I really liked the characters in the story. I liked that Ewan and Charlotte had cared for each other since they were children and that Charlotte did not view Ewan's inability to speak as an issue. I liked that family members outside of immediate family loved and supported Ewan to make up for his parents and siblings abuse. I would have liked more detail why Charlotte married her first husband. It took danger to Charlotte for Evan to lose his fears about having a future with Charlotte which is a common theme in many books but the story was touching and sweet.

From childhood, Ewan and Charolotte, formed a tight bond when they established their own way to communicate due to Ewan being born mute. 

Ewan had a horrible upbringing filled with ridicule and abuse from his father and brothers. He was fortunate to have been taken in by his loving uncle and aunt at a young age but the damage to his self-esteem had already taken place. It was this low self worth that made Ewan turn away Charolotte when she once professed her love for him. 

Now Ewan is the Duke of Donburrow and Charolotte, the widowed Countess of Portsmith. When a planned Christmas get together with their family and friends results in a few days of them being trapped alone due to a storm, Charlotte makes one last attempt at winning Ewan's heart.

Charolotte was an amazing heroine and I loved determinedness to attempt a happily-ever-after with Ewan. Somehow she had the best mix of strength and vulnerability. Her character kept me interested in the story while I was having a difficult time with Ewan seeming like a beta male hero. Of course, author Jess Michaels, used that time to really explore Ewan's traumatic upbringing and by the time his abusive brothers showed up I was rooting for this power couple to show what their united front could conquer. It was a different show of strength than in some romances but it was a heartwarming change. The Toast (my favorite ever) given by their dear friend, was the best way to sum up what made them a super couple.

I'm a fan of Jess Michaels and the story of Ewan and Charlotte didn't disappoint. The story had all I like in an H.R.-- heat, passion, a good story, evil villains, and a HEA. I'm also a fan of childhood friends to lovers trope, which this book is, I did notice a few grammatical errors in the story, but nothing too distracting. I really enjoyed this read and look forward to the story of our next duke!

Latest addition to a stonking series. This is real feel good historically accurate romance. These dukes are to die for., with each new one I think I've found a new favourite and then bam always no comes someone better!

Ewan's pain is very real and it felt quite physical as I read. I adored Charlotte I loved her softness. There are just too many 'sassy' heroines who attack everyone to get what they want. Not Charlotte, what a classy beautiful lady. Whilst she went after what she wanted she did it with an honesty, grace and honesty that I loved.

Super read and there are still six dukes to go in this series!!! Wow!

Jess, you have another winner. These stories keep getting better and better. Emotions run so high in this story. Ewan and Charlotte’s love for each other through several obstacles is such a beautiful story and their special language solidifies their oneness. You cannot deny love even though Ewan tried. I cried, my heart broke and I was angry while reading this book. Ewan finally understanding that Charlotte just wants to love him and that his friends will always look out for each other makes this story so wonderful and special.

Simply wonderful. I love romances that involve good friendships between the hero and heroine, and this novel provided that. The plot was interesting and well-paced. In case you're wondering: it was pretty steamy, too.

It is really interesting to see romance novels address the way that even elite disabled people were treated in the pre-modern era. This smoking hot hero is mute, which led to great cruelty from his family and an indifferent society, with all the complications keeping him away from the understanding and beautiful heroine.

Ewan does a pretty fantastic job of getting his point across when it counts. If only he weren't so pig headed. Lucky for him, he gets a second chance. But he's royally screwing that one up too.
Charlotte has more patience then a saint, where Ewan is concerned. The number of chances she's willing to give him just shows the depths of her love for him.

I received a copy of this book from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I am a huge fan of Jess Michaels, she is my goto author when I'm looking for a historical romance with a lot of steam. The Silent Duke is a perfect example of Ms Michaels ability to craft steamy provocative love scenes and an intriguing plot.

The Silent Duke is the fourth instalment in The 1797 Club series. Ewan Hoffstead, Duke of Donburrow was born mute. His early life was full of torment and abuse at the hands of his father and younger brothers. At the age of twelve, his uncle and aunt step in and take over his care showing him the love he never had. The scars of Ewan's early life run deep and he continues to feel he is undeserving of love. He refused his childhood crush offer of love and watched as she married another man.

Recently widowed Charlotte, Countess of Portsmouth, is determined to try once more to convince her first love to accept her. A planned trip to spend Christmas with their families at Ewan’s estate reunites the old friends.Charlotte is given a chance to put her plan into action when a storm keeps the others from arriving on time.

Will the return of Ewan's estranged family scupper Charlotte's hopes of a happy ever after?

Ms. Michaels had to have known she was creating something special. I knew from the moment I read the blurb this story was meant for me. The Silent Duke is so much bigger than a seductive romance. It is a story of one man's struggle to be heard, despite unspeakable heartache. Told so masterfully through the eyes of courageous and the soul of love, this tale speaks to the heart on so many levels and is as inspiring as it is gut wrenching. Ewan is the ultimate survivor because he made it through ever obstacle with his soul intact and finally made it home. His was a voice meant to be heard and together Ewan and Charlotte found a love that was unstoppable.