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The 1797 Club #3
O Duque Quebrado
The third sensual romance in the 1797 Club series by USA Today Bestselling Author Jess Michaels.
Adelaide Longford is London’s most overlooked bluestocking wallflower and that is fine by her. Being ignored gives her the perfect opportunity to sneak out and secretly take on the persona of the most celebrated actress of the day, Lydia Ford. The thrill of walking the boards and hearing the applause of those who watch her is the most exciting experience of her life.
Until Graham Everly, Duke of Northfield comes into her life. He is broken after the humiliating loss of his longtime fiancé to his supposed best friend and they enter into a lusty affair which sets her body on fire. Graham has no idea why he’s so attracted to both the bespectacled, prickly Adelaide and the passionate Lydia, but soon he is caught in a dance with them both and torn between which future he wants to pursue.
When Graham finds out Adelaide’s secret identity will he be able to accept both parts of her? And will he be able to save her from a lurking danger that neither of them could have ever foreseen?
Length: Full-Length Novel (70,000 words)
Heat Level: eyebrow waggle
This book is part of a series (The 1797 Club) but can be read as a standalone novel.
Adelaide Longford is London’s most overlooked bluestocking wallflower and that is fine by her. Being ignored gives her the perfect opportunity to sneak out and secretly take on the persona of the most celebrated actress of the day, Lydia Ford. The thrill of walking the boards and hearing the applause of those who watch her is the most exciting experience of her life.
Until Graham Everly, Duke of Northfield comes into her life. He is broken after the humiliating loss of his longtime fiancé to his supposed best friend and they enter into a lusty affair which sets her body on fire. Graham has no idea why he’s so attracted to both the bespectacled, prickly Adelaide and the passionate Lydia, but soon he is caught in a dance with them both and torn between which future he wants to pursue.
When Graham finds out Adelaide’s secret identity will he be able to accept both parts of her? And will he be able to save her from a lurking danger that neither of them could have ever foreseen?
Length: Full-Length Novel (70,000 words)
Heat Level: eyebrow waggle
This book is part of a series (The 1797 Club) but can be read as a standalone novel.
238 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 12, 2017
180 people are currently reading
494 people want to read
About the author
Jess Michaels
128 books1,576 followersJess Michaels is a USA Today Bestselling Author who likes geeky stuff like Star Wars, playing video games (she ships herself with Dragon Age’s Iron Bull FOREVER), Bob’s Burgers and collecting POPs! She also drinks a LOT of Diet Coke. Probably an unhealthy amount, but it’s her only vice. She will eat (almost) anything coconut, truly anything cheesy and nothing spicy (yes, she is a walking stereotype when it comes to that). She likes cats, her dog Elton and people who care about the welfare of their fellow humans.
Although she started out traditionally published by Avon/HarperCollins, Pocket, Hachette and Samhain Publishing, in 2015 she went fully indie and has never looked back! She is lucky enough to be married to her favorite person in the world and live tucked between the ocean and the mountains in Oregon.
When she’s not watching Our Flag Means Death or trying out all the new flavors of Greek yogurt, she writes historical romances with smoking hot heroes and sassy heroines who do anything but wait to get what they want.
Although she started out traditionally published by Avon/HarperCollins, Pocket, Hachette and Samhain Publishing, in 2015 she went fully indie and has never looked back! She is lucky enough to be married to her favorite person in the world and live tucked between the ocean and the mountains in Oregon.
When she’s not watching Our Flag Means Death or trying out all the new flavors of Greek yogurt, she writes historical romances with smoking hot heroes and sassy heroines who do anything but wait to get what they want.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 187 reviews
September 10, 2017
'The Broken Duke' by Jess Michaels is book Three in "The 1797 Club" series. This is the story of Adelaide Longford and Graham Everly, Duke of Northfield. I have read the other books in this series but feel this can easily be a standalone book.
Adelaide is a Wallflower daughter of the former Earl of Longford and with does have a reputation to protect but with the Wallflower status makes it that not one really notices her. So Adelaide is allowed to pretend to be Lydia Ford and actress.
Graham was once engaged for 7 years to Margaret, in book two "Her Favorite Duke" Margaret and his best friend the Duke of Crestwood were caught in a compromising position and had to marry. It seems that Graham is taken the mistrust of his 13 year friends ship with Crestwood very hard.
When his other friends talk him into going to a theater to see a new actress that everyone is talking about he meets 'Lydia' who he is quickly drawn too. But she turns his attentions down after a hot and sensual kiss. But Graham thinks it might have woken him back up to enter into Society again. But at a ball he freezes of some when the Duke and Duchess of Crestwood come into the ball room. Graham knows he needs to dance or do something to change how he feels and goes to the Wallflower Section of the Ball Room and asked Adelaide to dance. Adelaide does agree and hopes he doesn't notice her but they talk and it sparks Graham to be attracted to her too.
How long can Graham go without catching on? Can he withstand another mistrust by someone he has grown to care about?
Loved their story!
"My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."
https://www.amazon.com/gp/profile/A2H...
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1...
https://twitter.com/soapsrus68
https://www.facebook.com/RomanceBookR...
Adelaide is a Wallflower daughter of the former Earl of Longford and with does have a reputation to protect but with the Wallflower status makes it that not one really notices her. So Adelaide is allowed to pretend to be Lydia Ford and actress.
Graham was once engaged for 7 years to Margaret, in book two "Her Favorite Duke" Margaret and his best friend the Duke of Crestwood were caught in a compromising position and had to marry. It seems that Graham is taken the mistrust of his 13 year friends ship with Crestwood very hard.
When his other friends talk him into going to a theater to see a new actress that everyone is talking about he meets 'Lydia' who he is quickly drawn too. But she turns his attentions down after a hot and sensual kiss. But Graham thinks it might have woken him back up to enter into Society again. But at a ball he freezes of some when the Duke and Duchess of Crestwood come into the ball room. Graham knows he needs to dance or do something to change how he feels and goes to the Wallflower Section of the Ball Room and asked Adelaide to dance. Adelaide does agree and hopes he doesn't notice her but they talk and it sparks Graham to be attracted to her too.
How long can Graham go without catching on? Can he withstand another mistrust by someone he has grown to care about?
Loved their story!
"My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."
https://www.amazon.com/gp/profile/A2H...
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1...
https://twitter.com/soapsrus68
https://www.facebook.com/RomanceBookR...
June 2, 2021
La trama m'ispirava e non sono rimasta delusa, letteralmente divorato...
March 9, 2021
4.5 stelline
Molto bello , secondo me il migliore dei tre. Il primo mi era piaciuto, nel secondo non sono riuscita ad entrare in empatia con i personaggi. Ma questo l'ho divorato.
Molto bello , secondo me il migliore dei tre. Il primo mi era piaciuto, nel secondo non sono riuscita ad entrare in empatia con i personaggi. Ma questo l'ho divorato.
April 3, 2018
By day, and sometimes by night, Adelaide is a society wallflower. She wears glasses and prim clothing and her hair is plainly styled and no one wants to dance with her. But on some nights, she’s Lydia the famous London actress, with no glasses and men want to do her.
One such man is Duke Graham. He is god-like in his beauty and sad because the fiancée he didn’t love went and married his best friend. His best friend is also a duke, because in this costume smut romance, every girl gets a duke! This book is part of a series and all the men are dukes and they’re part of a duke club, and well, fine. We’re not here for any historical accuracy, we’re here for people wearing nice clothes that come off easily when they want to get it on.
Michaels occasionally tries to have her characters talk period-speech, and I wish she wouldn’t. The dialogue just comes out awkward, and it feels inconsistent. I think I’d prefer it if she didn’t make the attempt at all. The story is basically forgettable, but entertaining. There’s nothing new in this disguise plot: Adelaide maintains her masquerade and starts to feel jealous of her more glamorous alter-ego, and Graham wanders around looking pretty and confused about how he likes two women.
One such man is Duke Graham. He is god-like in his beauty and sad because the fiancée he didn’t love went and married his best friend. His best friend is also a duke, because in this costume smut romance, every girl gets a duke! This book is part of a series and all the men are dukes and they’re part of a duke club, and well, fine. We’re not here for any historical accuracy, we’re here for people wearing nice clothes that come off easily when they want to get it on.
Michaels occasionally tries to have her characters talk period-speech, and I wish she wouldn’t. The dialogue just comes out awkward, and it feels inconsistent. I think I’d prefer it if she didn’t make the attempt at all. The story is basically forgettable, but entertaining. There’s nothing new in this disguise plot: Adelaide maintains her masquerade and starts to feel jealous of her more glamorous alter-ego, and Graham wanders around looking pretty and confused about how he likes two women.
September 20, 2017
**This review contains spoilers**
When the previous book ended, I was intrigued by Graham, Duke of Northfield, who'd rode off in a fit of fury after breaking his engagement to Meg, his best friends sister, after she was found in a compromising position with his other best friend, Simon.
This story picks up with Graham still licking his wounds. His friends Ewan and Matthew, (who will clearly be featuring in upcoming novels in this series) convince him accompany them to the theater where Graham in instantly attracted to the actress on stage, Lydia Ford. Only Lydia is not what she seems. An actress by night, she is in fact a wallflower by day - the innocuous, plain Adelaide Longford who lives with her abusive aunt. Graham finds himself attracted to both women - the confident actress and the smart, witty wallflower. But who will he choose? And how will he react when he realises they're the same person?
Where to begin. Firstly, Jess Michaels is a decent writer, but I feel like she's been churning out more quantity than quality recently. The first two books in this series were a little absurd and unfortunately the most recent offering was no different. I want to understand these characters and what motivates them, but it's a tad impossible when they are incapable of being rational.
Graham is BUTT HURT that his good friend compromised his fiance forcing him to break off their engagement. Okay, I could understand his feelings of betrayal if a) he genuinely loved Meg b) didn't know all along that Meg and Simon were in love with one another. The fact that he was aware of how they felt and still did nothing about it, was astonishing to me. He was prepared to marry a woman he didn't love and settle into a miserable existence when he could simply do the sensible thing and TALK TO HIS BEST FRIENDS ABOUT THE FACT THAT THE WRONG MAN WAS ENGAGED TO MEG. These men are apparently so close, yet none of them can muster the courage to talk about the elephant in the room. It's ridiculous and I cannot believe that any person would be so outraged about a) being spared from a loveless marriage b) ensuring the happiness of two people he purportedly cares for. So off the bat the basis of Graham's estrangement from his friends made no rational sense to me. You didn't want her, Graham. Get over it!
