Member Reviews

Hot, Hot and Hot Sex. It is a must read if you love Jess Michaels. This is one of my favorite series. This story is very passionate and sad.

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The Duke Who Lied by Jess Michaels is a sweet historical romance. It is the sixth book in a series. Now that I have finished reading it (and loved it), I want to go back and read the other five stories. I love the heroine, Amelia. She is a strong female character. I love her spunk and backbone. The other characters are well thought out and complex. The story is intriguing if a little predictable. Lots of steamy scenes, action and story.

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The Story in a Nutshell: When an unscrupulous man seduced his young sister, Hugh Margolis, the Duke of Brighthollow didn’t do a thing in retaliation because if he did it would mean the ruin of his sister’s life. He’s never forgotten or forgiven himself for failing to protect his sister but when that same man becomes engaged to another lady Hugh acts quickly and marries her instead. He may not be the husband Amelia Quinton wanted but little by little she realizes that he is the husband she needs, until she finds out that he lied about his reasons for marrying her. Now she wants the truth even though it could mean the end of the fragile romance they’ve started to build.



Overall reaction to the book? All of the men in the 1797 club are interesting but Hugh was the youngest to inherit a dukedom and with it the guardianship of his young sister. I loved the romance in this book, but I also loved the relationship between Hugh and his sister Lizzie. He is a wonderful brother to her and it just devastated him that she was hurt and he couldn’t protect her. Instead of a carefree rake of a duke, Hugh is a man weighed down by responsibilities, guilt, and a deep love for his sister, making him a much more interesting character than he appears at first. He has a caretaker personality that extends to Amelia immediately after he marries her. Though he initially lies about his reason for wanting to marry Amelia, I felt it wasn’t something completely unforgivable. His lie was to protect not one but two women that society would relish ripping to shreds and casting out. He wanted so much to have a good marriage with Amelia but at the same time would sacrifice his happiness to protect his sister’s reputation. Yep, he had me falling in love with him by the halfway point.

Not to say that Amelia shouldn’t have been hurt and angry when she found out the truth but I was happy that she didn’t fly into hysterics or become an unreasonable shrew. She showed a lot of maturity and growth that helped the conflict get resolved in an adult manner. Although she did pull a really stupid stunt towards the end that had me face palming. Really girl? REALLY? You almost had me there Amelia, you really did. I liked you up until that really stupid move. Girl…

As I finished The Duke Who Lied it occurred to me that this series is almost at its end and there will be a time where I don’t get to see what’s new with this group of friends and wow, that got me right in the feels. I’ve fallen in love with this group of men who formed a brotherhood so long ago and have a genuine love for each other. I’m excited of course for Robert and Kit to get their books but I’m also wondering if Hugh’s sister Lizzie will get her own chance at a happy ending. I really liked her and felt that she could be a formidable heroine as she grows up.

Click It or Skip It? Click It. Hugh is an easy hero to fall for.

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Ohhhh, I loved this book! I mean, I loved the other books in this series as well and every time I finish one of them, it feels as if this one is the best - till I read the next or one of the other ones again.
My heart went out to Hugh and Amelia, when both of them, for different reasons, had to let go of their dreams of love and a loving family - only to find that sometimes love finds you unexpectedly.

Revisiting old friends and meeting new ones, I followed Amelia and Hugh's story from their rocky beginnings to their ...well, tumultuous but nonetheless happy ending.
Hugh and Amelia are both characters that I really liked. Both of them have been hurt in the past and it's not easy for them to trust considering the circumstances but never ever do they let their insecurities win and destroy what they have. Even when Amelia realizes the depth of the deception, all those lies....she is hurt, she is devastated but she is still willing to go on and make things right and even better.
And when things get really rough? Those two are so amazing and strong and courageous, you can't but love them!

Another beautiful and captivating book in a wonderful series!

