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Moonlight Square #4
Duke of Shadows
A heartbroken belle. A missing suitor. A heroic duke in disguise. Unmask Duke of Shadows and let the highwayman-duke steal your heart!
England, 1817. Lady Portia Tennesley has always dreamed of marrying for love. When the suitor who seemed her perfect match disappears at the height of the Season, she’s heartbroken. Eventually she consents to an arranged marriage with an eccentric duke she barely knows, a wealthy recluse who seems more interested in science than spending time with his new fiancée. But before Portia walks down the aisle to her grand, loveless match, she turns to the only man who can uncover her former beau’s fate—the mysterious outlaw known as Silversmoke.
Lucas Wakeford, the Duke of Fountainhurst, leads a double life that leaves him little time for romance. After his parents died at the hands of brigands as a lad, he found his true passion in standing up for the powerless as his masked alter ego, the heroic highwayman, Silversmoke. As the duke, however—his charade as a scholarly quiz aside—Luke knows he must eventually marry. Besides, having a wife around could help him blend in with his fellow noblemen. Elegant and highborn Lady Portia Tennesley seems perfect for the sort of duchess Luke needs. A fashionable belle preoccupied with high society, she’s sure to keep her nose out of his secret life fighting crime in London’s underworld.
But when the lady herself ventures into Silversmoke’s lair, begging for the famed highwayman’s help, Luke is astonished—and realizes he has seriously underestimated his future bride. Yet as Silversmoke, he can’t deny a damsel in distress, so he agrees to find her missing suitor. Tangled in a web of secrets and hidden identities, will Luke and Portia’s growing attraction be strong enough to survive the truth, or will their love steal away into the night?
Duke of Shadows is the fourth standalone novel in the Moonlight Square regency historical romance series. If you like alpha males in disguise, scintillating chemistry, and a double dose of mystery, you’ll love New York Times bestselling author Gaelen Foley’s tale of undercover romance.
England, 1817. Lady Portia Tennesley has always dreamed of marrying for love. When the suitor who seemed her perfect match disappears at the height of the Season, she’s heartbroken. Eventually she consents to an arranged marriage with an eccentric duke she barely knows, a wealthy recluse who seems more interested in science than spending time with his new fiancée. But before Portia walks down the aisle to her grand, loveless match, she turns to the only man who can uncover her former beau’s fate—the mysterious outlaw known as Silversmoke.
Lucas Wakeford, the Duke of Fountainhurst, leads a double life that leaves him little time for romance. After his parents died at the hands of brigands as a lad, he found his true passion in standing up for the powerless as his masked alter ego, the heroic highwayman, Silversmoke. As the duke, however—his charade as a scholarly quiz aside—Luke knows he must eventually marry. Besides, having a wife around could help him blend in with his fellow noblemen. Elegant and highborn Lady Portia Tennesley seems perfect for the sort of duchess Luke needs. A fashionable belle preoccupied with high society, she’s sure to keep her nose out of his secret life fighting crime in London’s underworld.
But when the lady herself ventures into Silversmoke’s lair, begging for the famed highwayman’s help, Luke is astonished—and realizes he has seriously underestimated his future bride. Yet as Silversmoke, he can’t deny a damsel in distress, so he agrees to find her missing suitor. Tangled in a web of secrets and hidden identities, will Luke and Portia’s growing attraction be strong enough to survive the truth, or will their love steal away into the night?
Duke of Shadows is the fourth standalone novel in the Moonlight Square regency historical romance series. If you like alpha males in disguise, scintillating chemistry, and a double dose of mystery, you’ll love New York Times bestselling author Gaelen Foley’s tale of undercover romance.
555 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2019
269 people are currently reading
466 people want to read
About the author
Gaelen Foley
44 books1,894 followersGaelen Foley is the New York Times, USA Today, and Publisher's Weekly bestselling author of twenty historical romances set in the glittering world of Regency England. Her books are available in sixteen languages and have won numerous genre awards, such as the Bookseller's Best, the NJRW Golden Leaf (three times), the CRW Award of Excellence, the National Reader's Choice Award, the Beacon, and the Holt Medallion.
A Pennsylvania native, Gaelen holds a B.A. in English literature with a minor in Philosophy from the State University of New York, College at Fredonia, a quaint lakeside village where Mark Twain once owned a home. It was here, while studying the Romantic poets, such as Wordsworth, Byron, and Keats that she first fell in love with the Regency period in which her novels are set. Gaelen lives in western Pennsylvania with her college-sweetheart husband, Eric, a schoolteacher, with whom she co-writes middle grade fantasy adventure novels under the pen-name, E.G. Foley. (See www.EGFoley.com.) She is hard at work on her next book.
A Pennsylvania native, Gaelen holds a B.A. in English literature with a minor in Philosophy from the State University of New York, College at Fredonia, a quaint lakeside village where Mark Twain once owned a home. It was here, while studying the Romantic poets, such as Wordsworth, Byron, and Keats that she first fell in love with the Regency period in which her novels are set. Gaelen lives in western Pennsylvania with her college-sweetheart husband, Eric, a schoolteacher, with whom she co-writes middle grade fantasy adventure novels under the pen-name, E.G. Foley. (See www.EGFoley.com.) She is hard at work on her next book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
May 8, 2019
ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest review. I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader Copy of this book and the views expressed are my honest opinions.
Well I don't even know where to begin on this review. So much emotion and thought going through my head right now. This was very well written, wonderful plot and excellent pacing. One of my frustrations lately is finding modern characters (mostly heroines) in historical romances and time periods that are so inaccurate of the era and time period. But not this historical, which was so refreshing and much appreciated.
The romance is about a heroine, Portia, who is searching for a past beau, Joel who has gone missing. She devises a plan to seek the help of a vigilante, Silversmoke for help in finding Joel. Portia knows what she is about to do is very precarious and could cause a scandal. You see Portia is now pledged to a duke, Lucas Wakeford, the Duke of Fountainhurst. An arranged marriage that her parents are quite excited about. The duke is somewhat "different", he's a bug lover and a little odd as well. But she is determined try and find Joel and believes Silversmoke can help her so she can close the chapter on that season of her life and move on to the next with Lucas.
Portia, is a proper and well liked Lady. She really wanted to marry for love and thought possibly Joel was "it". Her parent's marriage was not the greatest example of true love and she held out hope she would find her happily ever after. Joel wasn't really well liked by her friends or parents. After Joel's disappearance (he has been gone about one year) Portia went through a period of depression and uncertainty. When her parents suggested an arranged marriage with the Duke she thought why not. Maybe they could fall in love. But the Duke lived out in the country and did not make much of an appearance in town or interact with her much at all. It was awkward and uncomfortable the time they have met. He seemed nice but very, very shy.
Luke, the Duke of Fountainhurst lives a double life. He's an eccentric bug collector to the outside world, but in the evening he's known as Silversmoke. A hero to the needy and helpless. You see Luke lost his parents at a young age to a brutal ambush. It's left him scared and determined to avenge their death. So he created an alter ego to cover his is role as Silversmoke. He spends most of his time at his country home with his two friends and assistants, training and researching. Luke, pressured by his sister that is was time for him to marry decided she was right. One rare evening while at a party he spotted beautiful Portia and decided she would make a perfect wife. Believing that she was beautiful but not the smartest to ever figure out his double life.
Well the opening scene in this story is captivating/engaging from page one. I don't want to spoil it but to say Luke gets the surprise of his life, is an understatement. And Portia begins to question what she's doing and her feelings for the "men" in her life. I want to clarify that some might be wondering if this is a triangle of characters. Portia, Luke and Joel, who does she really care for. But to be very clear, fairly quickly in the story she knows. And it's very well written and played out so rest assured (that was somewhat my concern in reading this).
The development of these two characters is excellent. The hero and heroines growth and the evolution of their relationship is rich in emotion and feeling. They had excellent chemistry and sexual tension. But I also appreciated their commitment to each other and their values of who they were and what they believed in.
I loved the layout of the story. We have three parts and titles for each chapter. The flow of the story was so well done. There is action and mystery as well. Kudos to Gaelen Foley. I loved the ending and how these two resolved their differences and got their HEA.
I highly recommend this book. I loved it so much I bought the hardcover for my reread/keeper shelf.
Well I don't even know where to begin on this review. So much emotion and thought going through my head right now. This was very well written, wonderful plot and excellent pacing. One of my frustrations lately is finding modern characters (mostly heroines) in historical romances and time periods that are so inaccurate of the era and time period. But not this historical, which was so refreshing and much appreciated.
The romance is about a heroine, Portia, who is searching for a past beau, Joel who has gone missing. She devises a plan to seek the help of a vigilante, Silversmoke for help in finding Joel. Portia knows what she is about to do is very precarious and could cause a scandal. You see Portia is now pledged to a duke, Lucas Wakeford, the Duke of Fountainhurst. An arranged marriage that her parents are quite excited about. The duke is somewhat "different", he's a bug lover and a little odd as well. But she is determined try and find Joel and believes Silversmoke can help her so she can close the chapter on that season of her life and move on to the next with Lucas.
Portia, is a proper and well liked Lady. She really wanted to marry for love and thought possibly Joel was "it". Her parent's marriage was not the greatest example of true love and she held out hope she would find her happily ever after. Joel wasn't really well liked by her friends or parents. After Joel's disappearance (he has been gone about one year) Portia went through a period of depression and uncertainty. When her parents suggested an arranged marriage with the Duke she thought why not. Maybe they could fall in love. But the Duke lived out in the country and did not make much of an appearance in town or interact with her much at all. It was awkward and uncomfortable the time they have met. He seemed nice but very, very shy.
Luke, the Duke of Fountainhurst lives a double life. He's an eccentric bug collector to the outside world, but in the evening he's known as Silversmoke. A hero to the needy and helpless. You see Luke lost his parents at a young age to a brutal ambush. It's left him scared and determined to avenge their death. So he created an alter ego to cover his is role as Silversmoke. He spends most of his time at his country home with his two friends and assistants, training and researching. Luke, pressured by his sister that is was time for him to marry decided she was right. One rare evening while at a party he spotted beautiful Portia and decided she would make a perfect wife. Believing that she was beautiful but not the smartest to ever figure out his double life.
Well the opening scene in this story is captivating/engaging from page one. I don't want to spoil it but to say Luke gets the surprise of his life, is an understatement. And Portia begins to question what she's doing and her feelings for the "men" in her life. I want to clarify that some might be wondering if this is a triangle of characters. Portia, Luke and Joel, who does she really care for. But to be very clear, fairly quickly in the story she knows. And it's very well written and played out so rest assured (that was somewhat my concern in reading this).
The development of these two characters is excellent. The hero and heroines growth and the evolution of their relationship is rich in emotion and feeling. They had excellent chemistry and sexual tension. But I also appreciated their commitment to each other and their values of who they were and what they believed in.
I loved the layout of the story. We have three parts and titles for each chapter. The flow of the story was so well done. There is action and mystery as well. Kudos to Gaelen Foley. I loved the ending and how these two resolved their differences and got their HEA.
I highly recommend this book. I loved it so much I bought the hardcover for my reread/keeper shelf.
May 12, 2019
ARC received from author
Another great book in this series, and Ms. Foley has plans for more with my favorite secondary boys.
It was long, but there was intrigue, action, drama, angst, chemistry, more chemistry, and lots of great friends to help. There was never a dull moment. I don't want to give anything away, but there doesn't have to be gratuitous sex every page for there to be chemistry and love. Silversmoke would make a great member of the Inferno Club, and so would Portia.
Bring on the Moonlight Marquesses: Peter, Sidney, Hunter, Arvendon, and maybe Joel too.
Another great book in this series, and Ms. Foley has plans for more with my favorite secondary boys.
It was long, but there was intrigue, action, drama, angst, chemistry, more chemistry, and lots of great friends to help. There was never a dull moment. I don't want to give anything away, but there doesn't have to be gratuitous sex every page for there to be chemistry and love. Silversmoke would make a great member of the Inferno Club, and so would Portia.
Bring on the Moonlight Marquesses: Peter, Sidney, Hunter, Arvendon, and maybe Joel too.
June 28, 2024
5 ⭐
Reseña completa:https://masromance.blogspot.com/2024/...
Quizás estoy siendo demasiado generosa. Pero me ha gustado mucho el punto de partida: él lleva una doble vida como duque ermitaño y bandolero que busca la venganza de la muerte de sus padres. Ella se va a casar con él sin amor (matrimonio pactado) porque su antiguo prometido lleva un año desaparecido. Ni corta ni perezosa, decide contactar con el bandolero para que lo busque!!!
Me ha gustado Portia, me ha gustado, tanto Luke como Lucas, y me ha gustado el desarrollo de su romance. Sin olvidar todas las aventuras a las que se enfrentaran, con una escena final de infarto
Es una novela extensa, por eso la autora tiene espacio para desarrollar personajes y trama
Muy recomendable ♥
Reseña completa:https://masromance.blogspot.com/2024/...
