.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.

I loved Graham's story! Sulking since his best friend married his former fiancée, Graham hasn't been great company for anyone. Dragged to the theater one night, he's immediately enchanted with the leading lady, Lydia. However, Lydia is really Lady Adelaide, a wallflower he's never paid attention to in society. He and Adelaide do end up talking in society and he finds himself torn between two women - not realizing they are the same person!

The romance is as hot as ever in a Jess Michaels' book and there is an added suspense element as well. His relationship with Simon and Meg is explored as well.

I love this series and can't wait for the next book.

Many thanks to the publisher for a review copy via NetGalley.

4.5 Stars

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.

Feeling betrayed by his best friend, hurt and embarrassed, Graham Everly, Duke of Northfield has isolated himself from his friends. Lady Adelaide has created an alter ego, famous actress Lydia Ford, to escape the lonely life she endures at the hands of her controlling, abusive aunt. When circumstances lead Graham to meet both Lydia and Adelaide, he is baffled that he feels drawn to both of them. Adelaide believes that he is attracted to Lydia, but could not possibly be attracted to Adelaide. Graham and Adelaide (Lydia) understand and comfort each other. What will happen when he discovers her secret? His reaction may surprise you.

The Broken Duke is a great story with a lot going on. We have a heartwarming love story, family drama, broken friendships that need mending, a couple of nasty villains, and a murder mystery (the solution is ingenious). Strong characters and a multifaceted plot make this a solid addition to a great series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. I voluntarily reviewed it and the comments are my own.

After a somewhat tentative beginning, the story took a nice pace and I started to take a genuine interest in the protagonists, both of whom have a past burdened with painful secrets and betrayals. There are elements of suspence in both the romance, with our heroine's double life, as well as around it, leading to a few unexpected turns that will ultimately seal the love of Graham and Adelaide.

While not a top notch novel in terms of writing and exploration of characters, it is a pleasant not excessively long read to take your mind off daily worries.

These Dukes are hot!!

I've been a fan of Jess Micheals for about two years. I really enjoyed her past two books series. I really love family series like the Mallorys and Bridgetons. This series isn't a family series however, it has the elements of a family saga. We see recurring characters which, it nice to visit again.

The Duke in this story is Graham Everly, Duke of Northfield. The is the duke that was jilted by Meg for his best bud Simon, Duke of Crestwood. This story picked up months after the incident. Graham still feels betrayed by his friend and ex-fiance when he goes to the theatre and encounters the amazing actress Lydia Ford. He is instantly attracted to her and decides to make her his mistress.

Adelaide Longford is a bluestocking. Adelaide hides behind her glasses and severe chignon during social events. However, at night she performs at the theatre as the celebrated actress Lydia Ford.

These two characters are sizzling hot. They are amazing together. However, Graham is torn between Adelaide and Lydia. Adelaide is unsure if Graham feelings are genuine.

This is a must read if you are both a Jess Michaels and a fan of the 1797 club.

This is my first read by Jess Michaels and it won't be my last! I thoroughly enjoyed this book from beginning to end. It was immediately captivating and kept me engaged. Adelaide was the perfect unsuspecting wallflower who's secretly the actress, Lydia Ford. Her two separate identities were so well written and the difference between them was so apparent. I loved that together they made the real Adelaide and that's who Graham saw and fell in love with. Graham really is a broken man but Adelaide helps him to heal. They had perfect chemistry and didn't waste any time when it came to steaming up the pages. Sexy regency romance with a dash of suspense and wonderful characters-a must read!

After reading about Graham in the previous book from this author called "Her favorite duke", I had simultaneously felt bad for him and was happy for him. I felt bad for losing his fiancé although I think there was no way he could have stopped true love and I was happy because I knew now there will be a chance for a HEA for him. The heroine, Adelaide is full of spunk and courage to take the path that she is on considering the role of women in society during that era. She was the perfect heroine for Graham with sheet scorching chemistry between the both of them. I love this romance and highly recommend this book and the previous book in this series.

* I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review*

Love this series! Graham is trying to get over the pain of being betrayed by one of his best friends and his fiancé. Adelaide is a wallflower but so much more. The story is fast-paced and the chemistry is steamy. I was hooked from beginning to end!

Awesome!!!!
Adelaide Longford is a wallflower that doesn't mind being overlooked, this gives her the opportunity to be her secret self a woman that has all of London (the male population) panting for a glimpse of the most exciting actress - Lydia Ford! For Adelaide this is the most titilating time of her life, knowing that if she's found out it will be her ruin and bring her aunts wrath upon her.
Until she captures the attention of the notorious - Graham Everly, the Duke of Northfield and he is captivated by her. What starts of as a cat and mouse game ends in a love worth fighting for!

Graham Everly has spent the past couple of months brooding and angry. Feeling betrayed he spends the most part of his time alone and in not so reputable places. Until he gives in to his persistant cousins and friends he and attends a play, where the most intriguing woman catches his attention. For the first time in a while life is starting to look promising! He means to make her his mistress, after all he's a Duke she can't refuse him.