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Another marvelous Jess Michaels historical romance. Good solid feel to the plot. I love all the historical elements she adds to the story. The romance was nicely written.

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Jess Michaels is absolutely amazing and the queen of historical romance. Her stories are captivating, enticing, and will keep readers addicted. Her heroes are just that, true heroes who care for their heroines! Everyone should read Jess Michaels' books!

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Hugh Margolis, Duke of Brighthollow, is a good man with a big heart, protective nature, and a guilty conscience. Lady Amelia Quinton wants nothing more than to find love in her life, and she thinks she has found it. Aaron Walters is a nasty piece of work with a dark past, and a lot of secrets. When Hugh discovers that the villain, Walters, who ruined his sister is about to marry Amelia Quinton, he steps in to stop it by marrying her himself. Hugh has told lies to protect his sister, and now to protect Amelia. How will Amelia react when she learns the truth? Can they make a real marriage?

This story is well written and fast paced. There are lies, secrets, a little action, some sexy scenes, and strong characters. The hero is likeable and a little impulsive, a good guy. The heroine is vulnerable, but a practical girl. The villain is totally unlikeable, not redeeming qualities. The other dukes and their wives stop in to help the new couple. The Duke Who Lied is a wonderful addition to the 1797 Club series. I highly recommend it.

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

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The Duke Who Lied by Jess Michaels is book 8 in The 1797 Club Series. This is the story of Hugh Margolis, Duke of Brighthollow and Amelia Quinton. I have read the previous books, but feel you can make this a standalone book if you wish to do so.
Amelia thinks herself in love with Aaron Walters and thinks that they will marry. But then her father tells her that he owes money to Hugh and that she will marry him instead. Hugh's sister Lizzie was taken in by Aaron Walters a few years back and was ruined by the man. Hugh paid Mr. Walters a large sum of money to keep things to himself to protect his sister but now Hugh found Mr. Walters about to do something again. Hugh rushes in and marries Amelia under lies so Amelia is at first very upset and tries to hate Hugh but that starts to become impossible. Hugh also has growing feelings for Amelia now but how will she feels when she learns the truth?
Loved their story!

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'She loved someone else, his greatest enemy!'

Initially, I was not so sure that Hugh Margolis, Duke of Brighthollow lied enough to earn him the moniker the 'Duke Who Lied.' After all he was only trying to protect his sister from the vicious tongues of the ton.
In protecting his sister Hugh,
'lived the last year regretting that [he] did not thwart [the blackguard] as he deserved.” “And fearing he would do exactly what it appears he’s done...find another victim.”'
So the problem for Hugh comes when the man who seduced his sister renters society and turns his eyes to another innocent, Miss Amelia Quinton.
Unfortunately for Amelia, her father welcomes the scoundrel's suit seeing it as a step up the ladder of society. Hugh is thrown into a quandary, only relieved when Amelia's father calls Hugh's bluff and Hugh finds himself engaged to Amelia. After all, a wealthy Duke trumps a mere gentleman. Amelia is horrified as she has set her heart on the seemingly romantic winsome man she feels she truly loves, the black hearted villain, Aaron Walters. Amelia has been used as a bargaining chip to move the family into more rarified circles.
And that's whereby not revealing the truth about Walters, Hugh has lied by default, the sin of silence. As time goes on Hugh just doesn't know how to come clean.
We are treated to a tangled web of half truths and silences that have two people (clearly meant for each other) horrified by their impending nuptials--even when they're not!
Of course, the rest of the Dukes and Duchesses of the 1797 Club, look on with heavy, but supportive hearts, wanting for Hugh what they have found--true love!
Getting to the HEA is an interestingly rocky path strewn with good intentions gone awry, giving us the delicious tensions that Michaels so aptly employs.

A NetGalley ARC

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Hugh Margolis, Duke of Brighthollow is protecting his beloved sister from the man that seduced and almost ruined her. When Hugh finds out the same man is pursuing Miss Amelia Quinton, he will do anything to stop the man.