Quizás estoy siendo demasiado generosa. Pero me ha gustado mucho el punto de partida: él lleva una doble vida como duque ermitaño y bandolero que busca la venganza de la muerte de sus padres. Ella se va a casar con él sin amor (matrimonio pactado) porque su antiguo prometido lleva un año desaparecido. Ni corta ni perezosa, decide contactar con el bandolero para que lo busque!!!
Me ha gustado Portia, me ha gustado, tanto Luke como Lucas, y me ha gustado el desarrollo de su romance. Sin olvidar todas las aventuras a las que se enfrentaran, con una escena final de infarto
Es una novela extensa, por eso la autora tiene espacio para desarrollar personajes y trama
Muy recomendable ♥
August 4, 2019
I don't know if it's me or I'm just not in the mood, but it took forever to finish this book. To begin with I couldn't connect with the characters, they were both so superficial, and changed ideas pretty easily. I'm also not a fan of secret identity and lying to each other, so I knew it would be a trial. In the end, it was the book length that made it a trial to finish it. For a HR it was too damn long.
I think I haven't really enjoyed a book in this series since the first novella. It's a shame since I really enjoyed her other series.
I think I haven't really enjoyed a book in this series since the first novella. It's a shame since I really enjoyed her other series.
May 20, 2019
Oh my, oh my, oh my!!! I am completely lost for words at the brilliance of this, honestly there are not enough words for just how amazing this book is. It has taken me a long time to write this review as I just couldn’t fathom the words that would do this book justice.
It has all the ingredients that we all look for in a Gaelen Foley book; gorgeous and engaging characters who grab your heart as soon as meeting them, thrilling and page-turning plot that will have your heart in your throat and sitting at the very edge of your seat, plus stunning historical detail that weaves throughout the flawless story with such ease add to all of this that magical Gaelen Foley touch and you have the perfect book.
I am a huge fan of Ms Foley’s work she writes the best stories ever – Brief confession; it was this fine lady’s books that brought me back to reading romance after many years of jumping from one genre to the next, from those first few lines of that book, I was hooked not only with this authors work but with romance again. So, I will be eternally thankful for Gaelen Foley for that.
This is book four in the Moonlight Square series, but don’t worry if you haven’t read any of the others of have missed a book this like the previous three can be very easily read as a stand-a-lone. Literally you can pick up any of these books and read them without getting confused about who’s who and past plots, this is all about Portia and Luke….and off course Silversmoke, sigh!
That first chapter, Oh my goodness!! What a start, it grabs the attention within a few short words, you are completely hooked right to the last page. Passionate and stubborn Portia is on her way to meet up with the legendary highwayman ‘Silversmoke’ – I am in pure heaven, serious swooning for this man – anyway, before I become hot and bothered for the gorgeously rough and brooding Silversmoke 😉 Lady Portia wants the notorious highwayman’s help. She wants him to find out what happened to the man she always though she would marry; the dandiest of dandy’s Joel. Portia really shouldn’t be bothered about the whereabouts of Joel and she knows that this meeting would be the scandal of the year, especially as she is engaged to marry the notoriously eccentric and quiet; Duke of Fountainhurst. He isn’t at all what you would think of as a Duke, he isn’t one for society and even worse he has a thing for bugs – which makes enlightening conversation for sure. She isn’t thrilled about marrying Lucas, but she is a well bred young lady who knows her place and what is expected of her and she also knows that she would never do anything to hurt Lucas’ feeling even of she does find in a bit of a bore, which is why he must never find out about her dealings with Silversmoke – how little she knows! 😉
What Portia doesn’t know is that the rugged, charming and seduction highwayman she has taken a shine too, is none other then the man she is about to marry. Yes, you guessed it our eccentric Duke has a secret – a big one, he is iving not just a double life, but he has three personas. Himself; Luke, the Duke; Lucas and Silversmoke. The reason why Luke has taken up the mask is heart-breaking, when Luke reveals all of his heart about the circumstances that has put him where he is, I wanted to jump into Moonlight Square and hug him for dear life.
Luke, Luke, Luke!!! Be still my beating heart, he is a wonder. You never know which ‘side’ of Luke is going to appear, Luke himself, the man wanted to do the right thing but is emotionally lost Or the Duke himself; staid, bookish and quietly passionate Lucas or will it be the dangerous, brooding, rough around the edges green eyed devil that makes me swoon on sight ……I say, as I crash to the ground because my legs have given out on me at his seductive smile. Double Swoon!! You know me, I have a serious weakness for green eyed rogues 😉
Talk about sexy! No matter which of his persona’s he is using, you will fall head over heels in love with him….or head over heels in bed with him 😉 Honestly, though this man is far more then a fine chest, good firm pair of arms and a rugged countenance, he is a multi-layered man. there are a lot of complexities about him, there is this lonely feeling you get from him, he does want love but he doesn’t feel ready for it. But, any woman who finds herself under that intense green gaze then she is very, very lucky indeed! No, I am not at all jealous of Portia, not one bit!
I really won’t delve too much into the story with this review, you know me no spoilers! But, as you may have guessed there is so much more then meets the eye, but let me say that when all pieces of the jigsaw fall into place you will not be disappointed, this is stonking great story!
I love the relationship between Luke and Portia, its complex, seductive, the chemistry is tantalizing, those heated glances and the gentle touches are just gorgeous. I so love these two, they maybe one my favourite couples of the year.
This is just too damn good!! This has a real Inferno Club feel to it; smouldering chemistry between Portia and Luke, a Duke with a secretive side, a constant undercurrent of danger and a sub plot that is so dark, deadly and ridiculously addictive that it will make you sit up straight and go; ‘Wow’. It beautifully written by a hugely talented author who truly knows her craft, she is a master at historical romances with edge. The pacing, is fantastic, it takes the reader on a real roller-coaster journey of emotions. You never know what is around the corner, will Silversmoke find Joel? Will Lucas and Portia ever find what they are both are looking for? You will have to read it to find out won’t you 😉
Overall, a perfect adventuresome romance, Gaelen you have ruined me for every other hero in the world, Luke/Silversmoke have settled in my heart and will never leave again. I cannot recommend this book more, it needs to be read its as simple as that!
All I can say now is; roll on the Moonlight Marquesses; Peter, Sidney, Hunter and Arvendon. I am soooo excited about those!!
This was an Arc copy via the author in exchange for an honest review, thank you so much Gaelen
It has all the ingredients that we all look for in a Gaelen Foley book; gorgeous and engaging characters who grab your heart as soon as meeting them, thrilling and page-turning plot that will have your heart in your throat and sitting at the very edge of your seat, plus stunning historical detail that weaves throughout the flawless story with such ease add to all of this that magical Gaelen Foley touch and you have the perfect book.
I am a huge fan of Ms Foley’s work she writes the best stories ever – Brief confession; it was this fine lady’s books that brought me back to reading romance after many years of jumping from one genre to the next, from those first few lines of that book, I was hooked not only with this authors work but with romance again. So, I will be eternally thankful for Gaelen Foley for that.
This is book four in the Moonlight Square series, but don’t worry if you haven’t read any of the others of have missed a book this like the previous three can be very easily read as a stand-a-lone. Literally you can pick up any of these books and read them without getting confused about who’s who and past plots, this is all about Portia and Luke….and off course Silversmoke, sigh!
That first chapter, Oh my goodness!! What a start, it grabs the attention within a few short words, you are completely hooked right to the last page. Passionate and stubborn Portia is on her way to meet up with the legendary highwayman ‘Silversmoke’ – I am in pure heaven, serious swooning for this man – anyway, before I become hot and bothered for the gorgeously rough and brooding Silversmoke 😉 Lady Portia wants the notorious highwayman’s help. She wants him to find out what happened to the man she always though she would marry; the dandiest of dandy’s Joel. Portia really shouldn’t be bothered about the whereabouts of Joel and she knows that this meeting would be the scandal of the year, especially as she is engaged to marry the notoriously eccentric and quiet; Duke of Fountainhurst. He isn’t at all what you would think of as a Duke, he isn’t one for society and even worse he has a thing for bugs – which makes enlightening conversation for sure. She isn’t thrilled about marrying Lucas, but she is a well bred young lady who knows her place and what is expected of her and she also knows that she would never do anything to hurt Lucas’ feeling even of she does find in a bit of a bore, which is why he must never find out about her dealings with Silversmoke – how little she knows! 😉
What Portia doesn’t know is that the rugged, charming and seduction highwayman she has taken a shine too, is none other then the man she is about to marry. Yes, you guessed it our eccentric Duke has a secret – a big one, he is iving not just a double life, but he has three personas. Himself; Luke, the Duke; Lucas and Silversmoke. The reason why Luke has taken up the mask is heart-breaking, when Luke reveals all of his heart about the circumstances that has put him where he is, I wanted to jump into Moonlight Square and hug him for dear life.
Luke, Luke, Luke!!! Be still my beating heart, he is a wonder. You never know which ‘side’ of Luke is going to appear, Luke himself, the man wanted to do the right thing but is emotionally lost Or the Duke himself; staid, bookish and quietly passionate Lucas or will it be the dangerous, brooding, rough around the edges green eyed devil that makes me swoon on sight ……I say, as I crash to the ground because my legs have given out on me at his seductive smile. Double Swoon!! You know me, I have a serious weakness for green eyed rogues 😉
Talk about sexy! No matter which of his persona’s he is using, you will fall head over heels in love with him….or head over heels in bed with him 😉 Honestly, though this man is far more then a fine chest, good firm pair of arms and a rugged countenance, he is a multi-layered man. there are a lot of complexities about him, there is this lonely feeling you get from him, he does want love but he doesn’t feel ready for it. But, any woman who finds herself under that intense green gaze then she is very, very lucky indeed! No, I am not at all jealous of Portia, not one bit!
I really won’t delve too much into the story with this review, you know me no spoilers! But, as you may have guessed there is so much more then meets the eye, but let me say that when all pieces of the jigsaw fall into place you will not be disappointed, this is stonking great story!
I love the relationship between Luke and Portia, its complex, seductive, the chemistry is tantalizing, those heated glances and the gentle touches are just gorgeous. I so love these two, they maybe one my favourite couples of the year.
This is just too damn good!! This has a real Inferno Club feel to it; smouldering chemistry between Portia and Luke, a Duke with a secretive side, a constant undercurrent of danger and a sub plot that is so dark, deadly and ridiculously addictive that it will make you sit up straight and go; ‘Wow’. It beautifully written by a hugely talented author who truly knows her craft, she is a master at historical romances with edge. The pacing, is fantastic, it takes the reader on a real roller-coaster journey of emotions. You never know what is around the corner, will Silversmoke find Joel? Will Lucas and Portia ever find what they are both are looking for? You will have to read it to find out won’t you 😉
Overall, a perfect adventuresome romance, Gaelen you have ruined me for every other hero in the world, Luke/Silversmoke have settled in my heart and will never leave again. I cannot recommend this book more, it needs to be read its as simple as that!
All I can say now is; roll on the Moonlight Marquesses; Peter, Sidney, Hunter and Arvendon. I am soooo excited about those!!
This was an Arc copy via the author in exchange for an honest review, thank you so much Gaelen
May 23, 2019
As a reader who first came across Gaelen Foley's books in 2007 and immediately binge read her backlist, and then eagerly awaited each new release, I have very high expectation for her books. Duke of Shadows surpassed all of those expectations and now holds a spot at the top of my favorites. The main characters, Lady Portia Tennesly and Lucas Wakeford, Duke of Fountainhurst were both very appealing characters, and the plot was intriguing and kept me engaged throughout the book.
Lady Portia Tennesly has a complicated life. Her suitor, Joel, is missing, and she seeks out the assistance of an illustrious and charismatic highway man, Silversmoke, who is known to take vengeance on the evil and help those who are vulnerable. Lady Portia's engagement has been arranged to the Duke of Fountainhurst, who for all intents and purposes, she has thought of as a buffoon.
Lady Portia is a little in awe of Silversmoke and she begins to feel affection for Fountainhurst. As pieces collide in their lives for Lady Portia and Lucas, they face danger and a reckoning with one another.
This book was a wonderful addition to the Moonlight Square Series. There are some utterly charming moments between the two main characters. Don't let the length of the book turn you off. It moves at a good pace, and it never seemed to drag or feel long. I highly recommend this book for any reader who enjoys historical romance set in England. I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader Copy of this book and the views expressed are my honest opinions.
Lady Portia Tennesly has a complicated life. Her suitor, Joel, is missing, and she seeks out the assistance of an illustrious and charismatic highway man, Silversmoke, who is known to take vengeance on the evil and help those who are vulnerable. Lady Portia's engagement has been arranged to the Duke of Fountainhurst, who for all intents and purposes, she has thought of as a buffoon.
Lady Portia is a little in awe of Silversmoke and she begins to feel affection for Fountainhurst. As pieces collide in their lives for Lady Portia and Lucas, they face danger and a reckoning with one another.