Then there's Adelaide aka Lydia. A woman whose innocence was taken some years before by a man who disappeared after (more on this later) is so ready to throw herself into the arms of a man she's literally just met. Nope. Not buying that. I've not failed to notice that JM's recent novels seem to like having relationships (any kind) go from 0-100 within the space of a scene for no plausible reason. So bear in mind that when Adelaide meets Graham for the first time as herself, she's already gotten hot and heavy with him in her dressing room as Lydia. Adelaide knows very little about the real Graham or the true circumstances of his broken engagement other than what she's heard via the grapevine, but she's ready to give Meg and Simon the cold shoulder because she owes Graham her loyalty. Huh? Cumulatively she's known him for less than an hour at this point, but because she feels this wild attraction to him, she must therefore champion his cause.
This leads to her second encounter with Meg - which had me rolling my eyes so far into the back of my head I wondered if they'd stay there. These women DO NOT KNOW EACH OTHER, yet Meg unburdens herself and confides her reasons for breaking her engagement to Graham in the middle of a store to Adelaide, who's just been unjustifiably rude to her. WHY WOULD ANYONE DO THIS?! Urgh.
So, Personally, I have a problem with this. I don't like deception between my leads, particularly not in the bedroom. And her doing this seems to be okay within the context of the story because when Graham finds out about it, he's so relieved that he doesn't have to pick between the women, he can have both. Yay! Err, no. For a man who was supposedly brought low by betrayal, he's awfully accepting of Adelaide's. Doesn't ring true to me. Sorry. And let's be real. If the roles had been reversed and a man was sleeping with a woman under false pretenses, we'd be having a conversation that had nothing to do with romance.
Anyway, since the title of this book is 'The Broken Duke', we need some additional angst to ensure our hero is actually broken and not just a little bruised. Insert super abusive father trope where hero is afraid of being just like his crazed, delusional papa. Which is fine - if the solution to him realising that he's nothing like his father is more than a few declarations to the contrary combined with some steamy sex. It reduces his genuine concerns to a poorly executed plot device.
Then to ensure the novel reaches the correct word count, shoehorn a dash of crazy to Adelaide's story in the form of over-the-top her aunt and an unnecessary murder sub-plot element, and we've finally reached the end.
Another disappointing addition to this series. Considering the next books are all slated for release within two months of each other, I can't say that I'm expecting any better.
When the previous book ended, I was intrigued by Graham, Duke of Northfield, who'd rode off in a fit of fury after breaking his engagement to Meg, his best friends sister, after she was found in a compromising position with his other best friend, Simon.
This story picks up with Graham still licking his wounds. His friends Ewan and Matthew, (who will clearly be featuring in upcoming novels in this series) convince him accompany them to the theater where Graham in instantly attracted to the actress on stage, Lydia Ford. Only Lydia is not what she seems. An actress by night, she is in fact a wallflower by day - the innocuous, plain Adelaide Longford who lives with her abusive aunt. Graham finds himself attracted to both women - the confident actress and the smart, witty wallflower. But who will he choose? And how will he react when he realises they're the same person?
Where to begin. Firstly, Jess Michaels is a decent writer, but I feel like she's been churning out more quantity than quality recently. The first two books in this series were a little absurd and unfortunately the most recent offering was no different. I want to understand these characters and what motivates them, but it's a tad impossible when they are incapable of being rational.
Graham is BUTT HURT that his good friend compromised his fiance forcing him to break off their engagement. Okay, I could understand his feelings of betrayal if a) he genuinely loved Meg b) didn't know all along that Meg and Simon were in love with one another. The fact that he was aware of how they felt and still did nothing about it, was astonishing to me. He was prepared to marry a woman he didn't love and settle into a miserable existence when he could simply do the sensible thing and TALK TO HIS BEST FRIENDS ABOUT THE FACT THAT THE WRONG MAN WAS ENGAGED TO MEG. These men are apparently so close, yet none of them can muster the courage to talk about the elephant in the room. It's ridiculous and I cannot believe that any person would be so outraged about a) being spared from a loveless marriage b) ensuring the happiness of two people he purportedly cares for. So off the bat the basis of Graham's estrangement from his friends made no rational sense to me. You didn't want her, Graham. Get over it!
Then there's Adelaide aka Lydia. A woman whose innocence was taken some years before by a man who disappeared after (more on this later) is so ready to throw herself into the arms of a man she's literally just met. Nope. Not buying that. I've not failed to notice that JM's recent novels seem to like having relationships (any kind) go from 0-100 within the space of a scene for no plausible reason. So bear in mind that when Adelaide meets Graham for the first time as herself, she's already gotten hot and heavy with him in her dressing room as Lydia. Adelaide knows very little about the real Graham or the true circumstances of his broken engagement other than what she's heard via the grapevine, but she's ready to give Meg and Simon the cold shoulder because she owes Graham her loyalty. Huh? Cumulatively she's known him for less than an hour at this point, but because she feels this wild attraction to him, she must therefore champion his cause.
This leads to her second encounter with Meg - which had me rolling my eyes so far into the back of my head I wondered if they'd stay there. These women DO NOT KNOW EACH OTHER, yet Meg unburdens herself and confides her reasons for breaking her engagement to Graham in the middle of a store to Adelaide, who's just been unjustifiably rude to her. WHY WOULD ANYONE DO THIS?! Urgh.
So, Personally, I have a problem with this. I don't like deception between my leads, particularly not in the bedroom. And her doing this seems to be okay within the context of the story because when Graham finds out about it, he's so relieved that he doesn't have to pick between the women, he can have both. Yay! Err, no. For a man who was supposedly brought low by betrayal, he's awfully accepting of Adelaide's. Doesn't ring true to me. Sorry. And let's be real. If the roles had been reversed and a man was sleeping with a woman under false pretenses, we'd be having a conversation that had nothing to do with romance.
Anyway, since the title of this book is 'The Broken Duke', we need some additional angst to ensure our hero is actually broken and not just a little bruised. Insert super abusive father trope where hero is afraid of being just like his crazed, delusional papa. Which is fine - if the solution to him realising that he's nothing like his father is more than a few declarations to the contrary combined with some steamy sex. It reduces his genuine concerns to a poorly executed plot device.
Then to ensure the novel reaches the correct word count, shoehorn a dash of crazy to Adelaide's story in the form of over-the-top her aunt and an unnecessary murder sub-plot element, and we've finally reached the end.
Another disappointing addition to this series. Considering the next books are all slated for release within two months of each other, I can't say that I'm expecting any better.
April 26, 2019
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The Broken Duke is book 3 in the 1797 club series and it can easily be read as a standalone. Events from the previous books are relevant in this book, but the summary of these events are fairly easy to navigate in The Broken Duke.
This new shiny edition of The Broken Duke features photographs of the cover models acting out certain scenes from the book. It's the first of its kind that I've read. I did enjoy the photographs — they were a nice touch even if some of them were a bit cheesy. I prefer picturing the characters in my own head, but it was still a fun experience looking at the photographic illustrations.
The story in itself is good and kept my interest, but it's nothing special unfortunately. The plot was steady until the last third when it just started getting convoluted. There were too many crazy things happening and it felt as if the author just threw all of it together for the shock factor. I've read plenty of historicals like this one, some were better and others were worse. If you're new to the genre, you may enjoy this a lot more than I did. If you've read a lot of historicals like me, then you've probably read a couple of similar books like this one already.
The Broken Duke is book 3 in the 1797 club series and it can easily be read as a standalone. Events from the previous books are relevant in this book, but the summary of these events are fairly easy to navigate in The Broken Duke.
This new shiny edition of The Broken Duke features photographs of the cover models acting out certain scenes from the book. It's the first of its kind that I've read. I did enjoy the photographs — they were a nice touch even if some of them were a bit cheesy. I prefer picturing the characters in my own head, but it was still a fun experience looking at the photographic illustrations.
The story in itself is good and kept my interest, but it's nothing special unfortunately. The plot was steady until the last third when it just started getting convoluted. There were too many crazy things happening and it felt as if the author just threw all of it together for the shock factor. I've read plenty of historicals like this one, some were better and others were worse. If you're new to the genre, you may enjoy this a lot more than I did. If you've read a lot of historicals like me, then you've probably read a couple of similar books like this one already.
June 13, 2018
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
Be still my Heart , Graham Everly Duke Of Northfield is back and needing more hugs than ever before.
Lady Adelaide the Lonely wallflower has an alter ego , Lydia a brilliant actress, but no one knows that she lives two lives , not even her closest friends.
Can these two broken people find closure and peace and love in each other’s arms , and can Graham ever forgive Simon and Meg .
Your in for a real treat with this book x
💋💋
Be still my Heart , Graham Everly Duke Of Northfield is back and needing more hugs than ever before.
Lady Adelaide the Lonely wallflower has an alter ego , Lydia a brilliant actress, but no one knows that she lives two lives , not even her closest friends.
Can these two broken people find closure and peace and love in each other’s arms , and can Graham ever forgive Simon and Meg .
Your in for a real treat with this book x
September 14, 2017
Broken beyond repair?
I keep being amazed by the way an author can meld the stories of a series so that they bounce off each other without a fault.
I must admit that The 1797 Club series is somewhat like a regency Days of our Lives only raunchier.
In this novel the background of lifetime friends falling out, and the resolution of that via the women they love, together with the realization of what love brings, is a fitting resolution for this Duke's progress towards a healthier future.
Lady Adelaide Longford's secret life as the actress Lydia Ford crashes headlong into her normal life of dutiful wallflower daughter of the ton when she meets the emotionally damaged Graham Everly, Duke of Northfield whose ex fiancé just happens to be Adelaide's best friend.
They give to each other what hasn't been before, unfortunately the truth of Lydia Ford lies between them.
The last unveiling of the plot came as a surprise although the hints were there with hindsight.
Another lively vignette in this series.
A NetGalley ARC
I keep being amazed by the way an author can meld the stories of a series so that they bounce off each other without a fault.
I must admit that The 1797 Club series is somewhat like a regency Days of our Lives only raunchier.
In this novel the background of lifetime friends falling out, and the resolution of that via the women they love, together with the realization of what love brings, is a fitting resolution for this Duke's progress towards a healthier future.
Lady Adelaide Longford's secret life as the actress Lydia Ford crashes headlong into her normal life of dutiful wallflower daughter of the ton when she meets the emotionally damaged Graham Everly, Duke of Northfield whose ex fiancé just happens to be Adelaide's best friend.
They give to each other what hasn't been before, unfortunately the truth of Lydia Ford lies between them.
The last unveiling of the plot came as a surprise although the hints were there with hindsight.
Another lively vignette in this series.
A NetGalley ARC
May 10, 2021
Fino ad ora il più bello della serie.
Il duca di Northfield sta attraversando un periodo difficile.
