Graham Everly, the Duke of Northfield has been staying out of society and away from his friends for the last few months. He feels he has been betrayed and it hurts. However they will not allow him to wallow any longer and drag him out.
Wallflower, Lady Adelaide Longford has been repressed by an over protective guardian. Now she has found an escape as the actress Lydia Ford.
This is an emotional, but also fun historical romance. Every one of our characters have more than their share of secrets. Some of those secrets could be deadly.
It is part of a series but each book can be read separately. I loved it.

I loved this book. I thought the dual role for Adelaide/Lydia was genius. Graham was a loveable hero, I liked a lot that he was so stressed by thinking that he could feel so strongly for two different women. The past that comes back to haunt Adelaide and the trouble that Graham finds himself put this book over the top for me.

We read the beginning of this story in “The Daring Duke”, and I’m delighted to hear what becomes of Graham. Betrayed by two of his best friends in a previous story, Graham has begun the process of healing, when he meets two women who tempt him back into society and back into the circle of his closest friends. His only dilemma now? What to do about loving two women?

Another strong entry in the 1797 club!

"Do not mistake me, Mrs. Ford, I absolutely came back here to seduce you."

FINAL DECISION: I enjoyed this story of a man who is angry and grief stricken after the betrayal of his friends, but soon finds a woman (or two women) who make him happy for the betrayal.

THE STORY: Graham Everly, Duke of Northfield has been adrift since one of his best friends stole Graham's fiancee. Graham's relationship with the 1797 Club members have been strained; Graham didn't love his fiancee, but he feels betrayed by his best friends. Graham finally accepts an invitation to attend the theater and there he is entranced by an actress Lynda Ford. For the first time in a while, Graham's passions are inflamed for the vibrant Lynda. What Graham doesn't know is that Lynda lives a double life. She is actually Lady Adelaide, a society wallflower. When Lynda and Graham begin an affair, things become sticky as Adelaide begins to fall for Graham even as she is lying about herself.

OPINION: For me, this book is really about Graham. He has a complexity of character and is tormented by so many things and yet is such a good man. He feels broken by the betrayal of his friends and doesn't know how to navigate his emotions and his relationships with his friends. When he meets Lynda, things begin to change for him. By showing Graham that love and desire can be above all, he begins to open himself up to his life again.

Lynda is a woman who has made the best of her life, accepting her mistakes and finding pleasure and joy where she can. She lives a dual life, neither woman being the whole of who Lynda/Adelaide is.

I thought that the relationship between Graham and Adelaide was sweeter than I expected. Graham always feels like a good guy even as he struggles with his demons. And while this book's title hints at what could be a dark story, I thought that the story, while touching on the darkness, actually was not angst filled or particularly dark.

Did I buy the central premise that Graham became involved with two women and didn't realize they were the same person? Not really, but I can suspend my disbelief on such things if the story is otherwise good.  And this one was.

WORTH MENTIONING: Apparently the next book is about the male wallflower in the group :)

CONNECTED BOOKS: THE BROKEN DUKE is the third book in the 1797 Club series. While the romance in this book is self-contained, I think part of what makes this book is the relationship between the different heroes, as such, I think this book is so much better read as part of the series.

STAR RATING: I give this book 4 stars.

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

REVIEW WILL BE POSTED ON 9/12/17

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 Meg to his supposed best friend Simon. 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. His friend James warns Graham not to hurt Adelaide who is James’ wife Emma’s best friend but what is Graham to do?
This is the third book in the 1797 Club series & whilst it could be read as a standalone to fully appreciate it I’d recommend reading the two earlier books. The series goes from strength to strength. The characters are very well portrayed & the plot is well paced. Graham & Adelaide have both suffered in the past, both are broken & needing to be healed, their attraction is strong & their revelations are horrifying & heart wrenching. The author has written another page turner with more than a hint of spice, I was loathe to put it down & read it in under a day. I look forward to the next in the series.