This book was a wonderful addition to the Moonlight Square Series. There are some utterly charming moments between the two main characters. Don't let the length of the book turn you off. It moves at a good pace, and it never seemed to drag or feel long. I highly recommend this book for any reader who enjoys historical romance set in England. I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader Copy of this book and the views expressed are my honest opinions.
May 25, 2019
I love this series, but this one is, by far, the best one of the lot so far! Outstanding!
September 21, 2022
Štvrté pokračovanie voľnej série s názvom Moonlight Square mám prečítané. Síce predošlé nie, ale už ich mám na zozname kníh, ktoré si chcem prečítať. Prečo?
Je to jednoduché…. Foley píše skvele. Síce sa občas opakovala, tie isté frázy, obmenené slová vo vetách toho istého významu…
Ale!
Gaelen od začiatku písala príbeh, ktorý ma natoľko zaujal, že som musela čítať. Aj keď čitateľa veľmi nenecháva na pochybách, aké sú jej zámery, kroky postáv sú záhadou. A presne pre toto bolo čítanie úžasné. Nemám v obľube hrubé knihy, no Temný vojvoda s takmer 550 stranami som si užila od začiatku do konca. Dohodnuté manželstvo z rozumu sa zmenilo na dobrodružnú jazdu, pri ktorej sa po prvom “náhodnom”stretnutí dvaja ľudia rozhodnú spoznať svojho budúceho partnera. Okrem opisov prostredia, ktoré autorka používa len na dotvorenie kulís (žiadne blabla omáčky),sa Gaelen venuje často aj vnútorným monológom a myšlienkovým pochodom postáv(tu nastávalo niekedy až zbytočne opakovanie, ale autorka má odpustené). Je to dokonalé, pretože môžme nahliadnuť do hláv a zistiť, čo ich vedie k aj zvláštnym činom. Najviac sa mi, ako inak, páčila postava Silversmokea(svojského banditi) a Lucasa(rodeného herca). V sympatiách rozhodne nezaostávala ani lady Portia. Jej odvaha bola viac ako obdivuhodná. Odhodlanie a zápal, s akým sa túžila dozvedieť, čo sa stalo s Joelom, jej zmiznutým nápadníkom, bolo niečo, čo sa len tak nevidí. Postavy boli rozmanité, kladné, záporné, priateľské aj intrigánske. Páčili sa mi všetky, spolu dotvorili zmes charakterov, na základe ktorých autorka vyšpekulovala originálne zápletky. Počas celej knihy sa niečo dialo, samozrejme, nie vždy to bola akcia, ale striedanie romantických, vášnivých či dobrodružných častí bolo akurátne vyvážené. Musím povedať, že záverečné gesto Luca v kostole bolo taaaak romantické, že by roztopilo srdce aj ľadovej kráľovnej.Proste nádherné!
Napriek výhrade mi nedá inak ako hodnotiť tak krásny príbeh plným počtom.
Je to jednoduché…. Foley píše skvele. Síce sa občas opakovala, tie isté frázy, obmenené slová vo vetách toho istého významu…
Ale!
Gaelen od začiatku písala príbeh, ktorý ma natoľko zaujal, že som musela čítať. Aj keď čitateľa veľmi nenecháva na pochybách, aké sú jej zámery, kroky postáv sú záhadou. A presne pre toto bolo čítanie úžasné. Nemám v obľube hrubé knihy, no Temný vojvoda s takmer 550 stranami som si užila od začiatku do konca. Dohodnuté manželstvo z rozumu sa zmenilo na dobrodružnú jazdu, pri ktorej sa po prvom “náhodnom”stretnutí dvaja ľudia rozhodnú spoznať svojho budúceho partnera. Okrem opisov prostredia, ktoré autorka používa len na dotvorenie kulís (žiadne blabla omáčky),sa Gaelen venuje často aj vnútorným monológom a myšlienkovým pochodom postáv(tu nastávalo niekedy až zbytočne opakovanie, ale autorka má odpustené). Je to dokonalé, pretože môžme nahliadnuť do hláv a zistiť, čo ich vedie k aj zvláštnym činom. Najviac sa mi, ako inak, páčila postava Silversmokea(svojského banditi) a Lucasa(rodeného herca). V sympatiách rozhodne nezaostávala ani lady Portia. Jej odvaha bola viac ako obdivuhodná. Odhodlanie a zápal, s akým sa túžila dozvedieť, čo sa stalo s Joelom, jej zmiznutým nápadníkom, bolo niečo, čo sa len tak nevidí. Postavy boli rozmanité, kladné, záporné, priateľské aj intrigánske. Páčili sa mi všetky, spolu dotvorili zmes charakterov, na základe ktorých autorka vyšpekulovala originálne zápletky. Počas celej knihy sa niečo dialo, samozrejme, nie vždy to bola akcia, ale striedanie romantických, vášnivých či dobrodružných častí bolo akurátne vyvážené. Musím povedať, že záverečné gesto Luca v kostole bolo taaaak romantické, že by roztopilo srdce aj ľadovej kráľovnej.Proste nádherné!
Napriek výhrade mi nedá inak ako hodnotiť tak krásny príbeh plným počtom.
May 29, 2019
Review Courtesy of Romance Junkies
Lucas “Luke” Wakeford lives a double life. To his peers, he is the awkward and scholarly Duke of Fountainhurst, yet by night, he is the valiant highwayman Silversmoke. Luke is shocked when his betrothed entreats with his alter ego to find her former beau. Lady Portia Tennesley’s resoluteness convinces him to get to know his reluctant bride better. The search for her missing suitor takes a dangerous turn by uncovering dark secrets. Can Luke forsake his need for vengeance? Or will darkness consume his heart forever?
Lady Portia Tennesley is the youngest daughter of the Marquess of Liddicoat. She consents to the match her parents have arranged for her. However, before she weds, Portia intends to learn what befell her former suitor. She turns to Silversmoke, the enigmatic highwayman who champions the helpless, for help. Portia soon finds herself torn between two men: the dangerous highwayman and her studious betrothed. Will Portia’s love sway Luke away from his revenge? Or will his hatred stand in the way of their future?
Luke is my favorite kind of hero. He is a tortured soul haunted by his parents’ violent murder. I admire the outlet Luke found for his darker, baser emotions. Instead of wallowing in grief and self-pity, he helps those who cannot fight to find peace and resolution. I identify with Luke’s feelings about crowds. I too feel self-conscious and uncomfortable around a large number of people. What I like most about Luke is his honor. He refuses to start his new life with Portia based on lies and deceptions.
Portia steadily grew on me. At first, she came across as too self-absorbed for my tastes, caring only about her peers’ opinions. However, my feelings changed as the story progressed. I like how Portia empathized with Luke once she learned about his traumatic past. She saw past his façade to the man within. What I admire the most about Portia is how she refused to abandon Luke to his darker emotions. Instead, she appealed to his humane side to fight the encroaching darkness from consuming him fully.
DUKE OF SHADOWS is book four in Gaelen Foley’s historical romance series, MOONLIGHT SQUARE. I like how the couples from the previous books make appearances throughout the story. It is nice to see how their life continues. What made the book fun is Lord Sidney. His antics made me laugh.
DUKE OF SHADOWS is an evocative tale of love overcoming retribution. I hope the author considers writing Lord Sidney and Major Carvel’s book. Those two men definitely deserves a happily-ever-after.
Lucas “Luke” Wakeford lives a double life. To his peers, he is the awkward and scholarly Duke of Fountainhurst, yet by night, he is the valiant highwayman Silversmoke. Luke is shocked when his betrothed entreats with his alter ego to find her former beau. Lady Portia Tennesley’s resoluteness convinces him to get to know his reluctant bride better. The search for her missing suitor takes a dangerous turn by uncovering dark secrets. Can Luke forsake his need for vengeance? Or will darkness consume his heart forever?
Lady Portia Tennesley is the youngest daughter of the Marquess of Liddicoat. She consents to the match her parents have arranged for her. However, before she weds, Portia intends to learn what befell her former suitor. She turns to Silversmoke, the enigmatic highwayman who champions the helpless, for help. Portia soon finds herself torn between two men: the dangerous highwayman and her studious betrothed. Will Portia’s love sway Luke away from his revenge? Or will his hatred stand in the way of their future?
Luke is my favorite kind of hero. He is a tortured soul haunted by his parents’ violent murder. I admire the outlet Luke found for his darker, baser emotions. Instead of wallowing in grief and self-pity, he helps those who cannot fight to find peace and resolution. I identify with Luke’s feelings about crowds. I too feel self-conscious and uncomfortable around a large number of people. What I like most about Luke is his honor. He refuses to start his new life with Portia based on lies and deceptions.
Portia steadily grew on me. At first, she came across as too self-absorbed for my tastes, caring only about her peers’ opinions. However, my feelings changed as the story progressed. I like how Portia empathized with Luke once she learned about his traumatic past. She saw past his façade to the man within. What I admire the most about Portia is how she refused to abandon Luke to his darker emotions. Instead, she appealed to his humane side to fight the encroaching darkness from consuming him fully.
DUKE OF SHADOWS is book four in Gaelen Foley’s historical romance series, MOONLIGHT SQUARE. I like how the couples from the previous books make appearances throughout the story. It is nice to see how their life continues. What made the book fun is Lord Sidney. His antics made me laugh.
DUKE OF SHADOWS is an evocative tale of love overcoming retribution. I hope the author considers writing Lord Sidney and Major Carvel’s book. Those two men definitely deserves a happily-ever-after.
December 4, 2021
DNF.
IT'S RARE FOR ME TO DNF A GAELEN FOLEY STORY but it's been many years since she had written and, this was one of the ones I've bookmarked before. There's something to be said about a story that doesn't enrapture you from the first few chapters. That's a red flag for me that it's not going to be captivating.
Firstly, we deal with the whole dual secret identity scenario and I'm not impressed by the main characters. They didn't felt like they were written by the same author I fell in love with. The characters were...purposely deceitful, shallow in thinking and their chemistry perhaps might have bloomed in a way that I found predictable and boring. Not to mention, it was needlessly long when the plot didn't warrant for such long-windedness.
Overall, if this is your first foray in Gaelen Foley's world, I can suggest NOT to pick this series up and go for the earlier ones. Those are a classic!
IT'S RARE FOR ME TO DNF A GAELEN FOLEY STORY but it's been many years since she had written and, this was one of the ones I've bookmarked before. There's something to be said about a story that doesn't enrapture you from the first few chapters. That's a red flag for me that it's not going to be captivating.
Firstly, we deal with the whole dual secret identity scenario and I'm not impressed by the main characters. They didn't felt like they were written by the same author I fell in love with. The characters were...purposely deceitful, shallow in thinking and their chemistry perhaps might have bloomed in a way that I found predictable and boring. Not to mention, it was needlessly long when the plot didn't warrant for such long-windedness.
Overall, if this is your first foray in Gaelen Foley's world, I can suggest NOT to pick this series up and go for the earlier ones. Those are a classic!
May 22, 2019
Duke of Shadows is Book 4 of the Moonlight Square series by Gaelen Foley. Even though I've read most of what this author has written, this series escaped me until now. Despite jumping in on Book 4, I followed along easily and was engaged right from the start. In fact, now I can't wait to get my hands on the earlier books in the series.
I loved the connection between Luke and Portia. I was on the edge of my seat on how it would all play out in the end. Sidney was a hoot!! I look forward to reading more about him. In fact, I look forward to reading more about many of the secondary characters.
Overall this was a great story and I will definitely be making some time to catch up on the earlier stories.
I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader Copy of this book and the views expressed are my honest opinions.
I loved the connection between Luke and Portia. I was on the edge of my seat on how it would all play out in the end. Sidney was a hoot!! I look forward to reading more about him. In fact, I look forward to reading more about many of the secondary characters.
Overall this was a great story and I will definitely be making some time to catch up on the earlier stories.
I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader Copy of this book and the views expressed are my honest opinions.
September 20, 2025
I love a fake fop with a secret identity.
May 21, 2019
Duke of shadows is a wonderful romantic adventure reminiscent of the Princess Bride. It features a compelling heroine—defying convention in her willingness to risk her reputation to find answers. This heroine, Portia, is engaged to a lackluster fiancé and pines for a missing suitor and therefore conquots a plan to potentially save her self from a bad match. Her plan is to
seek out a legendary highwayman, Silversmoke--ala Robinhood—known for his dashing robberies and avenging retaliation against evildoers. Portia wishes enlist the highwayman’s help to help get her out of her upcoming nuptials by finding her absent suitor before her wedding to another. This story is full of delightful, cheeky and daring antics. A delightful read! I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader Copy of this book and the views expressed are my honest opinions.
seek out a legendary highwayman, Silversmoke--ala Robinhood—known for his dashing robberies and avenging retaliation against evildoers. Portia wishes enlist the highwayman’s help to help get her out of her upcoming nuptials by finding her absent suitor before her wedding to another. This story is full of delightful, cheeky and daring antics. A delightful read! I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader Copy of this book and the views expressed are my honest opinions.