Fa’ fatica a gestire i pettegolezzi e l’umiliazione causati dallo scandalo di qualche mese prima e non avrebbe mai pensato di interessarsi ad una donna… figurarsi a due.
Bella storia un po’ diversa dal solito perchè il personaggio femminile è piuttosto originale.
Il duca di Northfield sta attraversando un periodo difficile.
Fa’ fatica a gestire i pettegolezzi e l’umiliazione causati dallo scandalo di qualche mese prima e non avrebbe mai pensato di interessarsi ad una donna… figurarsi a due.
Bella storia un po’ diversa dal solito perchè il personaggio femminile è piuttosto originale.
August 28, 2017
Series: The 1797 Club #3
Publication Date: 9/12/17
Jess Michaels has done it again! This is an awesome series, but you can read this book as a stand-alone if you want to. I just can’t imagine why you’d want to.
Our heroine is a dual personality – well – sort of. By day, and most evenings, she is Lady Adelaide Longford, daughter of a deceased Earl. Three nights a week, she is Lydia, the toast of the theater. Adelaide’s home life leaves a lot to be desired, so she sneaks out to become her alter ego. She has been raised since the age of ten by her aunt who seems to hate her. The aunt is very verbally abusive and has become physically abusive in the last year or so. Lydia is everything Adelaide is not, she is confident, brave, outspoken, beautiful, poised and maybe even a bit brazen. Adelaide is a wallflower who dresses in high-necked, severe dresses, wears spectacles and arranges her blonde hair in a very severe bun.
You’ll remember our hero, Graham Everly, Duke of Northfield was jilted by his fiancé in the second book of the series. He really took a nose-dive after that and drank steadily for several months. It wasn’t because he loved his fiancé because he didn’t – he just felt betrayed by his best friend and his fiancé. When a couple of his friends drag him out of his doldrums and convince him to attend a play with them, Graham is enthralled with the star of the play, Lydia. As soon as the play is over, he makes his way backstage to meet her and is instantly smitten. A few days later, he attends a ball and ends up asking the wallflower, Adelaide, to dance and is attracted to her. Now, he’s really confused. He wonders how he can be so attracted to two very different women, but he most definitely is.
Adelaide is convinced that Graham isn’t really attracted to her, that he really wants Lydia. Poor Adelaide is jealous of Lydia!
As the story continues and Graham’s secrets are revealed and so are Adelaid’s, they have to cling to each other. They both face life threatening situations and each must try to save the other.
This is a wonderful addition to the series and I hope you will read it and enjoy it as much as I did.
"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."
Publication Date: 9/12/17
Jess Michaels has done it again! This is an awesome series, but you can read this book as a stand-alone if you want to. I just can’t imagine why you’d want to.
Our heroine is a dual personality – well – sort of. By day, and most evenings, she is Lady Adelaide Longford, daughter of a deceased Earl. Three nights a week, she is Lydia, the toast of the theater. Adelaide’s home life leaves a lot to be desired, so she sneaks out to become her alter ego. She has been raised since the age of ten by her aunt who seems to hate her. The aunt is very verbally abusive and has become physically abusive in the last year or so. Lydia is everything Adelaide is not, she is confident, brave, outspoken, beautiful, poised and maybe even a bit brazen. Adelaide is a wallflower who dresses in high-necked, severe dresses, wears spectacles and arranges her blonde hair in a very severe bun.
You’ll remember our hero, Graham Everly, Duke of Northfield was jilted by his fiancé in the second book of the series. He really took a nose-dive after that and drank steadily for several months. It wasn’t because he loved his fiancé because he didn’t – he just felt betrayed by his best friend and his fiancé. When a couple of his friends drag him out of his doldrums and convince him to attend a play with them, Graham is enthralled with the star of the play, Lydia. As soon as the play is over, he makes his way backstage to meet her and is instantly smitten. A few days later, he attends a ball and ends up asking the wallflower, Adelaide, to dance and is attracted to her. Now, he’s really confused. He wonders how he can be so attracted to two very different women, but he most definitely is.
Adelaide is convinced that Graham isn’t really attracted to her, that he really wants Lydia. Poor Adelaide is jealous of Lydia!
As the story continues and Graham’s secrets are revealed and so are Adelaid’s, they have to cling to each other. They both face life threatening situations and each must try to save the other.
This is a wonderful addition to the series and I hope you will read it and enjoy it as much as I did.
"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."
June 15, 2021
3.25 stars
Not bad, but I couldn't get over my disbelief that he wouldn't recognize Adelaide as Lydia or vice versa. Events also felt a bit rushed, though it's shorter than most romance novels so that undoubtedly accounts for it; with them having no previous relationship to speak of, everything has to get crammed in quite quickly and it felt a bit too melodramatic at times for me.
Not bad, but I couldn't get over my disbelief that he wouldn't recognize Adelaide as Lydia or vice versa. Events also felt a bit rushed, though it's shorter than most romance novels so that undoubtedly accounts for it; with them having no previous relationship to speak of, everything has to get crammed in quite quickly and it felt a bit too melodramatic at times for me.
August 20, 2017
This series is phenomenal - there is so much emotion written into these books, that you can't help but to be sucked in and become invested in the characters.
This is the story of Graham Everly, Duke of Northfield and Lady Adelaide aka Lydia Ford. If you have been following the series, you know that Graham was jilted in the previous book and that Lady Adelaide is dear friends with Emma, Duchess of Abernathe.
In the two months since Graham was jilted and lost his best friend in the process, he has been sulking. He didn't love Meg, but his pride was hurt and he was angry at both Simon and Meg for their betrayal. He has been drinking and brooding ever since. His fellow dukes have decided that he has sulked long enough and convince him to go out with them to see a play. Grudgingly he agrees and is immediately captivated by the actress Lydia Ford. After the play, he meets her backstage and they share a passionate kiss.
Lydia Ford is not who she seems, she is in reality Lady Adelaide, daughter of the late Earl of Longford. When she hears the Duke of Northfield wants to meet her, she is terrified that he will recognize her and she will be ruined. She started acting to escape her unhappy home life and has been successful in keeping her true identity a secret. By day, she is the dutiful niece to the abusive, unstable Lady Opal. She is a wallflower, who wears spectacles and dowdy gowns. But by night, she is the bold and talented actress Lydia Ford. She meets with Graham and is relieved that he doesn't seem to recognize her - but why would he? He is gorgeous, rich and popular and Lady Adelaide is a wallflower.
Graham feels lighter and happier after meeting Lydia and decides to stop hiding and return to society. To avoid a confrontation with Meg and Simon, Graham asks Lady Adelaide to dance and is surprised and delighted by her. The encounter causes Graham a bit of turmoil, how can he be attracted to two women at the same time? It isn't exactly easy for Adelaide either, she is attracted to Graham, but can't tell him her secrets.
Things between Graham and Lydia heat up and they share a passionate night together, but strangely, Graham feels out of sorts. He keeps crossing paths with Adelaide and they have formed a friendship. He has begun to care for Lydia, but he also has begun to care for Adelaide and his affair with Lydia makes him feel like he is betraying Adelaide. Adelaide is also having problems, the least of which is she is jealous.....of herself.
When a villain from the past attacks Lydia, Graham beats the man senseless and Lydia saves him from himself. They share another night together and Graham shares his deepest, darkest secrets with her. Adelaide is horrified by the pain and suffering Graham endured as a child and admits to herself that she is falling in love with this broken man. She knows that she will have to tell him her secrets and soon, as their night together might have complications. Graham awakens to find Lydia gone and he is more confused than ever - he wants both women and has no idea what to do. He turns to his friend James, Duke of Abernathe (Meg's brother & Emma's husband) for advice.
When Adelaide returns home, her aunt loses control and attacks her, she is saved when her friend Emma arrives and takes her to her home. Graham is also at Emma's house and James tells him to let Adelaide go. He accepts this advice with a heavy heart, but when he goes to leave, he finds Adelaide in the library. When he sees her, he is confused, she looks more like Lydia and when she confesses the truth, he is overjoyed. They share another passionate encounter and he makes a decision.
The next day, he arrives to see Adelaide and tell her of his plans, but they are interrupted by her aunt and then by an agent from the home office with the news that Graham is the prime suspect in a murder. To save Graham, Adelaide confesses her affair with Graham. Her aunt goes crazy and attacks Adelaide again. Once she is taken out of the house, Adelaide and Graham decide to find out who the true killer is. Once they do, Graham tells Adelaide that they will marry.
The truth of the murder and his acceptance of his feelings for Adelaide, lead Graham to reconcile with Simon and Meg. It also lead Adelaide to try and make amends with her aunt.
This book is so good! It is well written, flows perfectly, has steamy love scenes, great secondary characters, a lot of secrets, nasty villains, some heart stopping moments, reconciliations and finally a sigh worthy HEA.
I would highly recommend this book, it is the third in the series and could be read as a stand alone title, but I think you would have a great understanding of the character's motivations if you read the series in order.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review of an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher*
This is the story of Graham Everly, Duke of Northfield and Lady Adelaide aka Lydia Ford. If you have been following the series, you know that Graham was jilted in the previous book and that Lady Adelaide is dear friends with Emma, Duchess of Abernathe.
In the two months since Graham was jilted and lost his best friend in the process, he has been sulking. He didn't love Meg, but his pride was hurt and he was angry at both Simon and Meg for their betrayal. He has been drinking and brooding ever since. His fellow dukes have decided that he has sulked long enough and convince him to go out with them to see a play. Grudgingly he agrees and is immediately captivated by the actress Lydia Ford. After the play, he meets her backstage and they share a passionate kiss.
Lydia Ford is not who she seems, she is in reality Lady Adelaide, daughter of the late Earl of Longford. When she hears the Duke of Northfield wants to meet her, she is terrified that he will recognize her and she will be ruined. She started acting to escape her unhappy home life and has been successful in keeping her true identity a secret. By day, she is the dutiful niece to the abusive, unstable Lady Opal. She is a wallflower, who wears spectacles and dowdy gowns. But by night, she is the bold and talented actress Lydia Ford. She meets with Graham and is relieved that he doesn't seem to recognize her - but why would he? He is gorgeous, rich and popular and Lady Adelaide is a wallflower.
Graham feels lighter and happier after meeting Lydia and decides to stop hiding and return to society. To avoid a confrontation with Meg and Simon, Graham asks Lady Adelaide to dance and is surprised and delighted by her. The encounter causes Graham a bit of turmoil, how can he be attracted to two women at the same time? It isn't exactly easy for Adelaide either, she is attracted to Graham, but can't tell him her secrets.
