This was a decent story and I somewhat enjoyed both the hero and the heroine, Adelaide and Graham. However, nothing really stood out making it a great book.

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?
This was a really great story. I loved it from start to finish. Adelaide is definitely a bit different from a lot of the other heroine’s in historical romances and I absolutely loved her! I really felt bad for Graham and everything he had been through. I did read the first book in this series and loved it just as much. I’m fast becoming a fan of this author. I can’t wait to read more! I highly recommend.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book

My favorite in the series, so far. I loved Graham and Adelaide. They were perfect together.

The Broken Duke is the third book in The 1797 Club by Jess Michaels.

Lady Adelaide has been brought up by her overbearing aunt, a woman who allows her no freedom. To ward off complete boredom 2 or 3 nights a week she escapes the house and heads to a London theatre. In her carriage, she transforms from Lady Adelaide, wallflower, to Mrs Lydia Ford, the much loved actress.

Graham Everly, Duke of Northfield is still reeling from his best friend’s betrayal. The man in questions married Graham’s long term fiancé! His other friends worry for him and in an attempt to keep him busy and away from drinking they take him to the theatre. The very one where Lydia is the lead. Graham is instantly intrigued by her and after the show he meets her backstage. It’s lust at first sight and before he leaves they share one hot passionate kiss.

Imagine Adelaide’s surprise when the following night he is at the same ball that she is attending, dressed as her usual self, standing against a wall, when Graham comes striding towards her. She thinks he has seen through her disguise as he’s never showed any interest in her at all until now. But no, he just wants to ask her to dance. All Adelaide can think of is his kisses and oddly enough although Graham had never indeed looked twice at Adelaide before, all of a sudden he is fascinated by her. He loves her boldness, her honesty and he is pretty sure that behind her thick glasses and plain dress there is quite a pretty woman hiding!

From that moment Graham finds himself caught between two very different women both of whom he greatly admires, and definitely lusts after. What will he do if he finds out that they are the same woman!

Adelaide knows she needs to tell the truth and she knows that Graham will want nothing to do with her when she does. Not to mention the fact that she is getting jealous of her alter ego Lydia for sharing intimacies that she as Adelaide hasn’t had the pleasure of. But as the story evolves and she learns a terrible secret of Graham’s she knows he is very much hurting and that she is the one that has to help him heal, time enough for honesty at a later time. Or so she thinks.

Although this story primarily tells of the blossoming relationship between Adelaide and Graham, and the subterfuge involved, it is so much more than that. There is a twist I did not see coming at all, darkness that was shocking, which had me reading as fast as I could to find out what would happen next. I love a book that can really throw me for a loop, and this was one of those books.I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers’ copy of this book.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers’ copy of this book.

I loved this story so much. ☆☆☆☆☆ rating.

There isn't a single Jess Michael's book I don't love - you have to love the leads. I can never book her books aside even if it costs me a good night's sleep.

I really enjoyed this next installment in the 1797 Club series. Graham Everly, Duke of Northfield has been somewhat crushed when his long-time fiancee marries his best friend. He never loved her, but feels rejected and betrayed. He becomes brooding and withdrawn until he is dazzled by an actress. The actress is actually Adelaide Longford, daughter of a duke and bluestocking wallflower. Adelaide breaks free of her dull life by becoming the actress, Lydia. Graham's attraction to Lydia causes him to re-enter society where he forms a friendship with Adelaide and finds himself also strangely attracted to her. The plot sounds a little silly, but there is plenty of depth as these two characters come to terms with themselves and each other.

If you can suspend disbelief (if you can believe that his friends didn't know that Clark Kent was Superman) you will find much to love in this book. It is my favorite of the series so far.

The Broken Duke is third book in the 1797 Club series by Jess Michaels. I have not read any of the other books in this series, and while I think those that have read the other books will have a better knowledge of the characters and important events from the past, I think that newcomers will be able to enjoy the story without feeling the lack.

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. That is until Graham Everly, Duke of Northfield comes into her life. He is broken after the humiliating loss of his longtime fiance 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?

The Broken Duke is a historical romance with more layers than I was expecting. Both Adelaide and Graham have suffered from family abuse, and society's judgement and their own self judgement. I like the way they verbally spare with each other, being themselves even as they try to hide themselves. The interaction between the couple, and the important secondary characters, really made them come alive and made me care about them. I also like that the dangers of being a woman in the era (and to no small degree today) is so much a part of the story and that Graham becomes even more aware of it. So often the gender issues of the day are drought up in historical romance, but once the couple find their path that issue is lost in the background. Here, it is on the minds of characters throughout the book, and it looks like that is true through the series in general, judging by the characters and what they have been through. I was also glad to see real problems, real friendships, and actual solutions to problems rather than just letting things fade away once the happy couple finds their happy ever after. I also love that while there is plenty of steam and lust, there is also emotion and quality characters that are working to be better, not just to find someone to make them happy.

The Broken Duke is an engaging and entertaining read. I think fans of Michaels, and those that love a layered historical romance in general, will enjoy and appreciate the read. I am tempted to go back and read the previous books, and I very much want to read the next book in the series. Those that are abuse survivors might find some of the book hard to read.

Another great story by Michaels!!