March 8, 2024
5 Estrellitas. Otro que se viene al altar de mis favoritos, ¡por favor, qué libro! Estoy acostumbrada a que Gaelen Foley nos regale buenas historias y esta no ha sido una excepción. Lo que más lamento es que las editoriales españolas la hayan dejado caer en el olvido, primero por dejar a medias la serie del Club Inferno, y también porque ni siquiera se han dignado publicar Moonlight Square, la que nos atañe en este caso.
Pese a que la edición que he leído es muy regulera, tirando a mala, no me ha impedido disfrutar de éste libro como una enana. Es más, no me lo pasaba tan bien desde que leí “Seductora inocencia” y “Corazón de fuego”, mis favoritos de Gaelen Foley.
¿Qué tenemos aquí? Volvemos a Moonlight Square. Esa exclusiva plaza londinense donde vive lo más granado de la sociedad, en cada esquina de la plaza vive un duque, que han sido los protagonistas de esta serie. Lo primero y principal que puedo decir de la serie como conjunto, es que ha ido de menos a más. Empezó con un relato corto que sabe a poco, un primer libro que parece poco más que un relato corto y que no fue muy memorable. Pero todo cambia, llegados al segundo libro, la trama se complica, recuerda más a esos libros tan estudiados de Gaelen, donde pasa de todo, donde hay traiciones, duelos, búsquedas de asesinos, etc. En el libro de Azrael y Serena tuvimos pequeñas reminiscencias de la serie Club Inferno, al haber sido el padre de Azrael un Prometeo. Después, el tercer libro, el de Connor y Maggie, fue altamente intenso, de lo mejor que he leído; ahí también tuvimos un asesino obsesionado con exterminar a toda la línea de los duques de Amberley.
Y por fin llegamos al cuarto y último libro. Por lo que sabíamos de libros anteriores, no llamaría mucho la atención, al tener una perspectiva tan aburrida. Nada más lejos de la realidad. Aquí nos quedan la joven y hermosa Portia Tennesley, y el duque de Fountainhurst. Portia es la mejor amiga de Serena, y por lo que parece, es incasable ¿por qué? Es hermosa y tiene buena dote y ha llegado hasta los veintitrés años soltera. Y no es porque Portia desee un matrimonio por amor, sabe que entre sus iguales eso no existe, pero sí quiere cierta compatibilidad, pero sobre todo, sabe que no va a tener lo mismo que tienen sus amigas con sus maridos duques.
Portia y Lucas Wakeford están prometidos, aunque apenas se han visto y mucho menos se conocen. El suyo es un matrimonio acordado, la última posibilidad de Portia de hacer un buen matrimonio; pero Portia tenía un pretendiente, Joel Clayton, un joven dandy que desapareció misteriosamente el año anterior y no se ha vuelto a saber de él; por eso mismo, los padres de Portia aceptaron la proposición del duque de Fountainhurst.
¿Qué es lo que está mal con el duque? Lucas es guapo, se si arreglara un poco, o por lo menos contratara un ayuda de cámara decente, sus gafas no lo arreglan, sus andares torpes tampoco y menos su tartamudez, pero lo peor de todo es que Lucas vive recluido en su finca campestre, Gracewell, estudiando bichos repugnantes. Sí, Luke es entomólogo, y desde luego no favorece nada su aceptación en sociedad. Ése es uno de los motivos por los que apenas frecuenta Londres, pero el mayor de todos, es para que no lo miren con lástima, pues sus padres fueron asesinados en un viaje que estaban haciendo por Escocia, cuando Luke tenía diecisiete años.
Pero lo que Lucas oculta es un gran secreto, pues bajo la fachada del duque torpe y estudioso, se encuentra su verdadero yo. Cuando cae la noche, Luke se convierte en Silversmoke, un justiciero, un héroe de la Regencia, dispuesto a ayudar a los desfavorecidos allá donde los policías de Bow Street no llegan. Siempre de negro y enmascarado, Silversmoke es una leyenda y nadie ha averiguado quién es. Para los policías, un justiciero y para los pobres, un héroe.
Cuando Portia Tennesley oye hablar de Silversmoke, se arma de valor para intentar encontrarle y contratarlo. Así es como comienza el libro, Luke y Portia tienen un primer encuentro envuelto en sombras y donde saltan auténticas chispas, en una posada aislada de Hampstead Heath. Silversmoke es la única alternativa que le queda a Portia para cancelar su compromiso con el aburrido duque de Fountainhurst. Solo si apareciera Joel Clayton, su antiguo pretendiente, podría dejar al duque y casarse con Joel. Pero nadie ha sabido nada de Joel desde hace un año, nadie sabe si está vivo o muerto. Y Silversmoke, por su honor, promete a Portia que lo encontrará.
Aquí es donde comienza el auténtico lío, Portia está prometida a un hombre aburrido que no quiere, así que contrata a un salteador de caminos para que investigue qué fue de su antiguo pretendiente, para así dejar al aburrido prometido. Pero claro, lo que ella no sabe es que el aburrido prometido es ése portento de hombre que tiene enfrente. Pues imaginaos la impresión que se lleva Luke cuando ata cabos y se da cuenta de que esa joven es su prometida, la chica que le encontró su hermana, Tavi, y que pidió expresamente que fuese una joven guapa y sin mucho cerebro que no le diera problemas para poder llevar su doble vida. Sí, Luke no se casa con gusto, solo accedió a la petición de su hermana apelando a sus deberes como duque y dar un heredero. El problema, es que ahora Portia no es como él imaginaba, no es esa joven insulsa que creía, si no que es valiente y voluntariosa, solo por el hecho de haber ido a buscarlo para contratarlo.
Ahora es donde dará paso el cortejo. Luke acepta el caso, pero está tan intrigado con la joven Portia, y quedan solo cuatro semanas para celebrar la boda, que no le parecería mal conocerla un poco más; así que Lucas Wakeford vuelve a Londres para intentar reparar la ausencia que ha sufrido su prometida y ayudar con los preparativos de la boda. En éstas últimas cuatro semanas, Lucas procurará comportarse como debería un hombre comprometido, y ello implica conocer y cortejar a su novia, cosa que no le será tan difícil, cuando Portia empiece a ver al auténtico duque. Portia no le encuentra repulsivo, si no simplemente soso, ya que sabe que no puede tener el mismo matrimonio que sus amigas, por lo menos intenta dar una oportunidad a su novio y conocerlo, y aceptar su cortejo. La sorpresa será mayúscula cuando en cada encuentro que tienen, empiezan a conocerse más, cuando Portia descubra a un hombre amable, bueno y tierno, del que está segura será un buen padre.
Poco a poco, Lucas y Portia se irán enamorando, y cada vez, a Portia le parecerá menos un error el compromiso entre ellos. Entonces, ¿dónde queda la búsqueda de Joel? ¿Qué pasará si Silversmoke lo encuentra? Pese a ello, la búsqueda continúa, al menos para saber qué fue del hombre. Luke dio su palabra, y la cumple durante toda la novela, pero a cada capítulo, está más convencido de hacer suya a su novia. ¿Qué implicaciones tiene su doble vida? ¿Y las mentiras que le suelta? Cada vez será más complicado mantener el engaño cuanto más se va enamorando de Portia.
Y no, Luke no se olvida de la búsqueda de Joel, simplemente, no es fácil. Gracias a los contactos adecuados, Luke averigua que Joel sigue vivo, pero no por mucho tiempo. Alguien lo secuestró, y lo está utilizando en su favor, pero ¿quién? Y ¿por qué? La trama se complicará más, sobre todo cuando este misterio acabe entrelazado con sus fantasmas del pasado, aquellos que hicieron de él lo que es, Silversmoke.
Esto es lo que encontramos en “Duke of Shadows”, sin necesidad de decir mucho más. A mí, personalmente, me ha convencido. Me ha encantado, lo he disfrutado de principio a fin, y ha ido a mi altar particular de libros de Gaelen Foley. Quizás el planteamiento no sea novedoso, pero cuando está bien escrito y la historia está bien llevada, resulta en una novela muy deliciosa.
Los personajes me han encantado, tanto Luke como Portia están muy bien definidos, y la evolución de ellos, debido a todo lo que les toca pasar, es de lo mejor que ha hecho Gaelen. El amor que surge lentamente entre ellos está muy conseguido, aunque es cierto que no encontramos grandes escenas pasionales en ésta novela, es verdad que no hacen mucha falta, la historia habla por sí sola y está muy bien llevada.
Sobre el resto de personajes, decir que son una delicia. Gaelen no es muy dada a traernos de nuevo a personajes que ya han tenido su felices para siempre, pero el breve protagonismo que aquí tenemos de Serena y Azrael resulta muy bienvenido. Otro personaje que me ha encantado en todas las escenas ha sido Sydney, ése querido dandy, tan amigo de todos los protagonistas de Moonlight Square. Si algo me ha alegrado, es enterarme al final que Moonlight Square no está terminado, si no que Gaelen Foley hará un spin-off de Sydney, Peter y Hunter. ¡Qué ganitas de estos tres mosqueteros!
Por lo demás, no quiero contar mucho más porque no quiero desvelar nada, pero de verdad que chapó con la historia que ha tejido aquí la autora, y el enganche que me ha causado. Es un libro largo, y es complejo; si estáis acostumbradas a la prosa rápida y facilona, aquí no la encontraréis, Gaelen Foley es especial, sabe escribir, y cuando quiere, crea personajes únicos e historias preciosas. Desde ya, “Duke of Shadows” se ha convertido en uno de mis libros favoritos.
Me da pena haber terminado la serie de Moonlight Square, pero Gaelen Foley ha sabido ponerle el broche de oro, y ha dejado el listón tan alto, que me tiene ansiosa de que vuelva a escribir Regencia y nos regale más historias maravillosas.
Pese a que la edición que he leído es muy regulera, tirando a mala, no me ha impedido disfrutar de éste libro como una enana. Es más, no me lo pasaba tan bien desde que leí “Seductora inocencia” y “Corazón de fuego”, mis favoritos de Gaelen Foley.
¿Qué tenemos aquí? Volvemos a Moonlight Square. Esa exclusiva plaza londinense donde vive lo más granado de la sociedad, en cada esquina de la plaza vive un duque, que han sido los protagonistas de esta serie. Lo primero y principal que puedo decir de la serie como conjunto, es que ha ido de menos a más. Empezó con un relato corto que sabe a poco, un primer libro que parece poco más que un relato corto y que no fue muy memorable. Pero todo cambia, llegados al segundo libro, la trama se complica, recuerda más a esos libros tan estudiados de Gaelen, donde pasa de todo, donde hay traiciones, duelos, búsquedas de asesinos, etc. En el libro de Azrael y Serena tuvimos pequeñas reminiscencias de la serie Club Inferno, al haber sido el padre de Azrael un Prometeo. Después, el tercer libro, el de Connor y Maggie, fue altamente intenso, de lo mejor que he leído; ahí también tuvimos un asesino obsesionado con exterminar a toda la línea de los duques de Amberley.
Y por fin llegamos al cuarto y último libro. Por lo que sabíamos de libros anteriores, no llamaría mucho la atención, al tener una perspectiva tan aburrida. Nada más lejos de la realidad. Aquí nos quedan la joven y hermosa Portia Tennesley, y el duque de Fountainhurst. Portia es la mejor amiga de Serena, y por lo que parece, es incasable ¿por qué? Es hermosa y tiene buena dote y ha llegado hasta los veintitrés años soltera. Y no es porque Portia desee un matrimonio por amor, sabe que entre sus iguales eso no existe, pero sí quiere cierta compatibilidad, pero sobre todo, sabe que no va a tener lo mismo que tienen sus amigas con sus maridos duques.
Portia y Lucas Wakeford están prometidos, aunque apenas se han visto y mucho menos se conocen. El suyo es un matrimonio acordado, la última posibilidad de Portia de hacer un buen matrimonio; pero Portia tenía un pretendiente, Joel Clayton, un joven dandy que desapareció misteriosamente el año anterior y no se ha vuelto a saber de él; por eso mismo, los padres de Portia aceptaron la proposición del duque de Fountainhurst.
¿Qué es lo que está mal con el duque? Lucas es guapo, se si arreglara un poco, o por lo menos contratara un ayuda de cámara decente, sus gafas no lo arreglan, sus andares torpes tampoco y menos su tartamudez, pero lo peor de todo es que Lucas vive recluido en su finca campestre, Gracewell, estudiando bichos repugnantes. Sí, Luke es entomólogo, y desde luego no favorece nada su aceptación en sociedad. Ése es uno de los motivos por los que apenas frecuenta Londres, pero el mayor de todos, es para que no lo miren con lástima, pues sus padres fueron asesinados en un viaje que estaban haciendo por Escocia, cuando Luke tenía diecisiete años.
Pero lo que Lucas oculta es un gran secreto, pues bajo la fachada del duque torpe y estudioso, se encuentra su verdadero yo. Cuando cae la noche, Luke se convierte en Silversmoke, un justiciero, un héroe de la Regencia, dispuesto a ayudar a los desfavorecidos allá donde los policías de Bow Street no llegan. Siempre de negro y enmascarado, Silversmoke es una leyenda y nadie ha averiguado quién es. Para los policías, un justiciero y para los pobres, un héroe.