Amelia Quinton is thrilled. She has just become engaged, though a secret engagement, and is looking forward to marriage with the man she loves. Her plans come to a halt when her father announces that she is going to marry the Duke of Brighthollow because the Duke now owns all of her father's debts.

Amelia does not want to marry Hugh. He is nothing like her true love. After their vows are said, Amelia discovers a passion for Hugh and starts to know him better. As they slowly tell each other about their painful pasts, Hugh and Amelia start to fall in love. When Amelia finds out that Hugh lied, will she ever trust him again? Will Hugh be able to protect Amelia or will he be too late?

I love the book and the characters. Amelia was a sweet heroine and I liked how she brought out the best in Hugh. And, how Hugh cracked the walls surrounding Amelia's heart.

I received a complimentary ARC from NetGalley and the publisher. Thank you!

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~~Reviewed by Shell~~

This is book in 8 in this fabulous series, it doesn’t seem that long ago I was reading the first book. Wow this book had me hooked from the first page, right up until the last. Amelia is a lady that when she wants something she goes after it…but in this instance what she wants is something that Hugh is trying to change her mind over, much to Amelia’s annoyance.

At some point in our life we’ve all told a lie…but have you ever told a lie and it gets so out of control you don’t know if you can stop it, no me neither…but this is what happens to Hugh and very nearly causes him to lose the happiness so greatly deserves.

Hugh’s friends also make an appearance, which is lovely and they were also a big help with Amelia and Hugh. For me I can highly recommend this book and I’m so looking forward to the next.

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„The Duke Who Lied“
I can really say that I read every single book by Jess Michaels and each and every one would get four to five stars from me because she has this wonderful way to play with her leads. This e-book I took to my Nile cruise with me and I absolutely enjoyed reading it.
We have another duke, Hugh Margolis, Duke of Brighthollow, who has a “dark past” (because they need to have one to add a dramatic moment to these aristocratic lords) – his beloved younger sister was nearly ruined by man a few years ago. He saved her on time but since this moment she is a recluse, living on the country estate and not in contact with people from the past.
Miss Amelia Quinton is in love, head over toe, with a man she only met a few months ago. A man who has the same interests like she has, the same dreams and ideas. She doesn’t know that he wants to marry her for her dowry, that he already tried to ruin women in the past.
Brighthollow always has an eye on the man who nearly ruined his sister to ruin him if needed. Now he is about to officially be engaged to another young lady. Amelia cannot wait to marry the man of her dreams but than her father announces that she will marry Brighthollow – a man she doesn’t know a thing about. A man who doesn’t tell her about her former fiancé.
The question is, if she will ever learn about her former fiancé. Will she ever be told about her husbands motives and his sister’s story?

I went through this book within two afternoons while heading south on the Nile and I absolutely enjoyed the character development. I love all of Jess’ work and I hope that there will be much, much more!

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A story of deception and betrayal that brings together the hero, Hugh and heroine, Amelia and they have to decide how they will let it shape their life and relationship. Although, the premise and characters were good, I didn’t like how quickly Amelia transferred her attentions to Hugh considering he was not the love of her life. I wish the romance between them would have had a little more of a build up rather than them immediately jumping into the bed with each other. It spoiled the book a little bit for me. I did like Lizzie’s character a lot and really wish she gets a book. This is book eight in The 1797 Club series by the author and can be read as a standalone.

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

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I liked it but I didn’t love it. Hugh became a Duke at a young age and his father expected perfection. But did he fail when it came to raising his sister? Amelia believes she has found true love with her secret fiancé, but has she? The story was good and I love the characters but I could really see how this was going to end. Amelia didn’t seem to be all that angry she was married off. I hope Lizzie’s story isn’t to far off. A good addition to this series and plenty of steam. An entertaining read.