Things between Graham and Lydia heat up and they share a passionate night together, but strangely, Graham feels out of sorts. He keeps crossing paths with Adelaide and they have formed a friendship. He has begun to care for Lydia, but he also has begun to care for Adelaide and his affair with Lydia makes him feel like he is betraying Adelaide. Adelaide is also having problems, the least of which is she is jealous.....of herself.
When a villain from the past attacks Lydia, Graham beats the man senseless and Lydia saves him from himself. They share another night together and Graham shares his deepest, darkest secrets with her. Adelaide is horrified by the pain and suffering Graham endured as a child and admits to herself that she is falling in love with this broken man. She knows that she will have to tell him her secrets and soon, as their night together might have complications. Graham awakens to find Lydia gone and he is more confused than ever - he wants both women and has no idea what to do. He turns to his friend James, Duke of Abernathe (Meg's brother & Emma's husband) for advice.
When Adelaide returns home, her aunt loses control and attacks her, she is saved when her friend Emma arrives and takes her to her home. Graham is also at Emma's house and James tells him to let Adelaide go. He accepts this advice with a heavy heart, but when he goes to leave, he finds Adelaide in the library. When he sees her, he is confused, she looks more like Lydia and when she confesses the truth, he is overjoyed. They share another passionate encounter and he makes a decision.
The next day, he arrives to see Adelaide and tell her of his plans, but they are interrupted by her aunt and then by an agent from the home office with the news that Graham is the prime suspect in a murder. To save Graham, Adelaide confesses her affair with Graham. Her aunt goes crazy and attacks Adelaide again. Once she is taken out of the house, Adelaide and Graham decide to find out who the true killer is. Once they do, Graham tells Adelaide that they will marry.
The truth of the murder and his acceptance of his feelings for Adelaide, lead Graham to reconcile with Simon and Meg. It also lead Adelaide to try and make amends with her aunt.
This book is so good! It is well written, flows perfectly, has steamy love scenes, great secondary characters, a lot of secrets, nasty villains, some heart stopping moments, reconciliations and finally a sigh worthy HEA.
I would highly recommend this book, it is the third in the series and could be read as a stand alone title, but I think you would have a great understanding of the character's motivations if you read the series in order.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review of an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher*
November 10, 2017
Gw blm baca buku 2 nya Simon sama mantan tunangannya Graham aka adeknya hero buku 1 ahahahha, ini random baca pas mood gw lagi jelek banget buat baca novel.. tp taunya seru, ntar gw baca buku 2 nya deh, bkn karena jelek ya gw longkap XD
Graham Everly, Duke of Northfield
HEA deh…..
Graham Everly, Duke of Northfield
HEA deh…..
September 15, 2017
4.5 Stars as reviewed at Roses Are Blue: http://wp.me/p3QRh4-CK
THE BROKEN DUKE is Book 3 of the 1797 Club series, which is about a group of close friends who are all dukes or heirs to dukedoms. In previous books, we learned that James, Simon, and Graham, (three club members) were as close as brothers. In an effort to protect his sister, Margaret, in the event of his death, James arranged an engagement between her and Graham. The problem is, Margaret and Simon have been in love forever, while Graham and Margaret are, at best, courteous friends. After years of this engagement, Simon and Margaret finally find the courage to break free and declare their love. While Graham admittedly had no love for Margaret, he feels the betrayal of Simon deeply, and he breaks his friendship with James and Simon. The public humiliation of being jilted, and what Graham perceives as betrayal have sent him into a tailspin of drinking and avoiding society.
After months of watching Graham living this way, two of his other friends from the club finally convince him to attend a play. While there, Graham feels everyone's stares and hears their whispers about him. Even through his discomfort, his attention is captured by the lead actress, Lydia Ford. Graham's reaction is so unusual for him, that he goes to her dressing room after the play to meet her. Even though the actress appears to find him equally appealing, she's not ready to jump into a quick sexual encounter, despite what their heated kisses might indicate. Graham leaves, but he knows he'll be back - this is the most alive he's felt in forever.
Lydia Ford has a very large secret. The actress is really Lady Adelaide Longford, daughter of an earl, and in real life, a wallflower. A strange set of circumstances led to her "acting" career, and she finds herself passionately loving her life on stage. She has a natural talent, and has become a favorite to the audience. Her escapes from her strict home life a few times a week are the highlights of her dull life.
Now that Graham has ventured to the theatre, he's going to take the next step toward coming back to society by attending a ball. When, unexpectedly, newlyweds Simon and Margaret enter, Graham panics and escapes to the dance floor with the only wallflower he sees available, none other than his actress-in-disguise. Adelaide is shocked to be approached by Graham, and initially thinks he's seen through her camouflage. As a society wallflower, she scrapes her hair back into an unbecoming bun, wears unflattering clothes, and dons spectacles that hide her eyes. When Adelaide realizes Graham's real reason for dancing with her, she allows a bit of her witty personality to come through, and Graham finds himself liking her. Graham has not given up his pursuit of Lydia, and they begin a steamy affair. Meanwhile, he finds himself charmed by Adelaide, and begins to find himself going a bit bonkers over his strong attraction to two very different women.
While there is so much I loved about this book, I had to suspend disbelief regarding two things. First, Adelaide has an extremely strict guardian, who watched her like a hawk. I find it hard to believe that she could regularly sneak out of her house three evenings a week and not get caught. Second, Graham is having an intimate affair with a woman - how can a different hairstyle and glasses keep him from recognizing her? Well, THE BROKEN DUKE is so interesting and compelling, that I pushed those doubts aside, and decided to just enjoy the ride. Graham and Adelaide are complex, yet likable characters, who have had to endure a lot in their pasts. In particular, Adelaide is forced to live a very sad existence now. Graham's reaction when he learns his two loves are one person is priceless - I loved it! I couldn't put THE BROKEN DUKE down once I started reading. There are some twists and surprises I didn't see coming, and I enjoyed every bit of the passionate and emotional journey.
THE BROKEN DUKE is Book 3 of the 1797 Club series, which is about a group of close friends who are all dukes or heirs to dukedoms. In previous books, we learned that James, Simon, and Graham, (three club members) were as close as brothers. In an effort to protect his sister, Margaret, in the event of his death, James arranged an engagement between her and Graham. The problem is, Margaret and Simon have been in love forever, while Graham and Margaret are, at best, courteous friends. After years of this engagement, Simon and Margaret finally find the courage to break free and declare their love. While Graham admittedly had no love for Margaret, he feels the betrayal of Simon deeply, and he breaks his friendship with James and Simon. The public humiliation of being jilted, and what Graham perceives as betrayal have sent him into a tailspin of drinking and avoiding society.
After months of watching Graham living this way, two of his other friends from the club finally convince him to attend a play. While there, Graham feels everyone's stares and hears their whispers about him. Even through his discomfort, his attention is captured by the lead actress, Lydia Ford. Graham's reaction is so unusual for him, that he goes to her dressing room after the play to meet her. Even though the actress appears to find him equally appealing, she's not ready to jump into a quick sexual encounter, despite what their heated kisses might indicate. Graham leaves, but he knows he'll be back - this is the most alive he's felt in forever.
Lydia Ford has a very large secret. The actress is really Lady Adelaide Longford, daughter of an earl, and in real life, a wallflower. A strange set of circumstances led to her "acting" career, and she finds herself passionately loving her life on stage. She has a natural talent, and has become a favorite to the audience. Her escapes from her strict home life a few times a week are the highlights of her dull life.
Now that Graham has ventured to the theatre, he's going to take the next step toward coming back to society by attending a ball. When, unexpectedly, newlyweds Simon and Margaret enter, Graham panics and escapes to the dance floor with the only wallflower he sees available, none other than his actress-in-disguise. Adelaide is shocked to be approached by Graham, and initially thinks he's seen through her camouflage. As a society wallflower, she scrapes her hair back into an unbecoming bun, wears unflattering clothes, and dons spectacles that hide her eyes. When Adelaide realizes Graham's real reason for dancing with her, she allows a bit of her witty personality to come through, and Graham finds himself liking her. Graham has not given up his pursuit of Lydia, and they begin a steamy affair. Meanwhile, he finds himself charmed by Adelaide, and begins to find himself going a bit bonkers over his strong attraction to two very different women.
While there is so much I loved about this book, I had to suspend disbelief regarding two things. First, Adelaide has an extremely strict guardian, who watched her like a hawk. I find it hard to believe that she could regularly sneak out of her house three evenings a week and not get caught. Second, Graham is having an intimate affair with a woman - how can a different hairstyle and glasses keep him from recognizing her? Well, THE BROKEN DUKE is so interesting and compelling, that I pushed those doubts aside, and decided to just enjoy the ride. Graham and Adelaide are complex, yet likable characters, who have had to endure a lot in their pasts. In particular, Adelaide is forced to live a very sad existence now. Graham's reaction when he learns his two loves are one person is priceless - I loved it! I couldn't put THE BROKEN DUKE down once I started reading. There are some twists and surprises I didn't see coming, and I enjoyed every bit of the passionate and emotional journey.
November 24, 2021
Vanilla_91 - per RFS
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Il duca tradito è il terzo libro della serie Il club del 1797.
Come il titolo anticipa, il nostro protagonista, Graham, ha subìto un duro tradimento da parte del suo migliore amico, Simon, e della sua fidanzata storica Meg. Disilluso riguardo alle questioni amorose, vede il suo interesse riaccendersi quando a teatro conosce Lydia, un’affascinante attrice. Contemporaneamente, però, a turbarlo ci sarà anche lady Adelaide, una zitella abituata a fare da tappezzeria ai ricevimenti dall’aspetto austero e la lingua tagliente.
Cosa potrebbero avere in comune le due donne per aver attirato la sua attenzione? Tutto e niente!
Adelaide e Lydia sono la stessa persona, o meglio “Lydia” è un personaggio che la giovane ha creato per sfuggire alla soffocante maschera che l’alta società e la severa zia le impongono.
Nei panni dell’attrice riesce a far emergere un tratto della sua vera personalità: è sicura di sé, è determinata e non ha timore di esprimere la propria opinione.
L’interesse del duca è diviso tra le due figure femminili, finché la verità non viene a galla.
Da principio l’idea dell’autrice mi ha un po’ lasciata perplessa. Per non riconoscere la stessa donna, anche se in ambienti e situazioni differenti, il protagonista doveva necessariamente essere affetto da forte miopia. Sono verosimili gli espedienti del trucco, dei costumi ecc… la trovata della trasformazione irriconoscibile posso accettarla solo in Sailor Moon.
Fortunatamente, la questione dura davvero molto poco, e il romanzo verte sullo sviluppo amoroso dei protagonisti e non su questo strano triangolo immaginario.