Cuando Portia Tennesley oye hablar de Silversmoke, se arma de valor para intentar encontrarle y contratarlo. Así es como comienza el libro, Luke y Portia tienen un primer encuentro envuelto en sombras y donde saltan auténticas chispas, en una posada aislada de Hampstead Heath. Silversmoke es la única alternativa que le queda a Portia para cancelar su compromiso con el aburrido duque de Fountainhurst. Solo si apareciera Joel Clayton, su antiguo pretendiente, podría dejar al duque y casarse con Joel. Pero nadie ha sabido nada de Joel desde hace un año, nadie sabe si está vivo o muerto. Y Silversmoke, por su honor, promete a Portia que lo encontrará.
Aquí es donde comienza el auténtico lío, Portia está prometida a un hombre aburrido que no quiere, así que contrata a un salteador de caminos para que investigue qué fue de su antiguo pretendiente, para así dejar al aburrido prometido. Pero claro, lo que ella no sabe es que el aburrido prometido es ése portento de hombre que tiene enfrente. Pues imaginaos la impresión que se lleva Luke cuando ata cabos y se da cuenta de que esa joven es su prometida, la chica que le encontró su hermana, Tavi, y que pidió expresamente que fuese una joven guapa y sin mucho cerebro que no le diera problemas para poder llevar su doble vida. Sí, Luke no se casa con gusto, solo accedió a la petición de su hermana apelando a sus deberes como duque y dar un heredero. El problema, es que ahora Portia no es como él imaginaba, no es esa joven insulsa que creía, si no que es valiente y voluntariosa, solo por el hecho de haber ido a buscarlo para contratarlo.
Ahora es donde dará paso el cortejo. Luke acepta el caso, pero está tan intrigado con la joven Portia, y quedan solo cuatro semanas para celebrar la boda, que no le parecería mal conocerla un poco más; así que Lucas Wakeford vuelve a Londres para intentar reparar la ausencia que ha sufrido su prometida y ayudar con los preparativos de la boda. En éstas últimas cuatro semanas, Lucas procurará comportarse como debería un hombre comprometido, y ello implica conocer y cortejar a su novia, cosa que no le será tan difícil, cuando Portia empiece a ver al auténtico duque. Portia no le encuentra repulsivo, si no simplemente soso, ya que sabe que no puede tener el mismo matrimonio que sus amigas, por lo menos intenta dar una oportunidad a su novio y conocerlo, y aceptar su cortejo. La sorpresa será mayúscula cuando en cada encuentro que tienen, empiezan a conocerse más, cuando Portia descubra a un hombre amable, bueno y tierno, del que está segura será un buen padre.
Poco a poco, Lucas y Portia se irán enamorando, y cada vez, a Portia le parecerá menos un error el compromiso entre ellos. Entonces, ¿dónde queda la búsqueda de Joel? ¿Qué pasará si Silversmoke lo encuentra? Pese a ello, la búsqueda continúa, al menos para saber qué fue del hombre. Luke dio su palabra, y la cumple durante toda la novela, pero a cada capítulo, está más convencido de hacer suya a su novia. ¿Qué implicaciones tiene su doble vida? ¿Y las mentiras que le suelta? Cada vez será más complicado mantener el engaño cuanto más se va enamorando de Portia.
Y no, Luke no se olvida de la búsqueda de Joel, simplemente, no es fácil. Gracias a los contactos adecuados, Luke averigua que Joel sigue vivo, pero no por mucho tiempo. Alguien lo secuestró, y lo está utilizando en su favor, pero ¿quién? Y ¿por qué? La trama se complicará más, sobre todo cuando este misterio acabe entrelazado con sus fantasmas del pasado, aquellos que hicieron de él lo que es, Silversmoke.
Esto es lo que encontramos en “Duke of Shadows”, sin necesidad de decir mucho más. A mí, personalmente, me ha convencido. Me ha encantado, lo he disfrutado de principio a fin, y ha ido a mi altar particular de libros de Gaelen Foley. Quizás el planteamiento no sea novedoso, pero cuando está bien escrito y la historia está bien llevada, resulta en una novela muy deliciosa.
Los personajes me han encantado, tanto Luke como Portia están muy bien definidos, y la evolución de ellos, debido a todo lo que les toca pasar, es de lo mejor que ha hecho Gaelen. El amor que surge lentamente entre ellos está muy conseguido, aunque es cierto que no encontramos grandes escenas pasionales en ésta novela, es verdad que no hacen mucha falta, la historia habla por sí sola y está muy bien llevada.
Sobre el resto de personajes, decir que son una delicia. Gaelen no es muy dada a traernos de nuevo a personajes que ya han tenido su felices para siempre, pero el breve protagonismo que aquí tenemos de Serena y Azrael resulta muy bienvenido. Otro personaje que me ha encantado en todas las escenas ha sido Sydney, ése querido dandy, tan amigo de todos los protagonistas de Moonlight Square. Si algo me ha alegrado, es enterarme al final que Moonlight Square no está terminado, si no que Gaelen Foley hará un spin-off de Sydney, Peter y Hunter. ¡Qué ganitas de estos tres mosqueteros!
Por lo demás, no quiero contar mucho más porque no quiero desvelar nada, pero de verdad que chapó con la historia que ha tejido aquí la autora, y el enganche que me ha causado. Es un libro largo, y es complejo; si estáis acostumbradas a la prosa rápida y facilona, aquí no la encontraréis, Gaelen Foley es especial, sabe escribir, y cuando quiere, crea personajes únicos e historias preciosas. Desde ya, “Duke of Shadows” se ha convertido en uno de mis libros favoritos.
Me da pena haber terminado la serie de Moonlight Square, pero Gaelen Foley ha sabido ponerle el broche de oro, y ha dejado el listón tan alto, que me tiene ansiosa de que vuelva a escribir Regencia y nos regale más historias maravillosas.
May 21, 2019
Now I remember why I love Gaelen's writing. This is a story that is second to none. I do not know how I missed the first three books in the Series but I am going to Amazon to purchase them. If this book is an example of this Series I will love them too! This is a story of what Love will cost you and how it can change you.
Portia is a young lady who has recently accepted a betrothal arranged by her parents to a Duke. There is only one thing she has to do before she gets married, know what happened to her former beau, Joel Clayton. He disappeared over a year ago and the search has been called off barely months after he went missing. Portia is resigned to marrying Lucas Wakeford, the Duke of Fountainhurst, even though he is odd and embarrassing and is always rumpled like he dresses without a mirror, and he collects and studies bugs!! UGH!!! She has only met him a few times, he seems nice enough but he apparently has more important things to do than get to know his fiance. That suits her just fine at the moment because she is on her way to meet a famous highwayman/vigilante Silversmoke who helps the poor and delivers justice to those who prey on the helpless. Little does she knows that Silversmoke is her odd eccentric Fiance.
Lucas Wakeford is a true master of disguise a bumbling awkward Duke and Silversmoke the famous highwayman. Only those closest to him know the real Luke. He spends most of his time at his country estate and rarely comes to London. His parents were brutally killed when he was young by brutal bandits in the Highlands. He made it his mission to find every one of the bandits and massacre them like his parents. His obsession and vengeance have dramatically altered the life he would have had if his parents had never been murdered. As a child in a loving family, he never could imagine the events that brought him to who is today. He loves his sister and her children. He does not want to love a wife and he thinks Portia is the perfect Society lady who will tolerate a loveless marriage. He has no idea what he is in for.
.
This is a story of a determined young lady and a man who has lost his way. Deep down Luke knows his parents would be heart-broken to see the man he has become. They would want him to find his soul mate like they did and live a life of love and purpose. He has been consumed by vengeance most of his adult life. He believes he is destined to live in this darkness the rest of his life and accepts that he will never be at peace again. Only he has never met anyone like Portia, her soul is spotless, her love shines through like sunshine. Can Luke let go of his vengeance and embrace the love that Portia has to give? Can he bask in the light of her love?
This story was so heart-wrenching, sad, lovely and so beautiful I admit I cried more than once. Portia knows that she has to save Luke for the sake of his soul and knows that they can have a wonderful life together. Gaelen's characters are captivating in a beautifully poignant journey that will leave you spellbound until the end. I am so glad I found Gaelen's books again! Read this one, I recommend it highly.
ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest review. I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader Copy of this book and the views expressed are my honest opinions.
Portia is a young lady who has recently accepted a betrothal arranged by her parents to a Duke. There is only one thing she has to do before she gets married, know what happened to her former beau, Joel Clayton. He disappeared over a year ago and the search has been called off barely months after he went missing. Portia is resigned to marrying Lucas Wakeford, the Duke of Fountainhurst, even though he is odd and embarrassing and is always rumpled like he dresses without a mirror, and he collects and studies bugs!! UGH!!! She has only met him a few times, he seems nice enough but he apparently has more important things to do than get to know his fiance. That suits her just fine at the moment because she is on her way to meet a famous highwayman/vigilante Silversmoke who helps the poor and delivers justice to those who prey on the helpless. Little does she knows that Silversmoke is her odd eccentric Fiance.
Lucas Wakeford is a true master of disguise a bumbling awkward Duke and Silversmoke the famous highwayman. Only those closest to him know the real Luke. He spends most of his time at his country estate and rarely comes to London. His parents were brutally killed when he was young by brutal bandits in the Highlands. He made it his mission to find every one of the bandits and massacre them like his parents. His obsession and vengeance have dramatically altered the life he would have had if his parents had never been murdered. As a child in a loving family, he never could imagine the events that brought him to who is today. He loves his sister and her children. He does not want to love a wife and he thinks Portia is the perfect Society lady who will tolerate a loveless marriage. He has no idea what he is in for.
.
This is a story of a determined young lady and a man who has lost his way. Deep down Luke knows his parents would be heart-broken to see the man he has become. They would want him to find his soul mate like they did and live a life of love and purpose. He has been consumed by vengeance most of his adult life. He believes he is destined to live in this darkness the rest of his life and accepts that he will never be at peace again. Only he has never met anyone like Portia, her soul is spotless, her love shines through like sunshine. Can Luke let go of his vengeance and embrace the love that Portia has to give? Can he bask in the light of her love?
This story was so heart-wrenching, sad, lovely and so beautiful I admit I cried more than once. Portia knows that she has to save Luke for the sake of his soul and knows that they can have a wonderful life together. Gaelen's characters are captivating in a beautifully poignant journey that will leave you spellbound until the end. I am so glad I found Gaelen's books again! Read this one, I recommend it highly.
ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest review. I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader Copy of this book and the views expressed are my honest opinions.
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March 13, 2025Oh my - this was a long book with an intricate plot but my goodness it was well worth the wait!! The characters were so well developed. . . Omg Luke/Lucas/Silversmoke had 3x character development and all of it was so well thought out. Kudos to Ms. Foley. I read a lot of books and can honestly say I had to force myself to be patient with this one because I so wanted to see how things were going to play out. Many many storylines going at once and sometimes I had to just put it down because I was getting so caught up!
I highly recommend this one - I am a big fan of Gaelen Foley and I don’t say this lightly - this one is the best IMO. I loved the snippets we saw of the previous stars of the series. Be patient though because it will take some time to read and you will be spinning with all the new developments but it’s done so well in the end that you’ll be glad for having invested the read time!
My favorites from this book were:
1. Luke and Portia both took responsibility for their secrets and hidden truths from each other. That is huge to me - I hate it when one party doesn’t own up to their mistakes.
2. The main argument (which I won’t spoil details for) seemed very realistic to me. The comments made in anger and hurt were authentic. My heart broke for these 2!
3. I was concerned we’d have a drawn out love triangle here which I really don’t care for. Without saying much else I’ll say that is not a real cause for concern here as the story really gets underway.
4. My favorite part of the book was probably the 2 families getting together at Luke’s country home and the play that they all participated in. What great fun to read! That part had me in hysterics.
5. I love romance and the growing relationship between H and h here felt so genuine. Better and deeper than most I’ve read. Even though they weren’t falling into bed all the time it still had plenty of steamy and romantic moments.
I loved this book - it’s going on my list of top 10 favorites!
I highly recommend this one - I am a big fan of Gaelen Foley and I don’t say this lightly - this one is the best IMO. I loved the snippets we saw of the previous stars of the series. Be patient though because it will take some time to read and you will be spinning with all the new developments but it’s done so well in the end that you’ll be glad for having invested the read time!
My favorites from this book were:
1. Luke and Portia both took responsibility for their secrets and hidden truths from each other. That is huge to me - I hate it when one party doesn’t own up to their mistakes.
2. The main argument (which I won’t spoil details for) seemed very realistic to me. The comments made in anger and hurt were authentic. My heart broke for these 2!
3. I was concerned we’d have a drawn out love triangle here which I really don’t care for. Without saying much else I’ll say that is not a real cause for concern here as the story really gets underway.
