimo appuntamento con la bellissima serie “Il Club del 1797” della Michaels. Il duca del desiderio è il nono libro, quello dedicato al duca di Roseford, Robert, l’impenitente libertino che abbiamo conosciuto nei romanzi precedenti e a cui ci siamo nel frattempo affezionate. Forse affezionate non è il termine giusto. Diciamo pure che ci siamo innamorate dei suoi modi impudenti, disinibiti, del suo fascino diabolico, del suo sarcasmo, anche del suo cinismo. Personalmente non vedevo l’ora di assistere alla sua capitolazione per amore e finalmente ciò è accaduto. Che soddisfazione! Ma andiamo con ordine. All’inizio della storia troviamo il duca particolarmente stanco, di tutto e di tutti. È stanco dei suoi amici, che gli dicono cosa fare e sembrano volerlo indirizzare verso la vita matrimoniale, stanco dell’edonismo fine a se stesso, stanco di sentire un vuoto dentro che non riesce a colmare. In mezzo a questa crisi appare Katherine, la Contessa di Gainsworth, una donna che anni prima ha suscitato un grandissimo scandalo perché rimasta vedova durante un amplesso con il suo vecchio marito.
Ovviamente le malelingue del ton si scatenano; alle congetture dei malpensanti, si uniscono le meschine scommesse dei libertini che vorrebbero circuire la vedova ritenendola un’amante troppo focosa e appassionata, quindi da provare assolutamente. Robert, forse il più famigerato di quella combriccola di scavezzacolli, non può non essere il primo a scommettere di sedurla.
Questa sfida sembra riaccendere la sua passione e il suo entusiasmo anche perché, nel frattempo, riesce ad avvicinare la bellissima donna. Lei però lo sorprende: il suo atteggiamento, la sua risposta a lui, non sono quelli che si aspetta; non solo la contessa appare molto misurata e riservata ma dimostra palesemente di disprezzarlo, anche di odiarlo. Roseford non immagina il perché; come può una donna che non lo conosce, odiarlo così tanto solo per la sua pessima reputazione? Come osa farlo, colei che condivide con lui il disprezzo e l’ostracismo del ton?
Nonostante i dubbi e gli ostacoli è sempre più determinato ad averla, attratto dalla sua aura di distacco, e a risolvere il mistero che la circonda. Ma sulla sua strada troverà i suoi amici duchi e le loro formidabili mogli, ben decisi a salvarlo dalle sue cattive intenzioni, da una vita di perdizione e a dividerlo da colei che è divenuta l’oggetto dei suoi desideri. Ci riusciranno?
La storia di Robert e Katherine è stata avvincente; l’autrice ha creato un personaggio maschile davvero affascinante e intrigante, un protagonista apparentemente forte ma con le sue ferite e le sue fragilità, un uomo che finalmente conosce il potere taumaturgico dell’amore e ad esso riesce ad abbandonarsi. Un eroe che è seducente, spiritoso, determinato, virile, ma anche tenero, appassionato, romantico quando serve. Roseford riesce a cambiare, a maturare, a riconoscere i suoi bisogni, a mutare la sua vita e a lottare per la donna del suo destino. Anche Katherine è una splendida protagonista. Coraggiosa, determinata, riesce ad emanciparsi da un padre-padrone dispotico e malvagio, a riprendere in mano la sua vita e a superare lo scandalo, con classe e dignità; riesce anche a costruire un legame bellissimo, di intensa e commovente amicizia, con le duchesse. Le scene di solidarietà e di unione femminili sono tra le più belle del libro. Se proprio devo trovare un qualcosa che ho gradito meno, ma è un mio gusto del tutto personale, forse è la descrizione del passato della contessa. Sinceramente ho trovato poco credibile la descrizione dei suoi rapporti con il vecchio marito. Al di là di questo, tutto è ottimamente descritto e la Michaels si conferma regina del romance storico a tinte forti; le scene d’amore sono presenti, sensuali ma senza mai essere disturbanti ed eccessive, le descrizioni degli ambienti sono eccellenti, così come approfondita è l’introspezione psicologica dei personaggi.
Gli antagonisti sono credibili e odiosi al punto giusto; inutile sottolineare come questi romanzi alla fine siano in parte anche una storia corale, dove riappaiono i protagonisti dei capitoli precedenti. In particolar modo è stato bello vedere come gli amici abbiano sostenuto Robert nel suo cambiamento e nel suo percorso di crescita, aiutandolo nei momenti più bui e cinici, non perdendo mai fiducia in lui e nella rettitudine del suo cuore, nascosto dietro la maschera del libertino indifferente. Lo stile è sempre quello lineare e pulito, dell’autrice, che conosciamo e apprezziamo, così come la traduzione è sempre quella dell’ottima Nanni.
Per chi ha amato i romanzi precedenti è un appuntamento imperdibile. Ma anche chi non ha letto gli altri può iniziare da questo, godibile singolarmente, e poi recuperarli! Lo consiglio quindi agli estimatori degli storici più sensuali, a chi ama l’Inghilterra di fine diciottesimo secolo; lo apprezzeranno coloro che adorano vedere le canaglie redente e i libertini pentiti. Consigliato anche a chi predilige il lavoro di ricerca storica e di introspezione psicologica, a chi ama le eroine forti, determinate, coraggiose. Katherine lo è, una donna davvero degna di conquistare il cuore dello sfuggente Roseford ed essere sua pari nell’orgoglio, nella forza d’animo e nella passione.
Ora aspetto davvero trepidante, dopo il capitoletto di assaggio che l’autrice ci ha concesso, il libro finale su Kit e Sara. Questa volta a intrigarmi non è solo lui ma anche lei, conosciuta brevemente nei precedenti capitoli della serie. Sono davvero molto curiosa di come andrà a finire e della storia d’amore che la Michaels avrà pensato per loro. Si prospetta un finale entusiasmante!