Ho trovato la narrazione davvero ben cadenzata e con le giuste dosi di romanticismo, passione e un pizzico di mistero. Nessun elemento prevale sull’altro e ciò contribuisce a creare un’esposizione avvincente e armoniosa.
Ho apprezzato molto anche la scelta di un “villain alternativo”, che agisce per ragioni particolari e davvero radicate, differenti dai soliti motivi di vendette e gelosie.
La trama solida, ben esposta e lo sviluppo coinvolgente sono solo alcuni degli aspetti che mi hanno portato a considerare questo libro una “lettura da cinque stelle”.
Il romanzo brilla per l’ampio approfondimento psicologico che l’autrice fa dei suoi personaggi, rendendoli poliedrici e ricchi di affascinanti sfaccettature. La trama affronta temi importanti e anche molto attuali come la violenza domestica e il tradimento, senza mai appesantire la lettura o trascendere dal genere.
Personalmente adoro la chiave moderna che la scrittrice utilizza per dar vita e forma ai suoi protagonisti, riuscendo comunque a integrarli perfettamente in un ambiente con usi e costumi diversi, senza sbavature e senza snaturarli.
Il libro, così come la serie, mi ha preso parecchio. Quando ho voglia di evadere, o dopo giornate particolarmente stressanti, Jess Michaels è diventata una garanzia di tranquillità e spensieratezza grazie ai suoi romanzi avvincenti.
Forse al famigerato principe azzurro sto cominciando a preferire un bel duca valoroso!
.
Il duca tradito è il terzo libro della serie Il club del 1797.
Come il titolo anticipa, il nostro protagonista, Graham, ha subìto un duro tradimento da parte del suo migliore amico, Simon, e della sua fidanzata storica Meg. Disilluso riguardo alle questioni amorose, vede il suo interesse riaccendersi quando a teatro conosce Lydia, un’affascinante attrice. Contemporaneamente, però, a turbarlo ci sarà anche lady Adelaide, una zitella abituata a fare da tappezzeria ai ricevimenti dall’aspetto austero e la lingua tagliente.
Cosa potrebbero avere in comune le due donne per aver attirato la sua attenzione? Tutto e niente!
Adelaide e Lydia sono la stessa persona, o meglio “Lydia” è un personaggio che la giovane ha creato per sfuggire alla soffocante maschera che l’alta società e la severa zia le impongono.
Nei panni dell’attrice riesce a far emergere un tratto della sua vera personalità: è sicura di sé, è determinata e non ha timore di esprimere la propria opinione.
L’interesse del duca è diviso tra le due figure femminili, finché la verità non viene a galla.
Da principio l’idea dell’autrice mi ha un po’ lasciata perplessa. Per non riconoscere la stessa donna, anche se in ambienti e situazioni differenti, il protagonista doveva necessariamente essere affetto da forte miopia. Sono verosimili gli espedienti del trucco, dei costumi ecc… la trovata della trasformazione irriconoscibile posso accettarla solo in Sailor Moon.
Fortunatamente, la questione dura davvero molto poco, e il romanzo verte sullo sviluppo amoroso dei protagonisti e non su questo strano triangolo immaginario.
Ho trovato la narrazione davvero ben cadenzata e con le giuste dosi di romanticismo, passione e un pizzico di mistero. Nessun elemento prevale sull’altro e ciò contribuisce a creare un’esposizione avvincente e armoniosa.
Ho apprezzato molto anche la scelta di un “villain alternativo”, che agisce per ragioni particolari e davvero radicate, differenti dai soliti motivi di vendette e gelosie.
La trama solida, ben esposta e lo sviluppo coinvolgente sono solo alcuni degli aspetti che mi hanno portato a considerare questo libro una “lettura da cinque stelle”.
Il romanzo brilla per l’ampio approfondimento psicologico che l’autrice fa dei suoi personaggi, rendendoli poliedrici e ricchi di affascinanti sfaccettature. La trama affronta temi importanti e anche molto attuali come la violenza domestica e il tradimento, senza mai appesantire la lettura o trascendere dal genere.
Personalmente adoro la chiave moderna che la scrittrice utilizza per dar vita e forma ai suoi protagonisti, riuscendo comunque a integrarli perfettamente in un ambiente con usi e costumi diversi, senza sbavature e senza snaturarli.
Il libro, così come la serie, mi ha preso parecchio. Quando ho voglia di evadere, o dopo giornate particolarmente stressanti, Jess Michaels è diventata una garanzia di tranquillità e spensieratezza grazie ai suoi romanzi avvincenti.
Forse al famigerato principe azzurro sto cominciando a preferire un bel duca valoroso!
September 4, 2017
I thoroughly enjoy the friendship, romance and the emotions this book brings about. Graham has been broken and hurt by his friend's betrayal. He has separated himself from his friends and is isolated only with his anger as company. Then there is Adelaide, wallflower by day then Lydia, actress by night. This double life Adelaide lives wasn't created for fun but to escape the pain of her life. Graham and Adelaide really understand each other even if they believe they are so different. I love how there wasn't this blown-completely-out-of-proportion reveal for Adelaide. I love how Graham could understand her, love her and want to be with her as she is. They both know they could confide in each other and open up. Their love is so heartfelt and sweet. There was danger, secrets and so much love and friendship that I can't wait for the next book in November.
I received this ARC via Netgalley.
I received this ARC via Netgalley.
January 3, 2021
Graham finally finds his love, loves?
Graham Everly, Duke of Northfield has been going through the motions after what he sees as a betrayal by one of this best friends, Simon and his former fiancée, Meg.
Some of his other friends urge him out to the theater where he becomes enamored with the actress, Lydia. Soon after he attends a ball and has an interaction with Adelaide Longford who happens to be a wallflower and friend Emma (his other friend's James wife; James is also Meg's brother).
He eventually realizes that he is attracted to both Lydia and Adelaide. He feels horribly about it since he feels that it is a similar situation to the betrayal he feels about Simon and Meg.
Eventually he finds out that neither Lydia nor Adelaide is who they appear to be and thank goodness for that.
The thing I found unbelievable is how after spending time with both women, he didn't realize the truth. Especially since he claimed an attraction to both.
Besides that I quite enjoyed the story, even though I wanted to slap Adelaide during her interactions with Meg. She treated her horribly without knowing the full story, only what she heard through gossip.
Graham Everly, Duke of Northfield has been going through the motions after what he sees as a betrayal by one of this best friends, Simon and his former fiancée, Meg.
Some of his other friends urge him out to the theater where he becomes enamored with the actress, Lydia. Soon after he attends a ball and has an interaction with Adelaide Longford who happens to be a wallflower and friend Emma (his other friend's James wife; James is also Meg's brother).
He eventually realizes that he is attracted to both Lydia and Adelaide. He feels horribly about it since he feels that it is a similar situation to the betrayal he feels about Simon and Meg.
Eventually he finds out that neither Lydia nor Adelaide is who they appear to be and thank goodness for that.
The thing I found unbelievable is how after spending time with both women, he didn't realize the truth. Especially since he claimed an attraction to both.
Besides that I quite enjoyed the story, even though I wanted to slap Adelaide during her interactions with Meg. She treated her horribly without knowing the full story, only what she heard through gossip.
March 31, 2019
Could this book bring more to the table than the original issue? I rated the unillustrated book very high the first time I read it and I feel that reading this story again brought out so many more emotions, maybe it was because of the illustrations which were wonderfully placed in the story and really lead to a feel of being with these characters. I do not know but it is a great story of redemption and friendship and love.
A complimentary copy was provided by the author through NetGalley.
A complimentary copy was provided by the author through NetGalley.
April 1, 2019
Michaels prides herself on appealing to the senses. She seduces with words, stirs up the heart and intrigues with captivating mysteries. Each story is unique and her style is ever evolving. With Graham: The Broken Duke, she gives readers a chance to revisit her unforgettable characters in a whole new way. Graham and Adelaide are back, but this time around they have become a feast for more than the emotions. Ms. Michaels finally puts an image with the mental picture. Same great story with a little something extra. A fascinating way to experience romance.
May 4, 2019
Exceptional! I was so intrigued by these illustrated books. The photos are great but it is Jess's writing that steals the show. She does historical romance SO WELL! I will always read everything she releases. I can't get enough. Her books are so addicting. The way that she crafts her characters make you feel like you know them all. When you can really visualize everything that's happening, that's when you know an author is great!
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 3, 2024
The hidden identity trope really worked here. I’m so glad the hero has a good head on his shoulders. Smart and smexy. I would look up trigger warnings for this book and they are provided at the beginning as well which I appreciated.
March 24, 2022
https://emozionidicarta2020.blogspot....
Graham Everly, Duca di Northfield è un uomo distrutto dopo l’umiliante perdita della sua fidanzata di lunga data Megan, per colpa del suo migliore amico Simon. Dopo lo scandalo che li ha coinvolti, si è allontanato dalla sua cerchia di amici "Il Club del 1797" di cui facevano parte e da tutti gli eventi mondani per non alimentare ancora di più i pettegolezzi sullo scandalo che li ha coinvolti.
Quello che lo ha ferito maggiormente non è la perdita di Meg, visto che non l'ha mai amata e il loro matrimonio è stato combinato dal fratello James, Duca di Abernathe, bensì il tradimento di Simon, Duca di Northfield e suo amico d'infanzia , quello con cui aveva condiviso tutto.
Gli spezza il cuore la loro lontananza e l'unica cosa che desidera, è che tutto ritorni di nuovo come prima tra di loro.
Adelaide Longford è una zitella intellettualoide felice di esserlo e di fare da tappezzeria durante gli eventi mondani, così da poter sgattaiolare la notte per poter fare quello che ama di più, recitare in un teatro sotto il nome di Lydia Ford. Ascoltare gli applausi del pubblico dopo ogni esibizione è decisamente la parte più emozionante, quella che riesce a farla sentire per un attimo veramente felice. Fin quando non incontra Graham con cui intrattiene una relazione carnale molto intensa.
"Quando le mani del duca iniziarono a muoversi, le si svuotò di nuovo la mente. Le prese l’anca, poi le fece scivolare le dita lungo il fianco finché non le sfiorò il seno con i polpastrelli. Si inarcò contro di lui, assalita dalle sensazioni quando lui le sfiorò il capezzolo sensibile con il pollice."
Alto, spalle larghe capelli biondi e occhi azzurri, è un adone di una bellezza disarmante. Quando Adelaide se lo ritrova davanti, dopo una sua esibizione, ne resta completamente affascinata. In effetti lo è sempre stata, ogni volta che lo incrociava durante un evento mondano, restava ammaliata dal suo fascino, era lei invece che non era mai stata notata, perché un duca del suo rango non avrebbe mai notato la figlia di un conte di basso rango morto da tempo. Ma lui ha notato Lydia e lei ne è lusingata.