4. My favorite part of the book was probably the 2 families getting together at Luke’s country home and the play that they all participated in. What great fun to read! That part had me in hysterics.
5. I love romance and the growing relationship between H and h here felt so genuine. Better and deeper than most I’ve read. Even though they weren’t falling into bed all the time it still had plenty of steamy and romantic moments.
I loved this book - it’s going on my list of top 10 favorites!
June 18, 2019
Terrible
This was horrid drivel. I've read many by this author and this was the first that I hated. Overly flowery, repetitive prose, and winery heroine and no payoff. I don't understand the good ratings. Skip this one
This was horrid drivel. I've read many by this author and this was the first that I hated. Overly flowery, repetitive prose, and winery heroine and no payoff. I don't understand the good ratings. Skip this one
January 9, 2022
Už od začiatku série Moonlight Square som sa ktovieprečo nazdával, že má tri časti, hoci v priebehu čítania sa mi zdalo, že sa tam vyskytuje priveľa potenciálnych hrdinov či hrdiniek... a naozaj! Nedávno sme sa dočkali aj prekladu štvrtého - záverečného - dielu. Temný vojvoda neostáva nič dlžný názvom predošlých častí (Škandalózny vojvoda, Tajomný vojvoda, Nespútaný vojvoda) a rovnako pokračuje aj v nastolenom štýle a celkovej atmosfére. Čo ho však odlišuje - a to aj od iných historických romancí -, je hrúbka knihy. Úctyhodný rozsah takmer 550 strán je na daný žáner veľmi netradičný, no tento príbeh si to zaslúžil. Nielen preto, že ide o vyvrcholenie osudov mladých šľachticov obývajúcich malebné londýnske námestie, ale aj pre námet, ktorý je ťažké unáhlene odbiť.
"Zovrelo jej srdce. Preglgla a ešte raz si prečítala odkaz. Teraz, keď už vedela, aký vie byť lúpežník zvodný, predstavovali vyhliadky na ich stretnutie medzi štyrmi očami za mesačného svitu úplne iný druh nebezpečenstva. Taký, z ktorého sa po chvíli rozochvela až po končeky prstov na nohách. Znovu preglgla, keď si spomenula na jeho úsmev a to, ako sa navzájom doberali. Na tajomstvá, ktoré mali spoločné ako dvaja cudzinci z dvoch úplne iných svetov. Pri predstave, že sa s ním znovu uvidí, sa jej zrýchlil tep. Dobre vedela, že je to absolútne nevhodné, ale nedbala na to." (str. 125)
Zamaskovaný bojovník vyvolávajúci vášne v slušnej spoločnosti i v podsvetí mi pripomenul Čierneho jazdca od Jude Deverauxovej, ktorá je neodmysliteľne spätá s mojím kladným vzťahom k tomuto žánru. Gaelen Foley si však razí vlastnú cestu a už dávno dokázala, že je originálnou spisovateľkou, ktorá môže byť vzorom pre mnohé začínajúce kolegyne. Dej sa síce odohráva pred zhruba dvesto rokmi, ale postavy rozhodne zaváňajú modernými časmi. Nie je to chyba, romance vždy pracujú s týmto prvkom, dodávajúcim im iskru a dojem narúšania stereotypov. Hrdinkou románu je Portia Tennesleyová, ktorá pátra po svojom zmiznutom vyvolenom Joelovi. Keďže dostupné prostriedky nie sú celkom vyhovujúce, rozhodne sa osloviť so žiadosťou o pomoc neslávne známeho lúpežníka Silversmoka, pohybujúceho sa v zločineckom prostredí ako ryba vo vode. Mladá lady si dobre uvedomuje, že odhalenie jej činu by spôsobilo ohromný škandál a navždy poznačilo jej šľachtický život, no ako správna hrdinka musí prekonať svoj strach a popasovať sa s osudom. Ten jej okrem Joelovho zmiznutia vohnal do cesty aj čudáckeho vojvodu, ktorý by sa mal stať jej manželom. Lucas je príťažlivou Portiou očarený, no všetko skomplikuje odvrátená stránka jeho života - pod maskou spravodlivého darebáka. Spočiatku je Portinou žiadosťou nájsť svojho soka zaskočený, ale napokon v nej vybadá možnosť priblížiť sa jej a ukázať, kam môže viesť unáhlené konanie neskúsenej slečny. Portia sa zmieta medzi vysnívaným manželstvom a silnou charizmou tajomného Silversmoka. Vzťah jej rodičov nebol vôbec ideálny a ona už odmala dúfa, že naruší tento rodinný nešvár. Keď sa však Joel ani po roku smútku a odmietania nápadníkov neobjaví, Portia sa voľky-nevoľky poddá myšlienke vydaja, hoci je to proti jej ideálom. Luke prišiel o rodičov počas prepadnutia, a práve táto tragédia ho priviedla k vytvoreniu druhej identity. Túžba po spravodlivosti (či odplate?) je silná motivácia a je otázne, či ju dokáže narušiť nečakane krehký cit, čo sa mu pomaly rozleje v duši. Alebo žeby sa Portia pridala k jeho úsiliu? Hrdinky Gaelen Foley sú nemenej odvážne ako ich mužské náprotivky, ale zároveň disponujú aj neochvejným morálnym kompasom. Hľadanie strateného Joela je potrebný spoločný cieľ protagonistov, ale napokon, našťastie, neostane iba pri ňom...
"Axewood sa len tak niečoho nezľakol, ale meno Silversmoke mu naháňalo strach. A malo prečo. Napokon, vedel lepšie ako ktokoľvek iný, čoho je ten šialený lúpežník schopný. Nech už to bol ktokoľvek. Axewood tajomného zbojníka nikdy nevidel, ale vzhľadom na ich spojenie sledoval jeho slávnu kariéru v novinách. Modlil sa, aby sa nemilosrdný lúpežník o tom spojení nikdy nedozvedel. Silversmoke. Z toho mena mu po chrbte prebehol mráz. Práve on totiž neľútostne zlikvidoval tých škótskych banditov, s ktorými mal Axewood pred rokmi do činenia..." (str. 232)
Moonlight Square nie je vyvážená séria. Kým nepárne časti sú skôr romantickou komédiou, párne sú napínavejšie a dobrodružnejšie a tým pádom ma bavia viac. Temný vojvoda je dôstojným vyvrcholením, stretneme sa v ňom so všetkými predošlými pármi a dôjde aj na spoločnú akciu. Zároveň je exemplárnym príkladom autorkinej tvorby, v ktorej sa spája romantika so šteklivou erotikou, detektívnymi prvkami a humorom. Ústredný pár sa charakterom síce veľmi nelíši od ostatných, ale aj ich príbeh si udrží vašu pozornosť. A určite vás počas chladných dní či noci príjemne zahreje.
"Zovrelo jej srdce. Preglgla a ešte raz si prečítala odkaz. Teraz, keď už vedela, aký vie byť lúpežník zvodný, predstavovali vyhliadky na ich stretnutie medzi štyrmi očami za mesačného svitu úplne iný druh nebezpečenstva. Taký, z ktorého sa po chvíli rozochvela až po končeky prstov na nohách. Znovu preglgla, keď si spomenula na jeho úsmev a to, ako sa navzájom doberali. Na tajomstvá, ktoré mali spoločné ako dvaja cudzinci z dvoch úplne iných svetov. Pri predstave, že sa s ním znovu uvidí, sa jej zrýchlil tep. Dobre vedela, že je to absolútne nevhodné, ale nedbala na to." (str. 125)
Zamaskovaný bojovník vyvolávajúci vášne v slušnej spoločnosti i v podsvetí mi pripomenul Čierneho jazdca od Jude Deverauxovej, ktorá je neodmysliteľne spätá s mojím kladným vzťahom k tomuto žánru. Gaelen Foley si však razí vlastnú cestu a už dávno dokázala, že je originálnou spisovateľkou, ktorá môže byť vzorom pre mnohé začínajúce kolegyne. Dej sa síce odohráva pred zhruba dvesto rokmi, ale postavy rozhodne zaváňajú modernými časmi. Nie je to chyba, romance vždy pracujú s týmto prvkom, dodávajúcim im iskru a dojem narúšania stereotypov. Hrdinkou románu je Portia Tennesleyová, ktorá pátra po svojom zmiznutom vyvolenom Joelovi. Keďže dostupné prostriedky nie sú celkom vyhovujúce, rozhodne sa osloviť so žiadosťou o pomoc neslávne známeho lúpežníka Silversmoka, pohybujúceho sa v zločineckom prostredí ako ryba vo vode. Mladá lady si dobre uvedomuje, že odhalenie jej činu by spôsobilo ohromný škandál a navždy poznačilo jej šľachtický život, no ako správna hrdinka musí prekonať svoj strach a popasovať sa s osudom. Ten jej okrem Joelovho zmiznutia vohnal do cesty aj čudáckeho vojvodu, ktorý by sa mal stať jej manželom. Lucas je príťažlivou Portiou očarený, no všetko skomplikuje odvrátená stránka jeho života - pod maskou spravodlivého darebáka. Spočiatku je Portinou žiadosťou nájsť svojho soka zaskočený, ale napokon v nej vybadá možnosť priblížiť sa jej a ukázať, kam môže viesť unáhlené konanie neskúsenej slečny. Portia sa zmieta medzi vysnívaným manželstvom a silnou charizmou tajomného Silversmoka. Vzťah jej rodičov nebol vôbec ideálny a ona už odmala dúfa, že naruší tento rodinný nešvár. Keď sa však Joel ani po roku smútku a odmietania nápadníkov neobjaví, Portia sa voľky-nevoľky poddá myšlienke vydaja, hoci je to proti jej ideálom. Luke prišiel o rodičov počas prepadnutia, a práve táto tragédia ho priviedla k vytvoreniu druhej identity. Túžba po spravodlivosti (či odplate?) je silná motivácia a je otázne, či ju dokáže narušiť nečakane krehký cit, čo sa mu pomaly rozleje v duši. Alebo žeby sa Portia pridala k jeho úsiliu? Hrdinky Gaelen Foley sú nemenej odvážne ako ich mužské náprotivky, ale zároveň disponujú aj neochvejným morálnym kompasom. Hľadanie strateného Joela je potrebný spoločný cieľ protagonistov, ale napokon, našťastie, neostane iba pri ňom...
"Axewood sa len tak niečoho nezľakol, ale meno Silversmoke mu naháňalo strach. A malo prečo. Napokon, vedel lepšie ako ktokoľvek iný, čoho je ten šialený lúpežník schopný. Nech už to bol ktokoľvek. Axewood tajomného zbojníka nikdy nevidel, ale vzhľadom na ich spojenie sledoval jeho slávnu kariéru v novinách. Modlil sa, aby sa nemilosrdný lúpežník o tom spojení nikdy nedozvedel. Silversmoke. Z toho mena mu po chrbte prebehol mráz. Práve on totiž neľútostne zlikvidoval tých škótskych banditov, s ktorými mal Axewood pred rokmi do činenia..." (str. 232)
Moonlight Square nie je vyvážená séria. Kým nepárne časti sú skôr romantickou komédiou, párne sú napínavejšie a dobrodružnejšie a tým pádom ma bavia viac. Temný vojvoda je dôstojným vyvrcholením, stretneme sa v ňom so všetkými predošlými pármi a dôjde aj na spoločnú akciu. Zároveň je exemplárnym príkladom autorkinej tvorby, v ktorej sa spája romantika so šteklivou erotikou, detektívnymi prvkami a humorom. Ústredný pár sa charakterom síce veľmi nelíši od ostatných, ale aj ich príbeh si udrží vašu pozornosť. A určite vás počas chladných dní či noci príjemne zahreje.
January 26, 2022
Last year I tried making my way through another book from the same author, which was Lord Of Fire, I still haven't finished that book because I had emotional whiplash from how the story on that novel developed. It had an interestingly dark summary, but lacked in delivering what was promised due to a series of outlandish and absurd actions from both main characters who turned out to be abhorrently unlikable. This book that I'm reviewing right now, however does not suffer from the same problems. I was obviously weary from my previous experience with the author but am left pleasantly surprised with the quality of the work, especially given what she mentioned on the end notes, where she talks about having taken a completely different approach and writing the book without an outline, taking the story along where she wanted in the moment. I thought the characters were well rounded and constructed, they weren't annoying to read about, though also not overtly likeable as well (with the exception of Sydney who IS perfect and lovely and amazing). The plot was very very interesting as it didn't just focus on the romance part of this romance novel, there was a mystery to unfold, and despite the resolution of said mystery being a bit predictable and the main villain being painted a touch too irredeemable, there were plenty of gray (as opposed to black/white/good/evil) characters to play with.
Overall it was a very pleasant read.
The one thing that detracts from it in my mind was the ending, in which inadvertently the main male character (Luke) gets it both ways, when the rules of the universe, and the main female character (Portia) herself told him he couldn't. The ending breaks the rules set beforehand explicitly, and while it is likely that something like that would happen, it defeats the purpose of about 40 pages of back and forth between both characters. There's no resolution to their moral question. In the end Portia thinks he's right, but doesn't outright admit it, after pleading for him to not go through with his actions, and Luke also thinks Portia is right because he DOES give into her will. And none of that matters because a third party characters resolves their lingering issue, and they get to live happily ever after.