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A fast paced story full of secrets that cause heart ache, villainous characters bent on creating havoc, plenty of sizzling steamy romance (no one doesit better than Jess Micheals!) trust issues are at hand but thankfully get resolved. I really enjoyed this it keeps the reader engrossed in this captivating story. Hugh and Amelia story is a must read!

I recieved a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley, all opinion are my own.

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The 8th in Jess Michaels’ beloved series, The Duke Who Lied is another great entry into the series. Like those before it, it is a sensual journey following the lead couple. Both are interesting in their own ways with depth although sometimes their logic can be rather flawed. Though the hero is admirable for wanting to do the right thing, he goes about it in a rather stupid way. Typical historical romance heroes…

Michaels delivers yet again with a lovely romance. The characters are entertaining, the plot interesting enough to move the story along, and the romance steamy as always. It may not bring anything new to the series but continues with the heat and charm readers have grown to love her for.

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Karma gets a hand from a vengeful Duke and his unwitting muse. For the love of family Hugh is willing to risk everything. Unfortunately in his haste to avenge, the ultimate cost could be his heart. Michaels begins with a conspiracy and ends with unforgettable romance. From ugliness blooms beauty. In a stunning twist the damsel becomes the savior. The Duke Who Lied is a wonderful tale of redemption that fires up the soul.

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Oh yes, this is a great story I could not put down! Jess Michaels, in her usual fashion, pulls you in from the start and keeps you turning the pages until the end. Amelia Quinton was in love and all set to marry Aaron Walters when her father takes the offer of Hugh, Duke of Brighthollow. Not understanding and totally unhappy she marries Hugh with no other choice. But as the two meet each other, there is a definite attraction and sparks fly. You see Hugh really rescued Amelia from making a big mistake marrying the blackguard Walters, who ruined his sister Lizzie. Of course she does not know that and as she and Hugh grow close, Hugh begins to feel bad about keeping secrets from her.
This story is a fast paced and full of secrets, lies, intrigue and some wonderful emotions and very likable characters. I think this may be my favorite of this series, but it can be read as a standalone. But trust me, you will want to read them all!!

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Hugh Margolis, Duke of Brighthollow, has a terrible secret, one that could threaten his beloved sister, Lizzie's, reputation. Hugh is not about to let that happen. When he learns the cause of Lizzie's problems is back in town taking advantage of another young innocent miss, Hugh goes ballistic. He will do whatever must be done to protect the young woman involved. Hugh vows he will not fail this time.

Miss Amelia Quinton has just become engaged. Her life is turned topsy turvy when Hugh arrives and her father announces she will not be married to the man she believes herself in love with, but instead she'll be marrying Hugh. Amelia starts off hating Hugh, but cannot deny the passion between them. It does not take long for her to discover underneath Hugh's exterior, lies a sweet, gentle man. Amelia knows Hugh is keeping something from her. She just hopes whatever it is won't destroy their newly budding love.

The 8th installment in author Jess Michaels's 1797 Club series literally blew my mind. Ms. Michaels's talent with a pen is certainly not in question with THE DUKE WHO LIED. I give it a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars! It is truly gripping. There is so much going on in this book. In it, we learn about Hugh and what has caused such a major change in him. The secrets he's hiding are eating him alive. It is not until he meets Amelia that he begins to open up. With a little love and trust, he is able to finally get past everything. Not only did I love the hero and heroine, Hugh and Amelia, but I also love the other Dukes, Hugh's friends, and their wives. Lizzie, Hugh's little sister, is also endearing. I hope to read more about her soon. Fans of Ms. Michaels will not want to miss THE DUKE WHO LIED.

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Yet another excellent story in this series. The characters of Hugh and Amelia were very engaging. I liked the fact that Amelia was much stronger than she seemed at first. Hugh was torn between telling Amelia the truth and protecting his sister. I loved the way all the other duchesses and dukes helped them, Diana, in particular. I’m looking forward to the next in the series. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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