«Sono venuto qui perché neanche io riesco a smettere di pensare a te, Lydia. Ho avuto in mente solo te dall’ultima volta che ti ho toccato.»
Graham dal canto suo si ritrova coinvolto emotivamente sia da Adelaide che da Lydia, entrando in conflitto con i suoi sentimenti, non riuscendo a scegliere tra le due.
Lydia è audace e sicura di sé, Adelaide è invece timida e anonima, ma tutte e due riescono a scatenare in lui delle forti emozioni.
Ma come reagirà quando scoprirà che le due donne in realtà sono la stessa persona?
"Con i capelli sciolti era l’angelo caduto che fingeva di non essere. Peccaminoso e sensuale, la conduceva in tentazione, una tentazione da cui non sarebbe uscita intatta."
Graham è stato un gentiluomo durante tutti e tre i libri che ho letto.
Mi è piaciuto sin dall'inizio e ho apprezzato tutto il percorso che ha avuto. Dopo aver provato sulla sua pelle cosa significhi amare è riuscito a immedesimarsi coi sentimenti che i suoi amici avevano sempre provato uno per l'altro.
Solo dopo aver trovato anche lui qualcosa in cui credere e per cui combattere ha finalmente capito il comportamento di Simon e Meg. E li ringrazia adesso, per quello che è accaduto tra di loro, perché altrimenti la sua vita sarebbe stata di totale infelicità, vuota, triste e non avrebbe mai conosciuto Adelaide.
"Adelaide lo prese per le spalle e lo attirò contro di sé, gli premette la bocca sulla sua in preda alla meraviglia e alla gratitudine mentre desiderava, sperava e pregava che questo momento straordinario potesse durare per sempre pur sapendo che sarebbe finito fin troppo presto."
Questo libro, a dispetto degli altri, mi ha lasciata senza fiato e mi ha messo un po' di agitazione addosso per gli eventi che si sono susseguiti, adrenalina, passione, intrighi, sono tutti degli ottimi elementi per un buon Historical.
Devo dire che man mano i volumi diventano sempre più intriganti e appassionanti, traduzione impeccabile.
Graham Everly, Duca di Northfield è un uomo distrutto dopo l’umiliante perdita della sua fidanzata di lunga data Megan, per colpa del suo migliore amico Simon. Dopo lo scandalo che li ha coinvolti, si è allontanato dalla sua cerchia di amici "Il Club del 1797" di cui facevano parte e da tutti gli eventi mondani per non alimentare ancora di più i pettegolezzi sullo scandalo che li ha coinvolti.
Quello che lo ha ferito maggiormente non è la perdita di Meg, visto che non l'ha mai amata e il loro matrimonio è stato combinato dal fratello James, Duca di Abernathe, bensì il tradimento di Simon, Duca di Northfield e suo amico d'infanzia , quello con cui aveva condiviso tutto.
Gli spezza il cuore la loro lontananza e l'unica cosa che desidera, è che tutto ritorni di nuovo come prima tra di loro.
Adelaide Longford è una zitella intellettualoide felice di esserlo e di fare da tappezzeria durante gli eventi mondani, così da poter sgattaiolare la notte per poter fare quello che ama di più, recitare in un teatro sotto il nome di Lydia Ford. Ascoltare gli applausi del pubblico dopo ogni esibizione è decisamente la parte più emozionante, quella che riesce a farla sentire per un attimo veramente felice. Fin quando non incontra Graham con cui intrattiene una relazione carnale molto intensa.
"Quando le mani del duca iniziarono a muoversi, le si svuotò di nuovo la mente. Le prese l’anca, poi le fece scivolare le dita lungo il fianco finché non le sfiorò il seno con i polpastrelli. Si inarcò contro di lui, assalita dalle sensazioni quando lui le sfiorò il capezzolo sensibile con il pollice."
Alto, spalle larghe capelli biondi e occhi azzurri, è un adone di una bellezza disarmante. Quando Adelaide se lo ritrova davanti, dopo una sua esibizione, ne resta completamente affascinata. In effetti lo è sempre stata, ogni volta che lo incrociava durante un evento mondano, restava ammaliata dal suo fascino, era lei invece che non era mai stata notata, perché un duca del suo rango non avrebbe mai notato la figlia di un conte di basso rango morto da tempo. Ma lui ha notato Lydia e lei ne è lusingata.
«Sono venuto qui perché neanche io riesco a smettere di pensare a te, Lydia. Ho avuto in mente solo te dall’ultima volta che ti ho toccato.»
Graham dal canto suo si ritrova coinvolto emotivamente sia da Adelaide che da Lydia, entrando in conflitto con i suoi sentimenti, non riuscendo a scegliere tra le due.
Lydia è audace e sicura di sé, Adelaide è invece timida e anonima, ma tutte e due riescono a scatenare in lui delle forti emozioni.
Ma come reagirà quando scoprirà che le due donne in realtà sono la stessa persona?
"Con i capelli sciolti era l’angelo caduto che fingeva di non essere. Peccaminoso e sensuale, la conduceva in tentazione, una tentazione da cui non sarebbe uscita intatta."
Graham è stato un gentiluomo durante tutti e tre i libri che ho letto.
Mi è piaciuto sin dall'inizio e ho apprezzato tutto il percorso che ha avuto. Dopo aver provato sulla sua pelle cosa significhi amare è riuscito a immedesimarsi coi sentimenti che i suoi amici avevano sempre provato uno per l'altro.
Solo dopo aver trovato anche lui qualcosa in cui credere e per cui combattere ha finalmente capito il comportamento di Simon e Meg. E li ringrazia adesso, per quello che è accaduto tra di loro, perché altrimenti la sua vita sarebbe stata di totale infelicità, vuota, triste e non avrebbe mai conosciuto Adelaide.
"Adelaide lo prese per le spalle e lo attirò contro di sé, gli premette la bocca sulla sua in preda alla meraviglia e alla gratitudine mentre desiderava, sperava e pregava che questo momento straordinario potesse durare per sempre pur sapendo che sarebbe finito fin troppo presto."
Questo libro, a dispetto degli altri, mi ha lasciata senza fiato e mi ha messo un po' di agitazione addosso per gli eventi che si sono susseguiti, adrenalina, passione, intrighi, sono tutti degli ottimi elementi per un buon Historical.
Devo dire che man mano i volumi diventano sempre più intriganti e appassionanti, traduzione impeccabile.
October 5, 2021
So far my favourite book in the series.
Both premise and the plot sounded interesting, and I was looking forward to the story of a wallflower heroine with a secret identity performing as an renowned actress, and a hero who in the previous book was kind of a jerk (but rightly so), but here has his redemption arc.
Adelaide and Graham were likable and had nice chemistry together; their tragic, abusive childhoods were heartbreaking and I loved how they both found strength and supported each other.
I also think this book has the best character development and character portrayal of the three books in the series I've read so far.
Graham's reaction when he realised Adelaide and Lydia were the same person absolutely exceeded my expectations. I was sure this will be the source of the "third act breakup", but no. I was pleasantly surprised, and I think Jess Michaels did a splendid job not adding any angst and drama here. That way the climax of the story felt so much better.
There was also a pretty nice plot twist by the end of the story I was not fully expecting, but in the retrospect made so much sense.
Fun and sexy book! I'm looking forward to the "Mute Duke's" story.
4+/5 stars
Both premise and the plot sounded interesting, and I was looking forward to the story of a wallflower heroine with a secret identity performing as an renowned actress, and a hero who in the previous book was kind of a jerk (but rightly so), but here has his redemption arc.
Adelaide and Graham were likable and had nice chemistry together; their tragic, abusive childhoods were heartbreaking and I loved how they both found strength and supported each other.
I also think this book has the best character development and character portrayal of the three books in the series I've read so far.
Graham's reaction when he realised Adelaide and Lydia were the same person absolutely exceeded my expectations. I was sure this will be the source of the "third act breakup", but no. I was pleasantly surprised, and I think Jess Michaels did a splendid job not adding any angst and drama here. That way the climax of the story felt so much better.
There was also a pretty nice plot twist by the end of the story I was not fully expecting, but in the retrospect made so much sense.
Fun and sexy book! I'm looking forward to the "Mute Duke's" story.
4+/5 stars
April 3, 2019
This is the romance of Graham, Duke of Northfield and Lady Adelaide. Lady Adelaide is a wallflower, but secretly, she is also Lydia Ford, a popular actress. Graham has met Lady Adelaide before, but she doesn’t make an impression on him until he sees her perform on the stage.
This is a story of redemption and friendship, and as usual, we get Ms. Michaels’ well-rounded characters. They’re people I’d love to meet. We get glimpses of characters from earlier books in the series, and while this book stands alone, I think the reader would enjoy it even more if they’ve read at least the first book in the series, which sows the seeds for what happens in The Broken Duke. The photos inserted throughout the story really added to my enjoyment, and I thought the differences between Lady Adelaide and Lydia were done very well.
The Broken Duke is an excellent read, and I love the addition of the illustrations. Highly recommended.
This is a story of redemption and friendship, and as usual, we get Ms. Michaels’ well-rounded characters. They’re people I’d love to meet. We get glimpses of characters from earlier books in the series, and while this book stands alone, I think the reader would enjoy it even more if they’ve read at least the first book in the series, which sows the seeds for what happens in The Broken Duke. The photos inserted throughout the story really added to my enjoyment, and I thought the differences between Lady Adelaide and Lydia were done very well.
The Broken Duke is an excellent read, and I love the addition of the illustrations. Highly recommended.
September 23, 2017
Received an ARC for my fair review for netgalley.This book was ok, a little unrealistic. We meet Grahm who meet the actress Lydia Ford, and attracted to her. Graham did not realize that the wallflower Lady Adelaide Longford, who he previously overlooked is one and the same. So you are telling me that because she was wearing glasses and a different hairstyle you did not recognize her? yeah I didn't get that. Also, Adelaide, needed to get some spine and ignore her Aunt she was a grown woman. Nevertheless, you could spend some time with the book.
April 13, 2019
As reviewed at Roses Are Blue: https://wp.me/p3QRh4-TB
I have previously read and enjoyed THE BROKEN DUKE, and my original review of the book is shown below. Author Jess Michaels, along with Jenn LeBlanc, decided to reissue the book, this time as an illustrated version. When I’m reading, I picture the characters in my mind, and I particularly love it when an author posts pics of what she imagines her characters to look like. This made me especially eager to view an illustrated romance, and this story has its own special challenge. The heroine, Adelaide, is living a double life, and her alter ego, actress Lydia Ford, is having a passionate affair with the hero, Graham. As I read the original story, this gave me pause. Could a beautiful woman disguise herself as a wallflower so successfully that even her lover wouldn’t recognize her?