This was such an awesome, awesome story! Well written with lots of twists and turns plenty of secrets a murdering villain more secrets and plenty of scorching hot love scenes. Thoroughly enjoyed this, it will leave you breathless - did I mention the hot love scenes?
I received this ARC from the publisher through NetGalley for my honest unbiased opinion.

Our heroine is a woman who lives a double life! She's a timid be-spectacled, bluestocking wallflower Lady Adelaide Longford by day and as a confident, sensual Lydia Ford who treads the boards by night. This fact is unbeknownst to Graham Everley, the Duke of Northfield who's absolutely conflicted because he fancies what he thought as two entirely different women.

Graham, who's affianced to Margaret for seven years feels betrayed by his friend when Simon took Margaret from him and married her. The duke of Northfield shunned Society to avoid the judgment of the ton. His friends from The 1797 Club, a brotherhood of dukes with very bad fathers managed to coax him back to the 'land of the living' by taking him to the theatre. The talented Lydia Ford has fascinated him.

Adelaide was raised by her vexatious and malevolent spinster Aunt Opal. The stage is her escape from her constricted existence at home. She couldn't let Graham unravel her secret, she would be ruined not to mention earn the wrath of her aunt.

When every single heartbreaking secret and truth was uncovered Graham and Adelaide eventually have their happy-ever-after. The broken Duke is whole again.

The story was well-written. Jess Michaels has kept my interest engaged throughout.

I received a NetGalley ARC from the publisher. This is my honest review.

This is a very good series and this book just adds to it. This is my favourite so far. I loved the characters of both Graham, the Duke of Northfield and Adelaide(Lydia). They both had issues in their backgrounds but found comfort with each other, even though this created a dilemma for them. It was a book I couldn't put down, I'm really looking forward to the next in the series.
I received a copy from Netgalley and have voluntarily reviewed it. This is my honest review.

The 3 book in the 1797 Club and I loved it. Graham is trying to get over the betrayal of his best friend and his fiancee. He wasn't in love with her and he would have gladly stepped aside if they had asked, but they didn't. So when he found them together it broke his heart. Simon was as close to him as a brother. Now he is the talk of society. In the spotlight is not where he wants to be, so he spends his days avoiding those he used to call his friends and drinking.

However, one night to of his friends strong arm him in to going to the theater and he falls hard for Lydia. As he starts pursuing her he knows that he has found a women who ignites his passion. While attending a ball the following evening he encounters Adelaide Longford. The wallflower saves him from being pitied when Simon and Margaret show up. As he dances with Adelaide he finds that she does not treat him with pity and is quick to point out his faults. As they continue to cross paths with each other he finds himself becoming fascinated with her as well. It is almost like the 2 women merge together in his thoughts at times.

Adelaide knows that it is only a short time before she has to give up her life as Lydia Ford. She loves walking the boards, but if anyone were to find out she would become an outcast in society. She is surprised that she has been able to keep her secret this long. When Graham the Duke of Northfield starts pursing Lydia she finds herself wanting to give in to him. But Lydia is a made up person and the real woman is Adelaide and the powerful duke is not going to notice her. When Graham starts pursing her as Adelaide as well, she knows she is going to have to confess to Graham, even though he will probably never forgive her.

As they each fall further and further under the others spell, can they get past the secrets? And as danger lurks around the corner, can they find a way to beat the odds and find their happily ever after? I cannot wait for the next in this series.

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.

'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."
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I love wallflower romances and this one was a great read. Had romance, and intrigue. Adelaide is a wallflower with a secret life. She manages to snare the attention of Graham and puts poor Graham through the torment of trying to decide if he wants both Lydia and Adelaide. Little did he know they were the same person. A great read!

In exchange for this ARC, I promised a fair and honest review. This series is so good. Great writing, characters and story. Can't go wrong with any of Jess Michaels books.

Definitely a buy buy book! Jess Michaels is an author I look for and truly am rarely disappointed with. In this particular series each book has been wonderful. The characters are strong and the plot lines are captivating. The way it is written is guaranteed to hold the readers interest. No matter which of the series you read you will definitely want all of them to follow with! A super read. So sit back and enjoy the story. I was given this book in return for an honest review. Anna Swedenmom

Publisher's Description:
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
My Thoughts:
This is the latest novel in The 1797 Club series. At the ending of Book #2, Her Favorite Duke, we found ourselves wondering what would become of Graham after Margaret ended their engagement and married his friend Simon instead. Graham after all was never in love with Margaret but was resigned to the match that her brother had made between them.
After months of wallowing in his misery he let's other friends and members of The 1797 Club lure him into an evening at the theater where he finds himself entranced by an actress.
Adelaide is a wallflower who lives a double life. Her other identity is the actress that Graham is drawn to.
Graham finds he is attracted to two women or thinks he is. Not originally being aware that Adelaide and Lydia are one in the same.
Will the knowledge that they are the same person change Graham's feelings for Adelaide?
This is another well written book in this series by Jess Michaels. I was drawn into this book from chapter one.
I gave this newest book in this series 4.5 of 5.0 stars for storyline and characterization and a high sensual rating of 4.75 of 5.0 flames. Our hero and heroine seem to be drawn to each other from their first meeting.
I look forward to the next book in this series where our hero is the mute friend we find in the pages of this book.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this book from the author/publisher via NetGalley to read. This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.