I would have liked if the ending wasn't so cheesy, would've appreciated the darker aspects of the story to make in impact rather then simply being resolved off screen.
Once again, the book was very interesting and a fresh touch to historical romance, i enjoyed the mysteries, thought the characters were compelling and the story was creative.
Overall it was a very pleasant read.
The one thing that detracts from it in my mind was the ending, in which inadvertently the main male character (Luke) gets it both ways, when the rules of the universe, and the main female character (Portia) herself told him he couldn't. The ending breaks the rules set beforehand explicitly, and while it is likely that something like that would happen, it defeats the purpose of about 40 pages of back and forth between both characters. There's no resolution to their moral question. In the end Portia thinks he's right, but doesn't outright admit it, after pleading for him to not go through with his actions, and Luke also thinks Portia is right because he DOES give into her will. And none of that matters because a third party characters resolves their lingering issue, and they get to live happily ever after.
I would have liked if the ending wasn't so cheesy, would've appreciated the darker aspects of the story to make in impact rather then simply being resolved off screen.
Once again, the book was very interesting and a fresh touch to historical romance, i enjoyed the mysteries, thought the characters were compelling and the story was creative.
May 19, 2019
I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader Copy of this book and the views expressed are my honest opinions. Duke of Shadows is Gaelen Foley’s fourth novel in the Moonlight Square series. In the previous books, especially the third, readers met with Ms. Portia Tennesley, gorgeous young lady who was planning her arranged marriage to the elusive, eccentric Duke of Fountainhurst. While she threw herself completely in the wedding preparations, she secretly goes in search of the famed outlaw Silversmoke, whom the newspapers describe as a cross between Robin Hood and Avengers.
The previous year, her beau mysteriously vanished without a trace. Thus, in need for closure and as a last resort, she asks Silversmoke to investigate her cause before her impending nuptials. On meeting the enigmatic highwayman, Portia becomes attracted to him. Little did she know that the outlaw is the alter ego of her elusive fiancé, Lucas Wakeford. Funnily enough, Luke, who renounced love and affection to revenge the brutal murders of his parents, becomes equally intrigued and annoyed with his blond belle. While he accepts her cause, he schemes of ways to test her mettle. Their secret Portia-Silversmoke meetings encourage Luke to attempt courting the lady few weeks shy of the wedding.
When the quest to find the truth behind Joel Clayton’s disappearance takes a sinister turn, with the budding attraction between the Duke and future Duchess of Fountainhurst be enough to keep Luke’s demons at bay? Or will the feelings of deception ruin the chance of Luke and Portia getting a happy-ever-after?
When Ms. Foley had announced her new Moonlight Square series would be solely on romance, I admit I was a bit disappointed. Her previous books all carried an element of mystery and action which kept you stuck to the pages until the final cover. While I liked the change the novella and first book in the series brought, I was so happy when the subsequent books turned out to be suspenseful page-turners. Ms. Foley wrote the book with meticulous care to detail. As the book shed light on the mysteries in the book, I couldn’t help speculating about what could and could not have happened. Ms. Foley deserves an A+ for originality.
I highly recommend this book. It can be read as a standalone, but I preferred reading the series in order since most characters are recurrent throughout the series. I was also glad to read that the series will be extended to find matches and adventures to the surplus of single, eligible suitors leftover.
The previous year, her beau mysteriously vanished without a trace. Thus, in need for closure and as a last resort, she asks Silversmoke to investigate her cause before her impending nuptials. On meeting the enigmatic highwayman, Portia becomes attracted to him. Little did she know that the outlaw is the alter ego of her elusive fiancé, Lucas Wakeford. Funnily enough, Luke, who renounced love and affection to revenge the brutal murders of his parents, becomes equally intrigued and annoyed with his blond belle. While he accepts her cause, he schemes of ways to test her mettle. Their secret Portia-Silversmoke meetings encourage Luke to attempt courting the lady few weeks shy of the wedding.
When the quest to find the truth behind Joel Clayton’s disappearance takes a sinister turn, with the budding attraction between the Duke and future Duchess of Fountainhurst be enough to keep Luke’s demons at bay? Or will the feelings of deception ruin the chance of Luke and Portia getting a happy-ever-after?
When Ms. Foley had announced her new Moonlight Square series would be solely on romance, I admit I was a bit disappointed. Her previous books all carried an element of mystery and action which kept you stuck to the pages until the final cover. While I liked the change the novella and first book in the series brought, I was so happy when the subsequent books turned out to be suspenseful page-turners. Ms. Foley wrote the book with meticulous care to detail. As the book shed light on the mysteries in the book, I couldn’t help speculating about what could and could not have happened. Ms. Foley deserves an A+ for originality.
I highly recommend this book. It can be read as a standalone, but I preferred reading the series in order since most characters are recurrent throughout the series. I was also glad to read that the series will be extended to find matches and adventures to the surplus of single, eligible suitors leftover.
May 22, 2019
I have read all the books in this series up to this latest release. I thank the author for having a copy sent to my Kindle account in exchange for a review. The opinions expressed here are mine alone.
Overall rating: 4.5 stars
Story Line: 5 Stars
Flora and Fauna in 19th century England: I'm not sure that milkweed grew there, or that monarch butterflies were native to England; still unsure about Queen Anne's lace, which I did not see in northern England (Durham) when I lived there 1997-2002. I did see wild garlic [I think that's what students called it] and Hemlock, which resembles QAL. Readers who have done more research than I have been able to do may be able to set me straight on this, but I am a bit of a stickler for such things, as well as for the writing.
As to the latter, Gaelen Foley has always written stories that capture my interest. This one, in particular, had a complex cast of lead and supporting characters. Especially if you have read the other three books, you will already be reading this one as soon as you get your hands on it. Even if not, I think you can easily follow this story without knowing the trials and tribulations of the main characters in the first books; in fact, I'm so taken with two of the men here that I want to see their new stories written faster than Foley's usual production speed! [Back to those outlines, Dear Author...]
When I write a review, I try never to give spoilers, so I will close by saying that if you enjoy Regency Romances, if you are intrigued about those "stand and deliver" villains of yore, and if you wish to see how the heroine makes her choice between the two final candidates for her hand in marriage, this is a good book for you. I add (for those who care to know) that there is much more story line in this book, and much less detailed intimacy. You can surely use your imaginations, if you wish.
Overall rating: 4.5 stars
Story Line: 5 Stars
Flora and Fauna in 19th century England: I'm not sure that milkweed grew there, or that monarch butterflies were native to England; still unsure about Queen Anne's lace, which I did not see in northern England (Durham) when I lived there 1997-2002. I did see wild garlic [I think that's what students called it] and Hemlock, which resembles QAL. Readers who have done more research than I have been able to do may be able to set me straight on this, but I am a bit of a stickler for such things, as well as for the writing.
As to the latter, Gaelen Foley has always written stories that capture my interest. This one, in particular, had a complex cast of lead and supporting characters. Especially if you have read the other three books, you will already be reading this one as soon as you get your hands on it. Even if not, I think you can easily follow this story without knowing the trials and tribulations of the main characters in the first books; in fact, I'm so taken with two of the men here that I want to see their new stories written faster than Foley's usual production speed! [Back to those outlines, Dear Author...]
When I write a review, I try never to give spoilers, so I will close by saying that if you enjoy Regency Romances, if you are intrigued about those "stand and deliver" villains of yore, and if you wish to see how the heroine makes her choice between the two final candidates for her hand in marriage, this is a good book for you. I add (for those who care to know) that there is much more story line in this book, and much less detailed intimacy. You can surely use your imaginations, if you wish.
June 7, 2019
I love this series, and can't wait for the next one. All the books are wonderful. I have noticed that each new book gets longer then the last, this was the longest ! Portia Tennesley, appears like the perfect demure, society lady. This is just what the Duke of Foutainhurst thinks after letting his sister pick out a Lady for him. As he lives a double life and doesn't want a wife will ask too many questions, he feels she is the one and ask for her hand. Portia is worried about a gentleman she meet and liked a lot last season, who just disappeared and no one knows what happen to him. As she must marry and her family likes the Duke of Foutainhurst she agrees to the match. She thinks the Duke is a dull, scholarly type who likes bugs. He is awkward and uncomfortable moving around social events. Portia feels her marriage will be a loveless one. Portia has to know what happened to Joel before she can go forward with this marriage. She does not accept that he is dead, and fears for the worst. She goes to the infamous highwayman, silversmoke to see if he can find out what happened to Joel. Unknown to her she is talking to her affianced Duke!
Luke is shocked when he figures out who she is. Now he doesn't know just what to make of his soon to be bride.
As these two work thru all the misconceptions each has of the other. I love how they try to learn about each other while both keeping secrets, as they fall in love, fight and make up thru the book.
This was very different then the rest of the books, you can read each as a stand alone. But with such great character's is best to read them in order...
Luke is shocked when he figures out who she is. Now he doesn't know just what to make of his soon to be bride.
As these two work thru all the misconceptions each has of the other. I love how they try to learn about each other while both keeping secrets, as they fall in love, fight and make up thru the book.
This was very different then the rest of the books, you can read each as a stand alone. But with such great character's is best to read them in order...
May 22, 2019
I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader Copy of this book and the views expressed are my honest opinions.
With that out of the way, I have loved the previous books from the Moonlight Square series, and this book is a perfect addition to the series. It is a stand alone, but I highly recommend reading the other books first, as previous characters make appearances throughout, and they are bloody good and fun reads!
Lady Portia Tennesley is a belle of high society with no lack of suitors. She has watched all of her friends find perfect husbands and are all happily married... except for her. Her former beau, Joel Clayton had mysteriously disappeared last year, and all leads have gone cold. Portia’s parents have encouraged her to accept Lucas Wakeford, the Duke of Fountainhurst to be her fiancee. Portia does, and resigns herself to become the duchess to the reclusive scientist, whom she barely knows, and believes that he prefers the company of bugs to her any day of the week and twice on Sundays.
Before she accepts her fate, and the quizzical duke’s hand in marriage, she makes a last ditch effort to find out what happened to her precious Joel. Even if it means learning that he’s dead, or has run off with someone else. And for this, she needs Silversmoke. Silversmoke is a mysterious highwayman who is part Robin Hood, part scoundrel. And unbeknownst to Portia, is actually her future hubby to be in disguise.
Lucas, or Luke as he prefers, leads a double life, and really is my favorite kind of hero. He’s not all good, but not completely rotten to the core. He is the perfect compilation of gray areas that make for a dynamic character. He has a just reason for what he does in his double life as Silversmoke, but he has a good heart. Luke has officially joined my list of book boyfriends, the tease.
Portia has her moments where all I wanted to do is to pretend she was a glow stick and snap her, then shake her until the lights came on. Half of the time she was a vain, shallow, wishy-washy brat, but then she would have her moments of brilliance, maturity and grace.
Overall, the book was magnificent with marvelous imagery like this description of a tavern, “A pair of small windows flanked the gabled entrance, and feeble orange light glowed through their panes. The roof’s straw thatching hung low over the windows so that they resembled the heavy-lidded eyes of a mean drunkard, peering out upon the world waiting for someone, anyone to pick a fight with him.” I liked that it was a longer book because Gaelen Foley was able to develop the plot, didn’t rush the reader through it, and provided great action. You get a little of everything here, highwaymen, fights, gambling, upper-society, intrigue, kidnappings, murder, and one nasty villain.
I highly recommend the entire series, and Duke of Shadows will not disappoint! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. I can’t wait for the follow up series either!
With that out of the way, I have loved the previous books from the Moonlight Square series, and this book is a perfect addition to the series. It is a stand alone, but I highly recommend reading the other books first, as previous characters make appearances throughout, and they are bloody good and fun reads!
Lady Portia Tennesley is a belle of high society with no lack of suitors. She has watched all of her friends find perfect husbands and are all happily married... except for her. Her former beau, Joel Clayton had mysteriously disappeared last year, and all leads have gone cold. Portia’s parents have encouraged her to accept Lucas Wakeford, the Duke of Fountainhurst to be her fiancee. Portia does, and resigns herself to become the duchess to the reclusive scientist, whom she barely knows, and believes that he prefers the company of bugs to her any day of the week and twice on Sundays.
Before she accepts her fate, and the quizzical duke’s hand in marriage, she makes a last ditch effort to find out what happened to her precious Joel. Even if it means learning that he’s dead, or has run off with someone else. And for this, she needs Silversmoke. Silversmoke is a mysterious highwayman who is part Robin Hood, part scoundrel. And unbeknownst to Portia, is actually her future hubby to be in disguise.