[Izzie (on pause) McFussy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This wasn’t for me. The description caught my attention, but the execution was somewhat dull. I also prefer steamy scenes to support the characters and the plot, instead of taking center stage. The ending felt rushed.

[Anna Rita Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Il Duca del desiderio" ci porta nel mondo di Robert Smithton, il Duca di Roseford noto a tutti per la sua vita libertina e scapestrata.

Robert ha visto quasi tutti i suoi amici trovare il vero amore e pensa che una vita come la loro non sia destinata a lui; ciononostante è stanco e annoiato del suo modo di vivere: non trova più diletto, né piacere nel frequentare innumerevoli donne, anzi, ritiene che sia tutto ormai meccanico, non provando piacere nel "piacere".

Al ballo dei Rockford incontra Katherine Montague, nipote del visconte Montague.
I due si erano già incontrati, ma era troppo ubriaco per ricordarsi del loro primo incontro.
Katherine cede alle sue lusinghe, ma, un secondo prima del bacio viene tirata via dal padre che la considera una sgualdrina e per questo decide di organizzare un matrimonio combinato tra lei e il conte di Gainsworth, più vecchio di lei di 25 anni.

Tre anni dopo, sempre ad un ballo, si parla dell'imminente rientro in società della Contessa di Gainsworth, protagonista di uno scandalo che accende i pettegolezzi delle nobildonne e le scommesse dei nobili su chi riuscirà a fare di lei la propria amante.

Si dice infatti che il Conte di Gainsworth sia passato a miglior vita a causa delle prodezze amorose della consorte.

Robert è interessato alla scommessa, ma non sa che la Contessa in questione è Katherine.
La stessa Katherine, negli anni ha maturato un odio profondo nei confronti di Robert, ritenendolo responsabile della sua infelicità.

I due si incontreranno nuovamente e Robert dovrà fare i conti con la repulsione che Katherine prova per lui.

A causa dei pettegolezzi, la Contessa nutre diffidenza in chiunque le si avvicini; anche la duchessa di Tyndale, mossa dalle migliori intenzioni, deve subire la sfiducia di Katherine.