Graham is crushed when his betrothed marries another. Not because he loved her, but because his best friend (who she married) kept the secret that he was in love with her for years. He feels betrayed. He has kept himself out of the public eye but is convinced to go out to a show where he meets Lydia, a celebrated actress. What he doesn't know, is that Lydia is hiding a secret.

The most exciting thing to happen to Adelaide was taking on the persona of Lydia and getting on the stage. That is until she means Graham. She has interactions with him as both Adelaide and Lydia and she doesn't know how long she can keep up the deception.

What will Graham do when he learns that Adelaide and Lydia are one in the same?

Each of Michael's 1797 Club books is better than the last! I can't wait to read Ewan's story next!

I've read and loved many books by Jess Michaels up to now and "The Broken Duke", the third book in the "The 1797 Club" series, is no exception there.

Okay, I must admit that I was a bit miffed as it wasn't that Graham was really in love with his former fiancée, so all his pouting (yes, that's what I call it!) and his feelings of betrayal are a bit over the top, right? I mean, alright, he had to find out the hard way that she preferred someone else and he had trusted him but....if anybody had paid attention and if he had really been interested in her, he might have noticed that she was in love with someone else. Alright, rant over.

Sooo, I might have been a bit irritated by his behavior no matter how human and natural it was but I really loved this book and I also loved his character. And I loved Adelaide, our heroine. Adelaide or Lydia, depending on where we meet her, is a wonderful character.

A wallflower by day, she lives for the moments when she can turn into Lydia and take the stage as one of the most celebrated actresses. When Graham enters her life, that is - Lydia's life - the two of them slowly but irrevocably fall for each other.

Enters Adelaide, the wallflower, best friend of his best friend's new wife and the woman in whose company he suddenly finds himself very often only to realize that she is occupying his thoughts as well. A lot. The more he falls for Lydia, the more he feels for Adelaide as well. While he is still trying to figure out a way to deal with the fact that he is attracted to two such different women, danger strikes and he'll have to find a way to protect those he loves....if it is not too late already!

I loved how Lydia and Adelaide were described. You could feel the difference in their personas while knowing and feeling that essentially they are the same. You know why Graham is attracted to both of them and you really get that he is not just a little pervert or an idiot who can't decide who he loves but that the two of them, Lydia and Adelaide, are indeed two halves, two parts of her and that they complete each other, they complete her. And in the end, you realize that those two aren't that different from each other, they never were. Lydia was always a part of Adelaide.

No matter which of the two he meets, though, you can feel the chemistry, you can see the sparks and you just want them to get their HEA because they have earned it, especially Adelaide who has already suffered so much.
I also loved to meet the other dukes and their wives again and find out how they fare and, well, I am definitely looking forward to the next book because I really love Ewan and I am very much looking forward to reading his and Charlotte's story.

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
(September 2017)

I love a romance where a wallflower is secretly scandalous, and one rake finally unravels more than just her secrets...

This story not only has a great love story but it is full of history. I felt I was in the story it felt so real.

Another riveting addition to the 1797 Club series. There are some aspects of the plot that weren't fully developed, such as Adelaide's acting talent, but it was still an enjoyable guilty pleasure.

This is a captivating and engrossing storyline. Graham is sweetheart who was betrayed by his best friend and fiancé. It leaves him very depressed, but it's more about what Simon did, not Meg. When he sees Lydia, he's drawn like a moth to a flame. And after he dances with Adelaide, he feels the exact same pull. He's totally confused as to why they both attract him. Adelaide finds that she can't stay away from him either, as Lydia they become lovers, but has to be proper as Adelaide. So while he's trying to figure out what to do about the two women, she's afraid to tell him that there's really only one woman. There's some drama in the story, and secrets and shocks and romance. Put this one at the top of your TBR list.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.

Graham Everly, Duke of Northfield has had his heart broken by his longtime fiancée and his best friend. Graham deserves a happy ending and here’s to hoping he finds it with Lady Adelaide Longford.
Adelaide Longford a wallflower daughter of the former Earl of Longford knows she has a reputation to protect, but as a wallflower no one really notices her. She decides to secretly take on the persona of Lydia Ford a celebrated actress on the London stage. The applause has been the most exciting thing in her life that is until Graham walks into her life and their sizzling passion set her on fire. Graham he can’t understand why he’s so attracted to both lady Adelaide and Lydia and soon he’s torn between which one to peruse a future with. What will happen when Graham finds out about Adelaide’s secret life, will he ever trust her again? Graham loves both sides of Adelaide the wallflower and the passionate woman can he withstand another mistrust by someone he has grown to care about? Read this great story to see if he forgive her and risk his heart again to find his HEA!!!
This is my honest opinions after I voluntarily read a copy of this book that was provided to me with no requirements for a review.

Another fantastic book in this series!!! Graham is a broken man, betrayed by his best friend. Adelaide has a past and an alter ego-Lydia. Graham doesn't think he can love again until he meets Lydia and Adelaide. They do not think that is in the cards for them anymore. Throw in a ornery aunt, needy theater guests, wild surprises and some interesting villians brings you a fantastic read!!! I absolutely adored how Jess had Adelaide have her actress alter ego. She was able to weave such complex histories together for both characters and slowly let the readers into those parts throughout the book. I loved Adelaide and felt so many emotions when learning her journey. Graham stands behind such principles and it's so relatable. Jess is able to evoke sympathy, laughter, sadness, and joy.

.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.

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.