The appeal of a Jess Michaels novel lies in the presentation. Beneath the scandalous lust, the intriguing adventures and the danger that follows in the wake of the main characters, lies a beautifully written work of art. The Broken Duke thrives on staying one step ahead of the readers. Adelaide is a temptress in hiding. A woman caught between two worlds, longing to be noticed and willing to risk all for that chance of notoriety. Her quest brings her to the attention of the one man who could topple her entire masquerade. The heartbreak she never saw coming and the danger she never thought possible, lies in the hands of the greatest love of all. (4.5 stars)

Fabulous book in this dukely series. Love this one the most....

For my full review. Dawnwellsreview.wordpress.com

I have loved all the books in this series and each book gets better and better. All characters, including secondary ones, are well written and I was extremely invested in their HEA. Great read.
I received an ARC copy of this book from Netgalley.

Really enjoyed this book about an unlikely romance between a duke and a wallflower. The story flowed easily and kept me engaged throughout.

The characters were warm and although I did not read the first two books of the series (something I intend to remedy immediately!), I could feel the connections between Graham and his closest friends. Adelaide/Lydia is a strong female lead, I really rooted for her.

Now I can't wait for the next book about Ewan, the silent Duke!

Adelaide Longford is a known to be a wallflower. She is a companion to her Aunt who shames her into living in the shadows. There is part of her that can’t stay hidden and she has found a way to sneak out and become another persona as London actress, Lydia Ford.

It is Lydia who Graham Everly, Duke of Northfield meets after one of her performances. He is nursing a bruised ego after loosing his fiancé to his long time best friend. He has an instant lustful attraction to Lydia. Shortly after he shares a dance with Adelaide and they quickly build a friendship. Graham soon falls for both (yet the same) woman.

There is so much complexity to this story. The background of both the hero and heroine is heartbreaking yet makes them perfect for each other. The most touching part is when Graham’s deepest desire is for Adelaide to be herself, flaws and all.

The worst part though is waiting for the next books in the series!

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."

Graham is the brooding kind of hero whom I usually dislike, and Adelaide was not believable in her double life, but that said, I enjoyed this book a lot and, as usual, Jess Michaels has a way with words and I love her novels!

Graham non mi era stato molto simpatico nel libro precedente e di solito i "maschi sofferenti" non mi stanno molto simpatici, inoltre Adelaide nella sua doppia vita non era molto credibile, per questo mi sono stupita io per prima di quanto mi sia piaciuto questo libro, anche perché mi piace molto il modo di scrivere di Jess Michaels cosí come quasi tutti i suoi libri fino ad ora.

THANKS TO NETGALLEY FOR THE PREVIEW!

"The Broken Duke" written by one of the queens of historical romances is an excellent and compelling story. Good solid plot with superb dialogue. Highly recommend.

4.5*
Wallflower meets broken Duke, secret identity and the conflict of attraction to two very different women. Fun with a off the charts chemistry, a touch of suspense and twists and turns I didn't see coming.
Graham Everly, Duke of Northfield has been lost and wondering London for months since the scandal of losing his fiancee to his best friend. Coerced by his friends to get out and about he goes to the theater to see the actress that's the talk of London. For the first time in months possible years Graham has a spark of interest, and must meet the beautiful actress, Lydia Ford.
Adelaide "Lydia Ford" Longford, unnoticed wallflower and always kept under her guardians thumb sees a chance at freedom if only limited. Sneaking out to the theater will change everything not only bringing life to her boring existence but possibly a future she never thought she'd have.
Graham and Lydia have and instant attraction and start an affair. Then there's the wallflower Adelaide who sees Graham as no one else has in a long time. Graham doesn't understand his feelings or his guilt when he's with Lydia and feels he's betraying Adelaide. Adelaide knows she must tell Graham the truth but fears she will lose him when the she does. Graham would never want plain Adelaide. When the truth comes out Graham may not get the chance to decide when danger strikes and Adelaide may be lost forever.
This is such a great series and I highly recommend you read them in order to enjoy it fully.

Historical books are my new addiction.I love everything about them so when I saw this one I requested immediately.I enjoyed it, it has exactly what I wanted.Passion and intensity.I can't wait for the next!