The illustrations are all in black and white and are interspersed throughout the book. They are high quality and range from playful to serious to sensual. The pictures fit the story exactly as it flows and are placed perfectly. While I have to believe that Graham may have been initially fooled by the wallflower, Adelaide, I think that in real life he would have come to realize the truth of her identity much sooner. I decided to just go with the flow of the story and accept Graham’s not recognizing his lover, much like Lois Lane didn’t recognize Clark Kent as Superman. I found the pictures beautiful and perfectly placed. For me, they added another wonderful level of enjoyment to an already satisfying book.
ORIGINAL BOOK REVIEW:
THE BROKEN DUKE is Book 3 of the 1797 Club series, which is about a group of close friends who are all dukes or heirs to dukedoms. In previous books, we learned that James, Simon, and Graham, (three club members) were as close as brothers. In an effort to protect his sister, Margaret, in the event of his death, James arranged an engagement between her and Graham. The problem is, Margaret and Simon have been in love forever, while Graham and Margaret are, at best, courteous friends. After years of this engagement, Simon and Margaret finally find the courage to break free and declare their love. While Graham admittedly had no love for Margaret, he feels the betrayal of Simon deeply, and he breaks his friendship with James and Simon. The public humiliation of being jilted, and what Graham perceives as betrayal have sent him into a tailspin of drinking and avoiding society.
After months of watching Graham living this way, two of his other friends from the club finally convince him to attend a play. While there, Graham feels everyone's stares and hears their whispers about him. Even through his discomfort, his attention is captured by the lead actress, Lydia Ford. Graham's reaction is so unusual for him, that he goes to her dressing room after the play to meet her. Even though the actress appears to find him equally appealing, she's not ready to jump into a quick sexual encounter, despite what their heated kisses might indicate. Graham leaves, but he knows he'll be back - this is the most alive he's felt in forever.
Lydia Ford has a very large secret. The actress is really Lady Adelaide Longford, daughter of an earl, and in real life, a wallflower. A strange set of circumstances led to her "acting" career, and she finds herself passionately loving her life on stage. She has a natural talent, and has become a favorite to the audience. Her escapes from her strict home life a few times a week are the highlights of her dull life.
Now that Graham has ventured to the theatre, he's going to take the next step toward coming back to society by attending a ball. When, unexpectedly, newlyweds Simon and Margaret enter, Graham panics and escapes to the dance floor with the only wallflower he sees available, none other than his actress-in-disguise. Adelaide is shocked to be approached by Graham, and initially thinks he's seen through her camouflage. As a society wallflower, she scrapes her hair back into an unbecoming bun, wears unflattering clothes, and dons spectacles that hide her eyes. When Adelaide realizes Graham's real reason for dancing with her, she allows a bit of her witty personality to come through, and Graham finds himself liking her. Graham has not given up his pursuit of Lydia, and they begin a steamy affair. Meanwhile, he finds himself charmed by Adelaide, and begins to find himself going a bit bonkers over his strong attraction to two very different women.
While there is so much I loved about this book, I had to suspend disbelief regarding two things. First, Adelaide has an extremely strict guardian, who watched her like a hawk. I find it hard to believe that she could regularly sneak out of her house three evenings a week and not get caught. Second, Graham is having an intimate affair with a woman - how can a different hairstyle and glasses keep him from recognizing her? Well, THE BROKEN DUKE is so interesting and compelling, that I pushed those doubts aside, and decided to just enjoy the ride. Graham and Adelaide are complex, yet likable characters, who have had to endure a lot in their pasts. In particular, Adelaide is forced to live a very sad existence now. Graham's reaction when he learns his two loves are one person is priceless - I loved it! I couldn't put THE BROKEN DUKE down once I started reading. There are some twists and surprises I didn't see coming, and I enjoyed every bit of the passionate and emotional journey.
I have previously read and enjoyed THE BROKEN DUKE, and my original review of the book is shown below. Author Jess Michaels, along with Jenn LeBlanc, decided to reissue the book, this time as an illustrated version. When I’m reading, I picture the characters in my mind, and I particularly love it when an author posts pics of what she imagines her characters to look like. This made me especially eager to view an illustrated romance, and this story has its own special challenge. The heroine, Adelaide, is living a double life, and her alter ego, actress Lydia Ford, is having a passionate affair with the hero, Graham. As I read the original story, this gave me pause. Could a beautiful woman disguise herself as a wallflower so successfully that even her lover wouldn’t recognize her?
The illustrations are all in black and white and are interspersed throughout the book. They are high quality and range from playful to serious to sensual. The pictures fit the story exactly as it flows and are placed perfectly. While I have to believe that Graham may have been initially fooled by the wallflower, Adelaide, I think that in real life he would have come to realize the truth of her identity much sooner. I decided to just go with the flow of the story and accept Graham’s not recognizing his lover, much like Lois Lane didn’t recognize Clark Kent as Superman. I found the pictures beautiful and perfectly placed. For me, they added another wonderful level of enjoyment to an already satisfying book.
ORIGINAL BOOK REVIEW:
THE BROKEN DUKE is Book 3 of the 1797 Club series, which is about a group of close friends who are all dukes or heirs to dukedoms. In previous books, we learned that James, Simon, and Graham, (three club members) were as close as brothers. In an effort to protect his sister, Margaret, in the event of his death, James arranged an engagement between her and Graham. The problem is, Margaret and Simon have been in love forever, while Graham and Margaret are, at best, courteous friends. After years of this engagement, Simon and Margaret finally find the courage to break free and declare their love. While Graham admittedly had no love for Margaret, he feels the betrayal of Simon deeply, and he breaks his friendship with James and Simon. The public humiliation of being jilted, and what Graham perceives as betrayal have sent him into a tailspin of drinking and avoiding society.
After months of watching Graham living this way, two of his other friends from the club finally convince him to attend a play. While there, Graham feels everyone's stares and hears their whispers about him. Even through his discomfort, his attention is captured by the lead actress, Lydia Ford. Graham's reaction is so unusual for him, that he goes to her dressing room after the play to meet her. Even though the actress appears to find him equally appealing, she's not ready to jump into a quick sexual encounter, despite what their heated kisses might indicate. Graham leaves, but he knows he'll be back - this is the most alive he's felt in forever.
Lydia Ford has a very large secret. The actress is really Lady Adelaide Longford, daughter of an earl, and in real life, a wallflower. A strange set of circumstances led to her "acting" career, and she finds herself passionately loving her life on stage. She has a natural talent, and has become a favorite to the audience. Her escapes from her strict home life a few times a week are the highlights of her dull life.
Now that Graham has ventured to the theatre, he's going to take the next step toward coming back to society by attending a ball. When, unexpectedly, newlyweds Simon and Margaret enter, Graham panics and escapes to the dance floor with the only wallflower he sees available, none other than his actress-in-disguise. Adelaide is shocked to be approached by Graham, and initially thinks he's seen through her camouflage. As a society wallflower, she scrapes her hair back into an unbecoming bun, wears unflattering clothes, and dons spectacles that hide her eyes. When Adelaide realizes Graham's real reason for dancing with her, she allows a bit of her witty personality to come through, and Graham finds himself liking her. Graham has not given up his pursuit of Lydia, and they begin a steamy affair. Meanwhile, he finds himself charmed by Adelaide, and begins to find himself going a bit bonkers over his strong attraction to two very different women.
While there is so much I loved about this book, I had to suspend disbelief regarding two things. First, Adelaide has an extremely strict guardian, who watched her like a hawk. I find it hard to believe that she could regularly sneak out of her house three evenings a week and not get caught. Second, Graham is having an intimate affair with a woman - how can a different hairstyle and glasses keep him from recognizing her? Well, THE BROKEN DUKE is so interesting and compelling, that I pushed those doubts aside, and decided to just enjoy the ride. Graham and Adelaide are complex, yet likable characters, who have had to endure a lot in their pasts. In particular, Adelaide is forced to live a very sad existence now. Graham's reaction when he learns his two loves are one person is priceless - I loved it! I couldn't put THE BROKEN DUKE down once I started reading. There are some twists and surprises I didn't see coming, and I enjoyed every bit of the passionate and emotional journey.
April 2, 2019
I love it when I find a new to me author that has a big backlist of books to devour. :) I’ve followed this author on twitter for long time, and have no idea what too me so long to read one of her books.
This had just the right amount of heat, and I can’t wait to read the rest of the 1797 books. :)
This had just the right amount of heat, and I can’t wait to read the rest of the 1797 books. :)
September 18, 2017
Originally posted on Adria's Musings and Reviews (Blog post MAY have additional content such as playlists, interviews, giveaways, etc).
* A copy of this book was and provided by the publisher via NetGalley for the purpose of an honest review. All conclusions are my own responsibility and I was not compensated for this review.
What’s it About? Wallflower Adelaide Longford craves the thrill and excitement that only the stage can bring her so by day she is just another dull society lady but at night she is Lydia Ford, the most popular actress in London. Her double life has been risky enough but when she draws the attention of a powerful and well known man, she realizes her time on the stage is limited. Graham Everly, the Duke of Northfield recently lost his longtime fiancé to his best friend and was humiliated in front of society but when he meets Lydia he can’t help but feel an intense attraction. Then he meets and dances with Adelaide Longford at a ball in order to avoid a humiliating run in with his former friend and is also attracted to her. Graham is torn between the two women as he contemplates which one he wants to ultimately pursue until he finds out that Lydia and Adelaide are the same person.
Overall reaction to the story? The Broken Duke packed an emotional punch with a hero like Graham who was more than what he seemed. Throw in a heroine like Adelaide and the story becomes something more than just a broken man falling in love. It became a passionate romance, a thrilling adventure, and a sort of homecoming for Graham as he mended things with his estranged friends. I enjoyed the way Jess Michaels put more emphasis on emotions and friendship this time around. It made Graham’s book stand out and it gave me as a reader the chance to change my mind about a character I wasn’t even sure I liked.
Describe the hero in five words: Distrustful. Protective. Intelligent. Lonely. Caring.
Did you like him? He won me over.
Why? I didn’t care for Graham in the previous book and I didn’t want to like him in The Broken Duke but he just had this air of sadness and loneliness and I just couldn’t resist! Graham, for all his pride was an emotional character and he just kept it well hidden. I liked who he became, he was a kind, considerate character and honestly I was surprised by how different he was to the first impression he gave in the previous books. Seriously, Graham was a tortured character who didn’t realize that he wasn’t a monster, he was the opposite and I really enjoy characters like that. And OMG he had a sense of humor! And he could be charming, who knew???