Oltre a tutto il polverone causato dai vari pettegolezzi, Katherine deve fare i conti anche con il ritorno del padre nella sua vita.

Riuscirà Robert a scalfire la corazza della Contessa, ma soprattutto riuscirà a lasciarsi alle spalle il suo passato libertino e concedersi per tutta la vita solo a un'unica donna?

Ciò che più mi colpisce di questi romanzi non è la storia d'amore in sé per sé, ma l'amicizia, la fiducia, la sincerità e la solidarietà che riescono a far emergere le duchesse; ognuna ha il suo scheletro nell'armadio, eppure sono riuscite a superare tutto e a realizzare i loro desideri, dando sostegno continuo alle donne che pian piano si aggiungevano al loro club.

Anche il personaggio di Robert, apparentemente forte e orgoglioso, nasconde un lato vulnerabile. Infatti ne risente delle critiche degli amici e delle loro mogli quando cercano di farlo ragionare e di dissuaderlo dal sedurre la Contessa.

Mi manca ancora qualche pezzo, ma l'autrice riesce a colmare le lacune egregiamente, quindi si può tranquillamente leggere il testo senza aver letto gli altri volumi.

È vero, è una lettura leggera, ma riesce a tenere catturata l'attenzione del lettore senza particolare sforzo.

[LOU71 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really like this historical romance series of ALL DUKES. The men in the informal 1797 Club are all destined to be dukes. They help each other in their darkest hours and help each other navigate their ducal responsibilities. They are the best of men and call each other friends and allies. A student at Braxton Academy in 1797, James founded the club with his two best friends Graham and Simon. They then asked Baldwin to join, and he’d brought his close family friend Matthew, and Matthew’s cousin Ewan who is mute. Then Lucas joined but he soon left London. Hugh and Robert joined next, and the last was Christopher who is the only one who hasn’t inherited his dukedom and is still an Earl.

The Duke Of Desire is the ninth book of ten in The 1797 Club series. Prologue set in 1809. Story begins in 1812 with a full chapter twenty-one flashback to 1809 again. This erotic historical romance uses the extended secondary cast of previous dukes and duchesses to drive the story. The first half of the book was slow and heavy-handed but once the Hero and Heroine physically connected, their sexy times became the foundation of their relationship. The story took a while to find a rhythm but it eventually gained momentum.

The Daring Duke: 3+ stars (The Duke of Abernathe - James & Emma)
Her Favourite Duke: 4+ stars (The Duke of Crestwood - Simon & Margaret)
The Broken Duke: 5- stars (The Duke of Northfield - Graham & Adelaide)
The Silent Duke: 5- stars (The Duke of Donburrow - Ewan & Charlotte)
The Duke of Nothing: 2+ stars (The Duke of Sheffield- Baldwin & Helena)
The Undercover Duke: 5- stars (The Duke of Willowby - Lucas & Diana)
The Duke Who Lied: 5 stars (The Duke of Brighthollow - Hugh & Amelia)
The Duke of Desire: 3+ stars (The Duke of Roseford - Robert & Katherine)

Robert Smithton, the Duke of Roseford, is known for his lusty appetites and his cold heart. He is a cocksure cad with a title and a fortune. He’s a master in the art of pleasure without commitment. A dedicated bachelor, Robert delights in his freedom with numerous dalliances. However, lately Robert has been brooding when he watches his friends and the joy they all have found with their new wives. He enters into a wager to bed the widow Gainsworth for sport.

Katherine Montague, the Countess of Gainsworth, is a recent widow. Her elderly husband of six months died while they were being intimate. Now that Katherine is returning to Society, she faces the scandal and gossip associated with her husband’s death. She is a strong heroine.

Robert and Katherine’s sexy times are scandalous and exciting mainly because Robert is the wildest in the 1797 Club and he has a reputation to live up to.

Like previous books in this series, this had typos in it.
I recommend this story for an average read.
I highly recommend the series.