I received a copy of this book from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I have long been a fan of Ms Michael's work, she finds the perfect balance for steam intrigue and romance.
This is the story of Graham Everly, Duke of Northfield and Lady Adelaide. In the two months since Graham was jilted and lost his best friend in the process, he has been sulking. His fellow dukes have decided that he has languished long enough and convince him to go out with them to the theatre. Grudgingly he agrees and is immediately drawn to the actress Lydia Ford.
Lady Adelaide has long been a wallflower, seeking to escape an unhappy home life she took to the stage. As Lydia Ford, Adelaide can be the person she always wanted to be. Graham has no idea why he’s so attracted to both women, each a polar opposite of the other.
With Adelaide facing danger from two separate sources, can Graham overcome the deception?
I recommend this book to anyone who loves a broken hero and a bold heroine. I look forward to the next in this series.

The Broken Duke is a delicious, emotion filled, passionate romance between a duke, Graham, and Lady Adelaide. Each of the two main characters have secrets, and the revelation of those closeted skeletons could bring harm to them both. They are brought together by chance in more than one respect and their attraction to each other is not only physical, which is a scorching desire, but also emotional, as they've both experienced a pain filled past. The plot has an interesting set of twists, and some colorful characters from other books in this series, that made this story thoroughly enjoyable! I would recommend this to readers of romance who like a bit of intrigue and some serious heat with their HEA! This is the first book I have read in this series, as each can be read on its own. I am not only looking forward to the next- but plan to read the ones I've missed!

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.

Graham Everly, Duke of Northfield, was engaged to his best friend’s sister for nearly a decade. He was betrayed by both his fiancee and a man he though of as a brother when the pair were found in a compromising position. Graham doesn’t know how to forgive or forget until he sets eyes on actress Lydia Ford.

Lydia walks the boards by night, but by day she is blends in with the walls in ballrooms all over London as Adelaide Longford. Since her parent’s deaths, Adelaide has lived with her stern and at times cruel aunt, Lady Opal. Her only outlet as Adelaide is her friendship with Emma, the new Duchess of Abernathe. Lydia gives her the freedom to be someone else, if even for only a few hours at a time.

In the previous two novels, I found Graham to be very stiff and off putting. I was excited to see what kind of woman would take him over, body and soul. For a majority of the novel, Graham is obsessed and torn between what he feels for both Lydia and Adelaide. When Michaels describes the different looks of the two lady personas, I understand how Graham could not tell the two ladies were the same woman. Graham is transformed from the broken, betrayed Duke into a lusty and loyal man he was always meant to be.

Adelaide’s upbringing by her maiden aunt was borderline brutal. Her accidental introduction to the theater a few years before opened a whole new world to her. Not only did she find something she loved and was utterly fulfilling, it brought her to her destiny, the Duke of Northfields.

I loved the unusual way Michaels brought this duo together and the reintroduction of the villain from the first novel of the series, Sir Archibald. Not only do we get a complex and fascinating love story, we get two villains in Archibald and Opal who cause more than enough havoc for an entire lifetime.

It is with absolute honesty that I convey to you that I devoured this novel in one day. I could not stop reading as every page had something worthwhile to absorb. There is not a single paragraph that needs to be skimmed. I had my doubts about Graham’s story, but Michaels blew me away once again. She gave Graham lessons I never thought he would learn and brought forgiveness to his heart and soul. With the discovery of unconditional love, Graham and Adelaide were able to leave the heartless past behind and create a blissful future together.

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

I've read the other books in this series, as well as several others by this author.. The book is interesting and passionate, but not really true to the era. Nevertheless, it is a fun read, as all her books are, with a dynamic and interesting H, he's been depressed since the end of his betrothal, which was the subject of the last book. The h is a Lady, who sneaks out to act in plays, of course against societal norms. He finds himself arrtacted to the actress, but also the Lady. Having disguised herself somewhat, he doesn't realize they are the same woman, and she's jealous of herself. It was a quick, fun read. Recommend for a quick read.