Lucas, or Luke as he prefers, leads a double life, and really is my favorite kind of hero. He’s not all good, but not completely rotten to the core. He is the perfect compilation of gray areas that make for a dynamic character. He has a just reason for what he does in his double life as Silversmoke, but he has a good heart. Luke has officially joined my list of book boyfriends, the tease.
Portia has her moments where all I wanted to do is to pretend she was a glow stick and snap her, then shake her until the lights came on. Half of the time she was a vain, shallow, wishy-washy brat, but then she would have her moments of brilliance, maturity and grace.
Overall, the book was magnificent with marvelous imagery like this description of a tavern, “A pair of small windows flanked the gabled entrance, and feeble orange light glowed through their panes. The roof’s straw thatching hung low over the windows so that they resembled the heavy-lidded eyes of a mean drunkard, peering out upon the world waiting for someone, anyone to pick a fight with him.” I liked that it was a longer book because Gaelen Foley was able to develop the plot, didn’t rush the reader through it, and provided great action. You get a little of everything here, highwaymen, fights, gambling, upper-society, intrigue, kidnappings, murder, and one nasty villain.
I highly recommend the entire series, and Duke of Shadows will not disappoint! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. I can’t wait for the follow up series either!
May 22, 2019
Portia Tennesley agrees to a marriage to the Duke of Fountainhurst after her beau, Joel Clayton has gone missing and is presumed dead. She does not believe it and goes to the outlaw Silversmoke to help her find Joel. Silversmoke agrees and learns how his past and his future are on a collision course. Lucas, the Duke, seems to be a dull scholarly sort of fellow and Portia does not expect much from their union but she gets a surprise when Lucas becomes Luke to her. He is not as scholarly as she thought and she has to rethink what marriage to the Duke may be. She also has to decide that if Joel is not dead and is returned, will she toss over Lucas? So many questions and emotions.
I loved this book. This time the heroine is not in danger. She is able to protect herself and her beloved. I chuckled throughout this book as Portia and Luke fight and make up and fight and maybe make up. I liked the moral ambiguity with Luke and Silversmoke. Are they what Portia believes they are or are there extenuating circumstances that belie Portia's belief? This is probably my favorite book of the series. I like how her friends are there for her and will protect her if she persists in her path. Portia has definite ideas and is not afraid to express them. Luke is great as he changes before our eyes from the bumbling Lucas hiding behind his spectacles to the strong valiant Luke who is willing to risk everything for love once he realizes Portia is the one. I cannot wait for more stories with these people.
I loved this book. This time the heroine is not in danger. She is able to protect herself and her beloved. I chuckled throughout this book as Portia and Luke fight and make up and fight and maybe make up. I liked the moral ambiguity with Luke and Silversmoke. Are they what Portia believes they are or are there extenuating circumstances that belie Portia's belief? This is probably my favorite book of the series. I like how her friends are there for her and will protect her if she persists in her path. Portia has definite ideas and is not afraid to express them. Luke is great as he changes before our eyes from the bumbling Lucas hiding behind his spectacles to the strong valiant Luke who is willing to risk everything for love once he realizes Portia is the one. I cannot wait for more stories with these people.
May 23, 2019
Portia is busy planning her wedding to the duke that her parents engaged her to, but she can't help but think of her suiter that went missing a year ago. She decides to contact the infamous Silversmoke to help her find out what happened to him. Maybe if he is found alive, she won't have to marry the bug lovin' duke...
Lucas is shocked to learn that his intended has come to Silversmoke, his alter ego, to find the man that she loves. But he is intrigued with this side of her that he's never seen before. Maybe there is more to her than he first imagined? He decides to pursue her as a suiter should and starts to change the persona that he has always shone to the ton, that of a bungling bug lover. Maybe Portia would want him instead of her former beau?
Will Portia learn the secret that Lucas is hiding? Will Silversmoke find Portia's former beau and if he does, who will she choose?
I really enjoyed Portia and Lucas's story! So much going on...I loved watching Portia and Lucas spend time together. They were going to get married in a month, yet had spent very little time together. Once Lucas started opening up to Portia and showing her who he truly was, the chemistry between them just exploded. Then we have the mystery of the missing beau...who would Portia choose once she learns the truth of Silversmoke?
While this book could definitely be read as a stand alone, I would recommend reading it with the rest of the series as it will make it more enjoyable. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series!!
Lucas is shocked to learn that his intended has come to Silversmoke, his alter ego, to find the man that she loves. But he is intrigued with this side of her that he's never seen before. Maybe there is more to her than he first imagined? He decides to pursue her as a suiter should and starts to change the persona that he has always shone to the ton, that of a bungling bug lover. Maybe Portia would want him instead of her former beau?
Will Portia learn the secret that Lucas is hiding? Will Silversmoke find Portia's former beau and if he does, who will she choose?
I really enjoyed Portia and Lucas's story! So much going on...I loved watching Portia and Lucas spend time together. They were going to get married in a month, yet had spent very little time together. Once Lucas started opening up to Portia and showing her who he truly was, the chemistry between them just exploded. Then we have the mystery of the missing beau...who would Portia choose once she learns the truth of Silversmoke?
While this book could definitely be read as a stand alone, I would recommend reading it with the rest of the series as it will make it more enjoyable. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series!!
May 15, 2019
Who was the real Duke of Fountainhurs? Lucas, Luke or Silversmoke, or was he a little of all three? Portia who was engaged to the Duke of Fountainhurs was worried about her old boyfriend, Joel, and where he disappeared to. She asked the Highwayman Silversmoke to help her find him. She did not know Silversmoke was her fiancé. Luke is a wonderful hero, he was going to help find and save Joel, even though he could lose Portia to him if Joel returns. Portia was so cute how she called Luke her Lucas and she thought he was an awkward bug loving bookworm.
This was a long story, but it kept me enthralled the all the way until the end. There was not a boring part in the story. There was enough mystery to keep me entertained, but not too much that it took away from the love story.
I liked the secondary characters, Sidney, Major Carvel (Peter), Joel and all of Portia friends and their husbands.
I loved when Luke said to his friends “Portia is mine – I want her, like I never wanted anything before”. Another quote I loved was when Luke said to Portia “You know my heart. For God’s sake, you own the damned thing.”
I did not read the other books in the Moonlight Square books, but if they are as good as this one, I think I will. I believe they are about Portia’s married friends who are mentioned in this book and they look like fun characters. This is a wonderful story which will keep you very entertained.
This was a long story, but it kept me enthralled the all the way until the end. There was not a boring part in the story. There was enough mystery to keep me entertained, but not too much that it took away from the love story.
I liked the secondary characters, Sidney, Major Carvel (Peter), Joel and all of Portia friends and their husbands.
I loved when Luke said to his friends “Portia is mine – I want her, like I never wanted anything before”. Another quote I loved was when Luke said to Portia “You know my heart. For God’s sake, you own the damned thing.”
I did not read the other books in the Moonlight Square books, but if they are as good as this one, I think I will. I believe they are about Portia’s married friends who are mentioned in this book and they look like fun characters. This is a wonderful story which will keep you very entertained.
May 22, 2019
If you are looking for a fun, sink your teeth into, non stop action, can't put it down kind of book then this is it! Normally I don't have a problem writing a review but trying to put into words how much I really enjoyed this book is giving me the fits (LOL) so I'm just going to give the basics without giving away any spoillers.....okay, here goes. The hero Luke is everything you want a hero to be. Handsome (aka hot!), tortured by his past, funny and an all around good guy....oh! and not to mention a Duke and a dashing highwayman that helps the downtrodden and trounces the bad guys *happy sigh* the kind of hero every little girl dreams of...we!!,at least this little girl 😉 The story itself is epic in the old school fashion. I don't normally like to compare authors in reviews but if you're a fan of old school Johanna Lindsey or Hannah Howell then you will absolutely love this story. It really does have everything that makes a book excellent. Well written, easy to read (it has a good flow from one scene to another),great characters (both primary and secondary) and a bad guy that is just horrible enough that you give a little cheer when he gets what's coming to him. You also get to visit with characters from previous books in the series (One Moonlit Night, Duke of Scandal, Duke of Secrets, Duke of Storm) which I love! If you haven't read any of the previous books Duke of Shadows can be read as a stand alone.
May 16, 2019
The Duke of Shadows is absolutely the best Moonlight Square offering to date. I was enthralled with the characters from the first chapters. The multi-layered plot kept me wondering who would actually get the happy ending. I became trapped in the attraction of Portia and Silversmoke, then of Portia to Lucas. I wondered that she could be be missing Joel Clayton at all. After I met him, I wondered why she was searching for him.
The secondary characters were a grand addition. It was good to renew acquaintances with the other residents of Moonlight Square. And we now have new characters to add to the mix. One character I could do without from the beginning was Axwood; such an unconscionable specimen begged disposal.
I was so invested in the book that I emailed Ms. Foley to tell her I had hit a wall. I got to Chapter 33 and didn't want to go on, because the story would end too soon. Well, I persevered, and it was well worth the pain of reaching the end of a fabulous journey. But now I have to wait :( for the next installment. (Books 1-4 would make a fantastic miniseries if their stories were synced.)
You will not regret this purchase whatsoever. I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader Copy of this book and the views expressed are my honest opinions.
The secondary characters were a grand addition. It was good to renew acquaintances with the other residents of Moonlight Square. And we now have new characters to add to the mix. One character I could do without from the beginning was Axwood; such an unconscionable specimen begged disposal.
I was so invested in the book that I emailed Ms. Foley to tell her I had hit a wall. I got to Chapter 33 and didn't want to go on, because the story would end too soon. Well, I persevered, and it was well worth the pain of reaching the end of a fabulous journey. But now I have to wait :( for the next installment. (Books 1-4 would make a fantastic miniseries if their stories were synced.)
You will not regret this purchase whatsoever. I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader Copy of this book and the views expressed are my honest opinions.
May 21, 2019
I have been a fan of Gaelen Foley since reading my first of her books. This book is no exception, Portia and Luke are a great couple
Portia is enlisting the help of Silversmoke, a famous highwayman and Luke's alter ego, to find her long lost beau Joel. What Portia doesn't know is that Silversmoke is her fiance, the supposedly shy and bug-loving Duke of Fountainhurst. He soon finds out who she is, however and feels honorbound to help her.
I like how the story plays with the idea of true nature and public perception of people and how they influence our views and decisions.
The sub-plot about Joel is also very well written, I didn't expect that direction at the beginning of the book.
Duke of Shadows ist is the fourth installment of the Moonlight Square series and I love the inclusion of the earlier characters and the close community they are.
All in all, a great book and a compelling read from the beginning. Would definitely recommend for readers who love historicals and Gaelen Foley books.
I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader Copy of this book and the views expressed are my honest opinions.
Portia is enlisting the help of Silversmoke, a famous highwayman and Luke's alter ego, to find her long lost beau Joel. What Portia doesn't know is that Silversmoke is her fiance, the supposedly shy and bug-loving Duke of Fountainhurst. He soon finds out who she is, however and feels honorbound to help her.
I like how the story plays with the idea of true nature and public perception of people and how they influence our views and decisions.
The sub-plot about Joel is also very well written, I didn't expect that direction at the beginning of the book.
Duke of Shadows ist is the fourth installment of the Moonlight Square series and I love the inclusion of the earlier characters and the close community they are.
All in all, a great book and a compelling read from the beginning. Would definitely recommend for readers who love historicals and Gaelen Foley books.
I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader Copy of this book and the views expressed are my honest opinions.
May 23, 2019
Not Just Another Romance Novel
I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader Copy of this book and the views expressed are my honest opinions.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I have not read any of the previous installments in the Moonlight Square Series, and you don't actually need to, but I definitely look forward to catching up now!
I was expecting a typical period romance novel, following the same old tracks, but I was in for a treat. This can't be classified as simply another romance novel, it's a mystery novel, it's an action adventure book, it's a love story. It's unpredictable, whenever I thought I had it pegged, I discovered I was wrong and had to guess again. It is just so different, this publication blew my expectations right out of the water.
I kept wondering about how all the character facets could possibly be woven into a seamless tapestry, but my patience?? (voracious, devouring, consuming all-niter) paid off and yes, the puzzle pieces do fit!
The characters are easy to engage and invest in. The horse is gorgeous. The settings are vivid. The action was exciting. I am certainly looking forward to the next one!
I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader Copy of this book and the views expressed are my honest opinions.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I have not read any of the previous installments in the Moonlight Square Series, and you don't actually need to, but I definitely look forward to catching up now!
I was expecting a typical period romance novel, following the same old tracks, but I was in for a treat. This can't be classified as simply another romance novel, it's a mystery novel, it's an action adventure book, it's a love story. It's unpredictable, whenever I thought I had it pegged, I discovered I was wrong and had to guess again. It is just so different, this publication blew my expectations right out of the water.
I kept wondering about how all the character facets could possibly be woven into a seamless tapestry, but my patience?? (voracious, devouring, consuming all-niter) paid off and yes, the puzzle pieces do fit!
The characters are easy to engage and invest in. The horse is gorgeous. The settings are vivid. The action was exciting. I am certainly looking forward to the next one!
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