Describe the heroine in five words: Mysterious. Kind. Defiant. Intelligent. Sassy.
Did you like her? Yes.
Why? Adelaide was never boring which can be a challenge in a historical romance because women were expected to be dull and witless but not her. Adelaide really did step out of the brackets of expectation in a way that made her a good kind of different instead of obnoxious. I loved both sides of her because they made her so special. Adelaide was strong but kind, snarky but wise and she was so observant that she was able to see past Graham’s public persona and scandal to who he really was. She was just so likable and had this inner fire that I didn’t want to see extinguished by expectations. I was happy to see that it wasn’t and Adelaide stayed the same awesome character throughout the book.
Let’s talk about the romance: Gah, I couldn’t get over how well Graham and Adelaide suited one another! They both needed to escape the confines of their lives and they found that escape in each other which had the potential to backfire on Adelaide but, and I’m not going to spoil the book but Graham’s reaction to finding out that Lydia and Adelaide were the same was not how I was expecting him to react. It was better. These two connected on more than just a physical level, though that was pretty intense and sexy. Jess Michaels created a relationship between them that started as physical but quickly formed a strong foundation as they found things they had in common and that they brought out the best in each other. I really enjoyed their romance.
How about that supporting cast? Aside from Graham and Adelaide’s romance, I really wanted him to forgive and move on from having his fiancé stolen by his best friend. Graham just needed to let it go, it was his pride and stubbornness that kept him from his friends who were more like his family. I’ve said this before but I love how close this group of men are. They have friendships forged out of grief, tragedy, and loneliness and while they are the kind of men who don’t like to show emotion, that doesn’t mean they don’t love each other. They have their moments and I wasn’t disappointed by Graham and Simon’s reconciliation.
Click It or Skip It? Click It. Graham and Adelaide’s romance is a great addition to a series that places a high value on brotherhood and loyalty.
* A copy of this book was and provided by the publisher via NetGalley for the purpose of an honest review. All conclusions are my own responsibility and I was not compensated for this review.
What’s it About? Wallflower Adelaide Longford craves the thrill and excitement that only the stage can bring her so by day she is just another dull society lady but at night she is Lydia Ford, the most popular actress in London. Her double life has been risky enough but when she draws the attention of a powerful and well known man, she realizes her time on the stage is limited. Graham Everly, the Duke of Northfield recently lost his longtime fiancé to his best friend and was humiliated in front of society but when he meets Lydia he can’t help but feel an intense attraction. Then he meets and dances with Adelaide Longford at a ball in order to avoid a humiliating run in with his former friend and is also attracted to her. Graham is torn between the two women as he contemplates which one he wants to ultimately pursue until he finds out that Lydia and Adelaide are the same person.
Overall reaction to the story? The Broken Duke packed an emotional punch with a hero like Graham who was more than what he seemed. Throw in a heroine like Adelaide and the story becomes something more than just a broken man falling in love. It became a passionate romance, a thrilling adventure, and a sort of homecoming for Graham as he mended things with his estranged friends. I enjoyed the way Jess Michaels put more emphasis on emotions and friendship this time around. It made Graham’s book stand out and it gave me as a reader the chance to change my mind about a character I wasn’t even sure I liked.
Describe the hero in five words: Distrustful. Protective. Intelligent. Lonely. Caring.
Did you like him? He won me over.
Why? I didn’t care for Graham in the previous book and I didn’t want to like him in The Broken Duke but he just had this air of sadness and loneliness and I just couldn’t resist! Graham, for all his pride was an emotional character and he just kept it well hidden. I liked who he became, he was a kind, considerate character and honestly I was surprised by how different he was to the first impression he gave in the previous books. Seriously, Graham was a tortured character who didn’t realize that he wasn’t a monster, he was the opposite and I really enjoy characters like that. And OMG he had a sense of humor! And he could be charming, who knew???
Describe the heroine in five words: Mysterious. Kind. Defiant. Intelligent. Sassy.
Did you like her? Yes.
Why? Adelaide was never boring which can be a challenge in a historical romance because women were expected to be dull and witless but not her. Adelaide really did step out of the brackets of expectation in a way that made her a good kind of different instead of obnoxious. I loved both sides of her because they made her so special. Adelaide was strong but kind, snarky but wise and she was so observant that she was able to see past Graham’s public persona and scandal to who he really was. She was just so likable and had this inner fire that I didn’t want to see extinguished by expectations. I was happy to see that it wasn’t and Adelaide stayed the same awesome character throughout the book.
Let’s talk about the romance: Gah, I couldn’t get over how well Graham and Adelaide suited one another! They both needed to escape the confines of their lives and they found that escape in each other which had the potential to backfire on Adelaide but, and I’m not going to spoil the book but Graham’s reaction to finding out that Lydia and Adelaide were the same was not how I was expecting him to react. It was better. These two connected on more than just a physical level, though that was pretty intense and sexy. Jess Michaels created a relationship between them that started as physical but quickly formed a strong foundation as they found things they had in common and that they brought out the best in each other. I really enjoyed their romance.
How about that supporting cast? Aside from Graham and Adelaide’s romance, I really wanted him to forgive and move on from having his fiancé stolen by his best friend. Graham just needed to let it go, it was his pride and stubbornness that kept him from his friends who were more like his family. I’ve said this before but I love how close this group of men are. They have friendships forged out of grief, tragedy, and loneliness and while they are the kind of men who don’t like to show emotion, that doesn’t mean they don’t love each other. They have their moments and I wasn’t disappointed by Graham and Simon’s reconciliation.
Click It or Skip It? Click It. Graham and Adelaide’s romance is a great addition to a series that places a high value on brotherhood and loyalty.
February 25, 2021
Siamo arrivati al terzo romanzo dedicato ai Duchi del Club del 1797.
Che meraviglia questo romanzo! Sebbene, in generale, l’idea di una sorta di doppia vita non mi faccia impazzire come base di partenza, sono felicissima di aver letto la storia di Graham e Adelaide perché se non lo avessi fatto mi sarei persa davvero tanto. Ho “puntato” Graham sin dal primo libro, quando James, Duca di Abernathe, ne parlava come uno dei suoi più cari amici, e non vedevo l’ora di conoscere qualcosa in più della sua storia e del suo passato.
Un aspetto che adoro di questa serie è la profonda amicizia che lega i componenti del Club 1797. E la loro presenza si sente in modo molto potente. Anche in questo romanzo ritroviamo James ed Emma, che diventano fondamentali per Graham e Adelaide, inoltre compaiono anche Simon e Meg, e questo genere di interconnessione è bellissima, perché loro sono veramente parte di una grande famiglia. Sinceramente spero che sia così anche per i romanzi a venire perché ne sentirei davvero tanto la mancanza.
Lo stile di scrittura di Jess Michaels mi piace tantissimo: fluido, attento, passionale e drammatico all’occorrenza. E un altro aspetto che mi è piaciuto tantissimo è stato il modo in cui l’autrice sia riuscita a sviluppare la storia, senza renderla banale o scontata. Non ci sono momenti di stallo e la trama è un crescendo di emozioni e sentimenti fino alla parola “fine”. Inoltre, a un certo punto, la trama prende una piega completamente inaspettata che rende la lettura ancora più coinvolgente. Una volta iniziato a leggere non sono più riuscita a posare il Kindle.
Le scene più passionali sono perfettamente calate nella storia, la Michaels è molto brava a dare sia un buon ritmo narrativo, sia a renderlo equilibrato. Inoltre amo la sua attenzione ai piccoli particolari.
La traduzione è, come sempre, favolosa, Isabella Nanni è una garanzia e le sono immensamente grata perché riesce a dare le giuste sfumature e a rendere scorrevolissima la lettura.
Aspettavo con ansia questo romanzo, specialmente perché dopo il secondo volume volevo scoprire come si sarebbero evoluti i rapporti tra Graham, James e Simon e non ne sono rimasta delusa, anzi, questa serie continua a piacermi sempre di più. James ed Emma hanno un posto speciale nel mio cuore, ma anche le altre due coppie sono favolose.
Recensione completa: https://virtualkaty.blogspot.com/2021...
Che meraviglia questo romanzo! Sebbene, in generale, l’idea di una sorta di doppia vita non mi faccia impazzire come base di partenza, sono felicissima di aver letto la storia di Graham e Adelaide perché se non lo avessi fatto mi sarei persa davvero tanto. Ho “puntato” Graham sin dal primo libro, quando James, Duca di Abernathe, ne parlava come uno dei suoi più cari amici, e non vedevo l’ora di conoscere qualcosa in più della sua storia e del suo passato.
Un aspetto che adoro di questa serie è la profonda amicizia che lega i componenti del Club 1797. E la loro presenza si sente in modo molto potente. Anche in questo romanzo ritroviamo James ed Emma, che diventano fondamentali per Graham e Adelaide, inoltre compaiono anche Simon e Meg, e questo genere di interconnessione è bellissima, perché loro sono veramente parte di una grande famiglia. Sinceramente spero che sia così anche per i romanzi a venire perché ne sentirei davvero tanto la mancanza.
Lo stile di scrittura di Jess Michaels mi piace tantissimo: fluido, attento, passionale e drammatico all’occorrenza. E un altro aspetto che mi è piaciuto tantissimo è stato il modo in cui l’autrice sia riuscita a sviluppare la storia, senza renderla banale o scontata. Non ci sono momenti di stallo e la trama è un crescendo di emozioni e sentimenti fino alla parola “fine”. Inoltre, a un certo punto, la trama prende una piega completamente inaspettata che rende la lettura ancora più coinvolgente. Una volta iniziato a leggere non sono più riuscita a posare il Kindle.
Le scene più passionali sono perfettamente calate nella storia, la Michaels è molto brava a dare sia un buon ritmo narrativo, sia a renderlo equilibrato. Inoltre amo la sua attenzione ai piccoli particolari.
La traduzione è, come sempre, favolosa, Isabella Nanni è una garanzia e le sono immensamente grata perché riesce a dare le giuste sfumature e a rendere scorrevolissima la lettura.
Aspettavo con ansia questo romanzo, specialmente perché dopo il secondo volume volevo scoprire come si sarebbero evoluti i rapporti tra Graham, James e Simon e non ne sono rimasta delusa, anzi, questa serie continua a piacermi sempre di più. James ed Emma hanno un posto speciale nel mio cuore, ma anche le altre due coppie sono favolose.
Recensione completa: https://virtualkaty.blogspot.com/2021...
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